his_o wife_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a reu._n 19.7_o so_o then_o this_o book_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o wonderful_a love_n and_o mutual_a affection_n betwixt_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o spouse_n the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n thus_o much_o may_v serve_v touch_v the_o book_n itself_o we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n show_v thou_o i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o church_n begin_v to_o speak_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v ravish_v in_o heart_n with_o his_o love_n desire_v most_o earnest_o to_o be_v embrace_v of_o he_o that_o she_o may_v be_v join_v unto_o he_o and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o prefer_v christ_n jesus_n with_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n she_o reap_v by_o he_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o three_o verse_n she_o confess_v her_o untowardness_n and_o her_o want_n of_o power_n to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o therefore_o she_o desire_v he_o to_o draw_v her_o heart_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n whereby_o she_o show_v her_o earnest_a desire_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n verse_n 4._o she_o remove_v a_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v alas_o thou_o be_v black_a and_o deform_a how_o can_v thou_o then_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o thy_o beauty_n see_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a bless_a and_o glorious_a son_n of_o god_n to_o this_o she_o confess_v that_o though_o by_o nature_n she_o be_v black_a full_a of_o blemish_n and_o natural_a corruption_n by_o reason_n of_o her_o original_a sin_n and_o natural_a corruption_n as_o also_o her_o actual_a transgression_n yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v wash_v in_o christ_n blood_n clothe_v in_o his_o righteousness_n and_o be_v deck_v and_o beautify_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n zeal_n patience_n love_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n she_o be_v fair_a and_o comely_a now_o in_o the_o sixth_o verse_n she_o put_v up_o a_o earnest_a request_n unto_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v in_o mercy_n show_v she_o where_o he_o feed_v his_o flock_n and_o where_o he_o provide_v comfort_n for_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n his_o church_n on_o earth_n seek_v only_o after_o he_o to_o be_v feed_v rest_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a shepherd_n who_o feed_v all_o his_o sheep_n with_o wholesome_a pasture_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n we_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o viz._n 1_o the_o request_n and_o petition_v the_o which_o the_o church_n do_v make_v unto_o christ_n verse_n 6._o divide_v the_o text_n divide_v 2_o the_o most_o kind_a and_o love_a answer_n of_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o his_o church_n direct_v she_o and_o comfort_v she_o according_a to_o her_o petition_n verse_n 7._o in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o request_n and_o second_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o request_n in_o the_o request_n note_n first_o the_o person_n to_o who_o she_o resort_v oh_o thou_o who_o &c._n &c._n second_o the_o request_n itself_o which_o be_v twofold_a first_o that_o christ_n jesus_n will_v show_v she_o where_o he_o feed_v his_o flock_n with_o his_o holy_a word_n &_o sacrament_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o will_v feed_v she_o as_o he_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o former_a time_n second_o where_o he_o provide_v shelter_n and_o shadow_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o shepherd_n be_v in_o those_o hot_a country_n to_o drive_v their_o sheep_n to_o shade_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o last_o the_o reason_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v as_o she_o that_o turn_v aside_o after_o the_o flock_n of_o thy_o companion_n so_o that_o if_o christ_n do_v it_o not_o it_o will_v not_o be_v for_o his_o honour_n nor_o yet_o for_o her_o good_a direction_n the_o person_n unto_o who_o the_o church_n seek_v for_o direction_n first_o for_o the_o person_n to_o who_o she_o seek_v for_o direction_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v christ_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n who_o she_o describe_v thus_o oh_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v etc._n etc._n q._n d._n o_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n my_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n who_o i_o love_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n yea_o who_o i_o love_v most_o earnest_o above_o all_o the_o world_n so_o as_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v what_o i_o love_v best_a in_o all_o the_o world_n i_o speak_v it_o from_o my_o heart_n it_o be_v thou_o lord_n alone_o doctr._fw-la 1_o love_n christ_n jesus_n must_v be_v love_v with_o the_o stfaida_o hamdiong_a affection_n of_o love_n hence_o we_o learn_v with_o what_o affection_n every_o child_n of_o god_n and_o true_a believer_n must_v love_v jesus_n christ_n namely_o with_o the_o great_a and_o strong_a affection_n of_o love_n they_o can_v so_o as_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o or_o who_o do_v thou_o love_v most_o thou_o can_v true_o say_v with_o the_o church_n here_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v so_o do_v s._n peter_n who_o love_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o die_v for_o christ_n so_o that_o he_o may_v very_o well_o say_v to_o christ_n when_o he_o ask_v he_o this_o question_n whether_o he_o do_v love_v he_o or_o no_o yea_o lord_n 21.15_o john_n 21.15_o thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o marie_n who_o love_n be_v so_o great_a to_o christ_n that_o in_o testimony_n thereof_o she_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n so_o that_o christ_n give_v this_o testimony_n of_o she_o to_o her_o everlasting_a praise_n 7.47_o luke_n 7.47_o that_o she_o love_v much_o so_o do_v the_o church_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n testify_v her_o love_n to_o christ_n in_o diverse_a place_n of_o this_o most_o worthy_a book_n call_v christ_n jesus_n her_o belove_a 2.10_o cant._n 2.10_o my_o belove_a speak_v and_o say_v etc._n etc._n and_o again_o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n and_o comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n cant._n 2.5_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o precept_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n god_n himself_o that_o he_o must_v have_v the_o chief_a love_n and_o the_o first_o room_n in_o our_o heart_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n &_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n deut._n 6.5_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o eye_n to_o behold_v his_o work_n the_o love_n of_o the_o ear_n to_o listen_v to_o his_o word_n the_o love_n of_o the_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o he_o the_o love_n of_o the_o foot_n to_o go_v to_o his_o sanctuary_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v require_v all_o these_o love_v together_o in_o one_o so_o as_o a_o man_n may_v true_o say_v with_o david_n the_o prophet_n psal_n 83.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o 〈◊〉_d desire_v nothing_o in_o earth_n in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o the_o lord_n can_v abide_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o heart_n and_o a_o heart_n one_o for_o god_n another_o for_o the_o devil_n we_o can_v not_o serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n 6.24_o mat._n 6.24_o we_o must_v not_o part_v our_o love_n to_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n or_o the_o devil_n but_o christ_n must_v have_v all_o now_o the_o reason_n be_v diverse_a to_o show_v with_o what_o a_o ardent_a affection_n we_o must_v love_v christ_n jesus_n first_o because_o he_o be_v our_o husband_n reason_n 1_o and_o we_o be_v his_o spouse_n for_o so_o say_v the_o prophet_n esay_n 54.5_o esay_n 54.5_o he_o that_o make_v thou_o be_v thy_o husband_n who_o name_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o again_o 19.7_o reu._n 19.7_o let_v we_o rejoice_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o he_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v come_v and_o his_o wife_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a now_o our_o spiritual_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a marriage_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n when_o we_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o in_o baptism_n then_o we_o betrothe_v ourselves_o to_o christ_n as_o to_o a_o husband_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o christ_n to_o keep_v we_o only_o to_o he_o unto_o our_o life_n end_n so_o then_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o lord_n be_v become_v our_o husband_n &_o we_o his_o spouse_n now_o then_o as_o a_o honest_a man_n can_v not_o endure_v that_o another_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o portion_n in_o his_o wife_n so_o will_v not_o
