juda_n who_o as_o we_o may_v read_v 2._o king_n 20._o be_v sore_o sick_a even_o unto_o death_n be_v restore_v to_o health_n and_o obtain_v of_o god_n the_o lengthen_v of_o his_o day_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n which_o wonderful_a recovery_n he_o obtain_v by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o he_o show_v in_o time_n of_o his_o sickness_n by_o a_o prayer_n he_o make_v unto_o god_n the_o substance_n whereof_o stand_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o be_v very_o sick_a he_o pray_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n this_o appear_v by_o his_o thanksgiving_n upon_o his_o recovery_n isaiah_n 38.17_o where_o he_o confess_v that_o god_n have_v cast_v all_o his_o sin_n behind_o his_o back_n now_o look_v for_o what_o he_o give_v thanks_o that_o no_o doubt_n he_o have_v before_o beg_v of_o god_n in_o prayer_n second_o he_o make_v request_n unto_o god_n for_o prolong_v of_o his_o day_n for_o some_o reason_n which_o do_v concern_v himself_o and_o this_o he_o also_o pray_v for_o in_o faith_n now_o the_o reason_n move_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o long_a life_n be_v these_o first_o he_o have_v then_o no_o issue_n to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v for_o life_n to_o beget_v a_o child_n which_o may_v sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n after_o he_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o prayer_n be_v this_o god_n have_v make_v a_o particular_a promise_n unto_o david_n and_o solomon_n 1._o king_n 8.25_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o want_v issue_n after_o they_o to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o their_o child_n take_v heed_n to_o their_o way_n to_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n as_o david_n do_v now_o king_n hezekiah_n know_v this_o promise_n have_v regard_n hereunto_o and_o build_v himself_o hereon_o his_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_n that_o he_o have_v walk_v before_o the_o lord_n upright_o he_o pray_v for_o issue_n to_o succeed_v he_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n he_o desire_v strength_n of_o body_n and_o length_n of_o day_n this_o appear_v notable_o by_o his_o prayer_n 2._o king_n 20.3_o lord_n say_v he_o i_o beseech_v thou_o now_o remember_v how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o prayer_n be_v this_o all_o the_o king_n succeed_v david_n and_o solomon_n which_o walk_v in_o god_n commandment_n shall_v have_v issue_n to_o sit_v on_o their_o throne_n after_o they_o now_o from_o hence_o he_o pray_v thus_o oh_o lord_n i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o hereupon_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v grant_v i_o issue_n to_o sit_v upon_o my_o throne_n after_o i_o and_o therefore_o life_n and_o health_n to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o second_o he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v live_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o that_o weighty_a call_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v he_o over_o his_o people_n this_o appear_v likewise_o by_o his_o thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n upon_o his_o recovery_n where_o he_o say_v isaiah_n 38.20_o â—he_v lord_n be_v ready_a to_o save_v i_o therefore_o we_o will_v sing_v my_o song_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n thus_o by_o his_o worthy_a prayer_n he_o show_v forth_o his_o faith_n notable_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o be_v sick_a unto_o death_n he_o obtain_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o prolong_n of_o his_o day_n for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o year_n and_o so_o we_o see_v to_o who_o this_o seven_o effect_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v here_o we_o be_v teach_v a_o special_a duty_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o our_o health_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n to_o wit_n before_o we_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n we_o must_v according_a to_o this_o example_n first_o put_v our_o faith_n in_o practice_n by_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n past_a confess_v they_o true_o unto_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o pardon_n from_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o also_o by_o entreat_v health_n of_o god_n and_o his_o good_a blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o we_o shall_v use_v for_o our_o recovery_n thus_o have_v other_o of_o god_n servant_n do_v beside_o hezekias_n when_o david_n be_v grievous_o sick_a the_o principal_a thing_n he_o do_v be_v this_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o humble_v his_o soul_n before_o god_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o entreat_v earnest_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o as_o we_o may_v see_v psa._n 6._o &_o 38._o this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o in_o those_o psalm_n be_v propound_v of_o david_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n jam._n 5.14_o 15_o be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o must_v they_o do_v sure_o first_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o then_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o those_o day_n anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v any_o sin_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o and_o here_o we_o must_v be_v admonish_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o bad_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o case_n the_o most_o man_n in_o their_o sickness_n first_o seek_v to_o the_o physician_n and_o if_o that_o fail_v they_o they_o send_v for_o the_o minister_n this_o be_v king_n asa_n his_o practice_n for_o which_o he_o be_v brand_v to_o all_o posterity_n that_o be_v disease_v in_o his_o foot_n he_o seek_v unto_o physician_n and_o not_o unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o chron._n 16.12_o though_o otherwise_o he_o have_v good_a thing_n in_o he_o as_o 1._o king_n 15.14_o and_o many_o do_v far_o worse_o who_o seek_v to_o witch_n and_o enchanter_n when_o they_o or_o they_o be_v in_o such_o distress_n but_o this_o be_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o to_o seek_v help_n of_o the_o devil_n like_v to_o ahaziah_n who_o send_v to_o baalzebub_n the_o god_n of_o ekron_n to_o know_v of_o his_o recovery_n when_o he_o be_v sick_a upon_o a_o fall_n 2._o king_n 1.2_o this_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o all_o god_n child_n for_o as_o ahaziahs_n sickness_n become_v deadly_a through_o his_o send_n to_o baalzebub_n so_o undoubted_o many_o disease_n become_v incurable_a by_o the_o bad_a and_o preposterous_a deal_n of_o the_o patient_n who_o either_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n or_o lawful_a mean_n disordered_o or_o trust_v therein_o we_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n must_v remember_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n as_o hezekiah_n do_v the_o eight_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o wax_v valiant_a in_o battle_n this_o effect_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o the_o judge_n before_o name_v and_o of_o all_o the_o good_a king_n in_o juda_n and_o israel_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o especial_o to_o who_o we_o may_v more_o peculiar_o refer_v it_o to_o wit_n samson_n and_o david_n for_o samson_n he_o by_o mean_n of_o faith_n come_v to_o be_v so_o mighty_a judg._n 15.15_o that_o with_o the_o jaw_n bone_n of_o a_o ass_n he_o slay_v a_o thousand_o philistines_n and_o for_o david_n he_o likewise_o be_v so_o encourage_v by_o faith_n that_o with_o the_o same_o sling_n wherewith_o he_o keep_v his_o father_n sheep_n which_o be_v but_o a_o slender_a weapon_n for_o war_n he_o encounter_v with_o goliath_n that_o huge_a philistim_n and_o hit_v he_o with_o a_o stone_n in_o the_o forehead_n and_o slay_v he_o both_o these_o fact_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o make_v they_o bold_a to_o encounter_v with_o these_o mighty_a enemy_n in_o this_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n first_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o true_a fortitude_n and_o manhood_n right_a valour_n and_o courage_n come_v from_o true_a faith_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o many_o heathen_a man_n have_v great_a strength_n and_o courage_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o true_a valour_n for_o right_a valour_n come_v from_o a_o believe_a heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o judge_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n wax_v strong_a in_o battle_n by_o faith_n second_o do_v true_a faith_n make_v man_n valiant_a in_o battle_n then_o shall_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v set_v up_o and_o maintain_v as_o well_o in_o the_o camp_n and_o guarison_n and_o among_o soldier_n on_o the_o sea_n as_o in_o city_n and_o town_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o this_o faith_n which_o give_v valour_n in_o battle_n to_o they_o that_o fight_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n enjoin_v by_o moses_n that_o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v out_o to_o battle_n the_o priest_n
