set_v down_o unto_o we_o example_n of_o faith_n more_o at_o large_a but_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o heap_n up_o brief_o together_o many_o example_n of_o faith_n one_o upon_o another_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v first_o because_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v very_o great_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o here_o stand_v to_o set_v they_o down_o in_o order_n one_o by_o one_o second_o by_o handle_v all_o the_o example_n at_o large_a which_o the_o author_n propound_v in_o this_o short_a epistle_n he_o shall_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v restrain_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o very_a few_o for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o name_v and_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o heap_n up_o the_o rest_n together_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n 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grace_n of_o god_n the_o more_o god_n will_v honour_v they_o for_o look_v who_o most_o honour_n god_n shall_v be_v most_o honour_v of_o he_o but_o the_o more_o a_o man_n excel_v in_o grace_n the_o more_o he_o honour_v god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v gedeon_n prefer_v before_o barac_n and_o samson_n before_o jephte_n because_o they_o be_v more_o plentiful_a in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n this_o must_v move_v we_o not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o have_v faith_n but_o to_o labour_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n abound_v in_o grace_n before_o god_n the_o more_o will_v god_n honour_v he_o both_o here_o and_o in_o heaven_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o be_v propound_v second_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n these_o be_v gedeon_n barac_n and_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n in_o their_o time_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n for_o the_o special_a good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v help_v and_o defend_v they_o in_o distress_n and_o therefore_o as_o their_o call_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o god_n endue_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n strength_n zeal_n and_o authority_n for_o which_o they_o be_v here_o renown_v in_o this_o catalogue_n of_o most_o worthy_a believer_n in_o their_o example_n we_o may_v observe_v this_o point_n that_o who_o god_n do_v raise_v up_o extraordinary_o for_o some_o special_a good_a in_o his_o church_n they_o he_o endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o discharge_v that_o call_n and_o withal_o he_o give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n with_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n
many_o parent_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o whereas_o they_o shall_v first_o seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n they_o either_o run_v first_o to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n or_o be_v worse_o dispose_v seek_v help_n of_o wizard_n &_o blesser_n by_o their_o charm_n and_o sorcery_n forsake_v god_n and_o run_v to_o the_o devil_n indeed_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discommend_v simple_o but_o this_o preposterous_a course_n be_v blame-worthy_a and_o deprive_v many_o of_o god_n blessing_n in_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o seek_v help_v of_o physic_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o holy_a practice_n of_o faith_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v the_o parent_n faith_n benefit_n the_o child_n answ._n it_o can_v procure_v unto_o it_o eternal_a life_n for_o every_o one_o must_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o yet_o the_o child_n receive_v many_o a_o good_a blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n 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a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n shall_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n the_o worthy_a man_n before_o name_v obtain_v all_o the_o former_a most_o wonderful_a blessing_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o it_o they_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n they_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n wax_v mighty_a in_o battle_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v hear_v now_o if_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n then_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o it_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o lip-faith_n and_o so_o presume_v upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n here_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o for_o what_o do_v we_o desire_v riches_n honour_n or_o favour_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o world_n will_v we_o have_v health_n and_o strength_n nay_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o then_o look_v to_o get_v true_a faith_n for_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v of_o god_n all_o needful_a blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a many_o toil_n themselves_o exceed_o by_o worldly_a mean_n to_o get_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o health_n wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o never_o attain_v thereto_o because_o they_o seek_v they_o not_o by_o faith_n i_o confess_v natural_a man_n get_v many_o good_a thing_n but_o to_o they_o they_o be_v no_o blessing_n because_o they_o want_v faith_n both_o in_o get_v and_o keep_v of_o they_o for_o they_o lay_v all_o religion_n aside_o and_o toil_v themselves_o whole_o in_o worldly_a mean_n this_o course_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v beware_v of_o say_v that_o a_o prince_n bid_v one_o of_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o his_o treasury_n and_o there_o enrich_v himself_o with_o jewel_n with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o with_o whatsoever_o he_o lack_v what_o will_v this_o man_n do_v sure_o first_o he_o will_v call_v for_o the_o key_n whereby_o he_o may_v unlock_v the_o door_n and_o chest_n for_o else_o he_o can_v get_v nothing_o behold_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n god_n show_v we_o his_o full_a treasury_n wherein_o we_o may_v enrich_v ourselves_o with_o all_o his_o blessing_n now_o we_o must_v not_o with_o the_o fool_n run_v without_o the_o key_n but_o labour_n first_o for_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v that_o key_n whereby_o god_n heavenly_a treasure_n be_v open_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o sound_a key_n that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a