god_n word_n man_n hard_a heart_n the_o great_a judgement_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v upon_o man_n nor_o profit_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n oh_o it_o be_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n that_o god_n can_v lay_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o certain_a forerunner_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n in_o the_o end_n for_o when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v light_a upon_o a_o hard_a heart_n oh_o it_o wound_v it_o and_o kill_v it_o and_o give_v many_o a_o mortal_a and_o deadly_a wound_n though_o the_o wretched_a soul_n of_o the_o sinner_n see_v it_o not_o or_o feel_v it_o not_o the_o scripture_n afford_v we_o diverse_a example_n and_o all_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n unto_o us._n 4.5.6_o gen._n 4.5.6_o this_o be_v clear_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o cain_n how_o do_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o cain_n both_o before_o he_o have_v murder_v his_o brother_n and_o afterward_o and_o all_o to_o have_v keep_v he_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a from_o that_o most_o horrible_a sin_n of_o he_o before_o how_o do_v god_n deal_v with_o he_o cain_n why_o be_v the_o countenance_n of_o thy_o face_n change_v if_o thou_o do_v well_o shall_v thou_o not_o be_v reward_v if_o thou_o do_v evil_a sin_n lie_v at_o thy_o door_n have_v not_o this_o be_v enough_o if_o cain_n have_v have_v but_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o grace_n to_o have_v keep_v he_o and_o stay_v he_o from_o commit_v that_o horrible_a sin_n but_o when_o this_o prevail_v not_o but_o cain_n will_v needs_o shed_v the_o innocent_a blood_n of_o righteous_a abel_n how_o do_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o cain_n afterward_o cain_n where_o be_v thy_o brother_n abel_n but_o what_o now_o do_v cain_n heart_n relent_v do_v he_o confess_v his_o sin_n with_o david_n and_o say_v i_o have_v sin_v do_v he_o resolve_v into_o tear_n of_o repentance_n with_o peter_n no_o no_o but_o rather_o despise_a god_n to_o his_o face_n say_v be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n oh_o fearful_a and_o horrible_a speech_n what_o be_v his_o conscience_n so_o sear_v that_o neither_o the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n the_o innocent_a blood_n of_o his_o slay_a brother_n nor_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v any_o whit_n astonish_v he_o behold_v here_o a_o example_n indeed_o of_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v harden_v and_o let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o same_o ever_o possess_v our_o soul_n to_o make_v we_o watchful_a over_o our_o own_o heart_n how_o we_o ever_o contemn_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o same_o be_v offer_v unto_o us._n this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_o see_v in_o pharaoh_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n send_v several_a plague_n and_o judgement_n upon_o he_o &_o his_o people_n one_o upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o 9_o exod._n 9_o ten_o in_o number_n yet_o all_o will_v not_o humble_v pharaoh_n 7.23_o exod._n 7.23_o but_o answer_v stout_o say_v i_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n neither_o will_v i_o let_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v this_o be_v teach_v by_o job_n 1.17_o job._n 18.5_o zeph._n 1.17_o when_o he_o say_v the_o light_n of_o the_o ungodly_a shall_v be_v darken_v and_o the_o wicked_a shall_v become_v blind_a because_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o lord_n and_o again_o their_o heart_n be_v fat_a their_o eye_n heavy_a and_o their_o ear_n shut_v they_o shall_v hear_v indeed_o but_o shall_v not_o understand_v they_o shall_v see_v and_o not_o perceyve_v and_o the_o prophet_n jeremie_n do_v mow_v lively_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o woeful_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v thus_o forsake_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v over_o to_o sin_n say_v 11.14_o jer._n 7.16_o &_o 11.14_o because_o you_o have_v do_v these_o thing_n and_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o &_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o pray_v for_o this_o people_n nor_o lift_v up_o cry_v nor_o entreat_v i_o for_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v though_o noah_n and_o job_n shall_v entreat_v i_o though_o moses_n &_o samuel_n shall_v pray_v unto_o i_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o hear_v neither_o be_v entreat_v this_o be_v a_o lamentable_a estate_n this_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o leave_v unto_o himself_o give_v up_o to_o satan_n and_o forsake_v of_o god_n for_o ever_o oh_o woeful_a be_v the_o estate_n of_o such_o a_o one_o let_v that_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v precious_a with_o we_o 3.12.13_o heb._n 3.12.13_o take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o at_o any_o time_n there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n and_o unfaithful_a to_o depart_v away_o from_o the_o live_a god_n and_o of_o the_o gentile_n it_o be_v say_v 4.17_o ephes_n 4.17_o that_o they_o live_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v their_o cogitation_n darken_v stranger_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o a_o hard_a heart_n it_o be_v the_o most_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o can_v befall_v a_o man_n in_o this_o life_n for_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o good_a either_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v promise_n or_o threaten_n mercy_n or_o judgment_n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n â—9_n jer._n 23._o â—9_n it_o divide_v the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n asunder_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o hammer_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o by_o it_o the_o lord_n do_v break_v in_o sunder_o the_o hard_a stony_a and_o flinty_a heart_n of_o man_n this_o hammer_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o able_a to_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n but_o as_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v harden_v clay_n and_o soften_v wax_n so_o this_o most_o heavenly_a and_o eternal_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v never_o return_v in_o vain_a but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a disposition_n in_o the_o subject_n it_o illuminate_v it_o melt_v the_o righteous_a it_o obdurate_v it_o harden_v the_o wicked_a now_o where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o humble_v we_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a repentance_n as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 2.5_o rom._n 2.5_o when_o he_o say_v but_o thou_o after_o thy_o hardness_n and_o heart_n that_o can_v repent_v heap_a unto_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n now_o where_o there_o be_v no_o repentance_n there_o can_v be_v no_o salvation_n 13.5_o luk._n 13.5_o for_o so_o say_v our_o saviour_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o perish_v this_o be_v a_o lamentable_a estate_n indeed_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n with_o a_o witness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v leave_v thus_o unto_o himself_o to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o satan_n and_o to_o be_v forsake_v of_o god_n for_o ever_o oh_o this_o this_o be_v the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o hard_a heart_a sinner_n oh_o happy_a than_o be_v that_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o sin_v least_o next_o he_o that_o return_v home_o by_o repentance_n soon_o but_o most_o woeful_a be_v the_o estate_n of_o he_o that_o with_o jeroboam_fw-la have_v sell_v himself_o to_o commit_v sin_n for_o this_o man_n 1.12_o rom._n 1.28_o 1._o tim_n 4.2_o zach._n 1.12_o though_o he_o will_v weep_v with_o esau_n and_o shed_v even_o a_o fountain_n of_o teat_n