deal_v satan_n with_o eve_n he_o make_v show_v that_o he_o have_v some_o good_a thing_n to_o tell_v she_o whereby_o their_o state_n may_v be_v better_v but_o it_o turn_v to_o they_o and_o our_o destruction_n so_o do_v the_o four_o hundred_o â—_o false_a prophet_n of_o baal_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a prophet_n michaiah_n prophesy_v good_a success_n to_o ahab_n in_o his_o war_n against_o the_o aramite_n but_o his_o harken_v to_o they_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n and_o so_o deal_v hananie_n with_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v besiege_v by_o the_o king_n of_o babel_n army_n contrary_a to_o jeremy's_n counsel_n he_o prophesy_v peace_n and_o safety_n but_o it_o turn_v both_o to_o his_o own_o and_o to_o their_o destruction_n jer._n 28._o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n the_o 7._o pretence_n be_v boldness_n and_o constancy_n in_o suffer_v for_o their_o opinion_n suffering_n for_o a_o man_n in_o obstinacy_n may_v live_v and_o die_v for_o error_n as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v do_v for_o the_o truth_n constancy_n in_o opinion_n be_v no_o sure_a note_n whereby_o to_o judge_v a_o true_a prophet_n for_o many_o heretic_n have_v suffer_v death_n confident_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o damnable_a heresy_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o pretence_n of_o false_a prophet_n now_o hereto_o we_o must_v add_v this_o second_o point_n to_o wit_n that_o for_o all_o this_o they_o be_v but_o wolf_n because_o by_o their_o damnable_a doctrine_n they_o seek_v to_o poison_v and_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n of_o simple_a man_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v no_o such_o intent_n they_o themselves_o think_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n i_o answer_v that_o may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o but_o this_o clear_v they_o not_o from_o be_v wolf_n for_o the_o devil_n that_o have_v delude_v they_o who_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n do_v by_o they_o dangerous_o delude_v and_o deceive_v the_o simple_a the_o use_n 1._o consider_v this_o danger_n of_o false_a prophet_n we_o must_v practice_v serpent_n christ_n lesson_n mat._n 10._o 16._o be_v simple_a as_o dove_n that_o be_v be_v innocent_a and_o harmless_a think_v evil_a of_o none_o neither_o intend_v evil_a or_o offence_n to_o any_o in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n who_o have_v great_a subtlety_n in_o save_v and_o defend_v their_o head_n from_o harm_n so_o must_v every_o one_o that_o look_v to_o be_v save_v labour_n for_o so_o much_o wisdom_n whereby_o he_o may_v preserve_v himself_o from_o the_o hurt_n of_o false_a prophet_n now_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o fear_n god_n in_o hiâ—_n word_n believe_v his_o promise_n &_o obey_v his_o commandment_n the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o without_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o without_o knowledge_n we_o can_v fear_v god_n and_o so_o shall_v want_v true_a wisdom_n to_o eschew_v false_a prophet_n ii_o in_o that_o the_o false_a teacher_n by_o so_o many_o fair_a show_n seek_v to_o bring_v truth_n in_o false_a doctrine_n it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n in_o his_o place_n to_o labour_v to_o preserve_v wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o duty_n be_v necessary_a for_o we_o must_v be_v as_o forward_o for_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o enemy_n be_v for_o falsehood_n and_o do_v as_o much_o for_o god_n as_o they_o do_v for_o the_o devil_n again_o no_o poison_n be_v more_o deadly_a to_o the_o body_n then_o false_a doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o see_v god_n have_v long_o bless_v we_o with_o his_o truth_n let_v we_o esteem_v it_o above_o all_o outward_a blessing_n and_o by_o seek_v to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n thereof_o show_v ourselves_o thankful_a to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o verse_n 16._o you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n do_v man_n gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n this_o verse_n &_o those_o which_o follow_v to_o the_o 21._o contain_v the_o three_o point_n which_o christ_n lay_v down_o concern_v false_a prophet_n namely_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v and_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o herein_o he_o observe_v this_o order_n first_o he_o give_v we_o a_o notable_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o judge_v of_o false_a prophet_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fruit_n second_o he_o explane_n the_o same_o rule_n by_o a_o similitude_n draw_v from_o tree_n do_v man_n gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v it_o the_o better_a we_o be_v to_o search_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o fruit_n of_o false_a prophet_n a_o false_a prophet_n must_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n first_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n &_o profession_n of_o christ_n for_o so_o false_a prophet_n use_v to_o do_v and_o second_o as_o he_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n he_o have_v his_o fruit_n as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n religion_n he_o may_v bring_v forth_o many_o outward_a duty_n of_o external_a obedience_n unto_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o these_o fruit_n be_v not_o here_o mean_v for_o a_o false_a prophet_n may_v dissemble_v much_o &_o go_v far_o in_o the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o he_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o his_o general_a profession_n or_o by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o civil_a conversation_n there_o be_v other_o fruit_n which_o come_v from_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n &_o by_o they_o must_v he_o be_v discern_v these_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v now_o we_o shall_v know_v they_o the_o better_a by_o search_v out_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n appoint_v to_o teach_v god_n people_n the_o fruit_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v principal_o three_o i._o he_o teach_v prophet_n and_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o call_v from_o god_n and_o otherwise_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o teach_v rom._n 10._o 14._o how_o shall_v he_o teach_v unless_o he_o be_v send_v and_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n sai_z christ_n take_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o but_o be_v call_v thereto_o by_o his_o father_n heb._n 5._o 5._o and_o this_o stand_v with_o reason_n for_o every_o true_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n stand_v in_o god_n room_n and_o be_v god_n ambassador_n to_o deliver_v his_o will_n to_o his_o people_n which_o thing_n none_o can_v do_v but_o he_o who_o god_n call_v and_o send_v for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o the_o call_n of_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n by_o god_n be_v diverse_a some_o be_v diverse_o call_v by_o voice_n from_o god_n immediate_o as_o be_v abraham_n moses_n and_o samuel_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o christ_n for_o paul_n be_v call_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n act._n 9_o 4_o 5_o 6._o again_o other_o have_v their_o call_n from_o god_n by_o the_o special_a message_n of_o some_o angel_n or_o some_o man_n thus_o be_v aaron_n call_v by_o moses_n elisha_n by_o elias_n and_o philip_n by_o a_o angel_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o eunuch_n act._n 8._o 26._o three_o other_o be_v call_v by_o the_o instinct_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n so_o act._n 8._o philip_n be_v by_o ordinary_a