Selected quad for the lemma: reason_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n believe_v faith_n revelation_n 2,830 5 9.5573 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A09376 A cloud of faithfull witnesses, leading to the heauenly Canaan, or, A commentarie vpon the 11 chapter to the Hebrewes preached in Cambridge by that godly, and iudicious divine, M. William Perkins ; long expected and desired, and therefore published at the request of his executours, by Will. Crashawe and Tho. Pierson, preachers of Gods Word, who heard him preach it, and wrote it from his mouth. Perkins, William, 1558-1602. 1607 (1607) STC 19677.5; ESTC S2273 415,205 614

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world_n shall_v be_v destroy_v seem_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v because_o it_o never_o have_v be_v second_o it_o seem_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n mercy_n shall_v be_v so_o whole_o swallow_v up_o of_o his_o justice_n three_o they_o must_v live_v in_o the_o ark_n as_o in_o a_o close_a prison_n without_o comfort_n of_o light_n or_o fresh_a air_n and_o among_o beast_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o that_o for_o a_o long_a time_n he_o know_v not_o how_o long_o now_o reason_n will_v tell_v he_o he_o have_v better_o die_v with_o man_n then_o live_v with_o beast_n and_o better_o die_v a_o free_a man_n and_o at_o liberty_n then_o live_v a_o prisoner_n and_o better_o die_v with_o company_n then_o live_v alone_o and_o that_o if_o god_n have_v purpose_v to_o save_v he_o he_o can_v have_v use_v other_o mean_n and_o more_o easy_a more_o direct_a &_o more_o safe_a than_o this_o that_o therefore_o his_o deliverance_n be_v to_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o last_o reason_n will_v say_v i_o may_v make_v myself_o 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have_v reveal_v to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v save_v he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o assure_v he_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o make_v a_o ark_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o noah_n though_o he_o know_v god_n will_v save_v he_o yet_o be_v persuade_v he_o must_v use_v the_o mean_n or_o else_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v he_o may_v have_v say_v to_o himself_o god_n have_v say_v and_o bind_v himself_o by_o covenant_n he_o will_v save_v i_o now_o if_o i_o make_v not_o the_o ark_n yet_o his_o word_n be_v his_o word_n and_o he_o will_v stand_v to_o it_o his_o will_n can_v be_v alter_v though_o i_o be_v false_a he_o will_v be_v true_a though_o i_o do_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v yet_o he_o will_v do_v what_o belong_v to_o he_o therefore_o i_o will_v spare_v my_o labour_n and_o cost_v of_o make_v the_o ark_n especial_o see_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o mockery_n and_o so_o ridiculous_a to_o reason_n but_o noah_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n he_o will_v 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doctrine_n &_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v ground_v and_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v comprise_v in_o the_o creed_n common_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o be_v already_o by_o we_o expound_v it_o follow_v in_o order_n next_o after_o the_o doctrine_n to_o lay_v down_o also_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o have_v choose_v this_o 11._o chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n as_o be_v a_o portion_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o say_a practice_n of_o faith_n be_v most_o excellent_o and_o at_o large_a set_v down_o this_o chapter_n depend_v on_o the_o former_a thus_o coherence_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o many_o jew_n have_v receive_v the_o faith_n and_o give_v their_o name_n to_o christ_n do_v afterward_o fall_v away_o therefore_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v add_v a_o notable_a exhortation_n tend_v to_o persuade_v the_o hebrew_n to_o persevere_v in_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n as_o also_o to_o suffer_v patient_o what_o ever_o shall_v befall_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o to_o urge_v the_o exhortation_n there_o be_v diverse_a reason_n not_o needful_a to_o be_v allege_v for_o they_o concern_v not_o the_o present_a purpose_n now_o in_o this_o chapter_n he_o continue_v the_o same_o exhortation_n and_o the_o whole_a chapter_n as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o substance_n but_o one_o reason_n to_o urge_v the_o former_a exhortation_n to_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o chapter_n do_v diverse_a way_n set_v down_o what_o a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n faith_n be_v his_o whole_a scope_n therefore_o be_v manifest_a to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o persevere_v &_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n prove_v at_o large_a to_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n &_o indeed_o he_o can_v not_o bring_v a_o better_a argument_n to_o move_v they_o to_o love_n and_o hold_v fast_o their_o faith_n then_o by_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o for_o common_a reason_n bid_v we_o not_o only_o choose_v but_o hold_v fast_o that_o that_o be_v excellent_a out_o of_o this_o coherence_n we_o may_v learn_v in_o a_o word_n that_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n be_v a_o matter_n not_o of_o ordinary_a necessity_n nor_o of_o mean_a excellency_n to_o the_o urge_v whereof_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n use_v so_o large_a &_o so_o forcible_a a_o exhortation_n in_o so_o much_o as_o whereas_o ordinary_a exhortation_n occupy_v the_o room_n of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o verse_n this_o be_v continue_v through_o diverse_a chapter_n the_o part_n of_o this_o whole_a chapter_n be_v two_o 1._o a_o general_a description_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o the_o four_o 2._o a_o illustration_n or_o declaration_n of_o that_o description_n by_o a_o large_a rehearsal_n of_o manifold_a 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persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n wrought_v by_o some_o special_a instinct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o some_o man_n whereby_o he_o be_v true_o persuade_v that_o god_n will_v use_v he_o as_o a_o instrument_n for_o the_o work_n of_o some_o miracle_n this_o also_o be_v general_a both_o to_o elect_v and_o reprobate_a judas_n have_v it_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3._o save_v common_o call_v justify_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o special_a persuasion_n wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o be_v effectual_o call_v concern_v their_o reconciliation_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ._n of_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o faith_n the_o three_o be_v principal_o mean_v in_o this_o place_n and_o although_o in_o the_o description_n &_o over_o all_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o agree_v to_o other_o faith_n than_o it_o yet_o i_o say_v the_o general_a scope_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v principal_o of_o that_o faith_n that_o save_v a_o 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thing_n not_o see_v and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n alone_o or_o of_o they_o and_o we_o both_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v these_o two_o 1._o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ._n 2._o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n both_o these_o be_v hope_v for_o of_o they_o but_o we_o have_v see_v they_o to_o they_o they_o have_v a_o be_v only_o in_o faith_n to_o we_o a_o be_v in_o themselves_o now_o unto_o the_o father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n their_o faith_n give_v these_o two_o thing_n a_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n though_o they_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v many_o hundred_o year_n after_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o we_o hope_v for_o as_o well_o as_o they_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o not_o see_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o both_o and_o they_o be_v six_o 1._o justification_n stand_v in_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n 2._o sanctification_n in_o this_o life_n 3._o the_o perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o sanctification_n after_o this_o life_n 4._o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o reunit_n it_o with_o the_o soul_n 5._o glorification_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n 6._o life_n everlasting_a and_o glory_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n these_o they_o see_v not_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n neither_o do_v we_o yet_o they_o hope_v for_o they_o and_o so_o do_v we_o they_o have_v no_o be_v in_o themselves_o to_o they_o neither_o have_v they_o as_o yet_o to_o we_o but_o this_o true_a save_a faith_n give_v to_o they_o give_v to_o we_o and_o will_v give_v to_o every_o believer_n whilst_o the_o world_n last_v such_o a_o certain_a assurance_n of_o they_o that_o they_o seem_v present_a to_o we_o
and_o we_o seem_v present_o to_o enjoy_v they_o we_o can_v enjoy_v any_o of_o they_o full_o but_o save_v faith_n have_v this_o power_n to_o give_v they_o all_o a_o present_a be_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o such_o a_o real_a possession_n of_o they_o as_o great_o delight_v a_o christian_a soul_n insomuch_o as_o the_o feel_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o glory_n though_o it_o be_v to_o come_v overwhelm_v the_o feel_n of_o a_o worldly_a misery_n though_o it_o be_v present_a four_o it_o be_v add_v and_o the_o evidence_n this_o word_n signify_v and_o teach_v we_o two_o thing_n concern_v faith_n 1._o faith_n be_v a_o evidence_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v faith_n so_o convince_v the_o mind_n understanding_n and_o judgement_n as_o that_o it_o can_v but_o must_v needs_o yea_o it_o compel_v it_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n unanswerable_a to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n certain_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o be_v whereas_o life_n everlasting_a and_o all_o other_o thing_n hope_v for_o be_v invisible_a and_o be_v never_o see_v of_o any_o believer_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v this_o save_a faith_n have_v this_o power_n and_o property_n to_o take_v that_o thing_n in_o itself_o invisible_a and_o never_o yet_o see_v and_o so_o lively_a to_o represent_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n and_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o that_o after_o a_o sort_n he_o present_o see_v and_o enjoy_v that_o invisible_a thing_n and_o rejoice_v in_o that_o sight_n and_o enjoy_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o judgement_n be_v not_o only_o convince_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v though_o it_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v but_o the_o mind_n as_o far_o as_o god_n word_n have_v reveal_v and_o as_o it_o be_v able_a conceive_v of_o that_o thing_n as_o be_v real_o present_a to_o the_o view_n of_o it_o let_v one_o example_n serve_v for_o all_o life_n everlasting_a be_v a_o thing_n hope_v for_o now_o faith_n not_o only_o by_o infallible_a argument_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n convince_v a_o man_n judgement_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v insomuch_o as_o he_o dare_v say_v that_o he_o know_v as_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o life_n everlasting_a as_o that_o he_o live_v and_o move_v but_o this_o faith_n also_o as_o much_o as_o god_n word_n have_v reveal_v and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v of_o it_o so_o represent_v this_o life_n everlasting_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o that_o the_o soul_n seem_v to_o apprehend_v and_o enjoy_v this_o life_n everlasting_a yea_o &_o often_o in_o such_o measure_n as_o that_o he_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o present_a felicity_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o measure_n of_o the_o joy_n thereof_o which_o faith_n represent_v to_o his_o soul_n and_o thus_o faith_n make_v that_o present_a which_o be_v absent_a and_o make_v that_o manifest_a and_o visible_a which_o in_o itself_o be_v invisible_a invisible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n it_o make_v visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o eye_n be_v both_o give_v and_o continue_v and_o daily_o sharpen_v by_o save_v faith_n and_o thus_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v so_o then_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o this_o first_o effect_n be_v brief_o thus_o much_o whereas_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v as_o perfection_n of_o sanctification_n resurrection_n glorification_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o yet_o see_v neither_o can_v be_v in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o pass_v yet_o if_o a_o man_n have_v grace_n certain_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n shall_v have_v a_o be_v to_o his_o soul_n in_o that_o both_o his_o judgement_n know_v assure_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o his_o soul_n in_o most_o lively_a and_o joyful_a representation_n seem_v to_o enjoy_v they_o hitherto_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o effect_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o see_v what_o instruction_n this_o first_o effect_n thus_o unfold_v do_v minister_v unto_o us._n first_o whereas_o faith_n give_v a_o substance_n and_o be_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o father_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o live_v afore_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o partaker_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n if_o any_o allege_v that_o this_o be_v strange_a consider_v that_o christ_n have_v they_o no_o body_n &_o blood_n neither_o have_v he_o any_o until_o the_o incarnation_n &_o how_o they_o can_v they_o receive_v that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a they_o they_o have_v no_o be_v and_o yet_o the_o father_n receive_v they_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v i_o answer_v by_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o save_v faith_n which_o make_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o nature_n to_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n a_o be_v &_o subsistence_n and_o so_o be_v christ_n though_o he_o be_v to_o come_v present_v to_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o old_a time_n for_o apoc._n 13.8_o christ_n be_v a_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v slay_v as_o well_o then_o as_o now_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o counsel_n &_o decree_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v bear_v &_o slay_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n nor_o only_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n efficacy_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n but_o also_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n who_o faith_n make_v that_o that_o be_v local_o absent_a after_o a_o sort_n true_o and_o real_o present_a even_o so_o also_o be_v christ_n a_o lamb_n slay_v even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n see_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n hereof_o in_o joh._n 8.5.6_o abraham_n see_v i_o say_v christ_n and_o rejoice_v how_o can_v this_o be_v when_o as_o christ_n be_v not_o bear_v of_o 1000_o year_n after_o ans._n this_o can_v not_o be_v in_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o abraham_n faith_n whereby_o he_o see_v christ_n more_o lively_a and_o more_o to_o his_o joy_n &_o consolation_n so_o many_o 100_o year_n afore_o he_o be_v they_o many_o which_o live_v in_o christ_n time_n and_o see_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o and_o conver●ed_v with_o he_o for_o they_o live_v with_o he_o yet_o be_v as_o good_a as_o absent_v from_o he_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o he_o and_o abraham_n though_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o he_o yet_o by_o his_o faith_n be_v present_a with_o he_o again_o 1._o cor._n 10.3_o the_o ancient_a believe_v israelite_n eat_v the_o same_o spiritual_a bread_n and_o drink_v the_o same_o spiritual_a rock_n and_o that_o rock_n be_v christ_n how_o can_v they_o eat_v and_o drink_n christ_n so_o long_o afore_o he_o be_v i_o answer_v they_o do_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o wonderful_a power_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v a_o thing_n absent_a present_a to_o the_o believer_n by_o that_o faith_n they_o receive_v christ_n as_o lively_o as_o effectual_o as_o much_o to_o their_o profit_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o do_v since_o his_o come_n if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o can_v their_o faith_n apprehend_v that_o that_o then_o be_v not_o i_o answer_v by_o give_v they_o interest_n &_o title_n to_o it_o and_o so_o the_o father_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o have_v receive_v christ_n because_o their_o faith_n give_v they_o right_a and_o title_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o feel_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n &_o resurrection_n whereby_o they_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o efficacy_n second_o whereas_o faith_n make_v thing_n absent_a present_a here_o they_o be_v confute_v that_o teach_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v no_o sacrament_n unless_o the_o body_n &_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o true_o turn_v into_o the_o bread_n &_o wine_n or_o at_o least_o be_v in_o or_o about_o the_o bread_n &_o that_o so_o he_o be_v local_o present_a &_o must_v local_o and_o substantial_o be_v receive_v and_o this_o say_v they_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a receive_v of_o christ_n for_o what_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o receive_v one_o absent_a but_o these_o man_n know_v not_o this_o notable_a prerogative_n of_o true_a faith_n faith_n give_v be_v to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o and_o make_v thing_n present_a which_o be_v absent_a they_o therefore_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n local_o present_a they_o take_v this_o noble_a prerogative_n from_o faith_n for_o here_o be_v nothing_o absent_a which_o faith_n shall_v make_v present_a we_o need_v not_o go_v in_o this_o sacrament_n to_o require_v a_o
it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o name_n which_o common_o be_v get_v in_o the_o world_n because_o man_n first_o seek_v not_o a_o good_a name_n with_o god_n but_o that_o good_a name_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o faith_n will_v stand_v &_o continue_v all_o a_o man_n life_n and_o at_o his_o death_n leave_v behind_o it_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n &_o abide_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v second_o this_o maintain_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n against_o atheist_n and_o all_o enemy_n of_o it_o which_o esteem_n &_o call_v it_o a_o base_a &_o contemptible_a religion_n &_o of_o which_o can_v follow_v no_o credit_n nor_o estimation_n but_o see_v their_o malice_n be_v here_o control_v our_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o glorious_a &_o excellent_a profession_n it_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o get_v true_a credit_n &_o estimation_n it_o make_v a_o man_n honourable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n &_o man_n for_o by_o it_o our_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n which_o continue_v fresh_a to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o four_o place_n be_v they_o well_o report_v of_o for_o their_o faith_n therefore_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o hide_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o manifest_v in_o their_o life_n for_o the_o world_n can_v see_v nor_o commend_v they_o for_o their_o faith_n but_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n must_v not_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v their_o faith_n close_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o must_v exercise_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o both_o these_o together_o will_v make_v a_o man_n true_o commendable_a thy_o faith_n approve_v thou_o unto_o god_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v that_o that_o honour_v thou_o and_o thy_o profession_n in_o the_o world_n last_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o approve_v our_o elder_n unto_o god_n here_o be_v a_o storehouse_n of_o comfort_n for_o all_o true_a professor_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v thou_o poor_a thy_o faith_n do_v make_v thou_o rich_a in_o god_n be_v thou_o simple_a and_o of_o mean_a reach_n thy_o faith_n be_v true_a wisdom_n before_o god_n be_v thou_o any_o way_n deform_v faith_n make_v thou_o beautiful_a unto_o god_n be_v thou_o weak_a feeble_a or_o sick_a thy_o faith_n do_v make_v thou_o strong_a in_o god_n be_v thou_o base_a in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o no_o account_n thy_o faith_n make_v thou_o honourable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n thus_o thou_o be_v poor_a and_o foolish_a and_o deform_v and_o sick_a and_o base_a in_o the_o world_n but_o mark_v how_o god_n have_v recompense_v thou_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o faith_n whereby_o thou_o be_v rich_a and_o beautiful_a &_o wise_a and_o strong_a &_o honourable_a in_o heaven_n with_o god_n say_v therefore_o with_o david_n the_o lot_n be_v fall_v unto_o thou_o in_o a_o fair_a ground_n and_o thou_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n namely_o 16.6_o thy_o faith_n which_o thou_o will_v not_o change_v for_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n faith_n be_v the_o true_a riches_n the_o sound_a strength_n the_o last_a beauty_n the_o true_a wisdom_n the_o true_a honour_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n therefore_o take_v thyself_o 10000_o time_n more_o beholden_a unto_o god_n then_o if_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o the_o uncertain_a riches_n the_o crafty_a and_o yet_o foolish_a wisdom_n the_o decay_a strength_n the_o vanish_v beauty_n the_o transitory_a honour_n of_o this_o world_n if_o thou_o have_v true_a faith_n thou_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v many_o enemy_n 1._o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n