spread_v their_o infection_n far_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o paul_n and_o apollo_n here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n privilege_v person_n act_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n no_o fear_n of_o this_o in_o they_o yet_o some_o that_o be_v admire_v as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o ever_o they_o be_v we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o respect_n why_o it_o be_v carnal_a to_o glory_v in_o man_n because_o it_o breed_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n which_o hinder_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n stop_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o enemy_n they_o be_v bold_a to_o oppose_v and_o that_o be_v weak_a to_o resist_v and_o then_o in_o a_o more_o special_a way_n it_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n four_o as_o it_o draw_v evil_a out_o of_o good_a and_o sure_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n else_o argue_v a_o carnal_a spirit_n god_n attribute_n shine_v very_o glorious_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n more_o especial_o and_o eminent_o in_o extract_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a the_o least_o touch_n of_o providence_n turn_v all_o to_o gold_n even_a sin_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v all_o dross_n a_o mere_a obliquity_n a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o even_o this_o by_o the_o overrule_a hand_n of_o a_o infinite_o wise_a god_n become_v a_o clear_a illustration_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o crucify_a of_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n shall_v tend_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o christian_a thus_o far_o participate_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o that_o he_o can_v draw_v good_a out_o evil_a too_o sweetness_n out_o of_o the_o worst_a condition_n and_o gain_v strength_n by_o his_o corruption_n what_o then_o must_v it_o needs_o show_v but_o a_o devilish_a and_o envenom_a spirit_n that_o assimilate_v to_o itself_o to_o tâ—rne_v every_o thing_n to_o poison_n and_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o corruption_n every_o thing_n that_o a_o carnal_a man_n touch_v be_v defile_v he_o soil_v every_o ordinance_n and_o discolour_n every_o blessing_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n he_o fight_v against_o god_n with_o his_o own_o weapon_n with_o his_o most_o precious_a favour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o most_o strange_a chemistry_n he_o extract_v dross_n out_o of_o the_o pure_a refine_a gold_n phlegm_n out_o of_o quintessence_n dregs_o out_o of_o the_o pure_a spirit_n a_o savour_n of_o death_n from_o that_o which_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o life_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o text._n what_o a_o choice_n and_o magnificent_a gift_n be_v this_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o adorn_v the_o church_n with_o all_o variety_n of_o excellency_n these_o make_v up_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v the_o needlework_n in_o the_o spouse_n garment_n the_o opus_fw-la ocellatum_fw-la god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o and_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d abundant_o display_v themselves_o in_o they_o these_o be_v the_o donaria_fw-la which_o christ_n give_v at_o his_o triumph_n when_o he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a he_o have_v give_v gift_n unto_o man_n and_o see_v what_o use_n and_o improvement_n they_o make_v of_o they_o o_o how_o quick_o do_v they_o become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strife_n and_o division_n bitterness_n and_o contention_n these_o be_v the_o best_a fruit_n they_o gather_v from_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n they_o that_o glory_n in_o some_o excellency_n vilify_v mean_a nay_o they_o vilify_v choice_n one_o too_o for_o such_o as_o glory_v in_o paul_n slight_a apollo_n and_o such_o as_o admire_v apollo_n disesteem_v paul_n and_o both_o rend_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o ungrateful_a people_n and_o unwise_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lucian_n though_o a_o atheist_n can_v say_v so_o much_o no_o gift_n come_v from_o above_o be_v so_o mean_a as_o to_o be_v despise_v none_o so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v glory_v in_o i_o think_v the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n in_o several_a man_n have_v some_o resemblance_n with_o the_o diversity_n of_o colour_n in_o several_a body_n some_o body_n you_o see_v be_v clothe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o bright_a and_o orient_a colour_n nature_n take_v a_o sunbeam_n for_o her_o pencil_n and_o flourish_v they_o most_o glorious_o they_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v a_o great_a collection_n and_o condensation_n of_o light_n and_o be_v varnish_v over_o other_o sullen_a and_o discontent_a body_n in_o sad_a and_o dusky_a colour_n draw_v with_o a_o coal_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o bright_a colour_n they_o have_v aliquid_fw-la umbrae_fw-la and_o the_o dark_a they_o have_v aliquid_fw-la lucis_fw-la and_o some_o body_n they_o be_v content_a with_o one_o colour_n other_o have_v a_o pleasant_a variety_n and_o be_v set_v out_o with_o a_o rich_a embroidery_n see_v the_o same_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o mind_n these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o interni_fw-la colores_fw-la as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o which_o be_v divine_a light_n several_o distribute_v unto_o soul_n where_o some_o have_v a_o fair_a gloss_n set_v upon_o they_o a_o twinkle_n and_o glitter_a soul_n all_o bespangle_a with_o light_n other_o have_v more_o sad_a and_o dark-coloured_n spirit_n now_o the_o bright_a they_o have_v somewhat_o of_o a_o cloud_n darkness_n and_o imperfection_n enough_o to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o boast_v and_o the_o dark_a they_o have_v somewhat_o of_o a_o beam_n some_o light_n and_o excellency_n enough_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o discouragement_n some_o be_v apparent_o eminent_a in_o one_o gift_n other_o have_v variety_n of_o colour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d animam_fw-la variegatam_fw-la they_o that_o glory_n in_o some_o one_o excellency_n what_o do_v they_o but_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v refuse_v to_o look_v only_o upon_o some_o one_o colour_n most_o pleasant_a to_o he_o when_o as_o all_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o eye_n though_o some_o more_o delightful_a all_o those_o tend_v to_o the_o beauty_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o these_o