note_n note_n be_v it_o meat_n and_o drink_v unto_o thou_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v thy_o hand_n ever_o ready_a according_a to_o thy_o ability_n to_o bestow_v any_o thing_n upon_o christ_n &_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n do_v thou_o labour_v in_o the_o place_n wherein_o thou_o live_v to_o advance_v the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v thou_o be_v content_a to_o undergo_v shame_n disgrace_n trouble_n persecution_n and_o bond_n yea_o death_n itself_o for_o christ_n sake_n do_v the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n cheer_v up_o thy_o heavy_a soul_n and_o do_v thou_o cry_v with_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o these_o be_v mark_n and_o token_n whereby_o thou_o may_v discern_v whether_o thou_o do_v love_v christ_n jesus_n yea_o or_o no._n but_o because_o all_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o they_o love_v christ_n or_o else_o it_o be_v pity_n they_o shall_v live_v and_o the_o like_a when_o indeed_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o they_o christ_n mark_v to_o discern_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n i_o will_v yet_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o and_o observe_v a_o few_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o this_o pure_a and_o hearty_a love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v most_o certain_a sign_n of_o grace_n word_n 1._o by_o our_o love_n to_o his_o word_n first_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n we_o will_v love_v his_o word_n delight_n in_o it_o and_o esteem_v it_o above_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n 119.67_o psal_n 119.67_o lord_n what_o love_n have_v i_o unto_o thy_o word_n say_v david_n all_o the_o day_n long_o be_v my_o study_n in_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v religious_a to_o fear_n god_n and_o to_o love_v he_o that_o have_v no_o sound_a love_n nor_o delight_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o by_o our_o love_n to_o his_o word_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n no_o love_n nor_o delight_n in_o the_o word_n sure_o not_o love_v nor_o delight_n in_o christ_n great_a love_n to_o the_o word_n great_a love_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o value_v of_o this_o pearl_n david_n practice_n be_v notable_a who_o make_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n his_o heritage_n 111._o verse_n 111._o and_o the_o very_a joy_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o esteem_v they_o above_o gold_n yea_o above_o fine_a gold_n and_o therefore_o see_v most_o man_n have_v no_o delight_n in_o the_o word_n seldom_o or_o never_o hear_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o fashion_n sake_n read_v it_o or_o meditate_v in_o it_o day_n or_o night_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o they_o saint_n 2._o by_o our_o love_n to_o his_o saint_n second_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n jesus_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n we_o will_v love_v those_o who_o he_o love_v his_o bless_a member_n true_a christian_n 3_o 1._o john_n 3_o hereby_o say_v saint_n john_n we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o darkness_n into_o light_n because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n david_n testify_v of_o himself_o all_o my_o delight_n be_v upon_o thy_o saint_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_v all_o but_o we_o must_v love_v the_o saint_n with_o a_o peculiar_a and_o special_a love_n as_o heir_n with_o christ_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o us._n therefore_o see_v man_n general_o hate_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n contemn_v they_o and_o despise_v they_o do_v not_o this_o make_v it_o very_o apparent_a that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o they_o for_o the_o world_n love_v she_o own_o 15.19_o john_n 15.19_o but_o because_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o three_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n jesus_n obedience_n 3._o by_o our_o obedience_n we_o must_v show_v it_o by_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o holy_a law_n for_o so_o say_v christ_n if_o you_o love_v i_o 23._o joh._n 14_o 23._o keep_v my_o commandment_n little_a obedience_n little_a love_n no_o obedience_n to_o christ_n will_n no_o love_n hearty_a obedience_n hearty_a love_n and_o therefore_o see_v general_o man_n rebel_v against_o his_o word_n and_o break_v his_o commandment_n though_o these_o man_n shall_v swear_v they_o love_v christ_n yet_o be_v they_o liar_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o they_o for_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o a_o traitor_n can_v love_v his_o prince_n four_o if_o we_o love_v christ_n jesus_n christ_n 4._o by_o our_o suffering_n for_o christ_n we_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v he_o blaspheme_v rail_v on_o revile_v his_o word_n contemn_v or_o his_o sabbath_n profane_v but_o it_o will_v grieve_v we_o at_o the_o very_a heart_n &_o we_o will_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n defend_v his_o cause_n as_o a_o love_a child_n the_o cause_n of_o his_o father_n and_o a_o faithful_a servant_n the_o credit_n of_o his_o master_n and_o withal_o it_o will_v make_v we_o be_v content_a to_o endure_v some_o trial_n and_o persecution_n for_o his_o sake_n yea_o loss_n of_o liberty_n wealth_n riches_n yea_o life_n itself_o who_o have_v so_o love_v we_o that_o he_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o us._n thus_o much_o of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o christ_n jesus_n now_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o petition_n themselves_o show_v thou_o i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v etc._n etc._n the_o church_n here_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n compare_v christ_n jesus_n to_o a_o good_a and_o faithful_a shepherd_n as_o the_o prophet_n esay_n describe_v he_o 40._o esay_n 40._o he_o will_v gather_v together_o his_o lamb_n and_o again_o behold_v 34._o ezech._n 34._o i_o will_v require_v my_o flock_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o i_o myself_o will_v feed_v my_o sheep_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o rest_v quiet_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v of_o the_o prophet_n david_n 23.1_o psal_n 23.1_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n therefore_o i_o can_v want_v yea_o christ_n do_v thus_o entitle_v himself_o say_v 10.11_o joh._n 10.11_o i_o 〈◊〉_d the_o good_a shepherd_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v put_v up_o her_o request_n to_o this_o great_a shepherd_n and_o doctor_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o tell_v she_o where_o he_o feed_v his_o sheep_n with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o so_o she_o may_v join_v with_o they_o there_o to_o be_v feed_v and_o comfort_v quest_n but_o object_n be_v not_o this_o the_o true_a church_n that_o move_v this_o question_n what_o be_v then_o that_o other_o church_n or_o flock_v she_o inquire_v after_o resp_n resp_n ans_fw-fr i_o answer_v