faith_n which_o may_v strong_o turn_v about_o the_o lock_n of_o god_n treasury_n for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v shall_v never_o want_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o have_v every_o one_o will_v say_v he_o believe_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o purify_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v but_o they_o remain_v as_o sinful_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v which_o cause_v god_n judgement_n to_o be_v rife_o among_o us._n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o judge_n and_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n believer_n under_o the_o maccabee_n verse_n 35._o other_o also_o be_v rack_v and_o will_v not_o be_v deliver_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v a_o better_a resurrection_n in_o these_o word_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n proceed_v to_o the_o four_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o as_o in_o the_o former_a last_o handle_v he_o proceed_v brief_o heap_v up_o in_o few_o word_n many_o worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n conceal_v the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n &_o only_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o this_o four_o and_o last_o order_n of_o example_n comprehend_v such_o believer_n as_o live_v under_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o afterward_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o of_o believer_n in_o former_a time_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v because_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n put_v between_o these_o believer_n and_o the_o former_a judge_n king_n and_o prophet_n in_o these_o word_n other_o also_o whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o here_o he_o propound_v example_n of_o believer_n different_a from_o those_o which_o he_o mention_v before_o and_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o these_o believer_n live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o howsoever_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v rack_v scourge_v and_o torment_v after_o this_o sort_n yet_o of_o they_o this_o place_n can_v be_v understand_v because_o they_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o these_o here_o mention_v enjoy_v not_o that_o promise_n in_o their_o day_n but_o wait_v for_o it_o by_o faith_n and_o therein_o die_v verse_n 39_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wonderful_o persecute_v by_o antiochus_n about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o maccabee_n 4._o and_o 6._o chapter_n question_n where_o have_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n this_o large_a narration_n of_o these_o strange_a persecution_n see_v they_o be_v not_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o he_o
wealth_n and_o pleasure_n be_v grant_v they_o by_o &_o from_o god_n as_o their_o portion_n reserve_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o portion_n of_o his_o child_n for_o a_o better_a life_n therefore_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o dives_fw-la receive_v and_o all_o wicked_a man_n do_v receive_v in_o this_o life_n 16.25_o be_v not_o any_o reward_n of_o satan_n but_o gift_n of_o god_n so_o unworthy_a a_o master_n be_v the_o devil_n to_o serve_v indeed_o he_o will_v promise_v his_o poor_a slave_n any_o thing_n but_o can_v perform_v nothing_o but_o will_v lie_v unto_o they_o and_o deceive_v they_o he_o tell_v christ_n confident_o when_o he_o let_v he_o see_v the_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o this_o world_n all_o this_o be_v i_o and_o i_o give_v it_o to_o who_o i_o will_v 4.6.7_o but_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n 3.4.5_o &_o so_o he_o be_v here_o he_o lie_v to_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o no_o marvel_n that_o dare_v avouch_v so_o fond_a and_o loud_a a_o lie_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n jesus_n christ._n he_o promise_v the_o first_o adam_n to_o make_v he_o god_n and_o here_o the_o second_o adam_n to_o make_v he_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o but_o he_o perform_v both_o alike_o he_o deceive_v the_o first_o and_o so_o have_v the_o second_o also_o if_o he_o have_v trust_v he_o nor_o do_v ever_o any_o trust_v he_o but_o he_o deceive_v he_o i_o mean_v even_o for_o the_o base_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n witness_v else_o all_o his_o witch_n his_o most_o devote_a and_o profess_a servant_n of_o all_o other_o if_o ever_o he_o make_v any_o one_o of_o they_o wealthy_a all_o age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o show_v one_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v never_o man_n that_o serve_v god_n but_o have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o comfort_n for_o this_o life_n and_o some_o abundance_n and_o yet_o all_o that_o but_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o beginning_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v true_a be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a and_o lamentable_a case_n to_o see_v man_n for_o all_o this_o debase_v themselves_o to_o this_o base_a and_o slavish_a service_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o refuse_v this_o high_a and_o honourable_a service_n of_o almighty_a god_n a_o common_a servant_n in_o this_o world_n have_v more_o wit_n he_o if_o he_o can_v hear_v of_o a_o better_a service_n a_o master_n who_o give_v better_a wage_n and_o who_o better_o prefer_v his_o servant_n will_v leave_v his_o old_a master_n &_o make_v mean_n to_o get_v the_o other_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v as_o wise_a for_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o they_o for_o the_o body_n alone_o shall_v they_o leave_v a_o man_n for_o a_o man_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o leave_v the_o devil_n for_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o abandon_v the_o base_a service_n of_o satan_n who_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v reward_v they_o that_o serve_v he_o 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honourable_a rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v in_o some_o part_n the_o meaning_n and_o use_n of_o this_o notable_a sentence_n wherein_o we_o have_v stand_v the_o long_a because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a principle_n of_o all_o practical_a divinity_n now_o put_v all_o together_o and_o we_o shall_v see_v how_o it_o prove_v henoch_n to_o be_v take_v away_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n and_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o