own_o strength_n but_o when_o we_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o flesh_n then_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o to_o resist_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n than_o we_o dream_v of_o for_o as_o possible_a as_o it_o be_v for_o water_n to_o burn_v or_o fire_n to_o put_v out_o itself_o so_o possible_a be_v it_o for_o we_o of_o ourselves_o to_o resist_v sin_n insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o that_o at_o every_o assault_n our_o nature_n yield_v now_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o rule_v over_o one_o sin_n how_o shall_v we_o do_v against_o that_o sea_n of_o temptation_n that_o overwhelm_v a_o christian_a life_n this_o doctrine_n teach_v thou_o how_o namely_o to_o stick_v to_o thy_o faith_n and_o it_o will_v do_v it_o for_o thou_o for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n thou_o hope_v for_o which_o yet_o never_o be_v much_o more_o will_v it_o yield_v unto_o thou_o spiritual_a strength_n &_o substance_n to_o make_v thou_o stand_v in_o all_o temptation_n when_o thou_o be_v tempt_v then_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n promise_n believe_v they_o that_o be_v apply_v they_o to_o thyself_o and_o be_v resolve_v that_o they_o be_v make_v &_o shall_v be_v perform_v even_o to_o thou_o they_o though_o thou_o have_v no_o more_o power_n of_o thyself_o than_o fire_n have_v to_o cease_v to_o burn_v yet_o whilst_o thou_o do_v thus_o thou_o shall_v feel_v thy_o soul_n spiritual_o strengthen_v against_o all_o temptation_n &_o feel_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o deny_v they_o thy_o own_o strength_n &_o magnify_v the_o power_n that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o true_a faith_n again_o though_o now_o we_o be_v most_o of_o we_o quiet_a under_o our_o own_o vine_n and_o figtree_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v upon_o any_o of_o we_o in_o poverty_n sickness_n imprisonment_n banishment_n loss_n famine_n or_o how_o it_o please_v he_o how_o shall_v a_o poor_a christian_a stand_n and_o buckle_v himself_o to_o bear_v these_o i_o answer_v true_a save_a faith_n rest_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o believe_v the_o promise_n not_o formal_o but_o true_o will_v put_v such_o substantial_a spiritual_a strength_n into_o he_o as_o that_o at_o first_o though_o he_o bow_v under_o it_o yet_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o recover_v himself_o again_o &_o buckle_v himself_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o his_o profession_n &_o shall_v follow_v christ_n manful_o with_o this_o his_o cross_n this_o wonderful_a power_n have_v god_n give_v to_o save_v faith_n both_o to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o to_o undergo_v all_o cross_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o action_n or_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o second_o follow_v verse_n 2._o for_o by_o it_o our_o elder_n be_v well_o report_v of_o this_o verse_n contain_v the_o second_o effect_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o mean_n whereby_o a_o believer_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n this_o verse_n have_v special_a relation_n to_o the_o five_o verse_n for_o that_o that_o be_v say_v here_o of_o all_o the_o elder_n in_o general_a be_v there_o affirm_v special_o of_o enoch_n namely_o that_o he_o be_v report_v of_o to_o have_v please_v god_n let_v we_o first_o search_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n that_o be_v all_o such_o man_n as_o live_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n believe_v in_o christ_n among_o which_o though_o all_o be_v understand_v yet_o some_o be_v more_o excellent_a in_o faith_n &_o obedience_n than_o other_o &_o so_o more_o honourable_a and_o of_o high_a estimation_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o they_o it_o be_v special_o understand_v now_o concern_v these_o elder_n it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o they_o be_v well_o report_v of_o hereby_o be_v mean_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n approve_v and_o allow_v of_o they_o 2._o that_o god_n do_v approve_v of_o they_o because_o of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n 3._o that_o god_n give_v a_o testimony_n and_o declare_v that_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o for_o the_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o be_v they_o approve_v of_o god_n ans._n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v he_o in_o who_o the_o father_n be_v well_o please_v 3.17_o now_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n their_o sin_n be_v lay_v on_o he_o and_o make_v he_o by_o imputation_n and_o contrariwise_o his_o holiness_n obedience_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v impute_v to_o they_o and_o by_o the_o same_o imputation_n make_v they_o now_o that_o be_v they_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o christ_n can_v not_o but_o also_o for_o christ_n sake_n approve_v of_o they_o if_o this_o seem_v hard_a unto_o any_o i_o make_v it_o plain_a by_o this_o comparison_n look_v as_o jacob_n a_o young_a brother_n put_v on_o esau_n garment_n the_o elder_a brother_n &_o in_o it_o be_v take_v for_o esau_n &_o obtain_v his_o father_n blessing_n &_o patrimony_n which_o by_o himself_o he_o can_v not_o have_v get_v even_o so_o we_o be_v as_o young_a brethren_n christ_n be_v our_o elder_a brother_n we_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o title_n to_o our_o father_n blessing_n nor_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o robe_n of_o perfect_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o garment_n of_o christ_n our_o elder_a brother_n we_o stand_v clothe_v with_o 〈◊〉_d purchase_v our_o father_n favour_n and_o with_o his_o favour_n his_o bleâ—â—â—ng_n and_o his_o blessing_n be_v the_o right_a and_o title_n to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o thus_o by_o christ_n they_o be_v approve_v second_o for_o what_o be_v they_o approve_v the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n not_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o sanctify_a mind_n and_o a_o good_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o so_o be_v humility_n love_n fear_v of_o god_n all_o which_o be_v grace_n of_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n as_o faith_n be_v but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o worthy_a instrument_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n which_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o he_o be_v justify_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o justification_n by_o it_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v approve_v 3._o the_o text_n add_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o they_o but_o that_o he_o testify_v and_o make_v it_o manifest_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o do_v so_o and_o this_o testimony_n god_n give_v of_o they_o 1._o in_o his_o word_n 2._o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o be_v manifest_a in_o that_o not_o only_o in_o this_o chapter_n but_o often_o also_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n have_v mâ—de_v such_o honourable_a mention_n and_o give_v such_o honourable_a title_n unto_o many_o of_o these_o elder_n call_v abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n 2._o chron._n 20.7_o and_o david_n a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n â—_o sam._n 13.14_o and_o they_o all_o his_o anoint_a and_o dear_a choose_a child_n psalm_n 105.15_o thus_o god_n have_v testify_v of_o they_o in_o his_o word_n 2._o god_n testify_v it_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o that_o he_o give_v they_o his_o spirit_n inward_o to_o assure_v their_o conscience_n that_o he_o do_v accept_v they_o in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v and_o thus_o these_o elder_n receive_v a_o testimony_n both_o outward_a to_o all_o the_o world_n &_o inward_a to_o their_o conscience_n that_o god_n in_o christ_n approve_v and_o love_v they_o so_o the_o sense_n be_v plain_a the_o use_n hereof_o manifold_a 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v these_o elder_n be_v approve_v by_o faith_n here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o old_a and_o ancient_a way_n the_o right_a and_o straight_o way_n that_o have_v no_o byway_n to_o life_n everlasting_a namely_o this_o only_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o way_n wherein_o all_o the_o ancient_a elder_n walk_v to_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v open_v &_o make_v unto_o his_o court_n it_o be_v the_o king_n high_a way_n the_o beat_a way_n common_a to_o every_o one_o that_o know_v how_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o &_o deceive_v none_o that_o ever_o go_v in_o it_o &_o beside_o which_o there_o be_v no_o other_o see_v then_o god_n have_v consecrate_v it_o &_o our_o elder_n have_v tread_v this_o way_n before_o we_o let_v we_o follow_v they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v attain_v that_o kingdom_n whereto_o it_o have_v bring_v they_o if_o any_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o way_n or_o no_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n isaiah_n 30.21_o first_o affirm_v peremptory_o this_o be_v the_o way_n second_o bid_v we_o therefore_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o this_o be_v
of_o the_o jew_n nation_n who_o faith_n be_v here_o remember_v she_o be_v the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n the_o grand_a patriarch_n of_o the_o age_n betwixt_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o she_o we_o read_v this_o story_n among_o other_o gen._n 18.13_o god_n by_o his_o angel_n appear_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o she_o make_v a_o promise_n that_o within_o the_o year_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n both_o hear_v it_o and_o both_o laugh_v to_o hear_v it_o abraham_n in_o joy_n and_o admiration_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o reprove_v she_o in_o doubtfulness_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o almost_o impossibility_n and_o be_v for_o it_o sharp_o reprove_v of_o the_o angel_n yet_o behold_v this_o sarah_n that_o even_o now_o laugh_v to_o hear_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o be_v a_o fond_a conceit_n and_o mere_a impossible_a yet_o afterward_o believe_v and_o in_o so_o good_a a_o measure_n as_o her_o faith_n be_v here_o register_v to_o all_o posterity_n in_o her_o example_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o good_a lesson_n it_o be_v a_o bad_a thing_n in_o sarah_n to_o laugh_v at_o god_n word_n though_o it_o seem_v never_o so_o high_a above_o her_o conceit_n but_o it_o be_v good_a &_o commendable_a that_o she_o correct_v her_o fault_n and_o testify_v her_o amendment_n by_o believe_v we_o all_o follow_v sarahs_n fault_n but_o few_o her_o repentance_n many_o in_o our_o church_n be_v mocker_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n thereof_o and_o all_o religion_n that_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o humour_n be_v no_o more_o regard_v of_o they_o than_o toy_n or_o device_n and_o they_o be_v count_v fool_n or_o hypocrite_n that_o think_v otherwise_o but_o alas_o these_o man_n know_v not_o how_o vile_a a_o sin_n they_o commit_v while_o they_o laugh_v at_o god_n word_n for_o if_o her_o fault_n be_v such_o who_o laugh_v at_o that_o that_o seem_v to_o she_o almost_o impossible_a and_o yet_o without_o any_o profaneness_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o that_o out_o of_o their_o carnalitie_n and_o fleshly_a profaneness_n do_v make_v but_o a_o sport_n at_o all_o god_n ordinance_n promise_n and_o commandment_n and_o at_o all_o religion_n more_o than_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n let_v such_o man_n be_v warn_v to_o cease_v mock_v and_o lay_v aside_o revile_v of_o other_o and_o begin_v in_o sober_o and_o serious_o to_o believe_v else_o they_o will_v find_v it_o sharp_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n and_o dangerous_a play_v with_o edge-tool_n furthermore_o sarah_n that_o laugh_v in_o doubt_v yet_o withal_o believe_v this_o teach_v we_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v join_v always_o with_o doubt_v in_o all_o god_n child_n if_o any_o object_n that_o follow_v not_o here_o for_o she_o first_o doubt_v and_o then_o believe_v when_o she_o doubt_v she_o believe_v not_o and_o when_o she_o believe_v she_o doubt_v not_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o will_v prove_v for_o sarah_n be_v no_o infidel_n utter_o to_o deny_v and_o gainsay_v god_n word_n when_o she_o hear_v it_o but_o only_o find_v it_o in_o all_o reason_n impossible_a she_o therefore_o present_o yield_v not_o to_o it_o but_o laugh_v at_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n past_o ordinary_a course_n yet_o withal_o she_o regard_v who_o speak_v it_o namely_o god_n and_o therefore_o forthwith_o judge_v it_o possible_a with_o god_n though_o impossible_a in_o reason_n and_o so_o at_o last_o constant_o believe_v it_o yet_o still_o her_o reason_n gainsay_v it_o so_o that_o she_o never_o doubt_v so_o but_o that_o she_o in_o some_o part_n believe_v it_o and_o when_o she_o believe_v it_o most_o steadfast_o yet_o she_o something_a doubt_v of_o it_o reason_n say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v faith_n say_v it_o may_v be_v therefore_o as_o when_o reason_n overrule_a yet_o she_o have_v some_o spark_n of_o faith_n so_o when_o her_o faith_n be_v predominant_a there_o remain_v some_o relic_n of_o doubt_v for_o as_o reason_n can_v overthrow_v true_a faith_n so_o the_o best_a faith_n in_o this_o world_n can_v full_o vanquish_v reason_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n mark_v 9.24_o jesus_n bid_v the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n possess_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o his_o child_n shall_v be_v dispossess_v he_o answer_v cry_v with_o tear_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n there_o be_v faith_n and_o unbelief_n in_o one_o soul_n at_o one_o time_n in_o one_o action_n upon_o one_o object_n and_o what_o be_v unbelief_n but_o doubt_v or_o worse_a and_o christ_n often_o reprove_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o doubt_n and_o call_v they_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o yet_o all_o know_v that_o that_o they_o then_o have_v true_a faith_n yea_o s._n peter_n himself_o most_o famous_a for_o his_o faith_n be_v reprove_v in_o the_o same_o word_n o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v he_o have_v a_o little_a faith_n therefore_o some_o faith_n a_o little_a faith_n therefore_o much_o doubt_n therefore_o it_o be_v apparent_a a_o man_n may_v have_v in_o his_o soul_n at_o once_o both_o faith_n and_o doubt_v yea_o common_o we_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n or_o a_o mite_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o mountain_n of_o doubt_v the_o use_n of_o â—his_n doctrine_n first_o discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o many_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n who_o care_v not_o how_o they_o live_v yet_o say_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o ask_v how_o they_o know_v it_o they_o answer_v they_o know_v no_o other_o ask_v when_o they_o begin_v they_o say_v they_o do_v ever_o so_o ask_v if_o they_o doubt_v they_o answer_v they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a so_o to_o do_v but_o alas_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n and_o presumption_n our_o religion_n can_v never_o be_v disgrace_v by_o such_o man_n for_o they_o have_v it_o not_o they_o know_v it_o not_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v shame_v to_o answer_v so_o these_o man_n have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o for_o where_o it_o be_v doubt_v do_v always_o show_v itself_o and_o he_o that_o know_v he_o believe_v know_v also_o he_o doubt_v and_o the_o more_o he_o believe_v the_o more_o he_o know_v and_o feel_v his_o doubt_n for_o where_o these_o two_o be_v they_o be_v always_o opposite_a and_o show_v their_o contrary_a nature_n the_o one_o be_v the_o spirit_n the_o other_o be_v flesh_n and_o corruption_n and_o these_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v lust_n one_o against_o another_o galath_n 5.17_o he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o be_v whole_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o flesh_n or_o corruption_n in_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o corruption_n and_o he_o that_o imagine_v he_o have_v perfect_a faith_n and_o no_o doubt_v have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o in_o he_o but_o carnal_a presumption_n second_o here_o be_v comfort_n to_o all_o such_o as_o have_v faith_n &_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v daily_o trouble_v with_o temptation_n let_v not_o such_o be_v dismay_v though_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o much_o doubt_v and_o diffidence_n for_o sarah_n believe_v and_o yet_o she_o doubt_v yea_o notwithstanding_o all_o her_o doubt_n she_o believe_v so_o excellent_o as_o her_o faith_n be_v here_o make_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o holy_a matron_n for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o be_v even_o buffet_v by_o satan_n with_o temptation_n of_o doubt_v let_v not_o he_o be_v dismay_v as_o though_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n but_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v his_o doubt_v do_v not_o bewray_v itself_o but_o that_o faith_n make_v the_o opposition_n and_o therefore_o let_v he_o strive_v with_o tear_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o person_n who_o sarah_n but_o what_o be_v the_o action_n which_o she_o do_v it_o be_v imply_v in_o these_o word_n through_o faith_n sarah_n etc._n etc._n her_o action_n be_v she_o believe_v this_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o action_n of_o believe_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o this_o chapter_n these_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n have_v other_o holy_a virtue_n but_o their_o faith_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v here_o commend_v now_o particular_o for_o sarahs_n faith_n here_o be_v one_o notable_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v the_o very_a same_o word_n of_o god_n which_o she_o believe_v and_o for_o believe_v whereof_o she_o be_v here_o register_v at_o â—he_n same_o she_o also_o laugh_v but_o behold_v her_o faith_n be_v record_v her_o laugh_n be_v not_o her_o faith_n be_v commend_v her_o fault_n silence_v in_o which_o holy_a &_o merciful_a practice_n of_o god_n we_o learn_v first_o that_o god_n accept_v true_a faith_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o many_o infirmity_n as_o a_o king_n be_v content_a to_o give_v a_o beggar_n â—n_a alm_n
scripture_n one_o of_o her_o feather_n yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o all_o or_o any_o kind_n of_o eloquence_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o a_o christian_a minister_n for_o s._n paul_n say_v 1._o cor._n 2.13_o we_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a a_o sanctify_a a_o spiritual_a eloquence_n a_o eloquence_n fit_a for_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o eloquence_n must_v be_v use_v as_o the_o israelite_n may_v marry_v the_o midianite_n woman_n who_o they_o have_v take_v in_o war_n but_o not_o till_o they_o have_v purify_v they_o numb_a 31.18.19_o and_o more_o plain_o and_o particular_o deut._n 21.11.12.13_o moses_n explain_v what_o that_o purify_n be_v and_o thou_o shall_v bring_v she_o home_o into_o thy_o house_n and_o she_o shall_v shave_v her_o head_n and_o pare_v her_o nail_n and_o put_v off_o the_o garment_n she_o be_v take_v in_o and_o then_o thou_o may_v marry_v she_o so_o humane_a eloquence_n must_v be_v bring_v home_o to_o divinity_n and_o be_v pare_v and_o shave_v with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o then_o may_v lawful_o and_o profitable_o be_v use_v for_o our_o more_o special_a direction_n herein_o these_o caution_n may_v be_v observe_v first_o the_o more_o natural_a it_o be_v and_o the_o less_o affect_v the_o more_o commendable_a be_v it_o in_o the_o doer_n and_o more_o profitable_a to_o the_o hearer_n second_o it_o must_v be_v grave_a sober_a and_o modest_a remember_v the_o height_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o place_n a_o man_n stand_v in_o and_o of_o the_o work_n he_o do_v therefore_o it_o must_v not_o consist_v in_o tell_v strange_a tale_n or_o use_v such_o gesture_n or_o word_n manner_n or_o matter_n as_o may_v move_v laugh_v and_o smile_v in_o the_o auditor_n there_o may_v be_v wit_n in_o such_o do_v but_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v the_o sanctify_a and_o spiritual_a eloquence_n which_o s._n paul_n there_o speak_v of_o three_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v a_o help_n and_o not_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n word_n for_o it_o be_v a_o damosel_n to_o divinity_n but_o not_o her_o mistress_n god_n word_n therefore_o must_v not_o bow_v and_o bend_v to_o she_o much_o less_o be_v wring_v and_o wrest_v to_o she_o but_o she_o to_o god_n word_n it_o must_v in_o a_o word_n be_v such_o as_o may_v most_o lively_a pure_o plain_o and_o significant_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n word_n therefore_o a_o man_n must_v endeavour_n that_o all_o his_o speech_n be_v in_o one_o language_n at_o least_o in_o such_o as_o his_o hearer_n understand_v for_o else_o if_o he_o speak_v the_o body_n of_o his_o speech_n in_o one_o and_o piece_n out_o the_o member_n in_o other_o which_o the_o people_n understand_v not_o he_o may_v indeed_o in_o his_o own_o spirit_n speak_v mystery_n but_o to_o the_o hearer_n he_o speak_v parable_n and_o to_o his_o own_o understanding_n he_o may_v preach_v well_o but_o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o edify_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o cor._n 14.2.17_o therefore_o let_v not_o eloquence_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o hearer_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o help_n and_o furtherance_n and_o with_o these_o or_o such_o like_a qualification_n eloquence_n may_v be_v use_v with_o good_a warrant_n and_o much_o profit_n and_o for_o caution_n or_o qualification_n herein_o hardly_o can_v any_o man_n setdowne_a better_a rule_n than_o every_o man_n conscience_n will_v unto_o himself_o three_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o use_v so_o much_o rhetoric_n divine_n may_v learn_v where_o the_o fountain_n of_o christian_a eloquence_n be_v namely_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v compile_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o true_a wisdom_n of_o all_o sort_n precept_n of_o rhetoric_n i_o confess_v be_v to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o other_o book_n which_o purposely_o do_v â—each_v they_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o rule_n in_o example_n can_v be_v no_o where_o better_o than_o in_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o evangelist_n and_o this_o must_v needs_o follow_v upon_o that_o that_o have_v already_o be_v grant_v for_o if_o we_o yield_v that_o rhetoric_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a and_o practise_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v there_o practise_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n for_o shall_v the_o divinity_n there_o teach_v be_v the_o sound_a the_o history_n there_o report_v the_o true_a the_o conclusion_n of_o philosophy_n astronomy_n geometry_n arithmetic_n cosmographie_n and_o physic_n there_o deliver_v the_o sure_a the_o music_n there_o practise_v the_o exact_a the_o logycke_a there_o practise_v the_o sharp_a the_o law_n there_o enact_v the_o just_a and_o shall_v not_o the_o rhetoric_n there_o practise_v be_v the_o pure_a sure_o if_o moses_n have_v write_v a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o as_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v moses_n bring_v up_o in_o egypt_n or_o paul_n write_v a_o book_n as_o he_o be_v a_o pharisie_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n they_o will_v both_o have_v be_v full_a of_o all_o excellent_a learning_n for_o paul_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n act_v 22.3_o and_o moses_n be_v exceed_o learned_a in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n act_v 7.22_o shall_v they_o then_o be_v the_o secretary_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n and_o shall_v not_o their_o book_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o most_o excellent_a learning_n in_o all_o kind_n doubtless_o who_o ever_o search_v it_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o see_v therefore_o eloquence_n be_v lawful_a and_o that_o preacher_n may_v lawful_o use_v it_o let_v they_o also_o know_v where_o to_o have_v it_o let_v they_o study_v god_n book_n and_o there_o they_o shall_v find_v not_o only_a divinity_n but_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o that_o most_o exquisite_a and_o as_o excellent_a pattern_n and_o precedent_n of_o eloquence_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o author_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v they_o if_o they_o will_v preach_v with_o spiritual_a power_n and_o eloquence_n look_v how_o moses_n the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v for_o to_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o true_a way_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o manner_n here_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o two_o comparison_n to_o describe_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o her_o posterity_n now_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o contain_v be_v that_o here_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n the_o promise_n be_v genes_n 22.17_o i_o will_v sure_o bless_v thou_o and_o great_o multiply_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o sea_n shore_n there_o be_v the_o promise_n and_o behold_v here_o the_o performance_n in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n and_o that_o most_o true_a and_o effectual_a for_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n write_v these_o word_n the_o israelite_n be_v multiply_v to_o many_o million_o yea_o to_o a_o number_n past_o number_n so_o that_o here_o we_o learn_v god_n be_v true_a in_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a or_o wonderful_a if_o he_o speak_v the_o word_n if_o the_o promise_n pass_v he_o it_o be_v sure_a heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v rather_o pass_v away_o than_o any_o one_o piece_n of_o his_o promise_n shall_v fail_v the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o first_o to_o believe_v god_n when_o he_o promise_v whatever_o it_o be_v for_o he_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v who_o never_o fail_v to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v he_o promise_v these_o million_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o have_v but_o one_o child_n nay_o when_o he_o have_v never_o a_o one_o genes_n 15.8_o and_o abraham_n believe_v such_o a_o faith_n be_v excellent_a indeed_o and_o deserve_v eternal_a commendation_n as_o here_o it_o have_v let_v we_o be_v child_n of_o this_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o the_o rather_o see_v we_o see_v the_o performance_n which_o he_o see_v not_o we_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n if_o we_o be_v not_o believe_v especial_o if_o we_o do_v use_v to_o keep_v our_o word_n let_v we_o then_o know_v thereby_o what_o dishonour_v it_o be_v to_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o believe_v he_o which_o never_o fail_v in_o the_o performance_n to_o any_o creature_n second_o we_o must_v here_o learn_v of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o our_o
their_o heart_n and_o cleanse_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n in_o life_n second_o this_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o man_n heart_n must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o go_v further_o and_o to_o get_v a_o sound_a faith_n that_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n at_o least_o in_o some_o true_a measure_n for_o save_v faith_n will_v cleanse_v a_o man_n in_o every_o part_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n &_o strengthen_v his_o soul_n in_o temptation_n quest._n here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o isaac_n be_v abraham_n only_o beget_v son_n see_v ishmael_n be_v also_o his_o son_n and_o be_v bear_v before_o isaac_n as_o be_v evident_a gen._n 16_o i_o answer_v two_o way_n first_o that_o ishmael_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v put_v out_o of_o abraham_n house_n for_o it_o be_v the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n gen._n 21.10_o and_o so_o be_v make_v no_o child_n of_o abraham_n second_o ishmael_n be_v his_o child_n indeed_o yet_o not_o by_o sarah_n but_o by_o agar_n a_o bond_n woman_n and_o so_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v base_a bear_v whereupon_o he_o be_v repute_v for_o no_o son_n but_o isaac_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v lawful_o which_o may_v be_v a_o item_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o bed_n defile_v see_v such_o offspring_n be_v so_o debase_v with_o the_o lord_n now_o follow_v the_o three_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n which_o be_v also_o a_o notable_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v commend_v and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n in_o these_o word_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n who_o this_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n of_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o speak_v receive_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n for_o when_o god_n make_v his_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v they_o but_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o all_o he_o believe_v they_o and_o apply_v the_o same_o effectual_o unto_o his_o own_o soul_n so_o much_o do_v the_o word_n receive_v import_n now_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o receive_v not_o one_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_v plural_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o god_n have_v make_v one_o main_a promise_n unto_o he_o touch_v christ_n do_v repeat_v and_o renew_v the_o same_o diverse_a time_n second_o because_o god_n have_v make_v diverse_a particular_a promise_n unto_o he_o as_o first_o that_o he_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o second_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o child_n in_o his_o old_a age_n gen._n 17.16_o three_o that_o unto_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n he_o will_v give_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o ever_o gen._n 13.15_o four_o that_o in_o isaac_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n genesis_n 21.12_o and_o because_o the_o receive_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o general_n can_v seem_v no_o great_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n work_n of_o faith_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n annex_v his_o receive_n of_o a_o particular_a promise_n in_o isaac_n in_o the_o 18._o verse_n to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v which_o may_v seem_v impossible_a to_o stand_v with_o the_o do_v of_o this_o work_n in_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o in_o abraham_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o he_o in_o this_o work_n for_o he_o go_v about_o to_o kill_v isaac_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n in_o who_o life_n he_o believe_v to_o receive_v the_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n here_o then_o observe_v a_o most_o wonderful_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n which_o above_o all_o may_v have_v hinder_v he_o from_o obey_v god_n for_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o i_o many_o gracious_a promise_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v say_v that_o in_o my_o son_n isaac_n the_o same_o must_v he_o accomplish_v and_o in_o he_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n must_v be_v bless_v now_o then_o if_o i_o shall_v kill_v and_o sacrifice_v my_o son_n how_o shall_v these_o promise_n be_v accomplish_v and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n will_v say_v i_o see_v no_o way_n but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v go_v and_o all_o hope_v lose_v but_o what_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o case_n for_o all_o this_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n still_o believe_v and_o hold_v assure_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o slay_v yet_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v here_o than_o we_o note_v this_o special_a point_n wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n do_v notable_o appear_v that_o when_o abraham_n case_n in_o respect_n of_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v seem_v desperate_a and_o void_a of_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n than_o he_o believe_v for_o when_o isaac_n be_v dead_a in_o all_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o he_o because_o they_o be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o isaac_n isaac_n be_v the_o man_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o yet_o when_o all_o hope_n be_v pass_v in_o man_n reason_n then_o good_a abraham_n set_v his_o heart_n to_o believe_v this_o practice_n of_o abraham_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v and_o follow_v all_o our_o life_n long_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o feel_v many_o thing_n in_o we_o that_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o despair_v when_o we_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o feel_v no_o comfort_n then_o let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_n abraham_n practice_n who_o believe_v god_n promise_n when_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v take_v away_o even_o so_o let_v we_o do_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n when_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v frustrate_a and_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o than_o we_o must_v cast_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v when_o we_o feel_v comfort_n in_o our_o conscience_n concern_v god_n mercy_n but_o even_o then_o when_o god_n seem_v to_o stand_v against_o we_o and_o when_o we_o feel_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o very_a gall_n of_o hell_n then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v in_o paul_n dangerous_a voyage_n towards_o rome_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n with_o the_o mariner_n and_o centurion_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n and_o neither_o sun_n nor_o star_n appear_v for_o many_o day_n so_o that_o as_o the_o text_n say_v all_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v take_v away_o act_n 27.20_o now_o what_o say_v paul_n in_o this_o extremity_n of_o danger_n now_o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o loss_n of_o any_o man_n life_n save_v of_o the_o ship_n only_o verse_n 22._o and_o so_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v bread_n even_o so_o when_o our_o case_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v this_o that_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n or_o else_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o outward_a calamity_n and_o trouble_n we_o feel_v our_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sorrow_n and_o even_o enter_v into_o destruction_n and_o can_v neither_o see_v as_o it_o be_v light_n of_o sun_n or_o star_n then_o we_o must_v set_v before_o we_o god_n promise_n and_o labour_n to_o believe_v the_o same_o so_o david_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o grievous_a temptation_n say_v thus_o of_o himself_o psal._n 77.2_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o seek_v the_o lord_n my_o sore_n run_v and_o cease_v not_o in_o the_o night_n my_o soul_n refuse_v comfort_n yet_o at_o the_o very_a same_o instant_n he_o pray_v when_o his_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o anguish_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o despair_v when_o he_o say_v will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o check_n himself_o and_o say_v this_o be_v my_o death_n and_o my_o weakness_n even_o so_o every_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o desperation_n be_v bind_v
hitherto_o entreat_v now_o here_o and_o sâ—_n forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o a_o three_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n namely_o of_o such_o as_o live_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o maccabee_n this_o 30._o verse_n contain_v the_o first_o example_n of_o this_o rank_n namely_o the_o example_n of_o josuahs_n faith_n &_o of_o those_o that_o go_v with_o he_o into_o canaan_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o notable_a fact_n of_o they_o the_o cause_v to_o fall_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o history_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a josuah_n 6._o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o whereas_o the_o israelite_n come_v unto_o canaan_n and_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o jericho_n by_o which_o they_o must_v needs_o pass_v nor_o can_v win_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o huge_a wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o deliver_v jericho_n into_o their_o hand_n only_o the_o people_n must_v do_v this_o they_o must_v compasse-about_a the_o wall_n seven_o day_n &_o carry_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o they_o sound_v with_o ram_n horn_n and_o shout_n and_o so_o the_o wall_n shall_v fall_v down_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n unto_o they_o the_o israelite_n and_o special_o josuah_n obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o thus_o do_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o after_o they_o be_v compassed-about_a seven_o doye_n indeed_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o ruin_n of_o the_o wall_n but_o yet_o because_o upon_o their_o believe_v god_n show_v this_o power_n therefore_o be_v the_o downfall_n of_o they_o ascribe_v to_o their_o faith_n here_o be_v many_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learn_v 1._o whereas_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o true_a faith_n josuah_n and_o the_o israelite_n believe_v god_n promise_n that_o he_o will_v overturn_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n and_o as_o they_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v matthew_n 17.20_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o as_o much_o faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n he_o shall_v say_v unto_o the_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v unpossible_a unto_o he_o signify_v that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o man_n reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o god_n have_v promise_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n the_o mighty_a wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o by_o faith_n which_o to_o man_n reason_n be_v impossible_a so_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n yea_o 18.18_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o this_o be_v strange_a but_o abraham_n believe_v it_o and_o as_o he_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o many_o nation_n descend_v from_o he_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v bless_v in_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o be_v he_o call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o ourselves_o to_o miserable_a man_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v overcome_v in_o we_o yet_o let_v a_o man_n believe_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o who_o so_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.16_o i_o say_v let_v he_o believe_v this_o effectual_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v by_o faith_n the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n &_o satan_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o conscience_n weaken_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n say_v not_o without_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o 2._o here_o observe_v that_o among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o change_n &_o overthrow_v of_o town_n city_n &_o kingdom_n this_o be_v one_o namely_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n many_o man_n have_v write_v of_o the_o change_n of_o kingdom_n &_o do_v give_v diverse_a reason_n thereof_o but_o most_o of_o they_o omit_v the_o principal_a and_o that_o be_v faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o many_o time_n kingdom_n and_o town_n be_v bring_v to_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_n god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n &_o to_o his_o seed_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n now_o they_o believe_v this_o promise_n &_o here_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o believe_v jericho_n by_o faith_n be_v overturn_v &_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o city_n &_o the_o people_n of_o canaan_n dispossess_v so_o that_o we_o see_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o god_n people_n to_o overturn_v city_n &_o kingdom_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n revel_v 18.2_o that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v flourish_v for_o a_o while_n but_o after_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v yea_o such_o a_o ruin_n shall_v come_v unto_o it_o that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o great_a man_n and_o merchant_n shall_v bewail_v the_o destruction_n thereof_o now_o this_o promise_n be_v receive_v by_o faith_n and_o believe_v of_o god_n church_n shall_v undoubted_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v in_o some_o part_n verify_v already_o for_o we_o see_v some_o kingdom_n and_o people_n have_v renounce_v the_o curse_a doctrine_n and_o tyranny_n of_o rome_n and_o many_o christian_a prince_n have_v already_o shake_v off_o the_o pope_n yoke_n yea_o and_o this_o promise_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o let_v all_o the_o king_n of_o that_o sort_n do_v what_o they_o can_v and_o let_v the_o people_n set_v themselves_o never_o so_o much_o against_o god_n church_n yet_o babylon_n shall_v down_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v so_o to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n believe_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o by_o their_o faith_n it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o despite_n of_o the_o devil_n three_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o any_o city_n town_n or_o kingdom_n be_v to_o make_v war_n either_o in_o defence_n of_o themselves_o or_o in_o lawful_a assault_n upon_o their_o enemy_n a_o special_a mean_n for_o good_a success_n herein_o be_v true_a faith_n christian_n policy_n be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n in_o this_o case_n but_o if_o policy_n be_v sever_v from_o faith_n it_o be_v nothing_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n of_o protection_n and_o assistance_n do_v far_o surpass_v all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n when_o he_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n give_v this_o counsel_n to_o his_o people_n 2_o chron._n 20.20_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v assure_v believe_v his_o prophet_n and_o you_o shall_v prosper_v give_v a_o most_o notable_a instruction_n and_o show_v that_o the_o best_a help_n for_o our_o defence_n be_v faith_n in_o god_n whereby_o we_o rest_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o away_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n but_o it_o give_v the_o blessing_n and_o efficacy_n unto_o they_o 6.16_o i'faith_o we_o know_v be_v call_v a_o shield_n among_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n of_o god_n whereby_o a_o man_n award_v the_o blow_n of_o satan_n and_o though_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o also_o a_o notable_a shield_n to_o defend_v man_n even_o against_o their_o outward_a &_o visible_a enemy_n &_o a_o most_o strong_a engine_n against_o they_o to_o work_v their_o overthrow_n hence_o david_n say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a for_o ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v beset_v he_o round_o about_o 3.6_o they_o therefore_o that_o will_v defend_v themselves_o against_o their_o enemy_n yea_o and_o overcome_v they_o in_o lawful_a assault_n must_v embrace_v &_o obey_v true_a religion_n &_o with_o christian_a policy_n join_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n for_o by_o faith_n we_o make_v god_n our_o captain_n &_o through_o he_o we_o shall_v do_v
