they_o will_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o groan_n or_o complain_v some_o there_o be_v who_o once_o think_v themselves_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o faithful_a pastor_n who_o now_o will_v think_v themselves_o happy_a in_o the_o want_n and_o loss_n of_o he_o god_n may_v let_v such_o man_n have_v their_o suppose_a happiness_n take_v away_o such_o a_o minister_n from_o they_o but_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o real_a misery_n who_o will_v not_o exclaim_v against_o that_o child_n who_o shall_v be_v weary_a of_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o love_a father_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o who_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o convert_v who_o be_v weary_a of_o their_o spiritual_a father_n be_v so_o far_o from_o blessing_n god_n for_o they_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o bless_v god_n shall_v they_o be_v rid_v of_o they_o well_o god_n may_v ease_v you_o of_o they_o soon_o enough_o though_o you_o care_v not_o for_o their_o company_n he_o do_v though_o you_o slight_v they_o yet_o god_n high_o 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minister_n in_o a_o country_n be_v take_v away_o from_o thou_o or_o you_o shut_v up_o in_o some_o prison_n from_o they_o christ_n can_v abundant_o supply_v their_o absence_n and_o loss_n john_n tell_v the_o people_n he_o baptize_v they_o with_o water_n but_o christ_n will_v baptize_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n alas_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v to_o your_o ear_n it_o be_v christ_n who_o must_v speak_v to_o your_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a sin_n for_o any_o man_n to_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n when_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o attend_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n and_o to_o take_v away_o his_o minister_n we_o may_v hope_v christ_n be_v we_o that_o he_o will_v supply_v the_o absence_n of_o his_o servant_n christ_n do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o minister_n out_o of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o teach_v or_o comfort_v without_o they_o but_o out_o of_o choice_n again_o get_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n other_o light_n may_v and_o must_v be_v put_v out_o but_o this_o will_v be_v last_v and_o permanent_a when_o other_o guide_n be_v go_v this_o will_v continue_v and_o abide_v with_o we_o joh._n 14.16_o 17_o 18._o chap._n 16.7_o 13._o he_o who_o have_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o light_n and_o comfort_n may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o want_v the_o stream_n thus_o we_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n elisha_n sickness_n and_o death_n we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o part_n concern_v joash_n his_o visit_v of_o he_o and_o lament_v over_o he_o here_o we_o have_v a_o king_n visit_v a_o prophet_n a_o great_a king_n a_o mean_a prophet_n a_o wicked_a king_n a_o religious_a prophet_n and_o we_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n justify_v and_o commend_v this_o action_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v doct._n 3_o that_o no_o person_n be_v too_o great_a to_o visit_v a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sickness_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n 41._o that_o god_n will_v make_v the_o bed_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a man_n now_o if_o the_o glorious_a god_n think_v it_o not_o too_o much_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n bed-maker_n the_o high_a of_o man_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o too_o much_o to_o visit_v a_o good_a man_n reason_n first_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v to_o be_v perform_v to_o all_o his_o member_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v towards_o his_o messenger_n be_v any_o man_n too_o great_a to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v shall_v stoop_v to_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v all_o reason_n why_o our_o will_n shall_v stoop_v to_o god_n he_o be_v our_o creator_n we_o his_o creature_n he_o our_o lord_n we_o his_o servant_n he_o our_o king_n we_o his_o subject_n now_o that_o visit_v the_o sick_a be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o christ_n and_o incumbent_a upon_o we_o be_v clear_a from_o that_o text_n mat._n 25.42_o man_n usual_o find_v fault_n where_o there_o be_v none_o but_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o fault_n where_o christ_n find_v one_o second_o the_o faithful_a messenger_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o despicable_a person_n low_o they_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o carnal_a man_n but_o the_o holy_a god_n have_v high_a thought_n of_o they_o they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n his_o steward_n his_o treasurer_n his_o friend_n yea_o he_o call_v they_o