of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 17._o i_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o to_o do_v this_o course_n must_v not_o be_v only_o enter_v and_o some_o progress_n make_v in_o it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v finish_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o end_n if_o any_o man_n soul_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o we_o must_v not_o only_o begin_v to_o run_v well_o but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o nothing_o hinder_v we_o or_o turn_v we_o back_o it_o be_v he_o who_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o draw_v back_o do_v it_o to_o destruction_n every_o christian_a have_v a_o double_a course_n both_o must_v be_v finish_v 1._o the_o first_o be_v his_o more_o general_a course_n common_a to_o he_o with_o all_o christian_n this_o lie_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o concern_v he_o as_o a_o creature_n with_o reference_n to_o god_n as_o his_o creator_n or_o as_o a_o christian_a with_o reference_n to_o christ_n as_o his_o redeemer_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o such_o common_a duty_n which_o belong_v to_o every_o one_o under_o these_o circumstance_n thus_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n respect_v all_o his_o creature_n the_o command_v of_o christ_n respect_v they_o as_o buy_v with_o a_o price_n this_o be_v that_o course_n which_o david_n promise_v god_n to_o run_v when_o god_n shall_v enlarge_v his_o heart_n and_o we_o be_v command_v to_o run_v so_o as_o we_o may_v obtain_v this_o st._n paul_n run_v not_o incertain_o not_o as_o one_o that_o do_v beat_v the_o air._n this_o to_o note_v the_o certainty_n and_o steadiness_n of_o our_o endeavour_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o walk_n to_o denote_v the_o alacrity_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o readiness_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o race_n we_o be_v not_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o take_v our_o rest_n nor_o to_o move_v slow_o but_o to_o run_v make_v haste_n and_o not_o delay_v as_o david_n speak_v to_o keep_v god_n precept_n press_v hard_o after_o god_n as_o he_o in_o another_o place_n express_v it_o forget_v what_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v forward_o to_o what_o be_v before_o as_o paul_n speak_v to_o his_o philippian_n 2._o the_o second_o be_v a_o christian_n more_o particular_a course_n which_o comprehend_v those_o action_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n his_o duty_n as_o fix_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o orb_n and_o clothe_v with_o such_o or_o such_o circumstance_n thus_o paul_n course_n be_v his_o duty_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n another_o man_n course_n be_v his_o duty_n as_o a_o magistrate_n or_o in_o any_o degree_n of_o superiority_n to_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o relation_n but_o have_v a_o particular_a duty_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o he_o must_v finish_v his_o course_n with_o reference_n to_o that_o paul_n here_o speak_v with_o reference_n to_o both_o both_o his_o duty_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o his_o duty_n as_o a_o apostle_n the_o christian_n reward_n in_o heaven_n be_v sometime_o compare_v to_o a_o crown_n and_o a_o victory_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o we_o must_v fight_v for_o it_o sometime_o to_o a_o rest_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o it_o heb._n 4.11_o sometime_o to_o a_o mark_n a_o goal_n a_o prize_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o we_o must_v run_v if_o we_o will_v obtain_v and_o so_o run_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v strive_v after_o perfection_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.1_o the_o finish_n of_o our_o course_n signify_v the_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v do_v the_o whole_a work_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o we_o must_v not_o give_v over_o until_o it_o be_v all_o do_v we_o must_v not_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v the_o promise_n of_o victory_n be_v to_o he_o who_o overcome_v the_o promise_n of_o reap_v be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o weary_a that_o faint_v not_o thus_o i_o have_v open_v the_o second_o thing_n 3._o qu._n what_o be_v mean_v hy_z keep_v the_o faith_n the_o three_o thing_n be_v keep_v the_o faith_n i_o have_v say_v the_o apostle_n keep_v the_o faith_n the_o term_n faith_n signify_v several_a thing_n in_o holy_a writ_n but_o there_o be_v three_o more_o famous_a and_o usual_a acception_n of_o it_o 1._o sometime_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o faithfulness_n rom._n 3.3_o shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v that_o be_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n god_n truth_n to_o his_o word_n his_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o promise_n so_o matth._n 23.23_o where_o christ_n charge_v the_o pharisee_n for_o omit_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faith_n