we_o be_v of_o he_o 5._o it_o inform_v we_o what_o a_o honourable_a work_n the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o be_v so_o both_o in_o its_o self_n and_o with_o relation_n to_o its_o author_n its_o object_n and_o its_o end_n how_o contemptible_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o and_o how_o unworthy_a and_o vile_a soever_o some_o of_o those_o be_v that_o be_v admit_v or_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o it_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o work_n but_o a_o office_n and_o a_o office_n of_o the_o high_a dignity_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o have_v a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n the_o lord_n of_o lord_n the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n and_o unto_o who_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o honour_n too_o great_a for_o any_o but_o god_n to_o bestow_v a_o honour_n more_o immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o everlasting_a fountain_n of_o honour_n than_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o world_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o object_n the_o mystical_a flock_n and_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n minister_n be_v christ_n ambassador_n not_o page_n nor_o porter_n though_o that_o be_v a_o honour_n but_o his_o ambassador_n and_o representative_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o the_o steward_n of_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n rev._n 1.20_o he_o have_v put_v his_o own_o honour_n upon_o they_o and_o have_v tell_v the_o word_n that_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o he_o take_v as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o have_v require_v his_o church_n to_o honour_v they_o for_o his_o and_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v they_o be_v account_v worthy_a or_o let_v they_o be_v dignify_v with_o double_a honour_n the_o honour_n of_o respect_n and_o maintenance_n be_v due_a to_o all_o that_o be_v faithful_a but_o a_o double_a or_o great_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o authority_n to_o those_o that_o be_v best_a qualify_v for_o and_o most_o laborious_a in_o their_o work_n where_o by_o the_o way_n you_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o minister_n do_v not_o live_v as_o perhaps_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v and_o to_o upbraid_v they_o too_o on_o the_o people_n alms._n their_o maintenance_n be_v of_o god_n allowance_n and_o precept_n non_fw-la eleemosinae_fw-la sed_fw-la honoraria_fw-la not_o alm_n but_o reward_n by_o divine_a right_o due_a to_o they_o i_o say_v divine_a right_n in_o genere_fw-la though_o not_o in_o specie_fw-la but_o of_o this_o i_o will_v not_o now_o have_v once_o open_v my_o lip_n but_o for_o your_o sake_n who_o be_v the_o people_n that_o no_o guilt_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v rest_v on_o any_o of_o you_o and_o that_o you_o may_v not_o have_v any_o unbecoming_a thought_n 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officer_n be_v in_o himself_o no_o more_o shot-free_a than_o the_o common_a soldier_n though_o his_o danger_n may_v be_v great_a pity_v we_o then_o and_o pray_v for_o we_o when_o you_o see_v a_o temptation_n too_o strong_a for_o we_o we_o be_v more_o the_o butt_n of_o the_o dragon_n envy_n and_o the_o mark_n that_o his_o rage_n aim_v at_o than_o you_o which_o make_v our_o post_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a again_o it_o be_v a_o burdensome_a work_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v this_o the_o least_o part_n of_o our_o burden_n how_o very_o glad_o will_v we_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o dear_a flock_n we_o will_v not_o think_v the_o labour_n of_o our_o brain_n or_o breast_n our_o study_n or_o watch_n our_o travel_n or_o care_n our_o reproach_n or_o suffering_n no_o nor_o our_o blood_n too_o much_o for_o they_o can_v we_o but_o be_v comfort_v by_o they_o with_o the_o good_a success_n of_o all_o this_o but_o 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the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o be_v astonish_v o_o that_o it_o may_v now_o be_v awaken_v well_o may_v the_o apostle_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 7._o it_o show_v we_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o intruder_n into_o this_o office_n it_o be_v dangerous_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o flock_n to_o themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o usurpation_n which_o be_v high_o sacrilegious_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o end_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v base_a vainglorious_a and_o selfish_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o account_n they_o must_v at_o last_o give_v for_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n which_o will_v be_v dreadful_a and_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pastor_n charge_n and_o the_o people_n duty_n a_o sermon_n for_o the_o most_o part_n preach_v at_o the_o assembly_n of_o minister_n at_o exon_n june_n 7._o 1693._o by_o samuel_n stoddon_n ezek._n 34.2_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d london_n print_v for_o jonath_n robinson_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o robert_n osborne_n bookseller_n in_o exon._n 1694._o to_o my_o reverend_n and_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n the_o unite_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o county_n of_o devon_n grace_n and_o peace_n in_o and_o from_o our_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n reverend_n brethren_n in_o compliance_n with_o your_o affectionate_a importunity_n and_o obedience_n to_o your_o acknowledge_v authority_n i_o now_o humble_o offer_v you_o what_o few_o other_o in_o the_o world_n but_o yourselves_o can_v have_v wrest_v from_o i_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v always_o be_v account_v a_o ill_a omen_n when_o the_o victim_n come_v 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thrice_o repeat_v it_o be_v but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v how_o dear_a his_o little_a flock_n be_v to_o he_o what_o jealousy_n he_o have_v for_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v neglect_v and_o what_o a_o account_n he_o will_v require_v of_o we_o concern_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o account_n and_o here_o if_o i_o may_v not_o be_v think_v too_o curious_o to_o criticise_v upon_o the_o text_n i_o will_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o order_n of_o the_o charge_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o charge_n 1._o the_o order_n we_o see_v the_o lamb_n be_v first_o mention_v than_o the_o sheep_n though_o these_o name_n be_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n promiscuous_o use_v yet_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n though_o not_o of_o kind_a yet_o of_o age_n at_o least_o and_o the_o term_n be_v not_o convertible_a though_o all_o lamb_n be_v sheep_n all_o sheep_n be_v not_o proper_o call_v lamb_n and_o where_o we_o find_v both_o word_n use_v as_o in_o the_o text_n it_o plain_o intimate_v a_o distribution_n of_o the_o flock_n into_o these_o two_o constitute_a part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o lamb_n here_o i_o understand_v only_o what_o the_o plain_a use_n of_o the_o metaphor_n direct_v to_o viz._n the_o young_a sort_n younger_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o year_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o grace_n and_o why_o be_v these_o first_o mention_v some_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o though_o not_o that_o use_n which_o bellarmine_n foolish_o and_o false_o suggest_v but_o they_o may_v be_v first_o name_v in_o our_o lord_n charge_n to_o we_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o do_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o tender_a care_n and_o inspection_n they_o
