scripture_n knowledge_n be_v sometime_o put_v for_o faith_n by_o my_o knowledge_n shall_v thy_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o knowledge_n be_v there_o put_v for_o faith_n than_o we_o know_v our_o shepherd_n christ_n when_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o blind_a world_n be_v ignorant_a of_o christ_n john_n 17.25_o the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v i_o no_o when_o they_o hear_v christ_n preach_v they_o do_v see_v his_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v but_o neither_o oracle_n nor_o miracle_n will_v work_v upon_o they_o the_o world_n say_v christ_n have_v not_o know_v i_o formalist_n do_v not_o know_v christ_n saving_o they_o have_v light_n but_o they_o want_v sight_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n shall_v shine_v upon_o a_o blind_a eye_n then_o we_o know_v christ_n aright_o when_o we_o believe_v in_o he_o we_o fetch_v virtue_n from_o he_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o his_o likeness_n this_o be_v to_o know_v christ_n oh_o let_v we_o never_o rest_v till_o we_o know_v the_o bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o our_o comfort_n lie_v in_o christ_n know_v we_o so_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o know_v of_o christ_n our_o comfort_n lie_v in_o christ_n know_v of_o we_o with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o approbation_n and_o also_o in_o our_o know_a christ_n with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o apprehension_n that_o be_v the_o first_o let_v we_o know_v our_o shepherd_n such_o as_o know_v not_o christ_n will_v hear_v christ_n say_v to_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o second_o let_v we_o not_o only_o know_v our_o shepherd_n but_o let_v we_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o bless_a shepherd_n our_o lord_n jesus_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o shepherd_n come_v into_o the_o field_n the_o sheep_n know_v his_o voice_n oh_o let_v we_o hear_v christ_n voice_n john_n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n say_v christ_n hear_v my_o voice_n christ_n voice_n it_o be_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o observe_v christ_n be_v say_v now_o just_o now_o to_o speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o we_o heb._n 12.25_o how_o do_v he_o speak_v now_o from_o heaven_n but_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n oh_o then_o hear_v christ_n speak_v but_o take_v heed_n do_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n john_n 10.5_o a_o stranger_n say_v christ_n will_v they_o not_o follow_v sheep_n will_v not_o follow_v a_o stranger_n by_o stranger_n be_v mean_v one_o that_o be_v heterodox_n that_o will_v bring_v strange_a wonder_n into_o the_o church_n and_o poison_n christ_n sheep_n as_o you_o must_v hearken_v to_o christ_n voice_n so_o take_v heed_n you_o do_v listen_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n christ_n sheep_n be_v rational_a he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v and_o they_o be_v able_a by_o their_o wisdom_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n then_o must_v 〈◊〉_d hear_v christ_n voice_n but_o when_o do_v we_o hear_v christ_n voice_n aright_o then_o we_o hear_v christ_n voice_n aright_o when_o we_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o never_o till_o then_o in_o john_n 10._o and_o several_a other_o place_n you_o read_v of_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n when_o christ_n speak_v of_o self-denial_n of_o meekness_n and_o mercifulness_n we_o obey_v he_o and_o be_v ambitious_a to_o obey_v he_o a_o good_a christian_n be_v like_o the_o flower_n that_o open_v with_o the_o sun_n he_o open_v to_o christ_n command_n he_o do_v cordial_o obey_v christ_n this_o be_v to_o hear_v christ_n voice_n three_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a and_o bless_v and_o good_a shepherd_n then_o let_v we_o all_o labour_n to_o evidence_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o belong_v to_o this_o shepherd_n that_o we_o be_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n pasture_n let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o ear-mark_a of_o christ_n sheep_n or_o no_o whether_o we_o be_v like_o sheep_n a_o