all_o this_o exsample_n and_o of_o these_o two_o verse_n god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o his_o child_n that_o seek_v he_o by_o faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v faith_n by_o which_o god_n child_n please_v god_n and_o therefore_o holy_a henoch_n who_o be_v take_v up_o by_o god_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n both_o please_v god_n by_o faith_n and_o by_o faith_n be_v take_v away_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o henochs_n faith_n and_o consequent_o the_o exsample_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o first_o world_n before_o the_o flood_n now_o follow_v the_o exsample_n of_o noah_n who_o live_v in_o both_o world_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n noah_n faith_n hebrewes_n 11.7_o by_o faith_n noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o not_o see_v move_v with_o reverence_n prepare_v the_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o household_n through_o the_o which_o ark_n he_o condemn_v the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v contain_v the_o three_o exsample_n noah_n and_o the_o last_o in_o order_n of_o those_o who_o live_v afore_o the_o flood_n in_o the_o first_o and_o old_a world_n namely_o of_o the_o renown_a patriarch_n noah_n the_o ten_o from_o adam_n of_o who_o and_o who_o faith_n great_a &_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v in_o this_o verse_n and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a and_o excellent_a stile_n full_a of_o majesty_n and_o divine_a eloquence_n concern_v noah_n faith_n two_o point_n be_v lay_v down_o first_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n second_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v a_o special_a revelation_n from_o god_n in_o these_o word_n noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o god_n warn_v he_o be_v lay_v down_o two_o way_n first_o general_o to_o be_v thing_n as_o yet_o not_o see_v then_o particular_o three_o in_o number_n 1._o god_n judgement_n upon_o the_o sinful_a world_n that_o he_o be_v purpose_v to_o destroy_v it_o by_o water_n 2._o god_n mercy_n on_o noah_n that_o he_o will_v save_v he_o and_o his_o family_n 3._o that_o he_o will_v save_v he_o by_o a_o ark_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v make_v one_o and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n whereof_o noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n his_o faith_n be_v commend_v by_o three_o worthy_a effect_n or_o operation_n in_o he_o 1._o it_o move_v in_o he_o a_o reverence_n or_o a_o reverend_a regard_n of_o the_o warning_n send_v he_o from_o god_n 2._o it_o make_v he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n of_o which_o ark_n there_o be_v set_v down_o two_o end_n 1._o it_o save_v his_o household_n 2._o it_o condemn_v the_o world_n 3._o it_o make_v he_o heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n this_o i_o take_v it_o be_v the_o true_a resolution_n of_o these_o word_n and_o they_o contain_v many_o excellent_a thing_n concern_v his_o faith_n by_o faith_n noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o not_o see_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o a_o general_a and_o historical_a faith_n and_o also_o by_o a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n he_o purpose_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o a_o universal_a flood_n and_o of_o his_o merciful_a providence_n to_o he_o and_o his_o family_n that_o he_o will_v save_v they_o by_o a_o ark_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v then_o to_o come_v and_o therefore_o unseen_a he_o believe_v these_o forewarning_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o reverence_n to_o this_o message_n from_o god_n he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n and_o thereby_o save_v his_o household_n and_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a world_n and_o so_o his_o faith_n by_o all_o these_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n do_v make_v he_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a man_n in_o god_n sight_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o noah_n exsample_n let_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a part_n in_o order_n the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n a_o warning_n or_o a_o answer_n from_o god_n
will_n &_o counsel_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v his_o child_n as_o in_o this_o place_n he_o reveal_v unto_o jacob_n the_o particular_a estate_n of_o the_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o god_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o sodomite_n shall_v i_o hide_v say_v the_o lord_n from_o abraham_n that_o thing_n which_o i_o do_v 18.17.18.19_o see_v that_o abraham_n shall_v be_v indeed_o a_o mighty_a nation_n for_o i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prophet_n amos_n say_v sure_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v nothing_o 3.7_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n so_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n because_o say_v he_o i_o have_v reveal_v unto_o you_o all_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n john_n 15.15_o so_o that_o those_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v in_o a_o particular_a and_o special_a manner_n know_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o reveal_v unto_o other_o and_o look_v as_o this_o be_v here_o verify_v to_o jacob_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n so_o it_o be_v true_a general_o in_o all_o god_n servant_n &_o child_n he_o reveal_v some_o particular_a thing_n unto_o they_o more_o than_o he_o do_v unto_o other_o for_o beside_o that_o general_a knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v in_o his_o word_n he_o reveal_v particular_o unto_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o election_n of_o their_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n to_o come_v though_o not_o by_o way_n of_o prophecy_n yet_o by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o meditation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o blessing_n now_o follow_v the_o circumstance_n the_o 1._o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n when_o 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his_o temporal_a thing_n and_o distribute_v his_o temporal_a inheritance_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n second_o he_o give_v they_o charge_n of_o some_o duty_n concern_v himself_o and_o some_o other_o especial_o concern_v religion_n and_o god_n worship_n and_o then_o he_o die_v as_o it_o be_v say_v