and_o will_v fulfil_v his_o determine_a work_n within_o his_o appoint_a time_n for_o they_o or_o in_o plenitudine_fw-la temporis_fw-la in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n determine_v yet_o this_o be_v a_o sense_n that_o fall_v too_o short_a of_o the_o emphasis_n of_o the_o double_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o our_o text_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o import_v more_o than_o so_o yet_o second_o neither_o do_v i_o take_v the_o midst_n here_o geometricè_fw-la &_o precisè_fw-la for_o the_o midst_n according_a to_o a_o precise_a measure_n as_o some_o do_v for_o they_o that_o think_v he_o pray_v that_o this_o revive_a work_n of_o god_n may_v be_v wrought_v either_o about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o year_n of_o the_o world_n duration_n presume_v it_o shall_v last_v 6000._o year_n or_o just_a between_o samuel_n prophesy_v and_o christ_n his_o come_n or_o suffer_v suppose_v just_o 490._o year_n between_o that_o prophet_n and_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o as_o many_o between_o the_o captivity_n and_o christ_n they_o build_v upon_o uncertainty_n and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o late_a english_a annotator_n etc._n etc._n what_o construction_n then_o may_v we_o make_v of_o this_o expression_n the_o meaning_n may_v be_v take_v up_o as_o i_o conceive_v 24._o as_o the_o psalmist_n pray_v for_o himself_o or_o rather_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n ps_n 102._o 23_o 24._o with_o those_o who_o i_o account_v most_o judicious_a in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n i._n e._n in_o the_o middle_a course_n of_o thy_o church_n or_o people_n while_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o maturity_n or_o ripeness_n of_o age_n suffer_v they_o not_o to_o perish_v but_o hold_v they_o up_o in_o life_n now_o that_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n say_v calvin_n and_o our_o genevian_a annotator_n after_o he_o come_v not_o to_o their_o fullness_n of_o age_n till_o christ_n and_o therefore_o shall_v they_o not_o have_v be_v hold_v up_o in_o a_o church_n frame_v till_o then_o they_o have_v sink_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o flower_n or_o middle_a of_o their_o age_n therefore_o he_o pray_v thus_o etc._n etc._n 2._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o year_n i._n e._n illorum_fw-la calamitosorum_fw-la &_o infaelicium_fw-la dierum_fw-la etc._n etc._n of_o those_o calamitous_a and_o unhappy_a day_n or_o year_n when_o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o chaldean_a bondage_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v tumble_v headlong_o into_o misery_n and_o be_v even_o overwhelm_v with_o the_o wave_n of_o affliction_n rush_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o over_o they_o then_o do_v thou_o revive_v thy_o work_n thy_o work_n of_o promise_a grace_n and_o goodness_n on_o their_o behalf_n etiamsi_fw-la videmur_fw-la destinati_fw-la esse_fw-la morti_fw-la tamen_fw-la nos_fw-la restâ—tâ—e_fw-la so_o calvin_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n this_o midst_n of_o year_n be_v as_o emphatical_a as_o david_n midst_n of_o trouble_n psal_n 138._o 7._o or_o the_o mountain_n be_v carry_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n psal_n 46._o 2_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o quere_z four_o what_o mean_v that_o abrupt_a speeh_n make_n know_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o etc._n etc._n what_o will_v he_o have_v make_v know_v true_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o gather_v both_o what_o and_o how_o by_o refer_v to_o the_o forego_n word_n viz._n make_v know_v thy_o revive_n and_o revive_v work_n etc._n etc._n let_v it_o be_v actual_o see_v that_o it_o be_v thy_o work_n that_o such_o people_n be_v thou_o and_o that_o such_o work_n of_o providence_n for_o they_o be_v thou_o let_v they_o and_o all_o the_o world_n about_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o withal_o in_o so_o do_v make_v know_v what_o a_o god_n thou_o be_v as_o for_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n and_o power_n and_o other_o excellency_n so_o for_o mercy_n in_o wrath_n remember_v mercy_n as_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o which_o excellent_a and_o comfortable_a sentence_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o speak_v but_o brief_o and_o that_o as_o a_o ground_n only_o of_o that_o one_o point_n i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o for_o our_o instruction_n which_o i_o gather_v up_o out_o of_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o use_n thus_o ob_v there_o be_v good_a ground_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n and_o prayer_n upon_o that_o god_n