sheep_n be_v a_o pure_a and_o cleanly_a creature_n be_v we_o like_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v our_o heart_n 〈◊〉_d from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n 〈◊〉_d spirit_n he_o that_o lie_v wallow_v in_o sin_n be_v a_o swine_n not_o a_o sheep_n second_o a_o sheep_n it_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a creature_n every_o thing_n in_o a_o sheep_n be_v good_a for_o something_o the_o milk_n the_o flesh_n the_o fleece_n every_o thing_n be_v useful_a be_v we_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v we_o useful_a we_o shall_v be_v always_o do_v good_a this_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o our_o live_n to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o do_v good_a how_o useful_a be_v saint_n paul_n the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lay_v upon_o he_o four_o be_v christ_n this_o bless_a shepherd_n better_a than_o any_o other_o shepherd_n oh_o then_o let_v we_o labour_v to_o love_n and_o honour_n this_o bless_a shepherd_n do_v the_o shepherd_n die_v for_o his_o sheep_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o sheep_n love_v their_o shepherd_n they_o that_o do_v not_o love_n christ_n they_o be_v not_o sheep_n but_o goat_n give_v christ_n i_o beseech_v you_o the_o best_a of_o your_o love_n the_o cream_n of_o your_o love_n the_o 〈◊〉_d give_v christ_n the_o juice_n of_o her_o 〈…〉_z granate_n cant._n 8.2_o her_o spice_a 〈◊〉_d love_n christ_n better_a than_o estate_n 〈◊〉_d relation_n relation_n may_v lie_v in_o 〈◊〉_d bosom_n but_o christ_n must_v lie_v in_o 〈◊〉_d heart_n our_o love_n to_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d must_v be_v intent_n and_o ardent_a 〈◊〉_d shall_v like_o seraphim_n burn_v in_o a_o 〈◊〉_d flame_n of_o love_n to_o christ._n if_o a_o 〈◊〉_d have_v three_o soul_n as_o a_o philosopâ—â—â—â—_n once_o dream_v they_o be_v all_o too_o 〈◊〉_d for_o christ_n let_v we_o so_o love_n christ_n and_o show_v it_o by_o a_o open_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o this_o be_v love_n to_o dare_v 〈◊〉_d own_o christ_n our_o bless_a 〈…〉_z it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n 〈…〉_z 12.42_o they_o believe_v on_o 〈◊〉_d but_o they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o 〈◊〉_d they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d synagogue_n christ_n will_v never_o 〈◊〉_d that_o faith_n which_o will_v never_o 〈◊〉_d christ_n he_o that_o be_v ashamed_a 〈◊〉_d christ_n be_v a_o shame_n to_o christ._n 〈…〉_z and_o last_o i_o will_v but_o name_v 〈◊〉_d we_o answer_v all_o the_o love_n and_o cost_v â—â—rist_n our_o bless_a shepherd_n how_o 〈◊〉_d we_o answer_v this_o cost_n answer_v by_o 〈◊〉_d fruitfulness_n 1_o cor._n 9.7_o who_o 〈…〉_z flock_n and_o eat_v not_o the_o milk_n of_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—ock_n christ_n have_v feast_v you_o as_o 〈◊〉_d flock_n christ_n have_v feast_v you_o 〈◊〉_d his_o body_n and_o blood_n oh_o then_o 〈◊〉_d he_o with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v fruitful_a in_o knowledge_n be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o good_a work_n i_o will_v close_v 〈◊〉_d with_o cant._n 4.2_o thy_o tooth_n be_v like_o 〈◊〉_d of_o sheep_n that_o be_v even_o shear_v 〈◊〉_d come_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n 〈…〉_z one_o bare_a twin_n and_o none_o be_v 〈◊〉_d â—mong_v they_o finis_fw-la
make_v they_o fear_v sin_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o deut._n 17.12_o 13._o that_o man_n that_o do_v presumptuous_o that_o man_n shall_v die_v and_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v hear_v and_o fear_n and_o do_v no_o more_o presumptuous_o god_n judgement_n upon_o wicked_a persecutor_n may_v make_v other_o afraid_a and_o tremble_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n thus_o far_o god_n destroy_v rod_n be_v a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a they_o rejoice_v to_o think_v that_o this_o may_v be_v a_o warning_n to_o sinner_n and_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v many_o from_o their_o impiety_n four_o and_o last_o god_n destroy_v rod_n upon_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a upon_o this_o account_n as_o peace_n and_o deliverance_n arise_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god._n