howsoever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v but_o one_o in_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o have_v diverse_a part_n as_o the_o ocean_n sea_n though_o but_o one_o yet_o it_o be_v call_v by_o diverse_a name_n according_a to_o the_o place_n where_o it_o lie_v even_o so_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o but_o one_o yet_o it_o have_v diverse_a part_n as_o the_o holy-ghost_n distinguish_v of_o it_o 1.4_o revel_v 1.4_o write_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n which_o be_v in_o asia_n now_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o rest_n free_a from_o persecution_n when_o other_o part_n may_v suffer_v persecution_n molestation_n and_o be_v vex_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n who_o he_o set_v a_o work_n now_o in_o this_o place_n the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o persecution_n and_o great_a affliction_n desi_v to_o know_v of_o christ_n where_o he_o feed_v his_o sheep_n that_o be_v where_o the_o church_n be_v at_o rest_n and_o peace_n where_o the_o word_n be_v pure_o preach_v the_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v and_o discipline_n due_o perform_v that_o she_o may_v join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o almighty_a god_n from_o this_o request_n and_o earnest_n doctr._n 2_o suit_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n to_o know_v where_o he_o do_v feed_v his_o sheep_n we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a note_n of_o a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n jesus_n god_n the_o true_a note_n of_o a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o inquire_v where_o christ_n feed_v his_o flock_n where_o the_o word_n be_v true_o and_o faithful_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n true_o administer_v and_o this_o doubt_v our_o saviour_n himself_o observe_v to_o be_v the_o eare-marke_a of_o his_o sheep_n 10.27_o john_n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v
christ_n endure_v that_o any_o other_o shall_v have_v with_o he_o a_o portion_n in_o his_o church_n for_o he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n exodus_fw-la 20._o verse_n 5._o so_o then_o the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o god_n people_n which_o be_v marry_v unto_o christ_n must_v love_v christ_n alone_o because_o we_o be_v link_v &_o marry_v to_o he_o alone_o as_o a_o wife_n to_o her_o husband_n unto_o who_o alone_o she_o be_v bind_v therefore_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o break_v the_o promise_n we_o make_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n and_o betrothe_v ourselves_o unto_o other_o then_o will_v he_o sure_o cast_v we_o off_o give_v we_o a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n as_o shameless_a strumpet_n and_o punish_v we_o for_o our_o unfaithfulnesse_n second_o he_o love_v we_o first_o reason_n 2_o and_o best_o according_a to_o that_o of_o john_n we_o love_v he_o 4.19_o john_n 4.19_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o yea_o he_o love_v we_o first_o when_o we_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o have_v make_v a_o voluntary_a separation_n between_o he_o and_o our_o soul_n commit_v spiritual_a fornication_n with_o sin_n and_o satan_n yea_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n witness_v 2.4.5_o eph._n 2.4.5_o you_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n have_v he_o quicken_v and_o lest_o we_o shall_v any_o whit_n doubt_v of_o his_o love_n he_o have_v manifest_v it_o 1.6_o revel_v 1.6_o in_o that_o he_o have_v wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n oh_o then_o great_a love_n than_o this_o can_v no_o man_n show_v and_o therefore_o see_v christ_n have_v love_v thy_o soul_n so_o dear_o as_o to_o suffer_v a_o curse_a death_n yea_o to_o shed_v his_o own_o heart_n blood_n to_o save_v thy_o soul_n oh_o how_o ought_v thou_o to_o love_n christ_n again_o if_o a_o man_n be_v take_v by_o the_o turk_n and_o put_v to_o extreme_a slavery_n and_o bondage_n where_o he_o shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o unless_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n be_v pay_v for_o his_o ransom_n the_o which_o he_o be_v never_o able_a to_o pay_v how_o miserable_a be_v the_o estate_n of_o this_o man_n but_o if_o one_o shall_v come_v that_o out_o of_o his_o mere_a love_n unto_o he_o pity_v his_o misery_n that_o shall_v pay_v his_o ransom_n and_o set_v he_o free_a who_o can_v express_v how_o much_o this_o poor_a wretch_n be_v bind_v unto_o he_o we_o be_v all_o take_v prisoner_n and_o that_o not_o by_o the_o turk_n which_o only_o can_v but_o hold_v we_o in_o temporal_a bondage_n but_o by_o satan_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n where_o we_o shall_v have_v endure_v not_o a_o temporal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a bondage_n and_o slavery_n and_o that_o in_o hell_n for_o evermore_o and_o nothing_o but_o only_a the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v be_v our_o ransom_n o_o how_o shall_v this_o work_n upon_o the_o affection_n of_o every_o christian_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o even_o bound_v we_o to_o love_n christ_n again_o now_o what_o may_v move_v christ_n but_o only_o his_o love_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o death_n for_o we_o sure_o nothing_o that_o be_v in_o us._n 2.4.5_o ephe._n 2.4.5_o but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n through_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a by_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o by_o christ_n by_o who_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v and_o again_o 3.16_o 1._o joh_n 3.16_o hereby_o have_v we_o perceive_v love_n that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o us._n 1.7_o ephes_n 1.7_o by_o who_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n and_o therefore_o the_o love_n that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v first_o sheâ—ed_v unto_o we_o must_v constrain_v we_o to_o love_n christ_n again_o reason_n 3_o and_o last_o because_o christ_n jesus_n be_v most_o excellent_a in_o himself_o and_o therefore_o most_o worthy_a of_o our_o love_n for_o so_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n my_o belove_a be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a 5.10_o cant._n 5.10_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o in_o the_o world_n we_o see_v it_o common_a that_o some_o be_v belove_v because_o they_o be_v fair_a and_o beautiful_a some_o because_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o wealthy_a some_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o some_o because_o they_o be_v honourable_o descend_v now_o christ_n jesus_n have_v all_o of_o these_o for_o what_o soever_o may_v affect_v a_o man_n heart_n and_o any_o way_n procure_v love_n the_o same_o be_v christ_n jesus_n full_o and_o absolute_a without_o any_o shadow_n of_o mutability_n or_o change_v for_o wisdom_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n for_o truth_n he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o truth_n for_o mercy_n he_o be_v the_o store-house_n of_o all_o mercy_n for_o riches_n he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n even_o the_o store-house_n of_o durable_a riches_n and_o for_o beauty_n he_o be_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n oh_o how_o may_v this_o serve_v to_o reprove_v use_v 1_o all_o carnal_a and_o profane_a gospeler_n worldly_a man_n epicure_n covetous_a cormorant_n who_o love_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n like_o the_o gadarens_n who_o prefer_v their_o hog_n before_o christ_n yea_o one_o mess_n of_o pottage_n with_o esau_n that_o can_v be_v content_a to_o sell_v christ_n for_o less_o than_o thirty_o penny_n that_o love_n their_o filthy_a pleasure_n eat_v drink_v pride_n uncleannenesse_n etc._n etc._n more_o than_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n like_o the_o bethlemite_n let_v christ_n lie_v in_o the_o stable_n among_o beast_n for_o they_o can_v not_o afford_v he_o one_o corner_n in_o their_o heart_n again_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o thousand_o that_o profess_v christ_n to_o be_v their_o husband_n