pour_v out_o upon_o he_o which_o none_o but_o the_o omnipotent_a can_v stand_v under_o and_o then_o how_o affectionate_o do_v he_o recommend_v they_o to_o his_o father_n chap._n 17._o leave_v his_o write_a word_n his_o seal_a ordinance_n and_o his_o ordain_v minister_n who_o he_o strict_o charge_v with_o they_o yea_o give_v his_o holy_a angel_n a_o charge_n concern_v they_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o sanctifier_n and_o a_o comforter_n to_o they_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o negotiate_v all_o their_o affair_n as_o a_o faithful_a powerful_a and_o prevalent_a intercessor_n with_o the_o father_n in_o their_o name_n and_o nature_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o and_o in_o due_a time_n receive_v they_o into_o the_o eternal_a possession_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o joy_n with_o himself_o and_o the_o father_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n will_v in_o a_o invisible_a manner_n be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o word_n lord_z what_o be_v oblivisci_fw-la be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d homo_fw-la mortalis_fw-la &_o miser_n rad._n secundum_fw-la euseb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oblivisci_fw-la enosh_n wretched_a worthless_a guilty_a sin-sinful_a man_n that_o so_o forget_v thou_o and_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o forget_v of_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v so_o very_o mindful_a of_o he_o 3._o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n those_o that_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o commission_v be_v the_o lord_n be_v depute_a shepherd_n they_o have_v both_o their_o ability_n and_o authority_n original_o and_o fundamental_o from_o he_o the_o only_a true_o catholic_n infallible_a and_o supreme_a shepherd_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v without_o vanity_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 1.1_o that_o we_o be_v the_o minister_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a we_o be_v appoint_v of_o he_o to_o be_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o we_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o and_o to_o conduct_v we_o through_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o work_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n suffer_v i_o now_o my_o dear_a brethren_n to_o make_v a_o few_o short_a remark_n on_o this_o head_n both_o for_o my_o own_o admonition_n and_o you_o 1._o these_o only_o be_v shepherd_n that_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o call_v i_o send_v they_o not_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o they_o prophesy_v a_o lie_n in_o my_o name_n that_o i_o may_v drive_v you_o out_o and_o that_o you_o may_v perish_v you_o and_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophecy_n unto_o you_o jer._n 27.15_o god_n never_o send_v a_o messenger_n without_o his_o errand_n whatever_o the_o qualification_n seem_v to_o be_v if_o the_o call_v be_v not_o of_o god_n be_v sure_a there_o be_v a_o lie_n of_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o in_o the_o prophecy_n for_o if_o god_n have_v no_o errand_n in_o it_o the_o devil_n have_v 2._o it_o be_v no_o contradiction_n nor_o solocism_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v both_o a_o shepherd_n and_o a_o sheep_n nay_o nothing_o be_v more_o congruous_a he_o that_o be_v a_o captain_n have_v need_v to_o be_v a_o soldier_n yea_o one_o of_o the_o best_a of_o soldier_n our_o great_a shepherd_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n and_o his_o depute_a shepherd_n shall_v not_o be_v goat_n nor_o wolf_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o himself_o a_o cast_n away_o what_o be_v there_o more_o shameful_a or_o more_o dreadful_a 3._o those_o that_o be_v shepherd_n but_o by_o deputation_n be_v sure_o must_v give_v a_o account_n the_o great_a proprietor_n will_v not_o be_v defraud_v of_o my_o hand_n do_v thou_o require_v it_o whether_o steal_v by_o day_n or_o steal_v by_o night_n gen._n 31_o 38._o what_o miscarry_v through_o the_o shepherd_n neglect_n the_o shepherd_n must_v account_v for_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o way_n that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n ezek_n 33.8_o and_o of_o the_o great_a value_n the_o flock_n be_v the_o more_o severe_a will_v the_o account_n be_v 4._o shepherd_n must_v cum_fw-la ovibus_fw-la pernoctare_fw-la &_o excubias_fw-la agere_fw-la be_v the_o lord_n watchman_n while_o the_o shepherd_n be_v sleep_v the_o fox_n and_o the_o wolf_n be_v wake_v and_o walk_v o_o let_v not_o a_o night_n of_o security_n so_o soon_o eclipse_v our_o dawn_n from_o the_o night_n of_o our_o late_a adversity_n morning_n nap_n be_v sweet_a but_o in_o this_o case_n most_o dangerous_a our_o enemy_n know_v that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o slumber_v in_o a_o calm_a than_o in_o a_o storm_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a though_o sad_a to_o see_v what_o advantage_n he_o begin_v already_o to_o make_v of_o it_o how_o can_v we_o forget_v what_o a_o emphasis_n our_o dear_a lord_n have_v set_v on_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d watch_v therefore_o mat._n 24.41_o chap._n 25.13_o chap._n 26.41_o mark_v 13.35_o and_o 37._o luke_n 21.36_o &_o alibi_fw-la on_o that_o miraculous_a deliverance_n at_o the_o read_v sea_n it_o be_v say_v then_o believe_v they_o his_o word_n they_o sing_v his_o praise_n they_o soon_o forget_v his_o work_n they_o wait_v not_o for_o his_o counsel_n psal_n 106.12_o 13._o be_v not_o the_o song_n of_o our_o deliverance_n yet_o in_o our_o mouth_n and_o a_o deliverance_n but_o begin_v as_o be_v that_o of_o they_o o_o let_v we_o not_o sing_v ourselves_o asleep_a 4._o it_o inform_v we_o how_o necessary_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v what_o become_v of_o a_o flock_n without_o a_o shepherd_n of_o a_o family_n without_o a_o steward_n of_o the_o blind_a without_o a_o guide_n of_o the_o infant_n without_o a_o nurse_n of_o the_o sick_a without_o a_o physician_n of_o a_o army_n without_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o city_n without_o a_o governor_n and_o a_o watch_n