call_v a_o deacon_n but_o by_o extraordinary_a instinct_n he_o become_v a_o evangelist_n and_o a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n these_o three_o kind_n of_o call_v man_n into_o the_o ministry_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o be_v now_o cease_v and_o not_o to_o be_v look_v for_o neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v regard_v which_o say_v they_o be_v thus_o call_v at_o this_o day_n a_o four_o way_n whereby_o god_n now_o call_v prophet_n and_o teacher_n into_o his_o church_n be_v by_o his_o church_n for_o god_n have_v give_v to_o particular_a church_n a_o particular_a ministerial_a power_n and_o service_n whereby_o they_o may_v design_n a_o place_n unto_o the_o teacher_n and_o also_o make_v manifest_a that_o god_n have_v call_v he_o now_o this_o authority_n be_v but_o ministerial_a to_o design_n and_o manifest_v who_o god_n have_v call_v for_o the_o principal_a call_n be_v from_o god_n for_o act._n 20._o 28._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v overseer_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o as_o they_o be_v design_v thereto_o by_o man_n and_o by_o one_o of_o these_o four_o way_n be_v all_o true_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n call_v here_o some_o may_v demand_v what_o kind_n of_o call_v
think_v on_o they_o though_o heaven_n be_v god_n throne_n and_o the_o earth_n his_o footstool_n yet_o will_v he_o 2._o look_v to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n yea_o the_o lord_n will_v 1â—_n dwell_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o break_a heart_n 18._o christ_n come_v to_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a yea_o 53._o the_o lord_n fill_v the_o hungry_a that_o be_v the_o poor_a and_o hungry_a soul_n with_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o let_v these_o and_o many_o such_o favour_n with_o god_n which_o they_o enjoy_v provoke_v we_o to_o become_v poor_a in_o spirit_n second_o be_v they_o bless_v that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n then_o here_o all_o poor_a 2._o duty_n and_o wretched_a person_n in_o the_o world_n may_v learn_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o their_o want_n and_o distress_n they_o must_v consider_v they_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o and_o thereby_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o view_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v bring_v to_o see_v their_o misery_n in_o themselves_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o this_o spiritual_a poverty_n now_o when_o they_o be_v once_o poor_a in_o spirit_n they_o be_v in_o a_o bless_a state_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ._n if_o a_o man_n bleed_v dangerous_o at_o the_o nose_n the_o best_a way_n to_o save_v his_o life_n be_v to_o let_v he_o blood_n elsewhere_o and_o so_o turn_v the_o course_n of_o the_o blood_n another_o way_n even_o so_o when_o a_o man_n be_v oppress_v with_o worldly_a calamity_n he_o can_v find_v any_o comfort_n in_o they_o for_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v god_n curse_n yet_o if_o thereby_o he_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o see_v his_o spiritual_a poverty_n then_o of_o curse_n they_o become_v blessing_n unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v in_o any_o distress_n we_o must_v not_o only_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o outward_a cross_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o labour_v to_o see_v the_o poverty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o will_v the_o cross_n lead_v we_o to_o happiness_n three_o they_o that_o abound_v with_o worldly_a wealth_n must_v hereby_o learn_v 3._o duty_n to_o become_v poor_a if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v poor_a i_o say_v not_o in_o good_n but_o in_o soul_n and_o spirit_n this_o indeed_o be_v hard_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o natural_o every_o rich_a man_n bless_v himself_o in_o his_o outward_a estate_n and_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n love_v he_o because_o he_o give_v he_o wealth_n but_o such_o conceit_n must_v he_o strive_v against_o and_o learn_v of_o god_n to_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v make_v low_o jam_fw-la 〈…〉_z four_o on_o this_o say_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o poor_a be_v bless_v the_o popish_a 4._o 20._o teacher_n observe_v the_o word_n translate_v poor_a to_o betoken_v outward_a poverty_n go_v about_o to_o build_v their_o vow_n of_o voluntary_a poverty_n whereby_o man_n renounce_v their_o wealth_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n do_v be_v take_v themselves_o to_o some_o monastery_n there_o to_o live_v a_o poor_a and_o solitary_a life_n but_o their_o voluntary_a poverty_n will_v not_o agree_v with_o this_o text_n son_n christ_n poorâ—_n here_o pronounce_v bless_v be_v such_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o poverty_n be_v miserable_a and_o wretched_a want_v outward_a comfort_n as_o we_o show_v oâ—t_v of_o luke_n 24._o where_o christ_n oppose_v they_o to_o the_o rich_a who_o abound_v with_o all_o worldly_a delight_n but_o to_o undergo_v the_o popish_a vow_n of_o voluntary_a poverty_n be_v no_o estate_n of_o misery_n or_o distress_n for_o who_o do_v live_v in_o great_a â—ase_n or_o enjoy_v more_o freedom_n from_o the_o cross_n and_o vexation_n of_o this_o life_n than_o their_o beg_a friar_n again_o if_o their_o vow_a poverty_n have_v any_o ground_n in_o this_o text_n than_o christ_n shall_v pronounce_v such_o poor_a bless_a as_o make_v themselves_o poor_a but_o that_o he_o do_v not_o for_o then_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o shall_v pronounce_v such_o mourner_n bless_v as_o voluntary_o cause_v themselves_o to_o mourn_v for_o that_o verse_n depend_v on_o this_o as_o a_o more_o full_a explanation_n of_o this_o first_o rule_n but_o no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o they_o that_o mourn_v without_o a_o cause_n be_v there_o call_v bless_a and_o therefore_o popish_a vow_a poverty_n have_v no_o ground_n on_o this_o place_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o person_n ii_o point_n wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o these_o poor_a consist_v namely_o in_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o better_a conceive_v of_o this_o heaven_n blessedness_n we_o must_v understand_v a_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o description_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o this_o estate_n of_o man_n be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n because_o herein_o god_n rule_v as_o king_n and_o man_n obey_v as_o god_n subject_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v in_o god_n favour_n nor_o enjoy_v his_o fellowship_n unless_o god_n be_v his_o king_n rule_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o he_o god_n subject_n resign_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o for_o this_o happy_a estate_n consist_v in_o god_n gracious_a rule_v of_o man_n and_o man_n holy_a subjection_n unto_o god_n indeed_o few_o do_v see_v any_o great_a happiness_n in_o this_o estate_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v man_n whole_a felicity_n stand_v herein_o rom._n 14._o 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_v but_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o three_o thing_n namely_o that_o when_o god_n spirit_n rule_v in_o a_o man_n heart_n than_o first_o he_o be_v justify_v there_o be_v righteousness_n second_o he_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n even_o that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n three_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v all_o unspeakable_a comfort_n pass_v all_o worldly_a joy_n whatsoever_o and_o these_o three_o do_v notable_o set_v out_o the_o state_n of_o