will_v never_o brook_v thou_o but_o open_o or_o privy_o hate_v &_o hurt_v thou_o then_o the_o devil_n be_v thy_o swear_a enemy_n how_o can_v thou_o deal_v with_o so_o powerful_a a_o enemy_n and_o all_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n here_o be_v sound_a comfort_n if_o thou_o have_v faith_n thou_o have_v god_n thy_o friend_n labour_v therefore_o for_o this_o true_a faith_n and_o then_o care_v not_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o power_n night_n and_o day_n sleep_v and_o wake_v by_o land_n &_o sea_n thou_o be_v safe_a and_o secure_a the_o devil_n can_v hurt_v thou_o thy_o faith_n make_v thou_o accept_v of_o god_n and_o bring_v thou_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o protection_n that_o same_o little_a spark_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o thy_o heart_n be_v strong_a they_o all_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o sathan_n as_o for_o the_o malice_n which_o his_o instrument_n wicked_a man_n in_o this_o world_n show_v against_o thou_o in_o mock_n and_o abuse_n much_o less_o care_n for_o they_o for_o their_o nature_n be_v to_o speak_v evil_a and_o can_v do_v otherwise_o look_v not_o therefore_o at_o they_o but_o look_v up_o into_o heaven_n by_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n where_o thy_o faith_n make_v thou_o belove_v and_o approve_v of_o god_n himself_o and_o honourable_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o second_o action_n or_o effect_n of_o faith_n the_o three_o follow_v verse_n 3._o through_o faith_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v be_v not_o make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o this_o verse_n be_v contain_v the_o three_o action_n or_o effect_n of_o faith_n namely_o this_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n to_o understand_v thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n reason_n this_o three_o effect_n be_v set_v out_o in_o these_o word_n by_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o notable_a exsample_n namely_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o of_o nothing_o both_o which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v let_v we_o consider_v of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n through_o faith_n 1._o by_o faith_n in_o this_o place_n as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v not_o mean_v that_o save_a faith_n which_o justify_v a_o man_n before_o god_n but_o a_o general_a faith_n whereby_o a_o man_n embrace_v christian_a religion_n or_o whereby_o a_o man_n believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a my_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o man_n that_o never_o have_v justify_v and_o save_v faith_n and_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n nor_o child_n of_o god_n may_v have_v this_o gift_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n by_o his_o word_n make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o therefore_o i_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o action_n of_o a_o general_a and_o not_o of_o save_v faith_n we_o understand_v that_o be_v whereas_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o by_o reason_n can_v be_v apprehend_v or_o understand_v yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o faith_n a_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o understand_v they_o and_o to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a now_o than_o whereas_o general_a faith_n bring_v understand_v of_o many_o thing_n which_o reason_n can_v reach_v unto_o here_o such_o as_o be_v student_n in_o humane_a learning_n &_o which_o labour_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o deepness_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o be_v teach_v with_o their_o travel_n in_o humane_a study_n to_o have_v care_n to_o join_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o our_o understanding_n by_o reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o many_o truth_n which_o philosophy_n can_v reach_v unto_o nay_o many_o also_o which_o it_o deny_v but_o faith_n be_v able_a to_o persuade_v and_o demonstrate_v they_o all_o and_o it_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o rectify_v the_o judgement_n when_o as_o philosophy_n have_v leave_v the_o mind_n in_o darkness_n and_o the_o judgement_n in_o error_n now_o in_o who_o sound_a knowledge_n in_o philosophy_n and_o this_o faith_n in_o religion_n do_v concur_v together_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o rectify_a judgement_n and_o of_o a_o deep_a reach_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n but_o separate_a faith_n from_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o he_o will_v stumble_v at_o many_o truth_n though_o he_o have_v the_o wit_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o own_o head_n for_o exsample_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v beginning_n &_o end_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v eternal_a and_o not_o the_o world_n that_o man_n soul_n be_v create_v be_v immortal_a these_o &_o many_o other_o truth_n reason_n can_v see_v &_o therefore_o philosophy_n will_v not_o admit_v but_o join_v faith_n to_o it_o &_o then_o that_o crooked_a understanding_n be_v rectify_v &_o make_v to_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v therefore_o good_a counsel_n to_o join_v both_o these_o together_o religion_n hinder_v not_o humane_a learning_n as_o some_o fond_o think_v but_o be_v
holy_a and_o frequent_a use_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o papist_n be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v with_o their_o own_o forge_a revelation_n they_o will_v never_o deny_v it_o by_o force_n of_o this_o testimony_n a_o christian_a man_n know_v as_o assure_o as_o that_o god_n be_v god_n that_o the_o pope_n as_o now_o he_o be_v and_o as_o he_o exercise_v his_o place_n and_o power_n can_v be_v the_o true_a vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o teach_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o their_o side_n can_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n nor_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o when_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v say_v the_o contrary_a a_o christian_a man_n will_v know_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o more_o mediator_n to_o god_n but_o christ_n or_o of_o that_o place_n that_o christ_n be_v offer_v for_o our_o sin_n once_o for_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n can_v purchase_v we_o pardon_n but_o he_o let_v papist_n colour_v the_o matter_n by_o unsound_a distinction_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v &_o the_o same_o may_v be_v show_v in_o diverse_a other_o point_n and_o place_n and_o if_o any_o ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v i_o answer_v noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v so_o god_n child_n be_v warn_v and_o assure_v of_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v thing_n beyond_o sense_n and_o reason_n god_n secret_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o use_n of_o exhortation_n be_v that_o if_o god_n warn_v his_o child_n of_o his_o will_n &_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o they_o this_o shall_v move_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o become_v true_o and_o indeed_o god_n servant_n for_o we_o serve_v not_o a_o lord_n that_o be_v strange_a and_o austere_a unto_o we_o that_o will_v not_o give_v we_o a_o good_a look_n or_o a_o fair_a word_n nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o he_o call_v we_o to_o his_o holy_a counsel_n and_o make_v we_o know_v his_o secret_n and_o communicate_v his_o own_o self_n unto_o we_o by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n and_o by_o that_o spirit_n reveal_v unto_o we_o many_o excellent_a mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o carnal_a and_o profane_a man_n of_o the_o world_n never_o dream_v of_o in_o the_o second_o place_n let_v we_o observe_v that_o noah_n be_v thus_o warn_v of_o god_n in_o this_o particular_a matter_n as_o he_o have_v be_v former_o warn_v &_o teach_v of_o salvation_n by_o a_o messiah_n to_o come_v believe_v not_o only_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o salvation_n but_o also_o this_o particular_a promise_n of_o his_o preservation_n and_o deliverance_n out_o of_o which_o his_o practice_n we_o may_v learn_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o god_n in_o those_o man_n heart_n that_o have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o always_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v god_n word_n that_o it_o be_v supernatural_a it_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n word_n deliver_v be_v it_o never_o so_o incredible_a to_o reason_n or_o sense_n but_o how_o do_v god_n work_v this_o faith_n by_o his_o word_n for_o as_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o worker_n of_o faith_n so_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o work_v it_o and_o that_o be_v his_o word_n which_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a outward_a mean_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o that_o word_n of_o god_n be_v two_o way_n to_o be_v consider_v either_o as_o reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o to_o noah_n here_o or_o else_o be_v write_v by_o god_n be_v either_o preach_v by_o his_o minister_n or_o read_v by_o a_o man_n self_n in_o want_n of_o preach_v and_o these_o be_v all_o one_o and_o be_v all_o mean_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o begin_v it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v but_o to_o augment_v it_o where_o it_o be_v begin_v which_o be_v so_o it_o must_v teach_v we_o all_o not_o only_o with_o special_a care_n and_o reverence_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v preach_v but_o also_o to_o hear_v it_o read_v yea_o to_o read_v it_o ourselves_o with_o all_o diligence_n so_o do_v it_o will_v work_v out_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o we_o that_o holy_a faith_n which_o will_v make_v we_o bless_v in_o ourselves_o and_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o it_o do_v noah_n in_o this_o place_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o be_v all_o that_o that_o faith_n believe_v namely_o nothing_o but_o god_n word_n and_o all_o and_o every_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o faith_n have_v two_o object_n differ_v not_o in_o nature_n but_o in_o degree_n principal_a and_o inferior_a the_o principal_a object_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n the_o inferior_a object_n thereof_o be_v all_o other_o particular_a promise_n of_o safety_n deliverance_n providence_n help_n assistance_n comfort_n or_o what_o other_o benefit_n soever_o be_v make_v either_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o inclusive_o to_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o which_o be_v personal_o make_v unto_o he_o for_o save_v faith_n believe_v not_o only_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o salvation_n but_o all_o other_o promise_n either_o of_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a blessing_n which_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a promise_n and_o do_v depend_v of_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o apprehend_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n so_o noah_n here_o have_v already_o apprehend_v the_o main_a promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o have_v hide_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o afterward_o when_o this_o particular_a promise_n of_o his_o deliverance_n be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o lay_v hold_v on_o it_o also_o and_o it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o faith_n shall_v do_v so_o for_o if_o it_o apprehend_v the_o great_a promise_n than_o no_o marvel_n though_o it_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o other_o inferior_a promise_n which_o be_v but_o dependence_n upon_o the_o principal_a by_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v wrongful_o charge_v by_o they_o who_o say_v we_o teach_v that_o save_a faith_n believe_v only_a salvation_n by_o christ_n or_o apprehend_v only_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n in_o christ_n for_o we_o say_v &_o teach_v it_o apprehend_v also_o other_o particular_a promise_n &_o even_o the_o promise_n of_o outward_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o exsample_n of_o noah_n last_o in_o that_o noah_n a_o faithful_a man_n be_v here_o warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o danger_n ensue_v that_o so_o he_o may_v avoid_v they_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o love_a care_n that_o god_n have_v over_o they_o who_o have_v a_o care_n to_o fear_v and_o serve_v he_o thus_o deal_v he_o with_o his_o child_n in_o all_o age_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o preservation_n to_o encourage_v all_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n as_o here_o noah_n do_v for_o so_o do_v they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o even_o then_o when_o his_o wrath_n smoke_v against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o furthermore_o in_o all_o exigent_n and_o extremity_n he_o will_v ●each_v they_o either_o from_o his_o word_n or_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o some_o other_o of_o his_o child_n or_o else_o by_o his_o own_o secret_a inspiration_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o what_o course_n to_o take_v for_o their_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n how_o often_o shall_v a_o christian_a man_n find_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n that_o god_n put_v into_o his_o mind_n to_o answer_v thus_o or_o thus_o or_o to_o foresee_v this_o or_o that_o by_o which_o his_o so_o do_v he_o escape_v some_o great_a danger_n so_o that_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o noah_n be_v all_o faithful_a man_n do_v daily_o find_v that_o they_o be_v warn_v by_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v concern_v they_o but_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n whereof_o noah_n be_v warn_v from_o god_n the_o text_n say_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o not_o see_v this_o have_v not_o relation_n to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n write_v these_o word_n but_o when_o god_n give_v the_o warning_n to_o noah_n for_o than_o they_o be_v not_o see_v but_o be_v to_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 ●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 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friend_n or_o child_n body_n cast_v into_o the_o earth_n to_o feed_v worm_n burn_v by_o fire_n or_o eat_v by_o fish_n reason_n say_v they_o be_v go_v they_o can_v never_o be_v again_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o assure_a promise_n the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v with_o their_o body_n shall_v they_o rise_v isaiah_n we_o must_v therefore_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o sarah_n god_n say_v to_o she_o age_n and_o barronnesse_n shall_v have_v a_o child_n she_o believe_v it_o he_o say_v to_o we_o dust_n and_o rottenness_n shall_v live_v again_o nay_o he_o have_v often_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o our_o faith_n acknowledge_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o god_n and_o believe_v it_o as_o she_o do_v but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o personal_a promise_n as_o she_o be_v for_o this_o be_v general_a god_n have_v promise_v grace_n and_o pardon_n to_o every_o penitent_a and_o believe_a soul_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sweetness_n hereof_o without_o the_o 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death_n when_o god_n seem_v ready_a to_o kill_v we_o then_o must_v we_o trust_v in_o he_o in_o such_o case_n be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v show_v when_o reason_n and_o feeling_n say_v god_n be_v a_o terrible_a judge_n faith_n must_v say_v he_o be_v a_o merciful_a father_n in_o our_o health_n and_o welfare_n and_o feel_v of_o god_n favour_n this_o exhortation_n may_v seem_v tedious_a but_o if_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o pass_v already_o the_o time_n be_v sure_a to_o come_v when_o this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o woman_n faith_n which_o be_v the_o more_o commend_v by_o reason_n of_o these_o two_o so_o great_a hindrance_n now_o follow_v the_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n which_o be_v diverse_a some_o lay_v down_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o some_o in_o the_o next_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v seed_n and_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n in_o these_o word_n be_v two_o effect_n first_o by_o power_n of_o her_o faith_n she_o be_v enable_v to_o conceive_v which_o afore_o she_o do_v not_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n in_o nature_n why_o she_o shall_v second_o she_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o child_n in_o her_o old_a age_n and_o that_o child_n be_v isaac_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o promise_a seed_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a good_a instruction_n for_o see_v they_o be_v so_o near_o akin_a in_o their_o nature_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o they_o both_o joint_o together_o first_o here_o we_o may_v see_v that_o nothing_o be_v so_o hard_a or_o difficult_a which_o god_n have_v promise_v but_o faith_n can_v compass_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o performance_n christ_n b●d_v the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a to_o go_v he_o speak_v they_o believe_v and_o they_o be_v heal_v so_o here_o god_n promise_v a_o barren_a old_a woman_n a_o child_n she_o believe_v and_o lo_o she_o conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o a_o son_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v for_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n first_o many_o in_o our_o church_n be_v ignorant_a when_o they_o be_v move_v to_o learn_v religion_n answer_n alas_o they_o be_v simple_a or_o not_o booke-learned_n or_o they_o be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a witted_a or_o they_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o therefore_o they_o can_v learn_v nothing_o or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o can_v remember_v it_o but_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a excuse_n for_o they_o want_v not_o wit_n to_o learn_v religion_n if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o buy_v and_o sell_v to_o know_v a_o fair_a day_n from_o a_o foul_a good_a meat_n from_o ill_a dear_a from_o cheap_a winter_n from_o summer_n if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o practise_v the_o civil_a action_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o conceive_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o get_v so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v save_v their_o soul_n so_o that_o they_o want_v nothing_o but_o grace_n and_o diligence_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o they_o therefore_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o good_a advice_n let_v such_o a_o man_n learn_v but_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o this_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o math._n 6.33_o or_o this_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n on_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o 1._o pet._n 5.7_o or_o this_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o cast_v he_o not_o away_o john_n 6.37_o or_o but_o this_o ask_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v math._n 7._o let_v he_o learn_v but_o one_o of_o these_o &_o when_o they_o have_v learn_v it_o believe_v it_o and_o let_v their_o soul_n daily_o feed_v on_o that_o faith_n and_o they_o shall_v see_v what_o will_v follow_v even_o a_o wonderful_a blessing_n upon_o that_o poor_a beginning_n this_o their_o faith_n will_v so_o content_a and_o please_v their_o heart_n that_o it_o will_v urge_v they_o forward_o to_o get_v more_o and_o will_v make_v they_o both_o desirous_a &_o capable_a of_o more_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n and_o will_v make_v they_o even_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n whereas_o he_o that_o know_v no_o promise_n nor_o believe_v it_o content_v himself_o in_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o this_o shall_v every_o one_o find_v that_o will_v careful_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n appoint_v and_o will_v begin_v to_o learn_v but_o one_o lesson_n at_o the_o first_o for_o as_o old_a barren_a sarah_n believe_v god_n promise_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o so_o old_a simple_a plain_a dull_a countryman_n believe_v but_o one_o promise_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o bless_a fruit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n second_o other_o who_o have_v make_v better_a proceed_n in_o religion_n do_v see_v their_o sin_n and_o do_v much_o bewail_v they_o but_o they_o can_v overcome_v their_o corruption_n yea_o many_o there_o be_v to_o who_o their_o sin_n and_o inward_a corruption_n be_v more_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a than_o all_o bodily_a want_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o see_v they_o not_o how_o to_o conquer_v their_o corruption_n but_o alas_o be_v oftentimes_o foil_v by_o they_o to_o their_o great_a discomfort_n let_v these_o man_n know_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o cause_n hereof_o for_o that_o they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o ruminate_v and_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v in_o that_o behalf_n nor_o use_v the_o mean_n