co-worker_n with_o himself_o to_o they_o have_v christ_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n they_o be_v call_v guide_v ruler_n the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n saviour_n why_o do_v joash_n visit_v elisha_n he_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o who_o have_v be_v a_o instrument_n once_o and_o again_o to_o save_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o syrian_n minister_n be_v instrument_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o save_v not_o the_o body_n only_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n not_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o of_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n three_o much_o advantage_n may_v be_v get_v by_o visit_a god_n faithful_a minister_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n as_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o example_n to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v so_o they_o may_v teach_v we_o to_o bear_v what_o god_n inflict_v as_o to_o live_v well_o so_o to_o die_v well_o we_o may_v get_v more_o from_o they_o when_o they_o be_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n than_o we_o can_v get_v from_o they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o pulpit_n as_o the_o word_n of_o die_a man_n come_v from_o the_o heart_n so_o they_o go_v to_o the_o heart_n we_o may_v remember_v their_o die_a speech_n though_o we_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o forget_v what_o former_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o may_v be_v instruct_v by_o their_o counsel_n warm_v by_o their_o prayer_n quicken_v by_o their_o exhortation_n free_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o see_v their_o boldness_n and_o courage_n and_o learn_v faith_n and_o patience_n from_o their_o practice_n king_n joash_n lose_v nothing_o by_o visit_v the_o prophet_n elisha_n as_o you_o may_v read_v ver_fw-la 15_o 16._o and_o elisha_n lose_v nothing_o by_o attend_v upon_o elijah_n removal_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n as_o you_o may_v read_v 2_o kin._n 2.10_o a_o prince_n may_v be_v a_o great_a gainer_n by_o vifit_v of_o a_o prophet_n four_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o soule-ruining_a sin_n for_o any_o man_n let_v he_o be_v never_o so_o great_a in_o case_n he_o have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n not_o to_o visit_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v wash_v themselves_o from_o guilt_n who_o neglect_n want_v neither_o time_n nor_o strength_n nor_o health_n to_o visit_v his_o minister_n what_o think_v we_o be_v christ_n in_o jest_n or_o in_o earnest_n when_o he_o speak_v those_o word_n mat._n 25.41_o 42_o 43._o five_o christ_n take_v what_o be_v do_v unto_o his_o messenger_n as_o do_v unto_o himself_o he_o that_o receive_v you_o say_v our_o saviour_n receive_v i_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v sick_a we_o will_v profess_v our_o willingness_n to_o visit_v he_o in_o such_o a_o afflict_a condition_n and_o will_v exclaim_v against_o they_o as_o most_o notorious_a wretch_n and_o unworthy_a to_o live_v who_o shall_v not_o take_v a_o step_n or_o two_o to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n now_o read_v mat._n 25.40_o be_v no_o man_n too_o great_a to_o attend_v upon_o christ_n personal_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o distress_n neither_o be_v any_o too_o great_a to_o visit_v christ_n mystical_a six_o we_o may_v do_v much_o good_a to_o the_o
and_o malicious_a enemy_n be_v deliver_v from_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o our_o gracious_a friend_n when_o they_o die_v be_v they_o not_o now_o at_o ease_n who_o be_v once_o in_o pain_n be_v they_o not_o now_o at_o liberty_n who_o be_v once_o in_o prison_n for_o this_o world_n be_v a_o prison_n to_o a_o pious_a soul_n be_v they_o not_o now_o free_v from_o all_o their_o enemy_n who_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n night_n or_o day_n from_o one_o enemy_n or_o other_o rejoice_v therefore_o that_o their_o warfare_n be_v accomplish_v and_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v not_o take_v away_o himself_o from_o we_o though_o he_o have_v deprive_v we_o of_o such_o who_o be_v our_o dear_a friend_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o grudge_v at_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o cistern_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v the_o fountain_n what_o though_o these_o bottle_n be_v dry_a we_o can_v want_n the_o refresh_a water_n of_o comfort_n so_o long_o as_o the_o spring_n be_v with_o we_o when_o god_n take_v away_o our_o outward_a help_n he_o take_v away_o such_o as_o may_v better_o be_v spare_v than_o himself_o let_v our_o loss_n be_v what_o they_o will_v they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v bear_v so_o long_o as_o we_o enjoy_v god_n who_o be_v alsufficient_a have_v thou_o lose_v a_o love_a husband_n yet_o bless_v god_n that_o christ_n who_o love_v thou_o