man_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o any_o of_o these_o be_v a_o church_n be_v it_o proper_a to_o call_v it_o a_o church_n without_o a_o teacher_n and_o a_o ruler_n the_o devil_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o and_o very_o well_o know_v where_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o interest_n lie_v if_o he_o can_v but_o effectual_o smite_v the_o shepherd_n the_o sheep_n be_v his_o own_o therefore_o like_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n he_o command_v his_o captain_n and_o legion_n to_o fight_v neither_o with_o small_a nor_o great_a save_v only_o with_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 1_o king_n 22.31_o and_o hence_o be_v all_o his_o intrigue_n and_o attempt_n by_o force_n and_o fraud_n to_o disgrace_v discourage_v divide_v or_o corrupt_v and_o any_o way_n to_o destroy_v the_o purity_n and_o the_o power_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o be_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o have_v and_o will_v always_o make_v it_o good_a matt._n 16.18_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v it_o may_v have_v be_v write_v long_o ago_o on_o the_o universal_a ruin_n of_o god_n zion_n this_o be_v once_o the_o church_n of_o god._n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n now_o may_v israel_n say_v then_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a psal_n 124._o beg_v but_o o_o how_o sottish_o unsensible_a be_v the_o most_o of_o man_n even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n what_o a_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n the_o gospel_n ministry_n be_v yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o burden_n with_o too_o many_o thou_o have_v be_v weary_a of_o i_o o_o israel_n isa_n 43.22_o some_o on_o one_o account_n and_o some_o on_o another_o be_v ready_a to_o look_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o encumbrance_n a_o unnecessary_a charge_n which_o may_v better_o be_v spare_v and_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o judas_n frugality_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o waste_n have_v i_o not_o many_o other_o thing_n yet_o to_o speak_v to_o how_o ready_o will_v my_o pen_n run_v beyond_o the_o bound_n assign_v it_o in_o comment_v on_o the_o inestimable_a usefulness_n of_o this_o glorious_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o shameful_a atheistical_a heaven-tempting_a ingratitude_n of_o those_o that_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o o_o that_o a_o wanton_a wrangle_a self-willed_a gospel-glutted_n generation_n may_v not_o after_o all_o that_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n have_v do_v for_o we_o provoke_v he_o to_o testify_v against_o we_o that_o he_o be_v as_o weary_a of_o we_o as_o
set_v up_o to_o the_o lord_n our_o eben-eze_a who_o have_v hitherto_o help_v we_o and_o from_o the_o time_n that_o have_v pass_v over_o we_o let_v we_o receive_v instruction_n for_o whatsoever_o do_v yet_o abide_v we_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o faith_n and_o patience_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o perfect_a work_n their_o perfect_a and_o crown_v work_n o_o let_v not_o the_o present_a calm_a effeminate_a our_o courage_n nor_o transport_v it_o to_o any_o wrathful_a indecency_n but_o let_v we_o press_v on_o with_o our_o loin_n always_o gird_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o prepare_v with_o a_o unshaken_a resolution_n for_o hot_a service_n and_o sore_a trial_n than_o yet_o we_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o 6._o compassionate_o o_o sir_n what_o object_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o cry_v for_o our_o pity_n and_o help_v as_o the_o wretched_a soul_n that_o be_v perish_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o starve_v and_o die_v eternal_o for_o want_n of_o bread_n that_o be_v blind_a and_o run_v on_o ignorant_o and_o presumptuous_o on_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o sport_v with_o his_o own_o damnation_n that_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o can_v escape_v or_o that_o be_v hold_v on_o the_o torture_a rack_n of_o a_o self-condemning_a conscience_n that_o be_v plunge_v in_o the_o amaze_a horror_n of_o despair_n and_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n for_o one_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n who_o groan_n and_o complaint_n be_v able_a to_o break_v a_o heart_n of_o flint_n and_o be_v it_o not_o with_o such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v not_o the_o most_o of_o man_n in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o extreme_n either_o senseless_a or_o rave_v too_o confident_a or_o too_o diffident_a be_v not_o such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v pity_v how_o can_v our_o bowel_n but_o be_v in_o pain_n for_o they_o have_v we_o ourselves_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o such_o a_o case_n and_o can_v we_o make_v light_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o relation_n wherein_o we_o stand_v towards_o they_o call_v for_o our_o compassion_n as_o we_o be_v their_o father_n their_o nurse_n their_o shepherd_n their_o physician_n and_o what_o a_o pattern_n of_o compassion_n have_v we_o in_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o glory_n to_o imitate_v he_o as_o paul_n do_v phil._n 1.8_o for_o god_n be_v my_o record_n how_o great_o i_o long_v after_o you_o all_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o less_o of_o compassion_n the_o more_o like_o the_o devil_n 7._o patient_o we_o be_v hence_o call_v of_o god_n as_o soldier_n to_o militate_v in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o endure_v hardness_n as_o our_o lord_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o for_o our_o example_n have_v do_v before_o we_o no_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v more_o need_n of_o patience_n than_o we_o and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o relation_n to_o they_o without_o but_o to_o they_o within_o from_o those_o without_o what_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n what_o slander_n and_o reproach_n what_o envy_n and_o opposition_n what_o plotting_n and_o persecution_n and_o rail_v and_o rage_n must_v we_o look_v for_o how_o hard_a and_o how_o long_o must_v we_o labour_v to_o recover_v one_o dead_a soul_n to_o life_n what_o difficulty_n must_v we_o break_v through_o to_o rescue_v one_o poor_a sheep_n out_o of_o the_o den_n of_o the_o thief_n or_o of_o the_o beast_n of_o prey_n o_o what_o need_n have_v we_o of_o patience_n to_o deal_v with_o blind_a proud_a graceless_a harden_a sinner_n will_v we_o give_v the_o world_n the_o journal_o of_o our_o warfare_n we_o may_v produce_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 11.23_o etc._n etc._n but_o beside_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o that_o which_o come_v unto_o we_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v of_o god_n to_o we_o how_o many_o weak_a one_o how_o many_o froward_a passionate_a selfish_a lukewarm_a and_o disorderly_a one_o have_v we_o to_o exercise_v our_o