to_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n every_o one_o that_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o temple_n be_v not_o a_o bezaleel_n and_o aholiab_n cunning_a to_o work_v in_o gold_n and_o many_o that_o can_v build_v up_o the_o temple_n yet_o know_v not_o how_o to_o carve_v it_o that_o which_o philostratus_n have_v in_o the_o life_n of_o apollonius_n may_v be_v moralize_v into_o very_o good_a counsel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etiam_fw-la analecta_fw-la deorum_fw-la sunt_fw-la colligenda_fw-la the_o least_o gift_n to_o be_v receive_v with_o a_o most_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o eunapius_n call_v a_o mean_a scholar_n a_o drop_n of_o helicon_n even_o that_o be_v precious_a it_o be_v a_o notable_a speech_n of_o one_o of_o our_o prelate_n i_o think_v it_o honour_n enough_o to_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o bring_v but_o one_o pin_n to_o the_o deck_v up_o of_o christ_n spouse_n while_o other_o adorn_v she_o with_o her_o costly_a robe_n and_o rich_a medal_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v carnal_a to_o glory_v in_o man_n as_o it_o draw_v evil_a out_o of_o good_a we_o shall_v now_o spend_v a_o word_n or_o two_o in_o reference_n to_o paul_n and_o apollo_n that_o they_o will_v disclaim_v all_o glory_n and_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o god_n i_o know_v they_o do_v so_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o have_v the_o like_a gift_n and_o excellency_n as_o paul_n here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o chide_v the_o corinthian_n for_o side_v with_o he_o and_o glory_v in_o he_o while_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o vanity_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v such_o a_o one_o as_o they_o glory_n in_o not_o light_o but_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o and_o then_o in_o a_o real_a way_n man_n shall_v so_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o that_o whole_o deny_v their_o own_o aim_n and_o excellency_n all_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o they_o only_o seek_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o suitable_a way_n chief_o improve_n that_o excellency_n which_o god_n have_v entrust_v they_o withal_o and_o in_o a_o proportionable_a way_n for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o be_v require_v as_o god_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dispense_v his_o gift_n in_o proportion_n so_o he_o look_v for_o a_o improvement_n of_o they_o according_a to_o a_o geometrical_a proportion_n two_o man_n may_v give_v up_o their_o account_n the_o one_o that_o have_v do_v less_o
thou_o have_v make_v i_o to_o serve_v with_o thy_o sin_n and_o consider_v what_o a_o strong_a indignity_n this_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o make_v he_o a_o servant_n and_o then_o to_o serve_v sin_n which_o he_o so_o much_o hate_v and_o abhor_v that_o he_o can_v endure_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o which_o strike_v at_o his_o very_a be_v thou_o have_v make_v i_o to_o serve_v with_o thy_o sin_n and_o thou_o have_v weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n all_o outward_a performance_n though_o never_o so_o pompous_a they_o do_v but_o weary_a almighty_a god_n unless_o they_o flow_v from_o a_o sincere_a spirit_n they_o think_v they_o have_v please_v he_o with_o sacrifice_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o weary_a he_o with_o iniquity_n and_o see_v here_o how_o the_o mighty_a god_n of_o jacob_n the_o rock_n of_o age_n omnipotency_n itself_o be_v weary_a he_o be_v press_v with_o sin_n and_o weary_v with_o iniquity_n well_o what_o follow_v upon_o all_o this_o ay_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o thy_o iniquity_n for_o my_o own_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n sure_o israel_n can_v not_o look_v for_o this_o in_o the_o next_o vers_fw-la it_o must_v needs_o come_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o will_v have_v think_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o will_v revenge_v these_o thy_o iniquity_n thou_o have_v make_v i_o to_o serve_v with_o thy_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o to_o serve_v with_o my_o plague_n thou_o have_v weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o i_o will_v weary_v thou_o with_o my_o judgement_n my_o indignation_n shall_v flame_v out_o against_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o the_o dregs_o of_o my_o wrath_n upon_o thou_o it_o be_v i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o will_v set_v thy_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o thou_o one_o will_v have_v think_v it_o shall_v have_v run_v thus_o but_o god_n he_o come_v in_o the_o still_a voice_n i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_n out_o thy_o iniquity_n thou_o have_v make_v i_o to_o serve_v with_o thy_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o a_o servant_n to_o myself_o thou_o have_v weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o i_o will_v load_v thou_o with_o my_o mercy_n thou_o have_v blot_v out_o my_o testimony_n and_o i_o will_v blot_v out_o thy_o iniquity_n thou_o have_v not_o remember_v my_o covenant_n and_o i_o will_v not_o remember_v thy_o sin_n thus_o do_v god_n goodness_n contend_v with_o a_o sinful_a nation_n thus_o do_v he_o conquer_v rebellion_n and_o triumph_v over_o sin_n indeed_o his_o very_a drift_n be_v to_o make_v a_o glorious_a illustratiou_n of_o freegrace_n and_o therefore_o he_o first_o discover_v his_o people_n sin_n and_o then_o display_v his_o own_o mercy_n he_o first_o show_v you_o israel_n stiff_a neck_n and_o iron_n sinew_n and_o then_o open_v his_o own_o tender_a bowel_n and_o dear_a compassion_n he_o bid_v you_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o blackness_n of_o the_o etheopian_a and_o then_o tell_v you_o how_o white_a he_o will_v make_v he_o he_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v well_o the_o deep_a thy_fw-mi the_o bloody_a thy_fw-mi of_o the_o scarlet_a and_o then_o see_v it_o become_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n look_v upon_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o egyptians_n army_n and_o see_v they_o all_o drown_v in_o a_o red-sea_n cast_v a_o sad_a eye_n upon_o a_o large_a volume_n of_o iniquity_n and_o behold_v they_o all_o blot_v out_o in_o a_o moment_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n set_v a_o glorious_a lustre_n upon_o freegrace_n when_o sin_n become_v exceed_o sinful_a than_o grace_n become_v exceed_o glorious_a ay_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_n out_o thy_o iniquity_n there_o be_v much_o emphasis_n in_o redouble_v the_o word_n and_o it_o still_v many_o objection_n that_o may_v rise_v up_o in_o a_o waver_a soul_n and_o 