and_o will_v live_v with_o thou_o be_v not_o lose_v thy_o natural_a father_n be_v dead_a but_o thou_o have_v a_o father_n in_o heaven_n who_o want_v no_o wisdom_n to_o counsel_v thou_o no_o love_n to_o comfort_v thou_o no_o power_n to_o help_v thou_o no_o supply_n to_o relieve_v thou_o who_o be_v not_o ignorant_a or_o unsensible_a of_o thy_o condition_n and_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o continual_o thou_o have_v lose_v a_o precious_a pastor_n yet_o thou_o have_v a_o better_a shepherd_n to_o take_v care_n of_o thou_o the_o lord_n jesus_n bless_v for_o ever_o but_o why_o say_v i_o we_o have_v lose_v our_o friend_n when_o 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loss_n because_o god_n have_v say_v so_o who_o can_v lie_v 7._o must_v godly_a man_n die_v then_o let_v godly_a man_n take_v heed_n of_o set_v their_o heart_n inordinate_o upon_o these_o outward_a blessing_n and_o comfort_n from_o which_o they_o must_v part_v the_o more_o the_o world_n be_v in_o our_o affection_n the_o less_o please_a and_o welcome_a will_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v unto_o we_o why_o be_v we_o loathe_v to_o die_v because_o we_o be_v not_o prepare_v and_o why_o be_v we_o not_o prepare_v but_o because_o we_o have_v mind_v earth_n too_o much_o and_o heaven_n too_o little_a oh_o the_o world_n the_o world_n how_o have_v it_o get_v too_o much_o hold_v of_o the_o heart_n of_o too_o many_o good_a christian_n never_o be_v there_o more_o need_v to_o preach_v upon_o that_o text_n take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n or_o upon_o those_o word_n of_o paul_n set_v your_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n below_o what_o hear_v we_o from_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n for_o aught_o we_o see_v these_o who_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o heaven_n be_v as_o greedy_a after_o the_o earth_n as_o other_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o their_o tongue_n be_v no_o flander_n in_o this_o particular_a if_o the_o world_n be_v our_o treasure_n why_o make_v we_o a_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v our_o treasure_n why_o do_v we_o embrace_v the_o world_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v earnall_a man_n who_o have_v not_o god_n for_o their_o father_n who_o have_v no_o promise_n for_o a_o necessary_a supply_n of_o those_o outward_a thing_n who_o have_v no_o spiritual_a stock_n to_o comfort_v their_o heart_n no_o heaven_n but_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o confluence_n of_o temporal_a enjoyment_n to_o be_v violent_a in_o their_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o the_o world_n but_o you_o that_o be_v christian_n indeed_o and_o not_o in_o name_n only_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v over-carefull_a or_o to_o cumber_v yourselves_o with_o too_o many_o thing_n god_n power_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v engage_v that_o you_o shall_v want_v no_o good_a thing_n psal_n 84.11_o mat._n 6.33_o rom._n 8.32_o grant_v you_o have_v wife_n and_o child_n to_o provide_v for_o yet_o take_v heed_n of_o wound_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n by_o excessive_a thoughtfulnesse_n for_o their_o body_n the_o apostle_n rule_n must_v be_v obey_v or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a but_o what_o be_v that_o you_o will_v say_v read_v 1_o cor._n 7.29.30_o 31._o the_o best_a way_n we_o can_v take_v to_o provide_v for_o wife_n and_o child_n be_v to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v and_o not_o to_o practise_v what_o god_n forbid_v psal_n 112.1_o 2_o 3._o as_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o to_o neglect_v your_o particular_a calling_n so_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o to_o forget_v your_o general_a calling_n think_v not_o only_o that_o you_o be_v man_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o earthly_a supply_n but_o remember_v also_o you_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v call_v to_o have_v your_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n be_v you_o thoughtful_a to_o honour_n god_n and_o god_n will_v be_v thoughtful_a to_o maintain_v and_o provide_v for_o you_o and_o you_o walk_v therefore_o close_o with_o god_n keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n improve_v all_o opportunity_n put_v into_o your_o hand_n to_o do_v or_o to_o get_v good_a balk_v no_o duty_n command_v be_v more_o mindful_a to_o make_v thy_o friend_n and_o child_n good_a than_o great_a and_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o leave_v they_o million_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n a_o estate_n raise_v by_o sinful_a neglect_n or_o commission_n will_v do_v thy_o child_n more_o hurt_v than_o good_a and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o even_o lie_v that_o that_o will_v be_v spend_v loose_o by_o they_o which_o have_v be_v get_v covetous_o by_o thou_o 8._o must_v the_o godly_a dye_n then_o let_v those_o who_o be_v godly_a