though_o he_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o hand_n shake_v with_o the_o palsy_n so_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o our_o faith_n though_o disease_v with_o infirmity_n and_o bestow_v grace_n on_o a_o believe_a soul_n though_o shake_v with_o many_o temptation_n in_o a_o word_n god_n accept_v soundness_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a and_o more_o look_n at_o in_o his_o mercy_n a_o man_n little_a faith_n than_o his_o many_o fault_n he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isaiah_n 42_o 3_o when_o a_o man_n be_v break_v in_o heart_n and_o deject_a in_o soul_n in_o fight_n of_o his_o many_o sin_n and_o little_a grace_n god_n will_v not_o break_v this_o bruise_a reed_n but_o will_n comfort_n and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o when_o any_o life_n of_o grace_n appear_v in_o a_o man_n as_o flax_n that_o smoke_v but_o will_v not_o burn_v out_o god_n will_v not_o quench_v it_o but_o will_v rather_o kindle_v it_o and_o give_v life_n unto_o it_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o to_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o holy_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o our_o brethren_n though_o they_o can_v do_v so_o well_o as_o they_o will_v or_o shall_v let_v we_o not_o exact_v too_o much_o and_o too_o hasty_o upon_o they_o but_o expect_v in_o meekness_n the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n think_v well_o of_o sarahs_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v with_o laugh_v second_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n rather_o observe_v and_o regard_v good_a thing_n in_o his_o child_n than_o their_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n he_o write_v up_o sarahs_n faith_n he_o name_v not_o her_o laugh_n this_o be_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v goodness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o most_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o least_o goodness_n wherever_o he_o find_v it_o thus_o shall_v we_o deal_v one_o with_o another_o what_o good_a thing_n we_o see_v in_o any_o man_n we_o shall_v observe_v &_o commend_v it_o his_o fault_n we_o shall_v not_o see_v but_o cover_v and_o omit_v they_o but_o the_o course_n be_v contrary_a the_o common_a table_n talk_v of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o of_o man_n fault_n and_o to_o rip_v up_o their_o imperfection_n but_o if_o they_o have_v never_o so_o many_o good_a property_n we_o can_v bury_v they_o all_o or_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n this_o argue_v the_o malice_n and_o the_o naughtiness_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v evil_a do_v delight_n in_o nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o be_v corrupt_a feed_v as_o do_v the_o filthy_a horseflie_a on_o nothing_o but_o corruption_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v the_o practice_n of_o god_n and_o learn_v to_o conceal_v fault_n and_o use_v our_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o the_o good_a thing_n and_o virtue_n in_o our_o brethren_n so_o shall_v we_o resemble_v the_o lord_n who_o though_o sarah_n laugh_v not_o in_o a_o holy_a admiration_n but_o in_o unbelief_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o afterward_o she_o believe_v god_n have_v match_v she_o with_o the_o notable_a believer_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n the_o person_n and_o her_o action_n she_o believe_v now_o the_o second_o be_v what_o she_o believe_v include_v and_o necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o thing_n she_o believe_v be_v the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n particular_o his_o promise_n that_o she_o shall_v bear_v isaac_n in_o her_o old_a age_n of_o which_o promise_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o we_o may_v read_v gen._n 18.13_o etc._n etc._n here_o the_o only_a question_n be_v by_o what_o faith_n she_o believe_v this_o and_o the_o answer_n be_v by_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v prove_v thus_o abraham_n believe_v this_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o justify_v he_o rom._n 4.10.11_o but_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n believe_v it_o both_o by_o one_o faith_n therefore_o sarah_n believe_v that_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o also_o justify_v she_o where_o we_o learn_v that_o save_v faith_n apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n but_o all_o other_o inferior_a promise_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o for_o here_o we_o see_v abraham_n and_o sarah_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o temporal_a blessing_n by_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o former_o they_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o that_o the_o object_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v 1._o principal_a the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n 2._o secondary_a all_o inferior_a promise_n annex_v thereunto_o the_o main_a promise_n be_v so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n to_o the_o end_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 3.16_o now_o true_a faith_n first_o of_o all_o direct_o and_o plain_o fasten_v itself_o on_o this_o but_o after_o and_o with_o this_o on_o all_o other_o promise_n that_o concern_v soul_n or_o body_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a blessing_n health_n peace_n competency_n of_o wealth_n &_o all_o other_o under_o the_o name_n of_o daily_a bread_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o if_o we_o ask_v in_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o faith_n constrain_v but_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o on_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n accept_v we_o in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n we_o can_v but_o withal_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n else_o needful_a for_o us._n this_o we_o here_o note_v again_o because_o we_o be_v wrongful_o charge_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o hold_v that_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n alone_o but_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o for_o that_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o now_o follow_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o the_o impediment_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o have_v a_o child_n she_o believe_v it_o now_o against_o childbearing_n there_o be_v two_o impediment_n 1._o barrenness_n 2._o age._n if_o one_o be_v age_v or_o past_o the_o ordinary_a time_n it_o be_v hard_a and_o unlikely_a but_o if_o one_o be_v very_o age_a and_o far_o past_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o child_n thus_o it_o stand_v in_o reason_n beside_o though_o one_o be_v not_o past_a age_n yet_o if_o she_o be_v barren_a as_o some_o by_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v she_o shall_v conceive_v now_o both_o these_o lay_n in_o sarahs_n way_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v she_o be_v past_o age_n and_o another_o place_n namely_o gen._n 16.1.2_o say_v she_o be_v barren_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o sarahs_n age_n that_o in_o the_o old_a time_n they_o have_v child_n till_o they_o be_v of_o great_a age_n eva_n have_v her_o son_n sheth_o at_o 130._o year_n old_a gen._n 5.3_o for_o adam_n and_o eve_n must_v needs_o be_v both_o of_o one_o age_n and_o after_o that_o eve_n bear_v many_o son_n and_o daughter_n therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o sarah_n be_v not_o past_a age_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o they_o who_o begin_v to_o bear_v at_o that_o age_n live_v eight_o or_o nine_o hundred_o year_n but_o sarah_n live_v after_o the_o flood_n when_o age_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o 200._o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o 100_o year_n abraham_n live_v but_o 175._o year_n and_o sarah_n but_o 127._o she_o therefore_o who_o live_v 127._o year_n and_o die_v a_o old_a woman_n must_v needs_o be_v past_a age_n of_o childbearing_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a and_o beside_o her_o age_n she_o be_v also_o barren_a by_o her_o natural_a constitution_n as_o many_o be_v and_o have_v be_v and_o bring_v abraham_n no_o child_n yet_o unto_o this_o woman_n come_v a_o word_n from_o god_n sarah_n shall_v bear_v a_o son_n and_o behold_v this_o age_a and_o barren_a woman_n do_v not_o object_n desperate_o these_o her_o two_o hindrance_n the_o one_o whereof_o in_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a against_o child-bearing_a but_o beyond_o all_o impediment_n and_o above_o reason_n believe_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o rest_v and_o rely_v only_o and_o whole_o on_o god_n word_n for_o it_o the_o use_n of_o which_o notable_a and_o faithful_a practice_n so_o wonderful_a in_o a_o woman_n must_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v on_o god_n word_n &_o promise_n though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v for_o example_n when_o we_o see_v our_o
any_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v of_o god_n power_n and_o will_v to_o hear_v and_o help_v us._n he_o be_v our_o father_n therefore_o careful_a and_o willing_a he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o able_a to_o hear_v we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n math._n 6.9_o and_o the_o same_o commendation_n here_o give_v to_o sarah_n be_v also_o give_v to_o abraham_n rom._n 4_o 21._o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o believe_v above_o hope_n etc._n etc._n be_v full_o assure_v that_o he_o which_o have_v promise_v be_v also_o able_a to_o do_v it_o the_o use_n hereof_o unto_o we_o be_v double_a first_o to_o advise_v and_o guide_v we_o for_o our_o promise_n not_o to_o be_v too_o reckless_a as_o some_o be_v what_o we_o promise_v but_o to_o consider_v aforehand_o and_o if_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o power_n not_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n for_o christian_a man_n word_n must_v not_o be_v vain_a and_o if_o we_o have_v promise_v any_o thing_n lawful_a and_o in_o our_o power_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v it_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a man_n and_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o a_o holy_a man_n and_o god_n child_n provide_v this_o be_v so_o first_o of_o all_o towards_o god_n that_o we_o make_v conscience_n of_o perform_v the_o great_a vow_n we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o all_o other_o serious_a &_o holy_a purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n make_v to_o god_n for_o otherwise_o he_o that_o break_v his_o vow_n to_o god_n careless_o by_o live_v profane_o he_o may_v in_o worldly_a policy_n keep_v â—is_n word_n but_o he_o can_v do_v it_o in_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v foul_o faulty_a in_o this_o point_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o break_v promise_n and_o faith_n with_o we_o or_o any_o of_o our_o religion_n their_o nakedness_n herein_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o christendom_n let_v they_o that_o be_v wiâ—e_o be_v warn_v of_o it_o they_o make_v great_a ostentation_n of_o their_o vow_n and_o of_o their_o care_n to_o perform_v they_o above_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o it_o appear_v hereby_o to_o be_v vile_a hypocrisy_n for_o if_o they_o be_v conscionable_o and_o not_o politic_o and_o formal_o careful_a of_o their_o vow_n of_o chastity_n poverty_n &_o other_o make_v to_o god_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v likewise_o careful_a of_o their_o promise_n make_v to_o man_n for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o fountain_n aâ—d_v root_v of_o the_o other_o but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o one_o show_v the_o formality_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o other_o let_v all_o that_o fear_n god_n learn_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o both_o these_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o world_n may_v judge_v we_o faithful_a man_n when_o we_o have_v promise_v second_o let_v we_o here_o learn_v how_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v our_o weak_a faith_n in_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v life_n everlasting_a of_o our_o resurrection_n dan._n 12._o they_o thaâ—_n sleep_n iâ—_n the_o dust_n shall_v rise_v again_o of_o our_o glorification_n philip._n 3.21_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v they_o like_v to_o his_o own_o glorious_a body_n of_o a_o new_a world_n 2._o pet_n 3.13_o we_o look_v for_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n these_o be_v as_o s._n peter_n call_v they_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 2._o pet._n 1.4_o and_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a &_o precious_a faith_n that_o can_v constant_o believe_v these_o no_o better_a help_n of_o our_o faith_n can_v there_o be_v than_o often_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o power_n of_o he_o that_o make_v they_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o able_a what_o can_v let_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o let_v we_o therefore_o often_o say_v with_o holy_a paul_n faithful_n be_v he_o which_o have_v promise_v who_o will_v also_o do_v it_o 1._o thess._n 5_o and_o with_o sarah_n here_o we_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v now_o follow_v the_o last_o effect_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o even_o of_o one_o which_o be_v as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n in_o multitude_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o seashore_n which_o be_v innumerable_a the_o three_o and_o last_o effect_n of_o sarahs_n effect_n be_v that_o by_o this_o son_n isaac_n who_o she_o conceive_v &_o bring_v forth_o by_o faith_n she_o have_v a_o wonderful_a great_a issue_n and_o a_o posterity_n almost_o without_o number_n this_o effect_n consist_v not_o of_o itself_o but_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a her_o faith_n give_v her_o strength_n to_o conceive_v isaac_n though_o she_o be_v barren_a and_o to_o bring_v he_o forth_o though_o she_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o so_o her_o faith_n bring_v he_o out_o by_o who_o she_o be_v make_v the_o mother_n of_o many_o million_o of_o man_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o three_o effect_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o man_n that_o come_v of_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n by_o isaac_n this_o posterity_n or_o multitude_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o by_o the_o beginning_n or_o root_n of_o it_o one_o that_o be_v as_o dead_a 2._o the_o quantity_n or_o greatness_n lay_v down_o 1._o general_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n and_o innumerable_a 2._o particular_o by_o two_o comparison_n 1._o as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n 2._o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o seashore_n the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o root_n and_o beginning_n of_o this_o multitude_n in_o these_o word_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o even_o one_o that_o be_v as_o dead_a one_o that_o be_v one_o woman_n sarah_n or_o at_o the_o most_o one_o couple_n abraham_n and_o sarah_n and_o this_o one_o be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a not_o dead_a proper_o and_o full_o for_o none_o be_v so_o dead_a who_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o separate_v but_o as_o dead_a that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a or_o half_a dead_a meaning_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a for_o generation_n of_o child_n the_o strength_n of_o nature_n be_v decay_v in_o they_o abraham_n be_v 100_o and_o sarah_n 90._o year_n old_a and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o abraham_n who_o be_v past_o age_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o of_o sarah_n who_o be_v both_o past_a age_n and_o be_v also_o barren_a in_o her_o best_a age_n here_o we_o be_v to_o note_v and_o learn_v many_o thing_n first_o multitude_n come_v of_o one_o see_v here_o the_o powerful_a and_o yet_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o god_n to_o rear_v up_o goodly_a &_o huge_a building_n upon_o small_a and_o weak_a foundation_n so_o do_v he_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o ever_o since_o indeed_o he_o make_v at_o the_o first_o thousand_o of_o star_n because_o they_o must_v be_v no_o more_o then_o at_o the_o first_o they_o be_v and_o million_o of_o angel_n intend_v they_o shall_v not_o multiply_v he_o can_v also_o have_v make_v million_o of_o man_n in_o a_o moment_n he_o will_v not_o but_o only_o one_o couple_n adam_n and_o eue._n and_o of_o they_o come_v the_o infinite_a race_n of_o mankind_n when_o sin_n have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o that_o world_n he_o found_v not_o the_o second_o that_o yet_o continue_v upon_o a_o thousand_o couple_n but_o by_o three_o man_n and_o their_o wife_n he_o multiply_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n which_o since_o have_v grow_v from_o three_o to_o million_o of_o million_o and_o so_o here_o of_o one_o old_a man_n and_o a_o barren_a old_a woman_n spring_v innumerable_a multitude_n this_o god_n do_v to_o magnify_v his_o own_o power_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o he_o do_v also_o in_o matter_n heavenly_a the_o number_n of_o christian_n since_o christ_n that_o have_v grow_v to_o million_o begin_v in_o a_o poor_a number_n at_o the_o first_o for_o when_o christ_n himself_o be_v ascend_v the_o number_n of_o know_v believer_n be_v but_o 120._o act_n 1.15_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v teach_v we_o all_o these_o duty_n first_o not_o to_o measure_n god_n by_o our_o lengthe_n nor_o to_o tie_v he_o to_o our_o rule_n but_o to_o esteem_v of_o his_o power_n and_o might_n as_o we_o see_v it_o deserve_v and_o to_o entertain_v high_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o he_o &_o his_o majesty_n who_o can_v rear_v up_o so_o great_a work_n upon_o so_o poor_a foundation_n second_o not_o to_o despair_v of_o ourselves_o or_o our_o estate_n though_o we_o think_v ourselves_o never_o so_o weak_a so_o poor_a so_o sick_a
they_o all_o know_v and_o some_o confess_v it_o be_v sure_a and_o safe_a to_o die_v in_o our_o religion_n let_v we_o therefore_o cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o live_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o faith_n wherein_o we_o may_v so_o bold_o die_v that_o even_o our_o adversary_n confess_v it_o to_o be_v safe_a now_o follow_v the_o four_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o by_o promise_n we_o understand_v first_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n second_o the_o spiritual_a promise_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n these_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v that_o be_v full_o though_o in_o part_n they_o do_v for_o true_a faith_n do_v always_o receive_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o itself_o true_o though_o not_o full_o the_o thing_n promise_v god_n say_v he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o they_o do_v not_o full_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v it_o so_o likewise_o the_o messiah_n be_v promise_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o never_o see_v his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o they_o believe_v god_n promise_n and_o die_v in_o that_o faith_n where_o we_o may_v see_v the_o invincible_a force_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n even_o unto_o death_n though_o they_o never_o enjoy_v the_o thing_n promise_v in_o this_o life_n which_o plain_o condemn_v our_o age_n of_o unbelief_n for_o we_o have_v more_o accomplish_v unto_o we_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v abraham_n never_o see_v christ_n but_o afar_o off_o yet_o we_o have_v he_o exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o see_v and_o know_v he_o live_v and_o die_v rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v and_o now_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o and_o we_o have_v the_o true_a sacrament_n which_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o pledge_n of_o he_o and_o of_o life_n everlasting_a by_o he_o and_o for_o temporal_a promise_n we_o have_v far_o more_o accomplish_v unto_o we_o than_o ever_o he_o have_v but_o though_o we_o go_v before_o abraham_n in_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n promise_n yet_o we_o come_v far_o behind_o he_o in_o belief_n for_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o love_n be_v see_v in_o true_a obedience_n but_o general_o this_o be_v too_o true_a man_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o obedience_n which_o show_v undoubted_o that_o there_o be_v little_a sound_a faith_n among_o us._n and_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v that_o these_o notable_a man_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n shall_v stand_v in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o our_o further_a condemnation_n for_o they_o never_o receive_v the_o accomplish_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o yet_o they_o believe_v but_o we_o do_v see_v the_o same_o fulfil_v &_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o here_o be_v the_o property_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o promise_n be_v afar_o off_o and_o yet_o they_o see_v they_o the_o phrase_n here_o use_v be_v borrow_v from_o mariner_n who_o be_v far_o on_o the_o sea_n can_v descry_v town_n and_o coast_n afar_o off_o but_o only_o by_o help_n of_o some_o tower_n or_o high_a place_n which_o their_o eye_n will_v soon_o discern_v though_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o so_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n be_v long_o before_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n can_v not_o other_o way_n see_v christ_n but_o afar_o off_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n for_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n absent_a to_o be_v present_a after_o a_o sort_n faith_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v here_o than_o we_o may_v learn_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a we_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n more_o lively_a discern_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o a_o clear_a light_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n than_o the_o church_n have_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n howsoever_o they_o excel_v in_o faith_n yet_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o discern_v of_o christ_n they_o be_v inferior_a unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n make_v this_o promise_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n long_o before_o that_o they_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n that_o cover_v the_o sea_n and_o saint_n paul_n prove_v this_o perform_v when_o he_o affirm_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 2._o corinth_n 3.18_o but_o all_o we_o as_o in_o a_o mirror_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n and_o christ_n joh._n 6.45_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o knowledge_n shall_v so_o abound_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o all_o ignorant_a person_n of_o this_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n must_v know_v that_o they_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v make_v his_o church_n to_o abound_v in_o knowledge_n so_o that_o their_o ignorance_n for_o which_o they_o think_v god_n will_v hold_v they_o excuse_v shall_v be_v a_o bill_n of_o indictment_n against_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o their_o further_a condemnation_n because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o plentiful_o reveal_v in_o these_o day_n that_o whereas_o the_o most_o excellent_a patriarch_n of_o all_o can_v then_o but_o see_v christ_n afar_o off_o the_o most_o simple_a may_v now_o see_v he_o near_o unto_o they_o again_o where_o be_v more_o knowledge_n there_o shall_v be_v more_o obedience_n therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n &_o submit_v themselves_o to_o hear_v and_o learn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v unto_o they_o not_o content_v themselves_o with_o bare_a knowledge_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o but_o withal_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n in_o their_o life_n &_o conversation_n for_o though_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o regard_n of_o faith_n do_v go_v far_o before_o we_o yet_o see_v we_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o they_o have_v in_o the_o messiah_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o become_v like_a unto_o they_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n their_o faith_n be_v strong_a than_o we_o but_o our_o obedience_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o they_o because_o we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o believe_v than_o they_o s._n paul_n say_v we_o all_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o mirror_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o open_a face_n 3.18_o and_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o we_o may_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n we_o have_v the_o more_o sanctification_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o the_o more_o hatred_n of_o sin_n &_o more_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n but_o the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n the_o case_n go_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o world_n for_o even_o many_o among_o we_o that_o be_v no_o student_n by_o profession_n have_v great_a and_o commendable_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o where_o be_v the_o fruit_n hereof_o in_o holy_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n god_n by_o call_v have_v make_v we_o a_o pleasant_a vine_n but_o the_o sour_a grape_n of_o sin_n be_v our_o ordinary_a fruit_n they_o be_v the_o grape_n of_o gall_n as_o moses_n say_v 32.33_o for_o atheism_n blasphemy_n contempt_n of_o god_n word_n and_o worship_n with_o open_a profane_v of_o god_n sabaoth_n do_v every_o where_o abound_v to_o omit_v the_o heinous_a crime_n against_o the_o second_o table_n as_o oppression_n adultery_n and_o blood_n touch_v blood_n for_o all_o which_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v either_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o we_o and_o so_o of_o a_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n make_v we_o no_o church_n or_o else_o sweep_v we_o away_o by_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n as_o with_o the_o bosom_n of_o destruction_n because_o we_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1.18_o for_o better_a it_o be_v not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n give_v unto_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o join_v with_o our_o knowledge_n obedience_n that_o so_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o our_o faith_n in_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n unto_o god_n and_o of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o christianity_n unto_o our_o brethren_n thus_o much_o of_o
it_o may_v be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v that_o here_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o israelite_n 12._o but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n that_o when_o the_o people_n come_v to_o the_o red_a sea_n they_o be_v wonderful_o afraid_a and_o murmur_v against_o moses_n say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n then_o to_o come_v into_o the_o desert_n and_o there_o die_v now_o how_o can_v they_o murmur_v impatient_o and_o fearful_o and_o yet_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n answer_n at_o the_o first_o indeed_o they_o murmur_v when_o they_o see_v the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o have_v the_o huge_a army_n of_o pharaoh_n follow_v they_o and_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o hill_n and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n but_o howsoever_o they_o murmur_v at_o the_o first_o yet_o when_o moses_n speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a &c_n &c_n and_o when_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o rod_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o than_o they_o follow_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o hereupon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o they_o the_o title_n of_o true_a believer_n here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o true_a faith_n in_o god_n child_n be_v mingle_v with_o unbelief_n the_o israelite_n faith_n be_v true_a faith_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perfect_a &_o sound_a faith_n they_o will_v never_o have_v murmur_v nor_o have_v be_v impatient_a and_o fearful_a but_o look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v in_o grace_n in_o nature_n we_o can_v pass_v from_o one_o contrary_a to_o another_o but_o by_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o contrary_n as_o in_o light_n and_o darkness_n the_o one_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o other_o immediate_o but_o first_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n and_o close_v of_o the_o night_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o other_o contrary_n even_o in_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o soul_n unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o grace_n contrary_a to_o it_o now_o unbelief_n can_v be_v expel_v by_o faith_n before_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o and_o so_o when_o faith_n prevail_v unbelief_n decay_v neither_o can_v faith_n be_v ever_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v ever_o mingle_v more_o or_o less_o with_o unbelief_n this_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o say_v that_o after_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o that_o god_n can_v hate_v for_o they_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v so_o thorough_o sanctify_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o sin_n but_o here_o we_o see_v their_o doctrine_n be_v false_a see_v faith_n &_o unbelief_n be_v always_o mingle_v together_o second_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n grace_n look_v as_o faith_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o mix_v with_o unbelief_n so_o be_v all_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o perfect_a in_o a_o man_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o judgement_n and_o hereby_o many_o be_v deceive_v for_o when_o they_o fear_v god_n for_o his_o punishment_n they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o void_a of_o grace_n but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o fear_v god_n only_o for_o his_o mercy_n and_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n also_o for_o his_o punishment_n in_o part_n for_o god_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n be_v ever_o mingle_v with_o their_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n may_v fear_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n only_o and_o not_o for_o judgement_n also_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o none_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o best_a fear_n that_o be_v in_o any_o man_n live_v be_v a_o mix_a fear_n further_o when_o moses_n have_v speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o the_o unbelieved_n and_o fearful_a israelite_n do_v stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v so_o we_o according_o must_v labour_n and_o strive_v against_o that_o inbred_a unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o we_o for_o every_o man_n have_v innumerable_a sin_n in_o he_o that_o resist_v faith_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o check_v and_o suppress_v they_o will_v master_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v faith_n to_o continue_v and_o last_v must_v strive_v against_o natural_a unbelief_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o this_o place_n and_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n mark_n 9.24_o when_o he_o say_v to_o christ_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n know_v that_o his_o unbelief_n do_v suppress_v his_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o they_o pray_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n luk._n 17.5_o and_o david_n be_v oppress_v with_o deadness_n of_o heart_n stir_v up_o his_o faith_n say_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n wait_v on_o god_n psalm_n 42._o v._n 11._o for_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o unbelief_n and_o the_o more_o it_o trouble_v he_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v unless_o he_o strive_v against_o it_o manful_o 2._o quest._n but_o how_o many_o of_o the_o israelite_n believe_v and_o go_v over_o by_o faith_n ans._n not_o all_o for_o paul_n say_v with_o many_o of_o they_o god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v for_o they_o be_v overthrow_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 1._o cor._n 10.5_o which_o show_v that_o all_o that_o pass_v over_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n for_o some_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o go_v over_o safe_o hence_o we_o note_v this_o which_o have_v be_v often_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o ungodly_a man_n receive_v many_o temporal_a benefit_n by_o the_o society_n of_o god_n people_n which_o believe_v as_o here_o the_o unbelieve_a israelite_n have_v this_o benefit_n to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n safe_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o former_a example_n the_o brute_n beast_n be_v free_v from_o kill_v by_o the_o angel_n because_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n now_o shall_v a_o brute_n beast_n have_v benefit_n by_o be_v with_o gods_n people_n and_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n much_o more_o yes_o undoubted_o for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v that_o for_o paul_n sake_n all_o the_o mariner_n and_o soldier_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n be_v save_v from_o drown_v act._n 27.24_o this_o point_n must_v persuade_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o our_o society_n and_o company_n with_o who_o we_o live_v and_o converse_v for_o by_o they_o we_o reap_v many_o benefit_n and_o freedom_n also_o from_o many_o heavy_a judgement_n the_o three_o point_n be_v this_o when_o do_v the_o israelite_n believe_v this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v they_o believe_v when_o they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o they_o believe_v not_o only_o in_o general_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o their_o father_n but_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v with_o they_o and_o give_v they_o life_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o notable_a point_n they_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o their_o grave_n for_o so_o may_v the_o red_a sea_n be_v well_o call_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o life_n everlasting_a and_o preserve_v they_o safe_o through_o the_o sea_n and_o from_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o here_o do_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n have_v innumerable_a cause_n of_o desperation_n and_o sometime_o his_o own_o conscience_n will_v take_v part_n with_o satan_n in_o charge_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o state_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o heavy_a case_n what_o must_v be_v do_v sure_o at_o this_o time_n when_o a_o man_n be_v a_o castaway_n in_o himself_o he_o must_v even_o then_o believe_v be_v in_o hell_n as_o it_o be_v he_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v in_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n but_o in_o time_n of_o desperation_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a faith_n and_o indeed_o then_o