when_o pharaoh_n be_v destroy_v israel_n have_v a_o writ_n of_o ease_n now_o grant_v they_o nay_o further_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a such_o as_o be_v desperate_a sinner_n do_v not_o only_a cause_n liberty_n to_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o it_o do_v cause_v the_o growth_n of_o religion_n a_o clear_a instance_n herod_n be_v eat_v up_o with_o worm_n the_o text_n say_v present_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o multiply_v act_v 12.23_o thus_o far_o god_n destroy_v rod_n upon_o the_o wicked_a flagitious_a sinner_n be_v a_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a thy_o rod_n do_v comfort_v i_o thy_o rod_n of_o iron_n that_o do_v break_v the_o profane_a sinner_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v comfort_v i_o second_o as_o there_o be_v god_n destroy_a rod_n which_o comfort_v the_o godly_a so_o there_o be_v god_n pastoral_a rod_n or_o his_o shepherd_n rod_n which_o he_o use_v towards_o his_o sheep_n conduct_v they_o to_o green_a pasture_n and_o still_o water_n there_o be_v god_n shepherd_n rod_n by_o which_o he_o lead_v his_o elect_a sheep_n to_o the_o green_a pasture_n and_o still_a water_n these_o green_a pasture_n and_o still_a water_n may_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o that_o sweet_a comfort_n the_o people_n of_o god_n find_v in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n why_o this_o rod_n of_o god_n this_o shepherd_n rod_n this_o pastoral_a rod_n this_o rod_n do_v comfort_v the_o godly_a three_o and_o last_o there_o be_v god_n disable_n rod_n or_o his_o rod_n of_o affliction_n this_o also_o be_v comfort_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n 2_o sam._n 7.14_o i_o will_v chasten_v he_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o i_o and_o in_o micah_n 6.9_o hear_v you_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v this_o text_n of_o scripture_n thy_o rod_n do_v comfort_v i_o so_o than_o the_o observation_n be_v this_o doct._n that_o god_n rod_n his_o afflict_a rod_n upon_o his_o people_n yield_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o thy_o rod_n do_v comfort_v i_o this_o i_o confess_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o seem_v a_o paradox_n it_o seem_v strange_a what_o that_o the_o rod_n of_o correction_n shall_v give_v comfort_n if_o david_n have_v say_v thy_o promise_n lord_n they_o comfort_v i_o or_o thy_o good_a spirit_n that_o do_v comfort_v i_o it_o have_v be_v no_o wonder_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v say_v thy_o rod_n do_v comfort_v i_o how_o can_v this_o be_v be_v it_o usual_a for_o the_o church_n to_o call_v pain_n comfort_n how_o then_o do_v david_n say_v thy_o rod_n do_v comfort_v i_o who_o can_v of_o such_o thistle_n gather_v fig_n or_o of_o such_o thorn_n gather_v grape_n how_o can_v there_o be_v comfort_n from_o the_o rod_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o there_o be_v much_o consolation_n gather_v out_o of_o correction_n thy_o rod_n do_v comfort_v i_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o like_o moses_n rod_n when_o turn_v into_o a_o serpent_n but_o it_o be_v like_o ionathan_n rod_n which_o have_v honey_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n it_o be_v like_o aaron_n rod_n which_o bring_v forth_o bud_n and_o blossom_n and_o almond_n numb_a 17.8_o then_o the_o question_n be_v this_o quest._n how_o do_v this_o afflict_a rod_n give_v comfort_n answ._n in_o six_o particular_n first_o god_n afflict_a rod_n do_v comfort_v we_o as_o it_o give_v we_o instruction_n where_o it_o do_v teach_v it_o do_v comfort_n micah_n 7.14_o teach_v thy_o people_n with_o thy_o rod._n how_o do_v the_o rod_n teach_v why_o it_o teach_v with_o instruction_n so_o it_o teach_v with_o comfort_n luther_n say_v there_o be_v many_o psalm_n in_o the_o bible_n he_o never_o right_o understand_v till_o he_o be_v in_o affliction_n the_o rod_n teach_v to_o know_v god_n aright_o and_o be_v not_o that_o matter_n of_o comfort_n 2_o chron._n 33.11_o when_o manasseh_n be_v afflict_v than_o he_o know_v the_o lord_n be_v god._n and_o the_o rod_n it_o teach_v a_o man_n to_o know_v himself_o he_o see_v that_o corruption_n work_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o never_o can_v discern_v