prepare_v for_o death_n do_v nothing_o now_o which_o may_v move_v god_n to_o conceal_v his_o love_n in_o that_o last_o hour_n true_a it_o be_v no_o soon_o shall_v your_o breath_n be_v stop_v here_o but_o your_o soul_n shall_v be_v carry_v into_o heaven_n yet_o you_o may_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o your_o departure_n may_v be_v cloud_v ah_o how_o sweet_a will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o smile_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v to_o say_v unto_o we_o well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_z now_o into_o thy_o master_n joy_n give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a keep_v your_o evidence_n clear_a blot_v they_o not_o by_o any_o loose_a or_o scandalous_a practice_n take_v heed_n of_o grieve_v that_o spirit_n which_o have_v at_o any_o time_n seal_v you_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n 9_o must_v the_o godly_a dye_n let_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o support_n and_o consolation_n unto_o all_o godly_a one_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n which_o they_o meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n be_v thou_o buffet_v by_o satan_n temptation_n weary_v with_o that_o body_n of_o death_n which_o thou_o carry_v about_o thou_o do_v thou_o groan_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o a_o vile_a and_o curse_a heart_n be_v thou_o follow_v with_o variety_n of_o affliction_n do_v thy_o enemy_n scorn_n and_o persecute_v thou_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n death_n will_v come_v death_n will_v come_v ere_o long_o and_o set_v thou_o free_a from_o all_o thy_o enemy_n job_n speak_v of_o the_o grave_n tell_v we_o there_o the_o wicked_a cease_v from_o trouble_v there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n job_n 3.17_o
thus_o we_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o doctrine_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o elisha_n as_o a_o holy_a prophet_n and_o from_o hence_o give_v you_o this_o observation_n doct._n 2_o that_o such_o minister_n who_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o holy_a must_v die_v elisha_n a_o most_o gracious_a prophet_n furnish_v with_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o act_v in_o his_o master_n elijah_n a_o most_o useful_a man_n the_o chariot_n and_o the_o horseman_n of_o israel_n must_v not_o live_v always_o but_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n consult_v with_o these_o scripture_n though_o we_o have_v have_v many_o sad_a experience_n and_o that_o of_o late_a to_o confirm_v it_o zach._n 1.5_o 1_o sam._n 25_o 1._o what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o the_o apostle_n who_o serve_v god_n in_o their_o generation_n be_v spiritual_a father_n to_o beget_v soul_n unto_o god_n who_o both_o plant_v and_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o be_v choice_n and_o precious_a man_n one_o be_v crucify_v another_o head_a another_o boil_v in_o a_o cauldron_n and_o all_o die_v where_o be_v our_o preston_n our_o tailor_n our_o sib_n our_o hill_n our_o whitaker_n and_o many_o more_o the_o grave_n have_v swallow_v they_o up_o the_o reason_n which_o we_o give_v you_o to_o prove_v the_o precedent_a doctrine_n may_v serve_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o but_o we_o will_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o first_o because_o people_n will_v not_o make_v that_o use_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o they_o shall_v god_n send_v they_o to_o negotiate_v a_o peace_n between_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o people_n precious_a soul_n now_o when_o they_o have_v make_v many_o overture_n from_o their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n and_o all_o be_v slight_v none_o will_v be_v accept_v god_n think_v it_o fit_a to_o send_v for_o they_o home_o when_o prince_n see_v that_o ambassador_n can_v obtain_v with_o foreign_a state_n what_o they_o expect_v they_o call_v they_o home_o again_o there_o be_v not_o more_o useful_a instrument_n in_o a_o state_n or_o church_n than_o faithful_a and_o holy_a minister_n god_n set_v they_o up_o as_o light_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o guide_n to_o direct_v man_n as_o watchmen_z to_o warn_v they_o as_o saviour_n to_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n sin_n satan_n and_o the_o world_n now_o if_o no_o body_n will_v make_v use_n of_o their_o light_n follow_v their_o direction_n regard_v their_o warning_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v resen_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o take_v they_o away_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n say_v the_o prophet_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n reveal_v 2._o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o minister_n always_o to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n because_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o improve_n their_o doctrine_n and_o