will_v preserve_v his_o church_n and_o restore_v it_o unto_o a_o comfortable_a condition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n or_o misery_n they_o can_v fall_v into_o in_o this_o life_n or_o thus_o god_n people_n may_v rely_v on_o he_o for_o revive_a grace_n amid_o their_o most_o perplex_a desperate_a and_o according_a to_o man_n deade_v condition_n when_o there_o be_v otherwise_o no_o hope_n of_o recovery_n they_o may_v hopeful_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o he_o i_o take_v the_o observation_n in_o this_o frame_n because_o i_o find_v the_o prophet_n pray_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o all_o warrantable_a prayer_n be_v ground_v upon_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o prayer_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o use_n of_o god_n people_n and_o not_o for_o the_o prophet_n himself_o only_o as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n have_v show_v they_o how_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v unto_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v state_n the_o point_n thus_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n to_o pray_v unto_o he_o to_o revive_v his_o work_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o most_o unlikely_a year_n so_o calvin_n sect._n now_o that_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o distress_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v good_a ground_n of_o reliance_n on_o he_o for_o revive_a grace_n i_o will_v first_o show_v by_o way_n of_o instance_n and_o then_o of_o reason_n by_o way_n of_o instance_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v revive_v his_o work_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o calamitous_a and_o disastrous_a time_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n i_o will_v mind_v you_o but_o of_o two_o most_o memorable_a case_n instance_n instance_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v not_o to_o omit_v that_o revive_n be_v grant_v for_o which_o most_o direct_o this_o prayer_n be_v make_v in_o that_o god_n have_v preserve_v life_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o people_n drue_v the_o captivity_n refresh_v and_o confirm_v they_o by_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n as_o ezekiel_n daniel_n and_o other_o lest_o they_o shall_v despair_v and_o utter_o sink_v with_o grief_n and_o restore_v they_o etc._n etc._n witness_v haggie_a and_o zacharie_n follow_v one_o before_o that_o captivity_n viz._n god_n deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n of_o their_o bondage_n there_o under_o pharaoh_n while_o they_o be_v groan_v heavy_o under_o it_o and_o feel_v their_o pressure_n task_n and_o burden_n multiply_v upon_o they_o then_o god_n send_v they_o revive_v comfort_n by_o moses_n and_o wrought_v their_o deliverance_n wonderful_o when_o according_a to_o man_n they_o be_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v that_o case_n which_o this_o prophet_n most_o of_o all_o commend_v to_o their_o posterity_n in_o this_o prayer_n as_o a_o ground_n of_o faith_n by_o way_n of_o precedent_n though_o there_o be_v some_o mix_a reference_n in_o it_o to_o some_o other_o writing_n vouchsafe_v they_o in_o languish_v and_o faint_a case_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n among_o other_o verse_n see_v the_o 13_o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n another_o after_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n viz._n the_o redemption_n of_o his_o people_n wrought_v by_o christ_n for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o year_n of_o sad_a and_o mournful_a condition_n when_o his_o people_n be_v much_o degenerate_v and_o corrupt_v though_o they_o have_v the_o second_o temple_n stand_v among_o they_o yet_o much_o pollute_v in_o worship_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o sinful_a course_n and_o thereupon_o leave_v destitute_a of_o prophet_n for_o a_o time_n and_o deprive_v of_o the_o royal_a dignity_n among_o they_o be_v subdue_v by_o roman_n then_o be_v christ_n send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o best_a be_v trouble_v with_o long_a expextation_n of_o a_o messiah_n venit_fw-la christus_fw-la cum_fw-la morbus_fw-la creverit_fw-la ad_fw-la summum_fw-la paroxysmum_fw-la then_o christ_n come_v as_o a_o great_a physician_n when_o the_o disease_n be_v grow_v to_o the_o high_a and_o sharp_a fit_n of_o it_o than_o come_v he_o to_o work_v the_o patient_n most_o necessary_a spiritual_a deliverance_n and_o this_o be_v that_o revive_a act_n which_o divers_a pontificial_a expositor_n at_o least_o make_v the_o allegorical_a sense_n of_o our_o text_n and_o think_v it_o most_o intend_a by_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n but_o it_o may_v suffice_v