be_v the_o right_a time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o show_v his_o faith_n when_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o no_o cause_n of_o believe_v object_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v believe_v answ._n indeed_o to_o believe_v then_o be_v a_o wonderful_a hard_a thing_n and_o a_o miracle_n of_o miracle_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a faith_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o dram_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o despair_n howsoever_o it_o may_v for_o a_o time_n lie_v hide_v as_o dead_a yet_o at_o the_o length_n it_o will_v make_v he_o to_o hope_n and_o wait_v for_o mercy_n and_o life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_a god._n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o lay_v a_o torment_n upon_o our_o conscience_n so_o as_o we_o shall_v strive_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n think_v that_o he_o have_v cast_v we_o away_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o than_o we_o must_v believe_v gods_n promise_n and_o set_v before_o we_o his_o mercy_n and_o therewith_o refresh_v us._n and_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n many_o sundry_a time_n be_v in_o a_o most_o miserable_a case_n the_o lord_n therefore_o have_v most_o merciful_o provide_v to_o help_v he_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n when_o a_o man_n be_v pass_v all_o hope_n of_o life_n he_o must_v then_o believe_v and_o hope_v for_o life_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o preservation_n and_o undoubted_o this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a sign_n of_o grace_n if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n can_v show_v forth_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n four_o note_v the_o effect_n and_o issue_n of_o this_o faith_n they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n we_o say_v usual_o that_o water_n &_o fire_n be_v unmerciful_a creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n fear_v they_o both_o but_o the_o israelite_n faith_n make_v they_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o water_n but_o it_o make_v they_o bold_a even_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o sea_n the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v for_o fire_n in_o the_o 3._o child_n dan._n 3.16.23_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o be_v as_o bold_a in_o it_o as_o out_o of_o it_o ravenous_a &_o wild_a beast_n be_v terrible_a unto_o man_n but_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n not_o to_o fear_v they_o and_o therefore_o daniel_n fear_v not_o the_o lion_n though_o he_o be_v throw_v into_o their_o den_n to_o be_v devour_v dan._n 6.22_o great_a be_v the_o fruit_n and_o force_n of_o faith_n it_o take_v from_o a_o man_n the_o fear_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o by_o nature_n be_v most_o terrible_a and_o here_o we_o see_v a_o cause_n why_o the_o holy_a martyr_n of_o god_n die_v most_o cheerful_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o one_o shall_v go_v into_o the_o fire_n rejoice_v as_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o take_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o most_o fearful_a creature_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o may_z some_z say_v that_o the_o israelite_n by_o faith_n go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n not_o fear_v the_o water_n why_o may_v not_o we_o that_o believe_v now_o do_v the_o same_o for_o we_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n that_o they_o have_v answ._n we_o have_v indeed_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v pass_v through_o water_n as_o they_o do_v for_o their_o faith_n rest_v on_o two_o promise_n first_o on_o this_o make_v to_o abraham_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n second_o on_o a_o particular_a promise_n make_v to_o moses_n for_o when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n withal_o he_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v they_o and_o this_o they_o believe_v and_o so_o go_v through_o now_o howsoever_o we_o have_v justify_v faith_n have_v the_o same_o general_a promise_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a particular_a promise_n that_o if_o we_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n god_n will_v be_v with_o we_o and_o save_v us._n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v adventure_v to_o do_v so_o let_v he_o look_v for_o nothing_o but_o death_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o action_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o peter_n sink_v when_o he_o will_v needs_o walk_v unto_o christ_n upon_o the_o sea_n have_v no_o such_o hold_n upon_o god_n special_a promise_n as_o here_o they_o have_v and_o the_o egyptian_n follow_v presumptuous_o be_v drown_v wherefore_o let_v we_o here_o be_v warn_v not_o to_o attempt_v to_o do_v extraordinary_a work_n without_o god_n special_a warrant_n for_o a_o particular_a faith_n require_v a_o particular_a promise_n beside_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n further_o let_v we_o here_o observe_v a_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o power_n when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v into_o extremity_n of_o danger_n so_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o desperate_a case_n for_o their_o temporal_a life_n yet_o than_o the_o lord_n find_v a_o way_n of_o deliverance_n and_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n consider_v aright_o of_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o israelite_n be_v in_o a_o pitiful_a case_n for_o they_o have_v the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n and_o themselves_o hinder_v from_o flight_n by_o their_o bag_n and_o baggage_n and_o with_o their_o child_n and_o the_o huge_a host_n of_o pharaoh_n behind_o they_o so_o as_o to_o man_n reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o present_a death_n to_o be_v look_v for_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n to_o save_v they_o make_v a_o way_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n and_o open_v they_o a_o gap_n to_o life_n when_o natural_a reason_n can_v lay_v before_o they_o nothing_o but_o violent_a death_n which_o show_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o people_n and_o servant_n and_o the_o like_a thing_n we_o may_v read_v of_o in_o david_n when_o he_o abide_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o maon_n for_o there_o saul_n follow_v he_o and_o he_o and_o his_o man_n compass_v david_n and_o his_o man_n round_o about_o 1._o sam._n 23.26_o 27._o now_o what_o hope_v of_o deliverance_n be_v there_o for_o david_n ans._n sure_o this_o only_a david_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n &_o the_o lord_n preserve_v he_o that_o he_o may_v rule_v his_o people_n after_o saul_n death_n and_o therefore_o he_o escape_v though_o wonderful_o for_o a_o messenger_n come_v to_o saul_n and_o bid_v he_o haste_n for_o the_o philistines_n invade_v the_o land_n and_o so_o saul_n return_v from_o pursue_v david_n and_o go_v against_o the_o philistines_n hence_o we_o learn_v this_o general_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n god_n have_v mean_n to_o preserve_v and_o save_v his_o own_o child_n and_o people_n which_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o commend_v our_o case_n to_o god_n and_o to_o rest_v on_o he_o in_o all_o danger_n for_o when_o our_o case_n be_v desperate_a in_o our_o sight_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a for_o god_n help_v let_v we_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n learn_v to_o practise_v our_o faith_n and_o then_o especial_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o god._n this_o jehosaphat_n do_v most_o notable_o for_o be_v assault_v with_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n ammonite_n etc._n etc._n he_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n most_o fervent_o say_v 2._o chron._n 20.12_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o strength_n in_o we_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v but_o our_o eye_n be_v towards_o thou_o and_o thus_o do_v be_v preserve_v for_o god_n will_v in_o no_o extremity_n forsake_v they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o the_o red_a sea_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v call_v the_o sea_n of_o rush_n psal._n 106.7_o 9_o or_o the_o sea_n of_o sedge_n jer._n 49.21_o it_o be_v a_o corner_n of_o the_o arabian_a sea_n that_o part_v egypt_n and_o arabia_n those_o which_o have_v see_v it_o in_o travel_n say_v it_o have_v no_o other_o colour_n than_o all_o other_o sea_n have_v why_o then_o be_v it_o call_v the_o red_a sea_n answ._n to_o omit_v many_o suppose_a cause_n hereof_o there_o be_v two_o especial_o for_o which_o it_o be_v so_o call_v 1_o because_o of_o the_o red_a sand_n for_o both_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o shore_n be_v full_a of_o red_a sand_n than_o ordinary_o be_v elsewhere_o 2_o some_o think_v it_o be_v call_v the_o red_a sea_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o sedge_n and_o bul-rush_n which_o grow_v much_o at_o the_o sea_n side_n and_o be_v of_o a_o red_a colour_n which_o by_o reflection_n may_v
be_v so_o than_o he_o call_v all_o man_n effectual_o answer_n we_o must_v understand_v the_o apostle_n according_a to_o his_o meaning_n for_o roman_n 11.15_o he_o expound_v himself_o &_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o world_n say_v that_o the_o fall_v away_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o man_n in_o all_o the_o age_n but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n after_o christ_n ascension_n wherein_o god_n offer_v to_o all_o the_o world_n life_n everlasting_a by_o christ._n further_o rahab_n be_v here_o note_v by_o a_o notorious_a vice_n she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n whereby_o she_o be_v infamous_a among_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n certain_a of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n say_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o s._n james_n do_v great_a wrong_n unto_o rahab_n for_o call_v she_o a_o harlot_n for_o say_v they_o in_o josuah_n she_o be_v call_v but_o a_o taverner_n or_o hostess_n answer_n we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o word_n which_o be_v use_v in_o josuah_n signify_v two_o thing_n a_o taverner_n and_o a_o harlot_n now_o take_v the_o word_n proper_o as_o it_o be_v general_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o then_o most_o common_o it_o be_v put_v for_o a_o harlot_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n rahab_n have_v no_o wrong_n do_v she_o by_o this_o title_n for_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o josuah_n intend_v to_o show_v what_o a_o one_o she_o have_v be_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v of_o she_o to_o the_o spy_n he_o bid_v they_o go_v into_o that_o harlot_n house_n josuah_n 6.22_o use_v such_o a_o article_n as_o imply_v that_o she_o have_v be_v infamous_a and_o notorious_a in_o that_o kind_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o she_o play_v the_o harlot_n after_o she_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o believe_v but_o long_o before_o for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n neither_o will_v it_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o reign_v therein_o she_o be_v call_v a_o harlot_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o life_n past_a for_o which_o she_o be_v infamous_a among_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n before_o her_o call_n to_o the_o faith_n quest._n how_o can_v she_o believe_v be_v a_o harlot_n in_o former_a time_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o neither_o fornicator_n nor_o adulterer_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 1._o cor._n 6.9_o answer_n that_o be_v true_a according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o the_o gospel_n give_v this_o exception_n unless_o they_o repent_v and_o so_o be_v all_o legal_a threaten_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n and_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o her_o sin_n we_o may_v note_v the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n for_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v most_o notorious_a and_o grievous_a sinner_n to_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n as_o isaiah_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o forgive_v isaiah_n 55.7_o yea_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v plentiful_a redemption_n psal._n 130.7_o this_o appear_v by_o vouchsafe_v mercy_n to_o rahab_n a_o notable_a harlot_n and_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o rahab_n here_o so_o have_v he_o show_v like_o mercy_n to_o other_o notorious_a sinner_n king_n manasses_n have_v sell_v himself_o to_o idolatry_n and_o witchcraft_n and_o have_v shed_v innocent_a blood_n exceed_v much_o and_o cause_v judah_n to_o sin_n 2._o king_n 21_o 6_o 16_o for_o which_o he_o be_v lead_v captive_a yet_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o pray_v god_n be_v entreat_v of_o he_o 2._o chron._n 33.13_o and_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o a_o oppresser_n he_o be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n though_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o sinner_n that_o christ_n might_n first_o show_v on_o he_o all_o long_a suffering_n unto_o the_o example_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v in_o time_n to_o come_v believe_v in_o he_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n 1._o tim._n 1_o 13_o 16._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o exceed_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n be_v of_o great_a use_n first_o it_o arm_v a_o poor_a soul_n against_o despair_n whereinto_o the_o devil_n will_v draw_v it_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o many_o reason_n thus_o my_o sin_n be_v so_o heinous_a so_o many_o and_o so_o vile_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o god_n neither_o can_v i_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o but_o behold_v here_o the_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o forgive_a sin_n to_o they_o that_o repent_v though_o they_o be_v like_o crimson_a and_o scarlet_a and_o never_o so_o many_o this_o must_v comfort_v the_o wound_a soul_n and_o encourage_v all_o touch_v heart_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o sue_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n second_o it_o must_v move_v every_o one_o of_o we_o now_o to_o begin_v to_o repent_v if_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v heretofore_o and_o if_o we_o have_v begin_v to_o do_v it_o more_o earnest_o for_o god_n be_v most_o merciful_a and_o with_o he_o be_v plentiful_a redemption_n yet_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o we_o take_v not_o occasion_n hereby_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v merciful_a for_o this_o be_v to_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n which_o saint_n jude_n make_v a_o brand_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 4._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o reprobate_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v be_v appoint_v to_o condemnation_n yea_o this_o be_v a_o despise_n of_o the_o bountifulness_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o hereby_o they_o heap_v up_o unto_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n roman_n chapter_n 2_o verses_z 4_o 5._o let_v we_o therefore_o remember_v this_o counsel_n of_o paul_n shall_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v we_o must_v all_o but_o especial_o young_a man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o course_n for_o if_o we_o bless_v ourselves_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o but_o his_o wrath_n shall_v smoke_v against_o us._n 20._o further_o note_v that_o howsoever_o she_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o a_o most_o infamous_a harlot_n yet_o when_o she_o repent_v god_n do_v honour_n and_o grace_v she_o with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o that_o among_o those_o most_o renown_a believer_n that_o ever_o live_v before_o christ_n even_o to_o be_v one_o of_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n 1._o in_o who_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v 1.5_o that_o saint_n matthew_n reckon_v she_o in_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o predecessor_n when_o as_o amasia_n achas_n and_o such_o like_a who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v do_v never_o repent_v be_v not_o once_o name_v herein_o we_o may_v see_v god_n wonderful_a mercy_n in_o honour_v sinner_n if_o they_o do_v repent_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n and_o to_o have_v it_o in_o our_o mouth_n but_o to_o labour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o power_n thereof_o in_o our_o life_n all_o of_o we_o desire_v honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o mâ—n_z well_o if_o we_o will_v be_v honour_v indeed_o we_o must_v repent_v and_o then_o god_n himself_o will_v honour_v we_o neither_o have_v our_o sin_n make_v we_o so_o infamous_a as_o by_o our_o repentance_n god_n shall_v make_v we_o honourable_a further_o concern_v the_o party_n how_o can_v rahab_n come_v by_o faith_n see_v she_o live_v out_o of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o word_n be_v never_o preach_v unto_o she_o answer_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o she_o come_v to_o believe_v by_o a_o report_n of_o god_n marvellous_a act_n 2.20_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n deliver_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o drown_v pharaoh_n therein_o with_o all_o his_o â—oast_n as_o they_o go_v further_o he_o deliver_v the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n into_o their_o hand_n as_o og_n the_o king_n of_o baashan_n with_o the_o king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o amalekite_n now_o the_o report_n hereof_o come_v to_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n whereupon_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o wonderful_a great_a fear_n and_o howsoever_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o it_o but_o to_o arm_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o resist_v and_o beat_v back_o the_o israelite_n yet_o this_o report_n wrought_v further_o with_o rahab_n and_o
peter_n exhort_v the_o christian_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o which_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n may_v by_o their_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v see_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n 1._o pet._n 2.12_o and_o he_o bid_v godly_a wife_n so_o walk_v that_o their_o husband_n may_v be_v win_v without_o the_o word_n by_o behold_v their_o pure_a conversation_n which_o be_v with_o fear_n 1._o pet._n 3.1.2_o and_o paul_n bid_v the_o philippian_n to_o walk_v blameless_a in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o crooked_a nation_n as_o light_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o world_n phil._n 2.15_o that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o good_a conversation_n may_v be_v win_v to_o the_o truth_n god_n send_v a_o flood_n upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o greevousnesse_n of_o man_n sin_n now_o why_o do_v he_o not_o still_o send_v more_o flood_n be_v not_o man_n now_o as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v then_o yes_o undoubted_o man_n for_o his_o part_n deserve_v it_o now_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v then_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n so_o that_o every_o day_n we_o deserve_v a_o new_a flood_n but_o yet_o the_o lord_n stay_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n that_o his_o elect_a may_v be_v gather_v and_o convert_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o that_o be_v do_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o god_n will_v not_o stay_v one_o moment_n for_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o so_o that_o every_o nation_n and_o people_n in_o the_o world_n have_v benefit_n by_o god_n child_n because_o for_o their_o sake_n do_v the_o lord_n stay_v his_o wrath_n and_o defer_v his_o judgement_n even_o the_o great_a judgement_n of_o fire_n wherewith_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v consume_v at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o thing_n the_o world_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o well_o to_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n of_o their_o sin_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v unworthy_a the_o presence_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n as_o also_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o better_a behaviour_n and_o carriage_n towards_o the_o godly_a by_o who_o they_o be_v so_o many_o way_n bless_v the_o holy_a ghost_n add_v that_o they_o wander_v in_o wilderness_n and_o mountain_n and_o donne_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n these_o be_v desolate_a place_n and_o not_o inhabit_v and_o yet_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n god_n will_v have_v these_o believer_n here_o to_o wander_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o betake_v themselves_o voluntary_o to_o this_o solitary_a life_n but_o only_o upon_o necessity_n be_v constrain_v by_o persecution_n to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n this_o serve_v to_o descry_v unto_o we_o the_o blind_a error_n of_o many_o age_n afore_o we_o wherein_o it_o have_v be_v think_v and_o be_v by_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n to_o live_v a_o monk_n or_o hermit_n out_o of_o all_o society_n in_o some_o desert_n place_n and_o there_o to_o spend_v the_o whole_a life_n in_o contemplation_n only_o &_o that_o voluntary_o and_o they_o magnify_v this_o estate_n so_o much_o that_o hereby_o they_o think_v to_o merit_v eternal_a life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o these_o believer_n do_v neither_o voluntary_o nor_o with_o opinion_n of_o merit_n betake_v themselves_o to_o this_o solitary_a life_n but_o on_o necessity_n and_o indeed_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n for_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o that_o particular_a state_n where_o he_o dwell_v and_o by_o reason_n hereof_o have_v a_o twofold_a call_n a_o temporal_a and_o a_o spiritual_a call_n in_o both_o of_o which_o he_o must_v walk_v diligent_o so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v do_v the_o duty_n both_o of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o member_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n where_o he_o live_v now_o when_o a_o man_n go_v voluntary_o to_o lead_v a_o solitary_a life_n he_o forsake_v his_o temporal_a call_n altogether_o and_o perform_v the_o other_o but_o negligent_o for_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o many_o duty_n of_o piety_n whereby_o the_o people_n may_v be_v further_v to_o god-ward_o which_o none_o can_v do_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n further_o observe_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o wander_v to_o wit_n in_o wilderness_n cave_n and_o den_n place_n where_o wild_a beast_n have_v abode_n and_o recourse_n and_o yet_o here_o they_o live_v when_o as_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v among_o they_o where_o note_n that_o many_o time_n more_o mercy_n may_v be_v find_v among_o wild_a and_o savage_a beast_n than_o with_o some_o man_n so_o merciless_a be_v the_o wicked_a when_o god_n forsake_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o the_o lion_n entreat_v daniel_n better_a than_o darius_n courtier_n and_o servant_n do_v daniel_n chapter_n 6._o and_o lazarus_n find_v more_o kindness_n with_o the_o dog_n at_o dives_fw-la gate_n then_o with_o he_o and_o all_o his_o family_n beside_o luke_n chapter_n 16._o verse_n 21._o the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o nip_n sin_n in_o the_o head_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o grow_v for_o if_o it_o get_v a_o head_n and_o reign_v in_o we_o it_o will_v make_v we_o worse_o than_o brute_n or_o savage_a beast_n and_o cruel_a as_o the_o devil_n himself_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o world_n usage_n of_o these_o believer_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o state_n of_o true_a believer_n under_o many_o and_o grievous_a misery_n which_o we_o must_v well_o observe_v to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n which_o god_n may_v send_v upon_o us._n we_o must_v not_o judge_v it_o a_o curse_a estate_n to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n for_o here_o we_o see_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v commend_v for_o suffer_v nine_o several_a kind_n of_o misery_n if_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o ensample_n unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o if_o calamity_n come_v and_o such_o misery_n befall_v we_o as_o do_v drive_v ur_fw-la towards_o distrust_n as_o though_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n do_v not_o forsake_v these_o his_o child_n in_o their_o calamity_n and_o therefore_o also_o will_v not_o forsake_v us._n and_o thus_o much_o for_o this_o last_o example_n verse_n 39_o and_o these_o all_o through_o faith_n obtain_v good_a report_n and_o recei-not_a the_o promise_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v down_o at_o large_a a_o worthy_a and_o notable_a catalogue_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n in_o sundry_a believer_n that_o live_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n do_v now_o for_o a_o further_a commendation_n of_o their_o faith_n rehearse_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o before_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o 2._o and_o 13._o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o say_v that_o by_o faith_n they_o all_o receive_v good_a report_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o look_v for_o salvation_n in_o he_o alone_o whereupon_o they_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n himself_o who_o give_v testimony_n hereof_o partly_o by_o his_o word_n and_o partly_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o partly_o by_o his_o church_n by_o all_o which_o they_o be_v commend_v and_o assure_v to_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o good_a report_n they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n in_o their_o day_n they_o receive_v christ_n true_o by_o faith_n and_o so_o see_v his_o day_n but_o his_o actual_a incarnation_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o live_v not_o to_o see_v whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o faith_n they_o obtain_v testimony_n here_o first_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o man_n that_o make_v he_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o faith_n only_o god_n regard_v no_o man_n person_n he_o accept_v not_o of_o a_o man_n because_o he_o be_v a_o king_n or_o because_o he_o be_v wise_a or_o rich_a or_o strong_a etc._n etc._n but_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v than_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v testimony_n of_o he_o that_o he_o like_v well_o of_o he_o in_o regard_v
whereof_o we_o must_v all_o labour_n diligent_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o get_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v approbation_n at_o god_n hand_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o second_o here_o also_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n to_o get_v testimony_n approbation_n and_o credit_n with_o man_n a_o thing_n whereof_o many_o be_v exceed_v glad_a and_o which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o contemn_v now_o the_o way_n be_v this_o he_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o get_v approbation_n at_o gods_n hand_n which_o indeed_o he_o can_v do_v any_o other_o way_n save_v only_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o now_o the_o lord_n god_n approve_v of_o he_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n incline_v they_o whither_o he_o will_v and_o if_o it_o do_v stand_v with_o his_o glory_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o like_v and_o to_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o that_o do_v believe_v many_o indeed_o get_v great_a applause_n in_o the_o world_n which_o little_a regard_n true_a faith_n but_o in_o the_o end_n this_o their_o glory_n and_o applause_n will_v be_v their_o shame_n for_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o will_v i_o honour_v say_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v despise_v 1._o sam._n 2.30_o last_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o all_o these_o worthy_a man_n obtain_v testimony_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n we_o be_v hereby_o teach_v that_o we_o which_o now_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v than_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n they_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o believe_v wherefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n but_o some_o will_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o faith_n we_o do_v all_o believe_v answ._n indeed_o we_o say_v so_o much_o with_o our_o mouth_n but_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o find_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o grosâ—e_n and_o palpable_a ignorance_n abound_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v good_a believer_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o how_o shall_v faith_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o as_o man_n be_v ignorant_a so_o they_o have_v no_o care_n to_o learn_v nor_o to_o get_v knowledge_n that_o so_o they_o may_v come_v by_o true_a faith_n their_o heart_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n of_o profit_n and_o delight_n that_o they_o can_v spare_v no_o time_n to_o seek_v for_o this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n again_o many_o have_v knowledge_n with_o who_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n through_o love_n now_o to_o leave_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n where_o almost_o be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v answerable_a to_o his_o knowledge_n may_v we_o not_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o as_o the_o word_n come_v in_o at_o the_o one_o ear_n it_o go_v out_o at_o the_o other_o and_o among_o those_o which_o learn_v and_o bear_v away_o something_o there_o be_v little_a care_n to_o practise_v it_o in_o life_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v now_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v ignorant_a or_o else_o have_v knowledge_n do_v not_o join_v practice_n therewith_o in_o obedience_n from_o a_o good_a conscience_n undoubted_o we_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o us._n we_o may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n we_o believe_v but_o certain_o this_o will_v prove_v a_o very_a dead_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o end_n and_o finish_v of_o all_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bare_a lip-faith_n and_o mere_a presumption_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o must_v know_v that_o unless_o we_o get_v true_a faith_n as_o these_o believer_n have_v which_o we_o must_v show_v by_o good_a fruit_n as_o they_o do_v even_o they_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o condemn_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o they_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n so_o lay_v before_o they_o as_o we_o have_v wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o want_v knowledge_n labour_n for_o it_o and_o they_o which_o have_v it_o let_v they_o join_v obedience_n with_o their_o knowledge_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o life_n for_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o will_v break_v out_o in_o good_a work_n verse_n 40._o god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a because_o some_o man_n may_v much_o marvel_v that_o such_o man_n as_o receive_a testimony_n of_o god_n for_o their_o faith_n shall_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o promise_n therefore_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n appoint_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o perfect_a consummation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n consist_v of_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n for_o though_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v in_o time_n long_o before_o we_o yet_o god_n provide_v christ_n incarnation_n so_o fit_o for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v perfect_a consummation_n in_o glory_n the_o exposition_n god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o us._n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n translate_v provide_v signify_v proper_o foreseeing_a wherein_o be_v likewise_o include_v god_n decree_n and_o ordination_n now_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a god_n alone_o to_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o that_o many_o thousand_o year_n before_o no_o creature_n of_o himself_o can_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o property_n to_o foresee_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n not_o proper_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o capacity_n for_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n proper_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o foresee_v any_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v present_a to_o he_o whether_o past_a or_o to_o come_v this_o prescience_n or_o foreknowledge_n in_o god_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o false_a god_n yea_o between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o creature_n for_o the_o true_a god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v so_o can_v no_o creature_n do_v indeed_o some_o creature_n foresee_v and_o foretell_v some_o thing_n yet_o herein_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o divine_a property_n for_o god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n by_o himself_o without_o sign_n or_o cause_n or_o outward_a mean_n but_o creature_n only_o foresee_v some_o thing_n not_o of_o themselves_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o sign_n and_o outward_a cause_n or_o by_o revelation_n from_o god_n otherwise_o can_v no_o creature_n foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v now_o as_o we_o say_v before_o this_o foresight_n in_o god_n include_v his_o decree_n and_o ordination_n for_o therefore_o do_v these_o thing_n so_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o god_n ordain_v they_o whereby_o we_o see_v that_o god_n prescience_n of_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o idle_a but_o operative_a and_o join_v with_o his_o will_n for_o math._n 10.29_o 30_o a_o hair_n can_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n nor_o a_o sparrow_n light_n upon_o the_o ground_n without_o his_o will_n as_o all_o thing_n in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o god_n before_o all_o world_n will_v that_o be_v decree_v and_o appoint_v they_o and_o under_o this_o large_a extent_n of_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n we_o must_v include_v the_o sinful_a action_n of_o man_n for_o god_n do_v not_o bare_o foresee_v they_o but_o decree_v the_o be_v of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v they_o after_o a_o sort_n though_o not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o yet_o by_o other_o when_o judas_n betray_v christ_n and_o pilate_n with_o the_o wicked_a jew_n condemn_v and_o revile_v he_o they_o sin_v grievous_o &_o yet_o herein_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o god_n hand_n and_o counsel_n have_v determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v this_o point_n well_o consider_v confute_v their_o opinion_n who_o indeed_o enlarge_v god_n prescience_n or_o before_o knowledge_n over_o all_o thing_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o yet_o exclude_v sin_n from_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o decree_n and_o ordination_n but_o here_o we_o see_v god_n foresight_n include_v his_o decree_n and_o nothing_o
corporal_a presence_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o have_v true_a faith_n for_o that_o make_v he_o present_a much_o more_o comfortable_o than_o it_o may_v be_v his_o bodily_a presence_n will_v be_v unto_o us._n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v i_o answer_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o receiver_n know_v best_a and_o yet_o reason_n can_v say_v something_o in_o this_o case_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n look_v earnest_o upon_o a_o star_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o mile_n betwixt_o his_o eye_n &_o the_o star_n yet_o the_o star_n and_o his_o eye_n be_v so_o unite_v together_o as_o that_o the_o star_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n present_a to_o his_o eye_n so_o if_o we_o regard_v local_a distance_n we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o christ_n as_o earth_n be_v from_o heaven_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o reach_v itself_o to_o christ_n where_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n christ_n be_v present_a and_o why_o shall_v not_o this_o be_v so_o for_o if_o the_o bodily_a eye_n so_o feeble_a and_o weak_a can_v reach_v so_o far_o as_o to_o a_o star_n and_o join_v it_o to_o itself_o and_o so_o make_v it_o present_a why_o shall_v not_o much_o more_o the_o pierce_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n reach_v up_o to_o christ_n &_o make_v he_o present_v to_o the_o comfortable_a feel_n of_o itself_o three_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o a_o strange_a temptation_n whereby_o god_n use_v to_o exercise_v his_o child_n the_o lord_n after_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o child_n into_o his_o favour_n continue_v not_o always_o to_o manifest_v that_o favour_n unto_o they_o but_o often_o time_n pull_v back_o the_o feel_n of_o it_o for_o a_o time_n that_o afterward_o he_o may_v show_v it_o again_o in_o more_o comfortable_a manner_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v afterward_o more_o sensible_o feel_v it_o and_o more_o earnest_o love_v it_o and_o more_o careful_o labour_n to_o keep_v it_o when_o they_o have_v it_o now_o for_o the_o time_n of_o this_o eclipse_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n he_o not_o only_o darken_v his_o love_n but_o make_v they_o feel_v also_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o wrath_n as_o that_o they_o will_v often_o think_v themselves_o castawaye_n from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n david_n and_o joâ—_a be_v often_o exercise_v with_o this_o temptation_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o most_o lamentable_a &_o bitter_a complaint_n yea_o david_n doubt_v not_o psal._n 77.9_o to_o challenge_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o have_v shut_v up_o his_o love_a kindness_n in_o displeasure_n and_o job_n chap._n 13.26_o complain_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o possess_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n word_n as_o it_o may_v seem_v of_o man_n forsake_v of_o god_n and_o indeed_o so_o for_o that_o time_n they_o think_v of_o themselves_o if_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o so_o as_o we_o feel_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o wrath_n wrestle_v with_o our_o conscience_n neither_o can_v think_v otherwise_o by_o present_a feel_n but_o that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v in_o this_o pitiful_a case_n shall_v we_o despair_v as_o reason_n will_v bid_v we_o no_o but_o take_v this_o course_n call_v to_o mind_n god_n merciful_a promise_n and_o his_o ancient_a former_a love_n and_o cast_v thyself_o upon_o that_o love_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o feel_v it_o when_o thou_o have_v most_o cause_n to_o despair_n then_o labour_v against_o it_o when_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v then_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o power_n for_o remember_v the_o power_n &_o prerogative_n of_o thy_o faith_n it_o believe_v not_o thing_n that_o be_v &_o manifest_o appear_v so_o much_o as_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o &_o have_v no_o be_v so_o then_o when_o god_n favour_n seem_v to_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o have_v no_o be_v to_o thou_o then_o be_v god_n favour_n a_o fit_a object_n for_o thy_o faith_n which_o believe_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o let_v all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n set_v themselves_o against_o thy_o poor_a soul_n and_o if_o thou_o hold_v fast_o this_o faith_n they_o can_v all_o make_v thou_o sink_v under_o it_o for_o when_o the_o devil_n say_v thou_o have_v lose_v god_n favour_n by_o faith_n a_o man_n answer_v though_o god_n favour_n be_v lose_v unto_o my_o feel_n yet_o to_o my_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o my_o faith_n give_v it_o a_o be_v &_o so_o long_o say_v what_o thou_o will_v i_o will_v never_o fear_v that_o it_o be_v lose_v when_o god_n pull_v back_o his_o favour_n and_o fight_v against_o thou_o with_o his_o wrath_n do_v as_o jacob_n do_v gen._n 32.27.29_o wrestle_v with_o god_n though_o thou_o have_v but_o one_o leg_n that_o be_v though_o thou_o have_v but_o one_o little_a spark_n of_o faith_n fight_v with_o that_o little_a faith_n lay_v hold_v by_o it_o on_o god_n and_o let_v he_o not_o go_v until_o he_o have_v bless_v thou_o in_o turn_v again_o unto_o thou_o his_o favourable_a countenance_n and_o say_v with_o job_n 13._o even_o in_o the_o very_a heat_n of_o thy_o temptation_n o_o lord_n though_o thou_o kill_v this_o body_n and_o flesh_n of_o i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o thou_o for_o everlasting_a life_n yea_o &_o though_o god_n anger_n shall_v seem_v to_o increase_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o take_v fast_o hold_v and_o faint_v not_o for_o faith_n will_v never_o fail_v thou_o it_o will_v restore_v god_n love_n when_o it_o seem_v lose_v it_o will_v set_v it_o before_o thy_o eye_n when_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v hide_v for_o mark_v well_o but_o this_o one_o reason_n if_o faith_n will_v give_v life_n everlasting_a a_o be_v and_o make_v it_o present_a to_o thy_o soul_n which_o indeed_o yet_o never_o have_v be_v to_o thou_o how_o much_o more_o can_v it_o give_v a_o be_v to_o god_n favour_n and_o make_v it_o present_a to_o thy_o soul_n which_o once_o have_v &_o indeed_o have_v still_o a_o be_v and_o be_v never_o lose_v indeed_o but_o only_o to_o a_o man_n feeling_n thus_o true_a faith_n be_v able_a to_o answer_v this_o temptaation_n whether_o it_o come_v in_o life_n or_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n four_o whereas_o faith_n be_v call_v a_o evidence_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n stand_v not_o in_o doubt_v but_o in_o certainty_n &_o assurance_n the_o romish_a doubt_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o true_a faith_n as_o darkness_n to_o light_v for_o faith_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o that_o be_v it_o convince_v the_o judgement_n by_o unfallible_a argument_n know_v as_o certain_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n &_o of_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o as_o that_o god_n be_v god_n but_o rome_n will_v needs_o join_v faith_n &_o doubt_v which_o in_o deed_n fight_v like_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o can_v never_o agree_v together_o in_o every_o respect_n but_o one_o will_v in_o the_o end_n destroy_v the_o other_o objection_n but_o it_o seem_v doubt_v be_v a_o part_n or_o at_o least_o a_o companion_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o doubt_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v &_o who_o be_v so_o faithful_a that_o doubt_v not_o answer_n we_o do_v so_o but_o what_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o for_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v &_o not_o to_o doubt_v therefore_o to_o believe_v because_o it_o be_v command_v of_o god_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n then_o to_o doubt_n be_v a_o vice_n faith_n &_o doubt_v be_v both_o in_o a_o good_a man_n but_o faith_n be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n doubt_v be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o old_a man_n five_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o substance_n to_o the_o believer_n if_o it_o give_v those_o thing_n a_o be_v which_o aâ—e_v out_o of_o he_o much_o more_o do_v it_o give_v a_o permanent_a be_v unto_o the_o believer_n himself_o strengthen_v he_o to_o stand_v &_o continue_v in_o all_o assault_n so_o heb._n 3.14_o faith_n be_v that_o whereby_o a_o believer_n be_v sustain_v &_o uphold_v so_o that_o indeed_o we_o may_v fit_o say_v faith_n be_v the_o spiritual_a substance_n and_o the_o spiritual_a strength_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o faith_n such_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o spiritual_a strength_n this_o consideration_n have_v diverse_a comfortable_a use_n but_o especial_o two_o 1._o when_o any_o of_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o temptation_n so_o long_o be_v we_o confident_a of_o our_o