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 put_v away_o so_o ill_a a_o master_n who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meat_n and_o drink_v to_o give_v we_o for_o we_o have_v even_o that_o from_o god_n but_o of_o his_o own_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v we_o save_v in_o this_o world_n sorrow_n and_o shame_n and_o a_o ill_a conscience_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n with_o himself_o and_o let_v we_o all_o seek_v the_o bless_a service_n of_o god_n if_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o attain_v it_o go_v to_o christ_n by_o hearty_a confession_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o he_o will_v prefer_v thou_o to_o god_n his_o father_n for_o never_o be_v any_o deny_v that_o with_o a_o good_a and_o true_a heart_n offer_v himself_o to_o god_n service_n then_o shall_v we_o feel_v and_o find_v what_o a_o bless_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v god_n servant_n of_o who_o it_o be_v ever_o true_a which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o say_v and_o be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o 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
not_o only_o believe_v and_o obay_v but_o as_o god_n promise_v so_o he_o go_v to_o it_o and_o take_v possession_n and_o die_v in_o this_o faith_n that_o god_n will_v perform_v his_o promise_n and_o that_o his_o posterity_n shall_v inherit_v it_o all_o as_o afterward_o indeed_o they_o do_v even_o from_o moses_n to_o christ._n if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o abraham_n know_v that_o god_n be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o have_v the_o world_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o disposition_n and_o therefore_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o make_v good_a his_o word_n notwithstanding_o all_o such_o impediment_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o as_o he_o believe_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v his_o posterity_n come_v to_o it_o enter_v as_o conqueror_n upon_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o amaze_v all_o these_o king_n and_o their_o people_n as_o some_o submit_v as_o the_o gibeonit_n and_o they_o that_o do_v not_o be_v all_o slay_v and_o their_o country_n conquer_v as_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n all_o the_o story_n whereof_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v by_o david_n in_o few_o word_n where_o he_o say_v we_o have_v hear_v with_o our_o ear_n our_o father_n have_v tell_v we_o how_o thou_o o_o lord_n drive_v out_o the_o heathen_a with_o thy_o hand_n and_o plant_v they_o in_o how_o thou_o destroy_v the_o people_n and_o make_v they_o grow_v psal._n 44.1.2_o out_o of_o which_o we_o learn_v two_o instruction_n first_o that_o the_o change_n of_o state_n and_o alteration_n of_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o that_o he_o can_v turn_v they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o as_o it_o please_v he_o to_o this_o purpose_n say_v david_n in_o the_o forenamed_a psalm_n verse_n the_o four_o they_o inherit_v not_o the_o land_n by_o their_o own_o sword_n neither_o do_v their_o own_o arm_n save_o they_o but_o thy_o right_a hand_n and_o thy_o arm_n and_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n because_o thou_o do_v favour_v they_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v earnest_o in_o our_o daily_a prayer_n for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o of_o that_o worthy_a prince_n and_o queen_n under_o who_o government_n we_o have_v be_v so_o long_o and_o so_o liberal_o bless_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n the_o certainty_n and_o security_n of_o it_o and_o she_o be_v not_o in_o our_o policy_n might_n munition_n ship_n not_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o navy_n nor_o in_o the_o power_n of_o our_o armour_n nor_o in_o the_o chivalry_n of_o our_o people_n nor_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o council_n though_o for_o all_o these_o we_o be_v a_o people_n honour_v of_o our_o friend_n and_o fear_v of_o our_o enemy_n but_o in_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o our_o god_n who_o as_o daniel_n say_v bear_v rule_v over_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o give_v they_o to_o whosoever_o he_o will_v dan._n 4.22_o see_v therefore_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o giver_n and_o establisher_n the_o remover_n and_o changer_n of_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o elisha_n be_v the_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o israel_n 2._o king_n 13.14_o and_o sure_o if_o elisha_n for_o his_o prayer_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o king_n himself_o to_o be_v his_o father_n then_o doubtless_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o such_o other_o in_o our_o church_n as_o pray_v daily_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v account_v good_a child_n of_o our_o church_n and_o worthy_a member_n of_o our_o state_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n and_o overthrow_v of_o estate_n namely_o sin_n and_o ungodliness_n this_o be_v most_o apparent_a in_o the_o present_a example_n for_o why_o do_v god_n take_v this_o land_n from_o the_o canaanite_n and_o give_v it_o to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o story_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o deuteronomie_n moses_n charge_v the_o israelite_n that_o they_o do_v not_o after_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a canaanite_n for_o say_v he_o because_o of_o their_o abominable_a sin_n god_n do_v cast_v they_o out_o before_o you_o deut._n 18.9.12_o and_o why_o do_v not_o god_n instant_o give_v it_o to_o abraham_n to_o inherit_v after_o the_o promise_n even_o because_o the_o wickedness_n of_o these_o amorites_n be_v not_o then_o full_a gen._n 15.16_o that_o be_v their_o sin_n be_v not_o then_o ripe_a for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o though_o god_n be_v the_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o kingdom_n and_o may_v dispose_v they_o as_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o rather_o exercise_v his_o justice_n then_o his_o power_n and_o never_o overturn_v any_o state_n but_o upon_o cause_n of_o their_o apparent_a sinfulness_n nor_o can_v the_o amorites_n or_o canaanite_n plead_v herein_o any_o hard_a measure_n for_o the_o same_o god_n deal_v afterward_o in_o the_o same_o justice_n with_o his_o own_o people_n give_v the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n to_o the_o chaldean_n and_o israel_n to_o the_o assyrian_n and_o the_o cause_n be_v lay_v down_o most_o memorable_o in_o the_o story_n when_o the_o israelite_n sin_v against_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o and_o do_v secret_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o make_v image_n and_o serve_v idol_n and_o though_o god_n warn_v they_o by_o his_o prophet_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o obey_v but_o harden_v their_o neck_n and_o so_o final_o leave_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n then_o the_o lord_n be_v exceed_v wroth_a with_o israel_n and_o cast_v they_o also_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n 2._o king_n 17._o from_o the_o seven_o verse_n to_o the_o 19_o thus_o sin_n be_v able_a to_o overturn_v kingdom_n be_v they_o canaanite_n israelite_n or_o whosoever_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o look_v to_o our_o life_n &_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n especial_o great_a &_o capital_a &_o cry_v sin_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o people_n be_v worm_n and_o canker_n eat_v out_o the_o life_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o let_v our_o state_n and_o government_n learn_v here_o to_o look_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o people_n especial_o for_o great_a sin_n for_o open_a profaneness_n or_o uncleanness_n or_o oppression_n or_o injustice_n or_o extortion_n or_o cruelty_n and_o exaction_n all_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o sin_n reign_v in_o a_o state_n be_v able_a to_o overturn_v the_o best_a establish_a kingdom_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o will_v at_o last_o do_v power_n and_o policy_n what_o they_o can_v make_v the_o land_n spewe_v out_o her_o inhabitant_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v the_o wily_a wit_n of_o man_n judge_v as_o they_o list_v it_o will_v prove_v true_a that_o the_o sinful_a and_o profane_a man_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o the_o godly_a and_o conscionable_a man_n the_o best_a friend_n to_o a_o state_n and_o best_a subject_n in_o a_o kingdom_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o point_n in_o abraham_n obedience_n namely_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o three_o and_o last_o point_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o obedience_n which_o follow_v in_o these_o word_n and_o he_o go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o his_o leave_v his_o country_n in_o man_n reason_n will_v seem_v strange_a nay_o the_o world_n will_v condemn_v it_o for_o plain_a foolishness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o leave_v a_o certainty_n for_o a_o uncertainty_n but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v doubt_v how_o the_o apostle_n can_v here_o say_v that_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v seeing_z these_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v not_o that_o practice_n allow_v tradition_n beside_o scripture_n i_o answer_v first_o we_o refuse_v no_o tradition_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o one_o of_o these_o we_o receive_v they_o though_o not_o as_o scripture_n second_o if_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v add_v any_o thing_n in_o any_o story_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o old_a as_o s._n paul_n do_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o sorcerer_n of_o egypt_n jannes_n and_o jambre_n 2._o timoth._n 3.8_o that_o circumstance_n by_o they_o so_o add_v be_v to_o be_v hold_v as_o scripture_n and_o no_o tradition_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v have_v insert_v it_o
