of_o christ_n and_o the_o express_v of_o his_o virtue_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n praise_v god_n for_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o the_o colossian_n 1.5_o present_o point_v to_o the_o natural_a mother_n of_o these_o virtue_n of_o who_o they_o both_o be_v breed_v and_o feed_v for_o the_o hope_n sake_n that_o be_v the_o glory_n hope_v for_o which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o you_o in_o heaven_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o philippian_n not_o to_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n 3.20_o but_o to_o traffic_v as_o the_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n note_v this_o the_o most_o effectual_a reason_n because_o from_o heaven_n they_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n who_o will_v change_v their_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v it_o like_o his_o own_o glorious_a body_n use_v 1._o minister_n must_v take_v heed_n of_o earthly_a mindednes_n earthlines_n not_o seek_v they_o but_o they_o who_o be_v commit_v unto_o their_o trust_n not_o only_o hereby_o to_o avoid_v offence_n but_o also_o that_o they_o may_v feel_o speak_v of_o such_o point_n as_o concern_v the_o forsake_v of_o the_o world_n in_o affection_n a_o point_n most_o difficult_a to_o learn_v from_o the_o most_o sanctify_a teacher_n which_o course_n if_o a_o minister_n take_v not_o long_o may_v he_o look_v for_o a_o harvest_n yea_o even_o till_o his_o eye_n fail_v but_o he_o shall_v never_o see_v his_o seed_n again_o he_o have_v sow_v to_o the_o wind_n and_o what_o can_v he_o look_v to_o reap_v but_o earthliness_n or_o atheism_n among_o his_o people_n for_o man_n mind_n will_v be_v work_v and_o settle_v themselves_o upon_o some_o pleasurable_a and_o profitable_a object_n if_o not_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v true_o good_a yet_o at_o least_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v apparent_o good_a and_o their_o heart_n can_v never_o be_v take_v off_o thing_n below_o but_o remain_v worldling_n still_o unless_o we_o show_v they_o better_a treasure_n elsewhere_o and_o that_o in_o such_o feel_a manner_n as_o they_o may_v think_v we_o speak_v in_o earnest_n and_o again_o if_o they_o without_o this_o doctrine_n be_v suffer_v like_o the_o sadducee_n to_o include_v all_o their_o hope_n &_o desire_n in_o this_o life_n no_o other_o fruit_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o open_a atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n use_v 2._o people_n must_v conceive_v that_o now_o in_o the_o ministry_n they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o heavenly_a life_n heaven_n for_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n mean_v only_o to_o manifest_v his_o love_n hereafter_o in_o heaven_n to_o believe_v soul_n but_o as_o love_n desire_v present_a communication_n and_o union_n with_o the_o thing_n love_v so_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o present_a league_n with_o such_o as_o he_o strike_v his_o everlasting_a covenant_n withal_o &_o never_o marry_v himself_o into_o any_o soul_n in_o that_o indissoluble_a wedlock_n with_o who_o he_o contract_v not_o himself_o even_o here_o upon_o earth_n and_o see_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n love_v letter_n every_o one_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o these_o glad_a tiding_n must_v say_v to_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o suit_n and_o offer_v of_o god_n unto_o i_o call_v i_o in_o this_o sermon_n to_o near_a fellowship_n with_o himself_o oh_o unthankful_a wretch_n if_o i_o refuse_v his_o love_n if_o i_o still_o cleave_v unto_o earthly_a affection_n and_o earthly_a conversation_n on_o who_o so_o much_o labour_n be_v spend_v that_o i_o may_v be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n note_n use_v 3._o hence_o may_v every_o hearer_n make_v a_o trial_n of_o his_o profit_v under_o the_o ministry_n look_v how_o much_o thou_o find_v thy_o heart_n lift_v up_o towards_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n how_o much_o thy_o earthly_a cogitation_n be_v abate_v how_o much_o thou_o find_v salvation_n near_o than_o when_o thou_o first_o believe_v so_o much_o have_v thou_o profit_v by_o the_o word_n and_o no_o more_o the_o which_o check_v many_o of_o our_o hearer_n who_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o worldly_a as_o earthly_a mind_v as_o they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o receive_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o some_o professor_n that_o have_v much_o earthliness_n bind_v up_o in_o their_o bosom_n the_o follow_v of_o their_o own_o plough_n cause_v they_o often_o content_o