1._o ay_o even_o i_o who_o thou_o have_v offend_v for_o what_o may_v the_o distrust_v soul_n object_n and_o say_v be_v it_o thou_o o_o god_n that_o will_v blot_v out_o my_o iniquity_n it_o be_v thy_o sacred_a majesty_n which_o i_o have_v provoke_v and_o it_o be_v thy_o glorious_a name_n which_o i_o have_v profane_v it_o be_v thy_o righteous_a law_n which_o i_o have_v violate_v and_o it_o be_v thy_o covenant_n which_o i_o have_v break_v and_o be_v it_o thou_o g_o god_n that_o will_v blot_v out_o my_o iniquity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v they_o out_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n god_n goodness_n run_v over_o to_o a_o sinful_a creature_n and_o where_o sin_n have_v abound_v there_o grace_n do_v superabound_v consider_v 1._o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o evil_n in_o sin_n as_o good_a in_o god_n sin_n indeed_o be_v thus_o infinite_a as_o it_o be_v against_o a_o infinite_a be_v i_o but_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a infiniteness_n in_o god_n and_o this_o be_v no_o extenuation_n of_o sin_n to_o advance_v grace_n above_o it_o 2._o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o sin_n in_o man_n as_o there_o be_v goodness_n in_o god_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o sin_n and_o grace_n then_o between_o a_o spark_n and_o a_o ocean_n now_o who_o will_v doubt_v whether_o a_o spark_n can_v be_v quench_v in_o a_o ocean_n thy_o thought_n of_o disobedience_n towards_o god_n have_v be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o time_n but_o his_o goodness_n have_v be_v bubble_v up_o towards_o thou_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o have_v have_v sweet_a plot_n of_o freegrace_n and_o gracious_a contrivance_n of_o love_n towards_o thou_o from_o everlasting_a the_o devil_n themselves_o though_o irreversible_o seal_v up_o to_o destruction_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o god_n be_v good_a there_o can_v be_v a_o summum_fw-la malum_fw-la as_o there_o be_v a_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la ay_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o thy_o iniquity_n even_o i_o who_o thou_o have_v thus_o offend_v 2._o ay_o even_o i_o who_o royal_a prerogative_n it_o be_v to_o pardon_v transgression_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o sin_n for_o otherwise_o the_o soul_n will_v still_o be_v leave_v roll_a and_o fluctuate_a ay_o this_o be_v welcome_a news_n indeed_o to_o hear_v of_o iniquity_n blot_v out_o and_o they_o be_v messenger_n of_o beautiful_a foot_n that_o can_v bring_v i_o such_o gospel-tiding_n but_o o_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n to_o have_v sin_n remit_v and_o pardon_v mercy_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o obtain_v who_o be_v it_o that_o can_v wash_v off_o guilt_n from_o the_o soul_n and_o set_v at_o liberty_n a_o captivate_v spirit_n why_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o that_o undertake_v so_o great_a a_o work_n it_o be_v i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o it_o include_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o god_n he_o can_v blot_v out_o iniquity_n for_o first_o the_o offence_n be_v whole_o against_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v free_o pass_v it_o by_o sin_n be_v so_o far_o a_o evil_a as_o it_o oppose_v his_o will_n the_o rule_n of_o goodness_n and_o as_o it_o prevaricate_v from_o his_o law_n the_o expression_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n can_v pardon_v 2._o christ_n he_o have_v make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n so_o that_o now_o it_o be_v but_o dip_v the_o pen_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o dash_v out_o of_o iniquity_n nay_o christ_n himself_o have_v blot_v out_o even_o this_o hand-writing_n that_o be_v against_o we_o and_o nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n christ_n on_o the_o cross_n have_v a_o sponge_n give_v he_o dip_v in_o vinegar_n and_o a_o christian_n sin_n do_v incumbere_fw-la in_o sâ—ongiam_fw-la that_o i_o may_v speak_v in_o augustus_n his_o phrase_n and_o hence_o there_o be_v such_o woo_n and_o beseeching_n of_o soul_n to_o come_v in_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o christ_n for_o god_n have_v more_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n by_o every_o believer_n then_o by_o the_o damn_a thar_z lie_n roar_v in_o hell_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o discharge_v the_o debt_n but_o every_o believer_n by_o his_o surety_n have_v pay_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n 2._o only_o god_n can_v blot_v out_o iniquity_n ay_o even_o i_o be_o he_o and_o none_o else_o a_o poor_a creature_n may_v soon_o involve_v itself_o in_o sin_n and_o misery_n there_o be_v none_o but_o have_v power_n enough_o to_o damn_v himself_o thy_o destruction_n be_v of_o thyself_o o_o ephraim_n but_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n activity_n to_o blot_v out_o the_o least_o sin_n or_o to_o disentangle_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o least_o corruption_n they_o can_v neither_o take_v off_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n
footstep_n of_o this_o in_o nature_n some_o obscure_a representation_n of_o this_o truth_n there_o the_o sun_n it_o do_v not_o monopolise_v its_o beam_n and_o engross_v its_o light_n but_o scatter_v they_o abroad_o gild_v the_o whole_a world_n with_o they_o it_o shine_v more_o for_o other_o than_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o public_a light_n look_v on_o a_o fountain_n it_o do_v not_o bind_v in_o its_o stream_n seal_v up_o itself_o and_o enclose_v its_o water_n but_o spend_v itself_o with_o a_o continual_a bubble_a forth_o it_o stream_n forth_o in_o a_o fluent_a liberal_a and_o communicative_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o public_a spring_n nay_o natural_a body_n will_v part_v with_o their_o own_o property_n leave_v their_o motion_n nay_o across_o their_o own_o inclination_n for_o a_o general_a good_a the_o air_n a_o light_n and_o nimble_a body_n that_o mount_v upward_o and_o do_v natural_o ascend_v yet_o for_o a_o universal_a good_a rather_o than_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o breach_n and_o rupture_n in_o nature_n a_o vacuum_n it_o will_v descend_v for_o the_o stop_n of_o that_o hiatus_fw-la in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n the_o inferior_a member_n will_v venture_v themselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o hand_n will_v be_v cut_v off_o and_o lose_v its_o own_o be_v rather_o than_o the_o head_n shall_v be_v endanger_v you_o see_v some_o shadow_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o nature_n 3._o and_o the_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a light_n of_o nature_n show_v thus_o