shall_v be_v no_o more_o say_v the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north._n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o work_n so_o far_o above_o all_o possibility_n in_o man_n eye_n that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o conclude_v our_o bone_n be_v dry_v up_o our_o hope_n be_v lose_v we_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o our_o part_n ezech._n 37.1_o a_o work_n in_o itself_o wonderful_a to_o admiration_n but_o make_v more_o wonderful_a by_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrought_v a_o troublous_a time_n sufficient_a to_o hinder_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o likely_a work_n much_o more_o to_o make_v a_o work_n in_o itself_o so_o difficult_a and_o improbable_a altogether_o impossible_a in_o man_n judgement_n to_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o near_a examination_n of_o these_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o three_o particular_n worthy_a our_o serious_a consideration_n first_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n imply_v a_o infallibility_n know_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v that_o be_v be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n certain_a that_o shall_v not_o fail_v and_o afterward_o the_o street_n shall_v be_v build_v again_o and_o the_o wall_n in_o the_o time_n express_v after_o 7_o week_n that_o be_v account_v every_o day_n for_o a_o year_n after_o 49_o year_n from_o the_o go_v out_o of_o the_o decree_n second_o we_o have_v represent_v unto_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v build_v a_o troublous_a time_n for_o the_o exact_a period_n of_o the_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v after_o 49_o year_n it_o make_v not_o much_o to_o our_o present_a occasion_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o give_v far_a assurance_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophecy_n that_o god_n limit_n it_o to_o a_o precise_a number_n of_o year_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o he_o which_o have_v the_o time_n and_o season_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o purpose_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o troublous_a time_n three_o we_o have_v the_o work_n promise_v to_o be_v perform_v the_o build_n of_o the_o street_n and_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o have_v relate_v especial_o to_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n of_o these_o three_o particular_n as_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o out_o before_o you_o in_o their_o order_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o expression_n consider_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n the_o most_o difficult_a of_o all_o work_n and_o the_o time_n the_o unfit_a of_o all_o time_n iâ—_n worthy_a our_o careful_a observation_n notwithstanding_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o work_n in_o man_n judgement_n and_o the_o impediment_n by_o the_o trouble_v of_o the_o time_n the_o street_n and_o wall_n shall_v be_v build_v yea_o they_o shall_v be_v build_v by_o such_o a_o time_n doubt_v not_o of_o it_o say_v god_n but_o know_v this_o be_v assure_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o god_n may_v speak_v and_o thus_o he_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o express_v himself_o so_o that_o upon_o this_o particular_a instance_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o general_a that_o god_n promise_n even_o concern_v thing_n most_o difficult_a and_o impossible_a thing_n in_o man_n eye_n be_v notwithstanding_o certain_a and_o infallible_a they_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n all_o of_o they_o yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o yea_o and_o not_o nay_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o vers_n 18._o that_o be_v true_a in_o the_o event_n and_o real_a performance_n and_o amen_o that_o be_v stable_a and_o firm_a as_o that_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v this_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o instance_n the_o great_a of_o all_o god_n promise_n be_v that_o of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o to_o be_v make_v immanuel_n true_o man_n and_o so_o god_n with_o we_o this_o when_o god_n promise_v isa_n 7.14_o he_o prefix_v a_o behold_v before_o it_o behold_v a_o vigin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n which_o be_v a_o note_n not_o only_o of_o admiration_n but_o confirmation_n too_o as_o if_o god_n will_v represent_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n present_v to_o be_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n so_o peremptory_o do_v he_o promise_v that_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n which_o be_v as_o real_o perform_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n gal._n 4.4_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o unlikely_a thing_n that_o israel_n after_o so_o long_a and_o heavy_a a_o bondage_n under_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v be_v wrest_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a nation_n that_o keep_v they_o under_o as_o their_o slave_n yet_o god_n not_o only_o promise_v it_o but_o bid_v abraham_n to_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o certain_a