and_o saviour_n that_o yet_o break_v their_o covenant_n and_o serve_v the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n that_o pretend_v they_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o betrothe_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o serve_v they_o now_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v content_a with_o this_o that_o his_o wife_n shall_v say_v she_o love_v he_o and_o yet_o set_v her_o heart_n upon_o another_o man_n so_o how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n will_v take_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n if_o we_o will_v make_v show_v that_o we_o love_v christ_n and_o yet_o be_v ever_o dally_v with_o the_o world_n christ_n enemy_n oh_o he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v never_o endure_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o last_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n here_o no_o less_o to_o be_v reprove_v who_o so_o much_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n call_v upon_o saint_n and_o pray_v unto_o they_o nay_o prefer_v the_o virgin_n marie_n before_o christ_n himself_o give_v honour_n and_o adoration_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n make_v they_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n they_o shall_v find_v one_o day_n that_o god_n will_v not_o put_v up_o this_o robbery_n at_o their_o hand_n but_o will_v show_v his_o jealous_a and_o terrible_a anger_n against_o they_o as_o most_o sacrilegious_a person_n and_o robber_n it_o must_v stir_v up_o every_o christian_a use_v 2_o man_n to_o labour_n to_o find_v his_o heart_n ravish_v with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n jesus_n so_o as_o he_o can_v say_v out_o of_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o heart_n o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v so_o as_o if_o the_o question_n be_v demand_v what_o i_o love_v best_a i_o can_v true_o say_v 3.7.8_o phil._n 3.7.8_o i_o love_v christ_n jesus_n more_o than_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o i_o account_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n and_o dung_n to_o win_v christ_n and_o where_o man_n find_v this_o true_a affection_n &_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n of_o their_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v cast_v his_o love_n upon_o they_o that_o so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n draw_v love_n to_o he_o again_o as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n light_v on_o the_o eye_n and_o by_o it_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n again_o and_o as_o by_o the_o picture_n in_o the_o wax_n we_o know_v the_o seal_n so_o by_o our_o love_n to_o god_n we_o know_v his_o love_n to_o us._n o_o how_o shall_v this_o cause_n every_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o every_o mother_n child_n amongst_o we_o to_o examine_v their_o love_n towards_o christ_n that_o so_o they_o may_v gather_v some_o assurance_n unto_o their_o own_o soul_n that_o christ_n have_v cast_v his_o love_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o do_v this_o ask_v i_o this_o question_n of_o thy_o own_o soul_n do_v thou_o desire_v 1.25_o phil._n 1.25_o with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o be_v loose_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n tell_v i_o
we_o do_v live_v here_o for_o this_o life_n be_v the_o time_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n warfare_n neither_o must_v we_o look_v to_o find_v heaven_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o we_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n we_o must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v not_o dream_v of_o a_o victory_n before_o we_o fight_v for_o it_o be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o suffer_v persecution_n yet_o this_o may_v be_v the_o comfort_n and_o stay_v of_o a_o christian_a soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v dispose_v of_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v to_o the_o best_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o never_o depart_v from_o we_o but_o shall_v leave_v a_o blessing_n behind_o they_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v gain_v more_o in_o the_o spirit_n than_o we_o can_v loose_v in_o the_o flesh_n use_v 3_o three_o see_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o his_o own_o true_a church_n and_o faithful_a child_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o undergo_v the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n let_v we_o here_o learn_v to_o be_v wise_a neither_o to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n if_o we_o be_v try_v or_o to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o the_o cross_n and_o trial_n go_v with_o it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v the_o lord_n love_v we_o not_o or_o that_o the_o gospel_n the_o which_o we_o profess_v be_v not_o a_o good_a profession_n because_o we_o see_v it_o hate_v persecute_a and_o rail_v on_o by_o wicked_a man_n well_o it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v it_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o christ_n jesus_n before_o we_o and_o unless_o we_o look_v that_o the_o servant_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o the_o master_n it_o must_v be_v we_o second_o we_o learn_v from_o doctr._n 4_o hence_o they_o christ_n leave_v not_o his_o church_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n but_o provide_v comfort_n for_o they_o that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o noonday_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n hot_a and_o bloody_a persecution_n yet_o christ_n have_v ever_o a_o shelter_n and_o shadow_n for_o his_o people_n he_o have_v a_o lair_n for_o they_o a_o place_n of_o shelter_n shadow_n and_o comfort_n he_o be_v ever_o present_a with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n to_o comfort_v they_o to_o refresh_v they_o to_o ease_v they_o of_o their_o misery_n to_o deliver_v they_o this_o the_o lord_n express_v in_o the_o prophet_n esay_n 54.7.8_o for_o a_o little_a time_n have_v i_o forsake_v thou_o but_o with_o great_a compassion_n will_v i_o gather_v thou_o for_o a_o moment_n in_o my_o anger_n i_o hide_v my_o face_n from_o thou_o for_o a_o little_a season_n but_o with_o everlasting_a mercy_n have_v i_o have_v compassion_n on_o thou_o 2._o psalm_n 2._o this_o do_v the_o prophet_n david_n make_v manifest_a that_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o god_n enemy_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o heaven_n shall_v laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_n the_o lord_n shall_v have_v they_o in_o derision_n this_o comfort_n be_v excellent_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o prophet_n esay_n when_o he_o say_v in_o cha_n 43.1.2_o but_o now_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o create_v thou_o o_o jacob_n and_o he_o that_o form_v thou_o o_o israel_n fear_v not_o for_o i_o have_v redeem_v thou_o i_o have_v call_v thou_o by_o thy_o name_n thou_o be_v i_o when_o thou_o pass_v through_o the_o water_n i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o through_o the_o flood_n that_o they_o do_v not_o overflow_v thou_o when_o thou_o walk_v through_o the_o very_a fire_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v burn_v neither_o shall_v the_o flame_n kindle_v upon_o thou_o for_o i_o be_o thy_o lord_n god_n thus_o provide_v he_o for_o his_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o hester_n 3_o ester_n 3_o when_o they_o can_v see_v no_o mean_n to_o escape_v what_o a_o mischief_n have_v herod_n invent_v against_o the_o messiah_n so_o secret_o 2.13_o matt._n 2.13_o as_o that_o he_o disclose_v the_o secret_a of_o his_o heart_n to_o none_o but_o pretend_v to_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o worship_n christ_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v bring_v his_o device_n to_o naught_o and_o joseph_n and_o mary_n with_o the_o child_n jesus_n be_v deliver_v 12.16_o act_n 12.16_o peter_n be_v cast_v into_o prison_n shall_v even_o the_o next_o day_n have_v be_v execute_v yet_o through_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v