that_o when_o temptation_n shall_v come_v we_o may_v be_v find_v sound_n and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o trial_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o abraham_n temptation_n now_o follow_v the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v therein_o and_o first_o of_o the_o time_n when_o abraham_n be_v tempt_v hereof_o we_o may_v read_v genesis_n 22.1_o after_o these_o thing_n say_v moses_n god_n do_v prove_v abraham_n the_o word_n will_v admit_v a_o double_a reference_n but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o place_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o god_n have_v make_v most_o excellent_a promise_n unto_o abraham_n and_o give_v he_o most_o wonderful_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n than_o he_o tempt_v he_o hence_o we_o learn_v this_o notable_a lesson_n that_o those_o people_n in_o god_n church_n which_o receive_v from_o god_n more_o grace_n than_o other_o must_v look_v for_o more_o tentation_n this_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o be_v true_a in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o he_o be_v baptise_a and_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n matthew_n 3_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o have_v this_o voice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n pronounce_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o be_v his_o wellbeloved_n son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v then_o present_o follow_v this_o that_o he_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n matthew_n 4.1_o luke_n 4.1_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o luke_n say_v so_o likewise_o when_o god_n have_v testify_v of_o job_n that_o he_o be_v a_o upright_o and_o just_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.8_o then_o satan_n take_v occasion_n thereby_o to_o tempt_v he_o as_o in_o all_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o that_o book_n we_o may_v plain_o see_v wherein_o be_v set_v down_o most_o wonderful_a temptation_n and_o trial_n whereby_o he_o be_v prove_v so_o jacob_n must_v wrestle_v with_o the_o angel_n genesis_n 32.24.28_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n overcome_v god_n himself_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a prerogative_n to_o prevail_v with_o the_o lord_n but_o yet_o he_o must_v prevail_v with_o his_o foil_n verse_n 31_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o ever_o after_o draw_v one_o of_o his_o leg_n after_o he_o even_o to_o his_o die_a day_n saint_n paul_n be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v word_n which_o can_v be_v speak_v yea_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v yet_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v out_o of_o measure_n through_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o 2._o corinthian_n 12._o verse_n 7_o god_n will_v honour_v he_o with_o revelation_n but_o yet_o satan_n shall_v have_v leave_n to_o buffet_v and_o beat_v he_o as_o it_o be_v black_a and_o blue_a in_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o to_o who_o god_n vouchsafe_v a_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o he_o appoint_v singular_a trial_n and_o temptation_n above_o other_o man_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v first_o because_o god_n grace_n do_v better_o appear_v in_o temptation_n then_o out_o of_o they_o as_o gold_n be_v best_a try_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o thereby_o prove_v most_o pure_a and_o perfect_a second_o temptation_n serve_v to_o abase_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o down_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n that_o he_o be_v not_o proud_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o he_o or_o puff_v up_o with_o conceit_n that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o he_o than_o indeed_o there_o be_v this_o we_o see_v in_o paul_n example_n he_o be_v buffet_v of_o satan_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n we_o may_v see_v a_o type_n hereof_o in_o worldly_a affair_n the_o best_a ship_n that_o float_v on_o the_o sea_n when_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o most_o precious_a jewel_n be_v ballace_v with_o gravel_n or_o sand_n to_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o water_n and_o so_o sail_v more_o sure_o least_o float_v too_o high_a it_o shall_v be_v unstable_a even_o so_o deal_v the_o lord_n with_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o good_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n then_o do_v he_o also_o lay_v temptation_n upon_o they_o to_o humble_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v puff_v up_o in_o themselves_o the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o temptation_n be_v the_o greatness_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v for_o aught_o we_o read_v of_o that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o kill_v his_o own_o son_n for_o if_o god_n have_v tell_v abraham_n that_o his_o son_n isaac_n must_v have_v die_v it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o sorrowful_a news_n unto_o he_o and_o yet_o more_o grievous_a if_o he_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v die_v a_o bloody_a death_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v most_o grievous_a of_o all_o that_o abraham_n himself_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n shall_v sacrifice_v his_o own_o son_n nay_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o must_v kill_v his_o only_a child_n in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o in_o he_o shall_v his_o seed_n be_v call_v this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a wound_n unto_o his_o heart_n and_o yet_o to_o augment_v his_o grief_n he_o must_v not_o do_v it_o present_o nor_o where_o he_o will_v but_o go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n during_o which_o time_n satan_n undoubted_o wrought_v mighty_o upon_o his_o natural_a affection_n to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o obedience_n which_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a unto_o his_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o greevousnesse_n of_o this_o temptation_n we_o may_v learn_v this_o lesson_n that_o god_n in_o tempt_v a_o man_n do_v sometime_o proceed_v thus_o far_o not_o only_o to_o cross_v his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n but_o even_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o natural_a affection_n for_o this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n may_v have_v make_v abraham_n if_o he_o have_v consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n even_o distract_v in_o himself_o and_o without_o reason_n not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v himself_o and_o according_o let_v all_o god_n child_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v the_o great_a grace_n look_v for_o such_o temptation_n as_o shall_v lay_v their_o humane_a reason_n s●at_a upon_o the_o ground_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o point_n even_o utter_o to_o deny_v themselves_o the_o three_o circumstance_n in_o this_o temptation_n be_v this_o what_o abraham_n do_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v tempt_v abraham_n be_v thus_o tempt_v whether_o he_o will_v obey_v god_n commandment_n or_o not_o obey_v god_n in_o offer_v up_o his_o soon_o and_o yet_o lay_v hold_v upon_o god_n promise_v make_v in_o he_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o abraham_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o blessing_n in_o isaac_n and_o be_v now_o command_v to_o kill_v isaac_n he_o do_v not_o now_o cast_v off_o his_o hope_n and_o desperate_o think_v it_o can_v not_o be_v perform_v if_o this_o commandment_n be_v obey_v but_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o faith_n he_o both_o obey_v the_o commandment_n and_o yet_o still_o believe_v the_o promise_n for_o so_o say_v the_o text_n by_o faith_n he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n therefore_o in_o the_o very_a action_n of_o kill_a isaac_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o isaac_n shall_v live_v and_o this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v with_o his_o own_o voice_n bid_v a_o man_n kill_v his_o son_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v be_v find_v that_o will_v do_v it_o but_o to_o do_v it_o and_o still_o to_o believe_v a_o contrary_a promise_n make_v before_o betoken_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o admirable_a faith_n in_o this_o circumstance_n we_o may_v learn_v a_o good_a instruction_n to_o wit_n in_o all_o temptation_n that_o befall_v we_o still_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n though_o in_o the_o devil_n purpose_n they_o tend_v to_o the_o loosen_a of_o our_o hold_n and_o in_o all_o common_a reason_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o let_v they_o go_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o must_v never_o let_v go_v but_o still_o hold_v the_o promise_n fast_o and_o rather_o let_v go_v all_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n promise_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o true_a faith_n but_o even_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n for_o example_n god_n promise_n be_v joh._n 3.16_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v
their_o heart_n and_o cleanse_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n in_o life_n second_o this_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o man_n heart_n must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o go_v further_o and_o to_o get_v a_o sound_a faith_n that_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n at_o least_o in_o some_o true_a measure_n for_o save_v faith_n will_v cleanse_v a_o man_n in_o every_o part_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n &_o strengthen_v his_o soul_n in_o temptation_n quest._n here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o isaac_n be_v abraham_n only_o beget_v son_n see_v ishmael_n be_v also_o his_o son_n and_o be_v bear_v before_o isaac_n as_o be_v evident_a gen._n 16_o i_o answer_v two_o way_n first_o that_o ishmael_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v put_v out_o of_o abraham_n house_n for_o it_o be_v the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n gen._n 21.10_o and_o so_o be_v make_v no_o child_n of_o abraham_n second_o ishmael_n be_v his_o child_n indeed_o yet_o not_o by_o sarah_n but_o by_o agar_n a_o bond_n woman_n and_o so_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v base_a bear_v whereupon_o he_o be_v repute_v for_o no_o son_n but_o isaac_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v lawful_o which_o may_v be_v a_o item_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o bed_n defile_v see_v such_o offspring_n be_v so_o debase_v with_o the_o lord_n now_o follow_v the_o three_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n which_o be_v also_o a_o notable_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v commend_v and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n in_o these_o word_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n who_o this_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n of_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o speak_v receive_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n for_o when_o god_n make_v his_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v they_o but_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o all_o he_o believe_v they_o and_o apply_v the_o same_o effectual_o unto_o his_o own_o soul_n so_o much_o do_v the_o word_n receive_v import_n now_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o receive_v not_o one_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_v plural_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o god_n have_v make_v one_o main_a promise_n unto_o he_o touch_v christ_n do_v repeat_v and_o renew_v the_o same_o diverse_a time_n second_o because_o god_n have_v make_v diverse_a particular_a promise_n unto_o he_o as_o first_o that_o he_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o second_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o child_n in_o his_o old_a age_n gen._n 17.16_o three_o that_o unto_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n he_o will_v give_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o ever_o gen._n 13.15_o four_o that_o in_o isaac_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n genesis_n 21.12_o and_o because_o the_o receive_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o general_n can_v seem_v no_o great_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n work_n of_o faith_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n annex_v his_o receive_n of_o a_o particular_a promise_n in_o isaac_n in_o the_o 18._o verse_n to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v which_o may_v seem_v impossible_a to_o stand_v with_o the_o do_v of_o this_o work_n in_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o in_o abraham_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o he_o in_o this_o work_n for_o he_o go_v about_o to_o kill_v isaac_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n in_o who_o life_n he_o believe_v to_o receive_v the_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n here_o then_o observe_v a_o most_o wonderful_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n which_o above_o all_o may_v have_v hinder_v he_o from_o obey_v god_n for_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o i_o many_o gracious_a promise_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v say_v that_o in_o my_o son_n isaac_n the_o same_o must_v he_o accomplish_v and_o in_o he_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n must_v be_v bless_v now_o then_o if_o i_o shall_v kill_v and_o sacrifice_v my_o son_n how_o shall_v these_o promise_n be_v accomplish_v and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n will_v say_v i_o see_v no_o way_n but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v go_v and_o all_o hope_v lose_v but_o what_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o case_n for_o all_o this_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n still_o believe_v and_o hold_v assure_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o slay_v yet_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v here_o than_o we_o note_v this_o special_a point_n wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n do_v notable_o appear_v that_o when_o abraham_n case_n in_o respect_n of_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v seem_v desperate_a and_o void_a of_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n than_o he_o believe_v for_o when_o isaac_n be_v dead_a in_o all_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o he_o because_o they_o be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o isaac_n isaac_n be_v the_o man_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o yet_o when_o all_o hope_n be_v pass_v in_o man_n reason_n then_o good_a abraham_n set_v his_o heart_n to_o believe_v this_o practice_n of_o abraham_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v and_o follow_v all_o our_o life_n long_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o feel_v many_o thing_n in_o we_o that_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o despair_v when_o we_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o feel_v no_o comfort_n then_o let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_n abraham_n practice_n who_o believe_v god_n promise_n when_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v take_v away_o even_o so_o let_v we_o do_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n when_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v frustrate_a and_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o than_o we_o must_v cast_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v when_o we_o feel_v comfort_n in_o our_o conscience_n concern_v god_n mercy_n but_o even_o then_o when_o god_n seem_v to_o stand_v against_o we_o and_o when_o we_o feel_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o very_a gall_n of_o hell_n then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v in_o paul_n dangerous_a voyage_n towards_o rome_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n with_o the_o mariner_n and_o centurion_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n and_o neither_o sun_n nor_o star_n appear_v for_o many_o day_n so_o that_o as_o the_o text_n say_v all_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v take_v away_o act_n 27.20_o now_o what_o say_v paul_n in_o this_o extremity_n of_o danger_n now_o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o loss_n of_o any_o man_n life_n save_v of_o the_o ship_n only_o verse_n 22._o and_o so_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v bread_n even_o so_o when_o our_o case_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v this_o that_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n or_o else_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o outward_a calamity_n and_o trouble_n we_o feel_v our_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sorrow_n and_o even_o enter_v into_o destruction_n and_o can_v neither_o see_v as_o it_o be_v light_n of_o sun_n or_o star_n then_o we_o must_v set_v before_o we_o god_n promise_n and_o labour_n to_o believe_v the_o same_o so_o david_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o grievous_a temptation_n say_v thus_o of_o himself_o psal._n 77.2_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o seek_v the_o lord_n my_o sore_n run_v and_o cease_v not_o in_o the_o night_n my_o soul_n refuse_v comfort_n yet_o at_o the_o very_a same_o instant_n he_o pray_v when_o his_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o anguish_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o despair_v when_o he_o say_v will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o check_n himself_o and_o say_v this_o be_v my_o death_n and_o my_o weakness_n even_o so_o every_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o desperation_n be_v bind_v
yet_o never_o be_v save_v unless_o therewithal_o we_o have_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n belong_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o seal_v in_o our_o conscience_n by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n again_o consider_v who_o speak_v these_o word_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v we_o shall_v find_v in_o genesis_n 21.12_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o let_v it_o not_o say_v god_n unto_o abraham_n be_v grievous_a in_o thy_o sight_n for_o the_o child_n and_o for_o the_o bondwoman_n in_o all_o that_o sarah_n shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o hear_v her_o voice_n which_o be_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n ishmael_n for_o say_v god_n in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v here_o observe_v a_o notable_a practice_n of_o abraham_n as_o a_o good_a direction_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n submit_v themselves_o outward_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o regiment_n thereof_o abraham_n here_o have_v two_o son_n isaac_n and_o ishmael_n he_o circumcise_v they_o both_o and_o instruct_v they_o both_o for_o he_o teach_v all_o his_o household_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o judge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v in_o one_o state_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n covenant_n though_o they_o be_v not_o but_o that_o difference_n be_v make_v by_o god_n abraham_n do_v not_o on_o his_o own_o head_n and_o by_o his_o own_o will_n put_v ishmael_n out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o family_n but_o god_n bid_v he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o then_o he_o put_v he_o out_o and_o not_o before_o till_o such_o time_n he_o keep_v he_o in_o and_o hold_v he_o to_o be_v within_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o isaac_n be_v even_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v towards_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n secret_a judgement_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n and_o till_o god_n manifest_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o must_v hold_v they_o all_o elect_v this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o sanctify_a and_o to_o the_o galatian_n gal._n 1.2_o he_o call_v they_o all_o elect_v speak_v so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n although_o he_o know_v that_o among_o they_o there_o be_v many_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o though_o he_o reprove_v many_o great_a error_n and_o heinous_a sin_n among_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o argument_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o namely_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o same_o now_o follow_v the_o second_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o his_o faith_n be_v commend_v to_o wit_n abraham_n victory_n over_o these_o impediment_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v they_o and_o induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o these_o word_n verse_n 19_o for_o he_o consider_v or_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n that_o make_v abraham_n to_o offer_v his_o son_n and_o yet_o believe_v the_o promise_n that_o in_o he_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o abraham_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v himself_o if_o it_o may_v have_v stand_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o to_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n how_o then_o do_v he_o induce_v himself_o to_o offer_v he_o up_o ans._n by_o this_o which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v diverse_a point_n to_o be_v consider_v of_o we_o first_o observe_v the_o text_n say_v not_o that_o abraham_n murmur_v or_o reason_v against_o god_n but_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n again_o and_o thereby_o induce_v himself_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n unto_o god_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o any_o hard_a commandment_n we_o must_v not_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o god_n or_o murmur_v against_o he_o but_o with_o all_o quietness_n and_o meekness_n obey_v this_o be_v a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o rest_n and_o quietness_n say_v god_n isaiah_n 30.15_o shall_v be_v your_o strength_n in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v you_o be_v save_v many_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o endure_v or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o god_n impose_v on_o his_o child_n but_o our_o spiritual_a strength_n stand_v in_o these_o two_o in_o silence_n or_o rest_n and_o in_o quietness_n by_o these_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v when_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n offer_v strange_a fire_n before_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v not_o command_v there_o go_v out_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o devour_v they_o so_o they_o die_v before_o the_o lord_n 10.1.2_o now_o when_o aaron_n their_o father_n ask_v moses_n a_o cause_n hereof_o moses_n say_v it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n speak_v he_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o all_o that_o come_v near_o he_o which_o when_o aaron_n hear_v the_o text_n say_v he_o heide_v his_o peace_n and_o say_v not_o a_o word_n so_o david_n behave_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n of_o distress_n i_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o say_v nothing_o because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n for_o we_o to_o learn_v and_o practice_n we_o must_v not_o grudge_v or_o repine_v at_o god_n hard_a commandment_n nor_o plead_v the_o case_n with_o he_o but_o in_o all_o quietness_n and_o silence_n obey_v god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o say_v unto_o us._n again_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a etc._n etc._n here_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o believe_v to_o have_v good_a knowledge_n in_o god_n word_n that_o when_o a_o temptation_n come_v against_o his_o faith_n by_o knowledge_n and_o reason_v out_o of_o god_n word_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v back_o the_o same_o for_o all_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n so_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o place_n against_o this_o strong_a temptation_n reason_n out_o of_o god_n word_n to_o stay_v himself_o so_o that_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v erroneous_a and_o here_o condemn_v which_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n become_v devout_a &_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o the_o church_n believe_v yet_o this_o faith_n will_v save_v he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o see_v here_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o that_o have_v true_a save_v faith_n but_o what_o be_v abraham_n argument_n whereby_o he_o move_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n sure_o this_o he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a one_o part_n of_o his_o reason_n he_o take_v for_o grant_v which_o here_o he_o conceal_v for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o he_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v now_o this_o he_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o god_n will_v never_o change_v his_o promise_n from_o whence_o he_o reason_v thus_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n my_o son_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v sacrifice_v my_o son_n according_a to_o his_o commandment_n for_o this_o i_o know_v certain_o that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v my_o seed_n be_v call_v see_v god_n have_v promise_v that_o as_o well_o as_o he_o command_v this_o other_o in_o this_o example_n we_o see_v a_o mean_n set_v down_o unto_o we_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o hard_a and_o difficult_a case_n impose_v by_o god_n which_o be_v a_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v careful_o of_o every_o one_o of_o us._n for_o say_v that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o touch_v in_o conscience_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o even_o despair_v of_o our_o own_o salvation_n what_o must_v we_o do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v take_v abraham_n course_n and_o dispute_v with_o ourselves_o for_o ourselves_o &_o we_o must_v draw_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n we_o must_v join_v the_o promise_n and_o power_n of_o god_n together_o as_o for_o example_n thus_o we_o must_v say_v god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n this_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o
