the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o believe_v they_o where_o by_o believe_v we_o must_v understand_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v note_v before_o as_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o word_n import_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o assurance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o ephesian_n 3.16.17_o philippian_n 1.9.11_o colossian_n 1.9.11_o here_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o patriarch_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o increase_v in_o faith_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n in_o god_n promise_n all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o lord_n talent_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o lord_n servant_n call_v to_o occupy_v therewith_o now_o god_n have_v put_v his_o talon_n into_o any_o man_n hand_n do_v require_v the_o increase_n thereof_o as_o the_o parable_n show_v luke_n 19.13_o and_o this_o paul_n teach_v for_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o and_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ephesian_n 3.16_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v a_o tall_a man_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o child_n grow_v from_o year_n to_o year_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a unto_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o go_v out_o so_o long_o as_o wood_n or_o other_o fuel_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o but_o will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o grow_v unto_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o so_o will_v faith_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o conscionablie_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worde_n and_o prayer_n but_o go_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o general_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n their_o good_a meaning_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o worse_o and_o still_o go_v backward_o more_o and_o more_o a_o three_o sort_n we_o have_v that_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v very_o slender_a they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o profit_v little_a now_o howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v but_o a_o small_a fault_n not_o to_o profit_v in_o religion_n yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o any_o congregation_n be_v daily_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v those_o woman_n to_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o timoth._n 3.7_o if_o a_o child_n late_o bear_v like_v not_o well_o nor_o grow_v when_o it_o have_v good_a keep_n the_o common_a say_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o changeling_n so_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o may_v most_o true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a changeling_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n for_o faith_n &_o have_v faith_n increase_v therein_o and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o those_o patriarch_n increase_v in_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v attain_v hereto_o answer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o may_v find_v three_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v grow_v up_o in_o grace_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n merciful_o renew_v the_o same_o during_o his_o life_n as_o occasion_n serve_v sundry_a time_n he_o stay_v not_o there_o suffer_v it_o to_o die_v with_o abraham_n but_o when_o abraham_n be_v dead_a god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o rebecka_n and_o with_o jacob_n also_o after_o they_o now_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v what_o a_o wonderful_a furtherance_n it_o be_v unto_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o renew_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o increase_a their_o faith_n be_v their_o holy_a converse_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o to_o nurture_n they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o do_v not_o only_o implant_v god_n promise_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o child_n but_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o teach_v another_o from_o a_o feel_a heart_n great_o strengthen_v his_o own_o soul_n now_o god_n himself_o do_v testify_v this_o thing_n of_o abraham_n 18.19_o say_v i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n now_o look_v what_o abraham_n herein_o do_v to_o isaac_n that_o no_o doubt_n do_v isaac_n unto_o jacob_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n be_v from_o each_o one_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o give_v themselves_o often_o time_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o muse_n &_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 24.63_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n towards_o evening_n and_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o it_o be_v concern_v this_o and_o other_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o and_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o jaacob_n do_v the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o faith_n all_o which_o must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o diligent_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o and_o yet_o profit_v little_a by_o it_o be_v chief_o this_o because_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v so_o slender_o use_v among_o us._n for_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o be_v on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n be_v through_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n plentiful_o afford_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_v and_o apply_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o sin_n be_v sharp_o denounce_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v mutual_a instruction_n of_o father_n to_o child_n of_o master_n to_o servant_n and_o of_o one_o neighbour_n