heavy_a threaten_n and_o curse_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o several_a sort_n of_o person_n in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v that_o he_o see_v this_o burden_n that_o be_v when_o he_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o prophetick-vision_n or_o when_o he_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o be_v see_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n by_o a_o prophetic_a publication_n be_v not_o precise_o certain_a no_o doubt_v it_o be_v not_o long_o before_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o chaldean_n and_o so_o either_o in_o or_o after_o the_o reign_n of_o manasseh_n but_o more_o probable_o a_o good_a while_n after_o it_o than_o under_o it_o yea_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v not_o improbable_a that_o it_o be_v about_o the_o begin_n of_o zedekiahs_n reign_n after_o the_o danaeus_n so_o danaeus_n jew_n have_v taste_v somewhat_o of_o the_o bitterness_n and_o hastiness_n of_o the_o chaldean_n in_o carry_v away_o jehoiakim_n towards_o babylon_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o go_v through_o the_o breadth_n of_o the_o land_n nor_o complete_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o they_o do_v not_o many_o year_n after_o but_o let_v this_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o the_o learned_a to_o open_v at_o pleasure_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n be_v hold_v forth_o main_o in_o three_o parcel_n according_a to_o the_o division_n of_o it_o into_o three_o chapter_n in_o the_o first_o we_o find_v the_o sad_a condition_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o perverse_a disobedience_n and_o present_a impunity_n seem_v burdenous_a to_o the_o prophet_n himself_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o that_o time_n though_o much_o degenerate_v lay_v down_o partly_o by_o way_n of_o complaint_n make_v to_o god_n partly_o by_o way_n of_o menace_v from_o god_n that_o he_o will_v in_o a_o strange_a manner_n bring_v they_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o prophet_n deprecation_n that_o god_n will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v his_o people_n but_o chastise_v they_o in_o measure_n especial_o since_o he_o take_v those_o who_o god_n be_v about_o to_o make_v as_o the_o rod_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o scourge_v to_o be_v worse_o than_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v scourge_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n after_o the_o prophet_n profess_v stand_v upon_o his_o watch_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v answer_v he_o we_o find_v he_o have_v a_o answer_n by_o way_n of_o vision_n tend_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n people_n but_o such_o as_o they_o be_v to_o wait_v for_o till_o the_o appoint_a time_n that_o the_o vision_n be_v to_o speak_v that_o be_v till_o it_o shall_v be_v manifest_v effectual_o for_o all_o that_o be_v just_a and_o upright_o before_o god_n be_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o faith_n to_o show_v itself_o in_o a_o wait_a tarry_v patience_n and_o that_o excellent_a principle_n the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n we_o may_v find_v three_o time_n allege_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n viz._n rom._n 1._o 17._o gal._n 3._o 11._o heb._n 10._o 38._o now_o the_o content_n of_o that_o comfortable_a vision_n concern_v the_o downfall_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o chaldean_n the_o wicked_a enemy_n of_o god_n people_n and_o that_o for_o their_o unsatiable_a pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o idolatry_n but_o belove_v god_n look_v to_o be_v seek_v unto_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o his_o prediction_n in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n therefore_o in_o this_o three_o chapter_n we_o find_v the_o holy_a prophet_n frame_v a_o prayer_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n doubtless_o in_o aftertime_n and_o according_o luther_n note_v it_o as_o a_o prayer_n or_o song_n for_o it_o be_v metrical_a in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o set_v for_o musical_a instrument_n which_o have_v be_v in_fw-la quotidiano_fw-la usu_fw-la per_fw-la omne_fw-la passim_fw-la templa_fw-la in_o daily_a use_n almost_o in_o all_o church_n though_o say_v he_o most_o common_o as_o nun_n read_v the_o psalter_n without_o understanding_n now_o the_o content_n of_o this_o prayer_n lie_v summary_o in_o petition_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o ground_n of_o those_o petition_n take_v chief_o from_o former_a demonstration_n of_o god_n power_n and_o mercy_n and_o mercy_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o in_o profess_a confidence_n and_o