while_o they_o be_v strict_a as_o to_o little_a thing_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o which_o i_o do_v not_o take_v to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o text._n 2._o faith_n in_o scripture_n do_v very_o often_o signify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n thus_o you_o read_v act_v 6.7_o 6.7_o act_n 6.7_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o rom._n 12.6_o 12.6_o rom._n 12.6_o let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n paul_n elsewhere_o speak_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n commit_v to_o his_o trust_n now_o say_v he_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n he_o have_v keep_v his_o own_o heart_n from_o err_a or_o warp_a as_o to_o it_o and_o he_o have_v keep_v it_o so_o as_o he_o have_v not_o suffer_v corruption_n as_o to_o it_o to_o break_v in_o and_o prevail_v upon_o those_o church_n which_o he_o have_v plant_v or_o which_o have_v be_v under_o his_o water_v he_o have_v keep_v it_o personal_o so_o that_o in_o his_o own_o judgement_n he_o have_v not_o warp_a from_o it_o and_o he_o have_v keep_v it_o ministerial_o keep_v other_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o his_o good_a fight_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o his_o course_n as_o a_o minister_n and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o christian_a contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n 3_o judas_n 3_o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n 3._o i'faith_o sometime_o signify_v the_o habit_n and_o grace_n of_o faith_n that_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o either_o give_v a_o fix_a and_o steady_a assent_n to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o receive_v commit_v itself_o unto_o rest_v upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n thus_o the_o apostle_n often_o use_v it_o ro._n 5.1_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o so_o in_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o text_n in_o holy_a writ_n this_o that_o christian_n that_o hope_v for_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n must_v also_o keep_v he_o must_v die_v in_o the_o faith_n not_o only_o steady_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o a_o steady_a affiance_n and_o recumbency_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v now_o the_o three_o condition_n annex_v to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n the_o four_o be_v a_o love_a of_o christ_n appear_v here_o arise_v two_o question_n 1._o what_o appear_v be_v here_o mean_v 2._o what_o be_v this_o to_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o orginal_a word_n here_o translate_v appear_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o signify_v a_o bright_a and_o glorious_a appearance_n it_o be_v use_v to_o express_v christ_n first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n his_o manifestation_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a by_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o first_o come_v of_o his_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o glory_n proclaim_v by_o angel_n usher_v in_o by_o a_o messenger_n send_v as_o a_o harbinger_n before_o his_o face_n to_o prepare_v his_o way_n declare_v by_o a_o new_a star_n conduct_v the_o wise_a man_n from_o the_o east_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o to_o bethlehem_n to_o inquire_v for_o he_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o first_o appear_v be_v not_o like_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v attend_v his_o second_o come_v when_o he_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o a_o shout_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o
when_o israel_n must_v die_v do_v our_o prophet_n live_v for_o ever_o and_o it_o please_v god_n to_o give_v some_o of_o his_o people_n notice_n of_o this_o time_n paul_n time_n be_v now_o come_v he_o tell_v timothy_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n i_o be_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v offer_v the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a be_v i_o be_o now_o already_o offer_v paul_n be_v ready_a as_o that_o term_n in_o our_o language_n signify_v prepare_v but_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o rather_o signify_v already_o than_o prepare_v into_o which_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v interpret_v the_o next_o word_n interpret_v it_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n nor_o certain_o do_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o mere_o upon_o the_o prospect_n that_o all_o christian_a prisoner_n especial_o teacher_n among_o they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v of_o their_o fate_n under_o such_o a_o pagan_a tyrant_n and_o butcher_n as_o nero_n under_o who_o government_n and_o power_n he_o be_v at_o this_o time_n be_v but_o upon_o some_o more_o special_a and_o particular_a notice_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o that_o his_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o