thing_n know_v say_v he_o of_o a_o surety_n that_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o 400_o year_n and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n gen._n 15.13_o 14._o it_o be_v not_o more_o serioussy_n promise_v then_o real_o perform_v and_o that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o time_n limit_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o self_n same_o day_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n say_v moses_n exod._n 12.41_o it_o seem_v so_o impossible_a at_o hang_v that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n by_o his_o wife_n sarah_n who_o have_v be_v all_o her_o life_n barren_a and_o be_v now_o 90_o year_n old_a and_o her_o husband_n a_o hundred_o and_o both_o their_o body_n dead_a as_o to_o the_o have_v of_o child_n that_o sarah_n laugh_v at_o the_o promise_n gen._n 18.12_o and_o yet_o see_v how_o peremptory_o god_n promise_v it_o i_o will_v certain_o return_v unto_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o life_n and_o lo_o sarah_n thy_o wife_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o we_o know_v the_o lord_n make_v it_o good_a god_n promise_v to_o provide_v flesh_n for_o his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v their_o fill_n of_o it_o for_o a_o month_n long_o numb_a 11.19_o 20._o the_o people_n think_v it_o be_v more_o than_o god_n can_v do_v as_o they_o speak_v psal_n 78.19_o 20._o and_o moses_n be_v almost_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o his_o objection_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o feed_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n in_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n that_o yield_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o sustain_n of_o man_n life_n yet_o we_o see_v it_o make_v good_a in_o the_o event_n by_o the_o send_n of_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o quail_n the_o most_o dainty_a of_o all_o flesh_n numb_a 11.31_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o evidence_n this_o truth_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a let_v we_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v for_o it_o in_o reason_n first_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o speak_v peremp_n tory_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v will_v be_v evident_a unto_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o hinder_v man_n that_o they_o can_v speak_v in_o that_o manner_n or_o with_o like_a certainty_n concern_v their_o own_o purpose_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o man_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o which_o they_o intend_v 1._o the_o man_n may_v die_v and_o then_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o consequent_o his_o resolution_n and_o purpose_n perish_v with_o he_o psal_n 146.4_o now_o god_n we_o know_v life_n for_o ever_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a he_o be_v god_n psal_n 90.2_o the_o earth_n may_v fail_v and_o the_o heaven_n may_v be_v role_v up_o as_o a_o garment_n but_o god_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o his_o year_n fail_v not_o heb._n 1.11_o whence_o the_o apostle_n draw_v a_o strong_a ground_n of_o consolation_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n mediation_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v effectual_a to_o we_o because_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o uâ—_n hev_n 7.25_o 2._o though_o the_o man_n continue_v and_o live_v yet_o his_o mind_n and_o purpose_n may_v alter_v never_o have_v a_o man_n more_o full_a purpose_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o esau_n have_v to_o kill_v his_o brother_n jacob_n gen._n 27.41_o and_o this_o resolution_n continue_v with_o he_o 20_o year_n while_o jacob_n sojourn_v with_o laban_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o gather_n of_o four_o hundred_o man_n to_o come_v against_o he_o when_o he_o hear_v of_o jacobs_n return_n homeward_o gen._n 32.6_o questionless_a to_o do_v that_o which_o jacob_n fear_v with_o the_o sword_n to_o cut_v off_o he_o and_o his_o retinue_n and_o yet_o
have_v fail_v hitherto_o as_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v too_o much_o let_v our_o own_o heart_n smite_v we_o in_o secret_a &_o have_v in_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n bewail_v before_o god_n our_o former_a neglect_n engage_v ourselves_o by_o renew_a promise_n strengthen_v with_o firm_a resolution_n after_o david_n example_n psalm_n 132.3_o 4._o to_o make_v this_o great_a work_n which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o unto_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n which_o we_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n house_n have_v eat_v we_o up_o with_o david_n psal_n 69.9_o that_o the_o fence_n and_o order_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o work_n that_o god_n will_v bring_v to_o pass_v i_o have_v show_v already_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o he_o therein_o no_o man_n will_v deny_v lest_o the_o curse_n of_o meroz_n fall_n upon_o we_o judg._n 5.23_o three_o that_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o this_o work_n lie_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n appear_v by_o god_n message_n send_v unto_o zerubbabel_n hag._n 1.2_o by_o