yet_o all_o will_v not_o help_v woe_n alas_o there_o be_v no_o recovery_n this_o may_v serve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reprove_v those_o use_n 1_o that_o justify_v the_o wicked_a as_o in_o malachy_n his_o time_n the_o wicked_a prosper_v and_o they_o that_o work_v iniquity_n be_v set_v up_o 3.13.14_o mal._n 3.13.14_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o the_o world_n they_o enjoy_v their_o pleasure_n they_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v for_o any_o thing_n and_o who_o but_o they_o alas_o alas_o what_o of_o all_o this_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v freeze_v in_o the_o dregs_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a and_o of_o all_o man_n most_o to_o be_v pity_v for_o thou_o after_o thy_o hardness_n and_o heart_n that_o can_v repent_v 2.4.5_o rom._n 2.4.5_o heap_a up_o unto_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o all_o this_o while_n but_o still_o they_o run_v in_o score_n in_o god_n book_n and_o when_o their_o iniquity_n be_v once_o full_a the_o lord_n will_v then_o come_v with_o his_o judgement_n and_o they_o shall_v pay_v full_a dear_a for_o their_o sweet_a pleasure_n even_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o no_o great_a judgement_n can_v god_n inflict_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n than_o such_o a_o stony_a heart_n of_o all_o god_n judgement_n
our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o first_o and_o again_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n 2.21_o 2._o pet._n 2.21_o then_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v away_o the_o righteous_a be_v by_o solomon_n compare_v to_o the_o sun_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o till_o it_o be_v perfect_a day_n 4.18_o pro._n 4.18_o 47.3.4_o ezec._n 47.3.4_o and_o the_o prophet_n ezechiel_n figure_v out_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o water_n flow_v from_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o to_o the_o ankle_n 6.6_o heb._n 6.6_o then_o to_o the_o knee_n then_o to_o the_o loin_n and_o last_o as_o a_o river_n that_o can_v not_o be_v pass_v over_o so_o be_v the_o grace_n the_o which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o his_o child_n and_o therefore_o on_o the_o contrary_a part_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o man_n that_o do_v decay_n in_o spiritual_a grace_n 4.4_o 1._o thess_n 4.4_o and_o a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o reprobation_n for_o they_o which_o have_v be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n if_o they_o once_o fall_v back_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v reviue_v by_o repentance_n oh_o then_o 3.18_o 2._o pet._n 3.18_o let_v the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v precious_a with_o we_o that_o we_o increase_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o that_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v lead_v forward_a to_o perfection_n that_o so_o we_o may_v minister_v true_a comfort_n and_o rejoice_v unto_o our_o own_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v begin_v that_o good_a work_n in_o we_o that_o he_o have_v reviue_v we_o even_o because_o he_o have_v raise_v we_o up_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a growth_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o us._n and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n the_o three_o principal_a point_n in_o this_o text_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o true_a repentance_n for_o 3.10_o the_o fruit_n of_o true_a repentance_n mat._n 12.33_o mat._n 3.10_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o his_o fruit_n and_o again_o every_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hâ—wen_v down_o &_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n even_o so_o that_o repentance_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n namely_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o be_v but_o a_o barren_a and_o fruitless_a faith_n a_o counterfeit_n and_o feign_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o though_o thou_o profess_v thyself_o a_o christian_n and_o take_v thyself_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n hear_v the_o word_n and_o receyve_v the_o sacrament_n yet_o if_o thou_o find_v not_o these_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n more_o or_o less_o in_o thy_o heart_n and_o life_n thou_o deceyve_v thy_o own_o soul_n for_o it_o can_v be_v that_o those_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o repent_v unfeigned_o but_o they_o must_v needs_o lead_v holy_a life_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a obedience_n and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o fight_n first_o the_o lord_n must_v quicken_v and_o revive_v we_o than_o we_o shall_v live_v he_o must_v first_o raise_v we_o up_o else_o we_o can_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n for_o indeed_o we_o be_v like_a unto_o tree_n which_o seem_v all_o the_o winter_n time_n to_o be_v dead_a tree_n without_o bud_n blossom_n leaf_n or_o fruit_n but_o in_o the_o spring_n time_n they_o be_v warm_v and_o reviue_v through_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n according_o even_o so_o all_o the_o winter_n that_o be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o remain_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o nature_n we_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n &_o we_o be_v so_o freeze_v in_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o bud_n nor_o blossom_n neither_o can_v we_o bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n till_o such_o time_n as_o jesus_n christ_n warm_a out_o dead_a &_o benumb_a soul_n &_o quicken_v we_o by_o the_o bless_a beam_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n when_o as_o the_o dead_a bone_n of_o the_o man_n be_v put_v into_o the_o grave_n of_o the_o man_n of_o god_n they_o reviue_v even_o so_o when_o as_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v but_o touch_v our_o dead_a heart_n by_o the_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n we_o shall_v be_v reviue_v raise_v up_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n these_o word_n may_v be_v take_v two_o way_n what_o god_n sight_n what_o 1._o well_o in_o fauâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n well_fw-mi conspectu_fw-la illius_fw-la that_o be_v in_o his_o most_o bless_a presence_n both_o of_o which_o exposition_n be_v profitable_a and_o fit_a for_o this_o place_n first_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n that_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o in_o the_o bright_a beam_n and_o sunshine_n of_o god_n mercy_n favour_n 1._o god_n favour_n for_o so_o be_v these_o word_n before_o his_o face_n often_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n 31.22_o psal_n 31.22_o as_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n david_n i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n i_o be_o cast_v from_o thy_o presence_n or_o face_n again_o 4.6_o psal_n 4.6_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v in_o another_o place_n many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a but_o lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o us._n so_o these_o word_n we_o shall_v live_v in_o thy_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o shall_v live_v in_o thy_o favour_n whereas_o for_o our_o sin_n thou_o have_v be_v just_o angry_a and_o offend_v with_o we_o and_o turn_v away_o thy_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o yet_o now_o if_o we_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v unto_o thou_o we_o shall_v then_o find_v thou_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a unto_o we_o and_o that_o thou_o will_v show_v we_o thy_o love_a and_o amiable_a countenance_n now_o after_o the_o time_n that_o thou_o have_v plague_v us._n here_o we_o be_v teach_v what_o be_v the_o woeful_a fruit_n of_o doct._n 6_o sin_n namely_o favour_n godly_a by_o repentance_n be_v bring_v into_o