without_o tremble_a and_o faith_n not_o to_o death_n though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v violent_a have_v thou_o find_v i_o o_o my_o enemy_n but_o with_o confidence_n &_o cheerfulness_n he_o entertain_v the_o thought_n and_o prospect_n of_o it_o this_o text_n tell_v you_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o cheerfulness_n 1._o his_o work_n be_v do_v 2._o he_o have_v wage_n to_o take_v the_o first_o he_o open_v by_o 3_o phrase_n 1._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o excellent_a fight_n as_o beza_n well_o translate_v it_o 2._o i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n 3._o i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n 2._o he_o have_v wage_n to_o take_v which_o he_o can_v not_o receive_v upon_o earth_n and_o now_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v only_o turn_v the_o text_n into_o a_o proposition_n conclude_v from_o paul_n work_n and_o confidence_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o prop._n those_o who_o will_v at_o death_n have_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o and_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o unto_o some_o person_n must_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o those_o who_o do_v these_o thing_n may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o which_o the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v out_o to_o they_o here_o be_v two_o proposition_n put_v together_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o and_o will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o as_o a_o righteous_a judge_n to_o some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 2._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v out_o to_o such_o and_o such_o only_a as_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v discourse_v they_o several_o then_o apply_v they_o together_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o and_o god_n as_o a_o righteous_a judge_n will_v one_o day_n give_v out_o to_o some_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 1._o that_o this_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v out_o of_o doubt_n the_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v set_v out_o in_o scripture_n unto_o we_o under_o a_o variety_n of_o metaphor_n import_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n there_o and_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sometime_o set_v out_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o feast_n 5.4_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o a_o banquet_n sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o see_v god_n 1.12_o 〈◊〉_d 1.12_o sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o inheritance_n immortal_a incorruptible_a etc._n etc._n sometime_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n a_o crown_n sometime_o under_o notion_n of_o profit_n the_o riches_n of_o glory_n sometime_o under_o notion_n of_o pleasure_n here_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n so_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n jam._n 1.12_o but_o 1._o why_o a_o crown_n 2._o why_o be_v it_o call_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 3._o how_o be_v it_o lay_v up_o 4._o how_o do_v or_o shall_v god_n show_v himself_o a_o righteous_a judge_n in_o give_v it_o out_o 1._o possible_o it_o be_v call_v a_o crown_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o combatant_n in_o the_o roman_a game_n in_o which_o the_o victor_n have_v not_o only_a prize_n for_o which_o they_o run_v but_o also_o crown_n of_o bay_n or_o laurel_n or_o some_o green_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n strive_v for_o mastery_n say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2.5_o he_o be_v not_o crown_v except_o he_o strive_v lawful_o as_o the_o conqueror_n be_v enrich_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prize_n for_o which_o they_o run_v or_o wrestle_v or_o fight_v so_o they_o be_v honour_v with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o crown_n which_o be_v set_v on_o their_o head_n and_o thus_o it_o let_v we_o know_v 1._o that_o heaven_n will_v be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o dignity_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o obtain_v it_o must_v strive_v fight_n wrestle_z and_o that_o lawful_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v yea_o and_o they_o must_v conquer_v none_o but_o the_o conqueror_n in_o those_o game_n be_v crown_v the_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n as_o a_o crown_n aught_o to_o mind_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n to_o strive_v and_o fight_v it_o be_v not_o compare_v to_o a_o ordinary_a king_n crown_n which_o it_o may_v be_v come_v to_o he_o by_o election_n or_o inheritance_n but_o a_o combatant_n crown_n which_o be_v never_o put_v on_o his_o head_n till_o he_o be_v declare_v victor_n 2._o second_o this_o notion_n be_v expressive_a of_o the_o high_a reward_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n a_o crown_n be_v the_o high_a dignity_n hence_o it_o be_v call_v also_o