when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o give_v charge_n unto_o his_o son_n he_o pluck_v up_o his_o foot_n into_o his_o bed_n and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n genesis_n 49.33_o so_o likewise_o master_n of_o family_n they_o must_v set_v their_o house_n in_o order_n by_o the_o like_o two_o duty_n 1._o by_o a_o due_a dispose_n of_o their_o temporal_a good_n and_o possession_n and_o 2._o by_o give_v exhortation_n and_o charge_n unto_o their_o child_n and_o family_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o as_o we_o may_v also_o read_v 1._o king_n 2_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a king_n david_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o die_v and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o flesh_n he_o call_v for_o solomon_n his_o son_n and_o make_v he_o king_n in_o his_o stead_n and_o give_v he_o a_o most_o notable_a charge_n concern_v god_n worship_n verse_n 3_o read_v the_o place_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o mark_v so_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n when_o he_o come_v to_o hezekiah_n from_o the_o lord_n he_o aim_v at_o these_o two_o and_o bid_v he_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n for_o he_o must_v die_v and_o not_o live_v isaiah_n 38.1_o and_o so_o ought_v every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n after_o their_o example_n both_o learn_v and_o practise_v these_o two_o duty_n second_o god_n minister_n must_v hence_o learn_v their_o duty_n for_o jacob_n be_v a_o notable_a minister_n and_o prophet_n in_o god_n church_n which_o be_v then_o in_o his_o family_n jacob_n he_o bless_v the_o son_n of_o joseph_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v they_o into_o his_o family_n and_o into_o the_o covenant_n that_o so_o he_o may_v continue_v and_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o god_n after_o his_o death_n for_o look_v as_o isaac_n his_o father_n do_v call_v he_o into_o the_o covenant_n and_o bless_v he_o so_o deal_v he_o with_o the_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o according_o every_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o his_o place_n aught_o to_o have_v special_a care_n to_o convey_v and_o derive_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n so_o much_o as_o they_o can_v while_o they_o live_v that_o so_o after_o their_o death_n it_o may_v be_v publish_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o worthy_a commandment_n for_o this_o purpose_n s._n paul_n have_v instruct_v &_o teach_v timothy_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o religion_n charge_v he_o that_o what_o thing_n he_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o he_o the_o same_o he_o shall_v deliver_v to_o faithful_a man_n which_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o that_o so_o god_n gospel_n and_o religion_n go_v on_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n &_o from_o person_n to_o person_n may_v increase_v from_o time_n to_o time_n s._n peter_n practice_n herein_o be_v notable_a 2._o pet._n 1.15_o i_o will_v endeavour_v therefore_o always_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o have_v remembrance_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n after_o my_o departure_n have_v profess_v before_o that_o while_o he_o live_v he_o will_v stir_v they_o up_o by_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n v_o 13._o and_o in_o like_a sort_n all_o god_n faithful_a minister_n must_v do_v their_o whole_a endeavour_n before_o they_o die_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v preach_v when_o they_o be_v go_v 2._o circumstance_n by_o what_o mean_n do_v jacob_n bless_v the_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n ans._n by_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n so_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n jacob_n bless_v the_o two_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o we_o shall_v see_v it_o be_v a_o notable_a faith_n for_o he_o be_v now_o a_o poor_a pilgrim_n in_o egypt_n and_o yet_o by_o faith_n give_v they_o portion_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n quest._n why_o will_n some_o say_v do_v he_o not_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n answ._n jacob_n indeed_o dwell_v there_o for_o a_o time_n but_o yet_o as_o a_o soiourner_n have_v no_o more_o liberty_n than_o he_o buy_v for_o himself_o no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o water_n for_o his_o camel_n or_o a_o place_n to_o bury_v the_o dead_a and_o beside_o he_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o this_o his_o own_o land_n by_o famine_n and_o be_v fain_o to_o fly_v into_o egypt_n for_o food_n and_o sustenance_n and_o there_o to_o live_v as_o a_o poor_a pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n forth_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o extremity_n as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v some_o mighty_a potentate_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o emperor_n he_o make_v his_o will_n &_o bequeath_v unto_o his_o child_n the_o land_n of_o canaan_n allot_v to_o every_o one_o his_o part_n &_o portion_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o work_n of_o a_o notable_a faith_n wonderful_o apprehend_v &_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o his_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v a_o notable_a duty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n when_o as_o any_o of_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rigorous_a temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o by_o their_o assault_n shall_v seem_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o our_o inheritance_n in_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n what_o must_v we_o do_v we_o must_v not_o despair_v but_o even_o then_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o we_o in_o