before_o the_o eye_n that_o sin_n shut_v affliction_n open_v the_o rod_n give_v wisdom_n it_o be_v a_o teach_a rod_n and_o thus_o god_n rod_n comfort_n what_o though_o it_o make_v we_o weak_a so_o it_o make_v we_o wise_a second_o god_n afflict_v rod_n have_v comfort_n in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o special_a favour_n he_o bear_v towards_o we_o rev._n 13.19_o we_o think_v god_n can_v favour_v we_o unless_o he_o have_v we_o in_o his_o lap_n yet_o he_o do_v love_n and_o favour_v we_o when_o he_o give_v we_o the_o bitter_a diet-drink_a of_o affliction_n god_n rod_n and_o god_n love_n they_o both_o stand_v together_o thus_o the_o rod_n comfort_n it_o bring_v we_o a_o token_n of_o god_n love_n it_o be_v no_o love_n in_o god_n to_o let_v man_n go_v on_o in_o sin_n and_o never_o smite_v this_o be_v no_o love_n be_v it_o any_o love_n to_o your_o child_n to_o let_v he_o take_v his_o course_n and_o to_o let_v he_o run_v into_o the_o water_n and_o drown_v if_o he_o will_v to_o be_v without_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n discipline_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o bastard_n child_n and_o a_o brand-mark_a of_o reprobation_n heb._n 12.8_o if_o god_n will_v let_v any_o fall_n upon_o the_o rock_n of_o ruin_n than_o he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n and_o not_o correct_v they_o hos._n 4.14_o i_o will_v not_o punish_v your_o daughter_n when_o they_o commit_v whoredom_n take_v notice_n god_n spare_v the_o rod_n in_o anger_n god_n hand_n be_v heavy_a when_o it_o be_v light_a god_n punish_v most_o when_o he_o do_v not_o punish_v but_o now_o god_n smite_v that_o he_o may_v save_v his_o people_n and_o be_v not_o that_o love_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n do_v allay_v and_o take_v off_o the_o smart_a power_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o give_v the_o soul_n comfort_n let_v i_o feel_v god_n hand_n so_o i_o may_v have_v his_o heart_n three_o god_n rod_n comfort_n as_o it_o make_v way_n for_o comfort_n physic_n though_o bitter_a yet_o it_o have_v comfort_n in_o it_o as_o it_o make_v way_n for_o health_n the_o rod_n it_o be_v to_o make_v way_n for_o comfort_n the_o rod_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o beat_v out_o the_o dust_n and_o make_v we_o pure_a if_o a_o full_a dip_v his_o cloth_n in_o water_n it_o be_v to_o whiten_v the_o cloth._n the_o water_n of_o affliction_n be_v to_o lay_v god_n people_n a_o whitening_n dan._n 12.10_o many_o shall_v be_v try_v and_o make_v white_a nay_o far_o god_n rod_n upon_o his_o child_n do_v not_o only_o make_v way_n for_o comfort_n but_o which_o be_v more_o this_o rod_n distil_v comfort_n into_o the_o soul._n even_o as_o the_o fire_n cause_v sweet_a water_n to_o drop_v from_o the_o still_o so_o out_o of_o affliction_n god_n still_v the_o sweet_a water_n of_o consolation_n a_o clear_a instance_n for_o this_o 2_o cor._n 1.4_o who_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o tribulation_n here_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o god_n comfort_v when_o the_o saint_n trial_n have_v be_v sharp_a their_o comfort_n have_v be_v sweet_a behold_v here_o honey_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o rod_n john_n 16.22_o your_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o joy_n here_o be_v the_o saint_n water_v turn_v into_o wine_n that_o holy_a martyr_n that_o be_v in_o prison_n date_v his_o letter_n thus_o from_o the_o pleasant_a garden_n of_o the_o lion_n prison_n god_n do_v candy_n his_o wormwood_n with_o sugar_n the_o saint_n never_o taste_v so_o much_o of_o god_n compassion_n as_o in_o their_o deep_a affliction_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n david_n may_v true_o say_v thy_o rod_n do_v comfort_v i_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n god_n comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o tribulation_n four_o god_n afflict_v rod_n have_v comfort_n in_o it_o as_o it_o bring_v this_o good_a news_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o this_o be_v the_o