rejoice_n upon_o those_o assure_v ground_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o spend_v time_n in_o a_o punctual_a analysis_n of_o it_o nor_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o inscription_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n only_o this_o we_o may_v note_v that_o as_o it_o be_v set_v or_o compose_v according_a to_o variable_a tune_n in_o the_o hebrew_n call_v shigionoth_n as_o our_o learned_a translator_n gloss_n it_o so_o may_v it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o on_o various_a occasion_n by_o god_n people_n and_o as_o this_o prophet_n seal_v up_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o prayer_n by_o the_o exercise_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o do_v in_o make_v any_o accommodation_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o church_n present_a occasion_n sect._n this_o second_o use_v which_o i_o have_v take_v for_o my_o present_a subject_a matter_n to_o treat_v of_o hold_v forth_o the_o grand_a request_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o he_o most_o intend_a in_o this_o prayer_n and_o that_o indeed_o which_o all_o that_o follow_v in_o it_o refer_v unto_o either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o argument_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v or_o of_o consequent_a upon_o the_o suppose_a grant_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a verse_n contain_v 1._o a_o preparative_n of_o â—ear_n in_o the_o way_n of_o address_n to_o god_n o_fw-la lord_n i_o have_v hear_v thy_o speech_n and_o be_v afraid_a 2._o a_o prayer_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o prayer_n branch_v itself_o into_o two_o or_o three_o petition_n 1._o o_o lord_n revive_v thy_o work_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n 2._o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n make_v know_v 3._o in_o wrath_n remember_v mercy_n petition_n that_o be_v of_o near_a affinity_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o full_a of_o emphasis_n in_o the_o expression_n for_o the_o first_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o primary_n the_o second_o may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v but_o a_o enforcement_n of_o the_o first_o by_o a_o rhetorical_a anadiplosis_fw-la or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v up_o again_o these_o term_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o year_n and_o add_v only_o make_v know_v somewhat_o abrupt_o yet_o so_o as_o by_o a_o easy_a reference_n we_o may_v gather_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v make_v know_v thy_o revive_n or_o revive_v work_n and_o the_o three_o imply_v the_o same_o thing_n only_o involve_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o urge_v the_o foremention_v as_o we_o may_v hear_v in_o the_o sequel_n sect._n begin_v we_o with_o the_o preparative_a of_o fear_n o_fw-la lord_n i_o have_v head_n thy_o speech_n and_o be_v afraid_a what_o speech_n mean_v he_o not_o the_o speech_n or_o fame_n or_o report_n that_o be_v of_o thou_o though_o the_o original_a word_n sual_a so_o signify_v but_o the_o speech_n that_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o thou_o and_o that_o as_o partly_o concern_v the_o calamity_n thou_o have_v threaten_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o partly_o concern_v the_o destruction_n thou_o have_v threaten_v to_o the_o chaldean_n and_o hear_v this_o i_o be_v afraid_a what_o you_o may_v say_v afraid_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n denounce_v against_o the_o chaldean_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o be_v even_o of_o they_o ne_o judaeos_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o babylone_a captivos_fw-la involvat_fw-la clades_fw-la chaldaeorum_n &_o omnino_fw-la deleat_fw-la say_v a_o lapide_fw-la lest_o the_o jew_n also_o shall_v be_v wrap_v in_o the_o same_o bundle_n of_o destruction_n with_o the_o chaldean_n be_v find_v resident_a among_o they_o and_o so_o be_v utter_o ruin_v together_o with_o they_o now_o touch_v his_o fear_n after_o what_o manner_n he_o be_v affect_v we_o may_v gather_v by_o what_o be_v say_v after_o at_o verse_n 16._o where_o he_o make_v recognition_n of_o his_o temper_n before_o he_o have_v pray_v and_o gather_v strength_n and_o confidence_n upon_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n wonderful_a working_n therefore_o when_o i_o hear_v lo_o my_o belly_n tremble_v my_o lip_n quiver_v at_o the_o voice_n rottenness_n enter_v into_o my_o bone_n the_o passion_n he_o be_v strike_v into_o be_v very_o great_a and_o the_o trouble_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o symptom_n of_o it_o upon_o he_o be_v very_o terrible_a though_o all_o tend_v to_o good_a etc._n etc._n well_o obs_n we_o have_v here_o to_o observe_v that_o the_o best_a of_o god_n servant_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o