god_n favour_n to_o avert_v and_o turn_v away_o the_o love_a countenance_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o a_o man_n and_o to_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o his_o favour_n as_o also_o what_o a_o wonderful_a blessing_n we_o get_v and_o obtain_v at_o god_n hand_n by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n namely_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v then_o live_v in_o his_o sight_n that_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n when_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v his_o love_a favour_n his_o goodness_n and_o comfortable_a presence_n this_o doctrine_n be_v clear_a by_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n how_o that_o the_o godly_a by_o their_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n have_v a_o gracious_a acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o be_v receyve_v again_o into_o favour_n he_o will_v not_o always_o be_v chide_v 3.9_o psal_n 1_o c_o 3.9_o neither_o keep_v he_o his_o anger_n for_o ever_o indeed_o he_o show_v sometime_o his_o heavy_a countenance_n and_o his_o wrathful_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o sinner_n be_v humble_v and_o return_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n he_o receyve_v he_o to_o mercy_n the_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o the_o punishment_n remove_v when_o david_n have_v sin_v in_o number_v the_o people_n 21.15_o 2._o sam._n 24.17_o 1._o chr._n 21.15_o the_o lord_n be_v move_v to_o wrath_n against_o david_n for_o this_o his_o sin_n and_o send_v the_o pestilence_n three_o day_n in_o israel_n that_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o people_n die_v but_o when_o david_n heart_n smite_v he_o and_o that_o he_o have_v confess_v his_o sin_n the_o lord_n repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o say_v unto_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v enough_o let_v thy_o hand_n cease_v this_o be_v further_a confirm_v by_o that_o general_a proclamation_n of_o the_o prophet_n ezechiel_n where_o he_o say_v 18.21.22_o ezez_n 18.21.22_o if_o the_o wicked_a will_v return_v from_o the_o sin_n he_o have_v commit_v and_o keep_v all_o my_o statute_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o right_a he_o shall_v sure_o live_v and_o not_o die_v all_o his_o transgression_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v unto_o he_o but_o in_o the_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v live_v this_o be_v further_a confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n a_o true_a pattern_n of_o every_o penitent_a sinner_n when_o he_o have_v entertain_v within_o himself_o this_o purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o return_v again_o to_o his_o father_n his_o
to_o eternal_a life_n let_v we_o then_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n into_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v not_o sin_n against_o he_o for_o till_o such_o time_n as_o we_o have_v this_o fear_n of_o god_n till_o we_o be_v true_o humble_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o live_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o this_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n for_o though_o man_n have_v never_o so_o great_a knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o can_v speak_v of_o it_o never_o so_o well_o though_o they_o can_v dispute_v of_o it_o and_o discourse_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o if_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o join_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o live_v according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n alas_o it_o be_v but_o a_o brain_n knowledge_n it_o be_v far_o from_o that_o save_a knowledge_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v sound_a and_o such_o as_o one_o day_n will_v give_v we_o a_o admittance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yield_v true_a comfort_n and_o rejoice_v unto_o our_o own_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o labour_v to_o find_v our_o heart_n humble_v for_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o our_o own_o way_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v &_o thtt_v we_o so_o carry_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o always_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o otherwise_o though_o man_n think_v never_o so_o high_o of_o their_o knowledge_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o we_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o this_o true_a sanctify_a knowledge_n here_o speak_v of_o now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o point_n that_o be_v to_o consider_v diligent_o of_o what_o nature_n and_o condition_n this_o knowledge_n be_v which_o be_v here_o a_o most_o bless_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n point_n point_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o sure_o 17.3_o what_o knowledge_n it_o be_v he_o here_o speak_v of_o io._n 17.3_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o knowledge_n it_o be_v no_o carnal_a knowledge_n it_o be_v no_o worldly_a knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o philosophy_n or_o of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n uhich_v in_o themselves_o be_v good_a too_o but_o this_o knowledge_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v a_o heavenly_a knowledge_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v have_v pour_v forth_o unto_o his_o father_n that_o his_o heavenly_a prayer_n that_o he_o will_v give_v unto_o his_o child_n eternal_a life_n in_o the_o three_o verse_n he_o show_v wherein_o this_o eternal_a life_n consist_v namely_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v of_o this_o knowledge_n speak_v the_o prophet_n esay_n say_v by_o this_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o 6.68_o esay_n 53.11_o io._n 6.68_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n and_o of_o this_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v read_v of_o when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v that_o all_o they_o which_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o must_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v say_v that_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n depart_v from_o he_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o twelve_o will_v you_o also_o go_v away_o from_o i_o peter_n answer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n master_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v from_o thou_o thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o we_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n where_o mark_v how_o the_o apostle_n join_v faith_n and_o knowledge_n together_o note_v indeed_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o till_o man_n believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n as_o our_o father_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n as_o our_o redeemer_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o our_o sanctifier_n we_o can_v know_v god_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v he_o now_o then_o in_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v promise_v from_o doct._n 2_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o true_a repentance_n which_o shall_v follow_v immediate_o upon_o our_o conversion_n unto_o god_n and_o without_o which_o conversion_n we_o can_v never_o attain_v unto_o this_o sanctify_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o will_v one_o day_n give_v we_o a_o admittance_n into_o the_o eternal_a inheritance_n conversion_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o elect_a after_o their_o conversion_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v give_v only_o unto_o the_o elect_n and_o do_v follow_v their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n unto_o god_n for_o so_o be_v it_o teach_v we_o here_o after_o that_o these_o believe_a jew_n have_v exhort_v &_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n