a_o happy_a man_n which_o will_v yet_o more_o plain_o appear_v by_o their_o contrary_n in_o judas_n who_o be_v a_o wretched_a sinner_n unrighteous_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o thereupon_o fall_v into_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o guilty_a accuse_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o desperate_a death_n and_o also_o that_o his_o body_n burst_v asunder_o and_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o now_o if_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v so_o fearful_a then_o â—ow_o bless_v a_o estate_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o a_o man_n then_o have_v when_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n rule_v in_o his_o heart_n again_o this_o estate_n be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n because_o that_o man_n in_o who_o christ_n 〈…〉_z by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v already_o himself_o in_o heaven_n though_o iâ—_n body_n he_o be_v yet_o on_o earth_n for_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o city_n with_o two_o gate_n through_o both_o of_o which_o a_o man_n must_v pass_v before_o he_o obtain_v the_o full_a â—oyes_n thereof_o now_o so_o soon_o as_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n rule_n in_o any_o man_n heart_n he_o be_v already_o enter_v the_o 〈…〉_z te_fw-mi of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o first_o gate_n the_o other_o remain_v to_o be_v pass_v through_o at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n which_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o glory_n and_o then_o he_o be_v in_o full_a possession_n do_v true_a happiness_n consist_v in_o this_o estate_n where_o christ_n rule_v and_o 1._o man_n obey_v then_o here_o behold_v the_o error_n of_o all_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a happiness_n man_n of_o this_o world_n touch_v happiness_n for_o some_o have_v place_v it_o in_o pleasure_n some_o in_o wealth_n and_o other_o in_o civil_a virtue_n and_o some_o in_o all_o these_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o stand_v in_o none_o of_o these_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v have_v all_o these_o and_o yet_o be_v condemn_v for_o the_o civil_a virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_a be_v in_o they_o but_o glorious_a sin_n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v here_o reveal_v more_o unto_o we_o than_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n do_v ever_o know_v and_o hereby_o we_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o magnify_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n far_o above_o all_o humane_a write_n because_o they_o do_v full_o set_v out_o unto_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o estate_n of_o true_a felicity_n which_o no_o humane_a
stephen_n give_v the_o reason_n hereof_o namely_o their_o 51._o hard_a heart_n whereby_o they_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o which_o god_n leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o so_o as_o they_o run_v headlong_o to_o this_o height_n of_o impiety_n to_o persecute_v god_n dear_a servant_n the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v in_o these_o our_o day_n some_o that_o have_v be_v professor_n after_o long_o hear_v break_v forth_o into_o open_a atheism_n call_v this_o into_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o among_o other_o there_o be_v also_o to_o be_v see_v as_o vile_a cruelty_n and_o oppression_n in_o their_o particular_a deal_n and_o as_o abominable_a filthiness_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o heathen_a or_o idolater_n all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o enormous_a sin_n proceed_v from_o this_o that_o though_o man_n profess_v religion_n yet_o they_o deny_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n preach_v so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o they_o a_o word_n of_o power_n for_o which_o cause_n god_n in_o his_o justice_n give_v they_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n to_o commit_v sin_n without_o remorse_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v escape_v the_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n let_v we_o labour_v with_o fear_n &_o tremble_a to_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o word_n which_o we_o hear_v for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o mean_n wherein_o he_o offer_v grace_n and_o mercy_n god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o glorify_v himself_o in_o our_o deserve_a confusion_n vers._n 13._o you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o if_o the_o salt_n have_v lose_v his_o savour_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o 16._o christ_n propound_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o his_o sermon_n touch_v the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o of_o all_o minister_n wherein_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o move_v they_o to_o diligence_n in_o preach_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o all_o people_n the_o coherence_n of_o this_o part_n with_o the_o former_a stand_v thus_o christ_n have_v show_v before_o in_o diverse_a precept_n that_o many_o be_v bless_v whereupon_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o they_o shall_v attain_v to_o this_o happiness_n and_o to_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o that_o estate_n christ_n here_o answer_v that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n to_o work_v in_o their_o heart_n those_o grace_n to_o which_o true_a happiness_n be_v promise_v and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a privilege_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o this_o estate_n therefore_o he_o excit_v his_o disciple_n to_o diligence_n in_o this_o ministry_n by_o two_o reason_n draw_v from_o the_o property_n of_o this_o work_n &_o propound_v in_o two_o similitude_n the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o salt_n in_o these_o word_n you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n &_o amplify_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o verse_n the_o second_o be_v draw_v from_o light_n ver_fw-la 14._o 15._o for_o the_o first_o you_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n you_o that_o be_v you_o who_o i_o have_v call_v to_o be_v apostle_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v salt_n not_o proper_o but_o by_o resemblance_n yet_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o person_n but_o of_o their_o ministry_n because_o hereby_o they_o be_v to_o season_v man_n for_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o savoury_a both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o the_o earth_n not_o of_o judea_n only_o but_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o their_o commission_n math._n 28._o 19_o go_v therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n from_o this_o description_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n may_v learn_v their_o duty_n first_o for_o minister_n by_o this_o title_n of_o salt_n hear_v give_v unto_o they_o christ_n will_v teach_v they_o first_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o dispense_v the_o word_n salt_n of_o god_n both_o law_n and_o gospel_n namely_o so_o as_o they_o labour_v therein_o to_o express_v the_o property_n of_o salt_n whereto_o christ_n allude_v in_o his_o title_n now_o the_o property_n of_o salt_n apply_v to_o raw_a flesh_n or_o fresh_a wound_n be_v principal_o three_o first_o it_o will_v bite_v and_o fret_v be_v of_o nature_n hot_a and_o dry_a second_o it_o make_v meat_n savoury_a unto_o our_o taste_n three_o it_o preserve_v meat_n from_o putrefaction_n by_o draw_v out_o of_o they_o superfluous_a moistness_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o and_o other_o minister_n