to_o pluck_v their_o hand_n from_o the_o plough_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o because_o it_o be_v common_a with_o man_n to_o think_v they_o have_v attain_v enough_o in_o christianity_n when_o they_o have_v get_v a_o little_a knowledge_n and_o may_v now_o make_v holiday_n and_o go_v no_o further_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o of_o we_o shall_v bring_v our_o heart_n to_o some_o certain_a trial_n and_o touch_n whereby_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n that_o the_o word_n have_v frame_v they_o to_o this_o temper_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v as_o by_o many_o other_o so_o especial_o by_o these_o three_o note_n 31.25_o 1._o whereas_o all_o earthly_a reioysing_n be_v condemn_v as_o wherein_o man_n easy_o loose_v their_o heart_n and_o whereby_o death_n be_v make_v distasteful_a and_o unwelcome_a heaven_n examine_v whether_o thou_o reioys_a in_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o grace_n as_o in_o thy_o chief_a joy_n and_o advantage_n 2._o see_v in_o all_o our_o earthly_a employment_n we_o may_v not_o while_o we_o use_v the_o world_n become_v worldling_n whether_o by_o all_o earthly_a thing_n we_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o love_n of_o heavenly_a for_o although_o god_n have_v appoint_v but_o one_o sabbath_n in_o seven_o day_n yet_o to_o a_o christian_a every_o day_n be_v sanctify_v to_o be_v a_o rest_n from_o all_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o walk_v with_o his_o god_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o religious_a keep_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n in_o every_o action_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n so_o make_v every_o action_n of_o his_o particular_a call_n a_o part_n of_o christian_a obedience_n and_o duty_n unto_o god_n 3._o see_v a_o well_o order_v heart_n have_v nothing_o in_o earth_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n search_v thy_o soul_n whether_o it_o find_v more_o sweetness_n in_o the_o service_n of_o thy_o lord_n then_o in_o his_o outward_a benefit_n as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n see_v these_o must_v leave_v thou_o or_o be_v leave_v of_o thou_o before_o or_o at_o the_o day_n of_o death_n when_o account_n must_v also_o be_v make_v both_o for_o the_o get_n keep_v and_o expend_v of_o they_o at_o which_o time_n those_o who_o with_o most_o greedy_a appetite_n have_v seek_v they_o and_o purchase_v they_o shall_v find_v they_o far_o from_o counteruail_v that_o good_a which_o they_o forfeit_v for_o they_o by_o these_o note_n gage_v thy_o heart_n sound_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o and_o thou_o shall_v doubtless_o find_v such_o deceit_n as_o shall_v occasion_v thou_o to_o cleave_v to_o that_o ordinance_n which_o he_o that_o frame_v it_o at_o the_o first_o have_v in_o his_o wisdom_n appoint_v for_o the_o further_a reformation_n of_o it_o doct._n 2._o the_o second_o instruction_n out_o of_o the_o word_n be_v that_o true_a faith_n never_o go_v alone_o but_o as_o a_o queen_n be_v attend_v with_o many_o other_o grace_n as_o knowledge_n love_n fear_v of_o god_n among_o which_o hope_n here_o mention_v not_o only_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v but_o strengthen_v and_o fortify_v the_o believer_n and_o as_o a_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n 6.17_o cause_v the_o christian_a soldier_n to_o hold_v out_o in_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a but_o he_o mention_v as_o a_o inseparable_a handmaid_n the_o hope_n of_o life_n eternal_a so_o do_v the_o apostle_n john_n 3.2_o we_o be_v now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o be_v faith_n make_v we_o the_o the_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o there_o be_v hope_n and_o whosoever_o have_v this_o hope_n purge_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a there_o be_v the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o obedience_n notable_a for_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o place_n in_o rom._n 5.1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o grace_n attend_v and_o follow_v faith_n be_v full_o and_o excellent_o describe_v now_o this_o hope_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o saint_n patient_o and_o firm_o expect_v good_a thing_n to_o come_v already_o believe_v especial_o their_o resurrection_n hope_n and_o life_n eternal_a provoke_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o all_o duty_n in_o which_o description_n diverse_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o original_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o obtain_v by_o prayer_n as_o faith_n also_o be_v whence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o