a_o kingdom_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o thus_o the_o metaphor_n be_v use_v i_o be_o 5.16_o the_o crown_n be_v fall_v from_o our_o head_n that_o be_v we_o have_v lose_v our_o great_a honour_n and_o dignity_n such_o shall_v be_v the_o honour_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v only_o a_o penny_n a_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o crown_n the_o high_a and_o great_a reward_n such_o a_o one_o as_o no_o eye_n have_v see_v no_o ear_n have_v hear_v neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v we_o can_v fancy_v no_o high_a honour_n and_o dignity_n than_o that_o of_o a_o crown_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v express_v by_o that_o but_o it_o will_v be_v no_o ordinary_a crown_n but_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n 3._o possible_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o express_v to_o signify_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o saint_n happiness_n in_o heaven_n the_o figure_n of_o a_o crown_n let_v you_o know_v that_o it_o incompass_v the_o whole_a head_n not_o a_o part_n of_o it_o only_o 16.11_o psa_fw-la 16.11_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n say_v the_o psalmist_n there_o be_v pleasure_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o pleasure_n and_o that_o for_o evermore_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v encompass_v they_o as_o a_o crown_n do_v the_o head_n god_n in_o this_o life_n incompass_v his_o people_n with_o favour_n as_o a_o shield_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v he_o will_v encompass_v they_o with_o glory_n as_o with_o a_o crown_n in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v our_o good_a thing_n but_o in_o part_n nemo_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la omni_fw-la parte_fw-la beatus_fw-la there_o be_v scarce_o any_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v every_o way_n happy_a one_o have_v a_o head_n at_o ease_n but_o a_o ache_a heart_n another_o have_v a_o heart_n at_o ease_n but_o a_o ache_a head_n but_o in_o heaven_n the_o saint_n shall_v be_v crown_v perfect_o happy_a on_o all_o side_n bless_v 2._o qu._n but_o why_o be_v this_o call_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n not_o only_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n but_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 1._o i_o answer_v not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o merit_n of_o our_o righteousness_n our_o righteousness_n be_v all_o a_o rag_n a_o filthy_a rag._n the_o next_o word_n be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o
token_n of_o god_n special_a presence_n no_o man_n suffer_v for_o god_n without_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n none_o can_v pass_v through_o these_o deep_a water_n nor_o this_o hot_a fire_n unless_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n isa_n 43.2_o thus_o now_o i_o have_v open_v the_o second_o thing_n and_o show_v you_o how_o a_o good_a christian_n suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n turn_v unto_o he_o for_o a_o testimony_n towards_o god_n i_o find_v yet_o some_o other_o sense_n give_v of_o these_o word_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o name_n 3._o it_o shall_v turn_v unto_o you_o for_o a_o testimony_n that_o be_v say_v some_o for_o a_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n the_o suffering_n of_o god_n people_n be_v their_o testimony_n indeed_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d martyrdom_n signify_v a_o testimony_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o fix_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n because_o of_o the_o pronoun_n to_o you_o for_o those_o soul_n must_v be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v persuade_v to_o suffer_v for_o it_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o primitive_a be_v here_o put_v for_o the_o possessive_a and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o sense_n be_v this_o it_o shall_v be_v your_o testimony_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o seal_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o a_o real_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o which_o alone_o some_o be_v able_a to_o give_v as_o that_o female_a martyr_n who_o tell_v her_o persecutor_n she_o can_v not_o dispute_v for_o christ_n but_o she_o can_v die_v for_o christ_n every_o one_o can_v give_v a_o verbal_a testimony_n they_o can_v conceive_v and_o believe_v more_o than_o they_o can_v with_o their_o tongue_n express_v suffer_v be_v their_o testimony_n 4._o in_o testimonium_fw-la contumaciae_fw-la eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la crediderint_fw-la for_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o stubborness_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o suffering_n of_o god_n people_n for_o the_o truth_n speak_v the_o stubborness_n of_o man_n that_o will_v not_o embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n seal_n with_o their_o blood_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o not_o