be_v salt_n must_v not_o only_o in_o general_n deliver_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o people_n but_o withal_o apply_v the_o same_o particular_o unto_o man_n heart_n &_o conscience_n as_o salt_n be_v apply_v unto_o meat_n and_o that_o for_o three_o end_n first_o the_o law_n must_v be_v apply_v to_o rip_v up_o man_n heart_n to_o make_v they_o see_v their_o sin_n it_o must_v fret_v and_o bite_v they_o by_o the_o curse_n thereof_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o renounce_v themselves_o and_o to_o cry_v with_o the_o jew_n 37._o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v second_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v preach_v that_o man_n feel_v their_o corruption_n like_o rottenness_n in_o their_o soul_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v thereby_o season_v with_o grace_n and_o so_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o make_v savoury_a in_o his_o sight_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n 2._o cor._n 5._o 20._o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o through_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n steed_n that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n three_o both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v continual_o dispense_v that_o thereby_o sin_n and_o corruption_n may_v be_v daily_o mortify_v and_o consume_v both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n even_o as_o superfluous_a humour_n be_v dry_v up_o by_o salt_n and_o this_o be_v the_o right_a dispense_n of_o god_n word_n for_o every_o discourse_n upon_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o preach_v but_o he_o that_o so_o expound_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n that_o his_o ministry_n may_v be_v salt_n unto_o his_o hearer_n he_o it_o be_v that_o preach_v the_o word_n indeed_o second_o christ_n call_v his_o disciple_n salt_n teach_v they_o and_o all_o minister_n that_o they_o themselves_o ought_v first_o to_o be_v season_v by_o the_o word_n for_o how_o can_v they_o fit_o season_v other_o by_o apply_v this_o salt_n unto_o their_o conscience_n who_o never_o feel_v the_o bite_n of_o it_o upon_o their_o own_o he_o that_o be_v unseasoned_a himself_o may_v speak_v god_n word_n which_o god_n may_v bless_v to_o the_o good_a of_o other_o but_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o it_o be_v a_o riddle_n which_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v three_o this_o title_n give_v good_a direction_n to_o every_o minister_n for_o his_o manner_n of_o preach_v for_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v that_o savoury_a salt_n wherewith_o man_n heart_n be_v season_v for_o the_o lord_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v dispense_v pure_o and_o sincere_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n this_o be_v paul_n care_n â—_o my_o word_n &_o my_o preach_n say_v he_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o entice_a speech_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n experience_n teach_v we_o that_o salt_n by_o mixture_n with_o other_o thing_n lose_v of_o his_o savour_n and_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o word_n in_o deed_n there_o be_v a_o place_n for_o art_n and_o tongue_n and_o humane_a learning_n with_o every_o dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o he_o may_v use_v they_o with_o great_a commendation_n to_o wit_n in_o his_o private_a preparation_n but_o not_o in_o the_o public_a dispensation_n whereby_o he_o season_v man_n heart_n unto_o god_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o must_v do_v for_o to_o it_o alone_o belong_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n isay._n 59_o 21._o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v use_v great_a discretion_n in_o this_o ministry_n and_o labour_n so_o to_o speak_v that_o the_o spirit_n may_v take_v delight_n to_o accompany_v the_o same_o four_o this_o titile_o teach_v all_o god_n minister_n by_o patience_n to_o possess_v their_o soul_n when_o the_o wicked_a do_v fret_v and_o fume_n against_o they_o for_o their_o ministry_n for_o this_o be_v a_o testimony_n that_o their_o ministrcie_n be_v salt_n and_o bite_v their_o corrupt_a conscience_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v therefore_o they_o be_v to_o go_v on_o with_o chearefulnes_n endeavour_v more_o and_o more_o to_o season_v their_o hearer_n
drought_n and_o yet_o the_o 42._o prophet_n crouch_v unto_o the_o earth_n and_o put_v his_o face_n between_o his_o knee_n no_o doubt_n humble_v himself_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o it_o as_o s._n 18._o james_n say_v where_o we_o may_v see_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o god_n decree_n but_o a_o subordinate_a mean_n to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v rather_o reason_v thus_o that_o because_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o event_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v appoint_v prayer_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o effect_v sundry_a of_o his_o decree_n therefore_o we_o must_v use_v it_o consider_v then_o that_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a notwithstanding_o all_o that_o prayer_n can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o we_o must_v learn_v with_o special_a reverence_n to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o this_o duty_n both_o public_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o private_o in_o our_o family_n be_v master_n and_o governor_n for_o no_o family_n ought_v to_o want_v this_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_v of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n yea_o we_o must_v pray_v by_o ourselves_o particular_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o particular_a want_n indeed_o the_o most_o do_v thus_o plead_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o use_v to_o pray_v often_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o our_o people_n in_o prayer_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o lippe-labour_n and_o a_o mock_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v their_o prayer_n but_o the_o say_n over_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o creed_n which_o be_v no_o prayer_n yea_o their_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n without_o understanding_n or_o devotion_n be_v no_o prayer_n with_o god_n when_o they_o do_v it_o only_o of_o custom_n and_o rest_n in_o the_o work_n do_v but_o here_o be_v require_v a_o other_o manner_n of_o prayer_n than_o this_o and_o to_o incite_v we_o unto_o it_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o worthy_a example_n of_o god_n servant_n herein_o moses_n pray_v for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o israelite_n forty_o day_n and_o 12_o forty_o night_n without_o meat_n or_o drink_n david_n pray_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n now_o these_o example_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o addict_v ourselves_o to_o this_o holy_a duty_n wherein_o our_o heart_n speak_v unto_o god_n the_o want_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o common_a atheism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n in_o man_n calling_n of_o swear_v pride_n &_o backbiting_a in_o man_n life_n for_o if_o man_n will_v often_o set_v themselves_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a invocation_n the_o remembrance_n thereof_o will_v still_o be_v before_o their_o eye_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o these_o iniquity_n for_o who_o be_v stain_v with_o such_o transgression_n dare_v present_v himself_o before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n against_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n have_v 14._o fiery_a eye_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o foot_n