they_o promise_v this_o knowledge_n unto_o themselves_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o their_o repentance_n &_o conversion_n unto_o god_n then_o shall_v we_o have_v knowledge_n that_o be_v howsoever_o we_o have_v heretofore_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n rest_v upon_o our_o own_o self_n our_o own_o knowledge_n and_o righteousness_n which_o indeed_o be_v but_o general_a and_o confuse_a and_o such_o as_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o may_v partake_v of_o yet_o now_o if_o we_o will_v repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o return_v again_o wnto_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o we_o have_v depart_v by_o our_o manifold_a impiety_n we_o shall_v have_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o sanctify_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n yea_o such_o a_o lively_a knowledge_n that_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o till_o it_o set_v we_o into_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o life_n eternal_a according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a 17.3_o io._n 17.3_o to_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v and_o again_o our_o saviour_n witness_v the_o same_o in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o say_v 6.45_o io._n 6.45_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n make_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o elect_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n 9.24_o jer._n 9.24_o let_v not_o the_o wiseman_n glory_n in_o his_o wisdom_n nor_o the_o strong_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o strength_n neither_o let_v the_o rich_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o riches_n but_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o say_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v the_o singular_a gift_n of_o god_n grace_n not_o give_v as_o i_o say_v before_o unto_o all_o man_n indifferent_o but_o only_o to_o the_o elect_n as_o our_o saviour_n testify_v of_o his_o disciple_n 4.11_o mar._n 4.11_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v without_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o parable_n 3.9_o phil._n 3.9_o that_o they_o see_v may_v not_o see_v etc._n etc._n 10.2_o rom._n 10.2_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n esteem_v all_o thing_n but_o dung_n incomparison_n of_o this_o knowledge_n without_o it_o zeal_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o vain_a 6.6_o hos_fw-la 6.6_o and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v bring_v and_o convey_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 1.20_o rom._n 1.20_o it_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n reveil_v in_o the_o book_n of_o his_o creature_n that_o he_o here_o speak_v of_o 4.6_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o nor_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n where_o god_n require_v absolute_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n but_o it_o be_v that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v 10.3_o rom._n 10.3_o that_o the_o jew_n know_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v it_o and_o to_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o it_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o this_o evangelicall_a righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o who_o cogitation_n be_v darken_v be_v stranger_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n well_o then_o know_v thou_o not_o christ_n what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o how_o his_o death_n &_o suffering_n may_v be_v available_a for_o thou_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o thy_o soul_n let_v i_o tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o if_o
what_o profit_n shall_v we_o have_v if_o we_o shall_v pray_v unto_o he_o and_o again_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o commandment_n poor_a soul_n they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o good_a estate_n that_o they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o so_o long_o as_o they_o can_v say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o creed_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o despise_v knowledge_n and_o contemn_v the_o mean_n especial_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o remain_v so_o blind_a and_o so_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v the_o three_o main_a cause_n of_o ignorance_n be_v man_n natural_a corruption_n 10.14_o 3_o natural_a corruption_n of_o man_n jer._n 10.14_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v a_o beast_n by_o his_o own_o knowledge_n man_n by_o nature_n have_v no_o more_o knowledge_n of_o god_n than_o a_o beast_n when_o adam_n fall_v he_o lose_v that_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o now_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v blind_a &_o ignorant_a without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n till_o the_o lord_n do_v enlighten_v we_o and_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o reveal_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n ignorance_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n ignorance_n remedy_n of_o ignorance_n and_o a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o any_o people_n for_o they_o can_v never_o come_v to_o faith_n repentance_n obedience_n and_o etetnall_a life_n so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o it_o no_o they_o must_v needs_o live_v in_o all_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o man_n well_o same_o 1_o to_o see_v our_o ignorance_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o same_o will_v you_o know_v how_o to_o get_v out_o of_o your_o ignorance_n and_o so_o from_o under_o this_o fearful_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o lie_v so_o heavy_a upon_o you_o will_v you_o come_v to_o knowledge_n to_o know_v god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n you_o must_v then_o repent_v of_o your_o ignorance_n 17.20_o io._n 17.3_o act._n 17.20_o you_o must_v careful_o see_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v it_o that_o you_o be_v extreme_a ignorant_a in_o god_n matter_n blind_a in_o god_n word_n without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n you_o must_v see_v it_o and_o confess_v it_o and_o withal_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o and_o bewail_v your_o estate_n that_o you_o have_v live_v so_o long_o in_o ignorance_n and_o withal_o you_o must_v desire_v the_o pardon_n of_o the_o same_o at_o god_n hand_n and_o labour_n to_o come_v to_o knowledge_n in_o time_n to_o come_v second_o if_o you_o will_v get_v out_o of_o your_o woeful_a ignorance_n and_o come_v to_o true_a knowledge_n 2.37_o 2_o attend_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v 1._o pet._n 2.2_o rom._n 1.21_o &_o 10.14_o 1._o cor._n 1.21_o act._n 2.37_o you_o must_v then_o careful_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n to_o come_v thereto_o first_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n you_o must_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n frequent_a sermon_n and_o tread_v in_o god_n house_n where_o wisdom_n cry_v unto_o you_o and_o utter_v her_o voice_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n out_o of_o the_o gulf_n of_o their_o ignorance_n to_o save_v knowledge_n true_a faith_n and_o eternal_a life_n a_o three_o mean_n to_o get_v out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o to_o attain_v unto_o this_o save_a knowledge_n scripture_n 3_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o diligent_a &_o careful_a read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n search_v the_o scripture_n 1.2_o io._n 5.39_o psal_n 119._o psal_n 1.2_o so_o that_o serious_a read_n of_o the_o word_n with_o meditate_v upon_o the_o same_o it_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a mean_n to_o get_v out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o to_o come_v to_o knowledge_n catechism_n 