it_o may_v be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v that_o here_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o israelite_n 12._o but_o some_o will_v say_v we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n that_o when_o the_o people_n come_v to_o the_o red_a sea_n they_o be_v wonderful_o afraid_a and_o murmur_v against_o moses_n say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n then_o to_o come_v into_o the_o desert_n and_o there_o die_v now_o how_o can_v they_o murmur_v impatient_o and_o fearful_o and_o yet_o pass_v through_o by_o faith_n answer_n at_o the_o first_o indeed_o they_o murmur_v when_o they_o see_v the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o have_v the_o huge_a army_n of_o pharaoh_n follow_v they_o and_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o and_o hill_n and_o mountain_n on_o each_o side_n but_o howsoever_o they_o murmur_v at_o the_o first_o yet_o when_o moses_n speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n bid_v they_o not_o to_o be_v afraid_a &c_n &c_n and_o when_o he_o hold_v up_o his_o rod_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n before_o they_o than_o they_o follow_v he_o by_o faith_n and_o hereupon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o they_o the_o title_n of_o true_a believer_n here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o true_a faith_n in_o god_n child_n be_v mingle_v with_o unbelief_n the_o israelite_n faith_n be_v true_a faith_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v perfect_a &_o sound_a faith_n they_o will_v never_o have_v murmur_v nor_o have_v be_v impatient_a and_o fearful_a but_o look_v as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v in_o grace_n in_o nature_n we_o can_v pass_v from_o one_o contrary_a to_o another_o but_o by_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o contrary_n as_o in_o light_n and_o darkness_n the_o one_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o other_o immediate_o but_o first_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n and_o close_v of_o the_o night_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o other_o contrary_n even_o in_o those_o which_o concern_v the_o soul_n unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o grace_n contrary_a to_o it_o now_o unbelief_n can_v be_v expel_v by_o faith_n before_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o they_o both_o and_o so_o when_o faith_n prevail_v unbelief_n decay_v neither_o can_v faith_n be_v ever_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v ever_o mingle_v more_o or_o less_o with_o unbelief_n this_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o say_v that_o after_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o that_o god_n can_v hate_v for_o they_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v so_o thorough_o sanctify_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o sin_n but_o here_o we_o see_v their_o doctrine_n be_v false_a see_v faith_n &_o unbelief_n be_v always_o mingle_v together_o second_o as_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n grace_n look_v as_o faith_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o mix_v with_o unbelief_n so_o be_v all_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o perfect_a in_o a_o man_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o his_o judgement_n and_o hereby_o many_o be_v deceive_v for_o when_o they_o fear_v god_n for_o his_o punishment_n they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v most_o miserable_a and_o void_a of_o grace_n but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o fear_v god_n only_o for_o his_o mercy_n and_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n also_o for_o his_o punishment_n in_o part_n for_o god_n grace_n in_o this_o life_n be_v ever_o mingle_v with_o their_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n may_v fear_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n only_o and_o not_o for_o judgement_n also_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o none_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o best_a fear_n that_o be_v in_o any_o man_n live_v be_v a_o mix_a fear_n further_o when_o moses_n have_v speak_v word_n of_o comfort_n unto_o they_o the_o unbelieved_n and_o fearful_a israelite_n do_v stir_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v so_o we_o according_o must_v labour_n and_o strive_v against_o that_o inbred_a unbelief_n which_o be_v in_o we_o for_o every_o man_n have_v innumerable_a sin_n in_o he_o that_o resist_v faith_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o check_v and_o suppress_v they_o will_v master_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v faith_n to_o continue_v and_o last_v must_v strive_v against_o natural_a unbelief_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v in_o this_o place_n and_o as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n mark_n 9.24_o when_o he_o say_v to_o christ_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n know_v that_o his_o unbelief_n do_v suppress_v his_o faith_n and_o so_o do_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o they_o pray_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n luk._n 17.5_o and_o david_n be_v oppress_v with_o deadness_n of_o heart_n stir_v up_o his_o faith_n say_v why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o my_o soul_n etc._n etc._n wait_v on_o god_n psalm_n 42._o v._n 11._o for_o he_o that_o have_v faith_n be_v trouble_v with_o unbelief_n and_o the_o more_o it_o trouble_v he_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v unless_o he_o strive_v against_o it_o manful_o 2._o quest._n but_o how_o many_o of_o the_o israelite_n believe_v and_o go_v over_o by_o faith_n ans._n not_o all_o for_o paul_n say_v with_o many_o of_o they_o god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v for_o they_o be_v overthrow_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 1._o cor._n 10.5_o which_o show_v that_o all_o that_o pass_v over_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n for_o some_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o go_v over_o safe_o hence_o we_o note_v this_o which_o have_v be_v often_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o ungodly_a man_n receive_v many_o temporal_a benefit_n by_o the_o society_n of_o god_n people_n which_o believe_v as_o here_o the_o unbelieve_a israelite_n have_v this_o benefit_n to_o go_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n safe_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o in_o the_o former_a example_n the_o brute_n beast_n be_v free_v from_o kill_v by_o the_o angel_n because_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n now_o shall_v a_o brute_n beast_n have_v benefit_n by_o be_v with_o gods_n people_n and_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n much_o more_o yes_o undoubted_o for_o so_o we_o may_v read_v that_o for_o paul_n sake_n all_o the_o mariner_n and_o soldier_n that_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n be_v save_v from_o drown_v act._n 27.24_o this_o point_n must_v persuade_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o our_o society_n and_o company_n with_o who_o we_o live_v and_o converse_v for_o by_o they_o we_o reap_v many_o benefit_n and_o freedom_n also_o from_o many_o heavy_a judgement_n the_o three_o point_n be_v this_o when_o do_v the_o israelite_n believe_v this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v they_o believe_v when_o they_o pass_v through_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o they_o believe_v not_o only_o in_o general_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o their_o father_n but_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v with_o they_o and_o give_v they_o life_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n a_o notable_a point_n they_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o their_o grave_n for_o so_o may_v the_o red_a sea_n be_v well_o call_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o life_n everlasting_a and_o preserve_v they_o safe_o through_o the_o sea_n and_o from_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o they_o here_o do_v the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n have_v innumerable_a cause_n of_o desperation_n and_o sometime_o his_o own_o conscience_n will_v take_v part_n with_o satan_n in_o charge_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o state_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o heavy_a case_n what_o must_v be_v do_v sure_o at_o this_o time_n when_o a_o man_n be_v a_o castaway_n in_o himself_o he_o must_v even_o then_o believe_v be_v in_o hell_n as_o it_o be_v he_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v nothing_o for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v in_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n but_o in_o time_n of_o desperation_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a faith_n and_o indeed_o then_o
hitherto_o entreat_v now_o here_o and_o s●_n forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v set_v down_o a_o three_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n namely_o of_o such_o as_o live_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o maccabee_n this_o 30._o verse_n contain_v the_o first_o example_n of_o this_o rank_n namely_o the_o example_n of_o josuahs_n faith_n &_o of_o those_o that_o go_v with_o he_o into_o canaan_n and_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o notable_a fact_n of_o they_o the_o cause_v to_o fall_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o history_n whereof_o we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a josuah_n 6._o the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o whereas_o the_o israelite_n come_v unto_o canaan_n and_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o jericho_n by_o which_o they_o must_v needs_o pass_v nor_o can_v win_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o huge_a wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o lord_n promise_v to_o deliver_v jericho_n into_o their_o hand_n only_o the_o people_n must_v do_v this_o they_o must_v compasse-about_a the_o wall_n seven_o day_n &_o carry_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o they_o sound_v with_o ram_n horn_n and_o shout_n and_o so_o the_o wall_n shall_v fall_v down_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n unto_o they_o the_o israelite_n and_o special_o josuah_n obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o believe_v his_o promise_n and_o thus_o do_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o after_o they_o be_v compassed-about_a seven_o doye_n indeed_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o ruin_n of_o the_o wall_n but_o yet_o because_o upon_o their_o believe_v god_n show_v this_o power_n therefore_o be_v the_o downfall_n of_o they_o ascribe_v to_o their_o faith_n here_o be_v many_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v learn_v 1._o whereas_o the_o text_n say_v by_o faith_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o true_a faith_n josuah_n and_o the_o israelite_n believe_v god_n promise_n that_o he_o will_v overturn_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n and_o as_o they_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v matthew_n 17.20_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o as_o much_o faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n he_o shall_v say_v unto_o the_o mountain_n remove_v hence_o and_o it_o shall_v remove_v and_o nothing_o shall_v be_v unpossible_a unto_o he_o signify_v that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o man_n reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o god_n have_v promise_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n the_o mighty_a wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o by_o faith_n which_o to_o man_n reason_n be_v impossible_a so_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n yea_o 18.18_o that_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o he_o this_o be_v strange_a but_o abraham_n believe_v it_o and_o as_o he_o believe_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o many_o nation_n descend_v from_o he_o and_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v call_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v bless_v in_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o be_v he_o call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o ourselves_o to_o miserable_a man_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n shall_v be_v overcome_v in_o we_o yet_o let_v a_o man_n believe_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o who_o so_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n john_n 3.16_o i_o say_v let_v he_o believe_v this_o effectual_o and_o he_o shall_v find_v by_o faith_n the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n &_o satan_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o conscience_n weaken_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o s._n john_n say_v not_o without_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o 2._o here_o observe_v that_o among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o change_n &_o overthrow_v of_o town_n city_n &_o kingdom_n this_o be_v one_o namely_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n many_o man_n have_v write_v of_o the_o change_n of_o kingdom_n &_o do_v give_v diverse_a reason_n thereof_o but_o most_o of_o they_o omit_v the_o principal_a and_o that_o be_v faith_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o many_o time_n kingdom_n and_o town_n be_v bring_v to_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_n god_n promise_v to_o abraham_n &_o to_o his_o seed_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n now_o they_o believe_v this_o promise_n &_o here_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o believe_v jericho_n by_o faith_n be_v overturn_v &_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o city_n &_o the_o people_n of_o canaan_n dispossess_v so_o that_o we_o see_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o god_n people_n to_o overturn_v city_n &_o kingdom_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n that_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n revel_v 18.2_o that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v flourish_v for_o a_o while_n but_o after_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v yea_o such_o a_o ruin_n shall_v come_v unto_o it_o that_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o great_a man_n and_o merchant_n shall_v bewail_v the_o destruction_n thereof_o now_o this_o promise_n be_v receive_v by_o faith_n and_o believe_v of_o god_n church_n shall_v undoubted_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v in_o some_o part_n verify_v already_o for_o we_o see_v some_o kingdom_n and_o people_n have_v renounce_v the_o curse_a doctrine_n and_o tyranny_n of_o rome_n and_o many_o christian_a prince_n have_v already_o shake_v off_o the_o pope_n yoke_n yea_o and_o this_o promise_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o let_v all_o the_o king_n of_o that_o sort_n do_v what_o they_o can_v and_o let_v the_o people_n set_v themselves_o never_o so_o much_o against_o god_n church_n yet_o babylon_n shall_v down_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v so_o to_o his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n believe_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o by_o their_o faith_n it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o despite_n of_o the_o devil_n three_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o when_o any_o city_n town_n or_o kingdom_n be_v to_o make_v war_n either_o in_o defence_n of_o themselves_o or_o in_o lawful_a assault_n upon_o their_o enemy_n a_o special_a mean_n for_o good_a success_n herein_o be_v true_a faith_n christian_n policy_n be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n in_o this_o case_n but_o if_o policy_n be_v sever_v from_o faith_n it_o be_v nothing_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n of_o protection_n and_o assistance_n do_v far_o surpass_v all_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o good_a king_n jehosaphat_n when_o he_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o the_o huge_a army_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n give_v this_o counsel_n to_o his_o people_n 2_o chron._n 20.20_o put_v your_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v assure_v believe_v his_o prophet_n and_o you_o shall_v prosper_v give_v a_o most_o notable_a instruction_n and_o show_v that_o the_o best_a help_n for_o our_o defence_n be_v faith_n in_o god_n whereby_o we_o rest_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v help_v we_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o away_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n but_o it_o give_v the_o blessing_n and_o efficacy_n unto_o they_o 6.16_o i'faith_o we_o know_v be_v call_v a_o shield_n among_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n of_o god_n whereby_o a_o man_n award_v the_o blow_n of_o satan_n and_o though_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a virtue_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o also_o a_o notable_a shield_n to_o defend_v man_n even_o against_o their_o outward_a &_o visible_a enemy_n &_o a_o most_o strong_a engine_n against_o they_o to_o work_v their_o overthrow_n hence_o david_n say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a for_o ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o people_n that_o shall_v beset_v he_o round_o about_o 3.6_o they_o therefore_o that_o will_v defend_v themselves_o against_o their_o enemy_n yea_o and_o overcome_v they_o in_o lawful_a assault_n must_v embrace_v &_o obey_v true_a religion_n &_o with_o christian_a policy_n join_v faith_n in_o god_n promise_n for_o by_o faith_n we_o make_v god_n our_o captain_n &_o through_o he_o we_o shall_v do_v