life_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o fill_v with_o rage_n against_o they_o both_o the_o scripture_n speak_v much_o of_o the_o world_n unkind_a and_o perverse_a carriage_n towards_o the_o messenger_n of_o god_n read_v these_o place_n 2_o chron._n 36.16_o jer._n 15.16_o chap._n 20.7_o 8._o micah_n 2.6_o mat._n 23.37_o by_o abuse_v mercy_n we_o just_o forfeit_v they_o the_o world_n be_v weary_a of_o god_n minister_n and_o god_n minister_n be_v weary_a of_o the_o world_n now_o god_n will_v ease_v the_o world_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o when_o he_o do_v this_o it_o be_v in_o wrath_n to_o the_o world_n and_o he_o will_v ease_v his_o minister_n of_o the_o world_n but_o when_o he_o do_v this_o it_o be_v in_o mercy_n to_o his_o minister_n god_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o his_o messenger_n take_v the_o scorn_v and_o affront_v cast_v upon_o they_o as_o offer_v unto_o himself_o he_o can_v endure_v to_o see_v they_o wrong_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v remove_v they_o 3._o shall_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n live_v here_o always_o none_o will_v be_v so_o miserable_a as_o they_o be_v do_v not_o their_o future_a hope_n support_v they_o their_o present_a condition_n will_v be_v very_o sad_a though_o all_o that_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n suffer_v persecution_n yet_o none_o so_o persecute_v as_o the_o godly_a minister_n 1_o cor._n 15.19_o other_o christian_n may_v drink_v of_o bitter_a cup_n but_o the_o dregs_o usual_o be_v pour_v on_o the_o lord_n ambassador_n if_o other_o endure_v a_o storm_n yet_o the_o fierce_a part_n light_v upon_o they_o 4._o die_v they_o must_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n the_o crown_n of_o life_n will_v not_o be_v set_v upon_o their_o head_n till_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o strait_n of_o death_n rev._n 2.10_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 3._o uses_n first_o it_o shall_v teach_v we_o that_o be_v god_n minister_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v for_o god_n while_o we_o have_v time_n and_o strength_n how_o active_a be_v the_o apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o perceive_v a_o door_n be_v open_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o know_v not_o how_o long_o that_o door_n may_v stand_v open_a nor_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o this_o make_v he_o to_o bestir_v himself_o the_o more_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o his_o departure_n draw_v nigh_o he_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n 20._o act._n 20._o and_o bestow_v his_o counsel_n and_o prayer_n upon_o they_o the_o apostle_n peter_n also_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v not_o long_o to_o live_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o disperse_a jew_n to_o keep_v the_o faith_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o so_o fall_v from_o their_o own_o steadfastness_n 2_o pet._n 1.13_o 14._o chap._n 3.17_o 18._o take_v we_o therefore_o the_o counsel_n of_o solomon_n eccl._n 9.10_o let_v our_o thought_n and_o our_o study_n our_o prayer_n and_o our_o counsel_n our_o time_n and_o our_o strength_n be_v lay_v out_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n let_v that_o which_o a_o godly_a minister_n write_v upon_o his_o study_n door_n be_v deep_o engrave_v in_o our_o memory_n and_o think_v upon_o every_o day_n by_o we_o minister_n verbi_fw-la es_fw-la hoc_fw-la age_n let_v we_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o our_o work_n than_o of_o our_o wage_n how_o to_o increase_v christ_n kingdom_n than_o to_o advance_v our_o own_o secular_a interest_n how_o to_o make_v our_o people_n good_a than_o how_o to_o render_v ourselves_o great_a how_o to_o enrich_v the_o soul_n of_o other_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v enrich_v by_o other_o we_o have_v a_o good_a master_n that_o will_v pay_v we_o well_o 3.4_o 1_o pet._n 52_o 3.4_o and_o though_o we_o shall_v have_v little_a encouragement_n from_o the_o ungrateful_a world_n yet_o we_o shall_v want_v no_o encouragement_n from_o our_o gracious_a god_n oh_o that_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o honour_n but_o the_o honour_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o we_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o let_v we_o work_v the_o hard_a while_o we_o have_v time_n second_o must_v god_n faithful_a minister_n die_v yet_o do_v you_o take_v heed_n of_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o their_o death_n precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n but_o the_o death_n of_o no_o saint_n be_v more_o precious_a in_o god_n sight_n than_o the_o death_n of_o his_o minister_n be_v you_o not_o afraid_a say_v god_n to_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n to_o speak_v against_o my_o servant_n moses_n one_o who_o be_v so_o near_o unto_o god_n much_o more_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o fear_v to_o act_v against_o they_o if_o god_n be_v so_o angry_a with_o those_o who_o do_v strike_v they_o with_o their_o tongue_n how_o angry_a will_v he_o be_v with_o those_o who_o strike_v they_o with_o their_o hand_n that_o counsel_n which_o pilate_n wife_n give_v he_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o any_o to_o take_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o servant_n you_o may_v read_v it_o mat._n 27.19_o have_v no_o physical_a hand_n in_o their_o death_n have_v no_o moral_a hand_n in_o their_o death_n provoke_v not_o god_n by_o your_o sin_n to_o deprive_v you_o of_o their_o labour_n the_o lengthen_v out_o of_o their_o life_n may_v be_v the_o