4_o the_o reading_z &_o hear_v of_o godly_a catechism_n a_o four_o mean_n to_o get_v out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o save_a knowledge_n be_v the_o read_n &_o learn_v of_o catechism_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o knowledge_n and_o howsoever_o man_n think_v base_a of_o this_o kind_n of_o teach_v yet_o it_o be_v exceed_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a and_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o knowledge_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n certain_o their_o case_n be_v dangerous_a for_o faith_n be_v not_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o principle_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o law_n the_o gospel_n faith_n sacrament_n prayer_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n etc._n etc._n the_o last_o special_a mean_n to_o get_v out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o true_a and_o save_a knowledge_n know_v 5._o care_v to_o practice_v that_o we_o know_v be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o frame_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a a_o christian_a and_o a_o godly_a life_n that_o howsoever_o his_o knowledge_n be_v not_o great_a yet_o his_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o sanctify_a life_n &_o to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o knowledge_n this_o please_v the_o lord_n well_o 6.6_o hos_fw-la 6.6_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o little_a knowledge_n when_o the_o same_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a obedience_n be_v far_o better_a 15._o 1_o sam._n 15._o &_o more_o acceptable_a with_o god_n than_o much_o knowledge_n when_o obedience_n be_v want_v well_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n use_v 1_o first_o the_o minister_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o charge_n of_o man_n soul_n 21._o the_o minister_n duty_n io._n 21._o and_o stand_v bind_v unto_o god_n by_o a_o solemn_a vow_n and_o obligation_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n that_o depend_v upon_o they_o and_o over_o which_o they_o be_v make_v overseer_n and_o shepherd_n and_o therefore_o woe_n unto_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v themselves_o ignorant_a 3_o 1._o pet._n 5._o hos_fw-la 4.6_o ezec._n 3_o and_o can_v teach_v or_o profane_a and_o unconscionable_a and_o therefore_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n of_o god_n but_o suffer_v they_o to_o lie_v and_o rot_v in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o so_o suffer_v they_o to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n how_o will_v such_o answer_v it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n wrath_n when_o god_n will_v lay_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o their_o charge_n and_o sure_o soule-murder_n it_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o murder_n christ_n be_v move_v with_o pity_n when_o he_o see_v the_o people_n scatter_v abroad_o as_o sheep_n have_v no_o shepherd_n 14.14_o mat._n 14.14_o but_o these_o dumbe-dog_n that_o can_v bark_v so_o they_o may_v have_v the_o flesh_n and_o the_o fleece_n they_o care_v for_o no_o more_o christ_n say_v that_o his_o minister_n that_o love_v he_o will_v feed_v his_o lamb_n and_o he_o give_v this_o commandment_n three_o time_n to_o peter_n 21._o io._n 21._o as_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o love_n to_o christ_n but_o if_o we_o may_v try_v the_o love_n of_o minister_n to_o christ_n jesus_n by_o this_o mark_n namely_o their_o careful_a conscionable_a and_o continual_a feed_n of_o christ_n sheep_n we_o may_v then_o say_v the_o love_n of_o many_o to_o christ_n be_v like_o that_o of_o judas_n he_o kiss_v he_o &_o kill_v he_o all_o at_o once_o betray_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n to_o be_v crucify_v these_o contrary_n the_o member_n of_o christ_n by_o they_o betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell_n fire_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o unconscionable_a minister_n as_o either_o preach_v not_o at_o all_o or_o else_o but_o cold_o &_o careless_o though_o they_o shall_v swear_v that_o they_o love_v christ_n jesus_n yet_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o in_o they_o oh_o then_o let_v this_o admonish_v all_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n that_o as_o they_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n yea_o as_o they_o desire_v god_n glory_n and_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v any_o pity_n of_o the_o poor_a soul_n of_o his_o member_n that_o they_o may_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o in_o hell_n so_o they_o will_v
the_o word_n preach_v and_o teach_v read_v receive_v or_o what_o duty_n else_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o god_n service_n cheerfulness_n be_v require_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v that_o which_o put_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a in_o all_o christian_a duty_n whatsoever_o the_o wicked_a man_n with_o cain_n come_v with_o his_o sacrifice_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n and_o so_o for_o hear_v read_v prayer_n receyve_v and_o the_o like_a the_o hypocrite_n come_v so_o mask_v unto_o these_o duty_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o able_a to_o decern_v betwixt_o they_o both_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a yet_o if_o they_o will_v sit_v as_o judge_v over_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o may_v even_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o doctrine_n note_n note_n perceive_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o the_o one_o do_v perform_v these_o duty_n for_o fashion_n sake_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n shame_n punishment_n or_o the_o like_a whereas_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v perform_v they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o notwithstanding_o no_o temporal_a law_n do_v require_v the_o same_o but_o only_o in_o obedience_n unto_o god_n most_o righteous_a law_n and_o holy_a commandment_n and_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a joy_n to_o any_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o know_v how_o god_n the_o father_n be_v affect_v unto_o he_o and_o love_v he_o as_o his_o child_n to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v content_a to_o shed_v his_o own_o heart_n blood_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o to_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n weaken_v our_o corruption_n and_o make_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n this_o knowledge_n pass_v all_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n 8.15_o rom._n 8.15_o this_o will_v bring_v peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n see_v that_o we_o must_v seek_v after_o knowledge_n so_o willing_o and_o so_o cheerful_o use_v as_o the_o huntsman_n after_o his_o game_n and_o so_o that_o all_o duty_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v of_o we_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o we_o learn_v how_o god_n do_v esteem_v of_o our_o action_n and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o the_o work_n itself_o but_o according_a to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o doer_n this_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o lord_n own_o word_n when_o he_o say_v this_o people_n come_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n 29.13_o esa_n 29.13_o and_o honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o alas_o what_o the_o better_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n with_o our_o lip_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v the_o service_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o that_o lord_n look_v after_o and_o this_o be_v ezechias_n comfort_n and_o cheer_n when_o he_o be_v to_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o flesh_n that_o he_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n