valiant_o and_o beat_v down_o our_o enemy_n on_o every_o side_n last_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o a_o vain_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o outward_a worldly_a mean_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n be_v both_o strong_a and_o high_a and_o hard_o it_o have_v be_v to_o have_v overthrow_v they_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v it_o prove_v but_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n do_v for_o they_o find_v but_o little_a relief_n and_o defence_n in_o they_o for_o the_o lord_n lay_v they_o flat_a to_o the_o ground_n 6.20_o and_o so_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v straight_o forward_a and_o take_v the_o city_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v to_o man_n strength_n or_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o horse_n or_o in_o the_o number_n of_o man_n or_o in_o riches_n or_o in_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n or_o in_o any_o other_o outward_a ordinary_a mean_n whatsoever_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n can_v overturn_v they_o with_o the_o least_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n this_o must_v admonish_v we_o that_o howsoever_o we_o use_v ordinary_a mean_n of_o our_o preservation_n and_o help_n yet_o ever_o we_o must_v cast_v our_o whole_a care_n on_o god_n and_o put_v all_o our_o confidence_n in_o he_o for_o help_n and_o safety_n for_o without_o he_o all_o other_o outward_a mean_n be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a help_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o fact_n itself_o further_o this_o fact_n be_v set_v out_o unto_o we_o by_o two_o circumstance_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o use_v and_o by_o the_o time_n which_o they_o observe_v for_o this_o exploit_n for_o the_o first_o when_o they_o come_v to_o jericho_n this_o strong_a city_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o subdue_v or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o this_o way_n enter_v and_o possess_v the_o land_n they_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o overturn_v the_o city_n by_o undermine_v batter_a or_o scale_v the_o wall_n but_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n they_o go_v one_o by_o one_o in_o order_n round_o about_o the_o city_n wall_n day_n by_o day_n for_o one_o week_n space_n and_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n they_o compass_v it_o seven_o time_n during_o all_o which_o time_n they_o keep_v great_a silence_n save_v only_o that_o seven_o priest_n sound_v upon_o seven_o trumpet_n of_o rammes-horne_n before_o the_o ark_n till_o josuah_n bid_v they_o shout_n now_o in_o common_a reason_n a_o man_n will_v judge_v this_o rather_o to_o be_v some_o childish_a sport_n than_o a_o mean_n to_o fling_v down_o these_o great_a wall_n nay_o consider_v it_o well_o and_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o course_n tend_v rather_o to_o overthrow_v themselves_o than_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n for_o they_o march_v not_o in_o battle_n ray_n as_o though_o they_o will_v pitch_v a_o field_n against_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n or_o lay_v siege_n to_o their_o city_n but_o they_o go_v in_o length_n one_o before_o another_o so_o as_o they_o may_v compass_v the_o city_n about_o now_o if_o the_o man_n of_o jericho_n shall_v have_v come_v forth_o and_o make_v assault_n upon_o they_o in_o all_o likelihood_n the_o israelite_n have_v be_v overthrow_v so_o weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v the_o mean_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n for_o weighty_a cause_n prescribe_v this_o course_n unto_o they_o to_o wit_n 1._o hereby_o to_o try_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v his_o promise_n or_o no_o when_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o use_v weak_a and_o feeble_a mean_n and_o in_o man_n reason_n foolish_a second_o to_o make_v manifest_a in_o the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o mean_n his_o own_o all-sufficient_a power_n and_o wisdom_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o through_o weakness_n be_v god_n power_n make_v perfect_a 2._o corinthian_n chapter_n 12._o verse_n 9_o hence_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v to_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a temper_v clay_n of_o spittle_n and_o lay_v it_o to_o his_o eye_n john_n chapter_n 9_o verse_n 6_o a_o mean_n in_o common_a reason_n rather_o fit_a to_o make_v a_o man_n blind_a then_o to_o recover_v his_o sight_n and_o yet_o christ_n use_v it_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n whereby_o the_o people_n may_v know_v he_o be_v able_a in_o himself_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v now_o look_v what_o course_n the_o lord_n here_o take_v for_o the_o batter_a of_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n the_o like_a he_o use_v in_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o spiritual_a jericho_n especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o after_o christ_n ascension_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n under_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n sit_v he_o set_v apart_o a_o few_o fisherman_n simple_a person_n want_v worldly_a wit_n &_o policy_n neither_o do_v he_o put_v a_o sword_n of_o flesh_n into_o their_o hand_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n into_o their_o mouth_n and_o thus_o send_v they_o to_o dispossess_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o batter_v down_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o their_o preach_n and_o now_o in_o these_o late_a day_n wherein_o the_o antichristian_a kingdom_n of_o the_o pope_n have_v spread_v itself_o through_o all_o place_n almost_o god_n use_v the_o same_o weak_a mean_n to_o overthrow_v it_o for_o he_o set_v apart_o a_o silly_a monk_n and_o endue_v he_o with_o gift_n to_o preach_v the_o truth_n by_o which_o mean_n the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n receive_v a_o great_a wound_n than_o if_o ten_o prince_n have_v set_v themselves_o against_o it_o and_o strange_a it_o be_v to_o see_v how_o god_n overturn_v all_o the_o stratagem_n devise_v against_o his_o church_n and_o how_o he_o vanquisheth_z the_o power_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o weak_a mean_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n than_o which_o to_o the_o world_n nothing_o seem_v more_o feeble_a or_o foolish_a the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o it_o may_v be_v we_o shall_v see_v king_n and_o people_n of_o great_a power_n and_o number_n to_o make_v revolt_n from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o fall_v to_o antichrist_n embrace_v popery_n hereat_o indeed_o we_o must_v be_v grieve_v but_o yet_o withal_o here_o be_v good_a cause_n of_o comfort_n unto_o we_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o satan_n kingdom_n must_v be_v batter_v down_o not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o power_n of_o king_n as_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o gods_n mouth_n not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o flesh_n as_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n even_o antichrist_n must_v be_v abolish_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n yea_o let_v all_o the_o prince_n &_o potentate_n in_o the_o world_n do_v their_o best_a for_o he_o yet_o his_o kingdom_n must_v down_o in_o god_n good_a time_n for_o god_n will_v consume_v he_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o abolish_v he_o by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n 2._o thes._n 2.8_o that_o be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n who_o be_v man_n void_a of_o all_o worldly_a power_n and_o policy_n yet_o further_o observe_v the_o mean_n they_o walk_v about_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n seven_o day_n together_o if_o man_n shall_v attempt_v the_o like_a enterprise_n at_o this_o day_n in_o all_o likelihood_n it_o will_v cost_v they_o their_o life_n for_o now_o there_o be_v devise_v such_o instrument_n of_o war_n i_o mean_v great_a ordinance_n &_o field_n piece_n that_o will_v kill_v afar_o off_o &_o undoubted_o if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o instrument_n of_o war_n in_o this_o city_n the_o israelite_n can_v not_o so_o safe_o have_v compass_v the_o wall_n so_o many_o day_n together_o whereby_o it_o appear_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v no_o gun_n know_v no_o not_o among_o the_o heathen_a which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v so_o rise_v among_o christian_n whence_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o these_o late_a day_n be_v perilous_a time_n for_o now_o man_n head_n be_v set_v to_o devise_v more_o hurtful_a mean_n against_o the_o life_n of_o man_n than_o ever_o the_o savage_a heathen_a know_v for_o beside_o the_o invention_n of_o gun_n which_o put_v down_o all_o evidence_n of_o prowess_n and_o valour_n see_v in_o ancient_a war_n our_o age_n exceed_v in_o contrive_v such_o strange_a kind_n of_o poison_n as_o be_v never_o know_v in_o former_a time_n for_o man_n have_v now_o devise_v poison_n of_o that_o sort_n that_o will_v
of_o all_o creature_n and_o according_a as_o he_o will_v they_o present_o be_v and_o that_o his_o will_n be_v his_o word_n here_o mention_v here_o than_o first_o mark_v a_o special_a point_n that_o set_v out_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o creator_n he_o use_v no_o labour_n no_o motion_n no_o pain_n no_o servant_n no_o instrument_n no_o mean_n as_o man_n do_v he_o only_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v make_v he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v psal._n 148.5_o this_o show_v how_o glorious_a a_o god_n he_o be_v and_o his_o power_n how_o omnipotent_a it_o be_v who_o at_o his_o own_o will_n and_o word_n produce_v such_o a_o glorious_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o many_o 1000_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o creature_n in_o their_o order_n and_o due_a place_n david_n most_o serious_o consider_v of_o this_o when_o he_o make_v the_o 104._o psalm_n as_o appear_v if_o we_o read_v it_o we_o ought_v also_o so_o deep_o to_o meditate_v of_o this_o his_o glorious_a power_n manifest_v in_o this_o miraculous_a creation_n as_o that_o we_o see_v it_o may_v acknowledge_v with_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 115.3_o our_o god_n sit_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_n 2._o do_v the_o lord_n make_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o word_n learn_v we_o then_o for_o our_o instruction_n thus_o much_o ever_o when_o we_o see_v what_o be_v god_n will_v concern_v ourselves_o in_o any_o cross_n or_o affliction_n whatsoever_o let_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o it_o and_o bear_v it_o because_o it_o come_v from_o so_o mighty_a a_o god_n as_o who_o there_o be_v no_o resist_v for_o see_v he_o that_o command_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v and_o it_o present_o be_v so_o and_o nothing_o can_v disobey_v then_o if_o he_o command_v any_o cross_n to_o seize_v upon_o thou_o will_v thou_o resist_v he_o nay_o rather_o take_v saint_n peter_n holy_a counsel_n 1._o pet._n 5.5_o humble_a thyself_o under_o this_o so_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v thou_o in_o due_a time_n if_o thou_o then_o see_v his_o cross_n come_v towards_o thou_o meet_v it_o receive_v it_o with_o both_o hand_n bear_v it_o with_o both_o shoulder_n if_o he_o will_v humble_v thou_o resist_v not_o thou_o for_o when_o again_o he_o please_v to_o exalt_v thou_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v he_o it_o follow_v so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v be_v not_o make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v appear_v the_o four_o &_o last_o point_n be_v the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o world_n be_v make_v the_o text_n say_v the_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v that_o be_v all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v of_o thing_n never_o see_v that_o be_v of_o a_o flat_a nothing_o which_o here_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v see_v or_o not_o to_o appear_v because_o how_o can_v that_o appear_v or_o be_v see_v which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n than_o god_n make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v this_o be_v the_o strange_a thing_n of_o all_o in_o this_o four_o effect_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strange_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v create_v in_o excellent_a order_n or_o that_o god_n shall_v make_v it_o by_o his_o word_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v it_o of_o nothing_o reason_n deny_v it_o philosophy_n dispute_v against_o it_o as_o absurd_a and_o never_o will_v yield_v unto_o it_o but_o here_o be_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n manifest_a for_o it_o make_v we_o believe_v and_o know_v it_o be_v so_o hence_o we_o learn_v 1._o if_o he_o create_v the_o world_n and_o we_o of_o nothing_o than_o he_o can_v preserve_v we_o also_o by_o nothing_o that_o be_v without_o mean_n or_o by_o weak_a mean_n or_o contrary_a to_o mean_n he_o that_o do_v the_o one_o can_v do_v the_o other_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o both_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n not_o to_o tie_v god_n providence_n unto_o mean_n man_n use_v never_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o but_o with_o mean_n but_o that_o be_v no_o work_n of_o faith_n but_o we_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o see_v god_n providence_n when_o we_o see_v no_o mean_n but_o even_o when_o other_o mean_n be_v against_o we_o then_o to_o see_v it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v our_o duty_n though_o it_o be_v hard_a give_v man_n health_n wealth_n liberty_n peace_n let_v they_o be_v guard_v about_o with_o god_n blessing_n then_o they_o will_v magnify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o take_v these_o away_o and_o lay_v upon_o they_o penury_n sickness_n or_o any_o cross_n than_o they_o rage_n and_o rail_v and_o distrust_n yea_o blaspheme_v and_o say_v no_o providence_n no_o god_n and_o thus_o god_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o mean_n for_o else_o man_n will_v flat_o deny_v he_o but_o this_o argue_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n for_o have_v we_o that_o faith_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o believe_v steadfast_o that_o god_n make_v all_o the_o world_n without_o mean_n that_o faith_n will_v also_o persuade_v we_o that_o he_o can_v preserve_v we_o be_v make_v though_o mean_n be_v want_v or_o though_o they_o be_v against_o us._n this_o we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o necessity_n and_o will_v be_v relieve_v or_o in_o any_o peril_n and_o will_v be_v succour_v or_o in_o what_o extremity_n soever_o when_o mean_n do_v fail_v us._n second_o if_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o then_o he_o be_v able_a also_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o promise_n make_v in_o christ_n to_o call_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v rom._n 4.17_o as_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o child_n of_o grace_n this_o may_v teach_v we_o 1._o not_o to_o despair_v of_o any_o man_n salvation_n though_o he_o seem_v almost_o past_a all_o grace_n for_o god_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o can_v put_v grace_n into_o that_o heart_n wherein_o afore_o be_v none_o and_o 2._o this_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o all_o they_o which_o through_o weakness_n of_o faith_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o their_o election_n for_o suppose_v thou_o be_v full_a of_o want_n and_o imperfection_n &_o have_v a_o rebellious_a and_o froward_a heart_n what_o then_o remember_v god_n make_v thou_o once_o a_o creature_n of_o nothing_o he_o can_v now_o again_o make_v thou_o a_o new_a creature_n of_o nothing_o he_o create_v thou_o without_o mean_n he_o can_v save_v thou_o though_o never_o so_o many_o mean_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v against_o thou_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o three_o effect_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n contain_v a_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n abel_n faith_n verse_n 4._o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o great_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n by_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n by_o which_o faith_n he_o also_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n contain_v a_o illustration_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a description_n by_o a_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n and_o exsample_n of_o faith_n which_o flourish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n these_o exsample_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v set_v down_o several_o one_o by_o one_o from_o the_o 4._o verse_n to_o the_o 32._o 2._o such_o as_o be_v set_v down_o joint_o many_o together_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o end_n the_o exsample_n set_v down_o several_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v natural_a israelite_n and_o bear_v member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a 2._o such_o as_o be_v not_o natural_o member_n but_o stranger_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n till_o they_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o exsample_n of_o such_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v also_o of_o 2._o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o live_v about_o the_o flood_n or_o 2._o after_o the_o flood_n first_o of_o such_o as_o live_v afore_o or_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o flood_n there_o be_v three_o faithful_a man_n who_o faith_n be_v here_o record_v 1._o abel_n before_o &_o 2._o enoch_n before_o 3._o no_o both_o before_o &_o after_o all_o these_o three_o in_o order_n these_o excellent_a &_o most_o worthy_a exsample_n be_v all_o ground_a on_o some_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o be_v continue_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n almost_o to_o christ_n incarnation_n for_o he_o begin_v with_o abel_n which_o be_v so_o near_o the_o beginning_n that_o he_o be_v the_o second_o good_a man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o
because_o they_o be_v contrary_a as_o noah_n drunkenness_n lot_n incest_n david_n adultery_n and_o many_o other_o his_o infirmity_n and_o such_o like_a such_o as_o be_v direct_o agreeable_a with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o receive_v as_o direction_n for_o our_o life_n not_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n but_o because_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o be_v do_v be_v neither_o allow_v nor_o disallow_v these_o be_v do_v by_o godly_a man_n and_o such_o who_o for_o their_o faith_n be_v approve_v of_o god_n and_o against_o which_o no_o exception_n can_v be_v take_v in_o the_o word_n they_o be_v as_o rule_v and_o direction_n for_o we_o in_o the_o like_a case_n now_o there_o be_v no_o action_n that_o can_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n for_o which_o he_o have_v not_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n either_o a_o rule_n general_a or_o particular_a or_o else_o some_o example_n to_o follow_v which_o be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o rule_n unto_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o scripture_n afford_v direction_n for_o all_o our_o action_n in_o the_o demonstration_n whereof_o we_o have_v stand_v the_o long_a because_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o great_a moment_n the_o use_n hereof_o be_v double_a first_o we_o must_v therefore_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n and_o calling_n take_v consultation_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o direction_n therein_o we_o must_v search_v for_o either_o general_a or_o particular_a rule_n or_o at_o least_o for_o example_n of_o godly_a man_n in_o like_a case_n and_o without_o the_o warrant_n and_o direction_n of_o some_o of_o these_o we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o enter_v into_o any_o thing_n or_o to_o do_v any_o work_n if_o we_o do_v than_o we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o from_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v for_o we_o sin_n because_o we_o please_v not_o god_n in_o do_v that_o action_n we_o please_v not_o god_n because_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o faith_n because_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n for_o it_o therefore_o whatever_o a_o man_n presume_v to_o do_v without_o some_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n for_o his_o direction_n he_o sin_v in_o so_o do_v second_o ●ere_z minister_n must_v learn_v their_o duty_n for_o if_o no_o action_n can_v possible_o please_v god_n that_o be_v do_v without_o faith_n nor_o can_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n without_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n then_o must_v they_o be_v god_n mouth_n unto_o the_o people_n to_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v lawful_a what_o be_v unlawful_a by_o the_o word_n that_o so_o their_o people_n may_v perform_v their_o action_n in_o faith_n and_o consequent_o please_v god_n now_o have_v lay_v down_o this_o rule_n because_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o next_o word_n proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o these_o word_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a rule_n and_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v needs_o believe_v but_o he_o that_o please_v god_n come_v to_o god_n therefore_o he_o that_o please_v god_n must_v needs_o believe_v and_o so_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n to_o come_v to_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o especial_o in_o this_o example_n be_v to_o labour_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o three_o place_n more_o in_o the_o four_o chapter_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o go_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 10.22_o and_o in_o the_o seven_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v able_a perfect_o to_o save_v th●m_n that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o and_o in_o the_o ten_o we_o be_v call_v to_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o assurance_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o all_o which_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o to_o come_v to_o god_n be_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n by_o christ._n and_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o phrase_n be_v so_o often_o use_v to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v for_o that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o profession_n of_o christ_n afterward_o forsake_v he_o again_o and_o fall_v from_o his_o religion_n and_o by_o renounce_v christ_n fall_v away_o from_o god_n therefore_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o unfaithful_a to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n chap._n 3.12_o now_o by_o the_o contrary_a i●_n to_o renounce_v christ_n be_v to_o fall_v or_o go_v away_o from_o god_n then_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o to_o come_v to_o god_n be_v to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o god_n by_o christ._n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o that_o will_v have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n he_o must_v believe_v what_o must_v he_o believe_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n be_v 2._o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o he_o must_v first_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v that_o be_v not_o so_o much_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o this_o god_n who_o in_o christ_n he_o labour_v to_o know_v and_o come_v near_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a point_n in_o christian_a religion_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v god_n indeed_o not_o a_o fiction_n a_o shadow_n or_o imaginary_a god_n but_o god_n indeed_o for_o it_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o first_o commandment_n that_o god_n give_v mankind_n if_o any_o man_n object_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o know_v god_n but_o confess_v god_n to_o be_v god_n no_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o ever_o to_o think_v otherwise_o i_o answer_v to_o believe_v the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v god_n indeed_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n for_o though_o a_o man_n by_o nature_n think_v there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o do_v we_o not_o by_o nature_n think_v the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v god_n nay_o by_o nature_n every_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n and_o deny_v in_o his_o heart_n the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v god_n and_o do_v impugn_v the_o first_o commandment_n above_o all_o other_o and_o this_o may_v true_o and_o safe_o be_v affirm_v of_o all_o man_n that_o ever_o come_v of_o adam_n christ_n alone_a except_v that_o by_o nature_n they_o be_v atheist_n and_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v thus_o by_o nature_n though_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o we_o frame_v and_o feign_v he_o to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o please_v for_o we_o deny_v in_o our_o heart_n his_o power_n his_o presence_n and_o his_o justice_n but_o to_o take_v away_o these_o three_o from_o he_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o true_a god_n to_o be_v god_n indeed_o first_o man_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n presence_n for_o man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o man_n even_o the_o base_a in_o the_o world_n which_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o man_n sight_n and_o yet_o in_o god_n presence_n they_o commit_v careless_o and_o bold_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o natural_a action_n which_o be_v lawful_a &_o yet_o in_o many_o whereof_o there_o be_v none_o so_o great_a shame_n as_o man_n natural_o refuse_v to_o do_v they_o before_o other_o but_o i_o mean_v sinful_a action_n which_o not_o for_o any_o natural_a unseemliness_n but_o even_o for_o their_o foulness_n and_o ugliness_n because_o they_o be_v heinous_a sin_n man_n will_v fear_v to_o do_v if_o any_o man_n be_v present_a see_v then_o man_n fear_v not_o nor_o shame_v not_o to_o do_v they_o though_o they_o be_v in_o god_n presence_n it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o they_o natural_o imagine_v that_o god_n be_v not_o present_a for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o persuade_v they_o will_v not_o commit_v they_o though_o they_o esteem_v god_n no_o better_a than_o a_o man_n second_o man_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n power_n thus_o when_o a_o man_n offend_v a_o magistrate_n by_o break_v any_o law_n which_o may_v deserve_v death_n or_o some_o great_a punishment_n he_o be_v sore_o afraid_a and_o all_o his_o care_n be_v how_o he_o may_v escape_v his_o punish_a hand_n but_o let_v a_o man_n offend_v god_n never_o so_o much_o by_o break_v careless_o all_o his_o holy_a commandment_n he_o never_o fear_v at_o all_o nor_o tremble_v