of_o brass_n to_o bruise_v they_o in_o piece_n that_o will_v not_o repent_v second_o in_o this_o prohibition_n against_o hypocrisy_n in_o prayer_n we_o may_v see_v that_o to_o conceive_v a_o prayer_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n may_v for_o the_o outward_a work_n as_o well_o be_v perform_v from_o pride_n of_o heart_n as_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n carnal_a man_n may_v do_v it_o in_o pride_n which_o god_n child_n do_v by_o grace_n as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o former_a point_n of_o alm_n give_v that_o therefore_o which_o christ_n say_v of_o hear_v the_o word_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o we_o of_o prayer_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o pray_v and_o how_o you_o profess_v religion_n and_o indeed_o before_o we_o pray_v we_o ought_v to_o enter_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o there_o to_o search_v out_o our_o corruption_n diligent_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v in_o ourselves_o between_o pride_n and_o god_n grace_n and_o so_o perceive_v upon_o what_o ground_n we_o pray_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o a_o damnable_a pride_n but_o from_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n three_o in_o this_o prohibition_n christ_n condemn_v this_o false_a end_n of_o prayer_n when_o man_n do_v it_o to_o have_v praise_n of_o man_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n incident_a to_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o approbation_n of_o man_n which_o notable_o bewray_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o natural_o have_v more_o respect_n to_o man_n then_o to_o the_o lord_n even_o then_o when_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o god_n himself_o thus_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v the_o same_o fault_n be_v common_a among_o we_o for_o man_n be_v far_o more_o forward_a and_o careful_a to_o perform_v the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n then_o private_a duty_n either_o in_o their_o family_n or_o by_o themselves_o many_o will_v pray_v in_o the_o church_n that_o never_o regard_v private_a prayer_n at_o home_n again_o in_o perform_v public_a duty_n man_n have_v more_o care_n of_o the_o outward_a action_n then_o of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o many_o study_n more_o for_o fit_a word_n to_o delight_v man_n ear_n then_o for_o good_a affection_n which_o god_n approve_v for_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o many_o ancient_a professor_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v know_v not_o how_o to_o commend_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n sure_o this_o especial_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o profession_n they_o more_o respect_a man_n than_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o time_n of_o death_n when_o they_o must_v needs_o deal_v with_o god_n indeed_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v nor_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o last_o christ_n here_o reprove_v their_o behaviour_n in_o prayer_n which_o be_v prayer_n stand_v without_o all_o humble_v of_o themselves_o either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n incident_a to_o many_o in_o our_o congregation_n who_o use_v to_o show_v no_o manner_n of_o reverence_n or_o humility_n in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n but_o either_o stand_n or_o fit_a as_o though_o they_o have_v no_o need_n to_o humble_v themselves_o or_o else_o intend_v only_o that_o man_n shall_v see_v they_o but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o howsoever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n prescribe_v no_o peculiar_a gesture_n in_o this_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a either_o to_o use_v or_o not_o to_o use_v some_o seemly_a gesture_n of_o humiliation_n in_o this_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o some_o must_v needs_o be_v use_v to_o express_v and_o further_o the_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v chief_o require_v isaiah_n 6._o 2._o the_o sâ—raphims_n stand_v before_o god_n cover_v their_o foot_n and_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n in_o regard_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o the_o poor_a publican_n that_o pray_v with_o the_o pharisie_n howsoever_o he_o pray_v stand_v yet_o 13_o he_o cast_v down_o his_o countenance_n and_o smite_v himself_o on_o the_o breast_n to_o testify_v his_o humiliation_n yea_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n when_o he_o bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o garden_n fall_v down_o upon_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v thus_o also_o do_v 45_o moses_n and_o aaron_n 42_o elijah_n 5._o ezra_n &_o 10._o daniel_n humble_v themselves_o and_o it_o have_v always_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o god_n servant_n in_o prayer_n by_o some_o convenient_a gesture_n of_o the_o body_n to_o express_v the_o humility_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o check_v the_o custom_n of_o our_o common_a people_n in_o prayer_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v a_o break_a heart_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o chief_o require_v that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o ask_v and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o such_o outward_a gesture_n as_o may_v express_v their_o inward_a humiliation_n these_o thing_n be_v far_o unseemly_a for_o god_n people_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o at_o god_n footstool_n first_o in_o our_o very_a heart_n and_o withal_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o testify_v the_o same_o by_o some_o convenient_a outward_a humiliation_n verse_n 6._o but_o when_o thou_o praie_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o thy_o father_n which_o be_v in_o secret_a and_o thy_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v thou_o open_o christ_n have_v
say_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v to_o be_v love_v and_o fear_v and_o that_o we_o must_v love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o live_v well_o they_o seek_v no_o further_o and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o wilderness_n he_o may_v see_v all_o this_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o wicked_a eye_n see_v thus_o much_o but_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o herewith_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o the_o life_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n still_o and_o the_o soul_n may_v go_v to_o utter_v darkness_n with_o all_o this_o we_o therefore_o must_v remember_v to_o get_v the_o single_a eye_n else_o we_o be_v no_o scholar_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ._n indeed_o some_o plead_v that_o preacher_n can_v say_v no_o more_o in_o effect_n but_o this_o love_n god_n above_o all_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o but_o these_o man_n know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v blessing_n themselves_o in_o their_o ignorance_n they_o must_v know_v that_o grace_n must_v be_v put_v to_o nature_n and_o sanctify_v it_o and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n join_v with_o natural_a or_o else_o we_o remain_v with_o the_o wicked_a eye_n if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o but_o a_o general_a confuse_a knowledge_n in_o moral_a point_n that_o serve_v not_o to_o save_v we_o but_o to_o make_v we_o without_o excuse_n at_o the_o last_o day_n again_o another_o common_a fault_n worthy_a reproof_n be_v this_o that_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o natural_a reformation_n they_o will_v grant_v that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o love_v that_o we_o must_v live_v