of_o heart_n 28.3_o esa_n 28.3_o remember_v lord_n that_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o upright_o heart_n and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o carnal_a man_n and_o woman_n never_o seek_v for_o this_o knowledge_n but_o come_v always_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o custom_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n alas_o they_o can_v never_o find_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n they_o never_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o this_o knowledge_n they_o never_o yet_o taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o knowledge_n &_o then_o no_o marvel_n they_o prize_v it_o not_o nor_o hear_v it_o with_o any_o cheerfulness_n at_o all_o oh_o then_o let_v we_o all_o labour_n to_o feel_v our_o spiritual_a want_n of_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o as_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n then_o shall_v we_o endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n one_o thing_n more_o may_v be_v note_v from_o these_o word_n that_o see_v the_o child_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o repentance_n &_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n doct._n have_v not_o only_o true_a sanctify_a knowledge_n they_o god_n child_n labour_v for_o a_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n daily_o in_o they_o then_o shall_v we_o have_v knowledge_n but_o more_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v not_o rest_n content_a with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n but_o to_o attain_v every_o day_n to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o same_o hence_o we_o be_v teach_v this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o content_a with_o a_o little_a knowledge_n but_o they_o still_o desire_v for_o more_o and_o labour_n to_o grow_v and_o to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n the_o covetous_a man_n the_o more_o he_o have_v the_o more_o he_o covet_v even_o so_o the_o christian_a man_n and_o woman_n be_v right_a covetous_a of_o heavenly_a matter_n he_o covet_v daily_o for_o more_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n to_o have_v a_o great_a part_n in_o this_o bless_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n in_o a_o dropsy_n the_o more_o he_o drink_v the_o more_o he_o be_v a_o thirst_n even_o so_o the_o more_o knowledge_n the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v the_o more_o he_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o this_o knowledge_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v in_o the_o same_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n to_o be_v note_v that_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o religion_n for_o either_o we_o must_v go_v forward_o or_o backward_o either_o we_o must_v grow_v daily_o in_o knowledge_n 4.4_o 1._o thes_n 4.4_o or_o else_o we_o must_v needs_o decay_v in_o knowledge_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n saint_n paul_n do_v often_o pray_v for_o those_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o they_o may_v grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o saint_n peter_n he_o exhort_v we_o 2.2_o 1._o pet._n 2.2_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o where_o he_o lay_v down_o three_o most_o excellent_a point_n first_o that_o here_o we_o be_v but_o as_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n and_o child_n in_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n we_o know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n second_o he_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o must_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n namely_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v nourish_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o three_o the_o end_n of_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n namely_o that_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o knowledge_n grow_v in_o faith_n grow_v in_o obedienc_n so_o that_o though_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n yet_o if_o they_o grow_v not_o and_o be_v not_o better_v by_o it_o they_o be_v no_o good_a hearer_n the_o word_n have_v no_o good_a fruit_n in_o they_o this_o duty_n of_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n be_v often_o urge_v in_o the_o scripture_n 4.18_o 1._o cor._n 13.9_o 1._o thes_n 4.4_o 2._o pet._n 3.18_o heb._n 6.1_o pro._n 4.18_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n &_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o you_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o again_o let_v we_o be_v lead_v forward_o to_o perfection_n and_o the_o prophet_n compare_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o elect_n to_o the_o water_n flow_v from_o the_o sanctuary_n 47.3_o ezec._n 47.3_o which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o to_o the_o ankle_n then_o to_o the_o knee_n next_o to_o the_o loin_n and_o last_o to_o a_o river_n that_o can_v not_o be_v pass_v over_o so_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o elect_n though_o their_o beginning_n be_v but_o small_a yet_o they_o increase_v daily_o till_o they_o come_v to_o that_o full_a measure_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v allot_v to_o every_o christian_a the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o clear_v we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o use_v this_o doctrine_n do_v concern_v we_o all_o very_o near_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o scholar_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n now_o then_o let_v we_o not_o prove_v truant_n after_o long_o teach_v and_o preach_v to_o prove_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o a.b.c._n if_o our_o child_n go_v to_o school_n and_o learn_v nothing_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o play_v the_o truant_n or_o else_o they_o have_v a_o bad_a master_n even_o so_o we_o be_v long_o teach_v in_o the_o word_n what_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v still_o prove_v ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tree_n
shall_v be_v a_o heap_n and_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o house_n as_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o forest_n the_o false_a prophet_n do_v not_o only_o procure_v god_n wrath_n against_o themselves_o but_o the_o common_a people_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o sake_n it_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o conclude_v of_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n 3.14_o reu._n 3.14_o that_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o a_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n with_o their_o pastor_n and_o in_o those_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n where_o the_o pastor_n be_v commend_v for_o any_o virtue_n so_o be_v the_o people_n and_o when_o the_o pastor_n be_v reprove_v for_o any_o vice_n the_o people_n also_o have_v part_n in_o the_o same_o reproof_n for_o such_o as_o the_o pastor_n be_v such_o be_v the_o people_n such_o as_o the_o shepherd_n be_v such_o be_v the_o sheep_n in_o they_o lie_v the_o bad_a or_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o flock_n for_o where_o the_o minister_n be_v blind_a ignorant_a and_o dumb_a that_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v reach_v where_o he_o be_v careless_a and_o unconscionable_a live_v sole_o and_o wicked_o how_o can_v it_o choose_v but_o the_o people_n must_v needs_o be_v ignorant_a blind_a and_o unskilful_a in_o god_n matter_n profane_a wicked_a and_o irreligious_a this_o be_v prove_v indeed_o by_o woeful_a experience_n in_o the_o world_n go_v to_o any_o town_n or_o parrish_n in_o the_o land_n where_o there_o live_v a_o careless_a and_o unconscionable_a minister_n a_o ignorant_a sot_n a_o beastly_a liver_n a_o miserable_a worldly_a man_n that_o seldom_o or_o never_o preach_v and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o cold_a and_o so_o raw_a as_o good_a never_o a_o whit_n