then_o assure_o his_o heart_n be_v void_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o far_o from_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n for_o assure_o where_o god_n be_v know_v and_o believe_v there_o that_o man_n heart_n though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n can_v once_o think_v of_o god_n without_o a_o reverence_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o a_o admiration_n at_o his_o greatness_n and_o his_o own_o baseness_n therefore_o the_o want_n of_o this_o argue_v a_o want_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o true_a faith_n in_o man_n heart_n second_o this_o profaneness_n discover_v itself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o want_n of_o reverence_n to_o god_n work_n let_v the_o lord_n send_v unseasonable_a weather_n or_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o any_o strange_a sign_n in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n forthwith_o they_o be_v but_o fool_n that_o cry_v out_o behold_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n no_o this_o be_v nature_n and_o be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n ill_o weather_n come_v from_o the_o star_n famine_n from_o ill_a weather_n and_o man_n covetousness_n plague_n from_o famine_n or_o from_o ill_a air_n or_o else_o by_o apparent_a infection_n from_o another_o place_n but_o can_v nature_n and_o natural_a mean_n have_v their_o place_n unless_o they_o have_v god_n place_n god_n overthrow_v not_o they_o why_o shall_v they_o overthrow_v god_n yet_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o god_n be_v rob_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o he_o be_v but_o a_o simple_a fellow_n which_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n at_o sight_n of_o such_o thing_n or_o begin_v to_o magnify_v god_n power_n and_o justice_n in_o they_o this_o be_v too_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v for_o have_v we_o not_o now_o as_o great_a cause_n of_o fear_n as_o can_v be_v noah_n hear_v of_o water_n and_o we_o hear_v that_o fire_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o ye●_n where_o be_v he_o that_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n as_o noah_n be_v and_o yet_o noah_n can_v say_v the_o flood_n shall_v not_o be_v these_o 120._o year_n but_o who_o can_v say_v and_o prove_v that_o this_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n within_o these_o 120._o year_n and_o till_o the_o flood_n come_v they_o have_v doubtless_o many_o other_o plague_n which_o be_v forerunner_n of_o the_o general_a destruction_n all_o which_o as_o they_o come_v move_v noah_n unto_o reverence_n and_o so_o we_o in_o this_o age_n do_v see_v the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o man_n upon_o family_n upon_o town_n upon_o country_n and_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o we_o feel_v his_o heavy_a hand_n in_o many_o sharp_a stroke_n but_o who_o and_o where_o be_v they_o who_o heart_n fear_v god_n the_o more_o and_o do_v tremble_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o judgement_n nay_o alas_o among_o many_o it_o be_v but_o a_o matter_n of_o mockery_n so_o to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o the_o want_n of_o it_o for_o if_o man_n true_o know_v and_o believe_v in_o god_n they_o can_v not_o think_v nor_o speak_v of_o god_n nor_o look_v at_o his_o work_n but_o with_o fear_n and_o reverence_n for_o as_o our_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v so_o be_v our_o faith_n little_a fear_n of_o god_n little_a faith_n and_o no_o fear_n at_o all_o no_o faith_n at_o all_o let_v therefore_o all_o man_n show_v their_o religion_n by_o their_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o let_v every_o christian_a acknowledge_v god_n in_o his_o work_n england_n have_v be_v faulty_a herein_o in_o one_o point_n especial_o we_o have_v have_v great_a plague_n which_o have_v take_v away_o many_o thousand_o in_o short_a time_n wherein_o god_n have_v show_v himself_o mighty_a against_o our_o sin_n but_o god_n hand_n will_v not_o be_v see_v nor_o acknowledge_v but_o only_a nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n but_o let_v england_n take_v heed_n that_o god_n send_v not_o a_o plague_n so_o general_a and_o so_o grievous_a that_o even_o the_o most_o profane_a man_n even_o the_o sorcerer_n of_o egypt_n if_o they_o be_v here_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o so_o give_v god_n that_o due_a reverence_n which_o in_o his_o ordinary_a visitation_n he_o have_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o ground_n whence_o this_o reverence_n in_o noah_n spring_v namely_o his_o faith_n now_o let_v we_o see_v the_o occasion_n or_o consideration_n in_o noah_n heart_n that_o make_v he_o fear_n the_o ground_n whereupon_o he_o fear_v be_v true_a faith_n for_o else_o he_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o fear_n or_o reverence_n of_o god_n but_o the_o occasion_n which_o stir_v up_o this_o fear_n in_o he_o be_v some_o thing_n else_o now_o if_o we_o look_v to_o humane_a reason_n noah_n have_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o to_o fear_v as_o he_o do_v for_o first_o the_o judgement_n be_v far_o off_o 120._o year_n after_o and_o common_a reason_n say_v its_o folly_n to_o fear_v any_o thing_n so_o far_o off_o but_o its_o time_n enough_o to_o fear_v when_o it_o be_v near_o at_o hand_n again_o he_o be_v one_o single_a man_n and_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o wise_a and_o mighty_a man_n they_o all_o hear_v of_o it_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o fear_v therefore_o their_o exsample_n may_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o keep_v he_o from_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o secure_a and_o careless_a with_o the_o rest_n for_o exsample_n be_v strong_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o general_a three_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v be_v such_o as_o may_v drive_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n from_o fear_v it_o at_o all_o for_o first_o who_o will_v ever_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v drown_v all_o the_o world_n with_o water_n such_o a_o thing_n never_o have_v be_v and_o therefore_o how_o can_v it_o be_v and_o again_o if_o all_o shall_v be_v drown_v who_o will_v think_v that_o noah_n shall_v escape_v and_o none_o but_o he_o these_o three_o consideration_n be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o man_n reason_n will_v have_v keep_v noah_n from_o fear_v or_o believe_v this_o word_n of_o god_n but_o behold_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n it_o go_v beyond_o all_o humane_a reach_n fix_v itself_o fast_o on_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o he_o not_o only_o believe_v it_o but_o have_v furthermore_o his_o heart_n possess_v with_o a_o great_a reverence_n of_o god_n majesty_n upon_o this_o message_n and_o there_o be_v three_o motive_n stir_v he_o up_o unto_o this_o reverence_n first_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n strange_a judgement_n upon_o the_o sinful_a world_n to_o see_v that_o his_o wrath_n be_v so_o provoke_v that_o he_o shall_v bring_v so_o unwonted_a a_o plague_n so_o strange_a both_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n to_o drown_v man_n whereas_o general_o all_o man_n can_v avoid_v the_o violence_n of_o that_o element_n &_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o so_o great_a as_o it_o shall_v drown_v all_o the_o world_n and_o destroy_v all_o man_n now_o that_o which_o this_o judgement_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o noah_n the_o same_o effect_n shall_v god_n judgement_n work_v in_o we_o namely_o they_o shall_v move_v we_o with_o reverence_n for_o as_o christ_n say_v our_o day_n be_v like_o noah_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n so_o shall_v the_o day_n be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n matthew_n 24.37_o these_o day_n be_v as_o wicked_a man_n be_v as_o covetous_a as_o cruel_a as_o malicious_a as_o voluptuous_a and_o yet_o as_o secure_v as_o they_o then_o be_v as_o full_a of_o sin_n and_o yet_o as_o dead_a in_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v then_o therefore_o noah_n look_v for_o a_o flood_n 120._o year_n after_o and_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o our_o world_n shall_v last_v so_o long_a a_o time_n or_o no_o at_o least_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v whatsoever_o the_o world_n do_v there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v but_o within_o far_o less_o time_n than_o 120._o year_n be_v assure_v to_o be_v throw_v to_o hell_n by_o a_o flood_n of_o god_n wrath_n at_o his_o death_n unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o repent_v and_o yet_o alas_o where_o be_v he_o that_o be_v move_v with_o reverence_n at_o consideration_n hereof_o the_o wicked_a man_n may_v escape_v the_o water_n of_o a_o flood_n but_o he_o can_v escape_v the_o fire_n of_o hell_n he_o can_v escape_v death_n he_o can_v escape_v the_o last_o judgement_n these_o be_v to_o come_v yet_o they_o be_v sure_a why_o then_o do_v not_o man_n fear_v as_o noah_n do_v he_o fear_v 120._o year_n afore_o it_o come_v we_o can_v indeed_o tremble_v a_o little_a at_o a_o present_a judgement_n as_o when_o fire_n break_v out_o when_o water_n overflowe_v when_o the_o plague_n destroy_v or_o when_o famine_n consume_v but_o to_o tremble_v at_o a_o judgement_n threaten_v though_o it_o
it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o save_v they_o another_o way_n even_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n for_o it_o teach_v they_o many_o thing_n first_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n of_o god_n love_n unto_o their_o soul_n for_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o save_v their_o body_n from_o the_o flood_n they_o thereby_o assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a unto_o their_o soul_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v far_o more_o precious_a and_o excellent_a second_o it_o show_v they_o how_o to_o be_v save_v for_o as_o they_o see_v no_o safety_n nothing_o but_o present_a death_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o it_o teach_v they_o that_o out_o of_o god_n church_n and_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o so_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o member_n of_o his_o true_a church_n three_o they_o see_v they_o be_v save_v from_o the_o flood_n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o first_o noah_n believe_v god_n word_n that_o the_o flood_n shall_v come_v then_o he_o obey_v god_n commandment_n and_o make_v the_o ark_n as_o he_o be_v command_v and_o thus_o he_o and_o he_o by_o believe_v &_o obey_v be_v save_v through_o the_o ark_n and_o without_o these_o the_o ark_n can_v not_o have_v save_v they_o this_o teach_v they_o more_o particular_o how_o to_o be_v save_v namely_o by_o believe_v god_n and_o obey_v god_n and_o else_o no_o salvation_n for_o when_o they_o see_v their_o body_n can_v not_o be_v save_v without_o they_o it_o assure_v they_o much_o less_o can_v their_o soul_n be_v save_v without_o faith_n and_o obedience_n last_o this_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o pawn_n unto_o they_o from_o god_n assure_v they_o of_o salvation_n if_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n for_o see_v god_n so_o full_o perform_v his_o promise_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o bodily_a deliverance_n upon_o their_o believe_v they_o thereby_o may_v assure_v themselves_o he_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n of_o salvation_n unto_o they_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o true_a obedience_n moreover_o it_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n for_o when_o ever_o after_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o they_o or_o any_o word_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o they_o they_o then_o remember_v god_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n unto_o they_o in_o their_o deliverance_n by_o the_o ark_n and_o therefore_o believe_v unto_o these_o and_o many_o other_o spiritual_a use_n do_v the_o ark_n serve_v unto_o noah_n and_o to_o his_o household_n as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v believer_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o indeed_o the_o ark_n serve_v they_o for_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n it_o save_v their_o life_n therefore_o they_o also_o have_v reason_n to_o make_v spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o but_o it_o save_v not_o we_o it_o serve_v we_o to_o no_o use_n corporal_a therefore_o how_o can_v we_o make_v any_o spiritual_a use_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v though_o we_o have_v no_o corporal_a use_n of_o the_o ark_n yet_o there_o arise_v a_o excellent_a spiritual_a use_n out_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n and_o our_o baptism_n be_v figure_n correspondent_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o that_o noah_n ark_n be_v to_o they_o baptism_n be_v to_o us._n thus_o teach_v s._n peter_n 1.3.20.21_o to_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n the_o figure_n which_o now_o save_v we_o even_o baptism_n agree_v the_o same_o that_o s._n paul_n here_o ascribe_v to_o the_o ark_n s._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o baptism_n the_o ark_n save_v they_o baptism_n save_v us._n now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o these_o two_o figure_n have_v two_o branch_n first_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o the_o flood_n to_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o possibility_n to_o escape_v so_o be_v it_o for_o they_o that_o will_v have_v their_o soul_n save_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v mystical_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o visible_a member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n no_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o christ_n s._n peter_n prove_v apparent_o act_v 4.12_o among_o man_n there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v but_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o the_o church_n he_o prove_v act_n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v see_v how_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v save_v must_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o see_v where_o it_o be_v and_o all_o this_o be_v signify_v &_o teach_v in_o baptism_n for_o the_o outward_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n &_o the_o inward_a &_o powerful_a use_n of_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o christ_n himself_o the_o use_n and_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o more_o careful_a to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n &_o of_o his_o church_n by_o make_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o seek_v to_o be_v incorporate_a into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n for_o this_o must_v save_v we_o when_o nothing_o else_o can_v as_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n can_v buy_v out_o their_o safety_n no_o land_n nor_o live_n no_o house_n nor_o building_n no_o hill_n nor_o mountain_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o whole_a world_n itself_o can_v save_v they_o but_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n they_o perish_v so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v out_o of_o christ_n &_o out_o of_o his_o church_n no_o gold_n nor_o silver_n no_o honour_n nor_o glory_n no_o wit_n nor_o policy_n no_o estimation_n nor_o authority_n no_o friend_n nor_o favour_n no_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n no_o hill_n of_o happiness_n nor_o mountain_n of_o gold_n can_v save_v his_o soul_n but_o he_o must_v perish_v in_o the_o flood_n of_o god_n eternal_a wrath_n for_o as_o it_o prove_v folly_n in_o they_o that_o trust_v to_o their_o high_a house_n or_o catch_v hold_v on_o the_o hill_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n so_o will_v it_o prove_v much_o great_a folly_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v trust_v to_o any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o christ._n and_o contrariwise_o as_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v save_v do_v the_o water_n wind_n and_o weather_n storm_n and_o tempest_n all_o they_o can_v so_o that_o still_o the_o more_o the_o water_n rise_v the_o ark_n rise_v also_o and_o be_v ever_o high_o than_o they_o and_o the_o high_a it_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o water_n the_o safe_a it_o be_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o hill_n and_o rock_n and_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n they_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n and_o be_v save_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n so_o he_o that_o be_v once_o true_o in_o christ_n be_v sure_a of_o salvation_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o flood_n of_o calamity_n may_v assault_v he_o and_o humble_v he_o but_o they_o hurt_v not_o his_o salvation_n he_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n he_o be_v in_o christ_n nay_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v he_o but_o through_o all_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o devil_n malice_n &_o through_o all_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n the_o bless_a ark_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o merit_n shall_v carry_v he_o up_o and_o at_o last_o convey_v he_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o bless_a assurance_n of_o all_o they_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v into_o christ._n but_o as_o for_o such_o as_o out_o of_o their_o profaneness_n either_o care_v not_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o contemn_v baptism_n let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n &_o they_o perish_v certain_o this_o be_v the_o 1._o part_n of_o the_o resemblance_n the_o second_o be_v this_o noah_n body_n go_v into_o the_o ark_n he_o seem_v therein_o a_o dead_a man_n go_v into_o a_o grave_n or_o a_o tomb_n to_o be_v bury_v for_o he_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o ark_n &_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o water_n &_o he_o deprive_v of_o the_o fresh_a air●_n &_o gladsome_a light_n yet_o by_o god_n appointment_n it_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o save_v noah_n which_o in_o all_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v his_o grave_n &_o if_o noah_n will_v be_v save_v he_o must_v go_v into_o this_o grave_n so_o they_o that_o will_v escape_v hell_n and_o damnation_n by_o christ_n the_o true_a ark_n of_o holiness_n must_v be_v bury_v and_o mortify_v in_o their_o flesh_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o come_v