brethren_n of_o christ_n and_o heir_n apparent_a to_o the_o crown_n of_o heaven_n but_o that_o they_o be_v high_o advance_v as_o the_o choice_n of_o god_n and_o god_n delight_n above_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o hence_o follow_v it_o that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v in_o this_o price_n and_o reckon_n with_o god_n must_v be_v sure_o he_o be_v a_o lily_n which_o he_o shall_v know_v by_o these_o three_o note_n 1._o if_o he_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o garden_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n not_o tie_v to_o it_o as_o a_o scion_n to_o a_o tree_n by_o a_o thread_n of_o outward_a profession_n but_o by_o soundness_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n the_o former_a of_o which_o set_v into_o the_o head_n and_o the_o latter_a unit_v to_o the_o member_n second_o if_o he_o have_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o lily_n upon_o he_o 1._o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n justify_v and_o cover_v he_o 2._o in_o his_o own_o eye_n by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n daily_o wash_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n 3._o in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o man_n by_o a_o innocent_a life_n and_o godly_a conversation_n three_o if_o every_o where_o he_o leave_v a_o sweet_a smell_n behind_o he_o that_o the_o place_n where_o ever_o he_o go_v savour_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lay_v up_o in_o his_o heart_n by_o betray_v the_o humility_n faith_n love_n patience_n hope_v sobriety_n and_o the_o like_a a_o lily_n can_v leave_v no_o stink_n behind_o it_o any_o where_o as_o many_o in_o their_o meeting_n who_o speech_n be_v if_o not_o hurtful_a yet_o unsavourie_a and_o unfruitful_a these_o thing_n i_o write_v not_o as_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o teach_v your_o h._n who_o want_v not_o choice_a man_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v you_o forward_o both_o in_o the_o understanding_n of_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o holy_a life_n but_o 1._o to_o put_v your_o h._n in_o mind_n how_o high_o the_o lord_n have_v honour_v you_o both_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n as_o also_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o child_n the_o former_a in_o that_o unto_o outward_a greatness_n which_o be_v as_o a_o rich_a legacy_n give_v by_o god_n both_o to_o good_a and_o bad_a he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o add_v the_o chief_a good_a and_o make_v your_o h._n rich_a indeed_o by_o dispose_v unto_o you_o the_o inheritance_n of_o his_o child_n which_o be_v apparent_a in_o that_o by_o a_o sound_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v plant_v you_o in_o his_o own_o ground_n or_o garden_n in_o that_o he_o have_v set_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o lily_n upon_o you_o and_o have_v grace_v you_o with_o a_o sweet_a smell_n of_o many_o precious_a grace_n which_o every_o where_o you_o leave_v behind_o you_o the_o latter_a both_o in_o that_o he_o have_v put_v in_o your_o heart_n a_o special_a care_n of_o fence_v yourself_o by_o religious_a and_o innocent_a walk_n whereby_o you_o have_v adorn_v your_o holy_a profession_n in_o not_o lay_v yourself_o in_o any_o part_n open_a to_o the_o envious_a scratch_n of_o thorn_n as_o also_o have_v express_o engrave_v this_o part_n of_o his_o image_n upon_o you_o to_o esteem_v his_o child_n as_o lily_n among_o thorn_n whereby_o a_o good_a evidence_n be_v minister_v to_o your_o own_o heart_n that_o you_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 2._o that_o i_o may_v stir_v up_o your_o h._n as_o you_o have_v cause_n to_o rejoice_v in_o and_o set_v your_o heart_n upon_o this_o purchase_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n but_o of_o a_o few_o to_o esteem_v it_o as_o it_o be_v your_o true_a honour_n and_o nobility_n your_o unperish_a riches_n and_o treasure_n whereas_o all_o earthly_a glory_n and_o greatness_n worldly_a wealth_n and_o abundance_n abstract_v from_o this_o neither_o be_v your_o own_o neither_o if_o they_o be_v can_v they_o make_v you_o happy_a it_o be_v a_o excellent_a speech_n of_o that_o noble_a emperor_n theodosius_n imperij_fw-la of_o who_o augustine_n write_v that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o he_o account_v it_o more_o honour_n that_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n than_o the_o head_n of_o the_o empire_n 3._o that_o i_o may_v add_v one_o incitement_n and_o provocation_n to_o proceed_v as_o you_o have_v begin_v happy_o in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_v