judge_v it_o the_o best_a account_n of_o the_o phrase_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o come_v now_o unto_o the_o application_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v dispatch_v under_o two_o head_n the_o first_o of_o discouragement_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n the_o second_o of_o encouragement_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o it_o use_v i._n for_o discouragement_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o 1_o sam._n 2.3_o talk_v no_o more_o so_o exceed_v proud_o let_v not_o arrogancy_n come_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n and_o by_o he_o action_n be_v weigh_v the_o bow_n of_o the_o mighty_a man_n be_v break_v and_o they_o that_o stumble_v be_v gird_v with_o strength_n sinner_n out_o of_o their_o innate_a enmity_n to_o christ_n be_v ready_a to_o talk_v proud_o by_o their_o threat_n lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n act_n 4.29_o behold_v their_o threat_n and_o to_o act_v cruel_o and_o barbarous_o every_o wise_a man_n propound_v to_o himself_o a_o end_n of_o his_o action_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o for_o some_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v worthy_a of_o his_o pain_n not_o willing_a to_o labour_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n the_o action_n as_o to_o which_o i_o be_o discourage_v you_o and_o from_o which_o i_o be_o dehort_v you_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n lay_v hand_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o god_n persecute_v they_o deliver_v they_o into_o prison_n etc._n etc._n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n i_o will_v willing_o have_v all_o man_n think_v with_o themselves_o what_o their_o end_n of_o such_o action_n be_v it_o be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o that_o themselves_o may_v live_v alone_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o enjoy_v their_o sensual_a satisfaction_n without_o disturbance_n and_o the_o sensible_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o rival_n or_o competitor_n or_o else_o that_o they_o may_v ruin_v the_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o admit_v that_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o these_o suffering_n shall_v be_v a_o testimony_n turn_v for_o a_o testimony_n none_o of_o these_o end_n be_v feasible_a if_o they_o be_v a_o testimony_n and_o shall_v turn_v to_o god_n people_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o the_o adversary_n they_o be_v not_o like_a by_o such_o action_n to_o advance_v themselves_o by_o action_n which_o be_v evident_a token_n of_o their_o perdition_n both_o a_o sudden_a destruction_n here_o and_o a_o eternal_a destruction_n hereafter_o there_o be_v two_o body_n of_o people_n of_o which_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o god_n after_o a_o short_a time_n that_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o his_o purpose_n he_o have_v destroy_v they_o the_o first_o be_v army_n the_o second_o be_v bands_n and_o troop_n of_o persecutor_n there_o have_v be_v some_o of_o these_o in_o all_o time_n some_o need_n of_o they_o god_n the_o wise_a god_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n have_v have_v occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o you_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o body_n be_v usual_o make_v up_o of_o the_o dregs_o of_o mankind_n god_n have_v often_o use_v they_o but_o they_o have_v never_o last_v long_o of_o all_o body_n of_o people_n they_o have_v be_v the_o most_o mutable_a perish_v body_n the_o first_o be_v usual_o guilty_a of_o much_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o man_n with_o their_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o keep_v from_o smite_v but_o where_o the_o lord_n bid_v they_o smite_v the_o latter_a be_v guilty_a of_o blood_n mingle_v with_o rage_n and_o malice_n against_o what_o be_v supreme_o good_a their_o rage_n be_v against_o heaven_n and_o they_o at_o last_o find_v it_o hard_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n so_o far_o be_v the_o persecutor_n in_o reach_v his_o end_n in_o advance_v and_o set_v up_o himself_o that_o he_o find_v he_o have_v take_v the_o next_o course_n to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v himself_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o record_n of_o time_n you_o read_v in_o holy_a writ_n of_o several_a troop_n of_o persecutor_n the_o jew_n where_o be_v they_o they_o be_v the_o first_o owner_n of_o the_o field_n of_o blood_n they_o be_v scatter_v and_o vagabond_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o roman_a empire_n those_o i_o mean_v that_o rule_v it_o be_v the_o next_o where_o be_v those_o great_a power_n that_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o stump_n of_o that_o empire_n remain_v in_o germany_n that_o be_v all_o the_o papist_n be_v yet_o in_o play_n but_o god_n have_v break_v they_o in_o many_o place_n what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o those_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n