much_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o bear_v for_o himself_o alone_o he_o be_v a_o sociable_a â—reature_n and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o the_o â—oice_n of_o a_o heathen_a a_o man_n country_n and_o his_o friend_n and_o other_o challenge_v great_a part_n of_o he_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o make_v his_o own_o self_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o his_o action_n 4._o consider_v that_o every_o man_n private_a welfare_n be_v include_v in_o the_o public_a the_o 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and_o a_o more_o honourable_a be_v as_o join_v to_o the_o whole_a then_o take_v single_a by_o themselves_o a_o single_a drop_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o a_o multitude_n of_o drop_n join_v together_o will_v make_v a_o stream_n and_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o a_o single_a beam_n be_v obscure_a but_o in_o the_o sun_n the_o centre_n of_o ray_n meet_v in_o the_o public_a point_n they_o be_v glorious_a and_o these_o argument_n may_v prevail_v with_o you_o as_o man_n live_v in_o common_a society_n but_o then_o as_o christian_n i._o consider_v that_o god_n child_n have_v be_v always_o of_o this_o disposition_n of_o public_a spirit_n seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o zion_n exod._n 32._o 32._o if_o not_o blot_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o out_o of_o thy_o book_n moses_n out_o of_o a_o pang_n of_o vehement_a zeal_n will_v part_v with_o his_o own_o happiness_n rather_o than_o israel_n shall_v perish_v if_o it_o will_v make_v more_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v damn_v or_o at_o least_o to_o have_v the_o beam_n of_o god_n favourable_a presence_n withdraw_v from_o he_o rom._n 9_o 3._o i_o can_v wish_v that_o myself_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n or_o separate_v for_o my_o brethren_n my_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o jew_n israelites_n which_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o poena_fw-la damni_fw-la i_o can_v be_v content_a to_o have_v the_o face_n of_o christ_n hide_v from_o i_o for_o my_o brethren_n sake_n as_o god_n face_n be_v once_o hide_v from_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o a_o most_o strong_a affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o public_a good_a paul_n know_v what_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n be_v how_o glorious_a a_o sight_n it_o be_v to_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o he_o know_v what_o answer_n god_n have_v give_v to_o moses_n too_o he_o that_o sin_n he_o will_v i_o blot_v out_o of_o my_o book_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o a_o most_o ardent_a desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o will_v part_v with_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o may_v be_v save_v here_o be_v public_a spirit_n indeed_o what_o shall_v i_o tell_v you_o of_o vriah_n that_o famous_a soldier_n his_o brave_a and_o heroical_a resolution_n how_o he_o will_v take_v no_o complacency_n in_o outward_a thing_n and_o mark_v his_o reason_n 2_o sam_n 11._o 11._o the_o ark_n and_o israel_n and_o judah_n abide_v in_o tent_n and_o my_o lord_n joab_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o my_o lord_n be_v encamp_v in_o the_o open_a field_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v what_o shall_v the_o ark_n be_v in_o danger_n and_o shall_v vriah_n be_v secure_a or_o shall_v my_o lord_n joab_n be_v more_o forward_o than_o i_o be_o in_o israel_n cause_n as_o thou_o live_v and_o as_o thy_o soul_n live_v i_o will_v not_o do_v this_o thing_n he_o rap_v out_o a_o oath_n like_o a_o soldier_n which_o he_o may_v have_v well_o spare_v but_o yet_o he_o show_v a_o most_o generous_a and_o public_a spirit_n and_o this_o be_v no_o small_a aggravation_n of_o david_n sin_n 137._o psalm_n see_v how_o the_o psalmist_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n people_n behave_v themselves_o by_o the_o river_n of_o babylon_n we_o sit_v down_o and_o weep_v when_o we_o remember_v thou_o o_o zion_n we_o hang_v our_o harp_n upon_o the_o willow_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o if_o i_o forget_v thou_o jerusalem_n let_v my_o right_a hand_n forget_v she_o cunning_n david_n have_v a_o most_o delicate_a touch_n upon_o the_o harp_n a_o soft_a and_o silken_a touch_n he_o can_v still_o saul_n evil_a spirit_n with_o his_o music_n but_o if_o i_o forget_v thou_o jerusalem_n let_v my_o right_a hand_n forget_v she_o cunning_n and_o when_o do_v jeremy_n make_v his_o lamentation_n that_o whole_a book_n of_o mourning_n but_o when_o the_o glory_n of_o zion_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n when_o jerusalem_n the_o lady_n of_o nation_n be_v make_v desolate_a god_n people_n have_v be_v always_o of_o public_a spirit_n and_o have_v sympathize_v with_o the_o church_n ii_o that_o you_o may_v follow_v so_o good_a example_n think_v who_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n can_v you_o have_v a_o better_a cause_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v knit_v together_o by_o a_o act_n of_o god_n gracious_a will_n so_o that_o he_o that_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o same_o act_n seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o help_v not_o israel_n come_v not_o out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o to_o help_v the_o lord_n 1._o by_o many_o and_o several_a engagement_n as_o creature_n at_o his_o beck_n he_o have_v a_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o you_o not_o to_o obey_v the_o great_a god_n be_v to_o deny_v his_o supremacy_n you_o be_v bind_v in_o a_o way_n of_o thankfulness_n to_o stand_v for_o he_o and_o his_o cause_n by_o those_o sweet_a mercy_n those_o precious_a pledge_n of_o his_o love_n which_o he_o every_o moment_n heap_n upon_o you_o by_o those_o many_o blessing_n that_o come_v swim_v to_o you_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o saviour_n 2._o by_o many_o promise_n vow_n protestation_n your_o first_o and_o original_a vow_n in_o baptism_n oblige_v you_o to_o maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n against_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o and_o you_o have_v often_o repeat_v this_o vow_n and_o seal_v it_o again_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o you_o know_v that_o be_v a_o seal_a up_o of_o