into_o the_o body_n of_o scripture_n even_o as_o the_o three_o sentence_n of_o the_o heathen_a poet_n allege_v by_o saint_n paul_n act_n 17.28_o 1._o corinthian_n 15.33_o titus_n 1.12_o have_v now_o a_o divine_a truth_n in_o they_o which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o but_o yet_o will_v some_o say_v the_o apostle_n have_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o tradition_n see_v they_o be_v not_o write_v i_o answer_v we_o may_v safe_o grant_v it_o and_o yet_o our_o cause_n lose_v nothing_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v they_o by_o inspiration_n and_o not_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v as_o likely_a or_o much_o more_o than_o the_o other_o three_o but_o for_o this_o particular_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o word_n or_o at_o least_o the_o matter_n out_o of_o the_o story_n in_o genesis_n for_o thus_o go_v the_o word_n g●d_v say_v to_o abraham_n go_v out_o of_o thy_o country_n etc._n etc._n into_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o he_o name_v none_o to_o he_o but_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v show_v he_o one_o so_o then_o abraham_n go_v out_o at_o god_n appointment_n and_o god_n know_v but_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v he_o know_v well_o the_o land_n he_o leave_v but_o he_o know_v not_o the_o land_n he_o shall_v have_v but_o it_o may_v be_v again_o object_v that_o this_o be_v not_o true_a for_o it_o appear_v gen._n 12.5_o that_o abraham_n with_o sarah_n his_o wife_n and_o all_o their_o substance_n depart_v to_o go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n they_o come_v therefore_o he_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v namely_o to_o that_o land_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a he_o go_v out_o with_o purpose_n and_o assurance_n to_o inherit_v a_o land_n promise_v he_o by_o god_n but_o not_o name_v to_o he_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v there_o say_v he_o go_v out_o to_o go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n that_o be_v speak_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o performance_n when_o he_o be_v come_v thither_o not_o of_o the_o first_o promise_n make_v he_o at_o his_o departure_n or_o of_o the_o time_n when_o moses_n write_v it_o not_o of_o the_o time_n when_o god_n speak_v it_o to_o abraham_n and_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o land_n god_n do_v mean_a until_o he_o come_v thither_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o seven_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o abraham_n have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o wai_o come_v into_o canaan_n than_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o say_v this_o land_n will_v i_o give_v unto_o thy_o seed_n but_o till_o than_o god_n never_o name_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v afore_o that_o he_o believe_v and_o obey_v upon_o the_o general_a promise_n but_o now_o when_o god_n do_v particular_o specify_v and_o show_v what_o land_n he_o then_o show_v his_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o do_v there_o build_v a_o altar_n unto_o the_o god_n that_o have_v appear_v unto_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o abraham_n go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v which_o be_v so_o it_o appear_v that_o abraham_n do_v that_o which_o the_o world_n will_v call_v plain_a foolishness_n to_o leave_v know_v friend_n for_o unknowen_a certain_a live_n for_o uncertain_a be_v a_o simple_a course_n in_o man_n reason_n at_o least_o the_o world_n will_v say_v he_o may_v first_o have_v demand_v of_o god_n what_o land_n that_o be_v which_o he_o shall_v have_v before_o he_o leave_v that_o which_o he_o have_v but_o abraham_n make_v no_o such_o question_n move_v no_o such_o doubt_n but_o believe_v and_o obay_v and_o go_v out_o of_o his_o certain_a dwell_n at_o god_n calling_n though_o he_o know_v not_o where_o to_o lodge_v at_o night_n this_o practice_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n have_v profitable_a use_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o god_n commandment_n seem_v foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a yet_o we_o must_v obey_v they_o christ_n say_v if_o a_o man_n will_v ever_o come_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.3_o s._n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a let_v he_o be_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a 1._o corinth_n 3.18_o christ_n say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o follow_v i_o luk_n 9.23_o but_o how_o can_v these_o commandment_n be_v believe_v or_o do_v how_o can_v reason_n believe_v they_o how_o can_v nature_n do_v they_o so_o dispute_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n with_o christ_n john_n 4.11_o when_o christ_n tell_v she_o he_o will_v give_v she_o of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n she_o reply_v sir_n thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v with_o and_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a whence_o then_o have_v thou_o that_o water_n of_o life_n thus_o we_o object_n and_o reason_n against_o god_n with_o carnal_a objection_n and_o weigh_v god_n commandment_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n thus_o god_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v much_o abuse_v by_o us._n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n we_o hear_v and_o read_v god_n word_n and_o profit_v not_o by_o it_o because_o we_o ponder_v it_o in_o our_o reason_n and_o allow_v nor_o follow_v it_o no_o further_o than_o it_o agree_v with_o our_o natural_a affection_n as_o a_o man_n that_o will_v needs_o stand_v under_o a_o penthouse_n have_v no_o water_n fall_v on_o he_o though_o it_o shall_v rain_v never_o so_o precious_a water_n from_o heaven_n so_o when_o the_o water_n of_o life_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v drop_v upon_o our_o soul_n to_o comfort_v our_o conscience_n and_o to_o wash_v away_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v our_o device_n out_o of_o wit_n and_o distinction_n out_o of_o reason_n as_o penthouse_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o we_o that_o it_o slide_v away_o and_o never_o have_v any_o work_n in_o us._n but_o contrariwise_o we_o must_v remember_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o when_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n we_o must_v with_o he_o captivate_v our_o reason_n and_o subdue_v our_o affection_n to_o it_o measure_v they_o by_o god_n word_n and_o not_o it_o by_o they_o and_o what_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v obey_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o shall_v god_n word_n have_v a_o gracious_a and_o powerful_a work_n in_o us._n second_o here_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o though_o we_o see_v no_o profit_n come_v by_o obey_v god_n commandment_n yet_o we_o must_v obey_v they_o for_o what_o profit_n can_v abraham_n see_v in_o leave_v a_o certain_a live_n for_o a_o uncertainty_n yet_o he_o obey_v and_o go_v upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n build_v upon_o it_o that_o god_n be_v his_o guide_n he_o can_v not_o go_v astray_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v god_n sincere_o and_o do_v his_o commandment_n though_o no_o profit_n seem_v can_v come_v thereby_o but_o some_o will_v say_v shall_v godly_a man_n be_v lead_v like_o blindefolde_a fool_n shall_v they_o refuse_v all_o mean_n of_o help_n by_o wit_n and_o policy_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o ridiculous_a and_o ass_n for_o the_o wicked_a world_n to_o ride_v upon_o i_o answer_v let_v godly_a man_n use_v all_o their_o wit_n and_o look_v with_o all_o their_o eye_n in_o their_o action_n with_o man_n of_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n let_v they_o do_v as_o abraham_n do_v follow_v god_n call_v though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o no_o end_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n we_o must_v do_v as_o blindeman_n do_v who_o follow_v their_o guide_n though_o it_o be_v through_o wood_n &_o rock_n hill_n or_o dale_n or_o dangerous_a place_n regard_v nothing_o fear_v nothing_o only_o follow_v &_o trust_v their_o guide_n who_o have_v eye_n for_o they_o though_o they_o have_v none_o for_o themselves_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v god_n calling_n and_o yield_v absolute_a obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n fear_v nothing_o but_o trust_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o assure_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v mislead_v thus_o to_o do_v be_v true_a faith_n but_o alas_o how_o contrary_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n man_n deal_v with_o god_n as_o we_o do_v with_o loose_a chapman_n who_o we_o will_v not_o trust_v without_o a_o good_a pawn_n so_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v god_n commandment_n long_o than_o his_o religion_n serve_v our_o turn_n nor_o will_v we_o trust_v and_o follow_v god_n without_o the_o pawn_n of_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n nay_o we_o do_v worse_o most_o man_n esteem_v of_o god_n no_o better_o nor_o use_v he_o any_o better_a than_o they_o do_v thief_n in_o their_o house_n if_o a_o man_n come_v
though_o he_o receive_v it_o with_o a_o hand_n shake_v with_o the_o palsy_n so_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o our_o faith_n though_o disease_v with_o infirmity_n and_o bestow_v grace_n on_o a_o believe_a soul_n though_o shake_v with_o many_o temptation_n in_o a_o word_n god_n accept_v soundness_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v but_o small_a and_o more_o look_n at_o in_o his_o mercy_n a_o man_n little_a faith_n than_o his_o many_o fault_n he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n isaiah_n 42_o 3_o when_o a_o man_n be_v break_v in_o heart_n and_o deject_a in_o soul_n in_o fight_n of_o his_o many_o sin_n and_o little_a grace_n god_n will_v not_o break_v this_o bruise_a reed_n but_o will_n comfort_n and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o when_o any_o life_n of_o grace_n appear_v in_o a_o man_n as_o flax_n that_o smoke_v but_o will_v not_o burn_v out_o god_n will_v not_o quench_v it_o but_o will_v rather_o kindle_v it_o and_o give_v life_n unto_o it_o let_v this_o teach_v we_o to_o take_v in_o good_a part_n the_o holy_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o our_o brethren_n though_o they_o can_v do_v so_o well_o as_o they_o will_v or_o shall_v let_v we_o not_o exact_v too_o much_o and_o too_o hasty_o upon_o they_o but_o expect_v in_o meekness_n the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n think_v well_o of_o sarahs_n faith_n though_o it_o be_v with_o laugh_v second_o here_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n rather_o observe_v and_o regard_v good_a thing_n in_o his_o child_n than_o their_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n he_o write_v up_o sarahs_n faith_n he_o name_v not_o her_o laugh_n this_o be_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v goodness_n itself_o and_o therefore_o most_o easy_o apprehend_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o least_o goodness_n wherever_o he_o find_v it_o thus_o shall_v we_o deal_v one_o with_o another_o what_o good_a thing_n we_o see_v in_o any_o man_n we_o shall_v observe_v &_o commend_v it_o his_o fault_n we_o shall_v not_o see_v but_o cover_v and_o omit_v they_o but_o the_o course_n be_v contrary_a the_o common_a table_n talk_v of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o of_o man_n fault_n and_o to_o rip_v up_o their_o imperfection_n but_o if_o they_o have_v never_o so_o many_o good_a property_n we_o can_v bury_v they_o all_o or_o pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n this_o argue_v the_o malice_n and_o the_o naughtiness_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v evil_a do_v delight_n in_o nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o be_v corrupt_a feed_v as_o do_v the_o filthy_a horseflie_a on_o nothing_o but_o corruption_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v the_o practice_n of_o god_n and_o learn_v to_o conceal_v fault_n and_o use_v our_o tongue_n to_o talk_v of_o the_o good_a thing_n and_o virtue_n in_o our_o brethren_n so_o shall_v we_o resemble_v the_o lord_n who_o though_o sarah_n laugh_v not_o in_o a_o holy_a admiration_n but_o in_o unbelief_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o afterward_o she_o believe_v god_n have_v match_v she_o with_o the_o notable_a believer_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n the_o person_n and_o her_o action_n she_o believe_v now_o the_o second_o be_v what_o she_o believe_v include_v and_o necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o thing_n she_o believe_v be_v the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n particular_o his_o promise_n that_o she_o shall_v bear_v isaac_n in_o her_o old_a age_n of_o which_o promise_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o we_o may_v read_v gen._n 18.13_o etc._n etc._n here_o the_o only_a question_n be_v by_o what_o faith_n she_o believe_v this_o and_o the_o answer_n be_v by_o true_a save_a faith_n and_o it_o be_v prove_v thus_o abraham_n believe_v this_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o justify_v he_o rom._n 4.10.11_o but_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n believe_v it_o both_o by_o one_o faith_n therefore_o sarah_n believe_v that_o promise_n by_o the_o faith_n that_o also_o justify_v she_o where_o we_o learn_v that_o save_v faith_n apprehend_v not_o only_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o redemption_n by_o christ_n but_o all_o other_o inferior_a promise_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o for_o here_o we_o see_v abraham_n and_o sarah_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o temporal_a blessing_n by_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o former_o they_o have_v lay_v hold_n on_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o that_o the_o object_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v 1._o principal_a the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n 2._o secondary_a all_o inferior_a promise_n annex_v thereunto_o the_o main_a promise_n be_v so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n to_o the_o end_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 3.16_o now_o true_a faith_n first_o of_o all_o direct_o and_o plain_o fasten_v itself_o on_o this_o but_o after_o and_o with_o this_o on_o all_o other_o promise_n that_o concern_v soul_n or_o body_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o pray_v for_o temporal_a blessing_n health_n peace_n competency_n of_o wealth_n &_o all_o other_o under_o the_o name_n of_o daily_a bread_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o if_o we_o ask_v in_o faith_n neither_o be_v this_o faith_n constrain_v but_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o on_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n accept_v we_o in_o christ_n for_o salvation_n we_o can_v but_o withal_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n else_o needful_a for_o us._n this_o we_o here_o note_v again_o because_o we_o be_v wrongful_o charge_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o hold_v that_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n alone_o but_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o for_o that_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o now_o follow_v the_o three_o point_n namely_o the_o impediment_n of_o her_o faith_n in_o these_o word_n when_o she_o be_v past_o age_n the_o promise_n be_v to_o have_v a_o child_n she_o believe_v it_o now_o against_o childbearing_n there_o be_v two_o impediment_n 1._o barrenness_n 2._o age._n if_o one_o be_v age_v or_o past_o the_o ordinary_a time_n it_o be_v hard_a and_o unlikely_a but_o if_o one_o be_v very_o age_a and_o far_o past_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o child_n thus_o it_o stand_v in_o reason_n beside_o though_o one_o be_v not_o past_a age_n yet_o if_o she_o be_v barren_a as_o some_o by_o secret_a reason_n in_o nature_n be_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v she_o shall_v conceive_v now_o both_o these_o lay_n in_o sarahs_n way_n for_o here_o it_o be_v say_v she_o be_v past_o age_n and_o another_o place_n namely_o gen._n 16.1.2_o say_v she_o be_v barren_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v against_o sarahs_n age_n that_o in_o the_o old_a time_n they_o have_v child_n till_o they_o be_v of_o great_a age_n eva_n have_v her_o son_n sheth_o at_o 130._o year_n old_a gen._n 5.3_o for_o adam_n and_o eve_n must_v needs_o be_v both_o of_o one_o age_n and_o after_o that_o eve_n bear_v many_o son_n and_o daughter_n therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o sarah_n be_v not_o past_a age_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o they_o who_o begin_v to_o bear_v at_o that_o age_n live_v eight_o or_o nine_o hundred_o year_n but_o sarah_n live_v after_o the_o flood_n when_o age_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o 200._o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o 100_o year_n abraham_n live_v but_o 175._o year_n and_o sarah_n but_o 127._o she_o therefore_o who_o live_v 127._o year_n and_o die_v a_o old_a woman_n must_v needs_o be_v past_a age_n of_o childbearing_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a and_o beside_o her_o age_n she_o be_v also_o barren_a by_o her_o natural_a constitution_n as_o many_o be_v and_o have_v be_v and_o bring_v abraham_n no_o child_n yet_o unto_o this_o woman_n come_v a_o word_n from_o god_n sarah_n shall_v bear_v a_o son_n and_o behold_v this_o age_a and_o barren_a woman_n do_v not_o object_n desperate_o these_o her_o two_o hindrance_n the_o one_o whereof_o in_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a against_o child-bearing_a but_o beyond_o all_o impediment_n and_o above_o reason_n believe_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o rest_v and_o rely_v only_o and_o whole_o on_o god_n word_n for_o it_o the_o use_n of_o which_o notable_a and_o faithful_a practice_n so_o wonderful_a in_o a_o woman_n must_v teach_v we_o to_o rest_v on_o god_n word_n &_o promise_n though_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v for_o example_n when_o we_o see_v our_o
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 no●_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 promis●●_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
public_o expound_v whereas_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o bible_n lie_v neglect_v or_o little_o regard_v wherein_o we_o may_v see_v the_o notable_a work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o malice_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o learning_n now_o when_o as_o satan_n by_o this_o mean_n do_v steal_v away_o from_o they_o the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o foi_v in_o corrupt_a humane_a write_n hereby_o he_o poison_v the_o fountain_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o infect_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o as_o this_o be_v common_a in_o the_o place_n of_o popery_n so_o likewise_o some_o fault_n be_v this_o way_n commit_v among_o we_o that_o be_v protestant_n for_o many_o in_o their_o private_a study_n take_v little_a pain_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n but_o apply_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o write_n of_o man_n as_o counsel_n father_n schoolman_n and_o other_o expositor_n and_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o glory_v more_o to_o prove_v a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n by_o multiplicity_n of_o humane_a testimony_n then_o by_o the_o write_a word_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v thus_o to_o do_v be_v to_o prefer_v the_o handmaid_n before_o the_o mistress_n and_o as_o for_o the_o open_n &_o expound_v of_o scripture_n by_o other_o writer_n it_o be_v no_o such_o point_n of_o deep_a learning_n a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o diligence_n may_v easy_o deliver_v what_o other_o have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o to_o open_v the_o scripture_n sound_o and_o pure_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o these_o man_n take_v it_o and_o hereto_o the_o sound_a study_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o will_v prove_v the_o best_a help_n as_o they_o will_v confess_v who_o have_v try_v most_o of_o all_o and_o though_o the_o best_a man_n work_n be_v but_o base_a stuff_n to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o write_n of_o holy_a man_n must_v not_o be_v contemn_v but_o must_v be_v read_v and_o regard_v in_o their_o place_n for_o our_o furnish_n and_o enable_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o the_o help_a of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o that_o hold_v or_o practise_v the_o contrary_a know_v not_o what_o help_v they_o be_v and_o what_o light_n they_o yield_v to_o many_o dark_a place_n of_o scripture_n but_o still_o above_o and_o beyond_o before_o and_o after_o all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v eat_v up_o of_o we_o and_o study_v with_o all_o diligence_n second_o in_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n note_v their_o particular_a sentence_n and_o by_o consequence_n gather_v this_o meditation_n out_o of_o it_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n hereby_o all_o man_n be_v teach_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o hear_v and_o read_v all_o the_o place_n of_o the_o bible_n even_o the_o history_n of_o man_n therein_o and_o out_o of_o the_o word_n to_o gather_v godly_a meditation_n so_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o colossian_n 1.2_o let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plenteous_o in_o you_o coloss._n 3.16_o the_o prophet_n david_n also_o note_v it_o for_o the_o property_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o meditate_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n be_v register_v as_o a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v that_o she_o keep_v all_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o heart_n but_o pity_v it_o be_v to_o see_v how_o read_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v aside_o 2.51_o for_o it_o be_v so_o little_o practise_v that_o man_n nowadays_a will_v not_o be_v at_o charge_n to_o buy_v a_o bible_n for_o book_n of_o statute_n man_n will_v not_o only_o have_v they_o in_o their_o house_n but_o at_o their_o finger_n end_n but_o bible_n they_o have_v none_o and_o if_o they_o have_v it_o lie_v on_o the_o desk_n or_o table_n and_o they_o read_v it_o not_o and_o if_o sometime_o they_o read_v yet_o they_o never_o meditate_v thereon_o as_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o this_o place_n further_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reason_v thus_o upon_o these_o example_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n therefore_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n herein_o he_o teach_v we_o this_o special_a point_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o plain_a word_n in_o the_o bible_n yet_o be_v gather_v thence_o by_o right_a and_o just_a consequence_n be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o receive_v then_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o express_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v far_o to_o blame_v which_o mislike_v these_o term_n in_o