of_o the_o jew_n nation_n who_o faith_n be_v here_o remember_v she_o be_v the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n the_o grand_a patriarch_n of_o the_o age_n betwixt_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o she_o we_o read_v this_o story_n among_o other_o gen._n 18.13_o god_n by_o his_o angel_n appear_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o she_o make_v a_o promise_n that_o within_o the_o year_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n both_o hear_v it_o and_o both_o laugh_v to_o hear_v it_o abraham_n in_o joy_n and_o admiration_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o reprove_v she_o in_o doubtfulness_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o almost_o impossibility_n and_o be_v for_o it_o sharp_o reprove_v of_o the_o angel_n yet_o behold_v this_o sarah_n that_o even_o now_o laugh_v to_o hear_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o be_v a_o fond_a conceit_n and_o mere_a impossible_a yet_o afterward_o believe_v and_o in_o so_o good_a a_o measure_n as_o her_o faith_n be_v here_o register_v to_o all_o posterity_n in_o her_o example_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o good_a lesson_n it_o be_v a_o bad_a thing_n in_o sarah_n to_o laugh_v at_o god_n word_n though_o it_o seem_v never_o so_o high_a above_o her_o conceit_n but_o it_o be_v good_a &_o commendable_a that_o she_o correct_v her_o fault_n and_o testify_v her_o amendment_n by_o believe_v we_o all_o follow_v sarahs_n fault_n but_o few_o her_o repentance_n many_o in_o our_o church_n be_v mocker_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n thereof_o and_o all_o religion_n that_o stand_v not_o with_o their_o humour_n be_v no_o more_o regard_v of_o they_o than_o toy_n or_o device_n and_o they_o be_v count_v fool_n or_o hypocrite_n that_o think_v otherwise_o but_o alas_o these_o man_n know_v not_o how_o vile_a a_o sin_n they_o commit_v while_o they_o laugh_v at_o god_n word_n for_o if_o her_o fault_n be_v such_o who_o laugh_v at_o that_o that_o seem_v to_o she_o almost_o impossible_a and_o yet_o without_o any_o profaneness_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o that_o out_o of_o their_o carnalitie_n and_o fleshly_a profaneness_n do_v make_v but_o a_o sport_n at_o all_o god_n ordinance_n promise_n and_o commandment_n and_o at_o all_o religion_n more_o than_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n let_v such_o man_n be_v warn_v to_o cease_v mock_v and_o lay_v aside_o revile_v of_o other_o and_o begin_v in_o sober_o and_o serious_o to_o believe_v else_o they_o will_v find_v it_o sharp_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n and_o dangerous_a play_v with_o edge-tool_n furthermore_o sarah_n that_o laugh_v in_o doubt_v yet_o withal_o believe_v this_o teach_v we_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v join_v always_o with_o doubt_v in_o all_o god_n child_n if_o any_o object_n that_o follow_v not_o here_o for_o she_o first_o doubt_v and_o then_o believe_v when_o she_o doubt_v she_o believe_v not_o and_o when_o she_o believe_v she_o doubt_v not_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o will_v prove_v for_o sarah_n be_v no_o infidel_n utter_o to_o deny_v and_o gainsay_v god_n word_n when_o she_o hear_v it_o but_o only_o find_v it_o in_o all_o reason_n impossible_a she_o therefore_o present_o yield_v not_o to_o it_o but_o laugh_v at_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n past_o ordinary_a course_n yet_o withal_o she_o regard_v who_o speak_v it_o namely_o god_n and_o therefore_o forthwith_o judge_v it_o possible_a with_o god_n though_o impossible_a in_o reason_n and_o so_o at_o last_o constant_o believe_v it_o yet_o still_o her_o reason_n gainsay_v it_o so_o that_o she_o never_o doubt_v so_o but_o that_o she_o in_o some_o part_n believe_v it_o and_o when_o she_o believe_v it_o most_o steadfast_o yet_o she_o something_a doubt_v of_o it_o reason_n say_v it_o can_v not_o be_v faith_n say_v it_o may_v be_v therefore_o as_o when_o reason_n overrule_a yet_o she_o have_v some_o spark_n of_o faith_n so_o when_o her_o faith_n be_v predominant_a there_o remain_v some_o relic_n of_o doubt_v for_o as_o reason_n can_v overthrow_v true_a faith_n so_o the_o best_a faith_n in_o this_o world_n can_v full_o vanquish_v reason_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n word_n mark_v 9.24_o jesus_n bid_v the_o father_n of_o the_o child_n possess_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o his_o child_n shall_v be_v dispossess_v he_o answer_v cry_v with_o tear_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n there_o be_v faith_n and_o unbelief_n in_o one_o soul_n at_o one_o time_n in_o one_o action_n upon_o one_o object_n and_o what_o be_v unbelief_n but_o doubt_v or_o worse_a and_o christ_n often_o reprove_v his_o disciple_n for_o their_o doubt_n and_o call_v they_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o yet_o all_o know_v that_o that_o they_o then_o have_v true_a faith_n yea_o s._n peter_n himself_o most_o famous_a for_o his_o faith_n be_v reprove_v in_o the_o same_o word_n o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefore_o do_v thou_o doubt_v he_o have_v a_o little_a faith_n therefore_o some_o faith_n a_o little_a faith_n therefore_o much_o doubt_n therefore_o it_o be_v apparent_a a_o man_n may_v have_v in_o his_o soul_n at_o once_o both_o faith_n and_o doubt_v yea_o common_o we_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n or_o a_o mite_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o mountain_n of_o doubt_v the_o use_n of_o â—his_n doctrine_n first_o discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o many_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n who_o care_v not_o how_o they_o live_v yet_o say_v they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o ask_v how_o they_o know_v it_o they_o answer_v they_o know_v no_o other_o ask_v when_o they_o begin_v they_o say_v they_o do_v ever_o so_o ask_v if_o they_o doubt_v they_o answer_v they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a so_o to_o do_v but_o alas_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n and_o presumption_n our_o religion_n can_v never_o be_v disgrace_v by_o such_o man_n for_o they_o have_v it_o not_o they_o know_v it_o not_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v shame_v to_o answer_v so_o these_o man_n have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o for_o where_o it_o be_v doubt_v do_v always_o show_v itself_o and_o he_o that_o know_v he_o believe_v know_v also_o he_o doubt_v and_o the_o more_o he_o believe_v the_o more_o he_o know_v and_o feel_v his_o doubt_n for_o where_o these_o two_o be_v they_o be_v always_o opposite_a and_o show_v their_o contrary_a nature_n the_o one_o be_v the_o spirit_n the_o other_o be_v flesh_n and_o corruption_n and_o these_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v lust_n one_o against_o another_o galath_n 5.17_o he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o be_v whole_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o flesh_n or_o corruption_n in_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o corruption_n and_o he_o that_o imagine_v he_o have_v perfect_a faith_n and_o no_o doubt_v have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o in_o he_o but_o carnal_a presumption_n second_o here_o be_v comfort_n to_o all_o such_o as_o have_v faith_n &_o grace_n and_o yet_o be_v daily_o trouble_v with_o temptation_n let_v not_o such_o be_v dismay_v though_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o much_o doubt_v and_o diffidence_n for_o sarah_n believe_v and_o yet_o she_o doubt_v yea_o notwithstanding_o all_o her_o doubt_n she_o believe_v so_o excellent_o as_o her_o faith_n be_v here_o make_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o holy_a matron_n for_o ever_o he_o therefore_o that_o be_v even_o buffet_v by_o satan_n with_o temptation_n of_o doubt_v let_v not_o he_o be_v dismay_v as_o though_o he_o have_v no_o faith_n but_o let_v he_o be_v assure_v his_o doubt_v do_v not_o bewray_v itself_o but_o that_o faith_n make_v the_o opposition_n and_o therefore_o let_v he_o strive_v with_o tear_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o person_n who_o sarah_n but_o what_o be_v the_o action_n which_o she_o do_v it_o be_v imply_v in_o these_o word_n through_o faith_n sarah_n etc._n etc._n her_o action_n be_v she_o believe_v this_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o action_n of_o believe_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o this_o chapter_n these_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n have_v other_o holy_a virtue_n but_o their_o faith_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v here_o commend_v now_o particular_o for_o sarahs_n faith_n here_o be_v one_o notable_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v the_o very_a same_o word_n of_o god_n which_o she_o believe_v and_o for_o believe_v whereof_o she_o be_v here_o register_v at_o â—he_n same_o she_o also_o laugh_v but_o behold_v her_o faith_n be_v record_v her_o laugh_n be_v not_o her_o faith_n be_v commend_v her_o fault_n silence_v in_o which_o holy_a &_o merciful_a practice_n of_o god_n we_o learn_v first_o that_o god_n accept_v true_a faith_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o many_o infirmity_n as_o a_o king_n be_v content_a to_o give_v a_o beggar_n â—n_a alm_n