of_o true_a piety_n wherein_o whilst_o you_o profit_n and_o increase_v you_o provide_v a_o good_a stock_n for_o the_o time_n of_o need_n let_v your_o h._n give_v i_o leave_v to_o encourage_v you_o to_o go_v on_o in_o ennoble_a nobility_n itself_o by_o be_v inferior_a to_o few_o of_o your_o honourable_a rank_n august_n as_o in_o your_o outward_a estate_n so_o in_o the_o beautiful_a gift_n and_o ornament_n of_o your_o mind_n such_o as_o be_v humility_n humanity_n a_o lowly_a and_o lovely_a carriage_n let_v caesar_n and_o pompey_n &_o other_o gallant_n strive_v to_o be_v superior_n in_o pomp_n and_o envy_a greatness_n it_o be_v your_o honour_n to_o have_v learn_v that_o humility_n be_v the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o stair_n of_o christian_a nobility_n go_v on_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o continue_v a_o singular_a ornament_n and_o muniment_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n which_o be_v not_o make_v by_o any_o thing_n more_o outward_o happy_a then_o in_o godly_a magistracy_n and_o nobility_n go_v on_o in_o show_v yourself_o a_o careful_a patron_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o make_v free_a and_o uncorrupt_a choice_n of_o such_o pastor_n as_o who_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o life_n 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o counterpane_n one_o of_o the_o other_o in_o which_o godly_a care_n your_o h._n have_v worthy_o carry_v the_o palm_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a motive_n which_o draw_v on_o this_o my_o presumption_n to_o dedicate_v this_o labour_n unto_o your_o h._n although_o i_o want_v not_o some_o more_o private_a respect_n also_o to_o force_v i_o thereunto_o namely_o that_o i_o may_v give_v some_o public_a testimony_n of_o my_o love_n of_o your_o virtue_n some_o appobation_n of_o my_o christian_n duty_n and_o some_o signification_n of_o my_o thankful_a mind_n as_o for_o other_o favour_n so_o also_o for_o your_o honour_n christian_n and_o constant_a love_n of_o that_o worthy_a and_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o lady_n russell_n who_o i_o can_v not_o but_o afford_v a_o honourable_a mention_n in_o this_o dedication_n which_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v have_v be_v she_o right_n if_o god_n have_v see_v good_a to_o have_v add_v unto_o her_o day_n accept_v i_o humble_o beseech_v your_o h._n the_o mind_n of_o the_o offerer_n accept_v also_o the_o book_n offer_v if_o not_o for_o the_o author_n of_o the_o commentary_n yet_o for_o the_o author_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v worthy_a your_o h._n name_n and_o respect_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o h._n shall_v redeem_v many_o vacant_a hour_n in_o read_v over_o many_o of_o the_o treatise_n therein_o contain_v and_o thus_o crave_v pardon_n for_o my_o boldness_n i_o commend_v your_o h._n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o protract_v your_o day_n and_o year_n according_a to_o the_o large_a grace_n bestow_v upon_o you_o and_o prosper_v and_o finish_v the_o good_a work_n he_o have_v begin_v by_o add_v that_o which_o be_v yet_o lack_v to_o your_o faith_n and_o grace_n till_o he_o have_v fit_v you_o unto_o and_o fill_v you_o with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n amen_n from_o my_o house_n at_o watford_n march_n 16._o 1612._o your_o h._n in_o all_o duty_n to_o be_v command_v thomas_n taylor_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n grace_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o other_o blessing_n accompany_v salvation_n the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v the_o rich_a treasury_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o glory_n wherein_o not_o one_o kind_a of_o precious_a stone_n or_o mettle_n be_v lay_v up_o or_o in_o one_o room_n but_o in_o sundry_a drawer_n as_o in_o sundry_a casket_n many_o several_a pearl_n and_o precious_a thing_n be_v reserve_v psal._n and_o safe_o lay_v up_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o one_o place_n lie_v the_o sum_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n another_o hold_v the_o precept_n of_o godly_a life_n in_o one_o corner_n be_v the_o refutation_n of_o adulterate_a and_o erroneous_a doctrine_n in_o another_o the_o reprehension_n of_o impure_a and_o scandalous_a life_n and_o as_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christianity_n be_v distinct_a one_o from_o another_o so_o lie_v they_o hear_v or_o there_o in_o these_o rich_a coffer_n distinct_a so_o as_o every_o christian_a may_v draw_v out_o instruction_n direction_n and_o consolation_n according_a to_o his_o own_o necessity_n this_o epistle_n breathe_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o bear_v the_o same_o superscription_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n herein_o disagree_v not_o