gardiner_z be_v soon_o cut_v off_o in_o his_o wickedness_n bonner_n bury_v upon_o a_o dunghill_n i_o do_v but_o name_v some_o thing_n to_o you_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o to_o look_v back_o and_o see_v where_o you_o can_v find_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o troop_n or_o band_n of_o persecutor_n that_o god_n in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v not_o scatter_v by_o his_o providence_n and_o break_v or_o any_o single_a person_n almost_o who_o have_v be_v eminent_a in_o these_o achievement_n that_o have_v die_v a_o old_a man_n and_o full_a of_o day_n and_o go_v with_o peace_n to_o his_o grave_n tell_v i_o who_o ever_o prosper_v in_o this_o trade_n when_o the_o devil_n thus_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n that_o god_n be_v about_o to_o destroy_v he_o and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o far_o off_o what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o a_o man_n in_o such_o action_n shall_v propound_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o end_n be_v it_o the_o root_n out_o of_o truth_n the_o do_v of_o a_o mischief_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o he_o hate_v alas_o neither_o of_o these_o end_n be_v practicable_a or_o feasible_a the_o suffering_n of_o god_n people_n have_v always_o root_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v get_v as_o much_o confirmation_n by_o the_o steady_a suffering_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o they_o three_o thing_n have_v mighty_o contribute_v to_o settle_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o
as_o to_o this_o which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v to_o they_o who_o love_v his_o appearance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o guilt_n it_o be_v not_o pay_v for_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n appearance_n shall_v be_v judge_v a_o proportionable_a price_n to_o a_o crown_n a_o crown_n be_v a_o thing_n above_o a_o purchase_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v call_v so_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o his_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o 8.30_o isa_n 53.11_o rom._n 8.30_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v say_v the_o apostle_n the_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v sprinkle_a with_o his_o blood_n before_o we_o can_v have_v any_o entrance_n into_o they_o he_o die_v as_o well_o as_o ascend_v that_o he_o may_v prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o in_o those_o bless_a mansion_n the_o saint_n crown_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n 3._o three_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v with_o reference_n to_o god_n righteousness_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o take_v righteousness_n as_o signify_v justice_n or_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n if_o we_o take_v righteousness_n as_o signify_v justice_n if_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a 1.9_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n god_n be_v just_a to_o give_v his_o son_n the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o fruit_n of_o his_o purchase_n if_o we_o take_v it_o as_o signify_v truth_n or_o faithfulness_n so_o also_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v a_o promise_a reward_n what_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o many_o promise_n stand_v engage_v for_o 4._o last_o it_o be_v also_o a_o crown_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o ample_a reward_n of_o our_o righteousness_n the_o reward_n not_o of_o debt_n but_o of_o grace_n estius_n will_v have_v it_o call_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n because_o purchase_v or_o merit_v by_o our_o work_n or_o our_o righteousness_n but_o that_o place_n psal_n 103.4_o much_o trouble_v he_o 103.4_o psal_n 103.4_o who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n he_o pretend_v some_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o that_o be_v the_o least_o we_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n god_n use_v not_o to_o crown_v menstruous_a clothes_n or_o filthy_a rag_n he_o use_v not_o to_o crown_v our_o work_n but_o his_o own_o work_n in_o we_o yea_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o his_o people_n isaiah_n 28.5_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o a_o diadem_n of_o beauty_n for_o the_o residue_n of_o his_o people_n 3._o qu._n how_o be_v this_o crown_n say_v to_o be_v lay_v up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n colos_n 1.5_o for_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o you_o in_o heaven_n critic_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o a_o lay_v aside_o or_o lay_v up_o as_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o a_o future_a use_n or_o a_o future_a provision_n as_o when_o man_n lay_v up_o for_o their_o child_n so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o use_v in_o mat._n 25._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n to_o express_v the_o action_n