david_n charge_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n and_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n 1_o chron._n 22.6_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o jehosaphat_n 2_o chron._n 20.8_o 9_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.3_o 4.5.11_o and_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34._o commend_v and_o set_v before_o we_o as_o pattern_n for_o their_o zeal_n in_o establish_v and_o reform_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o last_o that_o this_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o you_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o head_n stone_n of_o this_o work_n as_o yourselves_o can_v deny_v so_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o evident_a by_o the_o course_n of_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o we_o for_o the_o far_o we_o proceed_v in_o this_o work_n the_o near_a god_n draw_v unto_o we_o in_o way_n of_o mercy_n scatter_v our_o enemy_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o such_o success_n as_o exceed_v our_o own_o hope_n and_o expectation_n let_v i_o therefore_o speak_v unto_o you_o in_o david_n word_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n 1_o chro._n 22.16_o arise_v right_a honourable_a and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o or_o a_o little_a more_o full_o in_o the_o noble_n word_n to_o ezra_n chap._n 10.4_o arise_v for_o this_o matter_n appertain_v to_o you_o we_o also_o will_v be_v with_o you_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o do_v it_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o land_n but_o of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o assist_v you_o with_o their_o prayer_n as_o moses_n aaron_n and_o hur_z do_v joshua_n fight_v with_o the_o amalekite_n exod._n 17.10_o 12._o till_o this_o work_n be_v carry_v on_o to_o perfection_n beside_o the_o honourable_a name_n which_o you_o shall_v leave_v behind_o you_o to_o all_o posterity_n to_o be_v call_v the_o repairer_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o restorer_n of_o path_n to_o dwell_v in_o isai_n 58.12_o your_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o and_o will_v be_v find_v upon_o your_o account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o you_o in_o this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o church_n reformation_n let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o have_v the_o help_n of_o that_o power_n that_o god_n have_v entrust_v you_o with_o to_o protect_v we_o that_o the_o boar_n out_o of_o the_o wood_n waste_v we_o not_o nor_o the_o wild_a beast_n of_o the_o field_n devour_v we_o psal_n 80.13_o that_o enjoy_v abundance_n of_o peace_n under_o you_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v redeem_v from_o deceit_n and_o violence_n psal_n 72.7.14_o which_o must_v be_v do_v either_o by_o cut_v off_o wicked_a doer_n from_o the_o city_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 101.8_o or_o by_o break_v their_o jaw_n and_o pluck_v the_o prey_n out_o of_o their_o mouth_n job_n 29.17_o or_o so_o discountenance_v their_o way_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o scorn_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n may_v cry_v after_o they_o as_o after_o a_o thief_n job_n 30.5_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v i_o humble_o desire_v that_o the_o build_n of_o the_o inner_a wall_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v hasten_v with_o all_o possible_a speed_n i_o mean_v that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n may_v be_v establish_v first_o that_o dog_n and_o swine_n profane_a person_n may_v no_o long_o pollute_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o such_o as_o want_v wedding_n garment_n may_v be_v keep_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n feast_n mat._n 22.11.13_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o that_o block_n of_o offence_n from_o such_o as_o upon_o that_o pretence_n separate_v themselves_o from_o our_o assembly_n as_o pollute_v by_o the_o leaven_n as_o the_o apostle_n term_v it_o 1_o cor._n 5.6_o of_o such_o unclean_a person_n who_o be_v mix_v with_o we_o and_o admit_v by_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o our_o holy_a thing_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n something_o you_o have_v assay_v to_o do_v that_o way_n already_o my_o prayer_n be_v that_o you_o may_v do_v and_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v stir_v up_o your_o spirit_n to_o do_v yet_o much_o more_o perhaps_o you_o fear_v to_o commit_v too_o much_o power_n to_o minister_n lest_o the_o undiseneet_a abuse_v it_o liberty_n may_v thereby_o suffer_v prejudice_n let_v i_o answer_v with_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o you_o be_v you_o unworthy_a to_o judge_v the_o small_a matter_n if_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o the_o minister_n alone_o the_o high_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v over_o some_o to_o wrath_n and_o judgement_n and_o to_o loose_v other_o and_o acquit_v they_o from_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o you_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v promise_v to_o ratify_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o do_v on_o earth_n mat._n 16.19_o do_v you_o