raise_n and_o return_v out_o of_o babylon_n 126.1_o but_o as_o a_o dream_n for_o who_o heart_n leap_v within_o they_o at_o the_o joyful_a message_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o lean_a unto_o the_o promise_n walk_v worthy_a of_o they_o for_o their_o life_n very_o few_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n we_o teach_v it_o hardly_o sink_v with_o man_n that_o god_n shall_v become_v man_n that_o by_o the_o death_n of_o one_o life_n shall_v be_v procure_v to_o so_o many_o that_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n shall_v lie_v by_o hell_n that_o by_o affliction_n they_o shall_v be_v pass_v to_o glory_n these_o thing_n be_v riddle_n to_o many_o profess_a christian_n so_o when_o we_o call_v people_n as_o god_n do_v he_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o old_a way_n that_o they_o may_v find_v rest_n to_o their_o soul_n they_o answer_v we_o with_o they_o we_o will_v not_o walk_v in_o that_o way_n the_o sound_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o not_o of_o the_o voice_n speak_v for_o we_o call_v man_n from_o swear_v lie_a covetousness_n which_o be_v idolatry_n from_o sabbath_n break_v intemperance_n drink_n and_o uncleanness_n but_o man_n heart_n speak_v by_o their_o life_n we_o will_v swear_v we_o will_v drink_v to_o drunkenness_n we_o will_v by_o game_n or_o idleness_n break_v the_o sabboath_n the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v too_o straight_o and_o unequal_a a_o man_n have_v as_o good_a be_v in_o prison_n as_o in_o these_o bond_n last_o whereas_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v hope_n which_o whosoever_o have_v he_o purge_v himself_o how_o do_v most_o profess_a christian_n pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n god_n be_v merciful_a and_o therefore_o i_o may_v do_v what_o i_o list_v at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v god_n will_v blot_v out_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o repent_v yet_o the_o whole_a law_n be_v comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n or_o above_o all_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o therefore_o i_o know_v as_o much_o as_o any_o preacher_n can_v tell_v i_o what_o need_v all_o these_o sermon_n the_o sabboath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o sabboath_n and_o therefore_o what_o need_v man_n be_v so_o straight_o lace_v and_o precise_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n therefore_o i_o must_v and_o will_v diligent_o seek_v the_o world_n and_o set_v my_o heart_n upon_o covetousness_n by_o all_o which_o instance_n we_o may_v see_v ourselves_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n taint_v with_o this_o fearful_a sin_n of_o rise_v up_o and_o reason_v against_o that_o light_n which_o shine_v out_o in_o the_o word_n use_v 1._o let_v all_o man_n learn_v hence_o to_o be_v humble_v under_o that_o vile_a estate_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o only_o lade_v with_o simple_a ignorance_n but_o even_o oppress_v with_o affect_a contumacy_n against_o it_o such_o as_o our_o saviour_n charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n joh._n 8._o and_o such_o as_o break_v out_o in_o many_o of_o our_o people_n who_o not_o seldom_o in_o hear_v we_o teach_v they_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n say_v as_o the_o jew_n of_o christ_n who_o can_v hear_v he_o alas_o 6.60_o how_o far_o better_a be_v it_o with_o we_o to_o have_v be_v heathen_a or_o infidel_n and_o never_o have_v hear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o our_o ignorance_n have_v be_v simple_a and_o invincible_a than_o such_o christian_n as_o abound_v not_o only_o with_o ignorance_n but_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o rom._n 1.24_o which_o be_v cause_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o they_o 2._o hence_o may_v we_o cease_v to_o wonder_v why_o so_o few_o obey_v the_o gospel_n why_o after_o so_o much_o teach_v there_o be_v so_o little_a fruit_n so_o little_a knowledge_n so_o little_o turn_v to_o god_n because_o the_o degree_n of_o corruption_n of_o mind_n be_v beyond_o bare_a ignorance_n as_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o word_n be_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o grace_n then_o bare_a knowledge_n the_o minister_n may_v hale_v and_o pull_v but_o unless_o the_o father_n draw_v none_o come_v to_o the_o son_n such_o be_v the_o contumacy_n and_o stubbornenes_n of_o man_n heart_n natural_o that_o no_o curse_n can_v terrify_v nor_o