as_o never_o the_o better_o you_o shall_v find_v general_o sin_n to_o reign_v in_o that_o place_n the_o people_n like_o their_o pastor_n blind_a ignorant_a rude_a so_o simple_a and_o so_o ignorant_a in_o god_n matter_n that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o scripture_n what_o faith_n sacrament_n repentance_n or_o new_a birth_n mean_n no_o not_o the_o meaning_n of_o one_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o petition_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n see_v the_o state_n of_o a_o congregation_n do_v depend_v use_n 1_o so_o upon_o the_o pastor_n this_o serve_v to_o reprove_v all_o such_o minister_n as_o take_v this_o charge_n on_o they_o and_o yet_o not_o as_o god_n minister_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o bring_v good_a tide_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v seldom_o or_o never_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o esteem_v as_o minister_n but_o murderer_n not_o shepherd_n but_o wolf_n they_o will_v take_v the_o dignity_n but_o do_v no_o duty_n the_o prophet_n esay_n cry_v out_o against_o such_o pastor_n 66._o io._n 21._o esay_n 66._o call_v they_o dumb_a dog_n that_o can_v bark_v they_o look_v to_o the_o fleece_n but_o not_o to_o the_o flock_n second_o this_o reprove_v such_o as_o leave_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o teach_v their_o own_o fantasy_n their_o own_o dream_n toy_n and_o fable_n which_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o sense_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o they_o teach_v and_o preach_v yet_o they_o find_v little_a fruit_n few_o convert_v because_o they_o teach_v not_o god_n message_n but_o their_o own_o devise_n three_o such_o as_o be_v reproove_v as_o in_o bring_v the_o lord_n message_n and_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o people_n seek_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o master_n that_o send_v they_o but_o their_o own_o credit_n and_o honour_n neither_o do_v they_o desire_v to_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n plain_o in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n yea_o whereas_o saint_n paul_n have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n to_o edify_v 14._o 1._o cor._n 14._o than_o five_o thousand_o in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n some_o there_o be_v who_o think_v they_o never_o speak_v well_o unless_o they_o speak_v so_o as_o none_o can_v understand_v and_o here_o also_o we_o may_v note_v the_o folly_n of_o our_o common_a people_n who_o do_v they_o esteem_v and_o account_v of_o as_o a_o good_a preacher_n but_o he_o that_o speak_v eloquentlie_o in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n he_o who_o they_o understand_v least_o they_o commend_v most_o and_o no_o marvel_n for_o they_o learn_v nothing_o at_o such_o a_o sermon_n therefore_o they_o admire_v it_o and_o commend_v the_o man_n lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o say_v nothing_o use_v 2_o see_v this_o be_v so_o like_o priest_n like_o people_n wicked_a priest_n wicked_a people_n careful_a pastor_n good_a sheep_n for_o knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n then_o we_o see_v that_o a_o good_a governor_n pastor_n and_o minister_n be_v a_o singular_a blessing_n of_o god_n that_o not_o only_o can_v but_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v all_o possible_a pain_n to_o do_v good_a to_o teach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n to_o be_v like_o a_o cock_n first_o to_o awake_v himself_o by_o read_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o second_o the_o people_n by_o his_o crow_v like_o a_o candle_n that_o spend_v himself_o to_o give_v comfort_n to_o other_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o marvelous_a blessing_n of_o god_n when_o he_o be_v bestow_v upon_o a_o people_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n will_v show_v his_o love_n to_o the_o people_n he_o say_v i_o will_v give_v they_o pastor_n after_o my_o own_o heart_n such_o as_o shall_v watch_v over_o their_o soul_n to_o feed_v to_o instruct_v and_o to_o comfort_v they_o oh_o how_o shall_v man_n with_o thankful_a heart_n bless_v god_n when_o they_o have_v such_o set_v over_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a part_n it_o be_v a_o feareefull_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o live_v under_o such_o as_o be_v blind_a ignorant_a unconscionable_a profane_a wicked_a and_o irreligious_a for_o how_o can_v they_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o that_o be_v ignorant_a themselves_n and_o how_o can_v they_o seek_v to_o convey_v grace_n to_o other_o â—4_n mat._n 18._o jer._n 3._o â—4_n that_o have_v not_o taste_v of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n themselves_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n together_o and_o by_o the_o prophet_n jeremie_n the_o lord_n there_o threaten_v this_o as_o a_o grievous_a plague_n to_o give_v they_o naughty_a minister_n it_o seem_v the_o prophet_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o accuse_v the_o poor_a people_n and_o to_o complain_v of_o they_o alas_o object_n they_o do_v but_o as_o the_o priest_n teach_v they_o they_o mean_v well_o answer_n neither_o the_o evil_a life_n answer_v and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o priest_n nor_o yet_o their_o own_o intent_n and_o purpose_n can_v any_o whit_n excuse_v they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o sin_n but_o we_o see_v here_o that_o the_o lord_n complain_v of_o they_o that_o he_o see_v villainy_n in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v the_o whoredom_n of_o ephraim_n israel_n be_v defile_v hence_o than_o we_o learn_v that_o neither_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o governor_n nor_o yet_o the_o good_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o people_n can_v please_v god_n or_o any_o way_n excuse_v themselves_o if_o man_n live_v in_o sin_n in_o impiety_n and_o prophanesse_n they_o be_v far_o wide_a that_o think_v their_o ignorance_n will_v excuse_v they_o doct._n 2_o ignorance_n may_v excuse_v indeed_o à _fw-la tanto_fw-la but_o never_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la ignorance_n may_v lessen_v fault_n but_o not_o change_v their_o nature_n sin_n ignorance_n will_v excuse_v none_o if_o they_o live_v in_o sin_n sin_n shall_v still_o be_v sin_n though_o a_o man_n do_v the_o same_o never_o so_o ignorant_o for_o as_o man_n be_v command_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o prince_n law_n and_o be_v find_v to_o trespass_n against_o they_o their_o ignorance_n shall_v not_o excuse_v they_o so_o the_o lord_n have_v straight_o command_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o law_n that_o so_o we_o may_v perform_v our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n be_v very_o staight_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n 6.6.7.8_o deu._n 6.6.7.8_o shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v rehearse_v they_o continual_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o tarry_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o as_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o and_o thou_o shall_v bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o thy_o hand_n