to_o another_o together_o with_o mutual_a conference_n about_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v or_o else_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o three_o mean_n which_o be_v private_a meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n teach_v unto_o we_o which_o meditation_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a soul_n like_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n unto_o a_o beast_n for_o as_o chew_v the_o cud_n turn_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v into_o true_a feed_n so_o do_v holy_a meditation_n make_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n spiritual_a refresh_n by_o digest_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n if_o i_o say_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o seldom_o use_v of_o very_a many_o or_o not_o at_o all_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o care_n and_o reverence_n but_o alas_o these_o some_o be_v very_o few_o and_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o slack_o perform_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v oft_o repeat_v yet_o man_n reap_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o so_o that_o we_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
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 afar_o off_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o true_a faith_n this_o be_v in_o noah_n &_o wrought_v in_o he_o a_o reverence_n and_o so_o will_v it_o in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v in_o us._n when_o man_n cry_v fire_n fire_n we_o stir_v we_o run_v we_o tremble_v but_o god_n cry_v in_o his_o word_n the_o fire_n of_o hell_n the_o fire_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o we_o care_v not_o we_o stir_v not_o we_o leave_v not_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o move_v with_o reverence_n as_o noah_n be_v therefore_o it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o holy_a faith_n be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n which_o noah_n have_v the_o second_o motive_n stir_v up_o this_o reverence_n in_o he_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n wonderful_a mercy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o family_n in_o save_v they_o this_o mercy_n seem_v so_o wonderful_a to_o he_o both_o for_o that_o he_o know_v it_o be_v undeserued_a know_v himself_o a_o sinful_a man_n and_o therefore_o not_o able_a to_o merit_v god_n favour_n and_o be_v privy_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o manifold_a imperfection_n and_o also_o unexpected_a for_o he_o never_o think_v to_o have_v be_v spare_v alone_o in_o a_o universal_a destruction_n therefore_o he_o wonder_v with_o reverence_n at_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n thus_o god_n mercy_n do_v not_o only_o win_v a_o man_n heart_n to_o love_n god_n but_o even_o to_o fear_v he_o with_o much_o reverence_n this_o david_n prove_v psalm_n 130.4_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o thou_o o_o lord_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v thy_o great_a mercy_n to_o thy_o child_n o_o lord_n do_v make_v they_o conceive_v a_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o thou_o this_o make_v david_n cry_v out_o in_o a_o holy_a passion_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n psal._n and_o as_o god_n child_n wonder_v at_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n mercy_n unto_o they_o so_o also_o at_o their_o own_o baseness_n and_o unworthiness_n thus_o do_v holy_a david_n 2._o sam._n 7.18_o who_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o faith_n so_o be_v he_o full_a of_o excellent_a meditation_n and_o reverend_a speech_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a effect_n of_o faith_n when_o god_n have_v set_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n he_o say_v who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o house_n that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hither_o and_o 1._o chron._n 29.14_o but_o who_o be_o i_o say_v he_o and_o what_o be_v my_o people_n that_o we_o shall_v offer_v thus_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o doubtless_o even_o so_o say_v noah_n bless_a soul_n often_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o itself_o who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o family_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v choose_v out_o of_o so_o many_o thousand_o and_o be_v save_v when_o all_o the_o world_n perish_v let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o our_o church_n and_o state_n if_o any_o nation_n have_v cause_n to_o say_v thus_o it_o be_v england_n god_n have_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o thraldom_n of_o spiritual_a egypt_n and_o lead_v we_o out_o not_o by_o a_o moses_n but_o first_o by_o a_o child_n then_o by_o a_o woman_n and_o give_v we_o his_o gospel_n more_o full_o and_o free_o and_o quiet_o than_o any_o kingdom_n so_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o still_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o curse_a plot_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o tyrannous_a invasion_n of_o the_o spaniard_n who_o think_v to_o have_v mark_v we_o in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o to_o have_v do_v to_o we_o as_o they_o have_v do_v to_o other_o nation_n who_o they_o have_v conquer_v but_o god_n from_o heaven_n fight_v for_o we_o and_o overthrow_v they_o in_o their_o own_o device_n yea_o the_o lord_n put_v his_o hook_n in_o his_o nostril_n and_o his_o bridle_n in_o his_o lip_n and_o carry_v he_o back_o again_o with_o shame_n and_o reproach_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o such_o a_o mercy_n if_o our_o soul_n do_v not_o often_o say_v unto_o god_n o_o lord_n what_o be_v we_o and_o what_o be_v our_o people_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o wonderful_a in_o thy_o mercy_n unto_o we_o and_o particular_o this_o must_v teach_v every_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o careful_a observer_n