devour_v the_o less_o dog_n will_v eat_v diverse_a kind_n of_o creature_n if_o they_o can_v come_v by_o they_o these_o thing_n be_v manifest_a and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v common_a sport_n in_o the_o world_n now_o whence_o come_v this_o fearful_a disorder_n in_o nature_n that_o one_o creature_n shall_v devour_v another_o come_v it_o from_o the_o creation_n be_v the_o world_n ordain_v in_o this_o state_n that_o one_o creature_n shall_v eat_v up_o another_o the_o great_a feed_n upon_o the_o less_o no_o but_o sin_n bring_v this_o confusion_n our_o sin_n cause_v this_o pitiful_a massacre_n of_o all_o creature_n one_o by_o another_o let_v we_o therefore_o at_o these_o sight_n be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n which_o cause_v so_o fearful_a a_o disorder_n when_o thou_o see_v thy_o hawk_n fly_v so_o fierce_o and_o so_o cruel_o murder_v a_o silly_a bird_n thy_o hound_n the_o hart_n hare_n or_o connie_n then_o as_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o leave_v in_o good_a order_n measure_n and_o manner_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v take_v delight_n in_o it_o so_o withal_o make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o whence_o come_v this_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n when_o sin_n be_v not_o in_o the_o world_n these_o will_v all_o have_v lodge_v in_o one_o cage_n and_o cabin_n and_o one_o never_o have_v offer_v to_o have_v eat_v another_o my_o sin_n cause_v this_o jar_n and_o this_o disorder_n betwixt_o these_o two_o creature_n this_o shall_v humble_v a_o man_n because_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o restrain_v his_o life_n from_o too_o much_o liberty_n and_o his_o affection_n from_o too_o much_o delight_n in_o these_o kind_n of_o pastime_n again_o when_o we_o see_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o fox_n the_o wolf_n the_o bear_n towards_o the_o sheep_n and_o other_o creature_n blame_v not_o too_o much_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o beast_n for_o this_o be_v not_o in_o they_o at_o their_o creation_n but_o thy_o sin_n make_v they_o thus_o cruel_a one_o against_o another_o turn_v then_o into_o thyself_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o blame_v not_o so_o much_o the_o cruelty_n in_o they_o as_o thy_o own_o sin_n which_o cause_v it_o in_o they_o again_o some_o creature_n be_v unperfect_a some_o in_o part_n of_o their_o body_n some_o in_o some_o sense_n and_o some_o be_v loathsome_a &_o ugly_a to_o behold_v and_o some_o be_v venomous_a and_o hurtful_a to_o the_o world_n when_o thou_o see_v it_o consider_v whence_o be_v this_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o create_v for_o god_n ordain_v that_o be_v make_v all_o creature_n in_o perfect_a order_n but_o this_o come_v from_o thy_o sin_n enter_v into_o thyself_o and_o acknowledge_v this_o and_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o contemn_v this_o creature_n for_o his_o imperfection_n nor_o loathe_v he_o for_o his_o deformity_n nor_o hate_v he_o for_o his_o venom_n as_o contemn_v and_o loathe_v and_o hate_v thy_o own_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o these_o last_o some_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o fair_a building_n &_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o but_o for_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n but_o if_o they_o consider_v well_o they_o have_v no_o such_o cause_n it_o be_v not_o so_o at_o the_o creation_n adam_n in_o his_o innocence_n have_v a_o more_o sumptuous_a palace_n ordain_v for_o he_o namely_o the_o paradise_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o yet_o tree_n be_v not_o cut_v in_o piece_n nor_o the_o earth_n have_v her_o stone_n rend_v out_o of_o her_o bowel_n for_o the_o build_n of_o it_o thy_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o destroy_v this_o palace_n and_o sin_n have_v cause_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o building_n how_o then_o can_v thou_o glory_v in_o thy_o building_n will_v thou_o glory_v in_o thy_o shame_n can_v thou_o be_v proud_a of_o these_o when_o thy_o sin_n bereave_v thou_o of_o a_o better_a as_o therefore_o thy_o house_n be_v a_o comfort_n strength_n security_n and_o delight_n unto_o thou_o so_o add_v this_o one_o use_n also_o let_v it_o in_o this_o consideration_n be_v a_o cause_n to_o humble_v thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n the_o disorder_n that_o sin_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n may_v be_v show_v in_o more_o particular_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v be_v those_o of_o who_o we_o have_v most_o common_a use_n and_o therefore_o do_v most_o common_o abuse_v to_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o say_v unto_o all_o man_n do_v thou_o see_v what_o disorder_n be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n in_o thy_o apparel_n meat_n recreation_n building_n see_v thou_o the_o confusion_n vanity_n corruption_n of_o all_o creature_n the_o variance_n dissension_n and_o hatred_n of_o creature_n among_o themselves_o can_v thou_o see_v all_o this_o and_o either_o not_o regard_v it_o at_o all_o or_o else_o take_v delight_n in_o it_o this_o be_v a_o curse_a and_o abominable_a delight_n if_o a_o rich_a man_n shall_v consume_v all_o his_o wealth_n or_o throw_v it_o all_o on_o heap_n and_o then_o desperate_o set_v his_o house_n on_o fire_n have_v he_o any_o cause_n of_o joy_n to_o see_v this_o if_o he_o sit_v still_o at_o this_o you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v senseless_a but_o if_o he_o laugh_v at_o it_o he_o be_v mad_a so_o god_n create_v man_n rich_a in_o all_o blessing_n put_v he_o into_o the_o palace_n of_o the_o world_n garnish_v this_o house_n of_o the_o world_n with_o exceed_a beauty_n his_o meat_n his_o apparel_n his_o recreation_n his_o house_n be_v all_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a he_o make_v all_o other_o creature_n among_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o concord_n love_n agreement_n uniformity_n comeliness_n and_o good_a order_n now_o man_n by_o sin_n fall_v &_o by_o his_o fall_n not_o only_o spend_v all_o his_o riches_n that_o be_v deface_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n but_o also_o set_v his_o house_n that_o be_v the_o world_n on_o fire_n that_o be_v deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n bring_v confusion_n corruption_n vanity_n deformity_n imperfection_n &_o monstrous_a disorder_n on_o all_o creature_n set_v all_o the_o world_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n &_o one_o creature_n at_o variance_n and_o deadly_a hate_n with_o other_o so_o that_o one_o creature_n do_v fight_v tear_n wound_n destroy_v and_o eat_v up_o another_o o_o curse_a &_o damnable_a sin_n of_o man_n that_o have_v so_o shameful_o disorder_v that_o heavenly_a order_n wherein_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o miserable_a man_n be_v we_o which_o can_v sit_v still_o &_o see_v this_o and_o not_o be_v move_v but_o if_o we_o rejoice_v and_o delight_n in_o it_o certain_o than_o a_o spiritual_a madness_n have_v bewitch_v our_o soul_n let_v we_o therefore_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o and_o look_v about_o we_o and_o see_v all_o the_o world_n on_o a_o fire_n about_o we_o namely_o flame_v in_o contention_n hatred_n and_o all_o disorder_n let_v we_o for_o our_o part_n seek_v to_o quench_v it_o which_o because_o we_o can_v therefore_o lament_v and_o bewail_v it_o but_o much_o more_o lament_v and_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n which_o kindle_v this_o fire_n of_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n hitherto_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o three_o point_n be_v by_o what_o mean_n the_o text_n answer_v the_o world_n be_v ordain_v in_o that_o excellent_a order_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o word_n be_v mean_v 1._o not_o any_o vocal_a word_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v speak_v unto_o the_o creature_n nor_o second_o the_o substantial_a word_n of_o the_o father_n the_o second_o person_n although_o i_o confess_v that_o by_o he_o be_v make_v all_o thing_n 1.3_o yet_o i_o take_v it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v in_o this_o place_n but_o rather_o as_o moses_n do_v gen._n 1._o when_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o creation_n god_n say_v it_o be_v in_o both_o place_n a_o comparison_n take_v from_o a_o prince_n who_o bid_v his_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o they_o do_v it_o present_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n be_v like_o a_o prince_n he_o have_v his_o word_n whereby_o he_o command_v the_o world_n to_o be_v make_v that_o word_n i_o take_v it_o be_v his_o will_n for_o god_n willing_a of_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o effectual_a command_v of_o it_o to_o be_v do_v yea_o it_o be_v the_o do_v of_o it_o for_o his_o willing_a of_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o he_o do_v but_o will_v it_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v whereas_o all_o the_o world_n may_v command_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o near_o from_o hence_o i_o take_v it_o this_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v the_o sure_a sense_n for_o this_o place_n god_n will_v the_o be_v
of_o all_o creature_n and_o according_a as_o he_o will_v they_o present_o be_v and_o that_o his_o will_n be_v his_o word_n here_o mention_v here_o than_o first_o mark_v a_o special_a point_n that_o set_v out_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o creator_n he_o use_v no_o labour_n no_o motion_n no_o pain_n no_o servant_n no_o instrument_n no_o mean_n as_o man_n do_v he_o only_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v make_v he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v psal._n 148.5_o this_o show_v how_o glorious_a a_o god_n he_o be_v and_o his_o power_n how_o omnipotent_a it_o be_v who_o at_o his_o own_o will_n and_o word_n produce_v such_o a_o glorious_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o many_o 1000_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o creature_n in_o their_o order_n and_o due_a place_n david_n most_o serious_o consider_v of_o this_o when_o he_o make_v the_o 104._o psalm_n as_o appear_v if_o we_o read_v it_o we_o ought_v also_o so_o deep_o to_o meditate_v of_o this_o his_o glorious_a power_n manifest_v in_o this_o miraculous_a creation_n as_o that_o we_o see_v it_o may_v acknowledge_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 115.3_o our_o god_n sit_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_n 2._o do_v the_o lord_n make_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o word_n learn_v we_o then_o for_o our_o instruction_n thus_o much_o ever_o when_o we_o see_v what_o be_v god_n will_v concern_v ourselves_o in_o any_o cross_n or_o affliction_n whatsoever_o let_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o it_o and_o bear_v it_o because_o it_o come_v from_o so_o mighty_a a_o god_n as_o who_o there_o be_v no_o resist_v for_o see_v he_o that_o command_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v and_o it_o present_o be_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v disobey_v then_o if_o he_o command_v any_o cross_n to_o seize_v upon_o thou_o will_v thou_o resist_v he_o nay_o rather_o take_v saint_n peter_n holy_a counsel_n 1._o pet._n 5.5_o humble_a thyself_o under_o this_o so_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v thou_o in_o due_a time_n if_o thou_o then_o see_v his_o cross_n come_v towards_o thou_o meet_v it_o receive_v it_o with_o both_o hand_n bear_v it_o with_o both_o shoulder_n if_o he_o will_v humble_v thou_o resist_v not_o thou_o for_o when_o again_o he_o please_v to_o exalt_v thou_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v he_o it_o follow_v so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v be_v not_o make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v appear_v the_o four_o &_o last_o point_n be_v the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o world_n be_v make_v the_o text_n say_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v that_o be_v all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v of_o thing_n never_o see_v that_o be_v of_o a_o flat_a nothing_o which_o here_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v see_v or_o not_o to_o appear_v because_o how_o can_v that_o appear_v or_o be_v see_v which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v this_o be_v the_o strange_a thing_n of_o all_o in_o this_o four_o effect_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strange_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v create_v in_o excellent_a order_n or_o that_o god_n shall_v make_v it_o by_o his_o word_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v it_o of_o nothing_o reason_n deny_v it_o philosophy_n dispute_v against_o it_o as_o absurd_a and_o never_o will_v yield_v unto_o it_o but_o here_o be_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n manifest_a for_o it_o make_v we_o believe_v and_o know_v it_o be_v so_o hence_o we_o learn_v 1._o if_o he_o create_v the_o world_n and_o we_o of_o nothing_o than_o he_o can_v preserve_v we_o also_o by_o nothing_o that_o be_v without_o mean_n or_o by_o weak_a mean_n or_o contrary_a to_o mean_n he_o that_o do_v the_o one_o can_v do_v the_o other_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o both_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n not_o to_o tie_v god_n providence_n unto_o mean_n man_n use_v never_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o but_o with_o mean_n but_o that_o be_v no_o work_n of_o faith_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o see_v god_n providence_n when_o we_o see_v no_o mean_n but_o even_o when_o other_o mean_n be_v against_o we_o then_o to_o see_v it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n though_o it_o be_v hard_a give_v man_n health_n wealth_n liberty_n peace_n let_v they_o be_v guard_v about_o with_o god_n blessing_n then_o they_o will_v magnify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o take_v these_o away_o and_o lay_v upon_o they_o penury_n sickness_n or_o any_o cross_n than_o they_o rage_n and_o rail_v and_o distrust_n yea_o blaspheme_v and_o say_v no_o providence_n no_o god_n and_o thus_o god_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o mean_n for_o else_o man_n will_v flat_o deny_v he_o but_o this_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n for_o have_v we_o that_o faith_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o believe_v steadfast_o that_o god_n make_v all_o the_o world_n without_o mean_n that_o faith_n will_v also_o persuade_v we_o that_o he_o can_v preserve_v we_o be_v make_v though_o mean_n be_v want_v or_o though_o they_o be_v against_o us._n this_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o necessity_n and_o will_v be_v relieve_v or_o in_o any_o peril_n and_o will_v be_v succour_v or_o in_o what_o extremity_n soever_o when_o mean_n do_v fail_v us._n second_o if_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o then_o he_o be_v able_a also_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o promise_n make_v in_o christ_n to_o call_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o as_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o child_n of_o grace_n this_o may_v teach_v we_o 1._o not_o to_o despair_v of_o any_o man_n salvation_n though_o he_o seem_v almost_o past_a all_o grace_n for_o god_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o can_v put_v grace_n into_o that_o heart_n wherein_o afore_o be_v none_o and_o 2._o this_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o all_o they_o which_o through_o weakness_n of_o faith_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o their_o election_n for_o suppose_v thou_o be_v full_a of_o want_n and_o imperfection_n &_o have_v a_o rebellious_a and_o froward_a heart_n what_o then_o remember_v god_n make_v thou_o once_o a_o creature_n of_o nothing_o he_o can_v now_o again_o make_v thou_o a_o new_a creature_n of_o nothing_o he_o create_v thou_o without_o mean_n he_o can_v save_v thou_o though_o never_o so_o many_o mean_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v against_o thou_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o three_o effect_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n contain_v a_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n abel_n faith_n verse_n 4._o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o great_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n by_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n by_o which_o faith_n he_o also_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n contain_v a_o illustration_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a description_n by_o a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n and_o exsample_n of_o faith_n which_o flourish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o exsample_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v set_v down_o several_o one_o by_o one_o from_o the_o 4._o verse_n to_o the_o 32._o 2._o such_o as_o be_v set_v down_o joint_o many_o together_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o end_n the_o exsample_n set_v down_o several_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v natural_a israelite_n and_o bear_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a 2._o such_o as_o be_v not_o natural_o member_n but_o stranger_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o exsample_n of_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v also_o of_o 2._o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o live_v about_o the_o flood_n or_o 2._o after_o the_o flood_n first_o of_o such_o as_o live_v afore_o or_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o flood_n there_o be_v three_o faithful_a man_n who_o faith_n be_v here_o record_v 1._o abel_n before_o &_o 2._o enoch_n before_o 3._o no_o both_o before_o &_o after_o all_o these_o three_o in_o order_n these_o excellent_a &_o most_o worthy_a exsample_n be_v all_o ground_a on_o some_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o be_v continue_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n almost_o to_o christ_n incarnation_n for_o he_o begin_v with_o abel_n which_o be_v so_o near_o the_o beginning_n that_o he_o be_v the_o second_o good_a man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o
sin_n from_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o common_a encouragement_n that_o man_n take_v to_o live_v in_o a_o sin_n if_o they_o think_v it_o likely_a to_o be_v conceal_v but_o here_o they_o see_v how_o false_a a_o ground_n that_o be_v for_o if_o they_o can_v conceal_v it_o from_o man_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o from_o god_n and_o if_o god_n know_v it_o then_o can_v he_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o world_n when_o it_o please_v he_o again_o whereas_o abel_n blood_n cry_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n have_v a_o care_n of_o abel_n both_o live_n and_o dead_a for_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o say_v his_o blood_n cry_v if_o god_n hear_v not_o that_o cry_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o hear_v it_o for_o he_o revenge_v it_o and_o punish_v cain_n when_o abel_n be_v dead_a and_o can_v not_o revenge_v it_o himself_o and_o this_o care_n god_n have_v not_o over_o abel_n alone_o but_o over_o all_o his_o child_n and_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v 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 116.115_o that_o which_o be_v vile_a and_o of_o no_o regard_n in_o the_o world_n be_v precious_a with_o god_n tyrant_n make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kill_v they_o up_o by_o heap_n but_o god_n record_v up_o every_o one_o and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o revenge_v it_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a for_o if_o god_n have_v bottle_n for_o the_o tear_n of_o his_o servant_n sure_o much_o more_o have_v he_o bottle_n for_o their_o blood_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o in_o all_o extremity_n of_o danger_n or_o distress_n to_o learn_v patience_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o die_v yet_o as_o christ_n say_v to_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o patience_n for_o we_o have_v one_o 21.19_o will_v hear_v the_o cause_n and_o revenge_v our_o quarrel_n when_o we_o be_v go_v so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v patient_a we_o lose_v nothing_o but_o if_o we_o be_v impatient_a we_o get_v nothing_o let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v our_o tongue_n for_o the_o wrong_n do_v to_o we_o cry_v loud_o enough_o to_o god_n for_o revenge_n who_o will_v hear_v it_o as_o assure_o as_o he_o do_v abel_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o abel_n speak_v then_o even_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a the_o second_o point_n be_v he_o speak_v also_o yet_o and_o that_o three_o way_n first_o his_o faith_n yet_o speak_v because_o it_o admonish_v all_o man_n every_o where_o who_o either_o hear_v or_o read_v this_o story_n to_o become_v such_o as_o abel_n be_v namely_o true_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o in_o abel_n example_n it_o provoke_v all_o man_n to_o be_v like_o he_o because_o it_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o same_o regard_n and_o reward_n with_o god_n that_o abel_n have_v and_o so_o abel_n faith_n be_v a_o never_o die_a preacher_n to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o holy_a example_n of_o god_n child_n be_v real_a teach_n and_o loud_o preach_v to_o other_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a teach_n namely_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n to_o teach_v in_o word_n and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o teach_v by_o their_o deed_n and_o good_a example_n and_o if_o the_o minister_n teach_v not_o thus_o also_o it_o be_v the_o worse_a both_o for_o he_o and_o his_o hearer_n it_o suffice_v not_o for_o he_o to_o teach_v by_o vocal_a sermon_n that_o be_v by_o good_a doctrine_n but_o withal_o by_o real_a sermon_n that_o be_v by_o good_a life_n his_o faith_n his_o zeal_n his_o patience_n his_o mercy_n and_o all_o other_o his_o virtue_n must_v speak_v and_o cry_v &_o call_v to_o other_o man_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o which_o if_o he_o practise_v careful_o in_o his_o life_n as_o abel_n do_v then_o shall_v his_o virtue_n speak_v for_o he_o to_o all_o posterity_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a again_o abel_n though_o dead_a may_v be_v say_v to_o speak_v because_o howsoever_o his_o body_n be_v dead_a yet_o in_o soul_n and_o spirit_n he_o live_v with_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o the_o word_n speak_v may_v be_v understand_v because_o it_o be_v here_o oppose_v to_o death_n by_o which_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v that_o be_v be_v dead_a in_o body_n yet_o live_v in_o soul_n which_o life_n with_o god_n be_v obtain_v unto_o by_o his_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n three_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o speak_v yet_o as_o all_o other_o god_n martyr_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v in_o the_o revelation_n 6.10_o from_o under_o the_o altar_n how_o long_a lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o avenge_v our_o blood_n on_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n as_o this_o be_v true_a of_o all_o martyr_n so_o special_o of_o abel_n the_o first_o martyr_n of_o all_o which_o word_n be_v not_o speak_v neither_o by_o he_o nor_o they_o vocal_o with_o uttrance_n of_o voice_n but_o it_o be_v so_o say_v to_o signify_v what_o fervent_a desire_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v in_o heaven_n of_o the_o full_a manifestation_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o their_o body_n and_o of_o a_o utter_a abolishment_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o their_o desire_n they_o doubtless_o utter_v to_o god_n in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n then_o in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v utter_v any_o thing_n with_o our_o voice_n and_o thus_o abel_n speak_v yet_o and_o shall_v speak_v till_o the_o world_n end_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o example_n the_o example_n of_o abel_n the_o second_o be_v of_o henoch_n in_o these_o word_n henoch_n by_o faith_n henoch_n be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n 5._o neither_o be_v he_o find_v for_o god_n take_v he_o away_o for_o before_o he_o be_v translate_v he_o be_v report_v of_o that_o he_o have_v please_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o example_n of_o faith_n be_v take_v also_o out_o of_o the_o old_a world_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v of_o henoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n to_o who_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n befall_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n let_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v first_o examine_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o his_o confidence_n in_o the_o messiah_n or_o his_o save_a faith_n he_o be_v take_v away_o take_v away_o that_o be_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n not_o by_o a_o ordinary_a work_n but_o miraculous_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o next_o word_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o feel_v death_n nor_o any_o dissolution_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o his_o take_v away_o be_v miraculous_a for_o to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o death_n be_v a_o ordinary_a work_n but_o to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o yet_o not_o die_v that_o be_v miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o such_o be_v henoch_n so_o then_o the_o substance_n of_o these_o word_n be_v thus_o much_o henoch_n have_v this_o grace_n from_o god_n to_o believe_v steadfast_o in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v be_v likewise_o honour_v with_o this_o high_a prerogative_n to_o be_v take_v into_o heaven_n without_o taste_v of_o death_n &_o further_a be_v take_v away_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v not_o die_v thus_o we_o have_v the_o meaning_n now_o concern_v this_o translation_n of_o henoch_n there_o be_v two_o opinion_n some_o think_v he_o be_v translate_v in_o soul_n only_o and_o not_o in_o body_n and_o they_o say_v he_o die_v in_o the_o translation_n so_o as_o his_o soul_n only_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o his_o body_n sleep_v in_o the_o earth_n though_o this_o appear_v false_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n yet_o let_v we_o see_v their_o reason_n and_o what_o they_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o their_o first_o reason_n be_v this_o no_o mortal_a body_n unglorify_v can_v enter_v into_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o his_o glorification_n therefore_o his_o body_n can_v not_o come_v in_o heaven_n answer_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v glorify_v ere_o it_o come_v in_o heaven_n if_o they_o reply_v it_o be_v not_o mention_v i_o answer_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o for_o every_o circumstance_n of_o every_o action_n be_v not_o mention_v for_o many_o circumstance_n of_o action_n must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v &_o such_o a_o one_o be_v this_o again_o the_o glorification_n of_o his_o body_n be_v here_o plain_o enough_o imply_v where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v translate_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n now_o if_o his_o body_n see_v not_o death_n it_o be_v make_v immortal_a which_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o glorification_n their_o second_o reason_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o enter_v into_o heaven_n both_o in_o
though_o they_o all_o have_v their_o several_a commendation_n in_o the_o word_n yet_o of_o none_o of_o they_o all_o be_v it_o say_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o it_o be_v here_o say_v of_o faith_n that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o it_o be_v the_o root_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o give_v they_o their_o life_n and_o be_v for_o therefore_o do_v a_o man_n fear_v god_n therefore_o do_v he_o love_n god_n therefore_o be_v he_o zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v he_o in_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n now_o than_o if_o faith_n be_v thus_o necessary_a than_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o so_o have_v no_o sound_a faith_n but_o a_o foolish_a presumption_n be_v in_o a_o miserable_a case_n for_o however_o they_o may_v flatter_v themselves_o with_o conceit_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o good_a meaning_n and_o good_a intent_n it_o be_v faith_n with_o which_o they_o must_v please_v god_n and_o nothing_o can_v without_o it_o it_o stand_v they_o therefore_o in_o hand_n to_o lay-off_a ignorance_n and_o presumption_n and_o labour_n for_o a_o sound_n and_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o again_o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v grace_n to_o believe_v see_v faith_n be_v of_o such_o necessity_n and_o that_o they_o have_v faith_n must_v needs_o have_v knowledge_n they_o therefore_o must_v look_v and_o examine_v by_o their_o knowledge_n whether_o their_o faith_n be_v a_o sound_a faith_n or_o no_o for_o herein_o many_o that_o have_v knowledge_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o have_v true_a faith_n when_o they_o have_v not_o now_o if_o any_o man_n will_v know_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v sound_n and_o save_v or_o no_o it_o be_v know_v by_o this_o if_o it_o purify_v the_o heart_n for_o so_o say_v s._n peter_n that_o god_n by_o faith_n do_v purify_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o filthy_a gentile_n 15.9_o if_o then_o thy_o faith_n do_v not_o purify_v thy_o heart_n and_o cleanse_v thy_o life_n and_o cause_v thou_o to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n it_o be_v no_o sound_n nor_o save_v faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o general_a faith_n it_o be_v but_o a_o historical_a knowledge_n and_o can_v save_v the_o soul_n he_o therefore_o that_o upon_o examination_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n find_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v such_o let_v he_o not_o content_v himself_o but_o turn_v his_o general_a faith_n into_o a_o save_a faith_n which_o in_o this_o world_n will_v purify_v his_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v save_v his_o soul_n and_o this_o must_v every_o man_n the_o rather_o do_v because_o what_o knowledge_n or_o what_o other_o gift_n of_o god_n soever_o any_o many_o have_v without_o faith_n in_o christ_n all_o be_v nothing_o for_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o season_v they_o all_o and_o make_v both_o they_o and_o the_o person_n himself_o to_o please_v god_n second_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o please_v god_n then_o here_o we_o see_v the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a hypocrisy_n of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v please_v god_n by_o other_o mean_n some_o think_v if_o they_o be_v glorious_a in_o the_o world_n either_o for_o their_o wealth_n or_o their_o wit_n or_o their_o honour_n or_o their_o authority_n or_o their_o learning_n they_o present_o bring_v themselves_o into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n and_o because_o the_o world_n make_v account_n of_o they_o and_o they_o please_v themselves_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o certain_a they_o must_v needs_o please_v god_n but_o alas_o though_o all_o the_o world_n admire_v they_o and_o they_o be_v never_o so_o far_o in_o love_n with_o themselves_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o heaven_n laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v for_o 2._o not_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o glory_n nor_o all_o the_o million_o and_o mountain_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o world_n can_v please_v the_o lord_n for_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o their_o many_o thousand_o sin_n wherewith_o they_o have_v provoke_v he_o let_v these_o man_n ask_v nabuchadnezzer_n if_o his_o pompous_a pride_n or_o achitophel_n if_o his_o active_a head_n and_o crafty_a wit_n or_o absalon_n if_o his_o golden_a lock_n or_o jezabell_n if_o her_o paint_a face_n and_o courtly_a attire_n or_o naball_n if_o his_o flock_n of_o sheep_n or_o the_o philosopher_n if_o their_o natural_a learning_n if_o all_o of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o do_v ever_o please_v god_n nay_o alas_o they_o all_o have_v find_v and_o feel_v that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n three_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n not_o of_o the_o turk_n alone_o in_o his_o koran_n but_o of_o many_o other_o as_o ill_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o religion_n if_o he_o be_v devout_a therein_o be_v he_o turk_n jew_n or_o christian_a papist_n or_o protestant_n but_o this_o be_v a_o ground_n and_o rule_v of_o atheism_n and_o appear_v here_o to_o be_v most_o false_a for_o no_o salvation_n without_o please_v of_o god_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n therefore_o no_o religion_n can_v save_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o teach_v a_o man_n right_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o please_v god_n but_o every_o religion_n teach_v not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n some_o not_o at_o all_o and_o some_o not_o aright_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o such_o a_o religion_n to_o save_v a_o man_n again_o be_v a_o man_n what_o he_o can_v be_v unless_o he_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n he_o can_v be_v save_v but_o he_o can_v be_v within_o the_o covenant_n but_o by_o faith_n therefore_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v by_o any_o mean_n but_o by_o true_a faith_n nor_o in_o any_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o teach_v true_a faith_n here_o therefore_o not_o only_a turk_n and_o jew_n be_v exclude_v but_o this_o also_o show_v many_o papist_n and_o many_o carnal_a gospeler_n in_o our_o church_n how_o short_a they_o come_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o must_v save_v their_o soul_n for_o this_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o the_o most_o man_n that_o if_o they_o do_v some_o good_a work_n which_o carry_v a_o fair_a show_n to_o the_o world_n as_o liberality_n to_o learning_n or_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a straight_o they_o think_v they_o have_v leave_v to_o live_v as_o they_o list_v and_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o forgive_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v they_o heaven_n and_o this_o they_o imagine_v though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n one_o of_o this_o religion_n come_v to_o the_o prophet_n micha_n in_o his_o day_n and_o ask_v he_o this_o question_n utter_v that_o plain_o which_o all_o such_o man_n think_v in_o their_o heart_n wherewithal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n 6.7.8_o and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o make_v the_o question_n and_o will_v fain_o make_v answer_v himself_o nay_o he_o go_v further_o and_o offer_v more_o shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v for_o my_o transgression_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n but_o the_o prophet_n answer_v he_o show_v he_o his_o folly_n and_o how_o little_a god_n regard_v such_o work_n without_o a_o contrite_a heart_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o sure_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n to_o humble_v thyself_o and_o walk_v with_o thy_o god_n mark_v how_o that_o answer_n fit_v this_o example_n of_o henoch_n he_o please_v god_n he_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o be_v take_v away_o so_o answer_v the_o prophet_n if_o thou_o will_v please_v thy_o god_n and_o come_v to_o heaven_n by_o his_o favour_n never_o stand_v upon_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o river_n of_o oil_n upon_o thy_o gay_a and_o glorious_a work_n but_o humble_a thyself_o and_o walk_n with_o thy_o god_n no_o walk_a with_o god_n say_v micha_n no_o please_v of_o god_n what_o be_v it_o but_o all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n here_o then_o be_v no_o disallowance_n of_o good_a work_n but_o of_o work_n without_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n which_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o flourish_a yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o without_o faith_n they_o shall_v please_v god_n hereby_o it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o work_n of_o such_o man_n as_o either_o know_v
for_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o that_o wicked_a age_n wherein_o all_o the_o world_n welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o great_a holiness_n when_o no_o man_n care_v for_o religion_n he_o have_v this_o special_a favour_n from_o god_n that_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o first_o of_o all_o reveal_v to_o righteous_a noah_n that_o purpose_n of_o he_o so_o that_o these_o word_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o revelation_n which_o noah_n have_v from_o god_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o genesis_n for_o this_o message_n come_v not_o from_o god_n by_o any_o prophet_n for_o we_o know_v none_o in_o those_o evil_a day_n except_o noah_n himself_o but_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o else_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o favour_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n not_o for_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a excellent_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o noah_n to_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o counsel_n and_o his_o judgement_n to_o come_v we_o learn_v that_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o he_o reveal_v his_o counsel_n to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n whether_o they_o be_v purpose_n of_o judgement_n upon_o his_o enemy_n or_o of_o mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n thus_o deal_v he_o with_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o shall_v i_o say_v god_n hide_v from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v do_v which_o thing_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o so_o when_o the_o sodomite_n live_v in_o wanton_a carelessness_n and_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n than_o abraham_n know_v from_o god_n their_o destruction_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o as_o in_o that_o for_o be_v it_o general_o true_a in_o all_o his_o great_a work_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o now_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prerogative_n of_o prophet_n alone_o or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n as_o abraham_n be_v but_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o psalm_n 25.14_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n be_v god_n friend_n and_o of_o his_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o not_o abraham_n only_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n james_n 2.23_o but_o of_o all_o true_a believer_n say_v christ_n john_n 15.14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v what_o i_o command_v you_o henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n but_o friend_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o master_n do_v but_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n have_v i_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v communicate_v and_o impart_v my_o secret_n unto_o you_o as_o one_o friend_n do_v unto_o another_o as_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o know_v and_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o corinth_n 2.15_o a_o faithful_a and_o a_o holy_a man_n discern_v into_o the_o deep_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o sometime_o more_o as_o here_o unto_o noah_n who_o be_v forewarn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n then_o not_o see_v this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o caution_n first_o that_o this_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o prophet_n and_o holy_a minister_n of_o god_n then_o to_o ordinary_a christian_n second_o that_o it_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o object_n then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o it_o be_v now_o under_o christ_n i_o answer_v not_o so_o for_o first_o we_o be_v recompense_v by_o have_v the_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o complete_a which_o they_o have_v not_o and_o by_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o shadow_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o promise_n in_o which_o respect_v our_o state_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o they_o and_o second_o for_o this_o particular_a i_o answer_v they_o indeed_o have_v more_o ordinary_a revelation_n of_o matter_n personal_a and_o private_a and_o not_o direct_o touch_v salvation_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v general_a and_o do_v necessary_o concern_v salvation_n we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v more_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o more_o full_a revelation_n than_o they_o have_v afore_o christ._n for_o exsample_n particular_a mercy_n to_o some_o faithful_a man_n or_o particular_a judgement_n on_o god_n enemy_n whether_o particular_a man_n or_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v after_o reveal_v to_o godly_a man_n in_o those_o day_n as_o here_o to_o noah_n but_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o messiah_n shall_v save_v his_o church_n be_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o reveal_v now_o then_o in_o those_o day_n out_o of_o which_o consideration_n arise_v the_o three_o caution_n which_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o be_v expect_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v ordinary_o nothing_o else_o but_o these_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n &_o a_o discern_a of_o true_a scripture_n from_o forge_a of_o true_a sacrament_n from_o suppose_a of_o true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a of_o true_a pastor_n from_o false_a prophet_n these_o &_o such_o like_a as_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o true_a and_o faithful_a believer_n which_o out_o of_o a_o humble_a heart_n by_o devoute_a prayer_n do_v seek_v it_o at_o god_n hand_n be_v sure_a to_o have_v reveal_v unto_o they_o from_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o purpose_n of_o god_n of_o personal_a and_o particular_a matter_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v his_o blessing_n or_o what_o his_o judgement_n to_o these_o and_o these_o man_n family_n city_n or_o kingdom_n or_o when_o or_o how_o he_o will_v change_v state_n or_o translate_v kingdom_n or_o by_o what_o extraordinary_a mean_n he_o will_v have_v his_o gospel_n propagate_v or_o a_o decline_a church_n or_o state_n uphold_v these_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v nor_o easy_o to_o believe_v any_o that_o shall_v say_v such_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o tie_v not_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o straight_a bond_n but_o that_o he_o may_v sometime_o extraordinary_o reveal_v his_o purpose_n therein_o to_o some_o his_o select_a servant_n yet_o provide_v that_o that_o revelation_n be_v examine_v and_o allow_v of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n spirit_n do_v most_o comfortable_o reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o sacrament_n of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n be_v among_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v double_a for_o instruction_n and_o for_o exhortation_n for_o our_o instruction_n here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o answer_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o ask_v we_o how_o do_v we_o know_v true_a religion_n from_o erroneous_a or_o true_a scripture_n or_o sacrament_n from_o forge_a we_o answer_v first_o by_o itself_o by_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o as_o we_o know_v gold_n from_o brass_n or_o silver_n from_o lead_n but_o what_o if_o the_o brass_n or_o tin_n be_v gild_v over_o i_o then_o answer_v second_o we_o can_v know_v gold_n from_o brass_n and_o silver_n from_o tin_n by_o the_o sound_n and_o smell_v and_o hardness_n to_o endure_v and_o by_o the_o operation_n so_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a sound_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o taste_v in_o true_a religion_n a_o spiritual_a operation_n in_o holy_a man_n heart_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n but_o what_o if_o false_a prophet_n come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o by_o lie_a wonder_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o same_o sound_n taste_n smell_v virtue_n and_o operation_n unto_o their_o forgery_n or_o at_o least_o challenge_v it_o and_o say_v that_o they_o be_v true_a i_o answer_v last_o then_o we_o know_v true_a religion_n true_a scripture_n true_a sacrament_n true_a prophet_n true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a by_o a_o holy_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n spirit_n which_o by_o evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n assure_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o in_o true_a humility_n do_v seek_v it_o in_o holy_a prayer_n and_o in_o a_o