to_o cut_v off_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n but_o moses_n by_o his_o earnest_a cry_n and_o supplication_n stay_v god_n hand_n if_o jeremy_n will_v pray_v for_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n god_n know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v his_o request_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o he_o command_v jeremy_n to_o pray_v no_o more_o for_o they_o jer._n 14.10_o three_o because_o god_n faithful_a minister_n do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o advance_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o set_v up_o the_o sincere_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v their_o study_n be_v to_o draw_v people_n unto_o christ_n and_o to_o promote_v and_o increase_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o god_n have_v be_v very_o favourable_a to_o a_o people_n and_o nation_n where_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n have_v be_v set_v up_o and_o maintain_v 2_o chron._n 11.17_o how_o do_v they_o strengthen_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n by_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n god_n have_v prescribe_v see_v also_o chap._n 15.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o four_o god_n many_o time_n for_o his_o minister_n sake_n be_v please_v to_o spare_v a_o nation_n and_o will_v not_o destroy_v it_o till_o he_o have_v secure_v they_o the_o old_a world_n fare_v the_o better_a for_o noah_n that_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n have_v he_o be_v house_v soon_o they_o may_v have_v be_v ruin_v soon_o the_o angel_n tell_v lot_n that_o he_o can_v nothing_o against_o sodom_n till_o he_o be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v he_o make_v haste_n that_o fearful_a rout_n which_o the_o philistine_n give_v saul_n when_o he_o and_o his_o son_n be_v slay_v fall_v not_o upon_o he_o till_o after_o samuel_n death_n uses_n first_o let_v god_n and_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o they_o be_v a_o nation_n friend_n who_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n who_o say_v of_o they_o as_o those_o do_v come_v let_v we_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o be_v in_o the_o nation_n that_o their_o name_n may_v be_v have_v no_o more_o in_o remembrance_n be_v the_o philistine_n the_o israelite_n friend_n when_o they_o take_v away_o all_o their_o military_a weapon_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o either_o sword_n or_o spear_n to_o defend_v themselves_o no_o better_a friend_n be_v they_o to_o a_o state_n who_o endeavour_n to_o deprive_v it_o of_o god_n faithful_a messenger_n who_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o defence_n and_o safety_n of_o a_o state_n than_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n if_o such_o be_v lover_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_n i_o do_v not_o know_v who_o may_v be_v account_v hater_n second_o then_o the_o way_n to_o secure_v a_o nation_n against_o all_o adverse_a power_n and_o to_o make_v it_o happy_a and_o glorious_a be_v to_o plant_v set_v up_o and_o maintain_v a_o godly_a and_o painful_a ministry_n in_o every_o place_n 2_o chron._n 11.17_o hezekiah_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v care_n that_o the_o levite_n may_v be_v encourage_v in_o their_o work_n and_o sure_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o holiness_n and_o zeal_n of_o hezekiah_n who_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o discourage_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 2_o chron._n 31.4_o three_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o those_o man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o public_a ministry_n to_o burn_v up_o those_o chariot_n to_o unhorse_v those_o horseman_n to_o demolish_v those_o bulwark_n and_o to_o break_v down_o those_o fence_n that_o so_o fox_n and_o wolf_n and_o ravenous_a beast_n may_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o say_v not_o a_o confederacy_n to_o who_o this_o people_n shall_v say_v a_o confederacy_n isa_n 8.12_o but_o rather_o say_v as_o good_a jacob_n say_v gen._n 49.6_o oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o thou_o into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v four_o have_v we_o not_o then_o great_a cause_n to_o mourn_v and_o be_v