think_v it_o much_o to_o commit_v unto_o they_o assist_v with_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n matter_n of_o far_o less_o moment_n the_o suspending_a of_o man_n for_o a_o while_n from_o the_o use_n of_o some_o outward_a ordinance_n but_o my_o hope_n be_v you_o purpose_v to_o try_v they_o in_o a_o little_a first_o which_o if_o they_o manage_v well_o you_o intend_v to_o trust_v they_o with_o more_o hereafter_o as_o the_o master_n deal_v with_o his_o servant_n mat._n 25.21.23_o second_o for_o the_o prevent_n or_o repress_v of_o such_o as_o make_v division_n among_o we_o rom._n 16.17_o speak_v and_o teach_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o act_v 20.30_o that_o division_n and_o draw_v into_o party_n be_v the_o most_o destructive_a way_n to_o christian_a society_n beside_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n the_o constant_a practice_n of_o satan_n who_o both_o know_v and_o pursue_v his_o own_o advantage_n in_o make_v use_n of_o this_o dangerous_a engine_n to_o undermine_v the_o church_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n thus_o he_o labour_v to_o trouble_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n own_o time_n as_o both_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o their_o own_o epistle_n testify_v the_o like_a practice_n he_o use_v in_o all_o succeed_a time_n as_o be_v witness_v by_o all_o ecclesiastical_a record_n and_o in_o this_o last_o age_n when_o luther_n begin_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n he_o raise_v up_o first_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o great_a multitude_n in_o germany_n to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o church_n and_o afterward_o by_o divide_v the_o lutheran_n from_o the_o calvinist_n have_v make_v that_o wide_a breach_n between_o the_o reformist_n that_o will_v hardly_o be_v close_v up_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n give_v daily_o infinite_a advantage_n to_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o work_v the_o church_n utter_a ruin_n no_o marvel_n then_o that_o the_o apostle_n adjure_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o afterward_o use_v that_o vehement_a obtestation_n phil._n 2.12_o if_o we_o have_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n any_o comfort_n of_o love_n any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n to_o be_v of_o one_o accord_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n man_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n we_o must_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v one_o man_n while_o we_o be_v divers_a man_n we_o shall_v have_v divers_a mind_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o yet_o need_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o our_o aim_n and_o scope_n god_n honour_n and_o our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n whereunto_o if_o we_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n the_o law_n and_o word_n
that_o the_o holy_a lord_n who_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n as_o david_n testify_v of_o he_o psal_n 5.3_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v the_o guilty_a as_o himself_o profess_v exod._n 34.3_o shall_v notwithstanding_o from_o all_o eternity_n look_v upon_o man_n whole_o defile_v with_o sin_n with_o so_o much_o tenderness_n of_o compassion_n as_o to_o choose_v out_o of_o they_o a_o people_n for_o himself_o and_o out_o of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o free_a grace_n give_v his_o own_o son_n his_o delight_n from_o all_o eternity_n to_o be_v a_o ransom_n for_o their_o soul_n cause_v he_o who_o account_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n himself_o to_o abase_v himself_o so_o low_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n with_o the_o infirmity_n thereof_o and_o be_v find_v among_o man_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o humble_v he_o to_o the_o accurse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o bruise_v he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n lay_v upon_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o to_o heal_v we_o by_o his_o stripe_n and_o not_o only_o to_o purchase_v unto_o we_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n but_o to_o accept_v we_o in_o his_o righteousness_n as_o righteous_a and_o holy_a before_o he_o yea_o to_o take_v we_o as_o his_o own_o child_n to_o bestow_v on_o we_o the_o inheritance_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o to_o make_v we_o joynt-heire_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8.17_o and_o last_o to_o raise_v up_o these_o body_n of_o we_o perhaps_o devour_v by_o fish_n or_o wild-beast_n or_o consume_v into_o ash_n in_o flame_n of_o fire_n or_o at_o least_o turn_v into_o and_o mix_v with_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o very_a same_o individual_a body_n job_n 19.26.27_o and_o of_o natural_a body_n to_o make_v they_o spiritual_a of_o corruptible_a to_o make_v they_o incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 15.42.44.53_o these_o be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o so_o far_o beyond_o all_o apprehension_n and_o admiration_n wonder_n upon_o wonder_n that_o if_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o supernatural_a work_n a_o