holy_a and_o frequent_a use_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o papist_n be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v with_o their_o own_o forge_a revelation_n they_o will_v never_o deny_v it_o by_o force_n of_o this_o testimony_n a_o christian_a man_n know_v as_o assure_o as_o that_o god_n be_v god_n that_o the_o pope_n as_o now_o he_o be_v and_o as_o he_o exercise_v his_o place_n and_o power_n can_v be_v the_o true_a vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o teach_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o their_o side_n can_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n nor_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o when_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v say_v the_o contrary_a a_o christian_a man_n will_v know_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o more_o mediator_n to_o god_n but_o christ_n or_o of_o that_o place_n that_o christ_n be_v offer_v for_o our_o sin_n once_o for_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n can_v purchase_v we_o pardon_n but_o he_o let_v papist_n colour_v the_o matter_n by_o unsound_a distinction_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v &_o the_o same_o may_v be_v show_v in_o diverse_a other_o point_n and_o place_n and_o if_o any_o ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v i_o answer_v noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v so_o god_n child_n be_v warn_v and_o assure_v of_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v thing_n beyond_o sense_n and_o reason_n god_n secret_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o use_n of_o exhortation_n be_v that_o if_o god_n warn_v his_o child_n of_o his_o will_n &_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o they_o this_o shall_v move_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o become_v true_o and_o indeed_o god_n servant_n for_o we_o serve_v not_o a_o lord_n that_o be_v strange_a and_o austere_a unto_o we_o that_o will_v not_o give_v we_o a_o good_a look_n or_o a_o fair_a word_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o he_o call_v we_o to_o his_o holy_a counsel_n and_o make_v we_o know_v his_o secret_n and_o communicate_v his_o own_o self_n unto_o we_o by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n and_o by_o that_o spirit_n reveal_v unto_o we_o many_o excellent_a mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o carnal_a and_o profane_a man_n of_o the_o world_n never_o dream_v of_o in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o observe_v that_o noah_n be_v thus_o warn_v of_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a matter_n as_o he_o have_v be_v former_o warn_v &_o teach_v of_o salvation_n by_o a_o messiah_n to_o come_v believe_v not_o only_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o salvation_n but_o also_o this_o particular_a promise_n of_o his_o preservation_n and_o deliverance_n out_o of_o which_o his_o practice_n we_o may_v learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o god_n in_o those_o man_n heart_n that_o have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o always_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v god_n word_n that_o it_o be_v supernatural_a it_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n word_n deliver_v be_v it_o never_o so_o incredible_a to_o reason_n or_o sense_n but_o how_o do_v god_n work_v this_o faith_n by_o his_o word_n for_o as_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o worker_n of_o faith_n so_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o work_v it_o and_o that_o be_v his_o word_n which_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a outward_a mean_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o that_o word_n of_o god_n be_v two_o way_n to_o be_v consider_v either_o as_o reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o to_o noah_n here_o or_o else_o be_v write_v by_o god_n be_v either_o preach_v by_o his_o minister_n or_o read_v by_o a_o man_n self_n in_o want_n of_o preach_v and_o these_o be_v all_o one_o and_o be_v all_o mean_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o begin_v it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v but_o to_o augment_v it_o where_o it_o be_v begin_v which_o be_v so_o it_o must_v teach_v we_o all_o not_o only_o with_o special_a care_n and_o reverence_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v preach_v but_o also_o to_o hear_v it_o read_v yea_o to_o read_v it_o ourselves_o with_o all_o diligence_n so_o do_v it_o will_v work_v out_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o we_o that_o holy_a faith_n which_o will_v make_v we_o bless_v in_o ourselves_o and_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o it_o do_v noah_n in_o this_o place_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o be_v all_o that_o that_o faith_n believe_v namely_o nothing_o but_o god_n word_n and_o all_o and_o every_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o faith_n have_v two_o object_n differ_v not_o in_o nature_n but_o in_o degree_n principal_a and_o inferior_a the_o principal_a object_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n the_o inferior_a object_n thereof_o be_v all_o other_o particular_a promise_n of_o safety_n deliverance_n providence_n help_n assistance_n comfort_n or_o what_o other_o benefit_n soever_o be_v make_v either_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o inclusive_o to_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o which_o be_v personal_o make_v unto_o he_o for_o save_v faith_n believe_v not_o only_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o salvation_n but_o all_o other_o promise_n either_o of_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a blessing_n which_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a promise_n and_o do_v depend_v of_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o apprehend_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n so_o noah_n here_o have_v already_o apprehend_v the_o main_a promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o have_v hide_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o afterward_o when_o this_o particular_a promise_n of_o his_o deliverance_n be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o lay_v hold_v on_o it_o also_o and_o it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o faith_n shall_v do_v so_o for_o if_o it_o apprehend_v the_o great_a promise_n than_o no_o marvel_n though_o it_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o other_o inferior_a promise_n which_o be_v but_o dependence_n upon_o the_o principal_a by_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v wrongful_o charge_v by_o they_o who_o say_v we_o teach_v that_o save_a faith_n believe_v only_a salvation_n by_o christ_n or_o apprehend_v only_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n in_o christ_n for_o we_o say_v &_o teach_v it_o apprehend_v also_o other_o particular_a promise_n &_o even_o the_o promise_n of_o outward_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o exsample_n of_o noah_n last_o in_o that_o noah_n a_o faithful_a man_n be_v here_o warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o danger_n ensue_v that_o so_o he_o may_v avoid_v they_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o love_a care_n that_o god_n have_v over_o they_o who_o have_v a_o care_n to_o fear_v and_o serve_v he_o thus_o deal_v he_o with_o his_o child_n in_o all_o age_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o preservation_n to_o encourage_v all_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n as_o here_o noah_n do_v for_o so_o do_v they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o even_o then_o when_o his_o wrath_n smoke_v against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o furthermore_o in_o all_o exigent_n and_o extremity_n he_o will_v â—each_v they_o either_o from_o his_o word_n or_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o some_o other_o of_o his_o child_n or_o else_o by_o his_o own_o secret_a inspiration_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o what_o course_n to_o take_v for_o their_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n how_o often_o shall_v a_o christian_a man_n find_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n that_o god_n put_v into_o his_o mind_n to_o answer_v thus_o or_o thus_o or_o to_o foresee_v this_o or_o that_o by_o which_o his_o so_o do_v he_o escape_v some_o great_a danger_n so_o that_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o noah_n be_v all_o faithful_a man_n do_v daily_o find_v that_o they_o be_v warn_v by_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v concern_v they_o but_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n whereof_o noah_n be_v warn_v from_o god_n the_o text_n say_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o not_o see_v this_o have_v not_o relation_n to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n write_v these_o word_n but_o when_o god_n give_v the_o warning_n to_o noah_n for_o than_o they_o be_v not_o see_v but_o be_v to_o
the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o faith_n alone_o and_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o spiritual_a power_n in_o man_n soul_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o among_o all_o there_o be_v none_o that_o may_v come_v into_o comparison_n with_o faith_n but_o hope_v and_o love_n both_o which_o especial_o love_n have_v their_o several_a and_o special_a excellency_n yet_o have_v neither_o of_o they_o nor_o both_o of_o they_o this_o virtue_n to_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v christ_n righteousness_n the_o property_n of_o love_n be_v to_o extend_v itself_o and_o with_o itself_o to_o carry_v many_o passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v love_v yet_o can_v love_n be_v say_v proper_o to_o apprehend_v christ_n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v apprehend_v before_o he_o can_v be_v love_v and_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o hope_n be_v to_o wait_v and_o expect_v for_o a_o blessing_n to_o come_v so_o hope_n wait_v for_o salvation_n but_o proper_o apprehend_v it_o not_o for_o salvation_n must_v first_o be_v believe_v and_o then_o hope_v or_o expect_v so_o say_v jeremie_n lament_n 3.26_o it_o be_v good_a both_o to_o trust_v and_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o trust_v that_o be_v to_o believe_v assure_o it_o will_v come_v there_o be_v the_o action_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o wait_v till_o it_o do_v come_v that_o be_v the_o action_n of_o hope_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o several_a nature_n and_o action_n of_o these_o two_o worthy_a virtue_n but_o the_o proper_a action_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o to_o a_o man_n own_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v do_v then_o come_v love_n and_o hope_n &_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o love_n last_v long_o than_o faith_n do_v yet_o faith_n be_v afore_o love_n and_o make_v the_o way_n for_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o second_o point_n faith_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o take_v hold_n on_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n love_n be_v a_o hand_n to_o give_v out_o token_n of_o faith_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n for_o 1._o cor._n 13.5_o love_n seek_v not_o her_o own_o but_o other_o good_a namely_o the_o good_a of_o they_o that_o be_v love_v hope_n be_v a_o eye_n look_v out_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v so_o that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n love_v the_o hand_n whereby_o it_o work_v and_o hope_v the_o eye_n whereby_o it_o wait_v and_o look_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n have_v apprehend_v and_o believe_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n think_v this_o any_o wrong_n to_o this_o holy_a virtue_n of_o love_n to_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n let_v they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o we_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n if_o faith_n work_n by_o it_o then_o sure_o love_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o faith_n thus_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n wait_v by_o hope_n but_o believe_v by_o itself_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o righteousness_n that_o make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v rather_o call_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n then_o of_o any_o other_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n be_v it_o that_o so_o often_o in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o name_n as_o philipp_n 3.9_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n concern_v noah_n faith_n be_v that_o noah_n be_v make_v heir_n of_o this_o righteousness_n a_o special_a commendation_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o make_v he_o heir_n of_o true_a and_o save_a righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o give_v he_o a_o true_a title_n unto_o it_o &_o make_v he_o heir_n apparent_a of_o that_o glory_n which_o it_o assure_v every_o one_o that_o apprehend_v it_o by_o this_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v as_o certain_o and_o as_o true_o partaker_n of_o it_o as_o the_o young_a prince_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n at_o his_o time_n or_o the_o heir_n of_o his_o father_n land_n here_o two_o most_o worthy_a doctrine_n do_v offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o view_n 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n appear_v thus_o it_o make_v a_o holy_a man_n assure_v &_o certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v it_o be_v presumption_n in_o any_o man_n to_o think_v so_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n but_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v able_a to_o assure_v he_o of_o salvation_n for_o faith_n make_v he_o a_o heir_n of_o true_a righteousness_n and_o of_o salvation_n thereby_o now_o we_o know_v the_o heir_n be_v most_o sure_a and_o certain_a of_o his_o inheritance_n whatever_o he_o get_v or_o lose_v he_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o but_o this_o righteousness_n and_o salvation_n by_o it_o be_v his_o inheritance_n therefore_o he_o may_v be_v and_o be_v by_o faith_n assure_v of_o it_o the_o papist_n therefore_o do_v wrong_a unto_o this_o doctrine_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a faith_n but_o this_o be_v their_o custom_n they_o will_v extol_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o much_o extoll_v namely_o true_a faith_n for_o if_o they_o know_v what_o it_o be_v true_o to_o know_v christ_n and_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n they_o will_v then_o know_v that_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n heir_n of_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o most_o assure_v of_o it_o second_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n estate_n he_o be_v not_o naked_a nor_o destitute_a of_o comfort_n but_o be_v heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a inheritance_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o a_o christian_a man_n inheritance_n be_v christ_n righteousness_n out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v first_o that_o no_o man_n by_o any_o good_a work_n do_v by_o or_o in_o himself_o can_v merit_v true_a and_o justify_v righteousness_n the_o pharisaical_a papist_n teach_v so_o but_o their_o conceit_n be_v here_o overthrow_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o save_v righteousness_n be_v his_o inheritance_n which_o we_o know_v be_v always_o get_v by_o the_o father_n and_o descends_z from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n as_o a_o free_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o it_o be_v scornful_a and_o absurd_a to_o see_v a_o son_n offer_v to_o buy_v his_o inheritance_n of_o his_o father_n it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o inheritance_n to_o come_v any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o free_a gift_n from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n therefore_o our_o righteousness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o be_v as_o we_o see_v here_o our_o inheritance_n let_v we_o resolve_v of_o it_o we_o can_v buy_v nor_o merit_v it_o again_o here_o be_v sure_a and_o solid_a comfort_n against_o all_o the_o grieâ—â—s_n and_o cross_n and_o loss_n of_o this_o world_n god_n child_n must_v needs_o have_v their_o portion_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n but_o here_o be_v their_o comfort_n they_o may_v lose_v their_o good_n live_n possession_n their_o good_a name_n their_o health_n their_o life_n but_o their_o inheritance_n stand_v sure_a and_o firm_a and_o can_v be_v lose_v let_v they_o therefore_o here_o learn_v not_o to_o grieve_v out_o of_o measure_n for_o a_o holy_a man_n may_v say_v thus_o to_o himself_o and_o that_o most_o true_o my_o father_n may_v frown_v on_o i_o for_o my_o fault_n and_o chastise_v i_o for_o my_o sin_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o will_v not_o disenherite_v i_o for_o i_o be_o heir_n by_o faith_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o i_o may_v lose_v many_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o lose_v that_o three_o and_o last_o here_o must_v god_n child_n learn_v their_o duty_n they_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v their_o inheritance_n therefore_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o set_v and_o settle_v all_o their_o affection_n on_o this_o inheritance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o worthy_a to_o be_v affect_v than_o a_o fair_a inheritance_n we_o must_v therefore_o first_o labour_n above_o all_o worldly_a thing_n for_o this_o inheritance_n namely_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o righteousness_n this_o be_v that_o pearl_n which_o we_o have_v find_v must_v sell_v all_o we_o have_v to_o
god_n have_v appoint_v to_o the_o use_n whereof_o he_o have_v annex_v his_o promise_n of_o help_n against_o sin_n let_v they_o therefore_o lie_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n unto_o their_o conscience_n in_o holy_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n let_v they_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n god_n have_v appoint_v hear_v and_o read_v his_o word_n receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n crave_v also_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o and_o let_v they_o sharpen_v these_o holy_a exercise_n by_o fast_v watch_v holy_a conference_n with_o other_o visitation_n of_o other_o afflict_v like_o themselves_o oft_o reveal_v their_o estate_n to_o their_o godly_a pastor_n let_v they_o continue_v thus_o do_v and_o rest_v confident_o on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o steadfast_a foot_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o old_a sarah_n shall_v have_v strength_n to_o conceive_v that_o be_v that_o their_o poor_a soul_n shall_v receive_v strength_n to_o tread_v upon_o satan_n to_o conquer_v their_o corruption_n &_o to_o conceive_v &_o bring_v forth_o many_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o late_a experience_n as_o isaac_n be_v to_o sarah_n in_o her_o elder_a age_n the_o next_o doctrine_n we_o may_v here_o learn_v be_v that_o whereas_o sarah_n by_o her_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o therefore_o child_n be_v the_o immediate_a blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o sarah_n bare_a isaac_n not_o by_o any_o ordinary_a strength_n or_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o through_o faith_n she_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v this_o so_o in_o she_o only_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n power_n but_o in_o all_o some_o be_v indeed_o barren_a by_o constitution_n and_o these_o can_v conceive_v unless_o by_o god_n power_n as_o sarah_n do_v but_o some_o have_v no_o child_n who_o in_o all_o natural_a reason_n may_v conceive_v for_o as_o god_n give_v the_o law_n and_o thereby_o a_o gift_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v genesis_n 1.22_o so_o he_o reserve_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o power_n to_o alter_v or_o dispense_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v as_o it_o please_v he_o therefore_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o psal._n 128.4_o he_o say_v loe_o thus_o shall_v he_o be_v bless_v that_o fear_v the_o lord_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v parent_n therefore_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o as_o god_n blessing_n and_o not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o corporal_a necessity_n for_o so_o they_o do_v their_o beast_n but_o to_o nurture_n they_o in_o holy_a discipline_n by_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n if_o this_o they_o want_v they_o have_v nothing_o though_o you_o leave_v they_o earldom_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o say_n true_a better_a unborn_a than_o untaught_a the_o law_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v be_v give_v to_o beast_n in_o their_o kind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o genesis_n 1._o verse_n 22._o therefore_o unless_o we_o do_v more_o than_o provide_v for_o their_o body_n we_o differ_v little_a from_o they_o but_o make_v they_o know_v god_n and_o so_o we_o make_v they_o fellow_n with_o the_o angel_n if_o parent_n do_v thus_o it_o can_v be_v express_v what_o blessing_n will_v come_v thereby_o to_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n three_o and_o last_o let_v we_o here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o this_o holy_a matron_n sarah_n figure_v unto_o we_o mystical_o the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o god._n allegory_n be_v chary_o and_o spare_o to_o be_v teach_v else_o much_o unsounde_a doctrine_n may_v cumber_v man_n conscience_n but_o this_o be_v sound_a and_o sure_a for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n galath_n 4.23_o etc._n etc._n by_o agar_n and_o sarah_n other_o thing_n be_v mean_v for_o these_o two_o mother_n be_v two_o testament_n agar_n she_o which_o gender_v unto_o bondage_n sarah_n jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o from_o above_o and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o natural_a sarah_n the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n and_o mystical_a sarah_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o as_o she_o not_o by_o power_n in_o herself_o but_o by_o god_n power_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n bare_a isaac_n so_o the_o church_n our_o mother_n bring_v forth_o child_n to_o god_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o as_o isaac_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o promise_n and_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o promise_n galath_n 4.23_o so_o man_n regenerate_v and_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n john_n 1.13_o and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.18_o god_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o will_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o two_o together_o beget_v child_n to_o the_o church_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o honour_v the_o church_n as_o our_o mother_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n alone_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o church_n can_v make_v herself_o our_o mother_n noâ—_n we_o her_o child_n when_o she_o will_v but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o must_v speak_v the_o word_n and_o then_o we_o be_v make_v he_o must_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o further_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v god_n child_n and_o heir_n of_o immortality_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o two_o first_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n the_o three_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n which_o because_o it_o be_v much_o stand_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o will_v put_v it_o off_o till_o then_o be_v therefore_o worthy_a our_o deep_a consideration_n and_o now_o follow_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n the_o five_o and_o last_o point_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o faith_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o she_o build_v this_o her_o faith_n that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n be_v barren_a and_o past_a age_n be_v not_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o god_n so_o much_o as_o the_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n she_o have_v of_o he_o that_o promise_v for_o promise_n be_v not_o of_o value_n so_o much_o by_o the_o thing_n promise_v though_o never_o so_o great_a or_o excellent_a for_o they_o may_v promise_v much_o who_o can_v perform_v nothing_o or_o though_o they_o can_v yet_o will_v recall_v their_o word_n in_o lightness_n and_o inconstancy_n as_o by_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o party_n promise_v we_o say_v in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v rather_o have_v some_o man_n word_n than_o other_o man_n bond_n and_o rather_o have_v a_o little_a promise_v of_o some_o then_o much_o of_o other_o now_o such_o be_v the_o judgement_n that_o sarah_n hold_v of_o he_o that_o promisâ—â—_n namely_o god_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v faithful_n that_o be_v she_o judge_v he_o able_a &_o willing_a to_o accomplish_v whatever_o he_o promise_v to_o she_o so_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n must_v be_v a_o sure_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o god_n 1._o his_o ability_n to_o make_v good_a whatever_o pass_v he_o in_o word_n 2._o his_o carefulness_n to_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v say_v it_o some_o will_v promise_v any_o thing_n though_o their_o ability_n stretch_v not_o to_o perform_v other_o be_v able_a enough_o but_o have_v no_o care_n of_o their_o word_n but_o both_o these_o be_v in_o god_n all-sufficient_a ability_n and_o most_o careful_a willingness_n so_o sarah_n judge_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o she_o believe_v against_o reason_n and_o so_o must_v we_o do_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v god_n word_n aright_o we_o may_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o know_v god_n word_n and_o have_v the_o point_n therein_o swim_v in_o our_o head_n but_o if_o we_o will_v constant_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n his_o bless_a promise_n &_o in_o our_o conscience_n fear_v his_o threaten_n we_o must_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o these_o two_o to_o be_v in_o he_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v by_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n afore_o we_o pray_v for_o
must_v learn_v to_o follow_v this_o notable_a practice_n of_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n and_o look_v what_o mean_v they_o use_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o same_o also_o must_v we_o use_v and_o that_o diligent_o so_o shall_v we_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o wax_v strong_a in_o faith_n as_o they_o do_v the_o three_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o and_o receive_v they_o thankful_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v to_o salute_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o speech_n but_o any_o way_n else_o as_o by_o embrace_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o unfit_o translate_v and_o receive_v they_o thankful_o that_o be_v they_o take_v they_o kind_o at_o god_n hand_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o be_v commend_v that_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n afar_o off_o do_v yet_o take_v they_o most_o kind_o at_o god_n hand_n but_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o they_o take_v they_o kind_o namely_o by_o do_v 2._o thing_n 1._o by_o a_o action_n of_o their_o heart_n 2._o by_o a_o action_n of_o their_o life_n the_o action_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v this_o that_o howsoever_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o accomplish_v in_o their_o day_n yet_o they_o be_v wonderful_o glad_a thereof_o for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n your_o father_n abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v my_o day_n &_o he_o see_v it_o &_o be_v glad_a 8.56_o it_o do_v abraham_n heart_n good_a to_o see_v christ_n afar_o off_o and_o so_o we_o may_v safe_o think_v of_o sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v also_o ravish_v with_o joy_n to_o hear_v the_o wonderful_a promise_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o to_o think_v of_o the_o most_o joyful_a performance_n which_o they_o know_v shall_v follow_v in_o due_a time_n second_o they_o take_v this_o promise_n kind_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o life_n for_o when_o they_o come_v to_o any_o strange_a place_n as_o we_o may_v often_o read_v in_o the_o story_n there_o they_o build_v up_o altar_n 33.10_o &_o offer_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n and_o call_v on_o his_o name_n all_o which_o they_o do_v to_o testify_v their_o inward_a joy_n &_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o promise_a land_n though_o neither_o be_v accomplish_v in_o their_o day_n now_o as_o touch_v ourselves_o the_o same_o main_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n have_v the_o lord_n make_v and_o continue_v unto_o we_o nay_o we_o have_v the_o same_o already_o accomplish_v &_o we_o see_v the_o same_o verify_v more_o evident_o and_o plain_o than_o any_o of_o the_o patriarch_n do_v which_o be_v true_a our_o duty_n be_v to_o take_v the_o same_o much_o more_o thankful_o and_o kind_o at_o god_n hand_n than_o they_o do_v or_o can_v do_v because_o we_o have_v more_o light_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o the_o patriarch_n have_v but_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o bewail_v the_o day_n and_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v for_o whereas_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n most_o joyful_o and_o kind_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o general_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o nation_n and_o people_n that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o be_v a_o unkind_a people_n and_o that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o all_o of_o we_o if_o weâ—_n will_v but_o a_o little_a examine_v the_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v too_o apparent_a by_o many_o evidence_n for_o first_o let_v any_o of_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o place_n where_o we_o may_v behold_v some_o vain_a interlude_n or_o show_v a_o man_n will_v not_o think_v how_o wonderful_o we_o be_v ravish_v therewithal_o so_o as_o we_o can_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o spend_v whole_a day_n in_o behold_v they_o but_o let_v we_o be_v bring_v to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n his_o holy_a word_n preach_v and_o teach_v as_o it_o be_v unto_o abraham_n isaac_n &_o jaacob_n wherein_o they_o much_o rejoice_v and_o there_o we_o sit_v heavy_a and_o drowsy_a so_o as_o the_o word_n seem_v loathsome_a unto_o we_o &_o one_o hour_n be_v so_o tedious_a as_o we_o hardly_o hold_v it_o out_o without_o sleep_v and_o if_o it_o pass_v the_o hour_n a_o little_a o_o how_o impatient_o our_o nature_n take_v it_o all_o which_o show_v plain_o that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o joy_n to_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o merciful_a promise_n as_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n have_v so_o that_o we_o be_v both_o hard_a heart_a &_o unkind_a &_o altogether_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a favour_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o us._n second_o consider_v man_n behaviour_n in_o god_n worship_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o people_n worship_n god_n but_o in_o formal_a show_n for_o fashion_n sake_n these_o godly_a patriarch_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n build_v altar_n in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v and_o offer_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n to_o signify_v their_o kindness_n &_o willing_a heart_n towards_o god_n for_o his_o promise_n but_o now_o man_n worship_n god_n formal_o not_o in_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n but_o either_o because_o the_o law_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o or_o else_o because_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n and_o order_n which_o must_v be_v keep_v for_o proof_n thereof_o take_v some_o one_o of_o the_o common_a sort_n &_o ask_v he_o why_o he_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n he_o will_v say_v he_o come_v to_o do_v as_o other_o man_n do_v but_o what_o they_o do_v he_o know_v not_o or_o what_o he_o himself_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o can_v tell_v nor_o care_v much_o to_o know_v other_o also_o come_v to_o worship_n god_n but_o ask_v they_o how_o they_o do_v it_o they_o will_v say_v by_o say_v over_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o belief_n but_o if_o the_o word_n be_v either_o preach_v or_o read_v they_o regard_v it_o not_o think_v that_o all_o god_n worship_n stand_v in_o the_o repeat_n of_o those_o three_o thing_n which_o show_v that_o they_o worship_n god_n but_o for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o with_o little_a more_o than_o a_o plain_a lip-labour_n another_o sort_n there_o be_v which_o come_v near_o to_o god_n with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o for_o though_o their_o body_n be_v present_a in_o the_o congregation_n yet_o their_o heart_n be_v wander_v about_o their_o worldly_a business_n or_o the_o work_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v god_n be_v not_o worship_v with_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v a_o unkind_a people_n and_o quite_o degenerate_a from_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o forefather_n these_o holy_a patriarch_n who_o receive_v god_n promise_n so_o kind_o and_o thankful_o three_o we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n daily_o preach_v and_o teach_v unto_o we_o but_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o make_v conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o same_o in_o their_o life_n and_o calling_n man_n do_v come_v and_o hear_v and_o shall_v learn_v but_o when_o they_o come_v home_o they_o do_v sâ—at_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a unthankfulness_n nor_o unkindness_n towards_o god_n than_o this_o that_o man_n shall_v hear_v and_o not_o obey_v 66.3_o for_o disobedience_n be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n nay_o the_o lord_n himself_o say_v that_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o obedience_n in_o his_o life_n be_v in_o his_o action_n of_o god_n worship_n no_o more_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n than_o a_o murderer_n be_v when_o he_o kill_v a_o man_n wherefore_o see_v obedience_n be_v so_o rare_a to_o be_v find_v among_o we_o and_o disobedience_n abound_v every_o where_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o we_o take_v not_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n kind_o nor_o thankful_o at_o his_o hand_n for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o will_v at_o least_o endeavour_v ourselves_o to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v in_o his_o law_n and_o desire_v in_o his_o gospel_n and_o so_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n show_v forth_o our_o thankfulness_n by_o our_o obedience_n so_o that_o it_o stand_v we_o in_o hand_n every_o man_n to_o look_v unto_o himself_o for_o his_o own_o part_n see_v god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o gospel_n the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o therefore_o we_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o lest_o god_n do_v either_o take_v the_o same_o from_o we_o or_o we_o from_o it_o for_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o one_o of_o these_o two_o will_v follow_v if_o we_o do_v daily_o hear_v and_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o