pray_v against_o they_o to_o have_v they_o restrain_v and_o subdue_v many_o a_o weak_a and_o age_a and_o sickly_a one_o unfit_a for_o war_n and_o yet_o powerful_a in_o prayer_n and_o these_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n they_o be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a you_o can_v encounter_v a_o enemy_n i_o but_o you_o may_v thus_o wrestle_v with_o the_o almighty_a you_o can_v batter_v down_o a_o strong_a hold_n but_o yet_o you_o can_v besiege_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o concentred_a ability_n you_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v set_v in_o a_o watchtower_n to_o spy_v out_o the_o approach_n of_o a_o enemy_n but_o yet_o you_o may_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n that_o christian_n have_v over_o their_o enemy_n the_o enemy_n know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v they_o know_v how_o to_o curse_v and_o swear_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n but_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v or_o if_o they_o do_v pray_v and_o tell_v their_o prayer_n with_o their_o bead_n that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o number_n of_o they_o yet_o their_o prayer_n be_v turn_v into_o fin_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n let_v they_o cry_v aloud_o to_o their_o idol_n and_o see_v if_o they_o will_v hear_v they_o they_o can_v look_v that_o god_n shall_v hear_v they_o for_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n o_o then_o let_v christian_n know_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o spiritual_a weapon_n of_o prayer_n that_o oppose_v the_o enemy_n more_o than_o all_o other_o weapon_n whatsoever_o let_v they_o brandish_v the_o glitter_a sword_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a use_n you_o be_v to_o make_v of_o all_o the_o news_n you_o hear_v to_o know_v how_o to_o order_v your_o prayer_n according_o no_o question_n more_o ordinary_a in_o man_n mouth_n then_o what_o news_n and_o i_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o the_o question_n it_o be_v good_a and_o fit_a but_o news_n be_v not_o to_o be_v inquire_v after_o only_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o curiosity_n as_o the_o athenian_n spend_v all_o their_o time_n in_o inquire_v for_o some_o news_n but_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o it_o to_o know_v how_o to_o send_v up_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o your_o praise_n for_o such_o mercy_n as_o god_n bestow_v upon_o it_o all_o news_n hear_v by_o a_o public_a spirit_n will_v stir_v up_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n this_o be_v the_o use_n you_o be_v to_o make_v of_o news_n if_o sad_a news_n of_o the_o church_n misery_n and_o desolation_n then_o send_v up_o more_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v repair_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o and_o settle_v it_o in_o a_o flourish_a condition_n if_o welcome_a news_n than_o praise_n god_n for_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o perfect_v the_o great_a work_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v this_o be_v one_o special_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o public_a good_a the_o prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o god_n always_o when_o he_o intend_v any_o great_a mercy_n he_o pour_v upon_o his_o people_n a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n he_o stir_v up_o their_o heart_n in_o this_o way_n he_o open_v their_o mouth_n wide_a before_o he_o fill_v it_o 2._o self-reformation_n this_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o the_o public_a good_a and_o how_o can_v you_o expect_v a_o public_a and_o glorious_a reformation_n unless_o first_o you_o reform_v in_o private_a look_v upon_o the_o grievance_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n harken_v unto_o those_o many_o petition_n that_o be_v put_v up_o to_o you_o by_o the_o minister_n who_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n every_o sin_n add_v to_o wrath_n it_o provoke_v god_n pull_v down_o his_o judgement_n and_o ripen_v a_o nation_n for_o destruction_n and_o have_v a_o malignant_a and_o venomous_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a so_o then_o the_o turn_n from_o sin_n and_o reform_v your_o way_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o divert_v judgement_n to_o bring_v down_o mercy_n and_o bring_v down_o public_a good_a if_o there_o be_v more_o private_a reformation_n in_o man_n spirit_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v bless_v the_o public_a reformation_n sin_n put_v more_o rub_n in_o the_o way_n than_o any_o enemy_n or_o opposer_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o great_a mountain_n that_o hinder_v the_o go_v up_o of_o the_o temple_n if_o this_o one_o be_v but_o take_v away_o all_o other_o will_v quick_o become_v a_o plain_a they_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o the_o public_a good_a that_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_v against_o so_o gracious_a a_o god_n that_o do_v such_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o one_o sinner_n destroy_v much_o good_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v 3._o unite_a spirit_n and_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n of_o affection_n gracious_o consort_a together_o will_v help_v forward_o the_o cause_n of_o israel_n jar_n and_o dissension_n among_o christian_n themselves_o sound_z very_o harsh_o for_o the_o division_n of_o reuben_n there_o be_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n what_o be_v there_o can_v give_v great_a advantage_n to_o a_o enemy_n then_o to_o see_v israelites_n fall_v out_o among_o themselves_o you_o may_v learn_v more_o wisdom_n of_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n what_o a_o strait_a union_n and_o confederacy_n have_v they_o among_o themselves_o gebal_n and_o ammon_n and_o ama'ek_v the_o philistine_n with_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o tyre_n these_o scale_n of_o leviathan_n as_o that_o in_o job_n be_v usual_o allegorize_v be_v shut_v together_o as_o with_o a_o close_a seal_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o variance_n and_o discord_n among_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o sure_a way_n of_o reconciliation_n by_o a_o joint_a opposition_n of_o the_o godly_a ephraim_n against_o manesseh_n and_o manasseh_n against_o ephraim_n both_o against_o judah_n herod_n and_o pilate_n make_v friend_n in_o crucify_a christ_n if_o wicked_a man_n can_v agree_v in_o oppose_v of_o goodness_n why_o shall_v not_o christian_n in_o help_v forward_a goodness_n all_o you_o that_o come_v out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a come_v with_o unite_a heart_n and_o agree_v spirit_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v strife_n between_o you_o see_v you_o be_v brethren_n and_o then_o consider_v what_o will_v not_o unite_v force_n do_v when_o you_o shall_v join_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o one_o consent_n with_o one_o shoulder_n what_o be_v it_o that_o this_o union_n will_v bring_v to_o pass_v it_o will_v strike_v terror_n to_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n