promise_n affect_v it_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o make_v christ_n own_o ministry_n unprofitable_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o we_o read_v joh._n 8._o let_v hearer_n and_o student_n of_o the_o scripture_n labour_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o spirit_n renew_v their_o inner_a man_n without_o which_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o study_v and_o read_v but_o as_o the_o eunuch_n without_o understand_v for_o want_n of_o a_o guide_n without_o this_o teacher_n our_o report_n shall_v not_o be_v believe_v nor_o without_o this_o finger_n of_o god_n shall_v the_o arm_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v a_o sound_n of_o word_n may_v be_v hear_v and_o the_o report_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o win_v acknowledgement_n of_o itself_o but_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v found_v nor_o love_v quicken_v nor_o hope_v confirm_v nor_o that_o change_n wrought_v without_o which_o thou_o shall_v continue_v a_o cavill_a still_o yea_o froward_a and_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n 3._o if_o we_o be_v such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o of_o this_o estate_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v heart_n to_o believe_v assent_n and_o obey_v the_o truth_n let_v we_o not_o deprive_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n but_o acknowledge_v his_o gift_n give_v he_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o he_o for_o here_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a power_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o if_o it_o be_v give_v thou_o to_o believe_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o work_n of_o great_a power_n see_v 2._o thess._n 1.11_o deceive_v out_o of_o this_o three_o degree_n of_o corruption_n of_o mind_n god_n we_o learn_v that_o before_o man_n be_v bring_v unto_o christ_n they_o infinite_o err_v and_o their_o whole_a life_n be_v but_o a_o wander_a from_o god_n and_o his_o way_n for_o 1._o christ_n be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o tend_v to_o life_n 2._o ourselves_o by_o our_o sin_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o dark_a night_n and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o sun_n moon_n or_o star_n but_o walk_v in_o darkness_n know_v not_o whether_o we_o tend_v 3._o we_o have_v a_o wander_a and_o vagrant_a vain_a even_o after_o our_o call_n 2.11_o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o before_o how_o have_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n complain_v in_o their_o own_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n isa._n 53.6_o we_o have_v all_o wander_v like_o lose_a sheep_n the_o like_a david_n confess_v of_o himself_o and_o even_o after_o conversion_n the_o lord_n must_v still_o be_v seek_v we_o up_o psal._n 119.176_o oh_o seek_v thy_o servant_n for_o else_o we_o have_v no_o list_n to_o return_v to_o the_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n jesus_n christ._n now_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o error_n be_v a_o filthy_a flattery_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o guileful_a security_n of_o spirit_n which_o hold_v man_n from_o seek_v happiness_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v while_o they_o mistake_v their_o condition_n make_v fair_a weather_n with_o their_o soul_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o be_v amiss_o and_o they_o for_o truth_n embrace_v nothing_o but_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v travel_n far_o to_o seek_v instance_n of_o such_o vagrant_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o ask_v any_o of_o they_o what_o way_n they_o travel_v all_o of_o they_o have_v to_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v there_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o best_a if_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o i_o may_v here_o save_v some_o labour_n but_o that_o the_o world_n swarm_v with_o such_o night-wanderer_n and_o that_o i_o take_v it_o much_o material_a to_o our_o point_n and_o purpose_n to_o show_v how_o far_o many_o be_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n how_o little_a acquaintance_n many_o christian_n have_v with_o christ_n of_o who_o some_o never_o see_v his_o face_n never_o salute_v he_o other_o have_v think_v it_o their_o best_a security_n to_o stand_v a_o loose_a and_o follow_v he_o a_o far_o off_o and_o other_o after_o a_o little_a acquaintance_n with_o he_o do_v as_o many_o disciple_n do_v fall_v off_o from_o he_o and_o walk_v with_o he_o no_o more_o but_o a_o little_a further_o to_o prosecute_v the_o point_n in_o particular_a practice_n