offer_v he_o for_o though_o the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v but_o 13._o year_n old_a yet_o the_o more_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o best_a writer_n be_v that_o isaac_n be_v 25._o or_o 27._o year_n old_a how_o then_o can_v abraham_n be_v a_o old_a man_n of_o more_o than_o 120._o year_n be_v able_a to_o bind_v isaac_n be_v a_o young_a and_o lusty_a man_n and_o lay_v he_o on_o the_o altar_n to_o kill_v he_o for_o though_o abraham_n have_v a_o commandment_n to_o kill_v isaac_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o that_o god_n command_v isaac_n to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v kill_v now_o nature_n move_v every_o one_o to_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o own_o life_n and_o to_o resist_v such_o as_o will_v kill_v us._n how_o then_o be_v isaac_n bring_v to_o yield_v thus_o far_o to_o his_o father_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o abraham_n be_v no_o ordinary_a man_n but_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o a_o excellent_a and_o extraordinary_a prophet_n so_o god_n himself_o testify_v of_o he_o to_o abimelech_n he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o thou_o 20.7_o yea_o he_o be_v esteem_v and_o reverence_v as_o a_o prophet_n &_o a_o honourable_a man_n even_o of_o the_o heathen_a the_o hittite_n tell_v he_o thou_o be_v a_o prince_n of_o god_n among_o us._n genesis_n 23.6_o now_o be_v a_o man_n of_o so_o high_a place_n and_o so_o great_a regard_n even_o in_o the_o world_n doubtless_o he_o be_v of_o much_o more_o authority_n in_o his_o own_o house_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o likely_a that_o he_o tell_v isaac_n his_o son_n that_o he_o have_v a_o special_a commandment_n from_o god_n to_o kill_v he_o in_o sacrifice_n now_o isaac_n be_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o well_o bring_v up_o hear_v this_o be_v content_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v and_o obey_v his_o father_n herein_o this_o i_o speak_v not_o as_o certain_a but_o as_o most_o probable_a and_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o best_a learned_a who_o have_v have_v good_a experience_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o circumstance_n well_o observe_v serve_v great_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o they_o both_o of_o abraham_n the_o father_n that_o have_v so_o religious_o bring_v up_o his_o only_a son_n that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o resist_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o he_o though_o it_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n oh_o that_o parent_n will_v follow_v abraham_n in_o so_o do_v to_o their_o child_n then_o will_v it_o go_v well_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god._n again_o isaac_n behaviour_n be_v here_o admirable_a that_o he_o will_v not_o resist_v his_o weak_a and_o age_a father_n but_o suffer_v he_o to_o bind_v he_o and_o to_o lay_v he_o on_o the_o altar_n yield_v himself_o unto_o death_n when_o his_o father_n tell_v he_o my_o son_n god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o this_o example_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o obedience_n not_o only_o for_o child_n towards_o their_o parent_n but_o for_o we_o all_o towards_o god_n minister_n when_o they_o shall_v tell_v we_o what_o god_n will_v have_v we_o do_v we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o and_o yield_v though_o it_o turn_v to_o our_o bodily_a pain_n and_o grief_n for_o isaac_n yield_v though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o life_n but_o alas_o who_o will_v follow_v isaac_n for_o let_v the_o minister_n speak_v against_o our_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o unlawful_a gain_n let_v he_o cross_v our_o humour_n and_o affection_n than_o we_o refuse_v to_o hear_v and_o will_v not_o obey_v nay_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o the_o lord_n priest_n come_v with_o the_o sacrifice_a knife_n of_o god_n word_n to_o the_o throat_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o kill_v the_o same_o in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v pure_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n do_v we_o not_o resist_v he_o and_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o will_v none_o of_o this_o doctrine_n or_o if_o he_o like_o a_o prophet_n of_o god_n come_v and_o offer_v to_o bind_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o cord_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o lay_v our_o affection_n on_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o law_n then_o we_o resist_v and_o be_v either_o too_o young_a or_o too_o old_a too_o rich_a or_o too_o learned_a or_o too_o great_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o bind_v to_o obedience_n but_o let_v we_o know_v that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v true_a isaac_n even_o the_o son_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o abraham_n faith_n as_o we_o will_v bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n then_o as_o he_o do_v submit_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v of_o his_o father_n so_o must_v we_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o word_n and_o suffer_v the_o same_o word_n to_o be_v in_o we_o the_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o cut_v down_o sin_n and_o corruption_n in_o we_o and_o to_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n that_o so_o both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n we_o may_v become_v pure_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o our_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o fact_n itself_o wherein_o abraham_n faith_n be_v set_v forth_o now_o follow_v the_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o the_o same_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v his_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n three_o first_o that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o work_n not_o by_o ordinary_a command_n but_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a course_n in_o temptation_n be_v tempt_v second_o that_o he_o be_v to_o offer_v his_o own_o child_n yea_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n three_o that_o he_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n must_v offer_v he_o and_o kill_v he_o in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v for_o the_o first_o impediment_n in_o the_o ordinary_a translation_n it_o be_v read_v thus_o when_o he_o be_v try_v but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a be_v rather_o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o meaning_n than_o a_o translation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o very_a word_n signify_v to_o be_v tempt_v and_o the_o meaning_n be_v when_o he_o be_v try_v i_o will_v therefore_o rather_o read_v it_o thus_o when_o he_o be_v tempt_v or_o be_v tempt_v as_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o handle_n hereof_o first_o we_o will_v entreat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o temptation_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o temptation_n as_o it_o be_v here_o use_v may_v be_v thus_o describe_v it_o be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o prove_v and_o make_v experience_n of_o the_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n in_o genesis_n gen._n 22.1_o where_o if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n do_v prove_v abraham_n object_n but_o against_o this_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o saint_n james_n say_v james_n 1.13_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o temptation_n be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n answ._n that_o place_n in_o james_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v god_n tempt_v no_o man_n that_o be_v god_n do_v not_o stir_v up_o or_o move_v any_o man_n heart_n to_o sin_n yet_o further_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o temptation_n be_v a_o action_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v read_v mat._n 4.3_o that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o tempter_n answ._n some_o temptation_n be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n and_o some_o the_o action_n of_o satan_n god_n tempt_v and_o satan_n tempt_v but_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o their_o temptation_n first_o in_o the_o manner_n for_o satan_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v some_o evil_n god_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o shall_v be_v only_o against_o his_o own_o affection_n or_o his_o reason_n second_o god_n tempt_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o servant_n but_o satan_n tempt_v for_o the_o destruction_n both_o of_o their_o body_n and_o soul_n again_o i_o say_v whereby_o he_o make_v trial_n etc._n etc._n here_o some_o will_v say_v god_n know_v every_o man_n heart_n and_o what_o be_v in_o they_o and_o what_o they_o will_v do_v long_v before_o and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o any_o man_n answ._n god_n make_v trial_n of_o his_o servant_n not_o because_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o he_o understandeth_v their_o thought_n long_o before_o but_o because_o he_o will_v have_v their_o obedience_n make_v know_v partly_o to_o themselves_o and_o partly_o to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o he_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o servant_n
that_o when_o temptation_n shall_v come_v we_o may_v be_v find_v sound_n and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o trial_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o abraham_n temptation_n now_o follow_v the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v therein_o and_o first_o of_o the_o time_n when_o abraham_n be_v tempt_v hereof_o we_o may_v read_v genesis_n 22.1_o after_o these_o thing_n say_v moses_n god_n do_v prove_v abraham_n the_o word_n will_v admit_v a_o double_a reference_n but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o place_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o god_n have_v make_v most_o excellent_a promise_n unto_o abraham_n and_o give_v he_o most_o wonderful_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n than_o he_o tempt_v he_o hence_o we_o learn_v this_o notable_a lesson_n that_o those_o people_n in_o god_n church_n which_o receive_v from_o god_n more_o grace_n than_o other_o must_v look_v for_o more_o tentation_n this_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o he_o be_v baptise_a and_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n matthew_n 3_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o have_v this_o voice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n pronounce_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o be_v his_o wellbeloved_n son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v then_o present_o follow_v this_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n matthew_n 4.1_o luke_n 4.1_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o luke_n say_v so_o likewise_o when_o god_n have_v testify_v of_o job_n that_o he_o be_v a_o upright_o and_o just_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.8_o then_o satan_n take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o tempt_v he_o as_o in_o all_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o that_o book_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v wherein_o be_v set_v down_o most_o wonderful_a temptation_n and_o trial_n whereby_o he_o be_v prove_v so_o jacob_n must_v wrestle_v with_o the_o angel_n genesis_n 32.24.28_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n overcome_v god_n himself_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a prerogative_n to_o prevail_v with_o the_o lord_n but_o yet_o he_o must_v prevail_v with_o his_o foil_n verse_n 31_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o ever_o after_o draw_v one_o of_o his_o leg_n after_o he_o even_o to_o his_o die_a day_n saint_n paul_n be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v word_n which_o can_v be_v speak_v yea_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v yet_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v out_o of_o measure_n through_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o 2._o corinthian_n 12._o verse_n 7_o god_n will_v honour_v he_o with_o revelation_n but_o yet_o satan_n shall_v have_v leave_n to_o buffet_v and_o beat_v he_o as_o it_o be_v black_a and_o blue_a in_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o to_o who_o god_n vouchsafe_v a_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o he_o appoint_v singular_a trial_n and_o temptation_n above_o other_o man_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o god_n grace_n do_v better_o appear_v in_o temptation_n then_o out_o of_o they_o as_o gold_n be_v best_a try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o thereby_o prove_v most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a second_o temptation_n serve_v to_o abase_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n that_o he_o be_v not_o proud_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o or_o puff_v up_o with_o conceit_n that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o he_o than_o indeed_o there_o be_v this_o we_o see_v in_o paul_n example_n he_o be_v buffet_v of_o satan_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n we_o may_v see_v a_o type_n hereof_o in_o worldly_a affair_n the_o best_a ship_n that_o float_v on_o the_o sea_n when_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o most_o precious_a jewel_n be_v ballace_v with_o gravel_n or_o sand_n to_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o water_n and_o so_o sail_v more_o sure_o least_o float_v too_o high_a it_o shall_v be_v unstable_a even_o so_o deal_v the_o lord_n with_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n then_o do_v he_o also_o lay_v temptation_n upon_o they_o to_o humble_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v puff_v up_o in_o themselves_o the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o temptation_n be_v the_o greatness_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v for_o aught_o we_o read_v of_o that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o kill_v his_o own_o son_n for_o if_o god_n have_v tell_v abraham_n that_o his_o son_n isaac_n must_v have_v die_v it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o sorrowful_a news_n unto_o he_o and_o yet_o more_o grievous_a if_o he_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v die_v a_o bloody_a death_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v most_o grievous_a of_o all_o that_o abraham_n himself_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n shall_v sacrifice_v his_o own_o son_n nay_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o must_v kill_v his_o only_a child_n in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o in_o he_o shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a wound_n unto_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o to_o augment_v his_o grief_n he_o must_v not_o do_v it_o present_o nor_o where_o he_o will_v but_o go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n during_o which_o time_n satan_n undoubted_o wrought_v mighty_o upon_o his_o natural_a affection_n to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o obedience_n which_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a unto_o his_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o greevousnesse_n of_o this_o temptation_n we_o may_v learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o god_n in_o tempt_v a_o man_n do_v sometime_o proceed_v thus_o far_o not_o only_o to_o cross_v his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o even_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o natural_a affection_n for_o this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n may_v have_v make_v abraham_n if_o he_o have_v consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n even_o distract_v in_o himself_o and_o without_o reason_n not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v himself_o and_o according_o let_v all_o god_n child_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v the_o great_a grace_n look_v for_o such_o temptation_n as_o shall_v lay_v their_o humane_a reason_n sâ—at_a upon_o the_o ground_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o point_n even_o utter_o to_o deny_v themselves_o the_o three_o circumstance_n in_o this_o temptation_n be_v this_o what_o abraham_n do_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v tempt_v abraham_n be_v thus_o tempt_v whether_o he_o will_v obey_v god_n commandment_n or_o not_o obey_v god_n in_o offer_v up_o his_o soon_o and_o yet_o lay_v hold_v upon_o god_n promise_v make_v in_o he_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o abraham_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o blessing_n in_o isaac_n and_o be_v now_o command_v to_o kill_v isaac_n he_o do_v not_o now_o cast_v off_o his_o hope_n and_o desperate_o think_v it_o can_v not_o be_v perform_v if_o this_o commandment_n be_v obey_v but_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o faith_n he_o both_o obey_v the_o commandment_n and_o yet_o still_o believe_v the_o promise_n for_o so_o say_v the_o text_n by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n therefore_o in_o the_o very_a action_n of_o kill_a isaac_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n shall_v live_v and_o this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v with_o his_o own_o voice_n bid_v a_o man_n kill_v his_o son_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v be_v find_v that_o will_v do_v it_o but_o to_o do_v it_o and_o still_o to_o believe_v a_o contrary_a promise_n make_v before_o betoken_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o admirable_a faith_n in_o this_o circumstance_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o good_a instruction_n to_o wit_n in_o all_o temptation_n that_o befall_v we_o still_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o in_o the_o devil_n purpose_n they_o tend_v to_o the_o loosen_a of_o our_o hold_n and_o in_o all_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o let_v they_o go_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o must_v never_o let_v go_v but_o still_o hold_v the_o promise_n fast_o and_o rather_o let_v go_v all_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n promise_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a faith_n but_o even_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n for_o example_n god_n promise_n be_v joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v
yet_o never_o be_v save_v unless_o therewithal_o we_o have_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o seal_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n again_o consider_v who_o speak_v these_o word_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o shall_v find_v in_o genesis_n 21.12_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o let_v it_o not_o say_v god_n unto_o abraham_n be_v grievous_a in_o thy_o sight_n for_o the_o child_n and_o for_o the_o bondwoman_n in_o all_o that_o sarah_n shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o hear_v her_o voice_n which_o be_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n ishmael_n for_o say_v god_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v here_o observe_v a_o notable_a practice_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o good_a direction_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o outward_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o regiment_n thereof_o abraham_n here_o have_v two_o son_n isaac_n and_o ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v they_o both_o and_o instruct_v they_o both_o for_o he_o teach_v all_o his_o household_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o judge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v in_o one_o state_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n covenant_n though_o they_o be_v not_o but_o that_o difference_n be_v make_v by_o god_n abraham_n do_v not_o on_o his_o own_o head_n and_o by_o his_o own_o will_n put_v ishmael_n out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o family_n but_o god_n bid_v he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o then_o he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o not_o before_o till_o such_o time_n he_o keep_v he_o in_o and_o hold_v he_o to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n be_v even_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v towards_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n secret_a judgement_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o till_o god_n manifest_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o must_v hold_v they_o all_o elect_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o sanctify_a and_o to_o the_o galatian_n gal._n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o elect_v speak_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n although_o he_o know_v that_o among_o they_o there_o be_v many_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o he_o reprove_v many_o great_a error_n and_o heinous_a sin_n among_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o namely_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o same_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o his_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o wit_n abraham_n victory_n over_o these_o impediment_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v they_o and_o induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 19_o for_o he_o consider_v or_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n that_o make_v abraham_n to_o offer_v his_o son_n and_o yet_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o in_o he_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o abraham_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v himself_o if_o it_o may_v have_v stand_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o to_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n how_o then_o do_v he_o induce_v himself_o to_o offer_v he_o up_o ans._n by_o this_o which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v diverse_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o first_o observe_v the_o text_n say_v not_o that_o abraham_n murmur_v or_o reason_v against_o god_n but_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n again_o and_o thereby_o induce_v himself_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n unto_o god_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o any_o hard_a commandment_n we_o must_v not_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o god_n or_o murmur_v against_o he_o but_o with_o all_o quietness_n and_o meekness_n obey_v this_o be_v a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o rest_n and_o quietness_n say_v god_n isaiah_n 30.15_o shall_v be_v your_o strength_n in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v many_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o endure_v or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o god_n impose_v on_o his_o child_n but_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o in_o silence_n or_o rest_n and_o in_o quietness_n by_o these_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v there_o go_v out_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o devour_v they_o so_o they_o die_v before_o the_o lord_n 10.1.2_o now_o when_o aaron_n their_o father_n ask_v moses_n a_o cause_n hereof_o moses_n say_v it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n speak_v he_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v near_o he_o which_o when_o aaron_n hear_v the_o text_n say_v he_o heide_v his_o peace_n and_o say_v not_o a_o word_n so_o david_n behave_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n of_o distress_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o say_v nothing_o because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o practice_n we_o must_v not_o grudge_v or_o repine_v at_o god_n hard_a commandment_n nor_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o he_o but_o in_o all_o quietness_n and_o silence_n obey_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o say_v unto_o us._n again_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a etc._n etc._n here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o believe_v to_o have_v good_a knowledge_n in_o god_n word_n that_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v against_o his_o faith_n by_o knowledge_n and_o reason_v out_o of_o god_n word_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v back_o the_o same_o for_o all_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n so_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o place_n against_o this_o strong_a temptation_n reason_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o stay_v himself_o so_o that_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v erroneous_a and_o here_o condemn_v which_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n become_v devout_a &_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o church_n believe_v yet_o this_o faith_n will_v save_v he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o see_v here_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n but_o what_o be_v abraham_n argument_n whereby_o he_o move_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n sure_o this_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a one_o part_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o here_o he_o conceal_v for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v now_o this_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o god_n will_v never_o change_v his_o promise_n from_o whence_o he_o reason_v thus_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n my_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v sacrifice_v my_o son_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n for_o this_o i_o know_v certain_o that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v my_o seed_n be_v call_v see_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o as_o well_o as_o he_o command_v this_o other_o in_o this_o example_n we_o see_v a_o mean_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n impose_v by_o god_n which_o be_v a_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v careful_o of_o every_o one_o of_o us._n for_o say_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o even_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v take_v abraham_n course_n and_o dispute_v with_o ourselves_o for_o ourselves_o &_o we_o must_v draw_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n we_o must_v join_v the_o promise_n and_o power_n of_o god_n together_o as_o for_o example_n thus_o we_o must_v say_v god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n this_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o
parent_n prolong_v their_o child_n day_n by_o blessing_n they_o that_o be_v by_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o religion_n and_o by_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o second_o there_o be_v a_o public_a kind_n of_o blessing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o after_o this_o sort_n melchisedech_n bless_a abraham_n as_o he_o return_v from_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o king_n heb._n 7.1_o and_o without_o all_o contradiction_n say_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o great_a verse_n 7_o further_o these_o public_a kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a a_o ordinary_a kind_n of_o public_a blessing_n be_v that_o which_o be_v pronounce_v and_o utter_v out_o of_o god_n word_n by_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n upon_o the_o people_n example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o ordinary_a priest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o duty_n be_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n before_o their_o depart_n and_o the_o form_n of_o blessing_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v be_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o by_o moses_n after_o this_o manner_n from_o the_o lord_n thus_o shall_v you_o bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n 6.23_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o the_o lord_n bless_v thou_o and_o keep_v thou_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v upon_o thou_o and_o be_v merciful_a unto_o thou_o the_o lord_n lift_v up_o his_o countenance_n upon_o thou_o and_o give_v thou_o peace_n where_o we_o see_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n not_o in_o his_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o the_o head_n of_o the_o people_n this_o kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v then_o ordinary_a and_o yet_o some_o way_n figurative_a signify_v unto_o they_o the_o blessing_n which_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n god_n and_o man_n shall_v not_o only_o pronounce_v but_o even_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o our_o saviour_n according_o perform_v to_o his_o disciple_n at_o his_o ascension_n for_o the_o scory_n say_v when_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o he_o lead_v they_o to_o bethania_n where_o he_o ascend_v and_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o bless_a they_o and_o s._n paul_n declare_v this_o blessing_n of_o christ_n more_o at_o large_a 24.50_o say_v ephes._n 4.8.11.12_o christ_n ascend_v on_o high_a &_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n where_o we_o see_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o pronounce_v a_o blessing_n upon_o his_o church_n but_o be_v also_o the_o author_n thereof_o from_o god_n his_o father_n and_o as_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v a_o ordinary_a kind_n of_o blessing_n the_o people_n so_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o have_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n for_o the_o minister_n may_v bless_v their_o people_n two_o way_n first_o by_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o they_o second_o by_o pronounce_v a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o according_a to_o gods_n holy_a word_n a_o form_n of_o this_o blessing_n we_o have_v from_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n who_o bless_v the_o corinthian_n after_o this_o sort_n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v with_o you_o all_o 2._o corinthian_n 13.13_o second_o a_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o blessing_n be_v when_o a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n or_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v set_v down_o and_o pronounce_v a_o blessing_n unto_o any_o and_o foretell_v their_o estate_n from_o god._n thus_o do_v no_o bless_v his_o two_o son_n shem_n and_o japhet_n gen._n 9.25_o 26_o 27._o and_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n upon_o wicked_a canaan_n this_o he_o do_v not_o as_o a_o ordinary_a father_n but_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n not_o only_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o his_o two_o son_n but_o also_o foretell_v they_o what_o shall_v be_v their_o condition_n or_o estate_n afterward_o so_o in_o this_o place_n whereas_o isaac_n bless_v jaacob_n and_o esau_n it_o be_v no_o private_a blessing_n but_o a_o public_a and_o yet_o indeed_o not_o a_o ordinary_a public_a blessing_n but_o extraordinary_a by_o tell_v unto_o jaacob_n and_o esau_n before_o hand_n what_o shall_v be_v their_o particular_a estate_n and_o condition_n and_o what_o blessing_n they_o shall_v have_v from_o god_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o we_o must_v not_o here_o conceive_v of_o isaac_n as_o a_o ordinary_a father_n but_o as_o a_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a man_n foresee_v &_o foretell_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o particular_a estate_n of_o his_o two_o son_n and_o also_o what_o particular_a blessing_n they_o and_o their_o posterity_n shall_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o these_o word_n isaac_n bless_a jaacob_n &_o esau_n be_v this_o that_o isaac_n be_v a_o prophet_n a_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o a_o famous_a patriarch_n do_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n foresee_v and_o set_v down_o and_o tell_v before_o hand_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o particular_a estate_n of_o his_o two_o son_n jaacob_n and_o esau_n and_o as_o he_o do_v foretell_v it_o so_o likewise_o he_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o the_o same_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v as_o it_o do_v afterward_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o blessing_n which_o isaac_n use_v yet_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o learn_v a_o ordinary_a duty_n for_o look_v as_o isaac_n bless_v his_o two_o son_n so_o we_o by_o his_o example_n must_v learn_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o wicked_a speech_n as_o curse_v and_o ban_v and_o exercise_v our_o tongue_n in_o blessing_n not_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o sin_n to_o curse_v and_o revile_v as_o many_o do_v for_o vengeance_n be_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o must_v curse_v that_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o inflict_v the_o same_o when_o he_o will_n but_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_a lord_n over_o any_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v remember_v saint_n peter_n lesson_n 1._o pet._n 3.9_o we_o must_v not_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rebuke_v for_o rebuke_n but_o contrariwise_o bless_v and_o he_o render_v a_o reason_n know_v that_o we_o be_v thereunto_o call_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o blessing_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o therefore_o to_o open_v our_o mouth_n to_o curse_v either_o man_n or_o any_o of_o god_n creature_n and_o indeed_o vile_a and_o abominable_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o who_o exercise_n their_o tongue_n in_o curse_v and_o ban_v not_o only_o man_n but_o also_o other_o creature_n of_o god_n but_o let_v such_o as_o fear_n god_n both_o learn_v and_o practise_v the_o contrary_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o blessing_n to_o wit_n isaac_n faith_n by_o faith_n isaac_n bless_v jaacob_n and_o esau._n here_o first_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o isaac_n faith_n bless_v jaacob_n and_o esau_n sure_o thus_o he_o do_v most_o notable_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o two_o child_n which_o be_v special_o three_o first_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n 2._o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n shall_v possess_v the_o promise_a land_n of_o canaan_n 3._o that_o his_o two_o child_n shall_v be_v two_o mighty_a nation_n and_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a now_o isaac_n do_v not_o consider_v these_o blessing_n apart_o one_o from_o another_o but_o have_v they_o all_o in_o memory_n and_o on_o they_o all_o receive_v they_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n he_o build_v his_o blessing_n for_o by_o faith_n in_o these_o promise_n he_o do_v certain_o foresee_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o future_a estate_n of_o his_o two_o son_n and_o according_o do_v he_o pronounce_v particular_a blessing_n upon_o they_o both_o but_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o isaac_n do_v not_o bless_v his_o son_n by_o faith_n for_o if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n in_o genesis_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o bless_v they_o by_o error_n and_o be_v deceive_v therein_o for_o he_o be_v purpose_v to_o have_v bless_v esau_n only_o
he_o worship_v upon_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n yet_o further_o there_o may_v be_v a_o question_n move_v about_o the_o word_n for_o if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n in_o genesis_n it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o jacob_n worship_v towards_o the_o end_n or_o top_n of_o his_o bed_n genesis_n 47._o now_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o to_o worship_v on_o the_o top_n of_o his_o staff_n and_o on_o the_o top_n of_o his_o bed_n how_o therefore_o can_v they_o stand_v together_o ans._n they_o may_v stand_v well_o together_o and_o be_v both_o true_a for_o when_o jacob_n be_v about_o to_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v he_o raise_v up_o himself_o upon_o his_o pillow_n towards_o the_o bed_n head_n and_o thereon_o rest_v his_o body_n now_o because_o his_o body_n be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a he_o stay_v himself_o also_o upon_o his_o staff_n and_o thus_o compare_v the_o place_n together_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o repugnancy_n in_o they_o again_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v diverse_o read_v in_o diverse_a place_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o impeachment_n to_o the_o truth_n certainty_n or_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n for_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v the_o same_o thing_n often_o yet_o in_o different_a term_n as_o in_o this_o place_n the_o diversity_n of_o word_n do_v enlarge_v or_o open_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n but_o no_o way_n corrupt_v or_o deprave_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o word_n now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o fact_n itself_o in_o jacob_n worship_n three_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o occasion_n 2._o the_o time_n 3._o the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o occasion_n of_o jacob_n worship_n here_o speak_v of_o as_o we_o may_v read_v genesis_n 47_o be_v this_o when_o the_o time_n draw_v near_o that_o jacob_n must_v die_v he_o call_v for_o his_o son_n joseph_n and_o charge_v he_o deep_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o bury_v he_o in_o egypt_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o that_o he_o shall_v carry_v he_o thence_o and_o bury_v he_o in_o the_o burial_n of_o his_o father_n joseph_n consent_v unto_o his_o father_n request_n and_o yet_o jacob_n for_o certainty_n make_v he_o to_o swear_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o joseph_n swear_v unto_o he_o now_o upon_o this_o issue_n that_o jacob_n have_v with_o joseph_n the_o text_n say_v that_o israel_n worship_v towards_o the_o bed_n â—ead_a that_o be_v he_o praise_v god_n and_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o for_o this_o benefit_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bury_v with_o his_o father_n abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o yet_o this_o benefit_n do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v himself_o as_o his_o child_n for_o the_o carry_v of_o his_o bone_n thither_o be_v to_o be_v a_o token_n and_o pledge_n and_o a_o certain_a assurance_n unto_o they_o that_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n shall_v be_v they_o and_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v they_o thither_o again_o in_o this_o circumstance_n observe_v a_o notable_a duty_n belong_v unto_o father_n and_o master_n of_o family_n they_o must_v in_o their_o life_n time_n have_v care_n of_o their_o posterity_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o help_v they_o and_o benefit_n they_o in_o the_o faith_n not_o only_o while_o they_o be_v alive_a but_o also_o after_o they_o be_v dead_a after_o the_o example_n of_o this_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v this_o benefit_n for_o they_o they_o must_v be_v glad_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o rejoice_v and_o thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n as_o jacob_n do_v in_o this_o place_n 2._o circumstance_n the_o manner_n how_o he_o worship_v which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n on_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v for_o good_a jacob_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o body_n and_o old_a age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o come_v forth_o of_o his_o bed_n and_o kneel_v down_o or_o prostrate_v himself_o but_o raise_v himself_o up_o upon_o his_o pillow_n towards_o his_o bed_n head_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o feebleness_n be_v not_o yet_o able_a to_o sit_v upright_o he_o do_v lean_a and_o bear_v himself_o upon_o his_o staff_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o must_v not_o only_a worship_n god_n with_o our_o soul_n and_o heart_n but_o with_o our_o body_n also_o for_o god_n have_v create_v both_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o both_o 1._o corinthian_n 6._o verse_n 20._o old_a jacob_n may_v have_v excuse_v himself_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o body_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o adore_v god_n with_o any_o bodily_a reverence_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v he_o lean_v upon_o his_o staff_n and_o so_o make_v supply_n to_o his_o bodily_a weakness_n adore_v god_n with_o his_o body_n question_n in_o what_o kind_n of_o gesture_n than_o must_v we_o worship_v god_n with_o our_o body_n answer_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v any_o by_o way_n of_o limitation_n for_o sometime_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pray_v kneel_v luke_n chapter_n 21._o verse_n 41_o sometime_o grovel_v matthew_n chapter_n 26._o verse_n 59_o sometime_o stand_v john_n chapter_n 11._o verse_n 41_o as_o also_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o scripture_n approve_v the_o publican_n who_o stand_v afar_a off_o and_o pray_v luke_n chapter_n 18._o verse_n 13._o elias_n also_o 1._o king_n chapter_n 18._o verse_n 42_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v with_o his_o head_n between_o his_o leg_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a form_n prescribe_v we_o only_o this_o we_o must_v use_v that_o gesture_n which_o may_v best_o set_v forth_o and_o declare_v our_o humble_a heart_n and_o holy_a affection_n unto_o god_n here_o then_o be_v confute_v a_o opinion_n of_o those_o which_o think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v worship_n god_n with_o his_o heart_n &_o yet_o worship_v image_n with_o his_o body_n that_o he_o may_v be_v present_a at_o idolatrous_a worship_n yet_o keep_v his_o heart_n unto_o god_n but_o jacob_n behaviour_n in_o this_o place_n do_v both_o confute_v and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o think_v his_o body_n as_o due_a to_o god_n as_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o worship_v god_n with_o both_o 3._o circumstance_n the_o time_n when_o he_o worship_v god_n thus_o namely_o when_o he_o be_v die_v even_o than_o he_o worship_v god_n in_o this_o circumstance_n we_o may_v note_v diverse_a thing_n first_o here_o behold_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n for_o many_o man_n when_o they_o be_v die_v nowadays_a be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v jacob_n example_n in_o worship_v and_o praise_v god_n that_o then_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o call_v for_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v worship_v god_n have_v spend_v the_o former_a part_n of_o their_o life_n careless_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o soul_n follow_v worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n never_o think_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n till_o they_o die_v but_o what_o a_o fearful_a course_n be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v thus_o brutish_o go_v on_o from_o day_n to_o day_n not_o know_v how_o to_o worship_v god_n well_o all_o such_o as_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v be_v like_a to_o godly_a jacob_n or_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o nathaniel_n will_v be_v true_a israelite_n joh._n 1.47_o the_o natural_a son_n of_o old_a israel_n indeed_o they_o must_v have_v care_n so_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v worship_n god_n when_o they_o die_v &_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o defer_v but_o learn_v betimes_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o when_o death_n come_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o show_v forth_o and_o practise_v the_o same_o it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a thing_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o devil_n bewitch_v man_n heart_n so_o as_o they_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o though_o they_o shall_v never_o go_v out_o of_o it_o never_o care_v for_o religion_n till_o the_o day_n of_o death_n come_v upon_o they_o &_o than_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o learn_v but_o this_o be_v to_o follow_v esau_n and_o not_o jacob_n who_o be_v therefore_o condemn_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o again_o in_o this_o that_o jacob_n worship_v god_n at_o his_o death_n we_o learn_v this_o that_o as_o man_n live_v so_o they_o die_v for_o the_o most_o part_n jacob_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o god_n worship_n &_o therein_o live_v all_o his_o life_n long_o and_o look_v as_o he_o live_v so_o he_o die_v for_o when_o he_o die_v he_o worship_v god_n rest_v his_o body_n on_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n this_o same_o truth_n be_v verify_v now_o and_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o let_v a_o man_n worship_n god_n through_o the_o course_n of_o