patience_n with_o when_o god_n time_n be_v come_v according_a to_o his_o promise_n to_o lead_v that_o froward_a murmur_a unstable_a people_n out_o of_o egypt_n he_o choose_v one_o of_o the_o meek_a and_o patient_a man_n then_o upon_o earth_n to_o do_v it_o numb_a 12.3_o be_v not_o this_o one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o useful_a piece_n of_o our_o spiritual_a panoply_n both_o as_o christian_n and_o as_o minister_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o particular_a charge_n 1_o tim._n 6.11_o titus_n 2.2_o and_o which_o we_o shall_v keep_v bright_a by_o daily_a exercise_n o_o what_o sad_a work_n shall_v we_o make_v if_o impatience_n once_o get_v the_o reins_o of_o we_o and_o have_v not_o long_a experience_n to_o our_o sorrow_n teach_v we_o that_o whatever_o the_o provocation_n be_v fret_v and_o storm_v and_o passionate_a youthful_a heat_n or_o capricious_a repartee_n be_v a_o poor_a kind_n of_o revenge_n and_o as_o unsuccessful_a as_o it_o be_v a_o irrational_a way_n to_o help_v it_o a_o man_n prevail_a passion_n be_v his_o weakness_n which_o if_o one_o have_v charity_n for_o himself_o he_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o suppress_v and_o conceal_v much_o less_o shall_v he_o that_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o defile_v the_o pulpit_n with_o the_o proclamation_n of_o it_o 8._o last_o persevere_o he_o that_o have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o god_n blow_n must_v not_o look_v back_o though_o the_o work_n be_v hard_a and_o painful_a the_o difficulty_n great_a the_o discouragement_n many_o yet_o we_o must_v hold_v up_o and_o hold_v on_o and_o hold_v out_o know_v that_o we_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o we_o unto_o who_o this_o sacred_a office_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n order_v commit_v have_v our_o ear_n bore_v to_o the_o post_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n for_o service_n durante_fw-la vitâ_fw-la nor_o can_v any_o creature_n or_o authority_n upon_o earth_n legal_o dissolve_v this_o bond_n or_o supersede_n this_o commission_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o a_o criminal_a forfeiture_n as_o be_v that_o of_o abiathar_n 1_o king_n 2.26_o 27._o or_o of_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a incapacity_n of_o discharge_v the_o duty_n and_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o the_o office_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o office_n and_o commission_n be_v primary_o and_o fundamental_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o man_n neither_o may_v any_o one_o that_o be_v lawful_o call_v to_o and_o invest_v with_o it_o voluntary_o desert_n or_o alienate_v himself_o from_o it_o without_o the_o dreadful_a guilt_n of_o sacrilege_n apostasy_n and_o perjury_n a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v unto_o i_o say_v st._n paul_n and_o a_o necessity_n be_v thereby_o lay_v upon_o i_o therefore_o woe_n unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9.16_o 17._o as_o for_o any_o particular_a exception_n in_o some_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a case_n 14._o case_n see_v mr._n g._n t._n pastor_n care_n and_o dig._n p._n 14._o wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o lay_v aside_o his_o ministerial_a function_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o mention_v nor_o shall_v i_o now_o examine_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o case_n it_o be_v both_o lawful_a prudential_a and_o expedient_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o safety_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o torrent_n of_o a_o tide_n and_o for_o a_o season_n to_o suspend_v the_o ordinary_a act_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v a_o case_n that_o have_v be_v and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v or_o for_o aught_o we_o have_v at_o god_n hand_n deserve_v may_v again_o be_v but_o i_o shall_v wave_v this_o question_n unless_o i_o be_v particular_o call_v to_o it_o and_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o the_o six_o petition_n of_o our_o lord_n prayer_n lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n v._o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o pastor_n charge_n viz._n to_o govern_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n 2._o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o more_o difficult_a and_o obnoxious_a part_n of_o our_o ministerial_a work_n be_v to_o rule_v to_o exercise_v the_o authority_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o lord_n as_o shepherds_z over_o his_o flock_n this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v neither_o time_n nor_o mind_n to_o discourse_v of_o in_o the_o pulpit_n and_o shall_v now_o dismiss_v it_o with_o the_o same_o brevity_n and_o general_a hint_n be_v conscious_a of_o my_o own_o weakness_n and_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o use_n that_o some_o be_v like_a to_o make_v of_o what_o i_o must_v
be_v worst_a able_a to_o defend_v or_o provide_v for_o themselves_o they_o be_v weak_a in_o judgement_n and_o weak_a in_o experience_n and_o weak_a thing_n be_v soon_o lose_v therefore_o especial_a provision_n must_v be_v make_v for_o they_o 2._o they_o be_v first_o in_o the_o charge_n because_o they_o be_v first_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v lamb_n before_o they_o be_v sheep_n and_o herein_o they_o seem_v to_o claim_v a_o precedency_n therefore_o first_o feed_v my_o lamb_n 3._o they_o be_v spes_fw-la gregis_fw-la the_o hope_n of_o the_o flock_n though_o the_o weak_a yet_o common_o the_o sound_a part_n though_o the_o more_o ignorant_a yet_o the_o more_o teachable_a o_o sir_n if_o we_o lose_v they_o while_o they_o be_v lamb_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a perhaps_o too_o late_o to_o cure_v or_o recover_v they_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v more_o wild_a or_o more_o rot_a the_o great_a hope_n of_o the_o success_n of_o our_o work_n lie_v here_o but_o where_o common_a experience_n say_v so_o much_o i_o need_v say_v the_o less_o 4._o they_o be_v fundamentum_fw-la gregis_fw-la by_o who_o the_o stock_n be_v maintain_v and_o a_o succession_n preserve_v in_o the_o earth_n the_o seminary_n and_o common_a fund_z of_o the_o church_n to_o lose_v the_o lamb_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o lose_v all_o 5._o they_o be_v the_o most_o innocent_a part_n of_o the_o flock_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o innate_a principle_n of_o dearness_n and_o affection_n in_o every_o ingenuous_a breast_n for_o such_o as_o these_o can_v a_o woman_n forget_v her_o suck_a child_n she_o will_v soon_o forget_v all_o the_o rest_n than_o her_o little_a one_o he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v the_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a isa_n 40.11_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o by_o who_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n be_v speak_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o he_o take_v the_o first_o care_n for_o these_o yet_o though_o the_o