god_n have_v appoint_v to_o the_o use_n whereof_o he_o have_v annex_v his_o promise_n of_o help_n against_o sin_n let_v they_o therefore_o lie_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n unto_o their_o conscience_n in_o holy_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n let_v they_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n god_n have_v appoint_v hear_v and_o read_v his_o word_n receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n crave_v also_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o and_o let_v they_o sharpen_v these_o holy_a exercise_n by_o fast_v watch_v holy_a conference_n with_o other_o visitation_n of_o other_o afflict_v like_o themselves_o oft_o reveal_v their_o estate_n to_o their_o godly_a pastor_n let_v they_o continue_v thus_o do_v and_o rest_v confident_o on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o steadfast_a foot_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o old_a sarah_n shall_v have_v strength_n to_o conceive_v that_o be_v that_o their_o poor_a soul_n shall_v receive_v strength_n to_o tread_v upon_o satan_n to_o conquer_v their_o corruption_n &_o to_o conceive_v &_o bring_v forth_o many_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o late_a experience_n as_o isaac_n be_v to_o sarah_n in_o her_o elder_a age_n the_o next_o doctrine_n we_o may_v here_o learn_v be_v that_o whereas_o sarah_n by_o her_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o therefore_o child_n be_v the_o immediate_a blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o sarah_n bare_a isaac_n not_o by_o any_o ordinary_a strength_n or_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o through_o faith_n she_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v this_o so_o in_o she_o only_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n power_n but_o in_o all_o some_o be_v indeed_o barren_a by_o constitution_n and_o these_o can_v conceive_v unless_o by_o god_n power_n as_o sarah_n do_v but_o some_o have_v no_o child_n who_o in_o all_o natural_a reason_n may_v conceive_v for_o as_o god_n give_v the_o law_n and_o thereby_o a_o gift_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v genesis_n 1.22_o so_o he_o reserve_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o power_n to_o alter_v or_o dispense_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v as_o it_o please_v he_o therefore_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o psal._n 128.4_o he_o say_v loe_o thus_o shall_v he_o be_v bless_v that_o fear_v the_o lord_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v parent_n therefore_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o as_o god_n blessing_n and_o not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o corporal_a necessity_n for_o so_o they_o do_v their_o beast_n but_o to_o nurture_n they_o in_o holy_a discipline_n by_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n if_o this_o they_o want_v they_o have_v nothing_o though_o you_o leave_v they_o earldom_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o say_n true_a better_a unborn_a than_o untaught_a the_o law_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v be_v give_v to_o beast_n in_o their_o kind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o genesis_n 1._o verse_n 22._o therefore_o unless_o we_o do_v more_o than_o provide_v for_o their_o body_n we_o differ_v little_a from_o they_o but_o make_v they_o know_v god_n and_o so_o we_o make_v they_o fellow_n with_o the_o angel_n if_o parent_n do_v thus_o it_o can_v be_v express_v what_o blessing_n will_v come_v thereby_o to_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n three_o and_o last_o let_v we_o here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o this_o holy_a matron_n sarah_n figure_v unto_o we_o mystical_o the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o god._n allegory_n be_v chary_o and_o spare_o to_o be_v teach_v else_o much_o unsounde_a doctrine_n may_v cumber_v man_n conscience_n but_o this_o be_v sound_a and_o sure_a for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n galath_n 4.23_o etc._n etc._n by_o agar_n and_o sarah_n other_o thing_n be_v mean_v for_o these_o two_o mother_n be_v two_o testament_n agar_n she_o which_o gender_v unto_o bondage_n sarah_n jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o from_o above_o and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o natural_a sarah_n the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n and_o mystical_a sarah_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o as_o she_o not_o by_o power_n in_o herself_o but_o by_o god_n power_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n bare_a isaac_n so_o the_o church_n our_o mother_n bring_v forth_o child_n to_o god_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o as_o isaac_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o promise_n and_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o promise_n galath_n 4.23_o so_o man_n regenerate_v and_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n john_n 1.13_o and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.18_o god_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o will_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o two_o together_o beget_v child_n to_o the_o church_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o honour_v the_o church_n as_o our_o mother_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n alone_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o church_n can_v make_v herself_o our_o mother_n noâ—_n we_o her_o child_n when_o she_o will_v but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o must_v speak_v the_o word_n and_o then_o we_o be_v make_v he_o must_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o further_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v god_n child_n and_o heir_n of_o immortality_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o two_o first_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n the_o three_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n which_o because_o it_o be_v much_o stand_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o will_v put_v it_o off_o till_o then_o be_v therefore_o worthy_a our_o deep_a consideration_n and_o now_o follow_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n the_o five_o and_o last_o point_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o faith_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o she_o build_v this_o her_o faith_n that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n be_v barren_a and_o past_a age_n be_v not_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o god_n so_o much_o as_o the_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n she_o have_v of_o he_o that_o promise_v for_o promise_n be_v not_o of_o value_n so_o much_o by_o the_o thing_n promise_v though_o never_o so_o great_a or_o excellent_a for_o they_o may_v promise_v much_o who_o can_v perform_v nothing_o or_o though_o they_o can_v yet_o will_v recall_v their_o word_n in_o lightness_n and_o inconstancy_n as_o by_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o party_n promise_v we_o say_v in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v rather_o have_v some_o man_n word_n than_o other_o man_n bond_n and_o rather_o have_v a_o little_a promise_v of_o some_o then_o much_o of_o other_o now_o such_o be_v the_o judgement_n that_o sarah_n hold_v of_o he_o that_o promisâ—â—_n namely_o god_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v faithful_n that_o be_v she_o judge_v he_o able_a &_o willing_a to_o accomplish_v whatever_o he_o promise_v to_o she_o so_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n must_v be_v a_o sure_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o god_n 1._o his_o ability_n to_o make_v good_a whatever_o pass_v he_o in_o word_n 2._o his_o carefulness_n to_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v say_v it_o some_o will_v promise_v any_o thing_n though_o their_o ability_n stretch_v not_o to_o perform_v other_o be_v able_a enough_o but_o have_v no_o care_n of_o their_o word_n but_o both_o these_o be_v in_o god_n all-sufficient_a ability_n and_o most_o careful_a willingness_n so_o sarah_n judge_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o she_o believe_v against_o reason_n and_o so_o must_v we_o do_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v god_n word_n aright_o we_o may_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o know_v god_n word_n and_o have_v the_o point_n therein_o swim_v in_o our_o head_n but_o if_o we_o will_v constant_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n his_o bless_a promise_n &_o in_o our_o conscience_n fear_v his_o threaten_n we_o must_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o these_o two_o to_o be_v in_o he_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v by_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n afore_o we_o pray_v for_o