effect_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o we_o they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n though_o they_o be_v reject_v of_o the_o wise_a among_o man_n and_o account_v foolishness_n 1._o cor._n 1.23_o a_o three_o consideration_n which_o shall_v move_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_v with_o all_o our_o power_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v our_o faith_n be_v this_o that_o above_o all_o other_o grace_n satan_n bend_v all_o his_o power_n and_o policy_n against_o it_o either_o to_o shake_v or_o overthrow_v it_o it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n that_o satan_n first_o assail_v in_o paradise_n yea_o say_v he_o have_v god_n say_v and_o afterward_o you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v gen._n 3.1.4_o in_o his_o encounter_v with_o our_o saviour_n christ_n he_o first_o assault_v his_o faith_n which_o he_o attempt_v two_o contrary_a way_n first_o to_o distrust_v where_o he_o have_v a_o promise_n and_o second_o to_o believe_v without_o a_o promise_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o both_o his_o first_o temptation_n matt._n 4.4.7_o and_o it_o be_v peter_n faith_n that_o satan_n aim_v at_o when_o he_o desire_v to_o sift_v he_o as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n promise_n to_o pray_v that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v luke_n 22.31.32_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v his_o faith_n against_o which_o satan_n will_v bend_v all_o his_o strength_n as_o we_o see_v he_o do_v when_o he_o shake_v it_o so_o sore_o that_o he_o thrice_o deny_v and_o forswear_v his_o master_n questionless_a satan_n both_o know_v his_o own_o advantage_n and_o improve_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a now_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o if_o he_o can_v overthrow_v our_o faith_n he_o destroy_v our_o life_n separate_v we_o from_o christ_n and_o from_o god_n himself_o from_o who_o we_o depart_v by_o unbelief_n heb._n 3.12_o which_o be_v therefore_o the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o sin_n and_o indeed_o a_o mean_n to_o let_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n pride_n coveteousnesse_n self-seeking_a rebellion_n and_o what_o not_o beside_o he_o well_o know_v that_o nature_n yield_v he_o not_o strong_a help_n against_o any_o grace_n than_o it_o do_v against_o faith_n which_o as_o we_o have_v already_o intimate_v both_o reason_n and_o sense_n the_o guide_v of_o our_o natural_a life_n oppose_v it_o concern_v we_o therefore_o near_o to_o use_v all_o diligence_n both_o to_o get_v and_o strengthen_v faith_n so_o useful_a every_o way_n so_o hard_o to_o be_v gain_v and_o strong_o assault_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o exhort_v we_o to_o follow_v after_o faith_n 1._o tim._n 6.11_o and_o to_o have_v it_o always_o about_o we_o as_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o our_o spiritual_a armour_n eph._n 6.16_o above_o all_o say_v he_o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quench_v the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a a_o strange_a expression_n that_o a_o shield_n shall_v quench_v fire_n unless_o perhaps_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o hebrew_n name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o shield_n or_o buckler_n come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v to_o cool_v solomon_n exhort_v we_o to_o get_v wisdom_n with_o all_o our_o get_n prov._n 4.7_o to_o search_v for_o it_o as_o silver_n and_o for_o hide_a treasure_n prov._n 2.4_o and_o when_o we_o have_v get_v it_o not_o to_o forget_v it_o nor_o forsake_v it_o prov._n 4.5.6_o now_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o true_a wisdom_n which_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o get_v and_o hold_v fast_o this_o faith_n we_o must_v have_v a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n which_o can_v be_v none_o other_o than_o the_o faithful_a word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o tit._n 1.9_o establish_a to_o all_o generation_n psal_n 119.90_o upon_o which_o david_n build_v all_o his_o hope_n psal_n 130.5_o i_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o my_o soul_n do_v wait_v and_o in_o his_o word_n do_v i_o hope_v and_o psal_n 119.114_o thou_o be_v my_o hide_v place_n and_o my_o shield_n i_o hope_v in_o thy_o word_n now_o this_o word_n must_v be_v a_o clear_a word_n and_o a_o full_a word_n it_o must_v be_v a_o clear_a word_n where_o the_o promise_n be_v lay_v down_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v term_n such_o as_o be_v all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o divers_a other_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v deliver_v in_o more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a expression_n and_o such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o divers_a construction_n though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n yet_o faith_n have_v no_o firm_a rest_v on_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v clear_v unto_o we_o by_o other_o place_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a and_o as_o it_o must_v be_v a_o clear_a word_n that_o our_o faith_n must_v rest_v on_o so_o must_v it_o be_v a_o full_a word_n the_o promise_n