valiant_o and_o beat_v down_o our_o enemy_n on_o every_o side_n last_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o a_o vain_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o outward_a worldly_a mean_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n be_v both_o strong_a and_o high_a and_o hard_o it_o have_v be_v to_o have_v overthrow_v they_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v it_o prove_v but_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n do_v for_o they_o find_v but_o little_a relief_n and_o defence_n in_o they_o for_o the_o lord_n lay_v they_o flat_a to_o the_o ground_n 6.20_o and_o so_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v straight_o forward_a and_o take_v the_o city_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v to_o man_n strength_n or_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o horse_n or_o in_o the_o number_n of_o man_n or_o in_o riches_n or_o in_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n or_o in_o any_o other_o outward_a ordinary_a mean_n whatsoever_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n can_v overturn_v they_o with_o the_o least_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n this_o must_v admonish_v we_o that_o howsoever_o we_o use_v ordinary_a mean_n of_o our_o preservation_n and_o help_n yet_o ever_o we_o must_v cast_v our_o whole_a care_n on_o god_n and_o put_v all_o our_o confidence_n in_o he_o for_o help_n and_o safety_n for_o without_o he_o all_o other_o outward_a mean_n be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a help_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o fact_n itself_o further_o this_o fact_n be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o two_o circumstance_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o use_v and_o by_o the_o time_n which_o they_o observe_v for_o this_o exploit_n for_o the_o first_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jericho_n this_o strong_a city_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o subdue_v or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o this_o way_n enter_v and_o possess_v the_o land_n they_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o overturn_v the_o city_n by_o undermine_v batter_a or_o scale_v the_o wall_n but_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n they_o go_v one_o by_o one_o in_o order_n round_o about_o the_o city_n wall_n day_n by_o day_n for_o one_o week_n space_n and_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n they_o compass_v it_o seven_o time_n during_o all_o which_o time_n they_o keep_v great_a silence_n save_v only_o that_o seven_o priest_n sound_v upon_o seven_o trumpet_n of_o rammes-horne_n before_o the_o ark_n till_o josuah_n bid_v they_o shout_n now_o in_o common_a reason_n a_o man_n will_v judge_v this_o rather_o to_o be_v some_o childish_a sport_n than_o a_o mean_n to_o fling_v down_o these_o great_a wall_n nay_o consider_v it_o well_o and_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o course_n tend_v rather_o to_o overthrow_v themselves_o than_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n for_o they_o march_v not_o in_o battle_n ray_n as_o though_o they_o will_v pitch_v a_o field_n against_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n or_o lay_v siege_n to_o their_o city_n but_o they_o go_v in_o length_n one_o before_o another_o so_o as_o they_o may_v compass_v the_o city_n about_o now_o if_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n shall_v have_v come_v forth_o and_o make_v assault_n upon_o they_o in_o all_o likelihood_n the_o israelite_n have_v be_v overthrow_v so_o weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v the_o mean_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n for_o weighty_a cause_n prescribe_v this_o course_n unto_o they_o to_o wit_n 1._o hereby_o to_o try_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v his_o promise_n or_o no_o when_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o use_v weak_a and_o feeble_a mean_n and_o in_o man_n reason_n foolish_a second_o to_o make_v manifest_a in_o the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o mean_n his_o own_o all-sufficient_a power_n and_o wisdom_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o through_o weakness_n be_v god_n power_n make_v perfect_a 2._o corinthian_n chapter_n 12._o verse_n 9_o hence_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v to_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a temper_v clay_n of_o spittle_n and_o lay_v it_o to_o his_o eye_n john_n chapter_n 9_o verse_n 6_o a_o mean_n in_o common_a reason_n rather_o fit_a to_o make_v a_o man_n blind_a then_o to_o recover_v his_o sight_n and_o yet_o christ_n use_v it_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n whereby_o the_o people_n may_v know_v he_o be_v able_a in_o himself_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v now_o look_v what_o course_n the_o lord_n here_o take_v for_o the_o batter_a of_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o like_a he_o use_v in_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o spiritual_a jericho_n especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o after_o christ_n ascension_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n under_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n sit_v he_o set_v apart_o a_o few_o fisherman_n simple_a person_n want_v worldly_a wit_n &_o policy_n neither_o do_v he_o put_v a_o sword_n of_o flesh_n into_o their_o hand_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o thus_o send_v they_o to_o dispossess_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o batter_v down_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o their_o preach_n and_o now_o in_o these_o late_a day_n wherein_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n of_o the_o pope_n have_v spread_v itself_o through_o all_o place_n almost_o god_n use_v the_o same_o weak_a mean_n to_o overthrow_v it_o for_o he_o set_v apart_o a_o silly_a monk_n and_o endue_v he_o with_o gift_n to_o preach_v the_o truth_n by_o which_o mean_n the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n receive_v a_o great_a wound_n than_o if_o ten_o prince_n have_v set_v themselves_o against_o it_o and_o strange_a it_o be_v to_o see_v how_o god_n overturn_v all_o the_o stratagem_n devise_v against_o his_o church_n and_o how_o he_o vanquisheth_z the_o power_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o weak_a mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o which_o to_o the_o world_n nothing_o seem_v more_o feeble_a or_o foolish_a the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o it_o may_v be_v we_o shall_v see_v king_n and_o people_n of_o great_a power_n and_o number_n to_o make_v revolt_n from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o fall_v to_o antichrist_n embrace_v popery_n hereat_o indeed_o we_o must_v be_v grieve_v but_o yet_o withal_o here_o be_v good_a cause_n of_o comfort_n unto_o we_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o satan_n kingdom_n must_v be_v batter_v down_o not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o power_n of_o king_n as_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o gods_n mouth_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o flesh_n as_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n even_o antichrist_n must_v be_v abolish_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n yea_o let_v all_o the_o