lamb_n be_v first_o we_o find_v they_o but_o once_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n but_o the_o sheep_n twice_o be_v it_o because_o the_o sheep_n be_v more_o in_o number_n or_o more_o in_o value_n or_o do_v it_o not_o seem_v rather_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o though_o the_o lamb_n call_v for_o our_o first_o care_n the_o sheep_n be_v they_o that_o cost_v we_o double_a labour_n while_o they_o be_v young_a and_o tender_a they_o be_v more_o ductile_a and_o teachable_a their_o mind_n be_v a_o tabula_fw-la rasa_fw-la not_o prepossess_v with_o opinion_n or_o prejudice_n their_o affection_n green_a and_o comply_a and_o not_o actual_o preingage_v their_o conscience_n untouched_a in_o their_o natural_a virginity_n i_o do_v not_o say_v in_o their_o original_a purity_n but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o and_o have_v imbibe_v a_o few_o religious_a notion_n and_o be_v grow_v fond_a of_o they_o or_o have_v proselyte_v themselves_o to_o a_o party_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o convince_v they_o or_o to_o rectify_v their_o error_n in_o judgement_n when_o they_o have_v taste_v the_o sensual_a sweet_n of_o sin_n or_o entangle_v their_o heart_n in_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n or_o espouse_v their_o christian_a profession_n to_o a_o carnal_a interest_n or_o under_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v come_v to_o settle_v in_o their_o lees_n o_o how_o hard_o and_o next_o to_o impossible_a be_v it_o then_o to_o move_v they_o when_o stray_a among_o the_o wild_a beast_n to_o reclaim_v they_o when_o rot_a to_o recover_v they_o here_o be_v double_a labour_n with_o these_o or_o else_o they_o be_v twice_o mention_v because_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o pastoral_n inspection_n in_o one_o point_n beyond_o what_o the_o lamb_n be_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v a_o little_a notice_n in_o the_o next_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o charge_n 2._o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o wherein_o i_o shall_v not_o use_v the_o old_a logical_a term_n of_o divide_v but_o brief_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o charge_n itself_o and_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v here_o use_v to_o enforce_v it_o 1._o the_o gharge_n be_v feed_v my_o lamb_n and_o my_o sheep_n my_o lamb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d my_o sheep_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v not_o querere_fw-la nodum_fw-la in_o scirpo_fw-la seek_v for_o subtlety_n where_o the_o text_n neither_o intend_v nor_o needs_o any_o i_o know_v the_o word_n be_v often_o synonymous_o use_v yet_o if_o we_o look_v into_o their_o etymology_n we_o shall_v find_v some_o difference_n and_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v design_v here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v only_o to_o feed_v so_o as_o to_o make_v fat_a saginare_fw-la but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o only_o to_o seed_n but_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v to_o exercise_v the_o office_n not_o only_o the_o care_n but_o the_o power_n of_o a_o shepherd_n over_o his_o flock_n so_o then_o here_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o what_o i_o just_a now_o hint_v at_o the_o lamb_n be_v but_o once_o mention_v and_o the_o charge_n concern_v they_o be_v only_o to_o feed_v they_o these_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o pastoral_n discipline_n and_o government_n but_o with_o the_o sheep_n there_o be_v the_o double_a labour_n both_o of_o feed_v and_o rule_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o popish_a question_n that_o have_v be_v controvert_v on_o this_o text_n as_o be_v alien_n to_o the_o design_n and_o proper_a work_n of_o this_o day_n only_o let_v i_o say_v again_o that_o what_o be_v here_o speak_v to_o peter_n be_v speak_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n wherein_o both_o they_o and_o we._n that_o have_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ordinary_a work_n and_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v personal_o and_o equal_o concern_v and_o though_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o sheep_n make_v up_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o the_o church_n ecumenical_a be_v here_o commit_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o every_o or_o of_o any_o one_o individual_a pastor_n such_o a_o work_n be_v load_v with_o moral_a impossibility_n but_o the_o charge_n be_v give_v personal_o and_o particular_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n congregational_a that_o be_v that_o part_n or_o congregation_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o every_o one_o be_v particular_o and_o according_a to_o gospel_n order_n call_v and_o set_v as_o pastor_n or_o over_o seer_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o charge_n itself_o 2._o here_o be_v the_o argument_n wherewith_o our_o saviour_n enforce_v it_o which_o be_v threefold_a 1._o the_o relation_n he_o have_v to_o they_o they_o be_v my_o lamb_n and_o my_o sheep_n i_o who_o you_o call_v your_o lord_n and_o your_o master_n yea_o your_o redeemer_n and_o your_o saviour_n therefore_o feed_v they_o for_o my_o sake_n 2._o the_o propriety_n he_o have_v in_o they_o they_o be_v i_o and_o not_o you_o the_o work_n of_o my_o hand_n the_o lot_z of_o my_o inheritance_n the_o object_n of_o my_o care_n and_o delight_n the_o price_n of_o my_o blood_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o travel_n of_o my_o soul_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v that_o i_o have_v thus_o humble_v myself_o therefore_o take_v heed_n how_o you_o neglect_v the_o least_o of_o they_o 3._o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v concomitant_a to_o the_o text_n love_v thou_o i_o q._n d._n if_o thou_o love_v i_o as_o thou_o profess_v to_o do_v show_v thy_o love_n to_o i_o in_o thy_o care_n of_o i_o let_v my_o poor_a lamb_n taste_v the_o fruit_n of_o my_o love_n in_o thou_o let_v my_o sheep_n be_v assure_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o by_o thy_o love_n to_o them_o it_o be_v like_o a_o careful_a and_o prudent_a husband_n be_v passionate_a recommend_v the_o care_n and_o rule_n of_o his_o dear_a child_n and_o family_n when_o about_o to_o leave_v they_o by_o death_n or_o a_o long_a journey_n to_o his_o belove_a wife_n if_o ever_o you_o have_v any_o love_n for_o i_o if_o these_o child_n be_v i_o as_o i_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v see_v that_o you_o carry_v yourself_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o become_v a_o discreet_a and_o love_a parent_n towards_o they_o take_v my_o estate_n fill_v up_o my_o room_n and_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o my_o relation_n to_o they_o and_o let_v they_o want_v nothing_o for_o my_o sake_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v use_v as_o the_o last_o and_o most_o overcome_a argument_n among_o dear_a friend_n if_o you_o love_v i_o do_v so_o or_o so_o a_o kind_n of_o adjure_v they_o by_o all_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n