take_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n annex_v thereunto_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a word_n which_o the_o devil_n allege_v to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n matt._n 4.6_o out_o of_o psal_n 91.11.12_o that_o god_n give_v his_o angel_n charge_n over_o his_o child_n to_o keep_v they_o that_o they_o dash_v not_o their_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o full_a word_n a_o clause_n that_o restrain_v the_o promise_n to_o man_n way_n be_v leave_v out_o now_o to_o cast_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v not_o christ_n way_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n 1._o joh._n 1.9_o to_o make_v this_o a_o full_a word_n we_o must_v supply_v it_o with_o a_o clause_n out_o of_o prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n which_o too_o many_o omit_v and_o neglect_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o bare_a and_o perfunctory_a confession_n of_o sin_n without_o any_o endeavour_n to_o forsake_v it_o or_o to_o subdue_v their_o corrupt_a fust_n from_o whence_o it_o spring_v remain_v still_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n make_v provision_n for_o sin_n to_o fulfil_v tthe_a lust_n thereof_o live_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o sensuality_n and_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n to_o the_o scandal_n of_o religion_n and_o without_o speedy_a repentance_n the_o destruction_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n second_o our_o care_n must_v be_v to_o keep_v our_o faith_n in_o continual_a
sufficient_a ground_n to_o assure_v ourselves_o of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o promise_n to_o have_v our_o enemy_n subdue_v and_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n turn_v against_o our_o adversary_n psal_n 81.13_o 14._o if_o we_o sanctify_v the_o holy_a sabbath_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o profanation_n the_o lord_n under_o one_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o law_n include_v all_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v warrant_v as_o assure_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o those_o gracious_a promise_n record_v jer._n 17.24_o 25_o 26._o for_o the_o thing_n write_v afore-time_o be_v write_v for_o we_o that_o we_o through_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n not_o to_o hold_v you_o long_o look_v well_o upon_o your_o covenant_n by_o which_o you_o have_v in_o as_o solemn_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v oblige_v yourselves_o by_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n which_o if_o you_o break_v god_n will_v certain_o recompense_v it_o on_o your_o head_n as_o he_o threaten_v to_o do_v in_o a_o like_a case_n ezech._n 17.19_o consider_v it_o well_o and_o make_v good_a your_o solemn_a engagement_n both_o for_o public_a and_o private_a reformation_n and_o you_o may_v bold_o challenge_v god_n to_o make_v good_a unto_o you_o any_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o his_o word_n in_o any_o age_n past_a labour_n for_o zerubbabels_n spirit_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o you_o may_v assure_v yourselves_o of_o zerubbabels_n success_n and_o the_o great_a mountain_n that_o stand_v in_o your_o way_n shall_v become_v plain_n before_o you_o zech._n 4.7_o i_o add_v further_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v conclude_v out_o of_o the_o course_n that_o god_n have_v hold_v with_o we_o hitherto_o he_o have_v so_o strange_o interpose_v himself_o and_o constant_o step_v in_o between_o we_o and_o our_o utter_a ruin_n at_o keinton_n at_o brainford_n at_o newberry_n at_o york_n at_o cheriton_n at_o naseby_n when_o we_o may_v true_o say_v with_o david_n 1_o sam._n 20.3_o there_o be_v but_o a_o step_n between_o we_o and_o death_n or_o utter_a destruction_n have_v so_o compassionate_o look_v upon_o we_o in_o our_o low_a estate_n as_o the_o psalmist_n term_v it_o psal_n 136.23_o and_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o a_o condition_n beyond_o our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v will_v make_v a_o end_n as_o himself_o speak_v in_o another_o case_n 1_o sam._n 3.12_o indeed_o both_o moses_n exod._n 32.12_o and_o joshua_n cap._n 7.7.9_o press_v god_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o honour_n which_o will_v have_v be_v much_o blemish_v if_o god_n who_o have_v so_o strange_o bring_v his_o child_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o over_o jerdan_n shall_v have_v suffer_v they_o to_o perish_v either_o in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n it_o be_v true_a i_o grant_v that_o when_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o a_o work_n of_o thorough_a reformation_n if_o we_o mix_v our_o carnal_a policy_n with_o his_o counsel_n and_o drive_v on_o our_o own_o end_n with_o more_o zeal_n than_o he_o as_o god_n may_v and_o will_v call_v they_o to_o account_v that_o do_v his_o work_n negligent_o or_o unfaithful_o so_o he_o just_o may_v not_o only_o deny_v they_o the_o honour_n of_o perform_v and_o accomplish_v this_o service_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o church_n but_o may_v put_v off_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o glorious_a work_n of_o thorough_a reformation_n for_o the_o present_a and_o mix_v