of_o the_o favour_n &_o mercy_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n to_o he_o or_o he_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o must_v make_v he_o daily_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o god_n majesty_n &_o still_o as_o the_o lord_n be_v more_o and_o more_o merciful_a unto_o he_o to_o bear_v still_o the_o more_o fear_n and_o reverence_n unto_o he_o for_o the_o same_o the_o last_o motive_n of_o this_o reverence_n in_o noah_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n both_o in_o the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o mercy_n upon_o he_o for_o first_o in_o the_o judgement_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o god_n will_v choose_v so_o weak_a a_o element_n as_o water_n to_o destroy_v &_o vanquish_v the_o huge_a giant_n of_o those_o day_n but_o therein_o appear_v first_o god_n power_n that_o by_o so_o weak_a mean_n can_v cast_v down_o his_o enemy_n and_o again_o his_o wisdom_n that_o as_o a_o universal_a wickedness_n have_v pollute_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n shall_v wash_v the_o whole_a world_n second_o the_o mercy_n be_v also_o wonderful_a that_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o save_v noah_n by_o so_o strange_a a_o mean_a as_o a_o ark_n which_o shall_v swim_v on_o the_o water_n for_o noah_n think_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v save_v i_o he_o will_v either_o take_v i_o up_o into_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v henoch_n a_o little_a before_o or_o else_o make_v i_o build_v a_o house_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o high_a mountain_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v save_v he_o by_o no_o such_o mean_n but_o by_o a_o ark_n wherein_o appear_v first_o god_n power_n that_o will_v save_v he_o by_o so_o weak_a a_o mean_n as_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o destroy_v he_o for_o noah_n must_v lie_v and_o swim_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n and_o yet_o be_v save_v from_o the_o water_n and_o the_o ark_n mâ—st_v save_v he_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n if_o the_o tempest_n have_v cast_v it_o against_o the_o hard_a rock_n and_o mountain_n or_o upon_o the_o strong_a castle_n and_o house_n of_o the_o mighty_a giant_n will_v have_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o so_o it_o have_v but_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o master_n and_o pilot_n in_o that_o voyage_n and_o second_o god_n wisdom_n shine_v clear_o in_o this_o mean_n because_o god_n will_v have_v he_o save_v not_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o world_n may_v not_o see_v it_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v if_o he_o have_v be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o into_o the_o air_n but_o will_v have_v he_o save_v in_o a_o ark_n that_o so_o alâ—_n the_o wicked_a man_n as_o they_o â—ere_z a_o die_a in_o the_o water_n or_o expect_v death_n upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o hill_n may_v see_v he_o live_v and_o be_v save_v to_o their_o more_o torment_n and_o to_o their_o great_a shame_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n word_n as_o he_o do_v for_o as_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n be_v more_o torment_v to_o see_v the_o godly_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n so_o doubtless_o be_v the_o wicked_a of_o that_o age_n to_o see_v noah_n save_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o view_n of_o this_o power_n &_o wisdom_n of_o god_n herein_o make_v noah_n give_v great_a reverence_n to_o god_n majesty_n and_o no_o lesâ—e_n ought_v it_o to_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o true_a hearâ—ed_a english_a man_n and_o faithful_a christian_n for_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n restore_v &_o establish_v the_o gospel_n to_o our_o nation_n by_o a_o child_n and_o by_o a_o woman_n and_o in_o her_o time_n when_o all_o other_o prince_n be_v against_o she_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o policy_n and_o do_v not_o god_n in_o our_o late_a deliverance_n overthrow_n our_o enemy_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n as_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n do_v not_o he_o fight_v from_o heaven_n do_v not_o the_o star_n and_o the_o wind_n in_o their_o course_n sight_n against_o that_o sisera_n of_o spain_n let_v we_o therefore_o with_o bless_a noah_n stand_v amaze_v to_o see_v god_n mercy_n &_o with_o reverence_n &_o fear_n magnify_v his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v the_o three_o motive_n that_o move_v in_o noah_n this_o reverence_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n first_o of_o his_o great_a judgement_n on_o the_o sinful_a world_n 2._o of_o his_o great_a mercy_n in_o save_v he_o 3._o of_o his_o admirable_a power_n and_o wisdom_n show_v both_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
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
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 direct_v by_o a_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n by_o day_n exod._n 13.21_o now_o look_v as_o this_o cloud_n guide_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o do_v this_o company_n of_o famous_a believer_n direct_v all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o right_a way_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o these_o worthy_a believer_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n mark_v further_o they_o be_v call_v a_o cloud_n but_o what_o a_o cloud_n namely_o compass_v us._n a_o compass_v cloud_n they_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a company_n of_o believer_n so_o as_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v he_o he_o shall_v see_v believer_n on_o every_o side_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o compass_v we_o because_o they_o give_v we_o direction_n in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o 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