that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o now_o sir_n you_o see_v here_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o much_o large_a discourse_n than_o time_n or_o strength_n will_v at_o present_a bear_n i_o shall_v contract_v myself_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o circle_n as_o i_o be_o able_a that_o i_o may_v not_o too_o far_o transgress_v the_o bound_n assign_v i_o cap._n ii_o the_o doctrinal_a proposition_n state_v and_o clear_v this_o practical_a text_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o pregnant_a of_o practical_a doctrine_n which_o may_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a branch_n but_o he_o that_o study_v brevity_n must_v avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a division_n i_o shall_v offer_v but_o these_o three_o proposition_n i._o that_o believer_n be_v christ_n own_o mystical_a flock_n and_o he_o their_o great_a shepherd_n prop._n ii_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o his_o mystical_a flock_n prop._n iii_o that_o a_o minister_n want_v of_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o indication_n of_o the_o want_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n himself_o either_o of_o these_o single_o will_v fill_v up_o more_o time_n than_o be_v allot_v i_o for_o this_o action_n the_o second_o proposition_n be_v that_o wherein_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o text_n seem_v to_o run_v and_o unto_o which_o both_o the_o other_o will_n without_o force_v come_v in_o to_o its_o improvement_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o for_o the_o basis_n and_o bind_v of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o rule_n of_o his_o mystical_a flock_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v these_o four_o question_n 1._o what_o this_o flock_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o charge_n be_v give_v or_o who_o they_o be_v who_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n 2._o why_o these_o name_n of_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n be_v give_v they_o 3._o who_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o who_o this_o charge_n be_v leave_v 4._o what_o the_o duty_n be_v that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o what_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o feed_v they_o and_o then_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o some_o useful_a inference_n both_o to_o minister_n and_o people_n quest_n 1._o what_o this_o flock_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o charge_n be_v give_v or_o who_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n sol._n the_o question_n need_v not_o many_o word_n the_o general_a sense_n of_o this_o common_a scriptural_a metaphor_n be_v obvious_a but_o that_o which_o make_v the_o question_n be_v that_o distinguish_v if_o it_o be_v here_o a_o distinguish_a relative_n my_o sheep_n mat._n 25.32_o 33._o we_o have_v there_o all_o the_o world_n divide_v into_o two_o sort_n sheep_n and_o goat_n i._n e._n believer_n and_o unbeliever_n wherefore_o by_o sheep_n in_o that_o scripture_n and_o with_o who_o the_o lamb_n be_v also_o include_v be_v oppose_v to_o the_o goat_n we_o may_v understand_v no_o other_o than_o true_a believer_n the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o professor_n which_o be_v no_o large_a than_o the_o church_n invisible_a these_o indeed_o be_v his_o sheep_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o text_n must_v not_o be_v so_o restrain_v be_v certain_a because_o our_o commission_n will_v then_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o lose_v its_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v who_o be_v the_o sheep_n and_o who_o the_o goat_n till_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n determine_v and_o reveal_v it_o who_o then_o be_v my_o lamb_n and_o my_o sheep_n if_o i_o may_v expound_v my_o text_n by_o that_o of_o matth._n 28.19_o the_o question_n will_v well-nigh_o be_v answer_v go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n that_o teach_v here_o be_v the_o same_o with_o feed_v in_o the_o text_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v all_o nation_n i._n e._n those_o of_o all_o and_o of_o any_o nation_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o you_o and_o that_o all_o nation_n be_v his_o both_o as_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o then_o how_o be_v all_o nation_n call_v his_o sheep_n and_o his_o lamb_n i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o all_o nation_n be_v those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o will_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o which_o sort_n christ_n have_v have_v some_o in_o all_o nation_n beside_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o his_o sheep_n be_v potential_o and_o elective_o so_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o command_n seem_v to_o run_v thus_o feed_v all_o those_o both_o young_a and_o old_a that_o will_v be_v feed_v by_o you_o of_o what_o nation_n or_o country_n or_o place_v soever_o they_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o actual_o my_o sheep_n may_v be_v make_v so_o and_o then_o care_v and_o provide_v for_o as_o such_o this_o be_v the_o general_n call_v of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n joh._n 7.37_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o joh._n 6.37_o all_o that_o will_n may_v and_o must_v be_v feed_v but_o yet_o not_o all_o alike_o as_o there_o be_v babe_n and_o strong_a man_n in_o god_n house_n so_o there_o be_v milk_n and_o strong_a meat_n that_o which_o will_v cherish_v one_o will_v choke_v another_o all_o ordinance_n may_v not_o be_v indifferent_o administer_v unto_o all_o in_o the_o old_a temple_n there_o be_v the_o inner_a and_o the_o outer_a court_n so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o new_a but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n may_v be_v recognise_v in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n this_o little_a may_v now_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v on_o this_o first_o question_n quest_n 2._o why_o be_v these_o name_n of_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n give_v they_o sol._n we_o find_v it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n delight_v much_o in_o be_v it_o expedient_a it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o illustrate_v the_o analogy_n in_o many_o particular_n but_o that_o it_o become_v not_o the_o present_a occasion_n i_o shall_v but_o suggest_v these_o two_o general_a reason_n 1._o to_o mind_v we_o what_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o 2._o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v 1._o to_o mind_v we_o what_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o the_o sheep_n as_o one_o observe_v be_v of_o all_o cattle_n the_o most_o silly_a sacr._n franz_n histor_n animal_n sacr._n fearful_a weak_a and_o unprovided_a for_o self-defence_n none_o so_o subject_a to_o disease_n and_o to_o be_v infect_v of_o one_o another_o nor_o any_o other_o