prince_n &_o potentate_n in_o the_o world_n do_v their_o best_a for_o he_o yet_o his_o kingdom_n must_v down_o in_o god_n good_a time_n for_o god_n will_v consume_v he_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o abolish_v he_o by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n 2._o thes._n 2.8_o that_o be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n who_o be_v man_n void_a of_o all_o worldly_a power_n and_o policy_n yet_o further_o observe_v the_o mean_n they_o walk_v about_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n seven_o day_n together_o if_o man_n shall_v attempt_v the_o like_a enterprise_n at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o likelihood_n it_o will_v cost_v they_o their_o life_n for_o now_o there_o be_v devise_v such_o instrument_n of_o war_n i_o mean_v great_a ordinance_n &_o field_n piece_n that_o will_v kill_v afar_o off_o &_o undoubted_o if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o instrument_n of_o war_n in_o this_o city_n the_o israelite_n can_v not_o so_o safe_o have_v compass_v the_o wall_n so_o many_o day_n together_o whereby_o it_o appear_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v no_o gun_n know_v no_o not_o among_o the_o heathen_a which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v so_o rise_v among_o christian_n whence_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o these_o late_a day_n be_v perilous_a time_n for_o now_o man_n head_n be_v set_v to_o devise_v more_o hurtful_a mean_n against_o the_o life_n of_o man_n than_o ever_o the_o savage_a heathen_a know_v for_o beside_o the_o invention_n of_o gun_n which_o put_v down_o all_o evidence_n of_o prowess_n and_o valour_n see_v in_o ancient_a war_n our_o age_n exceed_v in_o contrive_v such_o strange_a kind_n of_o poison_n as_o be_v never_o know_v in_o former_a time_n for_o man_n have_v now_o devise_v poison_n of_o that_o sort_n that_o will_v
get_v his_o father_n blessing_n for_o so_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o yet_o she_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v this_o work_n be_v good_a be_v faulty_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o ans._n it_o may_v for_o rebecca_n person_n stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o christ._n now_o the_o worker_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v good_a also_o and_o though_o the_o worker_n fail_v in_o the_o circumstance_n yet_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o work_n be_v cover_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o the_o fault_n thereof_o cover_v the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v twofold_a first_o it_o show_v that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n child_n be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o bad_a even_o the_o best_a work_n they_o do_v be_v imperfect_a second_o this_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o saint_n james_n when_o he_o say_v that_o rahab_n be_v justify_v by_o her_o work_n hereby_o he_o mean_v that_o by_o her_o work_n she_o declare_v herself_o to_o be_v just_a for_o that_o she_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o her_o work_n appear_v plain_a because_o the_o work_n which_o she_o do_v be_v faulty_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o not_o perfect_o good_a and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o perfect_a justice_n of_o god_n but_o some_o will_v further_o say_v that_o this_o conceal_n of_o the_o spy_n and_o lie_v to_o the_o king_n messenger_n be_v a_o work_n of_o treachery_n against_o her_o own_o country_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o notorious_a fault_n and_o so_o no_o work_n of_o faith_n answ._n treachery_n indeed_o be_v as_o great_a villainy_n as_o one_o man_n can_v practise_v against_o another_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a of_o all_o man_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o rahab_n in_o this_o place_n be_v no_o traitor_n for_o she_o have_v a_o plain_a certificate_n in_o her_o conscience_n that_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o city_n jericho_n be_v give_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o right_a lord_n thereof_o and_o shall_v enjoy_v they_o so_o that_o she_o hide_v the_o spy_n not_o in_o treachery_n but_o in_o faith_n thus_o we_o see_v her_o fact_n the_o duty_n which_o we_o learn_v hence_o be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o harlot_n rahab_n be_v by_o call_v a_o hostess_n and_o a_o victualler_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o hence_o innkeeper_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n first_o if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o faithful_a they_o must_v have_v special_a regard_n and_o respect_n unto_o such_o guest_n of_o they_o as_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o fear_v he_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o rahabs_n faith_n towards_o the_o spy_n of_o god_n people_n david_n make_v this_o the_o property_n of_o every_o godly_a man_n that_o in_o his_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v but_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n psalm_n 15._o verse_n 4_o and_o therefore_o if_o innkeeper_n will_v show_v themselves_o godly_a they_o must_v so_o do_v and_o to_o encourage_v each_o one_o hereto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v this_o notable_a promise_n matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 41_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o prophet_n reward_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o just_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o just_a man_n shall_v receive_v a_o just_a man_n reward_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v give_v to_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o to_o drink_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n also_o stranger_n be_v here_o teach_v that_o in_o seek_v place_n for_o their_o abode_n they_o must_v make_v choice_n to_o be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n so_o god_n direct_v these_o spy_n to_o do_v and_o when_o christ_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v he_o bid_v they_o matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 11_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o city_n to_o inquire_v who_o be_v worthy_a in_o that_o city_n and_o there_o to_o abide_v till_o they_o depart_v but_o alas_o these_o duty_n be_v little_o perform_v especial_o the_o first_o for_o innkeeper_n and_o such_o as_o entertain_v stranger_n do_v make_v most_o of_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o ryote_n and_o good_a fellowship_n