they_o otherwhile_o his_o holy_a angel_n bring_v they_o message_n from_o god_n and_o sometime_o they_o have_v his_o will_n reveal_v unto_o they_o by_o dream_n and_o vision_n all_o which_o be_v notable_a help_n and_o mean_n both_o to_o begin_v and_o to_o increase_v faith_n in_o they_o but_o joseph_n want_v all_o these_o mean_n or_o at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o for_o read_v his_o whole_a history_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o either_o angel_n appear_v unto_o he_o or_o else_o that_o god_n by_o dream_n and_o vision_n speak_v unto_o he_o and_o no_o marvel_n for_o he_o live_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o gods_n presence_n be_v in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a egypt_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o be_v here_o match_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o three_o worthy_a patriarch_n it_o be_v then_o a_o good_a question_n how_o joseph_n shall_v come_v by_o this_o faith_n answer_n we_o must_v know_v this_o that_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o like_a extraordinary_a mean_n with_o the_o patriarch_n yet_o he_o want_v not_o all_o mean_n for_o in_o his_o young_a day_n he_o be_v train_v up_o in_o his_o father_n jacob_n family_n and_o by_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o his_o late_a day_n also_o he_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o father_n company_n and_o instruction_n in_o egypt_n now_o jacob_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a father_n but_o a_o notable_a patriarch_n and_o a_o holy_a prophet_n in_o who_o family_n god_n have_v place_v his_o visible_a church_n in_o those_o day_n wherein_o jacob_n be_v the_o lord_n prophet_n and_o minister_n now_o joseph_n both_o in_o his_o young_a age_n and_o also_o after_o his_o father_n come_v to_o egypt_n do_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o he_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n come_v to_o this_o excellent_a faith_n for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o commend_v here_o and_o match_v with_o his_o father_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o god_n word_n by_o his_o minister_n though_o extraordinary_a mean_n as_o revelation_n and_o vision_n be_v want_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o faith_n yea_o to_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o three_o patriarch_n have_v indeed_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n he_o which_o speak_v unto_o we_o be_v but_o a_o man_n as_o other_o be_v but_o yet_o the_o word_n which_o he_o deliver_v be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o mighty_a word_n of_o god_n and_o look_v what_o be_v true_o pronounce_v by_o he_o unto_o we_o out_o of_o god_n word_n the_o same_o be_v as_o certain_o seal_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o from_o heaven_n shall_v extraordinary_o reveal_v the_o same_o and_o howsoever_o in_o former_a time_n man_n have_v vision_n and_o dream_n and_o angel_n from_o god_n himself_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o yet_o this_o ministry_n of_o god_n word_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o mean_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o true_a faith_n as_o that_o be_v then_o this_o plain_o confute_v all_o those_o that_o neglect_n or_o contemn_v the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n &_o look_v for_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o for_o vision_n &_o dream_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v notable_o check_v all_o such_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n by_o the_o word_n of_o abraham_n to_o dives_fw-la 16._o saying_n of_o dives_fw-la brethren_n that_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a again_o verse_n 31_o insinuate_v that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n will_v make_v he_o to_o believe_v neither_o revelation_n nor_o vision_n no_o not_o the_o word_n of_o they_o that_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a second_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n ordinance_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n to_o beget_v and_o to_o increase_v true_a faith_n must_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n not_o only_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v unto_o we_o but_o to_o profit_v by_o it_o both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v handle_v be_v the_o commendation_n of_o josephs_n faith_n by_o two_o action_n thereof_o to_o wit_n 1._o his_o mention_n of_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n 2._o his_o commandment_n concern_v his_o bone_n of_o both_o which_o we_o will_v speak_v brief_o because_o the_o special_a point_n herein_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n for_o the_o first_o joseph_n when_o he_o die_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o depart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v out_o of_o egypt_n into_o canaan_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o most_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n it_o make_v a_o man_n to_o keep_v in_o memory_n the_o merciful_a promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v it_o which_o commend_v josephs_n faith_n for_o a_o lively_a faith_n that_o be_v about_o to_o die_v he_o remember_v this_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o his_o forefather_n touch_v their_o posterity_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o they_o have_v continue_v as_o servant_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n 400._o year_n they_o shall_v then_o have_v a_o good_a issue_n and_o a_o happy_a deliverance_n and_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n gen._n 15.13_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a work_n of_o faith_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o notable_a effect_n hereof_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a for_o first_o by_o this_o remembrance_n of_o god_n merciful_a promise_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o distress_n and_o extremity_n do_v find_v comfort_n unto_o his_o soul_n this_o bring_v to_o his_o memory_n the_o wonderful_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v comfort_v when_o david_n be_v in_o a_o most_o desperate_a case_n so_o as_o he_o cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o mercy_n fail_v for_o evermore_o psal._n 77_o with_o such_o like_o most_o fearful_a speech_n how_o do_v he_o then_o comfort_v himself_o in_o this_o distress_n answ._n sure_o by_o remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o wonder_n of_o old_a and_o by_o meditate_v in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o gracious_a act_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o so_o likewise_o in_o another_o place_n in_o great_a anguish_n of_o spirit_n he_o say_v to_o his_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o psalm_n 43.5_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o thus_o stay_v himself_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o i_o will_v yet_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v my_o present_a help_n and_o my_o god_n how_o come_v david_n to_o say_v so_o in_o this_o distress_n answer_n by_o mean_n of_o faith_n which_o do_v revive_v and_o refresh_v the_o dead_a heart_n of_o man_n by_o bring_v to_o his_o remembrance_n the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n saint_n paul_n press_v with_o corruption_n cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n rom._n 7.24_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o say_v i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n then_o i_o myself_o in_o my_o mind_n serve_v the_o law_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n how_o come_v the_o latter_a word_n to_o follow_v on_o the_o former_a answer_n in_o the_o first_o word_n indeed_o he_o be_v cast_v down_o with_o the_o view_n and_o sight_n of_o his_o natural_a corruption_n which_o draw_v he_o headlong_o into_o sin_n but_o yet_o the_o late_a word_n be_v a_o remembrance_n of_o the_o merciful_a deliverance_n from_o sin_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o break_v out_o to_o this_o say_n i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n second_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n promise_n serve_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o sin_n for_o man_n nature_n be_v as_o ready_a and_o prone_a to_o sin_n as_o fire_n be_v to_o burn_v when_o fuel_n be_v put_v to_o it_o but_o when_o by_o faith_n he_o call_v to_o mind_n god_n merciful_a promise_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v
man_n a_o lamb_n of_o a_o year_n old_a &_o to_o eat_v it_o roast_n with_o fire_n and_o to_o take_v the_o blood_n and_o sprinkle_v it_o upon_o the_o door_n cheek_n and_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o house_n for_o a_o sign_n unto_o they_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v the_o blood_n sprinkle_v upon_o their_o door_n shall_v pass_v over_o they_o and_o touch_v none_o of_o their_o first_o bear_v neither_o man_n nor_o beast_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o history_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o fact_n more_o particular_o and_o first_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o they_o through_o faith_n he_o ordain_v the_o passeover_n the_o passove_a here_o name_v may_v be_v thus_o describe_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n serve_v for_o a_o sign_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n both_o of_o their_o temporal_a deliverance_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n and_o from_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v and_o also_o of_o their_o spiritual_a deliverance_n from_o everlasting_a death_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o immaculate_a lamb_n of_o god_n touch_v this_o description_n first_o i_o call_v it_o one_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a test_n because_o they_o have_v beside_o this_o circumcision_n another_o ordinary_a sacrament_n next_o i_o say_v it_o serve_v for_o a_o sign_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o sacrament_n unto_o they_o for_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n to_o signify_v &_o seal_v up_o some_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n now_o that_o the_o passove_a do_v so_o be_v plain_a where_o the_o lord_n call_v it_o a_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o deliverance_n unto_o they_o but_o some_o will_v say_v this_o passove_a be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o so_o it_o be_v call_v this_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o lord_n passove_a and_o thou_o shall_v not_o offer_v the_o blood_n of_o my_o sacrifice_n with_o leaven_a bread_n etc._n etc._n 12.27_o ans._n it_o be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n because_o it_o be_v kill_v 23.18_o also_o the_o blood_n thereof_o be_v sprinkle_v 3.4_o &_o some_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o fat_a with_o the_o two_o kidney_n be_v burn_v in_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o lord_n for_o when_o josias_n keep_v that_o famous_a passove_a with_o all_o the_o people_n the_o priest_n that_o slay_v the_o passove_a and_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n thereof_o do_v first_o take_v away_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consume_v with_o fire_n 35.12_o and_o then_o give_v to_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o division_n of_o their_o family_n as_o moses_n appoint_v now_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o property_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v in_o the_o passove_a it_o be_v true_o call_v a_o sacrifice_n and_o yet_o more_o proper_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n because_o it_o be_v a_o visible_a sign_n of_o special_a blessing_n from_o the_o lord_n but_o what_o do_v this_o sacrament_n of_o the_o passove_a signify_v answer_n it_o do_v signify_v a_o double_a deliverance_n one_o temporal_a as_o well_o from_o the_o destroy_a angel_n as_o also_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n the_o other_o spiritual_a from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o first_o be_v plain_a where_o the_o lord_n say_v 12.13_o the_o blood_n be_v sprinkle_v upon_o the_o door_n post_v shall_v be_v a_o token_n for_o you_o that_o i_o will_v pass_v over_o you_o and_o verse_n 17._o you_o shall_v keep_v the_o feast_n of_o unleavened_a bread_n for_o that_o same_o day_n will_v i_o bring_v your_o army_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o touch_v the_o second_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o more_o heavenly_a deliverance_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n &_o satan_n paul_n tell_v we_o plain_o when_o as_o he_o say_v christ_n our_o passove_a be_v sacrifice_v for_o we_o 5.7_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v undoubted_o a_o true_a sign_n of_o the_o true_a paschall_n lamb_n christ_n jesus_n to_o which_o purpose_n john_n baptist_n say_v behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1.29_o where_o he_o call_v christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n make_v there_o a_o opposition_n between_o he_o and_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n of_o moses_n which_o may_v be_v call_v the_o paschall_n lamb_n of_o man_n for_o herein_o also_o they_o differ_v the_o paschall_n lamb_n be_v separate_v by_o man_n though_o by_o god_n appointment_n but_o christ_n the_o true_a lamb_n of_o god_n be_v set_v a_o part_n before_o all_o world_n by_o god_n the_o father_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v brief_o what_o this_o passove_a be_v it_o follow_v ordain_v the_o passove_a the_o word_n translate_v ordain_v signify_v he_o make_v or_o do_v celebrate_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o evangelist_n matthew_n set_v down_o christ_n speech_n to_o his_o disciple_n about_o the_o passove_a which_o he_o keep_v with_o they_o a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n thus_o my_o time_n be_v come_v i_o will_v make_v my_o passove_a at_o thy_o house_n now_o s._n luke_n repeat_v the_o same_o story_n mention_v first_o the_o kill_n and_o then_o the_o eat_n of_o it_o by_o which_o two_o word_n he_o explain_v what_o christ_n mean_v by_o make_v which_o here_o be_v translate_v ordain_v the_o passove_a 11._o to_o wit_n first_o the_o kill_a &_o prepare_v of_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n and_o then_o the_o eat_n of_o it_o as_o the_o lordâ—_n sacrament_n but_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o speech_n will_n some_o say_v how_o can_v the_o passove_a be_v kill_v or_o eat_v see_v proper_o the_o passove_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o act_n of_o the_o angel_n pass_v over_o the_o house_n of_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o smite_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o every_o house_n of_o the_o egyptian_n ans._n the_o phrase_n be_v improper_a yet_o it_o must_v not_o seem_v strange_a because_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n entreat_v of_o the_o sacrament_n sometime_o to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o the_o sign_n to_o the_o thing_n signify_v as_o 1._o cor._n 5.7_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o passove_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v to_o the_o sign_n as_o in_o this_o place_n he_o ordain_v the_o passove_a that_o be_v the_o paschall_n lamb_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o angel_n pass_v over_o their_o house_n so_o this_o be_v my_o body_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o my_o body_n the_o rock_n be_v christ._n 10.4_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o figurative_a speech_n whereby_o one_o thing_n be_v put_v for_o another_o be_v the_o sacramental_a union_n of_o the_o sign_n with_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o natural_a according_a to_o place_n either_o by_o change_n of_o the_o sign_n into_o the_o thing_n signify_v or_o by_o include_v the_o thing_n signify_v in_o the_o sign_n or_o fasten_v it_o upon_o it_o but_o respective_a &_o analogical_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o agreement_n &_o proportion_n which_o be_v between_o the_o sign_n &_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o stand_v in_o this_o that_o look_v when_o the_o outward_a sign_n be_v present_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n the_o thing_n signify_v be_v thereby_o as_o by_o certain_a visible_a word_n present_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o indeed_o look_v what_o conjunction_n be_v between_o word_n &_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o understanding_n hearer_n the_o same_o be_v between_o sacramental_a sign_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o discern_a receiver_n but_o when_o word_n of_o sense_n be_v speak_v to_o the_o ear_n the_o understand_a mind_n do_v therewith_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o even_o so_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o discern_a receiver_n do_v inward_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n signify_v and_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o soul_n when_o the_o sacramental_a sign_n be_v present_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n and_o this_o conjunction_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n either_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o thing_n signify_v but_o from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o meaning_n then_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o be_v this_o that_o moses_n by_o faith_n do_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v the_o kill_n and_o eat_v of_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o pass_v over_o of_o the_o lord_n angel_n when_o the_o first_o bear_v in_o egypt_n be_v slay_v it_o follow_v and_o effusion_n of_o blood_n that_o be_v the_o sprinkle_n
of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n which_o be_v a_o notable_a rite_n &_o ceremony_n use_v in_o this_o first_o passove_a after_o this_o manner_n the_o blood_n of_o every_o lamb_n be_v put_v into_o a_o basin_n &_o sprinkle_v with_o a_o bunch_n of_o hyssop_n upon_o the_o door_n post_v of_o every_o man_n house_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o this_o rite_n do_v not_o continue_v always_o but_o be_v peculiar_a &_o proper_a to_o this_o first_o passove_a keep_v in_o egypt_n at_o the_o institution_n thereof_o be_v then_o practise_v but_o not_o after_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o special_a deliverance_n then_o at_o hand_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n for_o it_o signify_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v of_o egypt_n &_o see_v that_o blood_n so_o sprink_v shall_v pass_v over_o their_o house_n and_o touch_v none_o of_o their_o first_o bear_v of_o man_n nor_o beast_n this_o end_n of_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o this_o blood_n be_v here_o likewise_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n lest_o he_o that_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v shall_v touch_v they_o he_o that_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v send_v to_o destroy_v the_o first_o bear_v throughout_o all_o egypt_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n save_v only_o of_o those_o who_o have_v their_o door_n post_v sprinkle_v with_o blood_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n first_o observe_v what_o the_o h._n ghost_n say_v of_o this_o fact_n of_o moses_n in_o ordain_v the_o passove_a namely_o that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o faith_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v celebrate_v in_o faith_n for_o herein_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v the_o l._n supper_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n succeed_v the_o passove_a in_o the_o old_a for_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o immaculate_a lamb_n of_o god_n shall_v afterward_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sign_n of_o christ_n already_o sacrifice_v now_o look_v as_o that_o be_v ordain_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o law_n so_o must_v this_o be_v administer_v &_o receive_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n moses_n celebrate_v the_o passove_a through_o faith_n &_o enjoine_v the_o israelite_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o according_o must_v we_o by_o faith_n celebrate_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n under_o the_o gospel_n cain_n sacrifice_n be_v fruitless_a to_o he_o and_o odious_a to_o god_n because_o he_o offer_v not_o in_o faith_n &_o no_o less_o be_v all_o other_o faithless_a sacrifice_n even_o so_o every_o sacrament_n and_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n receive_v or_o offer_v in_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o unacceptable_a unto_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v in_o faith_n in_o every_o sacrament_n we_o receive_v some_o thing_n from_o god_n as_o in_o every_o sacrifice_n we_o give_v some_o thing_n to_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o the_o minister_n give_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o receiver_n so_o the_o lord_n god_n give_v his_o son_n unto_o their_o heart_n now_o if_o faith_n be_v want_v christ_n crucify_v be_v not_o receive_v for_o faith_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o receive_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o benefit_n but_o contrariwise_o a_o heavy_a and_o fearful_a sin_n heap_v up_o god_n wrath_n against_o us._n hereby_o we_o learn_v how_o sundry_a sort_n of_o people_n sin_n most_o grievous_o against_o god_n for_o many_o come_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a in_o the_o nature_n &_o use_n thereof_o not_o know_v what_o the_o sacrament_n mean_v &_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n they_o will_v receive_v at_o least_o once_o a_o year_n though_o they_o know_v nothing_o therein_o as_o they_o ought_v now_o such_o person_n must_v know_v they_o ought_v to_o come_v in_o faith_n which_o they_o can_v do_v because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n and_o therefore_o in_o receive_v it_o so_o they_o commit_v a_o grievous_a sin_n &_o so_o endanger_v their_o own_o soul_n because_o they_o receive_v it_o unworthy_o and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o young_a one_o only_o but_o of_o many_o who_o year_n may_v shame_v they_o for_o their_o ignorance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o pass_v all_o feel_n of_o spiritual_a want_n a_o second_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n &_o say_v they_o will_v do_v so_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n but_o these_o be_v like_o the_o former_a for_o their_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o honest_a deal_n among_o man_n think_v that_o if_o they_o bring_v that_o to_o the_o l._n supper_n though_o they_o have_v no_o more_o yet_o all_o be_v well_o the_o great_a sort_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n take_v fidelity_n for_o true_a faith_n &_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a point_n of_o popery_n so_o common_a as_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n man_n do_v embrace_v it_o but_o these_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o another_o kind_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o namely_o such_o a_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_o believe_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n in_o christ_n blood_n but_o also_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o bread_n &_o wine_n receive_v worthy_o be_v sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o same_o blessing_n exhibit_v unto_o we_o by_o christ._n he_o that_o come_v only_o in_o a_o good_a meaning_n deceive_v himself_o &_o receive_v to_o his_o condemnation_n and_o yet_o alas_o many_o even_a of_o the_o ancient_a sort_n have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o their_o good_a meaning_n a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v who_o yet_o go_v further_o and_o know_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o a_o man_n fidelity_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n shall_v be_v his_o faith_n to_o commend_v he_o unto_o god_n they_o hold_v &_o know_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o salvation_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a but_o herein_o they_o fail_v that_o come_v to_o receive_v they_o bring_v not_o with_o they_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o require_v in_o a_o communicant_a that_o he_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n aright_o but_o a_o worthy_a receiver_n must_v look_v to_o his_o own_o heart_n that_o his_o faith_n therein_o be_v a_o live_a faith_n such_o as_o work_v by_o love_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n now_o herein_o many_o that_o have_v good_a knowledge_n do_v grievous_o offend_v that_o howsoever_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o orderly_a and_o religious_a carriage_n of_o themselves_o on_o the_o communion_n day_n yet_o when_o that_o time_n be_v a_o little_a past_a they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a sin_n again_o never_o else_o have_v any_o care_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v any_o show_n of_o lay_v away_o their_o sin_n save_v only_o at_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o do_v too_o many_o of_o those_o who_o make_v a_o fair_a profession_n these_o man_n bring_v faith_n in_o profession_n but_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v dead_a for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a faith_n it_o will_v purify_v their_o heart_n &_o cause_v a_o change_n in_o they_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a and_o from_o good_a to_o better_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n by_o who_o mercy_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o his_o church_n who_o come_v with_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o thereby_o communicate_v acceptable_o to_o god_n and_o fruitful_o to_o themselves_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n but_o as_o for_o all_o the_o other_o three_o sort_n of_o people_n they_o sin_v grievous_o because_o they_o bring_v not_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o receive_v those_o thing_n which_o their_o god_n offer_v unto_o they_o we_o therefore_o in_o this_o example_n be_v admonish_v to_o celebrate_v &_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o moses_n do_v namely_o in_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o idle_a or_o dead_a but_o in_o a_o lively_a faith_n which_o may_v both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n to_o the_o reform_v of_o our_o life_n in_o continual_a obedience_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ._n 2_o observe_v further_o moses_n ordain_v and_o make_v the_o passove_a we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o moses_n kill_v all_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v
to_o be_v slay_v at_o this_o passeover_n but_o in_o his_o own_o family_n he_o kill_v his_o own_o lamb_n and_o enjoin_v the_o people_n from_o god_n to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o they_o the_o like_a phrase_n be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n josua_n 5.3_o josua_n be_v say_v to_o circumcise_v the_o son_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v almost_o a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o one_o man_n to_o do_v but_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o josua_n enjoin_v &_o procure_v that_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v circumcise_v and_o see_v it_o do_v and_o so_o we_o must_v understand_v this_o place_n now_o in_o this_o that_o moses_n do_v in_o this_o manner_n celebrate_v this_o passover_o we_o be_v teach_v this_o lesson_n that_o governor_n and_o superior_n in_o their_o place_n must_v procure_v that_o those_o which_o â—e_v under_o their_o government_n do_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o those_o which_o concern_v god_n worship_n it_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o moses_n that_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v the_o law_n write_v that_o he_o may_v learn_v to_o fear_v his_o god_n and_o keep_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n write_v to_o do_v they_o now_o how_o shall_v the_o king_n do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n see_v there_o be_v many_o commandment_n that_o do_v not_o concern_v he_o nor_o his_o place_n but_o his_o subject_n and_o other_o particular_a man_n of_o other_o calling_n sure_o thus_o he_o must_v do_v those_o in_o his_o own_o person_n that_o concern_v he_o in_o his_o place_n and_o then_o see_v that_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n do_v likewise_o such_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o concern_v they_o in_o their_o place_n this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n concern_v all_o magistrate_n and_o superior_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o paul_n say_v rom._n 13.4_o the_o magistrate_n bear_v not_o the_o sword_n for_o nought_o but_o for_o the_o wealth_n of_o god_n people_n that_o be_v for_o their_o good_a not_o in_o body_n only_o but_o principal_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o therefore_o every_o governor_n either_o of_o town_n or_o kingdom_n and_o every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o call_n be_v to_o see_v that_o those_o which_o be_v under_o he_o keep_v god_n commandment_n especial_o those_o which_o concern_v god_n worship_n when_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v this_o than_o the_o praise_n &_o honour_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v give_v to_o he_o as_o here_o the_o kill_n of_o the_o passeover_n be_v ascribe_v to_o moses_n because_o he_o see_v that_o the_o people_n do_v it_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o the_o magistrate_n be_v negligent_a in_o his_o duty_n he_o become_v the_o great_a sinner_n of_o all_o for_o then_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v through_o his_o default_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o nehemiah_n reprove_v the_o ruler_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o break_v the_o lord_n sabbaoth_n nehem._n 13.13_o when_o as_o not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o people_n also_o break_v they_o yet_o there_o he_o charge_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n upon_o they_o because_o it_o come_v through_o their_o negligence_n as_o if_o any_o sin_n be_v commit_v in_o a_o family_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o family_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o particular_a party_n but_o the_o governor_n sin_n and_o so_o when_o any_o man_n sin_n in_o break_v the_o sabbaoth_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o sin_n of_o that_o particular_a man_n but_o of_o the_o governor_n to_o who_o he_o be_v subject_a and_o therefore_o governor_n must_v see_v that_o god_n commandment_n be_v keep_v of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o government_n but_o here_o some_o may_v object_v as_o indeed_o some_o abuse_n the_o place_n to_o this_o end_n that_o it_o seem_v no_o man_n may_v be_v bar_v from_o the_o l._n supper_n for_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o be_v in_o the_o passeover_n but_o moses_n keep_v the_o pasover_n himself_o and_o command_v all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n so_o to_o do_v therefore_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v put_v from_o god_n table_n ans._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o in_o egypt_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o first_o passover_o moses_n keep_v it_o himself_o &_o command_v every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n among_o the_o israelite_n to_o do_v the_o same_o &_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n the_o passeover_n be_v both_o a_o sign_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n beside_o the_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n then_o why_o all_o the_o israelite_n shall_v eat_v the_o passeover_n and_o none_o be_v put_v back_o because_o all_o of_o they_o be_v to_o escape_v the_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o god_n be_v to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n but_o afterward_o the_o lord_n make_v a_o law_n that_o if_o any_o be_v but_o legal_o unclean_a he_o may_v not_o eat_v the_o passeover_n but_o must_v stay_v till_o the_o next_o month_n &_o they_o come_v and_o only_o the_o clean_a must_v eat_v thereof_o so_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v inhibit_v some_o from_o that_o sacrament_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passove_a be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v warrant_n to_o this_o confusion_n and_o careless_a admit_v of_o all_o to_o the_o communion_n that_o rather_o it_o prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o distinction_n make_v and_o a_o separation_n of_o the_o unworthy_a from_o the_o lord_n table_n those_o which_o be_v fit_o prepare_v be_v to_o be_v receive_v but_o notorious_a offender_n who_o be_v moral_o &_o spiritual_o unclean_a be_v to_o be_v put_v back_o till_o by_o repentance_n they_o have_v testify_v their_o worthiness_n 3._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o passove_a for_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a lamb_n of_o god_n shadow_v out_o diverse_a thing_n worthy_a our_o observation_n as_o first_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o passove_a be_v to_o be_v a_o lamb_n of_o a_o year_n old_a without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n which_o signify_v unto_o we_o that_o christ_n be_v that_o immaculate_a lamb_n of_o god_n and_o without_o spot_n as_o peter_n call_v he_o 1._o peter_n 1.19_o second_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n when_o it_o be_v kill_v &_o eat_v have_v no_o bone_n of_o it_o break_a so_o be_v it_o command_v exod._n 12.46_o &_o numb_a 9.12_o signify_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v crucify_v shall_v not_o have_v a_o bone_n of_o he_o break_v as_o s._n john_n apply_v the_o former_a text_n john_n 19.36_o three_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n must_v be_v eat_v with_o sour_a herb_n exodus_fw-la 12.8_o signify_v that_o no_o man_n can_v feel_v any_o sweetness_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n till_o he_o have_v his_o heart_n full_a of_o bitterness_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o with_o hanna_n be_v sore_o vex_v and_o trouble_v in_o mind_n so_o as_o he_o can_v pour_v out_o his_o soul_n before_o the_o lord_n 1._o sam._n 1.15_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o do_v hear_v god_n word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o reap_v no_o benefit_n by_o they_o four_o before_o the_o paschall_n lamb_n be_v eat_v all_o leaven_n must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o their_o house_n this_o have_v a_o notable_a signification_n which_o we_o need_v not_o to_o guess_v at_o see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v it_o down_o namely_o that_o we_o must_v remove_v all_o old_a leaven_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n matthew_n 16.12_o out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o leaven_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n 5.7_o out_o of_o our_o life_n if_o we_o profess_v communion_n with_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o point_n worth_a our_o mark_v for_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o this_o old_a leaven_n we_o must_v never_o look_v to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n into_o our_o heart_n last_o every_o person_n receive_v the_o passove_a in_o haste_n with_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n with_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o their_o clothes_n gird_v up_o exod._n 12.11_o yet_o this_o we_o must_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o first_o passove_a in_o egypt_n 22.49_o for_o christ_n do_v eat_v it_o sit_v now_o this_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o first_o passove_a signify_v thus_o much_o that_o if_o we_o look_v to_o have_v benefit_n by_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v of_o this_o mind_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o be_v prepare_v to_o go_v when_o &_o whither_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o we_o must_v not_o have_v our_o heart_n glue_v to_o earthly_a thing_n but_o always_o ready_a
therefore_o the_o lord_n forbid_v a_o bastard_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o bear_v any_o office_n unto_o the_o ten_o generation_n deuteronomie_n chapter_n 23._o verse_n 2_o so_o ignominious_a be_v this_o kind_n of_o birth_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n spirit_n unto_o that_o party_n on_o who_o it_o fall_v for_o this_o sin_n of_o fornication_n do_v not_o only_o hurt_v the_o person_n commit_v it_o but_o even_o stain_v the_o child_n base_a bear_v to_o the_o ten_o generation_n yet_o howsoever_o jephte_n be_v base_a bear_v and_o so_o suffer_v for_o it_o great_a reproach_n here_o we_o see_v he_o be_v commend_v unto_o we_o for_o his_o faith_n among_o the_o most_o worthy_a believer_n that_o ever_o be_v indeed_o beside_o jephte_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o like_a example_n in_o scripture_n yet_o in_o jephte_n we_o may_v see_v that_o howsoever_o it_o be_v a_o reproachful_a thing_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o fornication_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o the_o party_n so_o bear_v may_v come_v to_o true_a faith_n and_o so_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o life_n everlasting_a such_o person_n as_o be_v base_a bear_v upon_o view_n of_o that_o reproach_n which_o the_o scripture_n fasten_v upon_o they_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o think_v miserable_o of_o themselves_o even_o that_o god_n have_v reject_v they_o but_o this_o example_n serve_v to_o show_v that_o it_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o may_v come_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o by_o faith_n get_v honour_n of_o god_n to_o countervail_v that_o discredit_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o base_a birth_n further_o whereas_o we_o common_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v base_a bear_v be_v wicked_a person_n here_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a in_o jephte_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o for_o this_o cause_n condemn_v any_o for_o wicked_a or_o ungodly_a indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v brand_v this_o estate_n with_o reproach_n that_o man_n shall_v shun_v the_o sin_n of_o fornication_n the_o more_o again_o whereas_o jephte_n be_v here_o commend_v for_o his_o faith_n we_o may_v probable_o gather_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v not_o true_a who_o hold_v that_o jephte_n sacrifice_v &_o kill_v his_o own_o daughter_n for_o be_v commend_v here_o for_o his_o faith_n certain_a it_o be_v he_o have_v knowledge_n in_o god_n will_v and_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o think_v but_o that_o he_o know_v god_n will_v never_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o vow_n by_o the_o performance_n whereof_o he_o shall_v commit_v wilful_a and_o most_o unnatural_a murder_n this_o his_o faith_n show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o intent_n to_o kill_v the_o first_o person_n that_o meet_v he_o out_o of_o his_o house_n for_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n he_o may_v know_v that_o god_n will_v never_o accept_v thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o like_a he_o so_o make_v his_o vow_n for_o this_o faith_n and_o such_o a_o vow_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o some_o will_v say_v the_o text_n be_v plain_a judg._n 11.31_o that_o he_o vow_v to_o offer_v for_o a_o burn_a offering_n the_o thing_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o door_n of_o his_o house_n to_o meet_v he_o when_o he_o come_v home_o ans._n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o in_o some_o translation_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v thus_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o lord_n or_o i_o will_v offer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o late_a translation_n be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n for_o this_o be_v jephte_n meaning_n that_o whatsoever_o meet_v he_o first_o he_o will_v dedicate_v it_o to_o god_n &_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v sacrifice_v than_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o offer_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o sacrifice_n quest._n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o kill_v she_o why_o do_v he_o then_o so_o lament_v for_o she_o ans._n because_o by_o his_o vow_n he_o be_v to_o dedicate_v she_o to_o god_n and_o so_o she_o be_v to_o live_v a_o nazarite_n all_o her_o life_n long_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a bitter_a thing_n to_o he_o who_o have_v no_o child_n but_o she_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o reproach_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n a_o curse_n in_o those_o day_n to_o want_v issue_n i_o speak_v not_o here_o how_o well_o or_o ill_a jephte_n do_v in_o make_v she_o a_o nazarite_n but_o this_o may_v no_o way_n be_v admit_v that_o believe_v and_o godly_a jephte_n shall_v advise_o kill_v his_o own_o daughter_n undoubted_o he_o can_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v with_o such_o a_o abominable_a sacrifice_n thus_o much_o for_o these_o person_n the_o rest_n i_o pass_v over_o because_o this_o story_n be_v plain_a and_o large_a in_o scripture_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o david_n verse_n 33_o 34_o 35._o which_o through_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n obtain_v the_o promise_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o weak_a be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valiant_a in_o battle_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n the_o woman_n receive_v their_o dead_a raise_v to_o life_n in_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n propound_v unto_o we_o ten_o several_a fruit_n of_o faith_n the_o nine_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o particular_a action_n of_o the_o party_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o they_o be_v here_o relate_v for_o the_o commendation_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o first_o be_v subdue_a of_o kingdom_n which_o serve_v chief_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o four_o judge_n there_o name_v and_o of_o david_n for_o as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n and_o of_o samuel_n all_o these_o subdue_a kingdom_n as_o the_o canaanite_n judg._n 4._o the_o midianite_n judg._n 6._o the_o philistines_n judg._n 15._o and_o 16._o 2._o sam._n 8.1_o the_o ammonite_n judg._n 11._o moabite_n &_o aramite_n 2._o sam._n 8.2.6_o now_o how_o do_v they_o overcome_v and_o subdue_v they_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n which_o we_o must_v not_o not_o thus_o understand_v as_o though_o only_a by_o the_o very_a act_n of_o faith_n they_o subdue_v kingdom_n but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v unto_o they_o of_o deliver_v these_o kingdom_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o according_a to_o their_o faith_n god_n accomplish_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o they_o subdue_v kingdom_n by_o faith_n in_o this_o work_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o make_v war_n for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n be_v lawful_a for_o god_n servant_n but_o war_n may_v be_v make_v in_o faith_n for_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n subdue_v kingdom_n in_o war_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n upon_o just_a cause_n to_o make_v war_n the_o anabaptist_n of_o germany_n say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o christian_a under_o the_o gospel_n to_o carry_v a_o weapon_n or_o to_o make_v war_n but_o this_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o war_n under_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v use_v according_a to_o god_n will_v &_o word_n when_o the_o soldier_n come_v to_o john_n baptist_n and_o ask_v he_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v he_o bid_v they_o not_o leave_v off_o their_o call_n but_o this_o do_v violence_n to_o no_o man_n neither_o accuse_v any_o false_o and_o be_v content_a with_o your_o wage_n luk._n 3.14_o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n report_v of_o a_o centurion_n which_o be_v captain_n of_o a_o band_n when_o he_o come_v to_o have_v his_o son_n heal_v 8.3_o that_o he_o have_v not_o find_v such_o faith_n in_o israel_n and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o centurion_n only_o afore_o he_o believe_v but_o even_o afterward_o when_o christ_n commend_v his_o faith_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o dislike_v his_o call_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o cornelius_n act._n 10._o all_o which_o show_v plain_o that_o upon_o just_a cause_n christian_n may_v lawful_o make_v war_n ob._n 1._o but_o to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n they_o object_n some_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o mat._n 5.39_o resist_v not_o evil_a say_v christ_n therefore_o say_v they_o a_o man_n may_v not_o wear_v a_o weapon_n nor_o use_v a_o sword_n lest_o those_o make_v he_o to_o resist_v and_o so_o to_o break_v this_o commandment_n of_o christ._n ans._n that_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o