believer_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n let_v this_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o see_v our_o own_o sin_n how_o hideous_a &_o monstrous_a they_o be_v yet_o not_o to_o despair_v and_o when_o we_o see_v other_o man_n live_v in_o extreme_a dissolutenes_n yet_o not_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o before_o the_o time_n but_o even_o then_o with_o hope_n and_o comfort_n remember_v that_o god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v and_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o he_o may_v quicken_v our_o dead_a heart_n and_o revive_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v we_o raise_v up_o ourselves_o to_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n of_o god_n word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o if_o we_o careful_o and_o continual_o do_v we_o shall_v see_v wonder_n wrought_v in_o we_o that_o as_o they_o say_v of_o paul_n this_o man_n preach_v the_o faith_n which_o afore_o he_o destroy_v and_o therefore_o glorify_v god_n for_o he_o galath_n 1.22.23_o so_o shall_v man_n say_v of_o we_o this_o man_n hate_v the_o profaneness_n that_o afore_o he_o live_v in_o and_o love_v the_o religion_n that_o afore_o he_o mock_v such_o miracle_n will_v the_o lord_n work_v in_o we_o if_o with_o faith_n and_o diligence_n we_o use_v the_o holy_a mean_n that_o so_o all_o that_o see_v we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n for_o us._n thus_o we_o see_v general_o how_o great_a the_o issue_n and_o posterity_n of_o sarah_n be_v but_o it_o be_v more_o particular_o enlarge_v by_o two_o comparison_n as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n or_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o sea_n shore_n which_o be_v innumerable_a his_o comparison_n be_v two_o one_o take_v from_o the_o heaven_n as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n the_o other_o from_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o sand_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o these_o two_o be_v use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v thing_n of_o incredible_a number_n to_o express_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o come_v all_o from_o sarah_n not_o but_o that_o other_o thing_n also_o be_v of_o as_o great_a number_n as_o the_o drop_n of_o water_n dust_n of_o the_o earth_n &_o hair_n of_o man_n head_n &c_n &c_n but_o these_o two_o be_v most_o common_a and_o proverbial_a phrase_n whereby_o to_o express_v a_o multitude_n and_o again_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n be_v rather_o name_v then_o any_o other_o because_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o beginning_n please_v to_o use_v it_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o have_v never_o a_o child_n gen._n 15.8_o god_n carry_v abraham_n forth_o in_o the_o night_n and_o bid_v he_o count_v the_o star_n if_o he_o can_v and_o say_v so_o shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v and_o moses_n afterward_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n deut._n 10.22_o our_o father_n go_v down_o into_o egypt_n 70._o person_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v we_o as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n in_o multitude_n now_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o astronomer_n as_o abraham_n and_o moses_n be_v and_o that_o ignorant_a man_n may_v say_v they_o can_v perceive_v no_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o star_n therefore_o he_o use_v another_o comparison_n which_o every_o countryman_n may_v discern_v how_o innumerable_a they_o be_v namely_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o seashore_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v say_v i_o dwell_v in_o the_o midland_n country_n and_o never_o see_v the_o sea_n sand_n and_o be_o ignorant_a and_o so_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o star_n therefore_o to_o put_v he_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v he_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n that_o they_o be_v both_o innumerable_a that_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o god_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o man_n and_o man_n skill_n unable_a to_o be_v count_v concern_v these_o two_o comparison_n let_v we_o observe_v the_o manner_n or_o the_o phrase_n of_o speech_n in_o they_o use_v second_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o intend_v for_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o speech_n be_v not_o proper_a but_o figurative_a for_o proper_o they_o be_v not_o as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n or_o as_o the_o sand_n neither_o be_v the_o star_n or_o sand_n innumerable_a but_o it_o be_v a_o figure_n call_v by_o the_o rhetorician_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o fineness_n of_o speech_n or_o a_o excessive_a elegancy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o all_o writer_n and_o even_o in_o common_a speech_n so_o it_o be_v not_o refuse_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o use_v both_o here_o and_o in_o the_o two_o forename_a place_n and_o the_o like_a also_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o in_o other_o phrase_n in_o other_o place_n as_o saint_n john_n 21.25_o i_o suppose_v say_v he_o if_o all_o the_o say_n and_o do_n of_o christ_n be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o will_v be_v write_v mean_v they_o will_v be_v exceed_v many_o and_o more_o than_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o salvation_n and_o deuteronomie_n 9_o verse_n 1._o moses_n say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o the_o canaanite_n be_v great_a and_o wall_v up_o to_o heaven_n mean_v that_o they_o be_v very_o high_a and_o so_o high_a as_o be_v possible_a for_o city_n wall_n to_o be_v and_o as_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v scale_v in_o all_o man_n reason_n have_v not_o god_n fight_v for_o they_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v common_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o see_v we_o allow_v that_o liberty_n to_o all_o writer_n and_o to_o ourselves_o in_o common_a speech_n no_o reason_n to_o deny_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o all_o man_n understanding_n and_o therefore_o in_o such_o phrase_n as_o be_v usual_a and_o ordinary_a with_o all_o man_n and_o the_o like_a liberty_n be_v here_o take_v also_o in_o another_o figure_n as_o many_o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o shore_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o word_n proper_o signify_v and_o sound_v the_o lip_n of_o the_o sea_n now_o the_o sea_n have_v no_o lip_n but_o it_o be_v a_o speech_n take_v or_o borrow_v from_o man_n or_o beast_n who_o have_v lip_n and_o the_o sea_n shore_n resemble_v a_o lip_n for_o look_v what_o a_o lip_n be_v to_o they_o the_o shore_n be_v to_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o two_o lip_n do_v enclose_v the_o mouth_n so_o the_o two_o shore_n on_o both_o side_n do_v enclose_v the_o sea_n which_o lie_v as_o in_o a_o mouth_n betwixt_o they_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v profitable_a instruction_n first_o that_o therefore_o rhetoric_n be_v a_o warrantable_a good_a and_o lawful_a art_n and_o it_o arise_v thus_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n practice_v must_v needs_o be_v not_o only_o not_o evil_a but_o good_a and_o warrantable_a but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o practice_v rhetoric_n here_o and_o in_o many_o place_n else_o of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o lawful_a arte._n the_o proposition_n be_v undoubted_a the_o assumption_n be_v clear_a both_o by_o these_o place_n and_o almost_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n many_o of_o saint_n paul_n epistle_n many_o of_o christ_n own_o sermon_n saint_n johns_n gospel_n many_o of_o the_o prophet_n especial_o esayah_n have_v as_o much_o and_o as_o elegant_a rhetoric_n in_o they_o as_o any_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n and_o beside_o all_o other_o virtue_n and_o divine_a power_n in_o they_o do_v even_o for_o figure_n and_o ornament_n of_o art_n match_v any_o orator_n that_o have_v write_v in_o the_o greek_n or_o latin_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v any_o hard_a task_n to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o illustrate_v every_o approve_a rule_n of_o rhetoric_n out_o of_o some_o part_n of_o scripture_n now_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o rhetoric_n then_o be_v it_o lawful_a also_o to_o collect_v those_o rule_n together_o to_o pen_v they_o and_o to_o make_v a_o art_n of_o they_o they_o therefore_o that_o hold_v the_o contrary_a do_v say_v or_o teach_v or_o write_v it_o be_v unlawful_a go_v against_o the_o stream_n and_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o rule_n of_o common_a reason_n second_o here_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o preach_v god_n word_n it_o be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a for_o a_o minister_n to_o use_v rhetoric_n and_o eloquence_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v good_a for_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v in_o pen_v of_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o may_v god_n minister_n use_v also_o in_o preach_v the_o same_o they_o therefore_o that_o deny_v that_o liberty_n to_o minister_n be_v too_o rough_a and_o rugged_a and_o pull_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o minister_n one_o of_o his_o weapon_n &_o out_o of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o