worst_a that_o ever_o shall_v befall_v he_o the_o lord_n come_v with_o a_o murder_a axe_n to_o hew_v down_o wicked_a man_n but_o he_o have_v only_o a_o rattle_a rod_n to_o his_o child_n this_o be_v all_o the_o hell_n that_o ever_o they_o shall_v feel_v be_v not_o this_o comfort_n 1_o cor._n 11.32_o but_o when_o we_o be_v judge_v we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n be_v not_o this_o comfort_n to_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v god_n lay_v upon_o we_o a_o light_a affliction_n and_o save_v we_o from_o wrath_n to_o come_v here_o be_v the_o rod_n full_a of_o comfort_n what_o be_v a_o drop_n of_o sorrow_n that_o the_o godly_a taste_n to_o the_o bottomless_a sea_n of_o wrath_n the_o damn_a do_v endure_v for_o ever_o five_o yet_o far_o the_o rod_n it_o be_v full_a of_o comfort_n as_o it_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o for_o this_o consult_v that_o scripture_n job_n 5.17_o behold_v happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o god_n correct_v among_o the_o philosopher_n some_o place_n their_o happiness_n in_o riches_n some_o in_o wisdom_n some_o in_o pleasure_n and_o the_o like_a but_o who_o ever_o place_v happiness_n in_o affliction_n the_o worldling_n cry_v if_o this_o be_v happiness_n the_o lord_n deliver_v they_o from_o it_o but_o job_n say_v this_o happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o god_n correct_v how_o be_v he_o happy_a he_o be_v happy_a who_o be_v make_v better_a by_o affliction_n the_o cross_n though_o it_o make_v the_o outward_a condition_n worse_o yet_o it_o make_v the_o heart_n better_o again_o he_o be_v happy_a who_o have_v god_n to_o visit_v he_o do_v we_o account_v he_o a_o happy_a person_n who_o have_v a_o king_n to_o visit_v he_o but_o much_o more_o to_o have_v a_o god_n to_o visit_v he_o persecution_n it_o be_v a_o rod_n yea_o but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a rod_n it_o be_v a_o heal_a rod._n a_o rod_n though_o it_o smart_v yet_o it_o save_v the_o soul._n well_o then_o may_v a_o christian_a say_v lord_n thy_o rod_n comfort_v i_o this_o make_v i_o happy_a happy_a be_v that_o man_n who_o god_n correct_v six_o and_o last_o god_n rod_n have_v comfort_n in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o glory_n god_n rod_n whip_v we_o to_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n affliction_n be_v like_o throw_v a_o bag_n of_o money_n at_o another_o it_o may_v bruise_v he_o but_o it_o do_v enrich_v he_o so_o affliction_n it_o may_v bruise_v we_o but_o it_o do_v enrich_v we_o and_o this_o work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n in_o short_a the_o black_a rod_n prepare_v for_o the_o white_a rod._n oh_o christian_n thou_o who_o be_v now_o humble_v by_o some_o sharp_a affliction_n shall_v short_o wear_v a_o garland_n make_v of_o the_o flower_n of_o paradise_n thou_o shall_v have_v thy_o soul_n set_v thick_a with_o the_o jewel_n of_o heaven_n than_o the_o firmament_n be_v with_o star_n thus_o you_o see_v this_o truth_n be_v verify_v thy_o rod_n do_v comfort_v i_o application_n first_o here_o be_v several_a inference_n to_o name_v four_o first_o see_v then_o from_o hence_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o godly_a god_n make_v the_o worst_a thing_n tend_v to_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o best_a thing_n tend_v to_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v the_o people_n of_o god_n meet_v with_o affliction_n it_o be_v for_o the_o better_a god_n rod_n comfort_n let_v the_o wicked_a have_v prosperity_n it_o be_v for_o the_o worse_o cordial_n themselves_o kill_v they_o to_o the_o godly_a evil_a thing_n have_v good_a in_o they_o to_o the_o wicked_a good_a thing_n have_v hurt_v in_o they_o this_o be_v clear_a scripture_n their_o table_n be_v a_o snare_n i_o say_v the_o wicked_n table_n be_v a_o snare_n psal._n 69.22_o wicked_a man_n have_v mercy_n out_o of_o god_n hand_n as_o israel_n have_v quail_n they_o be_v sauce_v with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n eccles._n 5.13_o a_o clear_a scripture_n i_o have_v see_v a_o evil_a under_o the_o sun_n riches_n keep_v for_o owner_n to_o their_o hurt_n like_o hamans_n banquet_n which_o be_v a_o prologue_n to_o his_o execution_n to_o wicked_a man_n even_o spiritual_a mercy_n be_v turn_v into_o judgement_n the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o savour_n of_o death_n to_o the_o wicked_a 2_o cor._n c._n 2._o v._n 16._o nay_o far_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o the_o