deliver_v this_o doctrine_n be_v further_o clear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o joseph_n job_n the_o church_n in_o egypt_n 3._o cen._n 41.14_o exo._n 12_o 41_o dan._n 6.23_o dan._n 3._o daniel_n the_o three_o child_n sidrach_n mishach_n and_o abedâ—â—go_o who_o for_o a_o time_n endure_v shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o cross_n yet_o afterward_o the_o lord_n return_v unto_o they_o when_o the_o time_n of_o refresh_v come_v so_o that_o howsoever_o god_n child_n may_v be_v under_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n for_o a_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n he_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o his_o help_n and_o comfort_n for_o ever_o but_o will_v in_o the_o end_n deliver_v they_o the_o reason_n serve_v to_o confirm_v this_o doctrine_n be_v manifest_a reason_n 1_o first_o consider_v the_o title_n by_o which_o god_n be_v call_v as_o a_o father_n to_o show_v the_o care_n that_o he_o take_v over_o his_o church_n as_o his_o child_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v they_o for_o what_o father_n will_v not_o save_v his_o child_n if_o possible_a he_o can_v from_o fire_n or_o water_n or_o some_o other_o eminent_a danger_n 7.11_o rom._n 8.15_o john_n 10_o 1._o matt._n 7.11_o now_o then_o if_o we_o that_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o help_v our_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o heavenly_a father_n that_o know_v all_o thing_n give_v good_a thing_n unto_o his_o child_n again_o christ_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o shepherd_n as_o the_o church_n do_v confess_v in_o this_o place_n now_o will_v the_o shepherd_n see_v the_o sheep_n go_v astray_o and_o not_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o right_a way_n again_o or_o suffer_v the_o wolf_n to_o devour_v the_o sheep_n and_o not_o rescue_v they_o and_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n the_o true_a shepherd_n of_o his_o church_n will_v be_v more_o careless_a of_o his_o flock_n who_o he_o have_v purchase_v unto_o himself_o with_o no_o less_o price_n than_o with_o his_o own_o heart_n blood_n then_o a_o earthly_a man_n be_v of_o his_o sheep_n see_v then_o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n &_o the_o shepherd_n of_o his_o sheep_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o will_v defend_v his_o church_n and_o save_v his_o sheep_n so_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o destroy_v they_o or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n second_o our_o weakness_n and_o natural_a corruption_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o the_o lord_n he_o know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v he_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n god_n be_v faithful_a which_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v even_o give_v the_o issue_n with_o the_o temptation_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o so_o then_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o office_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o shepherd_n to_o keep_v his_o church_n or_o the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o cover_v the_o want_n of_o his_o servant_n make_v their_o affliction_n to_o be_v but_o momentary_a in_o these_o two_o respect_n we_o may_v safe_o gather_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o forsake_v his_o child_n nor_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o danger_n but_o provide_v for_o they_o both_o shelter_n and_o comfort_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o heat_n of_o affliction_n to_o shine_v most_o hot_a upon_o they_o the_o use_n serve_v to_o direct_v we_o to_o use_v 1_o who_o we_o shall_v go_v in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o great_a distress_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v our_o shepherd_n we_o be_v to_o fly_v to_o he_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a preserver_n of_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o saint_n or_o to_o angel_n doubtless_o abraham_n be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o and_o israel_n know_v we_o not_o esa_n 63.16_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o trust_v in_o our_o chariot_n or_o in_o our_o horse_n doubtless_o a_o horse_n be_v count_v but_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o save_v a_o man_n psal_n 37.17_o sure_o we_o can_v honour_v he_o more_o than_o when_o we_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o rest_n upon_o his_o mercy_n thus_o
possess_v a_o kingdom_n have_v thou_o be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a here_o then_o thou_o shall_v taste_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n have_v thou_o be_v poor_a and_o naked_a here_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o the_o precious_a robe_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o in_o steed_n of_o the_o rag_n of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n which_o we_o must_v put_v on_o here_o we_o shall_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o crown_n of_o immortal_a glory_n etc._n etc._n again_o unto_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o ungodlie_a it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o they_o but_o they_o have_v take_v their_o pleasure_n here_o and_o receive_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v arise_v now_o to_o judgement_n to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n denounce_v against_o they_o and_o mohammed_n bovaziziow_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o ever_o 5.29_o john_n 5.29_o which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n three_o see_v saint_n john_n say_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o come_v to_o judgement_n these_o body_n of_o we_o though_o they_o be_v drown_v though_o they_o be_v burn_v to_o ash_n or_o howsoever_o they_o be_v consume_v yet_o they_o shall_v rise_v again_o either_o to_o life_n eternal_a or_o death_n eternal_a shall_v not_o this_o make_v we_o all_o belove_v to_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o to_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o use_v our_o body_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o have_v thy_o body_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o life_n felicity_n glory_n and_o salvation_n in_o heaven_n then_o use_v thy_o body_n now_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o sanctify_v god_n sabbath_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o thou_o use_v thy_o body_n to_o sin_n to_o swear_v to_o drunkenness_n whoredom_n etc._n etc._n then_o know_v that_o thy_o body_n shall_v rise_v again_o to_o judgement_n to_o be_v torment_v for_o ever_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o the_o rich_a glutton_n 16._o luke_n 16._o he_o have_v abuse_v his_o body_n to_o swear_v drunkenness_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o become_v of_o it_o be_v he_o not_o fearful_o torment_v in_o hell_n at_o last_o and_o he_o which_o have_v give_v his_o tongue_n to_o swear_v etc._n etc._n now_o he_o cry_v his_o tongue_n his_o tongue_n o_o that_o all_o sinful_a wretch_n can_v but_o think_v of_o this_o one_o example_n of_o god_n judgement_n that_o if_o they_o abuse_v their_o body_n as_o this_o man_n do_v that_o they_o shall_v then_o taste_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n will_v thou_o have_v thy_o body_n glorify_v then_o glorify_v god_n in_o thy_o body_n do_v thou_o think_v that_o thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o thy_o body_n glorify_v if_o thou_o use_v the_o member_n thereof_o to_o sin_n to_o uncleanenes_n etc._n etc._n o_o no_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n it_o can_v not_o be_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n 6.2_o rom._n 6.2_o how_o can_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n yet_o live_v therein_o four_o see_v the_o holie-ghost_n say_v that_o of_o what_o death_n soever_o we_o do_v die_v we_o shall_v all_o rise_v again_o and_o god_n child_n they_o shall_v rise_v to_o life_n and_o to_o glory_n this_o must_v teach_v we_o all_o this_o doctrine_n namely_o not_o to_o weep_v and_o mourn_v