of_o friend_n it_o will_v mighty_o promote_v the_o public_a good_a and_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o man_n will_v but_o lay_v out_o themselves_o and_o their_o several_a gift_n and_o ability_n in_o one_o general_a aim_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o master_n and_o good_a of_o their_o fellow-servant_n what_o glorious_a time_n shall_v we_o then_o see_v this_o be_v one_o clause_n in_o the_o protestation_n to_o stand_v for_o the_o union_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n 4._o i_o may_v add_v that_o with_o outward_a aid_n too_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v the_o public_a good_a with_o liberal_a contribution_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n give_v above_o her_o ability_n and_o also_o such_o as_o by_o authority_n shall_v be_v send_v forth_o against_o the_o popish-rebell_n they_o be_v to_o fight_v with_o courage_n and_o alacrity_n for_o it_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n they_o come_v out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a and_o now_o for_o a_o word_n of_o application_n 1._o it_o be_v for_o the_o just_a reproof_n of_o most_o man_n that_o mind_n not_o at_o all_o the_o public_a good_a how_o do_v they_o think_v to_o avoid_v the_o curse_n of_o meroz_n see_v they_o come_v not_o out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o c._n there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o corrupt_a self-love_n in_o man_n that_o make_v they_o of_o narrow_a and_o contract_a spirit_n all_o their_o aim_n be_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o end_n they_o do_v not_o mind_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o hear_v but_o of_o a_o worldy_a loss_n some_o ship_n cast_v away_o and_o their_o estate_n be_v weaken_a this_o will_v pierce_v and_o affect_v their_o spirit_n it_o will_v sad_o and_o darken_v their_o joy_n but_o they_o can_v hear_v of_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n the_o breach_n of_o zion_n that_o the_o church_n have_v many_o rolling_n and_o commotion_n and_o
not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o not_o be_v much_o move_v with_o it_o man_n be_v more_o affect_v with_o their_o own_o private_a good_a then_o with_o the_o public_a and_o more_o move_v with_o private_a misery_n then_o public_a if_o they_o themselves_o be_v in_o the_o least_o danger_n or_o some_o of_o their_o near_a friend_n than_o you_o shall_v have_v mourning_n and_o sigh_v and_o lamentation_n but_o if_o the_o church_n lie_v a_o bleed_a the_o saint_n those_o precious_a one_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n they_o can_v be_v merry_a enough_o for_o all_o this_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o have_v not_o shed_v a_o tear_n for_o ireland_n that_o have_v not_o spend_v a_o sigh_n for_o they_o nor_o put_v up_o a_o prayer_n for_o they_o god_n he_o have_v a_o bottle_n for_o your_o tear_n and_o he_o know_v how_o many_o you_o have_v put_v into_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v hold_v a_o great_a many_o more_o than_o you_o have_v shed_v i_o speak_v not_o so_o much_o for_o outward_a weep_n there_o be_v many_o perhaps_o can_v shed_v a_o tear_n upon_o any_o occasion_n but_o i_o call_v for_o a_o spirit_n of_o mourning_n a_o sympathize_v spirit_n a_o spirit_n take_v up_o with_o the_o public_a good_a as_o its_o best_a employment_n o_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o this_o bitter_a curse_n of_o meroz_n will_v fall_v heavy_a upon_o and_o upon_o your_o day_n of_o humiliation_n be_v sure_a to_o humble_v yourselves_o for_o this_o your_o want_n of_o a_o public_a spirit_n your_o not_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o do_v you_o know_v but_o that_o if_o you_o have_v send_v up_o more_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n god_n may_v have_v free_v the_o distress_a christian_n by_o this_o time_n as_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o christian_n blood_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n that_o shed_v it_o in_o a_o most_o inhuman_a manner_n so_o i_o know_v not_o how_o they_o can_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o some_o guilt_n of_o it_o that_o do_v not_o help_v they_o by_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v 2._o it_o be_v against_o all_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o indifferency_n and_o neutrality_n they_o neither_o be_v for_o one_o nor_o other_o what_o be_v this_o but_o the_o very_a same_o case_n with_o meroz_n meroz_n do_v not_o fight_v against_o israel_n it_o do_v not_o fight_v for_o the_o canaanite_n no_o but_o it_o do_v not_o come_v out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v this_o bitter_a curse_n vain_a man_n that_o think_v to_o content_v themselves_o with_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o hurt_v but_o every_o man_n that_o do_v not_o good_a do_v hurt_v he_o most_o do_v either_o one_o or_o other_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o idle_a it_o be_v either_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n suppose_v that_o a_o man_n do_v no_o hurt_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o unless_o he_o do_v we_o good_a too_o for_o there_o be_v sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o of_o commission_n not_o do_v of_o public_a good_a be_v a_o public_a hurt_n 3._o by_o way_n of_o gradation_n à _fw-la majori_fw-la ad_fw-la majus_fw-la if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o bitter_a curse_n upon_o meroz_n for_o their_o negligence_n and_o remissness_n in_o duty_n for_o not_o come_v out_o against_o the_o mighty_a what_o severe_a judgement_n and_o dregs_o of_o wrath_n shall_v be_v pour_v out_o upon_o all_o they_o that_o come_v out_o against_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v against_o the_o public_a good_a that_o wish_v ill_a to_o zion_n that_o will_v fain_o see_v she_o in_o the_o dust_n that_o hate_n and_o persecute_v christian_n that_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v in_o the_o very_a gall_n of_o bitterness_n all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v and_o not_o write_v shall_v flame_v against_o they_o and_o the_o vial_n of_o god_n fierce_a wrath_n shall_v be_v empty_v upon_o they_o meroz'_v curse_n be_v bitter_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o sweet_a and_o easy_a bless_v god_n for_o man_n of_o public_a spirit_n for_o zerubbabel_n and_o jehoshuah_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v building_n god_n a_o temple_n pray_v god_n to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o public_a spirit_n such_o as_o may_v come_v out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o bitter_a curse_n lay_v upon_o meroz_n for_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n so_o there_o be_v choice_n and_o