well_o deal_v just_o and_o love_v our_o neighbour_n but_o the_o blind_a eye_n see_v thus_o much_o the_o mere_a civil_a man_n will_v go_v thus_o far_o and_o yet_o his_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n all_o this_o reformation_n be_v but_o natural_a we_o therefore_o must_v labour_v for_o renew_a heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o reform_a liveâ—_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o howsoever_o a_o civil_a conversation_n may_v commend_v we_o unto_o man_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o save_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n three_o be_v this_o evil_a eye_n in_o every_o one_o by_o nature_n then_o beware_v we_o be_v salvation_n not_o wise_a in_o ourselves_o and_o from_o ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n herein_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v our_o wisdom_n deut._n 12._o 8._o 11._o you_o shall_v not_o do_v every_o man_n that_o which_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o â—ies_n but_o that_o which_o i_o command_v you_o far_o be_v it_o therefore_o from_o we_o to_o appoint_v to_o our_o self_n how_o we_o will_v worship_v god_n or_o how_o we_o will_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o such_o be_v our_o blind_a presumption_n that_o we_o will_v be_v our_o own_o master_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o turk_n have_v his_o religion_n the_o jew_n his_o and_o the_o papist_n his_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o look_n to_o be_v save_v in_o their_o religion_n each_o one_o of_o these_o have_v a_o different_a manner_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o service_n and_o thus_o it_o go_v with_o natural_a man_n among_o uâ—_n though_o otherwise_o sufficient_o wise_a for_o worldly_a thing_n they_o resolve_v upon_o their_o own_o course_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n let_v the_o preacher_n say_v what_o he_o will_v some_o think_v if_o they_o repent_v at_o their_o end_n and_o then_o commend_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a other_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o their_o welldoing_a and_o other_o by_o their_o faith_n as_o they_o call_v it_o but_o in_o truth_n by_o their_o own_o good_a meaning_n and_o intent_n to_o live_v well_o for_o what_o faith_n have_v they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n thus_o by_o their_o own_o wisdom_n will_v man_n be_v save_v and_o hereby_o the_o devil_n destroy_v many_o a_o soul_n but_o let_v god_n be_v wise_a and_o every_o man_n a_o fool_n and_o let_v we_o submit_v ourselves_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whole_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o guide_v by_o his_o write_a word_n lest_o jewish_o and_o popish_o we_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v our_o own_o conceit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n do_v plunge_v our_o soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n four_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n natural_o corrupt_a then_o must_v we_o seek_v labour_v for_o a_o better_a eye_n that_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o rely_v on_o god_n mercy_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o on_o his_o providence_n for_o all_o needful_a thing_n in_o life_n and_o death_n this_o eye_n make_v supply_v to_o that_o which_o be_v want_v to_o natural_a knowledge_n hereby_o we_o discern_v right_o of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o this_o enable_v we_o to_o see_v afar_o off_o yea_o hereby_o we_o see_v thing_n invisible_a for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v heb._n 11._o 1._o hereby_o abraham_n see_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v glad_a joh._n 8._o 58._o and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n see_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n afar_o off_o heb._n 11._o 13._o this_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o step_n towards_o the_o heavenly_a city_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o get_v this_o faith_n that_o so_o become_v child_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o may_v be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o wicked_a eye_n the_o three_o kind_n of_o eye_n be_v the_o blind_a eye_n which_o be_v set_v out_o with_o the_o fruit_n eye_n thereof_o in_o these_o word_n wherefore_o if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n for_o the_o better_a discern_v of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n with_o this_o blind_a eye_n we_o must_v see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o light_n and_o also_o by_o darkness_n by_o light_n be_v mean_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o justice_n &_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n by_o nature_n now_o though_o this_o can_v be_v quite_o put_v out_o for_o the_o most_o wicked_a wretch_n and_o the_o very_a atheist_n that_o live_v have_v some_o conscience_n remain_v which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o this_o light_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v so_o bury_v and_o cover_v that_o no_o light_n shall_v appear_v nor_o any_o use_n be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o then_o be_v it_o say_v to_o be_v darkness_n which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n as_o when_o a_o man_n deny_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o such_o like_a in_o these_o man_n natural_a light_n be_v become_v darkness_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o change_n in_o they_o be_v their_o corrupt_a will_n and_o rebellious_a affection_n which_o overrule_a natural_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n cause_n man_n to_o give_v themselves_o to_o actual_a sin_n whereby_o at_o length_n they_o come_v to_o commit_v sin_n greedy_o and_o without_o remorse_n yea_o even_o against_o conscience_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o bury_v they_o both_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o use_n of_o they_o then_o if_o they_o be_v quite_o put_v out_o now_o where_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v thus_o put_v out_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v most_o etc_n palpable_a darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n that_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o man_n life_n but_o brutish_a confusion_n in_o hellish_a action_n of_o pride_n covetousness_n envy_n blasphemy_n and_o unnatural_a uncleanness_n as_o rom._n 1._o 27_o 29_o etc._n etc._n the_o use._n consider_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v thus_o put_v out_o we_o vileness_n must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v first_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n for_o natural_o we_o have_v in_o we_o even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o such_o rebellious_a lust_n and_o damnable_a desire_n as_o unless_o they_o be_v restrain_v or_o renew_v by_o grace_n will_v darken_v and_o as_o good_a as_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o vile_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o nourish_v such_o corruption_n and_o esteem_v so_o of_o sin_n which_o will_v put_v out_o that_o light_n which_o yet_o adam_n fall_n leave_v in_o us._n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v admonish_v to_o have_v special_a care_n to_o mortify_v desire_n our_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o our_o unruly_a affection_n that_o else_o will_v extinguish_v in_o we_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o fall_n the_o