immoderate_o for_o our_o friend_n decease_v true_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n jesus_n weep_v for_o lazarus_n 11._o john_n 11._o and_o the_o disciple_n make_v great_a lamentation_n for_o stephen_n 7._o act_n 7._o and_o so_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o mourn_v and_o weep_v when_o as_o some_o special_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v take_v away_o we_o may_v not_o be_v as_o stock_n or_o stone_n or_o senseless_a creature_n without_o affection_n it_o must_v needs_o grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o husband_n to_o part_v with_o his_o love_a godly_a and_o religious_a wife_n but_o here_o be_v a_o mean_a for_o this_o mourning_n to_o moderate_v our_o weep_n that_o we_o weep_v not_o and_o mourn_v not_o overmuch_o for_o they_o shall_v rise_v again_o i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o ignorant_a brethren_n concern_v those_o that_o be_v asleep_a that_o you_o shall_v mourn_v at_o they_o that_o have_v no_o hope_n 1._o thess_n 4.13_o where_o the_o holy-ghost_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n do_v not_o die_v proper_o but_o lay_v they_o down_o to_o take_v a_o sweet_a sleep_n after_o their_o long_a and_o tedious_a labour_n and_o troubl_n in_o this_o world_n and_o afterward_o they_o must_v rise_v again_o to_o life_n to_o happiness_n to_o liberty_n to_o glory_n and_o salvation_n and_o wherefore_o then_o shall_v we_o mourn_v so_o excessive_o &_o weep_v and_o lament_v at_o the_o death_n of_o our_o friend_n see_v they_o do_v not_o perish_v they_o be_v not_o cast_v away_o o_o no_o their_o soul_n be_v present_o in_o joy_n and_o their_o body_n be_v bury_v in_o the_o grave_n as_o in_o a_o bed_n of_o dowlne_a to_o take_v a_o sweet_a sleep_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v rise_v to_o glory_n and_o they_o be_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n mark_v i_o pray_v you_o how_o the_o holy_a ghost_n repeat_v this_o point_n again_o and_o again_o he_o beat_v upon_o it_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v with_o it_o he_o say_v before_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v according_a to_o those_o thing_n write_v in_o the_o book_n and_o now_o again_o he_o say_v they_o be_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o holy-ghost_n so_o often_o repeat_v this_o point_n and_o beat_v so_o upon_o it_o again_o and_o again_o i_o answer_v the_o cause_n be_v in_o we_o because_o we_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o believe_v this_o point_n hardly_o persuade_v of_o so_o necessary_a a_o matter_n for_o hardly_o one_o man_n of_o a_o thousand_o believe_v this_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o work_n oh_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v man_n and_o woman_n of_o this_o that_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o be_v judge_v by_o their_o work_n tell_v the_o wicked_a sinner_n of_o his_o ungodly_a way_n of_o his_o profaneness_n contempt_n of_o god_n word_n etc._n etc._n and_o what_o do_v they_o say_v do_v they_o quake_v and_o tremble_v do_v their_o heart_n and_o soul_n even_o earn_v in_o they_o o_o no_o no_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o this_o conceit_n god_n be_v merciful_a and_o thus_o they_o make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n a_o packhorse_n for_o all_o their_o abomination_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o vile_a heart_n of_o man_n to_o think_v he_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o account_v for_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o a_o reckon_n for_o they_o and_o receive_v his_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o work_n here_o than_o we_o may_v perceive_v there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n there_o be_v the_o repentant_a sinner_n and_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o both_o of_o they_o must_v come_v to_o judgement_n the_o repentant_a sinner_n be_v he_o or_o she_o that_o mourn_v for_o their_o sin_n bewail_v they_o hate_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o and_o do_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o good_a thing_n now_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v he_o or_o she_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a be_v bring_v to_o leave_v sin_n they_o never_o with_o tear_n beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o they_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o wallow_v in_o all_o uncleanness_n heap_v sin_n upon_o sin_n and_o one_o ungodly_a way_n upon_o another_o whereas_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n child_n who_o do_v repent_v be_v quit_v and_o pardon_v in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v nail_v they_o to_o his_o cross_n and_o have_v wash_v they_o away_o in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o light_v but_o their_o faith_n their_o religion_n their_o good_a deed_n as_o their_o feed_n and_o clothing_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o poor_a member_n matth._n 25._o and_o according_a to_o these_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o reward_n life_n happiness_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o as_o their_o good_a deed_n be_v many_o and_o great_a so_o shall_v their_o honour_n praise_n and_o glory_n be_v great_a in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n in_o faith_n knowledge_n repentance_n love_n zeal_n etc._n etc._n see_v our_o reward_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o as_o for_o the_o unrepentant_a sinner_n that_o live_v in_o sin_n delight_n in_o sin_n as_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v nor_o have_v no_o faith_n nor_o good_a work_n even_o so_o as_o their_o work_n shall_v be_v so_o
pray_v to_o christ_n as_o the_o church_n do_v here_o that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v open_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o heart_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o love_v it_o and_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v 4.1_o 1._o john_n 4.1_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n yea_o we_o must_v so_o labour_v to_o be_v fast_o ground_v in_o the_o truth_n 7.26_o matt._n 7.26_o that_o no_o wind_n nor_o weather_n may_v remove_v we_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n that_o we_o do_v dig_v deep_a into_o our_o own_o heart_n build_v on_o the_o rock_n to_o hate_v popery_n and_o all_o idolatry_n to_o loathe_v it_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n though_o they_o say_v they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o companion_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v they_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o main_a point_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v clean_o contrary_a unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n invocation_n of_o saint_n worship_v of_o image_n pray_v for_o the_o dead_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n that_o so_o we_o may_v for_o ever_o stand_v out_o against_o that_o curse_a and_o damnable_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yea_o let_v we_o entreat_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v it_o to_o get_v head_n again_o in_o this_o land_n notwithstanding_o we_o have_v deserve_v as_o great_a a_o judgement_n but_o especial_o that_o he_o keep_v we_o that_o we_o never_o join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o bloody_a religion_n use_v 3_o it_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o be_v ready_a either_o for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n or_o by_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n to_o embrace_v any_o religion_n or_o join_v with_o any_o church_n who_o to_o keep_v their_o live_n hold_v their_o land_n to_o enjoy_v their_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n will_v turn_v as_o do_v the_o wind_n and_o embrace_v any_o religion_n join_v with_o papist_n jew_n turk_n yea_o the_o devil_n himself_o for_o live_a sake_n oh_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n fear_v themselves_o and_o their_o weakness_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v draw_v away_o and_o