eminent_a blessing_n for_o such_o as_o be_v forward_o and_o active_a in_o it_o god_n will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o the_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o any_o shall_v show_v for_o his_o name_n their_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o white_a stone_n or_o a_o learned_a and_o choice_a treatise_n of_o assurance_n very_o useful_a for_o all_o but_o especial_o weak_a believer_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v a_o truth_n of_o great_a and_o precious_a consequence_n of_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a influence_n into_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o truth_n which_o have_v scarce_o have_v liberty_n to_o unmask_v and_o show_v itself_o in_o former_a time_n and_o so_o have_v seldom_o or_o never_o be_v full_o treat_v of_o a_o truth_n which_o can_v never_o be_v more_o welcome_a and_o seasonable_a then_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o uncertainty_n when_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o doubtful_a and_o waver_a condition_n then_o to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a to_o set_v up_o a_o spiritual_a militia_n and_o to_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o posture_n of_o defence_n in_o such_o a_o heavenly_a preparation_n as_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o meet_v with_o all_o condition_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o god_n he_o be_v just_a like_o the_o philosopher_n good_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d foursquare_a that_o cast_v he_o where_o you_o will_v like_o a_o die_v he_o fall_v always_o sure_a and_o square_a he_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n be_v he_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o though_o the_o wave_n dash_v and_o the_o wind_n rise_v though_o the_o storm_n increase_v and_o the_o flood_n beat_v in_o yet_o the_o house_n stand_v the_o foundation_n be_v sure_a it_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i_o will_v make_v he_o a_o pillar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o my_o god_n as_o christ_n promise_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n even_o like_o one_o of_o those_o pillar_n in_o solomon_n temple_n the_o name_n of_o the_o one_o be_v jachin_n and_o of_o the_o other_o booz_n nothing_o but_o stability_n and_o strength_n as_o the_o word_n imply_v christian_n assurance_n fortify_v the_o soul_n and_o prepare_v it_o against_o all_o condition_n now_o as_o for_o the_o drift_n of_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o christian_a church_n of_o â—onous_a gaâ—atia_n cappadocia_n asia_n bythinia_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o they_o will_v be_v fruitful_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o they_o will_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o add_v grace_n to_o grace_n and_o so_o to_o increase_v in_o they_o all_o till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a stature_n in_o christ_n for_o â—e_v that_o lack_v these_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afarrâ—_n off_o he_o be_v poreblinde_a and_o can_v see_v so_o far_o as_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o theu_o he_o be_v forgetful_a too_o of_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n and_o rudiment_n of_o grace_n he_o forget_v that_o he_o be_v purge_v from_o his_o former_a sin_n in_o the_o lavour_n of_o regeneration_n in_o baptism_n when_o he_o first_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n wherefore_o do_v â—e_v rather_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n etc._n etc._n you_o that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o a_o enlight'ned_a soul_n and_o can_v discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o you_o that_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o he_o do_v you_o brethren_z give_v etc._n etc._n for_o this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v make_v you_o fruitful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n for_o by_o these_o you_o must_v maintain_v your_o assurance_n these_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o evidence_n of_o your_o solvation_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o eternal_a life_n christian_n that_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a will_v and_o must_v be_v fruitful_a in_o good_a work_n the_o papist_n
their_o sin_n and_o judah_n their_o transgression_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o prepare_v the_o martyr_n for_o their_o suffering_n god_n temper_n and_o allay_v that_o cup_n he_o drop_v some_o of_o his_o goodness_n into_o it_o and_o sweeten_v it_o to_o they_o he_o first_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o their_o soul_n before_o they_o set_v their_o seal_n to_o his_o truth_n he_o diet_n they_o with_o the_o hide_a manna_n and_o give_v they_o beforehand_o the_o white_a stone_n as_o a_o sure_a pledge_n of_o victory_n what_o be_v it_o but_o this_o that_o make_v they_o devour_v torment_n and_o come_v to_o they_o with_o a_o appetite_n it_o be_v this_o that_o soften_v the_o flame_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o bed_n of_o rose_n it_o be_v this_o that_o fill_v their_o soul_n with_o joy_n and_o their_o mouth_n with_o praise_n that_o make_v they_o more_o cheerful_a in_o their_o suffering_n than_o their_o saviour_n in_o he_o for_o they_o usual_o have_v the_o face_n of_o a_o reconcile_a god_n shine_v out_o upon_o they_o which_o be_v whole_o with_o draw_v from_o he_o when_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o 4._o pray_v time_n be_v seal_v time_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o endite_v the_o prayer_n seal_v it_o up_o when_o hannah_n have_v put_v up_o her_o prayer_n 1_o sam_n 1._o 18._o the_o text_n say_v express_o that_o her_o countenance_n be_v no_o more_o sad_a as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o assurance_n that_o christian_n may_v then_o with_o confidence_n cry_v abba_n father_n so_o also_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mean_n to_o assurance_n the_o hear_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o mighty_a strengthen_n to_o faith_n and_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n do_v strong_o tend_v to_o assurance_n beside_o christian_n may_v pray_v for_o assurance_n they_o may_v be_v importunate_a for_o a_o glimpse_n of_o his_o face_n for_o one_o beam_n for_o one_o smile_n and_o his_o bowel_n will_v let_v he_o deny_v they_o hence_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o that_o such_o as_o be_v most_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n be_v most_o blessed_v with_o assurance_n pray_v christian_n have_v much_o intercourse_n and_o communion_n with_o their_o god_n and_o thus_o there_o may_v be_v a_o national_a