creature_n more_o apt_a to_o go_v astray_o or_o so_o unapt_a to_o return_v without_o the_o help_n and_o care_n of_o the_o shepherd_n no_o other_o kind_n of_o perfect_a animal_n so_o unable_a to_o subsist_v and_o to_o preserve_v its_o species_n in_o the_o earth_n without_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o man_n as_o be_v the_o poor_a sheep_n therefore_o no_o other_o metaphor_n more_o proper_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o without_o the_o wisdom_n power_n providence_n faithfulness_n love_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o our_o heavenly_a shepherd_n the_o lord_z jesus_n christ_n must_v inevitable_o and_o eternal_o perish_v 2._o it_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o sheep_n you_o know_v be_v that_o creature_n which_o be_v of_o old_a in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o make_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n our_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n the_o first_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o find_v honour_v with_o his_o acceptance_n be_v that_o of_o abel_n of_o the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n gen._n 4.4_o beside_o the_o sheep_n be_v a_o creature_n not_o only_o ceremonial_o clean_a but_o be_v natural_o cleanly_a and_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n as_o the_o sow_n it_o be_v a_o meek_a innocent_a patient_a creature_n and_o use_v as_o a_o common_a emblem_n of_o patience_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a of_o cattle_n of_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a they_o have_v a_o natural_a instinct_n of_o vehement_a love_n and_o regard_v for_o
damn_v dangerous_a to_o the_o flock_n the_o thief_n come_v not_o but_o to_o steal_v and_o to_o kill_v to_o divide_v and_o scatter_v the_o flock_n and_o to_o serve_v his_o own_o lust_n on_o it_o whatever_o his_o flatter_a pretence_n may_v be_v the_o shepherd_n that_o come_v not_o from_o god_n and_o of_o god_n send_v though_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n come_v not_o to_o do_v god_n but_o his_o own_o and_o the_o devil_n work_n i_o need_v not_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o the_o dismal_a experience_n of_o the_o church_n have_v in_o so_o many_o pernicious_a instance_n in_o all_o age_n more_o than_o sufficient_o prove_v in_o who_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n prediction_n be_v fulfil_v matt._n 24.24_o act_n 20.29_o 30._o 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 2_o tim._n 3._o begin_v etc._n etc._n who_o judgement_n now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n linger_v not_o and_o who_o damnation_n slumber_v not_o i_o will_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o the_o discouragement_n of_o any_o who_o heart_n god_n have_v stir_v up_o to_o put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o for_o the_o caution_n of_o those_o who_o for_o base_a and_o low_a end_n or_o on_o wrong_n and_o mistake_v principle_n be_v ready_a to_o run_v when_o they_o be_v never_o send_v though_o the_o tribe_n of_o levy_n be_v numerous_a and_o the_o ministry_n as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o profession_n among_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v overstocked_a yet_o have_v we_o still_o need_v to_o pray_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n to_o send_v forth_o more_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n such_o as_o be_v both_o willing_a and_o wise_a and_o fit_v for_o the_o work_n of_o god_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v and_o then_o according_o succeed_v in_o it_o 8._o last_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o abuse_v oppose_a slight_a or_o any_o way_n discourage_v the_o least_o of_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v send_v and_o set_v to_o feed_v his_o flock_n to_o affront_v a_o ambassador_n be_v all_o one_o as_o personal_o to_o affront_v he_o that_o send_v he_o you_o know_v how_o dear_a and_o doleful_a a_o experiment_n hanan_n and_o his_o people_n make_v of_o this_o in_o the_o case_n of_o dà vid_n messenger_n 2_o sam._n 10._o to_o abuse_v a_o herald_n of_o war_n from_o a_o potent_a enemy_n be_v dare_v and_o disingenuous_a but_o to_o deal_v injurious_o with_o the_o messenger_n of_o peace_n be_v most_o provoke_a none_o that_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o but_o will_v avenge_v such_o a_o villainy_n to_o the_o uttermost_a this_o be_v the_o case_n we_o be_v send_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o world_n with_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o let_v they_o that_o now_o herein_o oppose_v or_o malign_v we_o see_v to_o it_o how_o they_o will_v justify_v themselves_o at_o that_o bar_n where_o they_o and_o we_o must_v short_o appear_v together_o indeed_o as_o man_n and_o as_o common_a christian_n we_o neither_o deserve_v nor_o expect_v any_o other_o than_o what_o be_v due_a to_o such_o but_o as_o we_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v assure_v that_o he_o very_o critical_o observe_v how_o we_o be_v treat_v who_o they_o be_v that_o receive_v we_o and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o receive_v we_o not_o he_o observe_v not_o only_a how_o our_o doctrine_n but_o how_o our_o person_n be_v entertain_v as_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o we_o even_o to_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n so_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v or_o say_v or_o contrive_v against_o we_o be_v on_o record_n with_o he_o you_o know_v what_o a_o caution_n he_o have_v give_v touch_v not_o my_o anoint_a and_o do_v my_o prophet_n no_o harm_n psal_n 105.15_o he_o that_o touch_v you_o touch_v the_o apple_n of_o his_o eye_n zech._n 2.8_o and_o what_o a_o woe_n to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v denounce_v because_o of_o offence_n matt._n 18.7_o to_o wrong_v we_o in_o our_o person_n or_o personal_a concern_v will_v not_o be_v take_v well_o by_o he_o but_o to_o oppose_v or_o hinder_v we_o in_o that_o regular_a and_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o work_n and_o office_n and_o be_v resent_v by_o he_o with_o a_o far_o great_a indignation_n alas_o sir_n the_o trample_n on_o we_o as_o we_o be_v in_o ourselves_o poor_a sinful_a worm_n be_v hardly_o worth_a our_o complain_n what_o be_v we_o better_o than_o our_o fellow_n mortal_n but_o to_o trample_v on_o christ_n in_o we_o as_o we_o be_v not_o only_o his_o child_n but_o his_o steward_n and_o ambassador_n and_o bear_v his_o authority_n be_v a_o guilt_n that_o will_v make_v the_o stout_a and_o secure_a heart_n tremble_v and_o cry_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o mountain_n another_o day_n nor_o will_v the_o reproachful_a name_n of_o schismatic_n or_o separatist_n wherewith_o they_o now_o salse_o load_v we_o justify_v they_o in_o that_o day_n cap._n iu._n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o pastor_n charge_n viz._n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n the_o next_o use_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v of_o exhortation_n which_o i_o