in_o their_o address_n to_o he_o yea_o indeed_o the_o regard_n of_o the_o public_a interest_n shall_v swallow_v up_o the_o regard_n of_o private_a interest_n in_o all_o those_o that_o will_v find_v good_a acceptance_n with_o god_n as_o it_o do_v in_o moses_n when_o god_n threaten_v see_v exod._n 32._o 9_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n i_o have_v see_v this_o people_n and_o behold_v it_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a people_n deut._n 9_o 18_o 19_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o lord_n as_o at_o the_o first_o forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n i_o do_v neither_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_v water_n because_o of_o all_o your_o sin_n which_o you_o sin_v in_o do_v wicked_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n for_o i_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o anger_n and_o hot_a displeasure_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a against_o you_o to_o destroy_v you_o but_o the_o lord_n hearken_v unto_o i_o at_o that_o time_n also_o and_o in_o david_n 2_o sam._n 24._o 17._o and_o david_n speak_v unto_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o see_v the_o angel_n that_o smite_v the_o people_n and_o say_v loe_o i_o have_v sin_v and_o i_o have_v do_v wicked_o but_o these_o sheep_n what_o have_v they_o do_v let_v thy_o hand_n i_o pray_v thou_o be_v against_o i_o and_o against_o my_o father_n house_n for_o affection_n towards_o god_n people_n may_v be_v suppose_v as_o wrap_v under_o it_o some_o respect_n also_o to_o the_o name_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n lest_o it_o shall_v suffer_v in_o their_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n note_v for_o this_o some_o of_o moses_n his_o expression_n etc._n etc._n 3._o it_o must_v be_v a_o fear_n that_o be_v trouble_v as_o well_o at_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n threaten_n as_o at_o the_o threaten_n themselves_o and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v a_o holy_a fear_n as_o be_v this_o prophet_n witness_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o prophecy_n for_o as_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n so_o the_o sting_n of_o every_o punishment_n and_o affliction_n be_v sin_n to_o such_o as_o have_v a_o right_a feel_n 4._o it_o must_v be_v a_o fear_n that_o do_v not_o drive_v away_o from_o god_n but_o carry_v the_o party_n possess_v with_o it_o to_o god_n not_o a_o fear_n fill_v with_o diffidence_n and_o despair_n but_o with_o hope_n of_o divine_a mercy_n and_o so_o not_o a_o fear_n according_a to_o the_o stamp_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n who_o when_o he_o have_v sin_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o garden_n be_v afraid_a and_o hide_v himself_o gen._n 3._o 19_o but_o a_o fear_n well_o beseem_v the_o follower_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n principled_a in_o faith_n and_o so_o incline_v to_o seek_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n as_o know_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o flee_v from_o god_n but_o to_o god_n from_o his_o wrath_n but_o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o this_o operation_n we_o find_v here_o this_o fear_n have_v in_o the_o prophet_n applic._n all_o the_o use_n of_o this_o point_n that_o i_o commend_v unto_o you_o beloved_n shall_v be_v by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n first_o to_o consider_v if_o we_o have_v not_o at_o this_o day_n such_o a_o voice_n or_o speech_n of_o god_n in_o our_o ear_n as_o may_v make_v we_o afraid_a true_a we_o have_v no_o such_o prophet_n among_o we_o as_o habakkuk_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o see_v burden_n in_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a vision_n and_o to_o declare_v they_o but_o know_v we_o that_o god_n threaten_v real_o as_o well_o as_o verbal_o and_o menace_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o his_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o from_o his_o prophecy_n and_o those_o sad_a threaten_n which_o be_v denounce_v primary_o and_o direct_o but_o to_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v appliable_a in_o some_o proportion_n to_o other_o nation_n or_o people_n of_o like_a condition_n for_o guiltiness_n brief_o then_o take_v we_o a_o review_n whether_o ought_v of_o the_o prophet_n speech_n before_o to_o god_n or_o of_o god_n speech_n by_o he_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o people_n we_o relate_v unto_o that_o we_o may_v perceive_v whether_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a 1._o look_v we_o into_o the_o first_o complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n touch_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n he_o complain_v that_o spoil_n and_o violence_n be_v before_o he_o and_o there_o be_v that_o raise_v up_o strife_n and_o contention_n chap._n 1._o 3._o that_o the_o law_n be_v slack_v and_o judgement_n go_v not_o forth_o but_o wrong_a judgement_n proceed_v verse_n 4._o and_o be_v there_o nothing_o of_o like_a complaint_n that_o may_v be_v make_v among_o we_o 2._o look_v next_o unto_o the_o threaten_v sad_a condition_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o the_o chaldean_n begin_v at_o ver_fw-la 5._o &_o consider_v whether_o i_o will_v not_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o upon_o we_o but_o whether_o we_o may_v not_o just_o for_o our_o sin_n have_v such_o bring_v in_o upon_o we_o may_v we_o not_o just_o fear_v to_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o work_n wrought_v in_o our_o day_n as_o to_o move_v all_o to_o regard_n and_o wonder_v marvellous_o as_o scarce_o to_o be_v believe_v though_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o may_v we_o not_o just_o fear_v to_o hear_v of_o some_o bitter_a and_o hasty_a nation_n march_v through_o the_o breadth_n of_o the_o land_n to_o possess_v the_o dwell_a place_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o may_v we_o not_o fear_v to_o hear_v of_o such_o as_o be_v describe_v chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 8._o 9_o 10_o 11._o their_o horse_n also_o be_v swift_a than_o the_o leopard_n and_o be_v more_o fierce_a than_o the_o evening_n wolf_n and_o their_o horseman_n shall_v spread_v themselves_o and_o their_o horseman_n shall_v come_v from_o far_o they_o shall_v fly_v as_o the_o eagle_n that_o haste_v to_o eat_v they_o shall_v come_v all_o for_o violence_n their_o face_n shall_v sup_v up_o as_o the_o east_n wind_n and_o they_o shall_v gather_v the_o captivity_n as_o the_o sand_n and_o they_o shall_v scoff_n at_o the_o king_n and_o the_o prince_n shall_v be_v a_o scorn_n unto_o they_o they_o shall_v deride_v every_o strong_a hold_n for_o they_o shall_v heap_v dust_n and_o take_v it_o then_o shall_v his_o mind_n change_n and_o he_o shall_v pass_v over_o and_o offend_v impute_v this_o his_o power_n unto_o his_o god_n 3._o look_v again_o into_o the_o second_o complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n begin_v at_o verse_n 12._o of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o the_o prophet_n expostulate_v with_o god_n why_o the_o wicked_a devour_v the_o man_n that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o himself_o etc._n etc._n and_o may_v we_o not_o just_o fear_v to_o find_v man_n make_v as_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o as_o the_o creep_a thing_n that_o have_v no_o ruler_n over_o they_o to_o find_v man_n catch_v other_o with_o the_o angle_n and_o with_o the_o drag_v and_o then_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o net_n and_o burn_a incense_n to_o their_o drag_v etc._n etc._n 4._o look_v last_o upon_o the_o judgement_n denounce_v upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n people_n and_o consider_v for_o what_o cause_n and_o withal_o whether_o we_o have_v not_o cause_n to_o fear_v be_v among_o some_o that_o commit_v such_o sin_n a_o woe_n be_v denounce_v against_o the_o chaldean_a because_o he_o enlarge_v his_o desire_n as_o hell_n and_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v but_o increase_v that_o which_o be_v not_o he_o and_o how_o long_o it_o be_v threaten_v that_o they_o shall_v rise_v up_o sudden_o that_o shall_v bite_v he_o and_o awake_a that_o shall_v vex_v he_o &_o c_o that_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v spoil_v he_o because_o he_o have_v spoil_v many_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 2._o 6_o 7_o 8._o a_o woe_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o that_o covet_v a_o evil_a covetousness_n to_o his_o house_n that_o he_o may_v set_v his_o nest_n on_o high_a and_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a ibid._n ver_fw-la 9_o woe_n also_o be_v denounce_v against_o bloody_a bvilder_n and_o against_o rant_a drunkard_n as_o well_o as_o superstitious_a foolish_a idolater_n afterward_o in_o that_o chap_n and_o may_v we_o not_o fear_v sit_v among_o such_o person_n as_o be_v under_o such_o woe_n have_v not_o we_o cause_n to_o fear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n micah_n 6._o 9_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o word_n i_o suppose_v you_o grant_v it_o 2._o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o exhort_v you_o to_o examine_v whether_o you_o fear_v as_o you_o shall_v and_o to_o take_v on_o such_o a_o fear_n and_o tremble_a at_o the_o word_n and_o work_v of_o the_o great_a god_n as_o be_v meet_v even_o such_o a_o fear_n as_o may_v draw_v towards_o god_n and_o drive_v