mind_n rule_v and_o direct_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n but_o now_o these_o inferior_a power_n rule_v or_o rather_o over-rule_v the_o mind_n and_o utter_o pervert_v the_o regiment_n thereof_o they_o cast_v a_o mist_n and_o a_o veil_n over_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v see_v nothing_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o tender_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v renounce_v our_o own_o natural_a will_n and_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o strive_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o subjection_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o man_n think_v much_o to_o be_v cross_v of_o their_o natural_a desire_n and_o delight_n but_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o the_o soul_n when_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n do_v break_v man_n of_o their_o will_n for_o the_o will_v unsubdued_a carry_v the_o whole_a man_n headlong_o into_o all_o disorder_n this_o must_v be_v consider_v of_o they_o which_o have_v knowledge_n and_o learning_n for_o unless_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n all_o knowledge_n be_v make_v fruitless_a out_o of_o the_o heart_n say_v 23._o solomon_n come_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n if_o it_o be_v keep_v with_o watch_n and_o ward_n and_o order_v by_o god_n word_n otherwise_o hence_o come_v the_o issue_n of_o death_n when_o the_o reins_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v let_v loose_a after_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o respect_v woe_n or_o joy_n so_o must_v we_o have_v regard_n to_o our_o will_n and_o desire_n three_o if_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n then_o out_o may_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v put_v out_o &_o turn_v into_o darkness_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o natural_a and_o therefore_o not_o so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o the_o understanding_n upon_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o it_o experience_n show_v this_o to_o be_v true_a in_o all_o those_o temporizer_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n &_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n &_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n show_v apostasy_n 5._o degree_n of_o apostasy_n by_o which_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n heb._n 3._o 12._o saying_n take_v heed_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o first_o degree_n be_v consent_v 1_o unto_o sin_n be_v deceive_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o the_o second_o be_v 2_o hardness_n of_o heart_n upon_o many_o practice_n of_o sin_n three_o the_o heart_n be_v 3_o harden_v become_v unbelieved_a and_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o question_n four_o by_o unbelief_n it_o become_v evil_a have_v a_o base_a conceit_n 4_o of_o the_o gospel_n five_o this_o evil_a heart_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o apostasy_n and_o 5_o fall_v from_o god_n which_o be_v the_o extinguish_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v this_o fearful_a estate_n must_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o practice_v the_o counsel_n there_o set_v down_o even_o by_o look_v careful_o every_o one_o to_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o by_o mutual_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n one_o of_o another_o vers_fw-la 13._o that_o so_o the_o first_o step_n of_o this_o apostasy_n which_o be_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n take_v not_o place_n in_o us._n four_o see_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v put_v out_o whether_o may_v lose_v not_o true_a faith_n and_o other_o save_a grace_n be_v quite_o lose_v answ._n there_o be_v no_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o consider_v in_o itself_o it_o may_v be_v lose_v for_o it_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o so_o be_v changeable_a for_o nothing_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o itself_o but_o the_o creator_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o promise_n god_n touch_v the_o preservation_n of_o save_v grace_n unto_o the_o end_n in_o such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n hence_o it_o come_v that_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n can_v be_v lose_v for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n in_o christ._n god_n indeed_o give_v to_o adam_n true_a and_o perfect_a grace_n whereby_o he_o may_v have_v stand_v if_o he_o will_v but_o because_o he_o decree_v to_o permit_v the_o fall_n to_o make_v a_o way_n for_o his_o mercy_n in_o christ_n therefore_o he_o leave_v man_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o so_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o create_a integrity_n but_o now_o in_o christ_n god_n work_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n so_o as_o he_o which_o do_v true_o believe_v 1_o be_v as_o mount_v zion_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v but_o stand_v fast_o for_o ever_o for_o he_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o 16_o rock_n christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o can_v never_o fall_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o god_n give_v a_o second_o grace_n unto_o the_o first_o &_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o it_o become_v unchangeable_a though_o in_o itself_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v lose_v again_o i_o answer_v thus_o that_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o quite_o put_v out_o but_o only_o bury_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v without_o use_n and_o seem_v exstinguish_v so_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v hide_v and_o cover_v so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o appear_v for_o a_o time_n but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v quite_o put_v out_o where_o it_o be_v once_o true_o wrought_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o blind_a eye_n with_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o now_o to_o end_v this_o place_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o scope_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o evil_a and_o blind_a eye_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n whereby_o he_o be_v disable_v to_o discern_v right_o of_o thing_n that_o differ_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o in_o seek_v after_o treasure_n he_o leave_v the_o heavenly_a and_o seek_v earthly_a treasure_n only_o and_o hereby_o we_o must_v be_v admonish_v to_o labour_v for_o this_o gift_n of_o discern_v by_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n as_o we_o show_v before_o that_o so_o the_o eye_n be_v single_a the_o whole_a body_n may_v be_v light_n that_o be_v so_o order_v that_o with_o peace_n and_o comfort_n we_o may_v walk_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n whereas_o otherwise_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o fear_v no_o danger_n till_o we_o fall_v into_o it_o irrecoverable_o verse_n 24._o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n for_o either_o he_o shall_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o or_o else_o he_o shall_v lean_v to_o the_o one_o &_o despise_v the_o other_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n here_o christ_n meet_v with_o a_o second_o objection_n which_o the_o carnal_a heart_n of_o man_n may_v frame_v against_o the_o former_a commandment_n verse_n 19_o and_o 20._o for_o whereas_o christ_n have_v forbid_v the_o treasure_v up_o of_o worldly_a riches_n &_o command_v the_o seek_n of_o heavenly_a treasure_n some_o man_n may_v flatter_v himself_o with_o this_o persuasion_n that_o he_o may_v well_o seekâ—_n both_o and_o lay_v up_o both_o treasure_n for_o himself_o in_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n also_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v no_o that_o be_v impossible_a and_o he_o prove_v it_o thus_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n