be_v otherwise_o distract_v that_o seldom_o man_n set_v themselves_o under_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o his_o church_n not_o enlighten_v not_o warm_v nor_o cherish_v they_o not_o bring_v back_o a_o new_a spring_n upon_o they_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v fruit_n from_o such_o unless_o we_o can_v look_v that_o a_o tree_n which_o have_v be_v fruitless_a all_o the_o summer_n shall_v be_v lade_v with_o fruit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o winter_n 3._o sundry_a vain_a conceit_n suggest_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o assent_v unto_o by_o man_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o unfruitful_a course_n as_o 1._o many_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o object_n i_o hope_v notwithstanding_o i_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o so_o fruitful_a as_o you_o speak_v of_o yet_o i_o have_v do_v well_o enough_o all_o this_o while_n and_o why_o may_v not_o i_o do_v so_o still_o and_o thus_o resolve_v because_o god_n have_v use_v patience_n and_o spare_v they_o he_o will_v therefore_o spare_v they_o still_o in_o their_o unfruitfulnesse_n but_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n logic_n the_o clean_a contrary_a whereof_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v god_n spare_v thou_o the_o second_o and_o three_o year_n and_o be_v thou_o still_o fruitless_a he_o must_v now_o needs_o call_v for_o the_o axe_n &_o this_o be_v that_o which_o thou_o must_v expect_v 2._o another_o say_v oh_o but_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n &_o what_o talk_v you_o to_o i_o i_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o though_o i_o be_v not_o so_o forward_o and_o strict_a i_o hope_v i_o shall_v do_v well_o enough_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o fruitless_a tree_n shall_v reply_v to_o the_o master_n and_o say_v i_o hope_v master_n thou_o will_v not_o cut_v i_o down_o i_o be_o in_o thy_o orchard_n and_o stand_v near_o thy_o house_n if_o i_o be_v in_o the_o waist_n i_o shall_v think_v thou_o shall_v care_v less_o for_o i_o but_o will_v not_o the_o master_n reply_n and_o say_v that_o thou_o must_v rather_o go_v down_o becase_n thou_o stand_v unprofitable_a in_o my_o orchard_n i_o can_v endure_v thou_o shall_v keep_v any_o part_n of_o that_o ground_n barren_a if_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o waist_n thou_o may_v have_v stand_v long_o but_o my_o eye_n be_v next_o my_o house_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v still_o unprofitable_a get_v the_o into_o thou_o be_v here_o be_v no_o more_o place_n or_o room_n for_o thou_o 3._o other_o reply_n and_o say_v oh_o but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o fruitless_a as_o you_o take_v we_o and_o what_o desire_v you_o more_o whereunto_o i_o say_v that_o such_o have_v great_a need_n to_o desire_v better_a evidence_n to_o allege_v for_o themselves_o then_o this_o if_o this_o be_v all_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o if_o a_o tree_n can_v say_v i_o bring_v no_o bad_a fruit_n as_o thistle_n and_o thorn_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o good_a tree_n no_o for_o a_o good_a tree_n constant_o bring_v much_o good_a fruit_n so_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o thou_o to_o allege_v what_o thou_o have_v not_o or_o what_o thou_o be_v not_o thou_o must_v not_o be_v a_o private_a but_o a_o positive_a christian_a lade_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n else_o have_v thou_o lose_v all_o thy_o labour_n use_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o be_v harmless_a man_n which_o many_o rest_n in_o as_o sound_a fruit_n of_o religion_n see_v that_o for_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o as_o dry_a branch_n and_o man_n shall_v gather_v they_o to_o the_o fire_n there_o go_v two_o thing_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o good_a christian_a 34._o 1._o to_o eschew_v evil_a and_o 2._o to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n in_o the_o judgement_n day_n shall_v run_v against_o not_o only_o those_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a but_o those_o also_o who_o have_v do_v no_o good_a see_v matth._n 25._o 2._o it_o will_v not_o go_v for_o payment_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a by_o profession_n if_o fruitless_a it_o be_v the_o constitution_n and_o i_o may_v say_v the_o destynie_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v in_o it_o paint_a sepulcher_n such_o as_o the_o prophet_n in_o their_o time_n be_v trouble_v with_o who_o have_v nothing_o in_o their_o mouth_n but_o the_o temple_n the_o