it_o in_o this_o sense_n infringe_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o saint_n answ_n no_o it_o do_v not_o for_o in_o the_o community_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o hypocrite_n with_o sincere_a professor_n now_o hypocrite_n may_v lose_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n because_o they_o never_o have_v real_o either_o true_a faith_n or_o holiness_n but_o only_o seem_v to_o have_v they_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o lose_v that_o crown_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o to_o run_v and_o strive_v and_o labour_v for_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o tenure_n of_o divine_a election_n in_o the_o least_o weaken_a by_o their_o fail_n because_o though_o they_o be_v call_v external_o yet_o not_o elect_v and_o never_o have_v the_o faith_n or_o grace_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o for_o sincere_a christian_n who_o only_o be_v elect_v though_o they_o shall_v not_o lose_v the_o crown_n prepare_v and_o reserve_v for_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v need_n of_o such_o caveat_n as_o this_o partly_o to_o mind_v they_o though_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n yet_o in_o themselves_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o defection_n and_o apostasy_n and_o be_v they_o leave_v unto_o themselves_o they_o shall_v let_v go_v all_o grace_n and_o lose_v all_o glory_n and_o therefore_o need_v be_v the_o more_o wary_a partly_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o looseness_n and_o defection_n for_o exhortation_n and_o admonition_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n and_o set_v on_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v instrumental_a in_o god_n hand_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o duty_n and_o hold_v they_o in_o perseverance_n the_o premise_n consider_v o_o beloved_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v strengthen_v in_o our_o resolution_n and_o actuate_v in_o our_o strong_a endeavour_n to_o stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v fast_o that_o truth_n that_o grace_n and_o all_o those_o spiritual_a liberty_n and_o privilege_n bestow_v upon_o we_o use_v 3_o use_v 3_o a_o three_o use_v of_o this_o point_n may_v be_v to_o give_v and_o take_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_a practice_n of_o this_o rule_n since_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n both_o of_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o of_o so_o great_a consequence_n to_o observe_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o hopeful_a mean_n therefore_o be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o few_o particular_n 1._o will_v we_o hold_v fast_o what_o good_a we_o have_v personal_o and_o ecclesiastical_o then_o take_v a_o humble_a recognition_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n respective_o it_o be_v say_v of_o this_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n a_o little_a before_o at_o ver_fw-la 8._o that_o she_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o little_a strength_n and_o indeed_o this_o duty_n of_o holdfast_n be_v direct_v neither_o to_o liveless_a person_n nor_o mere_a impotent_a person_n in_o spiritual_a respect_n but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a strength_n so_o it_o be_v with_o she_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o sister_n we_o be_v then_o to_o be_v humble_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o smallness_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n even_o when_o we_o be_v at_o the_o best_a and_o then_o beside_o we_o may_v reflect_v back_o and_o consider_v whether_o in_o some_o particular_n we_o have_v not_o slip_v back_o with_o ephesus_n and_o fall_v from_o our_o first_o love_n and_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o in_o some_o particular_n in_o a_o languish_a condition_n as_o sardis_n and_o so_o need_v to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n which_o remain_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v but_o i_o say_v we_o be_v to_o be_v humble_o sensible_a of_o our_o little_a strength_n at_o the_o best_a and_o that_o will_v dispose_v we_o to_o more_o care_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o we_o have_v etc._n etc._n 2._o take_v we_o and_o keep_v we_o fast_o hold_v on_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n imitate_v jacob_n in_v not_o let_v of_o he_o go_v he_o look_v that_o his_o people_n shall_v do_v so_o even_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o his_o strength_n in_o a_o good_a sense_n isa_n 27._o 5._o not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o presumptuous_a contest_v with_o