etc._n etc._n behold_v here_o what_o a_o straight_a charge_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o unto_o we_o all_o to_o this_o end_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o stranger_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n 5.39_o io._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o 17._o act._n 17._o it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o bereah_n that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o paul_n deliver_v they_o will_v not_o present_o entertain_v that_o doctrine_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n but_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n neither_o will_v they_o reject_v it_o though_o they_o have_v not_o before_o hear_v of_o the_o like_a 4.3_o 2._o cor._n 4.3_o what_o mean_v that_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o again_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o that_o perish_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o word_n and_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a sin_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a before_o runner_n of_o destruction_n for_o if_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a 17.3_o joh._n 17.3_o to_o know_v thou_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v then_o on_o the_o other_o part_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a death_n in_o those_o especial_o in_o these_o day_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v so_o that_o we_o see_v clear_o that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o good_a intent_n and_o meaning_n that_o will_v go_v for_o payment_n at_o god_n hand_n in_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v require_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o his_o will_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n this_o condemn_v the_o horrible_a practice_n of_o the_o use_n 1_o papist_n that_o maintain_v all_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n their_o mass_n invocation_n of_o saint_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a worship_v of_o image_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o think_v that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o mean_v well_o and_o have_v good_a intent_n and_o purpose_n all_o be_v well_o god_n can_v but_o be_v please_v with_o they_o but_o we_o be_v teach_v here_o another_o lesson_n namely_o that_o that_o be_v not_o good_a which_o we_o think_v good_a but_o that_o the_o lord_n allow_v and_o aprove_v of_o for_o good_a and_o therefore_o see_v the_o lord_n abhor_v all_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n as_o most_o abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o whole_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o the_o papist_n do_v consist_v it_o shall_v little_o avail_v they_o one_o day_n that_o they_o stand_v upon_o their_o good_a intent_n and_o meaning_n all_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v worth_a a_o button_n if_o the_o lord_n can_v say_v of_o they_o as_o hree_v of_o this_o people_n i_o see_v villainy_n among_o they_o idolatry_n worship_v stock_n and_o stone_n pray_v to_o saint_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v villainy_n in_o god_n account_n and_o then_o what_o will_v their_o good_a meaning_n stand_v they_o in_o stead_n have_v not_o vzza_n a_o good_a intent_n to_o stay_v the_o ark_n from_o fall_v but_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o so_o take_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n for_o it_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o say_v samuel_n unto_o saul_n to_o obey_v 15._o 1._o sam._n 15._o be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o hearken_v be_v better_a than_o the_o fatee_n of_o ram_n oh_o then_o remember_v that_o thy_o ignorance_n will_v not_o excuse_v thou_o nor_o thy_o good_a meaning_n will_v not_o go_v for_o payment_n at_o god_n hand_n to_o say_v though_o i_o do_v this_o and_o this_o i_o mean_v well_o as_o the_o best_a of_o they_o all_o but_o if_o the_o lord_n like_v not_o of_o it_o nor_o approve_v of_o it_o be_v thy_o intent_n what_o it_o will_v be_v all_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o same_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n use_v 2_o second_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o condemn_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o that_o notwithstanding_o we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o age_n and_o time_n that_o both_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n be_v even_o thrust_v upon_o we_o yet_o alas_o do_v not_o the_o very_a body_n of_o our_o congregation_n remain_v ignorant_a still_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n 3.19_o joh_n 3.19_o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o strange_a darkness_n that_o can_v be_v drive_v away_o by_o the_o bright_a heame_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o sure_o god_n do_v even_o now_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o such_o person_n and_o by_o this_o their_o ignorance_n especial_o in_o these_o day_n make_v know_v their_o reprobation_n and_o final_a perdition_n the_o excuse_n of_o man_n be_v but_o vain_a i_o be_o not_o book_n learned_a and_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v bear_v with_o i_o thus_o i_o be_o teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o my_o teacher_n i._n but_o what_o if_o thy_o teacher_n be_v a_o blind_a guide_n will_v not_o thou_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n sure_o such_o person_n conclude_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o give_v sentence_n against_o themselves_o that_o they_o want_v grace_n and_o be_v in_o a_o most_o fearful_a condition_n for_o now_o to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o argue_v that_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n have_v take_v hold_n on_o such_o person_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 4.3_o 2._o cor._n 4.3_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n that_o be_v of_o the_o infidel_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o shine_v unto_o they_o oh_o then_o see_v it_o be_v so_o fearful_a a_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o word_n and_o will_n and_o that_o it_o will_v not_o excuse_v when_o god_n shall_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o we_o let_v we_o i_o say_v seek_v for_o knowledge_n as_o for_o treasure_n let_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n that_o in_o they_o we_o may_v find_v eternal_a life_n let_v we_o labour_n to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n let_v we_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n both_o to_o begette_v as_o also_o to_o increase_v this_o knowledge_n in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v lead_v aside_o by_o blind_a guide_n to_o commit_v idolatry_n with_o this_o people_n here_o but_o that_o god_n may_v be_v still_o our_o god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n i_o have_v see_v the_o villainy_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o whoredom_n of_o ephraim_n people_n idolatry_n the_o sin_n of_o this_o people_n the_o sin_n that_o almighty_a god_n do_v here_o accuse_v they_o of_o it_o be_v idolatry_n and_o that_o in_o most_o vile_a manner_n overspr_v general_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o people_n even_o all_o the_o ten_o tribe_n which_o sin_n to_o show_v the_o vileness_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n call_v villainy_n &_o whoredom_n thing_n abominable_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o as_o he_o loathe_v and_o he_o call_v it_o whoredom_n because_o as_o a_o harlot_n or_o a_o whore_n do_v forsake_v she_o own_o husband_n and_o commit_v filthiness_n with_o another_o man_n even_o so_o idolater_n forsake_v god_n and_o marry_v themselves_o to_o idol_n it_o be_v call_v the_o whoredom_n of_o ephraim_n because_o jeroboam_fw-la which_o come_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n have_v set_v it_o up_o among_o they_o 12.28_o 1._o reg._n 12.28_o to_o worship_v the_o calf_n in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n doct._n 3_o now_o the_o doctrine_n we_o gather_v hence_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o woeful_a and_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o country_n or_o kingdom_n 6.1_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o people_n when_o the_o chief_a governor_n be_v idolater_n 2._o sam._n 6.1_o when_o the_o chief_a governor_n be_v man_n void_a of_o religion_n and_o give_v to_o superstition_n &_o idolatry_n we_o see_v this_o in_o this_o present_a text_n for_o here_o the_o lord_n complain_v of_o ephraim_n and_o the_o ten_o tribe_n because_o they_o be_v pollute_v with_o miserable_a idolatry_n which_o be_v set_v up_o