seduce_v to_o embrace_v false_a religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o doubt_v the_o worst_a and_o fear_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n pray_v unto_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v unto_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o may_v find_v strength_n from_o he_o to_o withstand_v they_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o sermon_n a_o fold_n for_o christ_n sheep_n the_o second_o sermon_n cant_n 1.7_o 7_o if_o thou_o know_v not_o o_o thou_o fair_a among_o woman_n get_v thou_o forth_o by_o the_o step_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v thy_o kid_n by_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o shepherd_n we_o have_v hear_v before_o of_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v in_o mercy_n show_v she_o where_o he_o feed_v his_o flock_n and_o where_o he_o provide_v comfort_n for_o they_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n here_o be_v the_o most_o kind_a love_a and_o gracious_a answer_n of_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o the_o request_n of_o his_o church_n text._n part_n of_o the_o text._n in_o the_o which_o note_n three_o thing_n 1_o his_o exceed_a love_n and_o kindness_n in_o that_o he_o call_v she_o the_o fair_a among_o woman_n 2_o his_o gentle_a reproof_n of_o she_o if_o thou_o know_v not_o q.d._n this_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o thou_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n shall_v not_o know_v where_o christ_n feed_v his_o sheep_n 3_o his_o direct_a answer_n to_o her_o request_n wherein_o he_o do_v answer_v she_o to_o the_o full_a if_o thou_o will_v know_v where_o i_o feed_v my_o sheep_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v feed_v with_o they_o and_o find_v consolation_n unto_o thy_o soul_n then_o thou_o must_v go_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o flock_n that_o be_v thou_o must_v embrace_v the_o faith_n religion_n the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n the_o which_o my_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v embrace_v the_o faith_n religion_n the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n which_o my_o ancient_a servant_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n have_v do_v and_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n second_o thou_o must_v place_v thy_o tent_n where_o the_o shepherd_n have_v do_v the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n their_o doctrine_n teach_v before_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o christ_n answer_n unto_o his_o church_n first_o observe_v here_o how_o christ_n describe_v his_o true_a church_n and_o spouse_n he_o give_v she_o a_o most_o kind_a and_o love_a name_n express_v his_o kind_n and_o singular_a love_n unto_o she_o o_o thou_o the_o fair_a among_o woman_n quest_n object_n but_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a for_o the_o church_n confess_v before_o that_o she_o be_v black_a and_o sunburn_a deform_a etc._n etc._n how_o then_o can_v christ_n call_v she_o the_o fair_a among_o woman_n ans_fw-fr the_o church_n resp_n resp_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v black_a and_o deform_a in_o themselves_o vile_a and_o unclean_a and_o they_o can_v see_v no_o beauty_n in_o themselves_o but_o be_v blemish_v yea_o and_o stain_v with_o sin_n original_a and_o actual_a but_o as_o they_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n wash_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o clothe_v in_o his_o righteousness_n they_o be_v fair_a and_o beautiful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o almighty_a god_n because_o christ_n have_v wash_v they_o from_o all_o their_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o cover_v they_o with_o the_o pure_a robe_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n deck_v and_o adorn_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n zeal_n patience_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o that_o speech_n that_o the_o lord_n himself_o use_v 16._o ezech._n 16._o thou_o be_v fair_a through_o that_o beauty_n of_o i_o which_o i_o have_v put_v into_o thou_o doctr._fw-la 6_o here_o mark_v the_o endless_a love_n of_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o his_o poor_a church_n and_o people_n sin_n christ_n esteem_v of_o his_o church_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o sin_n that_o esteem_v so_o high_o of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o spot_n of_o sin_n or_o uncleanness_n though_o they_o in_o themselves_o be_v black_a deform_a and_o pollute_v yet_o all_o those_o who_o do_v true_o repent_v embrace_v jesus_n christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o be_v wash_v from_o their_o sin_n sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n all_o these_o be_v fair_a yea_o most_o beutifull_a in_o his_o eye_n he_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o their_o sin_n and_o blemish_n but_o wink_v at_o they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o endeavour_n and_o desire_n to_o do_v his_o will_n this_o be_v confess_v by_o wicked_a balaam_n when_o he_o see_v that_o no_o policy_n or_o device_n can_v take_v any_o place_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n he_o see_v no_o iniquity_n in_o jacob_n he_o behold_v no_o transgression_n in_o israel_n nu._n 23.21_o again_o how_o goodly_a be_v thy_o tent_n o_o jacob_n and_o thy_o tabernacle_n o_o israel_n as_o the_o valley_n that_o be_v stretch_v out_o etc._n etc._n num._n 24.5_o so_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o true_a church_n far_o exceed_v all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o be_v precious_a and_o dear_a unto_o christ_n hereunto_o come_v the_o title_n and_o commendation_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n so_o often_o in_o this_o most_o excellent_a book_n of_o the_o canticle_n 2.2_o cant._n 2.2_o she_o be_v as_o the_o roe_n of_o the_o field_n the_o lily_n of_o the_o valley_n the_o fair_a amongst_o woman_n a_o orchard_n of_o pomegranate_n a_o fountain_n of_o garden_n 5.9_o and_o 4_o 13._o and_o 5.9_o a_o well_o of_o spring_a water_n the_o spouse_n and_o sister_n of_o christ_n the_o beauty_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n a_o lily_n among_o thorn_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o these_o and_o the_o like_a example_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a all_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o everlasting_a truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n unto_o we_o how_o dear_a and_o precious_a the_o church_n be_v in_o christ_n sight_n that_o of_o all_o society_n and_o assembly_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n none_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a none_o more_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a none_o more_o beutifull_a and_o precious_a than_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n reason_n 1_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o