of_o he_o who_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n lay_v it_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n once_o in_o scripture_n i_o find_v it_o use_v in_o another_o sense_n heb._n 9.27_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o that_o by_o the_o way_n give_v some_o further_a light_n into_o this_o text_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o they_o matth._n 25.34_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o word_n import_v 1._o the_o preparation_n or_o designation_n of_o something_o for_o the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n 2._o the_o reservation_n of_o it_o or_o the_o safe_a keep_n of_o it_o for_o those_o person_n for_o who_o it_o be_v so_o design_v and_o prepare_v there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n design_v by_o god_n for_o some_o lay_v up_o in_o god_n decree_n and_o eternal_a thought_n for_o they_o from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o that_o be_v safe_o reserve_v and_o keep_v for_o they_o secure_v by_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n will_v and_o counsel_n for_o he_o be_v not_o as_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o proposition_n i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o prop._n 2._o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v this_o crown_n must_v be_v such_o who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o who_o love_n the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o q._n 1._o what_o be_v this_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o good_a fight_n 2._o what_o fight_v be_v here_o mean_v 1._o the_o call_n of_o it_o the_o good_a fight_n import_v that_o there_o be_v some_o bad_a fight_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o fight_v against_o god_n this_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n in_o all_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o rebellion_n which_o samuel_n say_v be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n it_o be_v the_o rebellion_n of_o the_o creature_n against_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o clay_n against_o the_o potter_n of_o the_o child_n against_o the_o father_n it_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v always_o bad_a in_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o brier_n and_o thorn_n against_o god_n in_o battle_n a_o kick_n against_o the_o prick_n as_o our_o lord_n tell_v paul_n act_v 9_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v always_o full_a of_o hector_n hardy_a enough_o to_o engage_v in_o this_o fight_n there_o be_v such_o as_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o indeed_o all_o sinner_n be_v such_o in_o heart_n though_o they_o some_o of_o they_o keep_v their_o hand_n in_o their_o pocket_n but_o such_o persecutor_n and_o such_o as_o set_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n such_o as_o set_v themselves_o against_o a_o gospel-ministry_n and_o against_o holiness_n these_o be_v all_o fighter_n against_o god_n this_o now_o be_v the_o bad_a fight_n material_o bad_a and_o what_o will_v be_v find_v so_o eventual_o 2._o there_o be_v also_o a_o fight_v against_o man_n on_o civil_a account_n which_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n indeed_o most_o war_n be_v so_o at_o least_o on_o one_o side_n war_n be_v state_n physic_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o use_v and_o make_v they_o be_v good_a otherwise_o they_o be_v bad_a in_o all_o war_n one_o army_n be_v make_v up_o of_o murderer_n both_o side_n can_v be_v right_o we_o be_v command_v to_o seek_v peace_n and_o ensue_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n war_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v as_o sport_n the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o translate_v good_a signify_v fair_a wholesome_a noble_a excellent_a thus_o you_o read_v of_o the_o tree_n that_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 7.17_o and_o christ_n say_v that_o the_o woman_n which_o have_v spend_v her_o box_n of_o ointment_n upon_o he_o have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a work_n mat._n 26.10_o that_o be_v a_o excellent_a noble_a praiseworthy_a work_n as_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o next_o word_n expound_v himself_o say_v that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v that_o which_o she_o have_v do_v shall_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o but_o what_o be_v this_o good_a fight_n which_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v fight_v he_o expound_v himself_o 1_o tim._n 6.12_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o combatant_n grace_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o get_v the_o victory_n but_o who_o be_v the_o enemy_n with_o which_o this_o good_a fight_n be_v to_o be_v fight_v who_o can_v they_o be_v but_o the_o three_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n paul_n fight_v they_o all_o and_o so_o must_v every_o one_o fight_v they_o all_o who_o will_v put_v in_o his_o claim_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o