humble_v when_o god_n take_v away_o those_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n his_o faithful_a messenger_n and_o minister_n from_o our_o head_n will_v not_o england_n be_v in_o a_o sad_a condition_n be_v she_o deprive_v of_o her_o weapon_n of_o defence_n when_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o will_v be_v glad_a if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o inroad_n upon_o we_o when_o a_o people_n lose_v their_o minister_n when_o those_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n be_v remove_v the_o place_n and_o nation_n where_o they_o once_o live_v lie_v more_o naked_a and_o open_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o judgement_n i_o can_v blame_v you_o that_o i_o see_v so_o many_o sad_a face_n some_o weep_a eye_n among_o you_o rachel_n weep_v because_o she_o have_v lose_v her_o child_n and_o you_o have_v cause_n to_o weep_v because_o you_o have_v lose_v a_o spiritual_a father_n and_o we_o have_v all_o cause_n to_o mourn_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o one_o he_o be_v who_o we_o have_v lose_v he_o be_v a_o painful_a preacher_n lay_v out_o himself_o in_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v no_o less_o faithful_a than_o painful_a he_o be_v one_o who_o will_v not_o keep_v back_o any_o of_o god_n counsel_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o reveal_v unto_o his_o people_n the_o whole_a truth_n act_v 20._o he_o study_v to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n aright_o and_o to_o give_v every_o one_o that_o portion_n which_o do_v of_o right_o belong_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o will_v tell_v the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o so_o he_o will_v tell_v the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o they_o he_o be_v one_o who_o will_v not_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n neither_o be_v he_o afraid_a to_o reprove_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n to_o their_o face_n he_o wrought_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n very_o willing_o and_o not_o out_o of_o constraint_n it_o be_v not_o filthy_a lucre_n nor_o popular_a applause_n nor_o any_o such_o corrupt_a end_n that_o draw_v he_o forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n love_n to_o christ_n a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o increase_v his_o kingdom_n pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o poor_a soul_n a_o violent_a thirst_n after_o their_o salvation_n and_o a_o burn_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o motive_n that_o put_v he_o upon_o this_o work_n nothing_o grieve_v he_o more_o than_o when_o god_n deny_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o preach_v and_o he_o be_v never_o better_o than_o when_o in_o the_o pulpit_n i_o have_v hear_v he_o often_o say_v that_o he_o have_v rather_o be_v sick_a two_o day_n of_o the_o six_o than_o upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n in_o the_o time_n of_o this_o his_o last_o sickness_n he_o will_v often_o say_v when_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a to_o preach_v again_o and_o when_o he_o feel_v but_o a_o little_a revive_n and_o strength_n he_o be_v very_o glad_a upon_o this_o account_n because_o he_o hope_v ere_o long_o he_o shall_v declare_v god_n will_v again_o to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n what_o be_v the_o longing_n of_o david_n soul_n be_v also_o the_o longing_n of_o he_o sigh_v out_o those_o word_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n psal_n 42.2_o no_o burden_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o spirit_n than_o his_o present_a inability_n to_o be_v serviceable_a unto_o god_n in_o his_o ministerial_a office_n he_o be_v none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o excuse_n to_o justify_v their_o sit_v still_o and_o not_o preach_v to_o their_o flock_n he_o preâ—â—_n no_o doctrine_n upon_o his_o people_n but_o what_o he_o will_v venture_v his_o own_o salvation_n upon_o and_o upon_o his_o deathbed_n desire_v his_o people_n to_o cleave_v fast_o to_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o for_o he_o dare_v pawn_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o he_o be_v most_o careful_a of_o and_o love_v to_o his_o people_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n he_o be_v force_v to_o leave_v they_o but_o it_o be_v cum_fw-la animo_fw-la revertendi_fw-la with_o a_o purpose_n to_o return_v again_o unto_o they_o he_o have_v a_o very_a great_a live_n in_o london_n but_o this_o can_v not_o keep_v he_o from_o come_v back_o to_o his_o old_a place_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n i_o have_v hear_v he_o often_o say_v he_o will_v not_o exchange_v wilby_n for_o the_o great_a live_v in_o the_o land_n great_a live_n have_v several_a time_n be_v lay_v down_o at_o high_a foot_n but_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o they_o when_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v die_v he_o call_v his_o