shall_v come_v forth_o 20.2.3_o and_o encourage_v the_o people_n that_o their_o heart_n may_v not_o faint_a nor_o fear_n nor_o dread_v their_o enemy_n because_o of_o the_o powerful_a presence_n of_o god_n fight_v for_o they_o the_o papist_n object_n this_o by_o way_n of_o reproach_n against_o zwinglius_fw-la who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o restorer_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o die_v in_o the_o field_n among_o soldier_n but_o this_o indeed_o be_v no_o reproach_n but_o rather_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a commendation_n unto_o he_o in_o that_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a christian_n about_o he_o he_o be_v content_a to_o hazard_v his_o own_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o eight_o effect_n the_o nine_o effect_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o these_o worthy_a man_n be_v commend_v be_v this_o they_o turn_v to_o flight_v the_o army_n of_o the_o alient_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o most_o of_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o good_a king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n but_o i_o will_v make_v choice_n especial_o of_o two_o gedion_n and_o jehosaphat_n for_o gedion_n one_o of_o the_o judge_n with_o three_o hundred_o soldier_n judge_n 6._o and_o 7_o altogether_o unweaponed_a only_o with_o light_a pitcher_n in_o their_o hand_n put_v to_o flight_v a_o mighty_a huge_a army_n of_o the_o midianite_n and_o jehosaphat_n a_o godly_a king_n be_v assault_v with_o a_o mighty_a and_o great_a army_n of_o moabite_n ammonite_n and_o man_n of_o mount_n seir_n know_v that_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n he_o can_v not_o withstand_v they_o and_o therefore_o by_o faith_n make_v a_o worthy_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n hear_v he_o and_o set_v his_o enemy_n one_o against_o another_o and_o so_o do_v he_o put_v they_o to_o flight_n which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v by_o any_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o kingdom_n and_o people_n may_v become_v able_a to_o put_v to_o flight_v their_o enemy_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n their_o faith_n in_o god_n by_o humble_v themselves_o true_o for_o their_o sin_n past_a with_o unfeigned_a confession_n of_o they_o unto_o god_n pray_v withal_o earnest_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o for_o god_n aid_n assistance_n &_o protection_n against_o their_o enemy_n the_o power_n of_o this_o mean_n be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o when_o eliah_n be_v take_v up_o elisha_n cry_v my_o father_n my_o father_n the_o chariot_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o horseman_n thereof_o 2._o king_n 2.12_o give_v he_o this_o notable_a commendation_n that_o he_o be_v as_o good_a to_o israel_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o all_o their_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n question_n how_o can_v that_o possible_o be_v true_a answer_n if_o we_o read_v the_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v most_o true_a that_o by_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o make_v in_o faith_n he_o do_v as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o land_n can_v do_v and_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o all_o christian_a king_n and_o people_n if_o they_o can_v show_v forth_o their_o faith_n by_o prayer_n unto_o god_n they_o shall_v do_v wonderful_a much_o hereby_o in_o subdue_a of_o their_o enemy_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o we_o have_v have_v many_o and_o dangerous_a assault_n from_o popish_a enemy_n both_o domestical_a and_o foreign_a who_o have_v of_o long_a time_n and_o no_o doubt_n still_o do_v purpose_n our_o overthrow_n now_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v their_o might_n and_o to_o escape_v their_o malice_n true_a it_o be_v christian_a policy_n and_o warlike_a provision_n must_v be_v use_v yet_o our_o stay_n and_o rest_n must_v not_o be_v thereon_o but_o we_o must_v stir_v up_o our_o faith_n both_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n prince_n and_o people_n and_o first_o of_o all_o humble_a ourselves_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o show_v forth_o our_o repentance_n by_o new_a obedience_n in_o time_n to_o come_v and_o then_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o outward_a mean_n which_o shall_v be_v use_v this_o be_v the_o right_a practice_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o case_n of_o danger_n by_o our_o enemy_n which_o we_o shall_v find_v if_o we_o exercise_v it_o unfeigned_o to_o be_v a_o sure_a mean_n of_o safety_n and_o victory_n against_o our_o enemy_n than_o all_o worldly_a munition_n and_o policy_n for_o hereby_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o lord_n for_o our_o protection_n and_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o outward_a mean_n give_v strength_n and_o good_a success_n thereunto_o when_o as_o omit_v this_o duty_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v with_o we_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o vain_a be_v the_o strength_n or_o wit_n of_o man_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o betray_v ourselves_o wilful_o into_o our_o enemy_n hand_n but_o by_o this_o practice_n of_o faith_n enable_v ourselves_o against_o all_o our_o enemy_n whatsoever_o otherwise_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v to_o be_v deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n for_o a_o prey_n unto_o their_o tooth_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o love_v our_o own_o safety_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o land_n let_v we_o practise_v this_o duty_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n avail_v much_o with_o god_n if_o it_o be_v fervent_a and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o moses_n when_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o to_o turn_v back_o the_o wrath_n that_o be_v broken-in_a upon_o the_o people_n let_v i_o alone_o as_o though_o moses_n have_v hold_v or_o bind_v the_o lord_n hand_n by_o his_o prayer_n that_o he_o can_v not_o smite_v his_o people_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o nine_o fruit_n of_o faith_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o widow_n and_o the_o shunamite_n verse_n 35._o the_o woman_n receive_v their_o dead_a raise_v up_o to_o life_n this_o be_v the_o ten_o and_o last_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o these_o two_o woman_n especial_o the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n and_o the_o shunamite_n the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n give_v entertainment_n 17._o o_o eliiah_n in_o the_o great_a famine_n have_v this_o blessing_n vouchsafe_v unto_o she_o for_o her_o faith_n that_o her_o dead_a son_n be_v restore_v to_o life_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o shunamite_n that_o provide_v lodging_n for_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n 4._o have_v her_o only_a son_n restore_v to_o life_n from_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n through_o faith_n now_o here_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o these_o two_o woman_n do_v not_o only_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n but_o more_o particular_o that_o god_n will_v use_v these_o his_o servant_n as_o mean_n to_o restore_v to_o life_n their_o two_o child_n that_o be_v dead_a as_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o both_o of_o they_o make_v mean_n to_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o reviue_n of_o their_o child_n which_o they_o do_v by_o faith_n but_o some_o will_v say_v this_o last_o effect_n of_o faith_n may_v seem_v to_o cross_v the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o which_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n 15.20_o how_o then_o can_v these_o that_o be_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n be_v restore_v from_o death_n to_o life_n answer_n saint_n paul_n meaning_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o those_o that_o rise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n to_o die_v no_o more_o but_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o so_o indeed_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_n