and_o lip-faith_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o true_a save_v faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v profitable_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o enjoy_v god_n most_o excellent_a promise_n in_o christ._n man_n may_v lie_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v and_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v make_v his_o promise_n of_o life_n to_o believer_n and_o to_o no_o other_o so_o will_n he_o sure_o accomplish_v the_o same_o to_o they_o and_o to_o no_o other_o wherefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n and_o desire_v life_n let_v we_o get_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o four_o and_o five_o effect_n which_o i_o will_v handle_v together_o be_v these_o stopped_n the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n for_o the_o four_o whereas_o some_o of_o these_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o lion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o daniel_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 6._o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n for_o daniel_n through_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o that_o incense_v the_o king_n wrath_n against_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o den_n of_o hunger-bit_n lion_n but_o daniel_n even_o then_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o lord_n by_o his_o angel_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v seal_v up_o their_o paw_n that_o they_o can_v not_o hurt_v he_o the_o five_o effect_n in_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n the_o companion_n of_o daniel_n which_o three_o as_o we_o may_v read_v dan._n 3_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v set_v up_o for_o which_o cause_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o hot_a burn_a oven_n but_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o in_o obedience_n even_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n whereupon_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n do_v most_o miraculous_o preserve_v they_o by_o stay_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o fire_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n thereof_o that_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o body_n nay_o it_o do_v not_o burn_v the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n nor_o cause_v their_o garment_n to_o smell_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v quench_v the_o violence_n of_o it_o because_o it_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o though_o it_o burn_v most_o fierce_o but_o be_v to_o they_o as_o though_o it_o have_v be_v quite_o put_v out_o and_o quench_v now_o join_v these_o two_o effect_n together_o &_o they_o afford_v we_o good_a instruction_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n even_o as_o these_o four_o man_n do_v so_o must_v we_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n forsake_v ourselves_o and_o put_v all_o our_o trust_n in_o christ._n this_o do_v daniel_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o this_o do_v the_o 3._o child_n in_o the_o hot_a fiery_a furnace_n and_o this_o have_v be_v always_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o god_n child_n in_o all_o age_n at_o the_o very_a point_n of_o death_n and_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o danger_n they_o rest_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o time_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o all_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o we_o must_v all_o pass_v the_o door_n of_o death_n &_o once_o lie_v in_o the_o pang_n thereof_o now_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v when_o we_o lie_v half_o dead_a gasp_v &_o pant_v for_o breath_n able_a to_o speak_v to_o no_o man_n nor_o to_o hear_v any_o speak_n to_o we_o when_o all_o comfort_n of_o the_o world_n fail_v we_o sure_o we_o must_v then_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n labour_v to_o leave_v ourselves_o and_o this_o world_n and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o by_o faith_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o christ_n passion_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o satan_n that_o roar_a lion_n &_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o touch_v us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o this_o be_v all_o we_o must_v do_v than_o all_o be_v well_o for_o this_o i_o can_v soon_o do_v when_o time_n serve_v and_o therefore_o i_o will_v take_v no_o care_n till_o then_o answer_n beware_v of_o spiritual_a guile_n for_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o most_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v and_o cast_v himself_o whole_o upon_o christ_n in_o the_o hour_n and_o pang_n of_o death_n for_o then_o above_o all_o time_n be_v the_o devil_n busy_a against_o we_o then_o will_v the_o conscience_n stir_v if_o ever_o and_o the_o body_n be_v torment_v the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v wonderful_a heavy_a this_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o state_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o reckon_v so_o light_o of_o this_o duty_n question_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n how_o can_v daniel_n and_o the_o three_o child_n do_v it_o answer_n they_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o for_o they_o rest_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o be_v enable_v to_o rely_v upon_o he_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n even_o so_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o god_n when_o we_o die_v &_o then_o show_v forth_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v while_o we_o live_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o show_v it_o by_o obedience_n for_o rare_a it_o be_v to_o find_v a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o unbelief_n to_o show_v forth_o faith_n at_o his_o end_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o have_v health_n strength_n and_o peace_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o of_o death_n second_o from_o these_o two_o effect_n of_o faith_n we_o observe_v further_o that_o god_n divine_a providence_n do_v firm_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o whole_a world_n ordinary_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o secundarie_n cause_n set_v one_o creature_n over_o another_o and_o ordain_v one_o to_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o another_o that_o and_o according_o they_o work_v but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n but_o be_v most_o free_a to_o use_v they_o or_o not_o to_o use_v they_o ordinary_o he_o execute_v this_o or_o that_o punishment_n by_o this_o or_o that_o creature_n and_o so_o by_o mean_n convey_v his_o blessing_n but_o yet_o he_o can_v work_v without_o they_o as_o here_o we_o see_v for_o he_o preserve_v his_o creature_n against_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n as_o daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n who_o nature_n be_v to_o devour_v and_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n he_o save_v the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o fire_n so_o that_o god_n work_v by_o mean_n but_o yet_o free_o because_o he_o can_v work_v at_o his_o pleasure_n either_o without_o or_o against_o mean_n and_o his_o powerful_a hand_n save_v against_o mean_n show_v his_o roll_a and_o dispose_v providence_n over_o all_o thing_n three_o by_o these_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n we_o learn_v that_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o believer_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o unspeakable_a than_o ever_o he_o promise_v or_o they_o can_v expect_v this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o all_o for_o it_o be_v of_o singular_a &_o extraordinary_a use_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o peril_n and_o trouble_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o paul_n give_v thanks_o and_o praise_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o ask_v or_o think_v 3.20_o daniel_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o what_o do_v he_o obtain_v for_o his_o labour_n the_o lord_n never_o promise_v to_o stop_v the_o lion_n mouth_n neither_o do_v daniel_n ever_o presume_v upon_o that_o deliverance_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n save_v he_o and_o so_o the_o three_o child_n though_o they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o their_o life_n because_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o burn_v yet_o they_o come_v out_o in_o safety_n for_o god_n in_o mercy_n so_o quench_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o fire_n unto_o they_o that_o though_o it_o burn_v to_o death_n those_o that_o cast_v they_o in_o yet_o
come_v to_o pass_v simple_o without_o his_o will_n howsoever_o many_o thing_n be_v do_v against_o his_o reveal_v will_n yet_o without_o his_o absolute_a will_n can_v nothing_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n do_v himself_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o willing_o permit_v evil_a to_o be_v do_v by_o other_o for_o good_a end_n but_o what_o do_v god_n here_o provide_v &_o foresee_v for_o we_o ans._n a_o better_a thing_n that_o be_v god_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n provide_v a_o better_a estate_n for_o his_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o he_o do_v for_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a hence_o we_o learn_v that_o as_o god_n have_v his_o general_a providence_n whereby_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n so_o also_o he_o have_v his_o special_a and_o particular_a providence_n whereby_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o provide_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o his_o church_n for_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n provide_v that_o for_o his_o church_n which_o be_v meet_v for_o it_o but_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o some_o respect_n be_v to_o have_v a_o better_a estate_n than_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v therefore_o he_o provide_v for_o it_o a_o better_a state_n and_o look_v as_o in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n he_o forsee_v what_o be_v best_a for_o all_o estate_n and_o time_n so_o in_o his_o providence_n do_v he_o accomplish_v and_o effect_v the_o same_o for_o us._n that_o be_v for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o note_n that_o god_n church_n and_o the_o state_n thereof_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v better_a than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o speak_v this_o plain_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n thereof_o qu._n how_o shall_v it_o be_v better_o with_o the_o church_n now_o than_o it_o be_v then_o 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manifest_a but_o also_o the_o supernatural_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n four_o the_o law_n be_v only_o commit_v and_o publish_v to_o one_o nation_n and_o people_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v and_o preach_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o last_o the_o church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n believe_v in_o christ_n to_o come_v but_o now_o the_o church_n believe_v in_o christ_n which_o be_v already_o come_v &_o exhibit_v in_o all_o which_o respect_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v exceed_v the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a now_o where_o the_o text_n say_v god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o of_o all_o these_o prerogative_n but_o only_o of_o the_o first_o and_o last_o touch_v the_o actual_a exhibit_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o christ_n also_o import_v luke_n 10.23_o 24_o bless_v be_v the_o eye_n which_o see_v that_o you_o see_v for_o i_o tell_v you_o many_o prophet_n and_o king_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o which_o thing_n we_o must_v understand_v of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ._n and_o that_o this_o be_v such_o a_o prerogative_n to_o the_o new_a testament_n appear_v by_o old_a simeon_n who_o when_o he_o have_v see_v christ_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o sing_v unto_o god_n this_o song_n luke_o 2.29_o lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n according_a to_o thy_o word_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v now_o lord_n live_v long_o enough_o let_v i_o now_o depart_v in_o peace_n see_v now_o i_o have_v see_v thy_o christ_n my_o saviour_n where_o we_o see_v he_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o full_a contentment_n unto_o his_o soul_n which_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o law_n see_v not_o hence_o we_o must_v learn_v our_o duty_n for_o if_o our_o state_n be_v now_o better_o than_o the_o state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v 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they_o go_v beyond_o we_o in_o obedience_n that_o they_o without_o we_o may_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a that_o be_v may_v not_o be_v full_o glorify_v here_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v not_o exhibit_v in_o their_o day_n indeed_o all_o true_a believer_n before_o christ_n be_v justify_v and_o sactify_v and_o in_o soul_n receive_v to_o glory_n before_o we_o yet_o perfect_v in_o soul_n and_o body_n both_o they_o must_v not_o be_v before_o we_o but_o we_o must_v all_o be_v perfect_v together_o now_o his_o will_n herein_o he_o bring_v thus_o to_o pass_v all_o must_v be_v perfect_v in_o christ_n but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o come_v and_o suffer_v till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v in_o these_o last_o day_n heb._n 1.2_o as_o
ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n able_a to_o reform_v both_o the_o misdemeanour_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o error_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o to_o the_o reason_n more_o particular_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n here_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o for_o their_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n and_o then_o to_o a_o cloud_n compass_v us._n last_o to_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n as_o i_o take_v it_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o cloud_n which_o direct_v and_o lead_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o when_o they_o come_v from_o egypt_n and_o be_v 40._o year_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n all_o that_o while_n they_o be_v 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cloud_n do_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o here_o be_v answer_v a_o common_a objection_n of_o temporizer_n which_o argue_v thus_o against_o religion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o religion_n now_o aday_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o to_o be_v of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n till_o we_o be_v certify_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o carnal_a reason_n be_v here_o answer_v for_o howsoever_o in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o god_n church_n yet_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n all_o agree_v in_o one_o for_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n resemble_v a_o cloud_n that_o go_v before_o we_o show_v we_o the_o right_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o in_o that_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o as_o the_o israelites_n do_v follow_v the_o cloud_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o these_o ancient_a believe_a father_n &_o prophet_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o the_o israelite_n follow_v that_o cloud_n they_o never_o go_v till_o it_o go_v before_o they_o and_o when_o it_o stand_v still_o they_o stand_v still_o also_o though_o it_o be_v 2._o year_n together_o and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o move_v they_o move_v with_o it_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v we_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o life_n the_o worthy_a example_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 15.4_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o in_o faith_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v direct_v to_o life_n everlasting_a in_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v they_o absolute_o for_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o infirmity_n &_o some_o of_o they_o have_v their_o grievous_a fault_n whereby_o they_o be_v taint_v &_o their_o commendation_n somewhat_o blemish_v but_o we_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n &_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o cloud_n that_o guide_v the_o israelite_n have_v two_o part_n 14.20_o a_o light_a part_n &_o a_o dark_a the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n people_n have_v not_o the_o light_a part_n before_o they_o but_o the_o dark_a part_n &_o so_o follow_v that_o they_o rush_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n &_o be_v drown_v when_o as_o the_o israelite_n follow_v the_o light_a part_n go_v through_o in_o safety_n even_o so_o these_o believer_n have_v in_o they_o two_o thing_n their_o sin_n which_o be_v their_o dark_a part_n which_o if_o we_o follow_v we_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o great_a danger_n &_o destruction_n and_o faith_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v their_o light_a part_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v as_o our_o light_n which_o if_o we_o do_v careful_o it_o will_v bring_v we_o safe_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o paul_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n be_v follower_n of_o he_o yet_o not_o absolute_o in_o every_o thing_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n and_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o father_n as_o they_o go_v on_o in_o faith_n in_o christ._n further_o they_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o witness_n and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o by_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o confirm_v the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o because_o they_o do_v all_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n whereof_o they_o be_v witness_n partly_o by_o speech_n and_o partly_o by_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o be_v every_o member_n of_o christ_n a_o witness_n as_o the_o lord_n often_o call_v the_o believe_a israelite_n 12_o his_o witness_n quest._n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o these_o believer_n shall_v be_v god_n witness_n answer_n sure_o because_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n holy_a religion_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o see_v these_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v christ_n witness_n first_o hereby_o all_o ignorant_a person_n must_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o get_v faith_n and_o to_o learn_v true_a religion_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v move_v a_o man_n to_o become_v religious_a this_o will_n for_o out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n god_n will_v choose_v faithful_a man_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n to_o testify_v of_o his_o religion_n unto_o other_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o worthy_a mighty_a prince_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n he_o will_v be_v wonderful_a glad_a thereof_o and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o labour_n for_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o true_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v become_v witness_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o it_o be_v a_o dignity_n to_o be_v witness_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n oh_o then_o what_o a_o great_a prerogative_n be_v this_o for_o a_o silly_a sinful_a man_n to_o become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n &_o who_o word_n need_v no_o confirmation_n this_o must_v make_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n &_o for_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o will_v remain_v still_o in_o our_o ignorance_n and_o never_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n then_o shall_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n stand_v up_o and_o witness_v against_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o they_o have_v not_o such_o mean_n as_o we_o have_v and_o yet_o they_o become_v most_o faithful_a witness_n second_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a that_o as_o in_o word_n we_o profess_v christ_n so_o indeed_o we_o may_v confess_v he_o express_v the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o us._n for_o by_o this_o true_a confession_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v make_v his_o witness_n but_o when_o we_o confess_v christ_n in_o word_n only_o and_o yet_o in_o life_n &_o practice_n deny_v he_o than_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a witness_n for_o we_o say_v &_o unsay_v in_o a_o earthly_a court_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v one_o while_o say_v one_o thing_n &_o another_o while_o another_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v for_o a_o
witness_n but_o rather_o be_v except_v against_o as_o altogether_o unworthy_a and_o so_o will_v prove_v a_o discredit_n to_o his_o friend_n cause_n &_o a_o shame_n to_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o christ_n cause_n if_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n &_o deny_v indeed_o we_o discredit_v christ_n and_o his_o profession_n &_o shame_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o judgement_n but_o in_o life_n &_o conversation_n to_o make_v a_o true_a &_o constant_a confession_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o exhortation_n now_o follow_v the_o 2._o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o verse_n namely_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n church_n &_o people_n may_v put_v in_o practice_n this_o worthy_a exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o three_o duty_n 1._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o 2._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o or_o sin_n which_o so_o ready_o do_v compass_v we_o about_o 3._o they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o with_o patience_n whosoever_o in_o god_n church_n either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n can_v perform_v these_o 3._o thing_n shall_v be_v able_a no_o doubt_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o continue_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o these_o 3._o in_o order_n the_o 1._o thing_n then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v this_o we_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o or_o thus_o cast_v away_o the_o weight_n or_o burden_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v even_o that_o burden_n which_o so_o press_v down_o the_o poor_a christian_a that_o he_o can_v go_v on_o forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n by_o burden_n or_o weight_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v 5._o thing_n 1._o the_o love_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n 2._o care_v for_o earthly_a thing_n 3._o riches_n &_o temporal_a wealth_n 4._o worldly_n honour_n &_o preferment_n 5._o worldly_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o lie_v heavy_a on_o man_n soul_n as_o weighty_a burden_n which_o press_v it_o down_o especial_o then_o when_o the_o soul_n shall_v lift_v up_o itself_o to_o seek_v heavenly_a thing_n so_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a riches_n pleasure_n &_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v call_v thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o surfeit_v &_o drunkenness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v thing_n which_o oppress_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o show_v by_o many_o testimony_n that_o all_o these_o five_o thing_n do_v press_v down_o the_o heart_n especial_o then_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o seek_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n now_o in_o this_o that_o these_o 5._o thing_n be_v weighty_a burden_n we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o these_o our_o day_n every_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v publish_v preach_v &_o expound_v take_v so_o little_a place_n in_o man_n heart_n whether_o we_o regard_v knowledge_n &_o understanding_n or_o affection_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n word_n be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n mighty_a in_o operation_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o the_o ground_n be_v barren_a where_o it_o be_v cast_v why_o make_v it_o not_o man_n learned_a &_o religious_a ans._n sure_o in_o every_o place_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v especial_o among_o we_o these_o five_o thing_n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n &_o exercise_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o long_o preach_v there_o be_v little_a fruit_n or_o profit_n either_o for_o knowledge_n or_o obedience_n for_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v press_v down_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n there_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v take_v no_o place_n nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o this_o be_v general_o true_a among_o we_o though_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o thereby_o may_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v yet_o in_o many_o there_o be_v little_a show_n of_o either_o and_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o these_o worldly_a care_n which_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n be_v addict_v to_o the_o greedy_a seek_v after_o these_o earthly_a thing_n honour_n pleasure_n etc._n etc._n so_o long_o will_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v barren_a the_o good_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n may_v be_v sow_v therein_o but_o little_a fruit_n shall_v come_v thereof_o save_o brier_n and_o weed_n which_o will_v increase_v our_o damnation_n again_o whereas_o the_o love_n of_o temporal_a life_n &_o care_n of_o earthly_a thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v sore_a burden_n press_v down_o a_o man_n heart_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o sad_a and_o dead_a in_o regard_n of_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o contemplation_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v oftentimes_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o elevate_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n partly_o by_o meditation_n in_o his_o word_n partly_o by_o invocation_n on_o his_o name_n and_o partly_o by_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n the_o better_a we_o must_v remember_v to_o set_v apart_o some_o special_a time_n every_o day_n for_o this_o special_a work_n so_o as_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 25.1_o lord_n i_o lift_v up_o my_o heart_n unto_o thou_o david_n be_v well_o acquint_v with_o this_o exercise_n and_o so_o be_v daniel_n for_o both_o of_o they_o use_v this_o as_o we_o may_v read_v psa._n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n say_v david_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v &_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o daniel_n use_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n 3._o time_n a_o day_n wherein_o 6.10_o he_o will_v hearty_o &_o unfeigned_o call_v upon_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o great_a reason_n we_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o be_v innumerable_a weighty_a thing_n which_o press_v down_o our_o heart_n from_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n &_o therefore_o we_o must_v often_o practise_v ourselves_o in_o holy_a meditation_n &_o prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v lift_v up_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o use_v a_o fit_a comparison_n we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o keep_v clock_n if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o clock_n still_o go_v must_v once_o or_o twice_o a_o day_n wind_v up_o the_o plummet_n which_o cause_n the_o wheel_n to_o go_v about_o because_o they_o be_v still_o draw_v downward_o even_o so_o see_v our_o heart_n have_v plummet_n of_o lead_n which_o be_v worldly_a care_n and_o desire_n to_o press_v they_o down_o from_o seek_v up_o to_o heaven_n we_o must_v do_v with_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o clock-keeper_n do_v with_o his_o plummet_n wind_v they_o up_o unto_o god_n every_o day_n &_o for_o this_o end_n must_v set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o holy_a duty_n why_o do_v god_n command_v the_o 7._o day_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o from_o all_o bodily_a exercise_n &_o worldly_a care_n undoubted_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o elevate_v their_o heart_n from_o all_o worldly_a thing_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n above_o else_o if_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v always_o press_v down_o with_o worldly_a care_n it_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o heaven_n joy_n he_o that_o have_v not_o conscience_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o meditation_n thereon_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o soundness_n in_o religion_n nor_o his_o heart_n firm_o settle_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n three_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o the_o hebrew_n must_v cast_v away_o the_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o far_o forth_o we_o must_v use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o riches_n honour_n and_o lawful_a pleasure_n yea_o and_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n whatsoever_o namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o will_v further_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o no_o further_o but_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o these_o temporal_a thing_n be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o press_v we_o down_o and_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o
word_n and_o promise_n god_n speak_v plain_o and_o deceive_v not_o abraham_n and_o after_o at_o the_o time_n perform_v it_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v plain_o and_o simple_o in_o our_o word_n and_o bargain_n and_o think_v that_o to_o deceive_v and_o overreach_v by_o crafty_a word_n and_o double_a meaning_n and_o equivocal_a phrase_n be_v not_o beseem_v christianity_n and_o we_o must_v make_v conscience_n of_o a_o lie_n else_o we_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o god_n also_o a_o christian_a man_n must_v take_v heed_n what_o how_o and_o to_o who_o he_o promise_v but_o have_v promise_v he_o must_v perform_v though_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o harm_n to_o himself_o if_o it_o be_v not_o wrong_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n wrong_v to_o himself_o must_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o performance_n christian_n man_n word_n must_v not_o be_v vain_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a as_o bond_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o very_o convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n to_o take_v such_o kind_n of_o assurance_n last_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v so_o gen._n 15.8_o and_o here_o we_o see_v it_o be_v so_o but_o he_o himself_o see_v it_o not_o so_o that_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n and_o we_o the_o performance_n so_o adam_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v see_v here_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n above_o the_o old_a this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v so_o much_o better_a than_o they_o as_o god_n be_v better_a to_o we_o than_o he_o be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o excel_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n of_o holiness_n or_o else_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o holy_a obedience_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o great_a condemnation_n which_o have_v have_v so_o far_o great_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o so_o far_o better_a mean_n than_o they_o which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o alas_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o who_o come_v behind_o they_o nay_o have_v no_o care_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n nor_o holiness_n nor_o any_o duty_n of_o holy_a obedience_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o example_n of_o this_o holy_a woman_n faith_n and_o of_o the_o commendation_n thereof_o now_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o more_o particular_a example_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o general_a commendation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o those_o joint_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o already_o verse_n 13._o all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o believe_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o thankful_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n hitherto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v particular_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o diverse_a holy_a believer_n now_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o 17._o he_o do_v general_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n together_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o durance_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o faith_n particular_o the_o point_n be_v two_o 1._o be_v lay_v down_o their_o constancy_n and_o continuance_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n 2._o that_o constancy_n be_v set_v four_o by_o four_o effect_n 1._o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o 2._o they_o believe_v they_o 3._o receive_v they_o thankful_o 4._o profess_a themselves_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o point_n touch_v these_o believer_n be_v that_o as_o they_o begin_v so_o they_o hold_v on_o as_o they_o live_v so_o they_o die_v in_o faith_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o word_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o all_o afore_o go_v save_v enoch_n who_o die_v not_o yet_o he_o continue_v also_o constant_a in_o his_o faith_n and_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v take_v up_o but_o as_o for_o abel_n and_o noah_n they_o die_v in_o faith_n yet_o i_o take_v it_o that_o principal_o and_o direct_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o these_o four_o i_o name_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o particular_a effect_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o point_n whereby_o this_o their_o constancy_n be_v amplify_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n follow_v ado_n all_o agree_v especial_o with_o these_o four_o and_o not_o so_o proper_o with_o abel_n or_o noah_n so_o that_o i_o take_v he_o mean_v by_o all_o these_o all_o these_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o second_o world_n since_o the_o flood_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o assurance_n that_o the_o promise_n make_v unto_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o god_n good_a time_n these_o promise_n be_v principal_o these_o two_o 1._o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n 2._o the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o this_o faith_n they_o die_v that_o be_v they_o hold_v it_o through_o all_o assault_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n and_o die_v therein_o in_o this_o their_o practice_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o a_o most_o worthy_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o we_o must_v so_o live_v that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n many_o say_v they_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o do_v so_o but_o the_o main_a point_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n there_o be_v none_o so_o ill_a but_o howsoever_o he_o live_v yet_o he_o will_v die_v well_o if_o he_o will_v die_v well_o he_o must_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o miserable_a be_v the_o death_n that_o be_v without_o faith_n and_o herein_o faith_n and_o hope_n differ_v from_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n love_n joy_n zeal_n holiness_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a here_o and_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n but_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v perfect_v at_o our_o death_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o then_o to_o be_v believe_v nor_o hope_v for_o see_v we_o then_o do_v enjoy_v all_o thing_n but_o as_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o our_o life_n at_o our_o regeneration_n so_o they_o be_v make_v perfect_a when_o we_o die_v and_o they_o shine_v most_o glorious_o in_o the_o last_o and_o great_a combat_n of_o all_o which_o be_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n so_o that_o the_o death_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v the_o gate_n to_o glory_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n beside_o as_o life_n leave_v we_o death_n find_v we_o and_o as_o death_n leave_v we_o the_o last_o judgement_n find_v we_o and_o as_o it_o leave_v we_o so_o we_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o recovery_n or_o alteration_n now_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n be_v to_o die_v in_o a_o assure_a estate_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v that_o that_o every_o man_n desire_v therefore_o as_o we_o all_o desire_v it_o so_o let_v we_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o it_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1._o corinth_n 15.55_o death_n be_v a_o terrible_a serpent_n for_o he_o have_v a_o poison_a sting_n now_o when_o we_o die_v we_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o this_o hideous_a and_o fearful_a serpent_n he_o be_v fearful_a every_o way_n but_o especial_o for_o his_o sting_n that_o sting_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o this_o sting_n be_v not_o take_v away_o nor_o the_o force_n of_o it_o quench_v but_o by_o true_a faith_n which_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes._n 6._o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_v with_o this_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o conquer_a of_o who_o who_o stand_v our_o happiness_n and_o by_o who_o to_o be_v conquer_v be_v our_o eternal_a misery_n we_o must_v then_o so_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o faith_n of_o he_o kill_v his_o sin_n and_o conquer_v death_n but_o he_o that_o die_v without_o faith_n death_n and_o sin_n seize_v on_o he_o and_o his_o sin_n live_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o misery_n by_o they_o now_o if_o we_o will_v die_v in_o faith_n we_o must_v live_v in_o faith_n else_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v for_o so_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n live_v long_o in_o this_o faith_n wherein_o they_o die_v for_o their_o holy_a life_n show_v plain_o that_o they_o live_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v do_v purify_v our_o heart_n act._n 15.9_o now_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o true_a faith_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o set_v down_o by_o god_n word_n be_v these_o first_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v knowledge_n of_o