divinity_n person_n nature_n sacrament_n consubstantial_a trinity_n etc._n etc._n because_o they_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n but_o they_o may_v with_o good_a conscience_n and_o much_o profit_n be_v retain_v because_o though_o not_o literal_o yet_o in_o sense_n and_o meaning_n they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v by_o just_a consequence_n be_v gather_v thence_o and_o we_o deny_v not_o transubstantion_n because_o the_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o there_o nor_o can_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n be_v derive_v from_o it_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n again_o many_o refuse_v these_o doctrine_n the_o proceed_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o son_n and_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n because_o they_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o hence_o we_o answer_v that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o express_o set_v down_o in_o so_o many_o word_n yet_o by_o just_a consequence_n they_o may_v be_v sound_o gather_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o be_v true_a doctrine_n no_o less_o to_o be_v believe_v then_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o express_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v mindful_a of_o that_o country_n whence_o they_o come_v they_o have_v leisure_n to_o have_v return_v but_o now_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a wherefore_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o they_o to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n for_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n by_o 2._o reason_n the_o first_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o 15._o verse_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o 16._o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n of_o country_n and_o may_v be_v frame_v thus_o they_o either_o seek_v a_o earthly_a country_n or_o a_o heavenly_a country_n but_o not_o a_o earthly_a therefore_o they_o seek_v a_o heavenly_a country_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v clear_a of_o itself_o the_o second_o part_n be_v in_o the_o 15._o verse_n from_o whence_o follow_v the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16._o verse_n to_o come_v to_o the_o first_o part_n in_o these_o word_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v mindful_a of_o the_o country_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v if_o they_o have_v regard_v or_o think_v upon_o mesopotamia_n or_o caldea_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o where_o they_o be_v bear_v with_o any_o desire_n to_o have_v enjoy_v the_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n thereof_o they_o have_v leisure_n enough_o to_o have_v return_v back_o thither_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o length_n of_o their_o day_n which_o they_o live_v in_o the_o land_n whither_o god_n call_v they_o here_o observe_v two_o point_n first_o that_o they_o be_v not_o mindful_a of_o or_o as_o the_o word_n import_v they_o remember_v not_o the_o country_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o when_o god_n give_v they_o commandment_n to_o depart_v thence_o and_o not_o to_o return_v to_o mesopotamia_n again_o after_o this_o commandment_n give_v they_o come_v forth_o and_o do_v forget_v their_o own_o country_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o howsoever_o usual_o forgetfulness_n be_v a_o vice_n yet_o some_o kind_n of_o forgetfulness_n be_v a_o notable_a virtue_n namely_o to_o forget_v the_o thing_n that_o displease_v god_n and_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o think_v upon_o psal._n 45.9_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o forget_v she_o own_o people_n and_o her_o father_n house_n that_o be_v her_o own_o will_n and_o desire_n she_o must_v never_o think_v thereof_o nor_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n whereby_o god_n be_v displease_v unless_o it_o be_v with_o dislike_n this_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o many_o age_a person_n in_o these_o day_n who_o delight_n themselves_o among_o the_o young_a sort_n to_o tell_v of_o the_o bad_a practice_n of_o their_o youth_n in_o wantonness_n contention_n and_o break_v god_n commandment_n but_o in_o so_o do_v they_o sin_v grievous_o for_o a_o man_n must_v not_o
son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v fast_o this_o promise_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v abraham_n practice_n for_o in_o this_o temptation_n god_n meaning_n be_v to_o try_v abraham_n and_o to_o see_v what_o he_o will_v do_v now_o abraham_n he_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n and_o yet_o obey_v god_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o earth_n can_v tell_v how_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o commandment_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o this_o be_v abraham_n faith_n though_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o reason_n know_v not_o yet_o god_n know_v and_o therefore_o see_v i_o have_v his_o commandment_n i_o will_v obey_v it_o and_o see_v i_o have_v his_o word_n and_o promise_n i_o will_v believe_v that_o also_o and_o never_o forsake_v it_o and_o even_o thus_o must_v we_o strive_v to_o do_v in_o all_o temptation_n whatsoever_o yea_o even_o in_o those_o that_o come_v from_o satan_n which_o be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o all_o violence_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v and_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v ever_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o satan_n to_o hold_v that_o god_n promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o but_o rather_o see_v the_o contrary_n and_o though_o in_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o stick_v always_o to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o question_n yet_o in_o spiritual_a temptation_n and_o trial_n this_o be_v sound_a divinity_n always_o to_o hold_v god_n promise_n and_o to_o stick_v fast_o to_o that_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o follow_v satan_n in_o his_o argument_n neither_o suffer_v he_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o drive_v we_o from_o it_o further_o in_o that_o this_o fact_n of_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v only_a abraham_n trial_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v he_o just_a before_o god_n but_o only_o serve_v to_o prove_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v iust._n and_o therefore_o whereas_o saint_n james_n say_v jam._n 2.21_o that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v through_o work_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n upon_o the_o altar_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o abraham_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v just_a before_o god_n by_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n and_o not_o that_o by_o this_o fact_n abraham_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v make_v just_a or_o of_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v make_v more_o just_a for_o indeed_o good_a work_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n just_a but_o only_o do_v prove_v and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v just_a three_o god_n give_v abraham_n this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n but_o yet_o he_o conceal_v from_o he_o what_o be_v his_o purpose_n and_o intent_n herein_o for_o god_n mean_v not_o that_o abraham_n shall_v kill_v his_o son_n indeed_o but_o only_o to_o try_v what_o he_o will_v do_v whether_o he_o will_v still_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o or_o not_o where_o we_o see_v that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n his_o will_n but_o not_o his_o whole_a will_n whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n according_a to_o this_o example_n of_o god_n when_o he_o tell_v a_o thing_n to_o another_o to_o conceal_v his_o meaning_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v two_o extremity_n both_o which_o must_v be_v avoid_v in_o this_o case_n 1_o that_o a_o man_n must_v always_o express_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n 2_o that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v speak_v one_o thing_n and_o think_v another_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o meaning_n but_o this_o late_a be_v no_o way_n lawful_a and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a we_o therefore_o must_v hold_v a_o mean_a between_o both_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v conceal_v his_o whole_a meaning_n say_v nothing_o though_o they_o be_v examine_v namely_o when_o the_o conceal_n thereof_o do_v direct_o stand_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brother_n thus_o godly_a martyr_n have_v do_v for_o be_v examine_v before_o tyrant_n where_o and_o with_o who_o they_o worship_v god_n they_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o disclose_v their_o brethren_n and_o this_o conceal_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v lawful_a because_o it_o touch_v immediate_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n second_o a_o man_n may_v conceal_v part_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o must_v be_v also_o with_o these_o two_o caveat_n first_o that_o it_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n second_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o gods_n church_n thus_o do_v jonas_n conceal_v the_o condition_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o ninivites_fw-la when_o he_o preach_v destruction_n unto_o they_o say_v within_o forty_o day_n and_o niniveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o event_n that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v spare_v if_o they_o do_v repent_v but_o that_o condition_n god_n will_v have_v conceal_v because_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o ninivites_fw-la to_o have_v know_v it_o since_o the_o conceal_n of_o it_o cause_v they_o more_o speedy_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v but_o out_o of_o these_o case_n a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o speak_v must_v declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n or_o else_o he_o sin_n great_o against_o god_n commandment_n forsake_v the_o property_n of_o the_o godly_a psal._n 15.2_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n the_o second_o impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n offer_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n we_o know_v that_o the_o love_n of_o parent_n descend_v to_o every_o child_n natural_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o only_o beget_v upon_o who_o be_v but_o one_o all_o that_o be_v bestow_v which_o when_o there_o be_v many_o be_v divide_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n this_o may_v great_o hinder_v abraham_n obedience_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o offer_v his_o son_n yea_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n but_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o temptation_n break_v through_o this_o impediment_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n where_o we_o note_v that_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n overcome_v his_o own_o nature_n love_n be_v the_o strong_a affection_n in_o the_o heart_n especial_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n even_o his_o only_a child_n and_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o overcome_v this_o love_n in_o the_o parent_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o death_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o child_n but_o yet_o behold_v abraham_n by_o faith_n subdue_v this_o special_a love_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o only_a child_n god_n himself_o testify_v of_o abraham_n that_o his_o love_n to_o isaac_n be_v great_a gen._n 22.2_o and_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o his_o love_n this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v as_o declare_v the_o great_a power_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o if_o faith_n can_v overcome_v create_v and_o sanctify_a nature_n then_o undoubted_o the_o power_n thereof_o will_v enable_v man_n to_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o overcome_v our_o nature_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o which_o come_v in_o by_o transgression_n and_o hence_o such_o excellent_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o and_o god_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o purify_v the_o heart_n faith_n strengthen_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 1._o pet._n 1.5_o be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v nature_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o then_o howsoever_o religion_n be_v receive_v and_o faith_n profess_v general_o among_o we_o yet_o undoubted_o there_o be_v little_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n for_o even_o among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o subdue_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n and_o suppress_v the_o work_n of_o their_o wicked_a nature_n sure_o very_o few_o now_o where_o corruption_n bear_v sway_v and_o sin_n reign_v there_o sound_a faith_n can_v be_v for_o if_o faith_n be_v sound_a in_o man_n it_o will_v purify_v
kill_v a_o man_n not_o present_o but_o a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n or_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n after_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o that_o have_v give_v themselves_o to_o study_n and_o practise_v such_o hurtful_a device_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o mark_v that_o the_o principal_a inventor_n and_o practiser_n of_o such_o hurtful_a invention_n have_v be_v of_o the_o romish_a religion_n the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o time_n of_o this_o exploit_n it_o be_v not_o on_o any_o of_o the_o first_o six_o day_n but_o on_o the_o seven_o and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v that_o day_n compass_v the_o city_n about_o seven_o time_n then_o when_o the_o priest_n blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o all_o the_o people_n shout_v as_o josuah_n bid_v they_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v down_o for_o this_o be_v the_o time_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o this_o exploit_n the_o reason_n why_o god_n appoint_v seven_o day_n and_o seven_o time_n compass_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n be_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o curious_o pry_v into_o it_o nor_o yet_o as_o some_o do_v hence_o gather_v that_o seven_o be_v a_o perfect_a number_n but_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o very_a time_n wherein_o the_o wall_n fall_v down_o we_o may_v learn_v this_o that_o if_o we_o will_v have_v god_n to_o accomplish_v his_o promise_n unto_o we_o we_o must_v wait_v for_o that_o time_n &_o season_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v accomplish_v they_o when_o we_o appoint_v but_o we_o must_v believe_v god_n promise_n and_o also_o wait_v his_o good_a leisure_n and_o then_o will_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o israelite_n compass_v about_o jericho_n one_o day_n and_o the_o wall_n never_o stir_v yea_o they_o do_v so_o six_o day_n together_o and_o six_o time_n more_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n &_o yet_o they_o stand_v fast_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n appoint_v time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v but_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n when_o they_o have_v compass_v they_o about_o the_o seven_o time_n all_o the_o people_n give_v up_o the_o shout_n &_o then_o they_o fall_v down_o because_o that_o be_v the_o particular_a set_a time_n wherein_o god_n will_v accomplish_v his_o promise_n further_o whereas_o they_o compass_v about_o the_o wall_n seven_o day_n together_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o go_v about_o they_o on_o the_o sabbaoth_n day_n for_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o now_o here_o a_o doubt_n arise_v for_o this_o be_v a_o servile_a work_n upon_o the_o sabbaoth_n contrary_a to_o god_n commandment_n which_o enjoin_v so_o strict_a a_o rest_n upon_o the_o sabbaoth_n day_n that_o they_o may_v not_o kindle_v a_o fire_n thereon_o how_o then_o can_v they_o lawful_o compass_v the_o city_n on_o the_o sabbaoth_n day_n answ._n all_o god_n commandment_n in_o the_o moral_a law_n must_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o exception_n thou_o shall_v do_v thus_o and_o thus_o unless_o i_o the_o lord_n command_v thou_o otherwise_o for_o god_n be_v a_o absolute_a lord_n and_o so_o above_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o may_v lawful_o command_v that_o which_o the_o law_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n he_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o moses_n by_o god_n special_a appointment_n set_v up_o a_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o christ._n upon_o such_o a_o special_a command_n abraham_n lawful_o offer_v to_o kill_v isaac_n the_o israelite_n at_o their_o departure_n spoil_v and_o rob_v the_o egyptian_n and_o josuah_n with_o the_o people_n here_o compass_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n on_o the_o sabbaoth_n day_n rahabs_n faith_n verse_n 31._o by_o faith_n rahab_n the_o harlot_n perish_v not_o with_o they_o which_o obey_v not_o when_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o in_o this_o verse_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v further_a in_o declare_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o for_o this_o end_n commend_v unto_o we_o the_o faith_n of_o rahab_n the_o word_n contain_v the_o sum_n and_o abbridgement_n of_o the_o second_o and_o six_o chapter_n of_o josua_n the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v plain_a the_o point_n herein_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v three_o 1._o the_o person_n believe_v to_o wit_n rahab_n 2._o the_o reward_n of_o her_o faith_n give_v by_o josuah_n she_o perish_v not_o but_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jericho_n 3._o the_o testimony_n of_o her_o faith_n so_o call_v by_o saint_n james_n chapter_n 2._o verse_n 25_o and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n when_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o for_o the_o person_n rahab_n be_v a_o woman_n of_o canaan_n dwell_v in_o jericho_n as_o we_o may_v read_v josuah_n 2_o there_o she_o live_v and_o have_v her_o abode_n she_o be_v no_o israelite_n but_o a_o foreigner_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o birth_n and_o a_o stranger_n from_o gods_n church_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o she_o be_v commend_v for_o her_o faith_n and_o here_o put_v into_o the_o catalogue_n of_o these_o renown_a believer_n why_o be_v not_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o canaanite_n prefer_v to_o this_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o she_o answer_n we_o must_v know_v this_o that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v small_a sometime_o shut_v up_o in_o some_o few_o family_n as_o from_o the_o flood_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o after_o limit_v to_o a_o small_a kingdom_n and_o people_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n where_o the_o lord_n people_n dwell_v during_o which_o time_n all_o other_o nation_n and_o people_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o this_o little_a company_n be_v no_o people_n of_o god_n but_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o as_o pau●_n say_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o howsoever_o god_n church_n be_v thus_o shut_v up_o 2.12_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o corner_n yet_o now_o and_o then_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reach_v out_o his_o merciful_a hand_n to_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a call_v they_o into_o his_o church_n and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o covenant_n and_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n proselyte_n in_o abraham_n family_n 17.27_o his_o bondman_n and_o servant_n be_v circumcise_v and_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o in_o moses_n day_n jethro_n moses_n father_n in_o law_n 1●.12_n a_o priest_n of_o midian_a obtain_v this_o at_o god_n hand_n to_o be_v join_v unto_o god_n church_n and_o so_o be_v ruth_n the_o moabite_n ruth_n 1.16_o and_o naaman_n the_o assyrian_a 2._o king_n 5.17_o and_o as_o some_o think_v nabuchadonozer_n daniel_n 4.3_o but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a and_o so_o be_v the_o eunuch_n of_o ethiopia_n candace_v the_o queen_n of_o ethiopias_n chief_a governor_n act_v 8.27_o now_o as_o god_n in_o mercy_n deal_v with_o these_o so_o do_v he_o in_o like_a mercy_n call_v rahab_n the_o harlot_n above_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jericho_n for_o they_o trust_v to_o their_o strong_a wall_n and_o therefore_o die_v but_o rahab_n believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o so_o have_v mercy_n show_v unto_o she_o now_o after_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ascension_n god_n deal_v more_o bountiful_o with_o the_o world_n for_o he_o send_v the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n into_o all_o nation_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v their_o sound_n go_v through_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 10.18_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o limit_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n serve_v to_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o error_n of_o those_o that_o maintain_v and_o hold_v universal_a call_n of_o all_o and_o every_o man_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n but_o if_o that_o be_v so_o then_o in_o former_a age_n the_o gentile_n will_v have_v believe_v whereas_o we_o see_v that_o before_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v but_o a_o small_a remnant_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n only_o and_o not_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o believe_v among_o the_o gentile_n now_o if_o all_o man_n have_v be_v effectual_o call_v than_o all_o will_v have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o many_o nation_n in_o former_a age_n never_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v never_o in_o all_o age_n a_o general_a effectual_a call_n of_o all_o man_n object_n paul_n say_v god_n reconcile_v the_o world_n unto_o himself_o by_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 5.19_o and_o if_o that_o