for_o he_o rise_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o as_o for_o these_o two_o and_o some_o other_o mention_v both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a that_o be_v raise_v from_o death_n to_o life_n they_o rise_v not_o from_o the_o sleep_n of_o death_n to_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o die_v again_o in_o this_o ten_o fruit_n of_o faith_n all_o parent_n may_v learn_v their_o duty_n towards_o their_o child_n in_o the_o case_n of_o sickness_n or_o such_o like_a they_o must_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o these_o two_o godly_a woman_n and_o labour_v especial_o to_o show_v forth_o their_o faith_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o wit_n they_o must_v humble_v themselves_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o child_n and_o family_n pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o for_o god_n may_v visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o parent_n upon_o the_o child_n in_o bodily_a judgement_n and_o entreat_v the_o lord_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o health_n and_o liberty_n and_o withal_o they_o must_v use_v the_o ordinary_a lawful_a mean_n of_o recovery_n in_o physic_n and_o such_o like_a pray_v to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n thereupon_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o alas_o the_o manner_n and_o practice_n of_o
at_o the_o punishment_n belong_v unto_o they_o how_o can_v this_o be_v but_o that_o howsoever_o he_o grant_n there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o revenge_v the_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n &_o therefore_o he_o never_o fear_v nor_o shrink_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o nor_o fly_v at_o all_o from_o his_o revenge_a hand_n but_o plod_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o fear_n three_o man_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n justice_n for_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v to_o wink_v at_o sin_n in_o no_o man_n but_o to_o condemn_v and_o punish_v it_o wheresoever_o he_o find_v it_o by_o inflict_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o it_o but_o man_n deny_v this_o justice_n for_o though_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n law_n and_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o of_o it_o yet_o he_o persuade_v himself_o there_o be_v no_o curse_n nor_o punishment_n due_a for_o it_o at_o least_o that_o he_o shall_v escape_v it_o nay_o though_o he_o see_v never_o so_o many_o before_o he_o punish_v for_o the_o same_o sin_n yet_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o blind_a and_o so_o corrupt_a he_o think_v for_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o light_v on_o he_o and_o it_o be_v lamentable_a yet_o most_o true_a that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o ignorant_a man_n be_v a_o mere_a idol_n a_o god_n make_v all_o of_o mercy_n and_o which_o have_v no_o justice_n in_o he_o at_o all_o &_o their_o sin_n they_o careless_o lay_v all_o on_o christ_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o in_o this_o conceit_n they_o care_v not_o how_o ignorant_o how_o loose_o how_o profane_o they_o live_v and_o their_o heart_n never_o have_v a_o reverend_a and_o awful_a thought_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o pitiful_a imagination_n that_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n have_v of_o god_n all_o these_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o evident_a scripture_n the_o first_o in_o the_o psalm_n where_o david_n bring_v in_o the_o wicked_a say_v to_o themselves_o god_n have_v forget_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n 13._o he_o will_v not_o see_v he_o will_v not_o regard_v the_o second_o by_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o rabsakeh_n who_o utter_v with_o his_o tongue_n that_o which_o all_o man_n heart_n think_v by_o nature_n etc._n what_o god_n can_v deliver_v you_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n the_o three_o isaiah_n prove_v apparent_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o wicked_a say_v we_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n 28.15_o and_o with_o hell_n be_v we_o at_o agreement_n though_o a_o scourge_n run_v over_o and_o pass_v through_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v at_o us._n thus_o both_o scripture_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n prove_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n presence_n power_n and_o justice_n and_o therefore_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o plain_a atheist_n not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v god_n indâ—ede_o now_o furthermore_o there_o be_v 4._o sort_n of_o people_n that_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o atheism_n first_o suâ—h_o as_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v open_o be_v there_o a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o dare_v dispute_v the_o question_n and_o at_o last_o avouch_v there_o be_v none_o but_o that_o all_o matter_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v nothing_o but_o device_n of_o politic_a man_n to_o keep_v simple_a man_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o make_v fool_n fain_o but_o these_o themselves_o be_v fool_n of_o all_o fool_n and_o the_o devil_n devise_v that_o impious_a conceit_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o miserable_a blindness_n there_o have_v be_v such_o fool_n in_o all_o age_n yet_o in_o old_a time_n as_o david_n say_v these_o fool_n do_v but_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n 14.1_o but_o now_o the_o fool_n of_o these_o last_o &_o rot_a age_n be_v ripe_a in_o their_o folly_n and_o they_o dare_v say_v with_o their_o mouth_n there_o be_v no_o god_n these_o be_v monster_n in_o nature_n and_o devil_n incarnate_a worse_o than_o the_o devil_n himself_o for_o he_o in_o judgement_n never_o be_v a_o atheist_n these_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v &_o hate_v worse_o than_o toad_n &_o adder_n and_o if_o such_o a_o one_o can_v be_v convict_v by_o any_o lawful_a evidence_n if_o ever_o heretic_n or_o traitor_n deserve_a death_n such_o a_o one_o deserve_v ten_o death_n as_o be_v a_o traitor_n to_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o nature_n herself_o and_o though_o these_o wretch_n say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o make_v they_o a_o god_n of_o themselves_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o affection_n to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o their_o profit_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v a_o god_n but_o a_o false_a god_n these_o have_v be_v in_o all_o country_n and_o in_o most_o age_n as_o history_n do_v show_v some_o worship_v the_o sun_n some_o the_o moon_n some_o star_n some_o beast_n bird_n fish_n some_o dead_a idol_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n or_o metal_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n &_o no_o better_o be_v some_o in_o these_o church_n where_o the_o true_a god_n be_v worship_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v covetousness_n be_v idolatry_n for_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v set_v whole_o on_o riches_n than_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n be_v his_o god_n and_o to_o other_o who_o affection_n be_v all_o on_o pleasure_n their_o belly_n be_v their_o god_n let_v these_o man_n hold_v in_o judgement_n as_o they_o can_v their_o practice_n i_o be_o sure_a proclaim_v atheism_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n but_o in_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v 3._o principal_a sort_n first_o turk_n second_o jew_n who_o hold_v the_o true_a god_n but_o deny_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o christ._n three_o the_o true_a papist_n hold_v in_o word_n one_o god_n &_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n as_o we_o do_v but_o look_v at_o their_o doctrine_n and_o if_o their_o word_n have_v any_o natural_a meaning_n they_o deny_v it_o for_o if_o the_o second_o person_n be_v true_a christ_n then_o have_v he_o two_o nature_n godhead_n and_o manhood_n but_o by_o their_o feign_a transubstantiation_n they_o quite_o take_v away_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o manhood_n and_o again_o christ_n have_v three_o office_n he_o be_v the_o true_a king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o he_o be_v not_o christ_n but_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o necessary_a consequence_n deny_v they_o all_o as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v unto_o their_o shame_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o they_o never_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n can_v or_o dare_v answer_v it_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o shall_v soon_o either_o hear_v of_o we_o again_o or_o else_o we_o will_v recant_v it_o but_o till_o then_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o god_n be_v by_o their_o doctrine_n not_o the_o true_a god_n but_o a_o idol_n for_o he_o that_o deny_v the_o son_n deny_v the_o father_n also_o 2.23_o as_o say_v s._n john_n the_o four_o sort_n of_o atheist_n be_v such_o as_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o