they_o be_v best_a welcome_n that_o spend_v most_o in_o game_n drink_v and_o lasciviousness_n these_o may_v learn_v otherwise_o of_o rahab_n who_o do_v better_a though_o she_o have_v be_v a_o harlot_n three_o innkeeper_n must_v here_o learn_v that_o when_o a_o man_n come_v into_o their_o house_n if_o he_o be_v no_o malefactor_n they_o must_v give_v he_o protection_n thus_o rahab_n do_v here_o to_o the_o spy_n of_o the_o israelite_n even_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o her_o own_o life_n the_o like_a also_o we_o may_v read_v of_o lot_n for_o when_o two_o angel_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n come_v into_o his_o house_n and_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n will_v have_v have_v they_o out_o lot_z beseech_v they_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o gen._n 19.8_o and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o come_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o roof_n again_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v another_o general_a duty_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n &_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v his_o fellow_n brethren_n or_o to_o detect_v they_o but_o must_v rather_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n by_o conceal_v they_o for_o their_o preservation_n this_o be_v practise_v by_o good_a obadiah_n when_o jesabel_n kill_v the_o lord_n prophet_n he_o hide_v they_o by_o fifty_n in_o a_o cave_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v know_v will_v have_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v slay_v paul_n in_o damascus_n the_o brethren_n take_v he_o by_o night_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o wall_n in_o a_o basket_n to_o save_v his_o life_n act_v 9.25_o and_o since_o those_o time_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v find_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v urge_v by_o persecuter_n to_o reveal_v their_o brethren_n they_o rather_o choose_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o own_o life_n then_o to_o betray_v their_o brethren_n into_o their_o enemy_n hand_n and_o this_o be_v true_a love_n indeed_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v when_o a_o man_n will_v give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o brother_n 1._o john_n 3.16_o last_o whereas_o rahab_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o we_o note_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o kind_a the_o holy_a ghost_n repeat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n name_n peace_n and_o meekness_n among_o they_o 4.22_o now_o this_o peace_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o â—e_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n foretold_v shall_v be_v under_o the_o gospel_n isaiah_n 11.6_o that_o then_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n lie_v with_o the_o kid_n signify_v that_o howsoever_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v as_o savage_a as_o wolf_n yet_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v become_v gentle_a as_o lamb_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a one_o to_o another_o this_o peaceablenesse_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v show_v in_o the_o place_n and_o call_v where_o a_o man_n live_v for_o there_o do_v rahab_n show_v forth_o she_o when_o the_o spy_n come_v unto_o she_o and_o where_o this_o be_v true_o in_o outward_a action_n there_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n that_o a_o man_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n when_o he_o live_v peaceable_o with_o man_n which_o be_v so_o we_o must_v learn_v not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o our_o heady_a affection_n but_o must_v rather_o bridle_v the_o rage_n of_o malice_n and_o anger_n and_o endeavour_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o especial_o with_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o example_n the_o judge_n faith_n verse_n 32._o and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o for_o the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a for_o i_o to_o tell_v of_o gedeon_n of_o barac_n and_o of_o samson_n and_o of_o jephte_n also_o of_o david_n and_o samuel_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o through_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n etc._n etc._n hitherto_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v
for_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o that_o wicked_a age_n wherein_o all_o the_o world_n welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o great_a holiness_n when_o no_o man_n care_v for_o religion_n he_o have_v this_o special_a favour_n from_o god_n that_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o first_o of_o all_o reveal_v to_o righteous_a noah_n that_o purpose_n of_o he_o so_o that_o these_o word_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o revelation_n which_o noah_n have_v from_o god_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o genesis_n for_o this_o message_n come_v not_o from_o god_n by_o any_o prophet_n for_o we_o know_v none_o in_o those_o evil_a day_n except_o noah_n himself_o but_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o else_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o favour_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n not_o for_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a excellent_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o noah_n to_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o counsel_n and_o his_o judgement_n to_o come_v we_o learn_v that_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o he_o reveal_v his_o counsel_n to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n whether_o they_o be_v purpose_n of_o judgement_n upon_o his_o enemy_n or_o of_o mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n thus_o deal_v he_o with_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o shall_v i_o say_v god_n hide_v from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v do_v which_o thing_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o so_o when_o the_o sodomite_n live_v in_o wanton_a carelessness_n and_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n than_o abraham_n know_v from_o god_n their_o destruction_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o as_o in_o that_o for_o be_v it_o general_o true_a in_o all_o his_o great_a work_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o now_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prerogative_n of_o prophet_n alone_o or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n as_o abraham_n