wicked_a 1_o pet._n 2.7_o christ_n be_v as_o well_o for_o the_o fall_n as_o the_o rise_n of_o many_o in_o israel_n luke_n 2.34_o in_o short_a sinner_n stumble_v at_o a_o saviour_n and_o pluck_v death_n from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n as_o for_o the_o godly_a god_n rod_n comfort_v they_o as_o for_o the_o wicked_a god_n very_a mercy_n ruin_v they_o second_o see_v then_o from_o hence_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o melancholy_a thing_n some_o person_n discourage_v religion_n and_o draw_v it_o with_o a_o sour_a countenance_n and_o in_o a_o frightful_a dress_n but_o we_o see_v the_o worst_a of_o religion_n have_v much_o comfort_n in_o it_o the_o very_a rod_n of_o god_n comfort_v the_o godly_a see_v that_o scripture_n james_n 1.2_o account_v it_o my_o brethren_n all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n that_o be_v affliction_n they_o be_v call_v temptation_n because_o they_o be_v for_o trial_n account_v it_o all_o joy_n joy_n and_o all_o joy_n take_v the_o sour_a part_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d be_v sour_a to_o the_o soul_n repentance_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sour_a to_o the_o body_n affliction_n and_o there_o be_v comfort_n in_o both_o first_o that_o which_o be_v sour_a to_o the_o soul_n repentance_n there_o be_v comfort_n in_o that_o for_o who_o be_v the_o oil_n of_o joy_n prepare_v but_o for_o god_n mourner_n isa._n 61.3_o a_o gracious_a soul_n be_v never_o more_o enlarge_v and_o comfort_v than_o when_o he_o can_v melt_v kind_o for_o sin_n christ_n jesus_n make_v the_o best_a wine_n of_o water_n the_o best_a wine_n of_o joy_n be_v make_v of_o the_o water_n of_o true_a repentance_n the_o hebrew_n word_n to_o repent_v signify_v to_o take_v comfort_n none_o have_v such_o ground_n of_o comfort_n as_o a_o true_a penitent_a when_o god_n make_v he_o weep_v for_o sin_n he_o go_v away_o weep_v for_o joy_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o sour_a part_n of_o religion_n have_v comfort_n in_o it_o second_o take_v that_o which_o be_v sour_a to_o the_o body_n affliction_n and_o it_o have_v comfort_n in_o it_o a_o parallel_n scripture_n for_o this_o worth_n observe_v 2_o cor._n 6.10_o as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v there_o be_v comfort_n in_o the_o rod._n a_o christian_n be_v like_o a_o bird_n that_o can_v sing_v in_o the_o winter_n season_n he_o can_v pick_v comfort_n out_o of_o the_o rod_n and_o with_o samson_n fetch_v honey_n out_o of_o the_o lion._n 1_o thes._n 1.6_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o much_o affliction_n with_o joy_n here_o be_v god_n rod_n comfort_v that_o christian_n which_o know_v affliction_n tend_v to_o the_o better_v he_o make_v his_o grace_n pure_a and_o his_o crown_n bright_a he_o can_v rejoice_v in_o affliction_n and_o say_v as_o david_n oh_o lord_n thy_o rod_n comfort_v i_o thus_o you_o see_v religion_n be_v no_o unchearful_a thing_n three_o a_o three_o inference_n be_v this_o if_o god_n rod_n comfort_n than_o it_o show_v we_o what_o good_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o choose_v affliction_n rather_o than_o sin._n there_o be_v something_o in_o affliction_n to_o comfort_v we_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o sin_n to_o comfort_v we_o sin_n it_o be_v evil_a and_o nothing_o but_o evil_a it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o witchcraft_n it_o defile_v the_o mind_n disturb_v the_o peace_n it_o put_v a_o worm_n into_o conscience_n a_o sting_n into_o death_n and_o a_o fire_n into_o hell._n this_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o abominable_a thing_n jer._n 44.4_o do_v not_o this_o abominable_a thing_n which_o i_o hate_v sin_n bind_v the_o soul_n over_o unto_o god_n wrath_n for_o ever_o oh_o then_o what_o wisdom_n be_v it_o to_o choose_v affliction_n rather_o than_o sin_n a_o christian_a can_v say_v there_o be_v comfort_n in_o the_o rod_n but_o he_o can_v say_v there_o be_v comfort_n in_o sin._n sin_n put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o agony_n and_o make_v it_o in_o the_o very_a suburb_n of_o hell._n moses_n choose_v affliction_n rather_o than_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n heb._n 11.25_o four_o and_o last_o if_o god_n rod_n comfort_n