but_o to_o seek_v heavenly_a and_o earthly_a treasure_n be_v to_o serve_v two_o master_n to_o wit_n god_n and_o mammon_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v seek_v they_o both_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v full_o set_v down_o and_o prove_v in_o the_o text_n by_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o service_n in_o contrary_a affection_n and_o behaviour_n for_o either_o he_o shall_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o etc._n etc._n the_o assumption_n and_o conclusion_n be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o last_o word_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n wherein_o christ_n apply_v the_o former_a argument_n the_o exposition_n no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n this_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v of_o for_o experience_n show_v that_o by_o their_o mutual_a consent_n one_o factor_n may_v serve_v diverse_a merchant_n hereto_o some_o answer_n thus_o that_o it_o be_v imply_v the_o master_n must_v be_v of_o diverse_a and_o contrary_a quality_n as_o when_o one_o say_v come_v and_o do_v this_o the_o other_o say_v do_v it_o not_o and_o then_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v they_o both_o and_o thus_o the_o word_n contain_v a_o holy_a truth_n but_o yet_o because_o no_o clause_n be_v express_v imply_v contrariety_n in_o the_o master_n therefore_o i_o take_v it_o the_o word_n must_v be_v take_v as_o a_o common_a proverb_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o christ_n jales_n down_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o
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office_n they_o be_v extraordinary_o raise_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o do_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o manifold_a abuse_n wherewith_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n be_v general_o corrupt_v in_o their_o time_n for_o god_n give_v unto_o they_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v to_o teach_v and_o to_o maintain_v the_o right_n and_o true_a use_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o extraordinary_o stir_v up_o by_o god_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o grace_n where_o with_o they_o be_v endue_v for_o god_n that_o have_v always_o a_o care_n over_o his_o church_n when_o he_o see_v the_o same_o so_o fearful_o corrupt_v by_o antichrist_n do_o stir_v up_o these_o man_n to_o reform_v the_o same_o and_o beside_o their_o singular_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n he_o give_v they_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o true_a piety_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o seal_v and_o confirm_v with_o their_o own_o blood_n the_o 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the_o church_n here_o some_o may_v ask_v how_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o such_o and_o know_v that_o they_o prophet_n have_v no_o call_n answ._n for_o this_o purpose_n i_o add_v a_o second_o note_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n which_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a &_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o right_n &_o wholesome_a handle_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o propeâ—_n fruit_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 3._o he_o that_o prophecy_n speak_v unto_o man_n edification_n exhortation_n &_o comfort_n &_o 2._o tim._n 2._o 15._o show_v thyself_o a_o good_a workman_n by_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o &_o 2._o tim._n 3._o 16_o 17._o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o teach_v convince_a correct_a &_o instruct_v unto_o righteousness_n serve_v to_o make_v a_o man_n fit_a to_o every_o good_a work_n of_o a_o prophet_n now_o this_o wholesome_a handle_n of_o the_o word_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o a_o right_a interpretation_n and_o open_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o a_o due_a and_o sound_a collection_n of_o wholesome_a doctrine_n from_o the_o fame_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o sound_a judgement_n and_o christian_a life_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o second_o fruit_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o deliver_v and_o prophet_n maintain_v corrupt_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o this_o principal_o he_o be_v to_o be_v know_v for_o a_o false_a prophet_n that_o intrude_v himself_o for_o the_o better_a conceive_v of_o this_o note_n we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n principal_o to_o be_v consider_v the_o scope_n &_o the_o part_n thereof_o the_o scope_n of_o all_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o maintain_v christ_n jesus_n god_n &_o man_n the_o alone_a perfect_a saviour_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o he_o which_o teach_v any_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o overthrow_n christ_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o of_o his_o office_n the_o same_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n 1._o joh._n 4._o 3._o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o part_n of_o prophetical_a &_o apostolic_a doctrine_n be_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n &_o he_o which_o overturne_n either_o direct_o or_o by_o just_a consequent_a any_o commandment_n of_o the_o the_o law_n or_o article_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n so_o that_o a_o false_a prophet_n must_v be_v try_v by_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n comprise_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o in_o the_o decalogue_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o he_o which_o go_v against_o they_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n the_o 3._o fruit_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v note_v by_o our_o saviour_n 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calling_n he_o have_v to_o do_v as_o he_o do_v he_o answer_v they_o by_o another_o question_n touch_v johns_n ministry_n thereby_o show_v that_o that_o which_o he_o do_v be_v warrant_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n and_o johns_n testimony_n be_v true_a because_o his_o call_n be_v from_o god_n and_o his_o call_n he_o justify_v because_o his_o doctrine_n signify_v by_o his_o baptism_n be_v from_o god_n so_o galat._n 1._o 8._o he_o which_o teach_v otherwise_o then_o they_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o apostle_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v though_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n uses_n 1._o from_o this_o rule_n we_o have_v to_o answer_v the_o papist_n and_o all_o popish_a person_n who_o use_v to_o plead_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n after_o this_o sort_n if_o our_o religion_n be_v false_a show_v we_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v corrupt_v 70._o the_o man_n that_o corrupt_v it_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v corrupt_v for_o once_o we_o have_v the_o pure_a religion_n we_o may_v answer_v they_o by_o the_o like_a that_o a_o man_n may_v say_v as_o well_o of_o a_o ship_n that_o be_v sink_v on_o the_o sea_n that_o it_o be_v not_o sink_v because_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v where_o and_o when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o take_v water_n but_o yet_o further_o we_o have_v here_o to_o answer_v that_o though_o we_o know_v not_o when_o their_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v and_o by_o who_o yet_o see_v their_o teacher_n and_o people_n have_v in_o they_o and_o among_o they_o the_o necessary_a fruit_n of_o antichristian_a prophet_n and_o people_n we_o can_v thereby_o assure_v ourselves_o they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o