be_v but_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o psalm_n 25.14_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n be_v god_n friend_n and_o of_o his_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o not_o abraham_n only_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n james_n 2.23_o but_o of_o all_o true_a believer_n say_v christ_n john_n 15.14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v what_o i_o command_v you_o henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n but_o friend_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o master_n do_v but_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n have_v i_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v communicate_v and_o impart_v my_o secret_n unto_o you_o as_o one_o friend_n do_v unto_o another_o as_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o know_v and_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o corinth_n 2.15_o a_o faithful_a and_o a_o holy_a man_n discern_v into_o the_o deep_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o sometime_o more_o as_o here_o unto_o noah_n who_o be_v forewarn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n then_o not_o see_v this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o caution_n first_o that_o this_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o prophet_n and_o holy_a minister_n of_o god_n then_o to_o ordinary_a christian_n second_o that_o it_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o object_n then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o it_o be_v now_o under_o christ_n i_o answer_v not_o so_o for_o first_o we_o be_v recompense_v by_o have_v the_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o complete_a which_o they_o have_v not_o and_o by_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o shadow_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o promise_n in_o which_o respect_v our_o state_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o they_o and_o second_o for_o this_o particular_a i_o answer_v they_o indeed_o have_v more_o ordinary_a revelation_n of_o matter_n personal_a and_o private_a and_o not_o direct_o touch_v salvation_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v general_a and_o do_v necessary_o concern_v salvation_n we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v more_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o more_o full_a revelation_n than_o they_o have_v afore_o christ._n for_o exsample_n particular_a mercy_n to_o some_o faithful_a man_n or_o particular_a judgement_n on_o god_n enemy_n whether_o particular_a man_n or_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v after_o reveal_v to_o godly_a man_n in_o those_o day_n as_o here_o to_o noah_n but_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o messiah_n shall_v save_v his_o church_n be_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o reveal_v now_o then_o in_o those_o day_n out_o of_o which_o consideration_n arise_v the_o three_o caution_n which_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o be_v expect_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v ordinary_o nothing_o else_o but_o these_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n &_o a_o discern_a of_o true_a scripture_n from_o forge_a of_o true_a sacrament_n from_o suppose_a of_o true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a of_o true_a pastor_n from_o false_a prophet_n these_o &_o such_o like_a as_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o true_a and_o faithful_a believer_n which_o out_o of_o a_o humble_a heart_n by_o devoute_a prayer_n do_v seek_v it_o at_o god_n hand_n be_v sure_a to_o have_v reveal_v unto_o they_o from_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o purpose_n of_o god_n of_o personal_a and_o particular_a matter_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v his_o blessing_n or_o what_o his_o judgement_n to_o these_o and_o these_o man_n family_n city_n or_o kingdom_n or_o when_o or_o how_o he_o will_v change_v state_n or_o translate_v kingdom_n or_o by_o what_o extraordinary_a mean_n he_o will_v have_v his_o gospel_n propagate_v or_o a_o decline_a church_n or_o state_n uphold_v these_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v nor_o easy_o to_o believe_v any_o that_o shall_v say_v such_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o tie_v not_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o straight_a bond_n but_o that_o he_o may_v sometime_o extraordinary_o reveal_v his_o purpose_n therein_o to_o some_o his_o select_a servant_n yet_o provide_v that_o that_o revelation_n be_v examine_v and_o allow_v of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n spirit_n do_v most_o comfortable_o reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o sacrament_n of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n be_v among_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v double_a for_o instruction_n and_o for_o exhortation_n for_o our_o instruction_n here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o answer_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o ask_v we_o how_o do_v we_o know_v true_a religion_n from_o erroneous_a or_o true_a scripture_n or_o sacrament_n from_o forge_a we_o answer_v first_o by_o itself_o by_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o as_o we_o know_v gold_n from_o brass_n or_o silver_n from_o lead_n but_o what_o if_o the_o brass_n or_o tin_n be_v gild_v over_o i_o then_o answer_v second_o we_o can_v know_v gold_n from_o brass_n and_o silver_n from_o tin_n by_o the_o sound_n and_o smell_v and_o hardness_n to_o endure_v and_o by_o the_o operation_n so_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a sound_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o taste_v in_o true_a religion_n a_o spiritual_a operation_n in_o holy_a man_n heart_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n but_o what_o if_o false_a prophet_n come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o by_o lie_a wonder_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o same_o sound_n taste_n smell_v virtue_n and_o operation_n unto_o their_o forgery_n or_o at_o least_o challenge_v it_o and_o say_v that_o they_o be_v true_a i_o answer_v last_o then_o we_o know_v true_a religion_n true_a scripture_n true_a sacrament_n true_a prophet_n true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a by_o a_o holy_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n spirit_n which_o by_o evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n assure_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o in_o true_a humility_n do_v seek_v it_o in_o holy_a prayer_n and_o in_o a_o