he_o but_o for_o our_o own_o support_n by_o he_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o isa_n 64_o 7._o for_o why_o qui_fw-la habet_fw-la habentem_fw-la omne_fw-la habet_fw-la omne_fw-la so_o qui_fw-la retinet_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o his_o own_o might_n shall_v no_o man_n no_o church_n be_v strong_a but_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o to_o walk_v and_o act_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 71._o 16._o maintain_v sound_a doctrine_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n perform_v all_o church-duty_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n 3._o let_v it_o be_v our_o holy_a covetous_a aim_n to_o be_v get_v more_o of_o that_o good_a which_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o in_o external_a thing_n if_o they_o be_v not_o on_o the_o increase_a hand_n they_o be_v on_o the_o diminish_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o our_o condition_n in_o spiritual_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o evangelical_n parable_n of_o the_o servant_n that_o have_v talent_n or_o pound_n commit_v to_o their_o usance_n we_o may_v find_v the_o evil_a servant_n there_o keep_v his_o talon_n and_o wrap_v it_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n and_o do_v he_o not_o then_o hold_v it_o fast_o but_o that_o prove_v neither_o please_v to_o his_o master_n nor_o comfortable_a to_o himself_o because_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v employ_v and_o improve_n it_o which_o because_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v and_o sentence_v to_o have_v that_o take_v from_o he_o which_o he_o only_o seem_v to_o have_v for_o without_o some_o improvement_n a_o stock_n can_v long_o be_v keep_v entire_a together_o wherefore_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n belove_v if_o we_o will_v with_o philadelphia_n hold_v fast_o what_o we_o have_v we_o must_v affect_v the_o commendation_n of_o thyatira_n chap._n 2._o 19_o to_o have_v our_o last_o work_n more_o than_o our_o first_o to_o advance_v in_o solid_a knowledge_n in_o true_a and_o sincere_a holiness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v our_o after_o church-ministery_n church-assembly_n church-administrations_a better_a than_o our_o former_a this_o i_o say_v must_v still_o be_v our_o aim_n or_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v soon_o cast_v backward_o when_o man_n be_v in_o a_o broad_a wheel_n either_o to_o crane_n up_o thing_n from_o the_o earth_n or_o to_o draw_v up_o basket_n out_o of_o the_o water_n they_o be_v still_o stepe_v forward_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o stay_v in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o circumstance_n of_o posture_n where_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v also_o with_o bird_n in_o a_o turn_a bellcage_n and_o so_o when_o christian_n or_o church-member_n be_v set_v into_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o the_o wheel_n of_o occurrent_n be_v still_o turn_v upon_o they_o either_o they_o must_v be_v still_o step_v forward_o or_o else_o they_o can_v keep_v the_o same_o sight_n of_o their_o station_n but_o be_v drive_v backward_o and_o overturn_v 4._o we_o must_v be_v industrious_a and_o zealous_a in_o all_o the_o affair_n which_o make_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o improvement_n of_o what_o we_o have_v i_o commend_v that_o cluster_n of_o apostolical_a precept_n unto_o you_o in_o rom._n 12._o 11._o be_v not_o slothful_a in_o business_n but_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n and_o these_o be_v connex_v and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o the_o other_o first_o not_o slothful_a i._n e._n neither_o altogether_o idle_a nor_o remiss_a or_o careless_a how_o we_o do_v what_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v do_v how_o slow_o how_o seldom_o how_o slight_o for_o he_o that_o be_v slothful_a in_o his_o work_n be_v brother_n to_o he_o that_o be_v a_o great_a waster_n prov._n 18._o 9_o so_o far_o will_v he_o prove_v from_o a_o holder_n fast_o of_o what_o he_o have_v for_o the_o slothful_a get_v nothing_o as_o the_o waster_n spend_v all_o and_o so_o in_o their_o emptiness_n and_o needinesse_n they_o come_v to_o shake_v hand_n together_o again_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v slothful_a we_o must_v be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n for_o sloathfulnesse_n be_v from_o coldness_n of_o temper_n corporal_o or_o spiritual_o and_o activity_n be_v from_o heat_n and_o fervency_n so_o that_o unless_o one_o be_v somewhat_o zealous_a he_o can_v be_v constant_o laborious_a as_o the_o light_n be_v go_v in_o a_o manner_n when_o the_o flame_n of_o a_o candle_n be_v extinguish_v and_o the_o fire_n will_v quick_o