kind_n of_o assurance_n i_o say_v a_o national_a plerophory_n when_o god_n shall_v pour_v out_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n upon_o his_o people_n and_o they_o with_o unite_a and_o concentricate_v ability_n shall_v besiege_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o at_o length_n he_o will_v yield_v up_o such_o a_o mercy_n to_o his_o pray_a people_n 5._o time_n of_o outward_a exigency_n be_v seal_v time_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16._o though_o our_o outward_a man_n decay_n yet_o our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v daily_o that_o feed_v upon_o hide_a mannah_n a_o precious_a restaurative_a for_o a_o faint_a christian_a manna_n you_o know_v be_v rain_v down_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o when_o the_o israelite_n provision_n fail_v they_o than_o manna_n be_v rain_v down_o when_o the_o water-pot_n be_v fill_v up_o to_o the_o brim_n than_o water_n present_o turn_v into_o wine_n and_o so_o this_o hide_a mannah_n be_v provide_v for_o sad_a and_o cloudy_a condition_n we_o except_v only_o the_o case_n of_o total_a desertion_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o the_o least_o light_n shine_v in_o upon_o it_o which_o be_v the_o severe_a judgement_n that_o a_o true_a christian_a be_v capable_a of_o but_o in_o other_o distress_n especial_o outward_a and_o temporal_a distress_n he_o do_v reveal_v himself_o more_o immediate_o to_o they_o and_o though_o the_o creature_n frown_n yet_o he_o will_v smile_v upon_o they_o believer_n they_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o friendship_n to_o forsake_v they_o in_o the_o sad_a time_n st._n john_n when_o a_o banish_a man_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o pathmos_n than_o god_n show_v he_o that_o glorious_a revelation_n paul_n and_o silas_n when_o in_o prison_n then_o brimful_a of_o joy_n which_o break_v out_o into_o psalm_n of_o praise_n in_o the_o fiery_a trial_n as_o there_o be_v some_o scorch_a so_o there_o be_v some_o light_n too_o and_o god_n do_v prepare_v his_o people_n for_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o thus_o melt_v and_o soften_a their_o heart_n for_o the_o soft_a the_o heart_n be_v the_o clear_a will_v the_o print_n of_o his_o love_n be_v when_o god_n have_v bring_v that_o great_a sickness_n upon_o hezekiah_n and_o thus_o have_v dissolve_v and_o soft'n_v his_o heart_n he_o present_o print_v his_o love_n upon_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o have_v love_v my_o soul_n from_o the_o grave_n god_n do_v then_o most_o express_v his_o love_n when_o they_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o the_o white_a stone_n sparkle_v most_o orient_o in_o the_o dark_a condition_n o_o how_o glorious_o do_v god_n shine_v in_o upon_o the_o prison_n of_o martyr_n what_o frequent_a visit_n do_v he_o give_v they_o it_o may_v even_o make_v man_n ambitious_a of_o their_o suffering_n that_o they_o may_v have_v some_o such_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o they_o 6._o time_n of_o victory_n and_o conquest_n over_o lust_n and_o temptation_n be_v seal_v time_n god_n after_o such_o victory_n will_v give_v his_o people_n a_o triumph_n this_o be_v express_v in_o that_o text_n of_o the_o revelation_n rev._n 2._o 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o hide_a mannah_n etc._n etc._n thus_o when_o saint_n paul_n be_v wrestle_v with_o and_o conquer_a that_o great_a temptation_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v mention_v in_o 2_o corinthian_n 12._o god_n then_o give_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o hide_a mannah_n and_o strengthen_v he_o with_o this_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o he_o give_v he_o the_o white_a stone_n with_o that_o motto_n grave_v in_o it_o my_o grace_n etc._n etc._n thus_o that_o noble_a christian_a and_o famous_a convert_n of_o italy_n galeacius_n caracciolus_n when_o he_o have_v scorn_v the_o pomp_n and_o lustre_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v trample_v upon_o all_o relation_n for_o the_o love_n of_o a_o saviour_n when_o satan_n that_o cunning_a angler_n of_o soul_n have_v spend_v all_o his_o bait_n upon_o he_o and_o he_o have_v refuse_v they_o all_o o_o then_o what_o a_o deal_n of_o precious_a sweetness_n slide_v into_o his_o soul_n what_o rushing_n in_o of_o glorious_a joy_n he_o have_v never_o such_o joy_n at_o naples_n as_o he_o have_v at_o geneva_n you_o may_v hear_v he_o pronounce_v a_o anathema_n to_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v prefer_v all_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o the_o world_n before_o one_o day_n sweet_a communion_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o none_o have_v more_o dregs_o of_o wrath_n then_o relapse_v and_o apostatise_v spirit_n remember_v but_o spira_n case_n so_o none_o have_v sweet_a and_o choice_a mercy_n than_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n apostate_n be_v seal_v up_o to_o a_o day_n of_o vengeance_n but_o these_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o a_o day_n of_o redemption_n thus_o the_o mourner_n in_o ezekiel_n that_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n must_v have_v a_o seal_v set_v upon_o they_o thus_o that_o virgin-company_n in_o the_o revelation_n that_o will_v not_o prostitute_v their_o soul_n to_o antichristian_a folly_n have_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n in_o their_o forehead_n this_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o he_o have_v a_o sweet_a satisfaction_n in_o self-denial_n in_o deny_v sin_n in_o repulse_v lust_n in_o conquer_a temptation_n in_o pull_v out_o his_o right_a eye_n in_o cut_v off_o his_o right_a hand_n in_o mortify_v the_o body_n of_o death_n he_o have_v a_o sweet_a satisfaction_n in_o all_o these_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v see_v those_o special_a seal_a time_n when_o christian_n have_v this_o high_a plerophory_n these_o riches_n of_o assurance_n we_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o a_o more_o applicatory_a way_n 1._o time_n of_o assurance_n they_o shall_v be_v time_n of_o humility_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n when_o moses_n have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o the_o mount_n and_o have_v a_o lustre_n upon_o he_o by_o converse_v with_o god_n himself_o present_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o mount_n he_o meet_v with_o matter_n of_o humiliation_n the_o israelite_n have_v make_v they_o a_o golden_a calf_n thy_o people_n say_v god_n to_o moses_n they_o have_v do_v this_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o have_v be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o have_v hear_v there_o some_o of_o arcana_fw-la coeli_fw-la thing_n that_o neither_o can_v nor_o may_v be_v utter_v for_o