worship_v he_o in_o true_a manner_n for_o the_o outward_a worship_n but_o in_o their_o life_n and_o deed_n deny_v he_o and_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o turkey_n or_o jury_n or_o italy_n for_o all_o church_n be_v full_a of_o such_o protestant_a atheist_n italy_n may_v have_v more_o atheist_n in_o judgement_n than_o we_o but_o these_o hypocrite_n and_o atheist_n in_o life_n be_v here_o also_o those_o tare_n we_o have_v among_o our_o corn_n of_o these_o speak_v the_o apostle_n that_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n but_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o work_n let_v this_o seem_v no_o wonder_n 1.16_o that_o such_o man_n be_v call_v atheist_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v plain_o he_o that_o care_v not_o for_o his_o family_n 5.8_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n whereby_o it_o appear_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o a_o christian_a in_o profession_n and_o a_o infidel_n or_o atheist_n in_o his_o practice_n &_o it_o be_v certain_a 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therefore_o go_v to_o god_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o give_v we_o his_o spirit_n to_o work_v true_a faith_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v we_o of_o a_o true_a belief_n and_o second_o see_v man_n may_v be_v christian_n in_o profession_n and_o atheist_n in_o practice_n let_v we_o all_o look_n narrow_o to_o ourselves_o and_o join_v with_o our_o profession_n conscience_n and_o obedience_n for_o else_o the_o more_o we_o know_v god_n the_o worse_o we_o be_v it_o may_v please_v god_n after_o to_o give_v we_o better_a mind_n but_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v no_o better_a than_o denier_v of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o come_v near_o god_n in_o profession_n and_o in_o his_o outward_a service_n yet_o indeed_o we_o be_v far_o from_o he_o because_o we_o want_v that_o true_a faith_n which_o must_v profess_v god_n not_o in_o judgement_n alone_o but_o in_o practice_n and_o that_o will_v bring_v we_o near_o unto_o god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o god_n and_o please_v he_o the_o second_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a sentence_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o comfortable_a in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o contain_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o part_n be_v natural_o two_o 1._o how_o a_o man_n do_v seek_v god_n 2._o how_o god_n reward_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o for_o the_o first_o a_o man_n true_o seek_v god_n by_o do_v four_o action_n first_o a_o man_n must_v forsake_v himself_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o as_o it_o be_v loose_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o judgement_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o seek_v god_n if_o any_o ask_v how_o that_o may_v be_v i_o answer_v thus_o a_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o see_v his_o sin_n full_o and_o distinct_o and_o in_o sight_n thereof_o be_v cast_v down_o in_o himself_o as_o a_o man_n be_v when_o he_o see_v his_o debt_n then_o let_v he_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o see_v if_o he_o can_v find_v in_o himself_o any_o ability_n to_o pay_v those_o debt_n or_o any_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o satisfy_v god_n â—ustice_n and_o purchase_v pardon_n and_o if_o upon_o due_a examination_n he_o find_v none_o at_o all_o no_o not_o the_o least_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o himself_o but_o a_o accuse_v and_o rage_a conscience_n let_v he_o then_o fall_v out_o of_o all_o love_n with_o himself_o nay_o hate_v and_o abhor_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o baseness_n and_o last_o let_v he_o despair_v of_o his_o own_o salvation_n in_o or_o from_o himself_o and_o thus_o do_v he_o forsake_v himself_o deny_v himself_o and_o even_o lose_v himself_o and_o thus_o necessary_o must_v he_o do_v to_o himself_o that_o will_v set_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n for_o god_n will_v be_v find_v of_o none_o that_o hope_v to_o find_v help_n at_o any_o hand_n but_o he_o they_o therefore_o that_o seek_v god_n but_o will_v seek_v 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the_o lord_n must_v have_v this_o provision_n for_o the_o diet_n of_o his_o poor_a soul_n god_n mercy_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o he_o that_o seek_v without_o a_o soul_n hunger_a after_o these_o may_v seek_v long_o and_o find_v nothing_o three_o if_o he_o will_v true_o seek_v god_n he_o must_v not_o go_v in_o every_o path_n but_o take_v the_o true_a &_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v by_o his_o blood_n nor_o take_v any_o guide_n but_o trust_v to_o christ_n spirit_n alone_o to_o be_v his_o guide_n nor_o make_v many_o mediator_n or_o messenger_n to_o god_n but_o make_v christ_n alone_o to_o god_n the_o father_n we_o must_v therefore_o go_v to_o he_o and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o &_o leave_v our_o suit_n to_o be_v prefer_v by_o he_o we_o must_v not_o look_v to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o run_v on_o pilgrimage_n to_o this_o or_o that_o saint_n picture_n or_o bone_n or_o to_o our_o lady_n of_o loreto_n many_o have_v seek_v god_n in_o these_o but_o who_o ever_o find_v he_o nay_o alas_o thou_o may_v lodge_v in_o her_o forge_a tabernacle_n at_o loreto_n all_o thy_o life_n and_o lie_v in_o hell_n for_o all_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v dead_a and_o may_v kiss_v all_o the_o saint_n picture_n and_o bone_n and_o hair_n and_o all_o their_o relic_n in_o spain_n and_o italy_n and_o all_o can_v get_v thou_o one_o sight_n of_o god_n favourable_a countenance_n nor_o again_o must_v we_o look_v to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o our_o good_a work_n though_o we_o be_v to_o do_v they_o they_o be_v good_a mark_n in_o the_o way_n and_o good_a evidence_n of_o a_o right_a way_n but_o they_o can_v open_v heaven_n and_o let_v thou_o in_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v all_o thou_o can_v thou_o must_v forsake_v they_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o come_n to_o god_n only_o thou_o must_v go_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n and_o cleave_v to_o he_o alone_o he_o be_v the_o door_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n the_o life_n and_o certain_o never_o man_v find_v god_n that_o seek_v he_o not_o in_o christ_n alone_o and_o when_o popish_a device_n and_o distinction_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v man_n will_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o christ_n to_o speak_v truth_n say_v no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o last_o when_o all_o these_o be_v do_v then_o must_v thou_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v become_v thy_o merciful_a father_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o thou_o in_o he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n but_o if_o thou_o seek_v god_n in_o christ_n thou_o shall_v find_v he_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v do_v the_o three_o former_a thing_n thou_o may_v safe_o and_o assure_o believe_v that_o thou_o have_v true_o seek_v god_n and_o after_o all_o these_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o firm_a and_o lively_a faith_n thou_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o please_v god_n so_o be_v it_o impossible_a without_o faith_n to_o find_v god_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n lose_v himself_o long_o after_o god_n mercy_n take_v christ_n alone_o for_o his_o guide_n and_o mediator_n and_o steadfast_o believe_v his_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o christ_n than_o he_o seek_v god_n aright_o and_o to_o this_o seek_v belong_v a_o reward_n and_o blessing_n now_o than_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n here_o be_v some_o light_n give_v to_o a_o great_a question_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o their_o doctrine_n true_o catholic_a or_o erroneous_a and_o fail_v in_o fundamental_a point_n for_o answer_v can_v that_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n or_o that_o catholic_a doctrine_n which_o teach_v not_o her_o child_n to_o seek_v god_n the_o right_a way_n but_o send_v they_o into_o 1000_o byway_n sure_o if_o this_o be_v to_o seek_v god_n then_o search_v all_o the_o popish_a doctor_n and_o almost_o all_o their_o writer_n and_o see_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v not_o teach_v to_o seek_v god_n quite_o in_o another_o walk_n which_o way_n of_o they_o whether_o be_v ordinary_o bring_v the_o seeker_n to_o god_n or_o no_o we_o leave_v to_o god_n merciful_a judgement_n but_o for_o ourselves_o as_o we_o see_v we_o have_v the_o true_a &_o live_a way_n the_o sure_a and_o infallible_a way_n by_o christ_n to_o god_n by_o the_o son_n to_o the_o father_n let_v we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o comfort_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o mercy_n and_o be_v thankful_a to_o the_o lord_n for_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o and_o open_v unto_o we_o the_o true_a way_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o