the_o accomplish_n thereof_o and_o the_o restore_n of_o our_o peace_n with_o more_o bitterness_n than_o we_o have_v yet_o taste_v and_o particular_o i_o bold_o affirm_v that_o every_o one_o who_o conscience_n witness_v unto_o he_o that_o in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n he_o have_v put_v to_o his_o hand_n for_o the_o further_a and_o carry_v on_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n out_o of_o true_a zeal_n to_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n may_v assure_v himself_o that_o though_o israel_n be_v not_o gather_v yet_o he_o shall_v be_v glorious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o god_n shall_v be_v his_o strength_n as_o christ_n speak_v of_o himself_o isa_n 49.5_o as_o he_o deal_v with_o david_n who_o though_o the_o lord_n think_v not_o fit_a to_o employ_v in_o the_o build_n of_o his_o temple_n yet_o his_o desire_n and_o purpose_n to_o have_v do_v it_o be_v abundant_o reward_v 2_o sam._n 7.11.12_o let_v we_o therefore_o up_o and_o be_v do_v and_o set_v forward_o for_o the_o raise_n on_o of_o this_o great_a work_n with_o resolution_n as_o be_v assure_v both_o of_o the_o success_n and_o perfect_a thereof_o at_o the_o last_o and_o of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o labour_n therein_o and_o of_o our_o reward_n hereafter_o what_o trouble_v soever_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n of_o which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o great_a work_n which_o in_o the_o promise_n which_o we_o have_v before_o we_o god_n engage_v himself_o to_o perform_v for_o his_o church_n he_o cast_v into_o the_o unfit_a and_o in_o man_n judgement_n the_o most_o unlikely_a of_o all_o time_n into_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o shall_v consider_v by_o and_o by_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o god_n to_o intermix_v some_o bitterness_n with_o his_o sweet_a mercy_n the_o passeover_n itself_o must_v be_v eat_v with_o bitter_a herb_n exod._n 12.8_o more_o particular_o god_n usual_o mix_v trouble_n and_o affliction_n with_o the_o church_n reformation_n so_o that_o we_o may_v lay_v this_o before_o we_o as_o a_o general_a rule_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o god_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o raise_v and_o restore_v his_o church_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v indeed_o put_v off_o from_o david_n troublesome_a reign_n to_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n a_o man_n of_o peace_n as_o his_o name_n import_v or_o of_o rest_n as_o god_n term_v he_o 1_o chron._n 22.9_o in_o who_o time_n god_n promise_v to_o give_v his_o people_n peace_n and_o quietness_n but_o that_o be_v a_o unparalleled_a example_n as_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v good_a by_o instance_n of_o all_o time_n ancient_a and_o modern_a the_o time_n of_o deliver_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v not_o only_o a_o time_n of_o heavy_a bondage_n but_o as_o moses_n hasten_v on_o that_o work_n that_o yoke_n be_v make_v heavy_a upon_o they_o in_o so_o much_o that_o for_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n and_o cruel_a bondage_n they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o hearken_v to_o god_n message_n by_o moses_n of_o their_o delivery_n exod._n 6.9_o when_o god_n have_v by_o strong_a hand_n bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n beside_o their_o forty_o year_n troublesome_a travail_n in_o the_o wilderness_n what_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a war_n they_o be_v encumber_v withal_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o their_o set_n and_o plant_v there_o be_v at_o large_a record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n in_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n testify_v to_o the_o world_n what_o bitter_a persecution_n it_o endure_v to_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o hundred_o of_o thousand_o of_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v yea_o the_o master-builder_n themselves_o drink_v as_o deep_a or_o deep_o of_o that_o bitter_a cup_n of_o affliction_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o st._n paul_n testify_v of_o himself_o at_o large_a 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25._o and_o be_v as_o full_o witness_v of_o the_o rest_n in_o history_n of_o undoubted_a verity_n to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o waldenses_n who_o near_o 500_o year_n pass_v hold_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o day_n of_o palpable_a darkness_n which_o have_v overspread_v almost_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n when_o they_o begin_v once_o to_o increase_v to_o a_o considerable_a number_n as_o indeed_o in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o year_n there_o be_v reckon_v near_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o that_o embrace_v their_o doctrine_n the_o record_n of_o those_o time_n howsoever_o much_o corrupt_v by_o the_o adversary_n testify_v what_o bloody_a war_n be_v raise_v up_o against_o they_o by_o the_o pope_n continue_v near_o one_o hundred_o year_n and_o end_v almost_o in_o the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o that_o holy_a seed_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o those_o long_a