temple_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o their_o life_n most_o wicked_a man_n and_o other_o there_o be_v that_o pretend_v outward_a holiness_n above_o other_o will_v join_v fast_v to_o their_o prayer_n but_o yet_o rot_v and_o wither_a branch_n such_o be_v they_o that_o be_v jew_n without_o in_o the_o face_n and_o in_o the_o letteâ—_n but_o the_o sound_n christian_n be_v discern_v not_o by_o leaf_n but_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a israelity_n who_o be_v so_o within_o who_o praise_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n the_o fig_n tree_n have_v leaf_n enough_o and_o by_o the_o flourish_a &_o greenne_n seem_v to_o promise_v great_a store_n of_o fruit_n but_o when_o christ_n draw_v near_o look_v for_o fruit_n and_o find_v none_o he_o say_v never_o more_o fruit_n grow_v upon_o thou_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n in_o time_n of_o such_o a_o woeful_a sentence_n 3._o every_o man_n must_v by_o this_o doctrine_n take_v occasion_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o himself_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o profession_n and_o by_o unpartial_a sift_v of_o themselves_o some_o will_v doubtless_o say_v i_o find_v some_o fruit_n in_o myself_o i_o praise_v god_n but_o so_o much_o corruption_n as_o utter_o dismay_v i_o that_o i_o know_v not_o what_o i_o may_v think_v of_o my_o estate_n but_o let_v such_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n see_v the_o promise_n be_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fruit_n at_o all_o god_n will_v purge_v that_o branch_n and_o help_v it_o against_o corruption_n 15.2_o so_o as_o it_o groan_v still_o under_o corruption_n and_o after_o grace_n the_o least_o bud_n of_o true_a grace_n shall_v shoot_v up_o to_o ripeness_n and_o fruit_n in_o due_a time_n the_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v not_o be_v quench_v but_o dress_v to_o clearness_n other_o by_o examination_n shall_v find_v that_o they_o have_v have_v better_a fruit_n than_o now_o that_o they_o be_v become_v copper_n christian_n now_o compare_v to_o their_o former_a golden_a time_n and_o be_v fall_v from_o their_o first_o love_n may_v say_v with_o shame_n in_o their_o face_n and_o sorrow_n in_o their_o soul_n alas_o i_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o but_o let_v such_o be_v advise_v to_o look_v well_o to_o their_o stand_n for_o sure_a it_o be_v that_o either_o such_o be_v never_o ingraft_v into_o the_o stock_n by_o effectual_a call_n but_o rather_o tie_v as_o a_o science_n to_o a_o tree_n by_o a_o thread_n of_o outward_a call_n and_o profession_n or_o else_o a_o dangerous_a disease_n have_v seize_v on_o they_o which_o threaten_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v not_o timely_o prevent_v true_a grace_n be_v not_o as_o nature_n which_o be_v past_o the_o vigour_n decay_v but_o a_o man_n in_o grace_n be_v still_o grow_v and_o can_v be_v a_o child_n no_o more_o other_o by_o examine_v shall_v find_v themselves_o lade_v with_o bitter_a cluster_n of_o covetousness_n pride_n contention_n and_o sundry_a other_o lust_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o profess_v the_o gospel_n be_v resolve_v to_o grow_v sour_a and_o sour_a more_o loathsome_a to_o god_n and_o loathe_v goodness_n but_o these_o be_v strange_a fruit_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o argue_v they_o to_o be_v but_o sere_a and_o rot_a wood_n already_o and_o be_v not_o far_o from_o burn_v vers._n 15._o all_o that_o be_v with_o i_o salute_v thou_o greet_v they_o that_o love_v we_o in_o the_o faith_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o all_o amen_n this_o verse_n contain_v nothing_o but_o mutual_a salutation_n and_o the_o apostolical_a conclusion_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o we_o meet_v withal_o almost_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n we_o will_v therefore_o imitate_v our_o apostle_n in_o the_o brief_a wind_a up_o of_o the_o epistle_n therewith_o content_v ourselves_o to_o observe_v some_o short_a ground_n of_o further_a meditation_n from_o they_o as_o they_o lie_v all_o that_o be_v with_o i_o in_o these_o word_n our_o apostle_n will_v have_v titus_n to_o know_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v with_o he_o embrace_v he_o with_o all_o christian_a and_o love_a affection_n and_o will_v have_v their_o mindfulness_n of_o he_o witness_v by_o a_o kind_n and_o familiar_a salutation_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v 1._o to_o testify_v their_o love_n towards_o he_o 2._o to_o knit_v the_o bond_n of_o it_o more_o firm_a and_o close_o 3._o to_o encourage_v titus_n in_o his_o godly_a course_n when_o he_o shall_v hear_v