the_o doctrine_n be_v apparent_a man_n be_v first_o cast_v out_o of_o paradise_n for_o sin_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v hinder_v his_o return_n but_o only_a sin_n for_o it_o be_v sin_n that_o make_v we_o execrable_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v hinder_v all_o good_a thing_n from_o us._n 38.4_o psal_n 38.4_o for_o as_o long_o as_o sin_n remain_v it_o be_v as_o a_o weighty_a burden_n to_o press_v down_o a_o sinner_n into_o hell_n and_o the_o wage_n and_o stipend_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a death_n therefore_o 6_o roman_n 6_o if_o sin_n be_v take_v away_o and_o pardon_v as_o it_o be_v from_o all_o the_o elect_n what_o shall_v hinder_v their_o happiness_n god_n have_v against_o they_o no_o matter_n of_o displeasure_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v impute_v unto_o they_o heaven_n can_v not_o be_v deny_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v save_v second_o christ_n jesus_n do_v reason_n 2_o esteem_v high_o of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v most_o excellent_a in_o herself_o because_o in_o it_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o no_o where_o else_o when_o the_o lord_n bring_v the_o great_a and_o general_a deluge_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n what_o place_n be_v there_o leave_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o which_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n be_v save_v and_o out_o of_o the_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o perish_v what_o be_v that_o ark_n but_o a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o christ_n church_n wherein_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o out_o of_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v look_v for_o see_v therefore_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v proper_a only_a to_o christ_n church_n and_o that_o therein_o be_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v find_v we_o may_v safe_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o the_o estate_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o bless_a the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v use_v 1_o excellent_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n be_v first_o then_o see_v that_o christ_n will_v thus_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o child_n and_o judge_v they_o fair_a without_o any_o spot_n and_o blemish_n of_o sin_n if_o they_o do_v true_o repent_v and_o embrace_v he_o and_o his_o righteousness_n by_o faith_n here_o be_v matter_n of_o endless_a comfort_n to_o every_o poor_a child_n of_o god_n note_n note_n do_v thou_o repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o be_v true_o humble_v for_o they_o do_v thou_o embrace_v christ_n jesus_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o have_v god_n sanctify_v thy_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n so_o as_o thou_o hate_v every_o wicked_a way_n and_o do_v desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v god_n his_o will_n in_o all_o his_o commandment_n well_o then_o comfort_n thyself_o and_o cheer_v up_o thy_o own_o soul_n christ_n jesus_n will_v cover_v all_o thy_o sin_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n but_o he_o will_v wrap_v thou_o in_o his_o own_o righteousness_n whereby_o thou_o shall_v appear_v fair_a and_o beautiful_a in_o his_o sight_n indeed_o many_o a_o poor_a child_n of_o god_n look_v on_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o manifold_a corruption_n see_v themselves_o to_o be_v black_a indeed_o deform_a and_o stain_v with_o sin_n it_o grieve_v they_o that_o they_o do_v hang_v down_o their_o head_n and_o go_v droop_a all_o their_o day_n strive_v and_o also_o struggle_v with_o their_o rebellious_a heart_n and_o vile_a corruption_n and_o think_v that_o christ_n jesus_n care_v not_o for_o they_o can_v love_v they_o be_v so_o defile_v with_o sin_n but_o i_o say_v again_o be_v not_o discourage_v for_o if_o thou_o do_v repent_v of_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n hate_v thy_o sin_n and_o pray_v often_o unto_o god_n to_o give_v thou_o power_n to_o withstand_v they_o use_v all_o godly_a mean_n to_o withstand_v they_o christ_n jesus_n will_v cover_v they_o and_o pass_v by_o they_o all_o as_o he_o do_v deal_v with_o david_n peter_n etc._n etc._n oh_o then_o how_o careful_o ought_v all_o man_n daily_a endeavour_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o this_o society_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o part_n in_o all_o these_o excellent_a prerogative_n and_o then_o howsoever_o the_o world_n do_v esteem_v of_o they_o count_v they_o miserable_a grind_v at_o they_o with_o their_o tooth_n and_o nod_v at_o they_o with_o their_o head_n and_o every_o way_n contumelious_o reproach_v they_o yet_o be_v they_o dear_a and_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v redeem_v they_o with_o the_o ransom_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n let_v we_o learn_v by_o christ_n example_n use_v 2_o here_o that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o child_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o commend_v it_o and_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o if_o we_o see_v any_o blemish_n or_o infirmity_n that_o we_o wink_v at_o it_o and_o cover_v the_o same_o with_o the_o cloak_n of_o love_n and_o not_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n who_o though_o they_o see_v many_o good_a gift_n and_o grace_n in_o god_n child_n as_o knowledge_n faith_n patience_n love_n zeal_n etc._n etc._n pass_v by_o they_o all_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v espy_v but_o one_o blemish_n or_o infirmity_n or_o weakness_n by_o and_o by_o they_o blaze_v it_o abroad_o with_o open_a mouth_n note_v they_o with_o a_o black_a coal_n call_v they_o puritan_n precisian_n hypocrite_n and_o the_o like_a revile_v they_o in_o a_o most_o odious_a manner_n like_o a_o coorrector_n of_o a_o book_n pass_v by_o all_o that_o be_v well_o and_o if_o but_o one_o fault_n find_v that_o out_o like_o the_o horse-flie_a pass_v by_o many_o flower_n and_o sweet_a herb_n light_n upon_o some_o noisome_a sore_n these_o be_v not_o like_a unto_o christ_n but_o to_o their_o sire_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o exceed_a love_n and_o kindness_n of_o christ_n jesus_n towards_o his_o church_n in_o that_o he_o call_v she_o by_o this_o kind_a appellation_n the_o fair_a among_o woman_n second_o his_o gentle_a reproof_n of_o she_o if_o thou_o know_v not_o q._n d._n this_o seem_v strange_a reproof_n 2_o christ_n gentle_a reproof_n that_o thou_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a where_o i_o do_v feed_v my_o sheep_n where_o my_o truth_n and_o gospel_n be_v true_o preach_v and_o sound_o profess_v but_o if_o thou_o know_v not_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o god_n sometime_o may_v be_v at_o that_o straight_o as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o truth_n i_o will_v direct_v doctr._n 7_o thou_o and_o show_v thou_o how_o thou_o shall_v find_v it_o out_o hence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o true_a believer_n may_v sometime_o be_v so_o blind_v and_o leave_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o stand_v at_o a_o stagger_v and_o do_v hardly_o know_v which_o be_v true_a religion_n where_o christ_n do_v feed_v his_o flock_n where_o the_o word_n be_v faithful_o preach_v &_o sound_o profess_v for_o we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o ready_a to_o err_v by_o nature_n how_o apt_a be_v we_o in_o matter_n that_o do_v concern_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v mistake_v partly_o through_o our_o own_o blindness_n ignorance_n and_o carelessness_n in_o not_o search_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o try_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o subtle_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v god_n ape_n and_o so_o like_o he_o in_o many_o thing_n as_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o discern_v his_o slight_n and_o falsehood_n wicked_a man_n false_a teacher_n lie_v prophet_n set_v such_o a_o face_n and_o show_v on_o their_o error_n and_o bear_v they_o out_o with_o such_o a_o countenance_n credit_n and_o authority_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v so_o neglect_v plain_a and_o simple_a tread_v under_o foot_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n yea_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n sometime_o to_o discern_v where_o christ_n feed_v his_o flock_n 18.12_o 1._o reg._n 18.12_o when_o as_o elias_n be_v leave_v alone_o and_o baal_n four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o prophet_n who_o can_v almost_o then_o discern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o idolatry_n when_o all_o be_v corrupt_v so_o when_o michaiah_n tell_v the_o truth_n and_o ahab_n have_v four_o hundred_o false_a prophet_n it_o be_v hatd_v to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n from_o the_o lie_v of_o satan_n in_o christ_n time_n how_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n confound_v religion_n dim_a and_o dazzle_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v often_o reproove_v they_o and_o in_o our_o time_n how_o do_v the_o papist_n labour_v to_o obscure_a religion_n how_o bold_a and_o impudent_a be_v they_o to_o defend_v idolatry_n