shall_v direct_v 1._o to_o pastor_n 2._o to_o people_n 1._o to_o pastor_n reverend_n and_o belove_a god_n providence_n and_o your_o call_n have_v lay_v this_o duty_n upon_o i_o the_o unworthy_a and_o unfit_a of_o all_o my_o brethren_n i_o dare_v not_o but_o be_v faithful_a according_a to_o my_o measure_n both_o to_o myself_o and_o to_o you_o as_o my_o own_o monitor_n and_o your_o remembrancer_n be_v we_o indeed_o some_o of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o charge_n of_o feed_v and_o govern_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n both_o his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n be_v commit_v o_o let_v we_o then_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o fulfil_v it_o you_o know_v who_o admonition_n this_o be_v and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v col._n 4.17_o nor_o need_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o as_o much_o concern_v we_o as_o ever_o it_o do_v archippus_n the_o ministry_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o house_n or_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o fulfil_v it_o discharge_v every_o part_n of_o it_o with_o fullness_n of_o diligence_n fidelity_n and_o care_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o understanding_n and_o power_n with_o all_o impartiality_n assiduity_n and_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n but_o this_o be_v yet_o too_o general_a the_o object_n of_o our_o charge_n you_o see_v be_v double_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lamb_n and_o the_o sheep_n and_o so_o be_v the_o act_n double_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d feed_v and_o rule_v as_o be_v before_o expound_v i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o object_n and_o then_o suit_v my_o exhortation_n according_a to_o the_o act_n that_o respective_o concern_v it_o and_o 1._o the_o lamb_n the_o young_a sort_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o age_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o grace_n here_o i_o will_v fain_o spend_v some_o time_n but_o consider_v to_o who_o i_o be_o speak_v i_o can_v the_o more_o content_o contract_n myself_o sir_n you_o see_v our_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v these_o neglect_v but_o have_v give_v they_o first_o in_o his_o charge_n to_o we_o feed_v my_o lamb_n every_o wise_a shepherd_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v very_o fond_a of_o his_o lamb_n and_o know_v it_o be_v his_o interest_n so_o to_o be_v and_o shall_v not_o we_o our_o lord_n himself_o the_o great_a shepherd_n gather_v they_o with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v so_o he_o show_v a_o peculiar_a delight_n he_o have_v in_o little_a one_o while_o he_o be_v here_o in_o the_o flesh_n mat._n 19.13_o 14._o mar._n 10._o 13_o 14._o luk._n 18.15_o 16._o ch_z 9.47_o 48._o mat._n 21.16_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v herein_o like_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n 1._o then_o let_v we_o take_v they_o as_o one_o special_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v the_o only_a hopeful_a part_n of_o our_o charge_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o convert_v work_n and_o put_v they_o into_o our_o daily_a prayer_n and_o intercession_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n if_o so_o be_v there_o may_v be_v hope_n in_o our_o end_n and_o the_o next_o generation_n may_v be_v better_o than_o their_o father_n have_v be_v there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v ignorant_o enough_o influence_v by_o anabaptistical_n principle_n that_o will_v hardly_o allow_v the_o lamb_n in_o this_o sense_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o our_o charge_n i_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o that_o bone_n of_o contentìon_n now_o and_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o delirìum_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o any_o of_o
to_o minister_n and_o that_o on_o a_o double_a account_n 1._o in_o that_o god_n have_v account_v we_o faithful_a and_o put_v we_o into_o the_o ministry_n and_o call_v we_o unto_o this_o heavenly_a work_n than_o which_o there_o be_v none_o great_a none_o sweet_a in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v take_v we_o so_o near_o to_o he_o and_o entrust_v we_o with_o the_o bread_n of_o his_o family_n the_o care_n of_o his_o child_n and_o all_o the_o precious_a jewel_n of_o his_o house_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n o_o what_o a_o honour_n be_v this_o that_o poor_a despise_a unworthy_a we_o shall_v be_v call_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n only_o but_o the_o steward_n the_o ambassador_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o most_o high_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o he_o make_v the_o keeper_n of_o his_o counsel_n his_o treasurer_n his_o orator_n and_o intercessor_n the_o depute_a governor_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o what_o a_o happiness_n what_o a_o privilege_n be_v it_o there_o be_v some_o of_o we_o who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v have_v never_o be_v sincere_o and_o save_o serious_a have_v not_o our_o holy_a call_v give_v we_o the_o bless_a occasion_n how_o have_v we_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o dirty_a business_n and_o care_n and_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o the_o lord_n set_v his_o merciful_a eye_n upon_o we_o and_o choose_v we_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o what_o be_v we_o better_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n what_o have_v he_o foresee_v in_o any_o of_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v this_o difference_n bless_a be_v christ_n jesus_n our_o dear_a lord_n for_o this_o be_v it_o hard_o yet_o it_o be_v happy_a work_n i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n rather_o a_o porter_n there_o than_o a_o potentate_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n be_v god_n low_a heaven_n as_o contemptible_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o blind_a and_o prejudice_v man_n and_o the_o low_a place_n in_o this_o heaven_n be_v on_o many_o account_n preferable_a to_o the_o high_a worldly_a seat_n among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n 2._o have_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n take_v care_n for_o his_o lamb_n and_o for_o his_o sheep_n and_o will_v he_o not_o also_o care_v for_o we_o must_v we_o feed_v his_o flock_n and_o will_v not_o he_o feed_v we_o have_v he_o not_o do_v it_o for_o these_o 30_o year_n &_o more_o and_o that_o beyond_o what_o we_o have_v any_o visible_a ground_n to_o have_v hope_v when_o i_o send_v you_o without_o purse_n and_o scrip_n and_o shoe_n lack_v you_o any_o thing_n luke_n 22.35_o when_o there_o be_v so_o few_o that_o will_v adventure_v to_o know_v we_o and_o few_o that_o can_v relieve_v we_o do_v we_o want_v our_o daily_a bread_n though_o our_o table_n be_v not_o spread_v as_o once_o they_o have_v be_v yet_o be_v they_o ever_o sweet_a 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