it_o be_v your_o father_n will_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n a_o kingdom_n of_o more_o glory_n than_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v never_o end_v this_o be_v the_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v certain_o bestow_v on_o his_o righteous_a servant_n and_o child_n of_o which_o reward_v some_o make_v the_o rain_v righteousness_n in_o the_o text_n a_o promise_n for_o they_o take_v righteousness_n to_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n iniquity_n be_v take_v for_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o but_o whether_o that_o be_v the_o main_a intent_n of_o the_o word_n certain_o it_o may_v be_v comprehend_v in_o they_o for_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n be_v always_o give_v where_o itself_o be_v give_v holiness_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o can_v be_v disjoin_v so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o one_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o other_o the_o wicked_a can_v inherit_v glory_n nor_o can_v the_o righteous_a be_v exclude_v instead_o therefore_o of_o perplex_v ourselves_o what_o shall_v come_v of_o we_o whether_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n let_v we_o cheerful_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o eternal_a life_n the_o one_o be_v the_o earnest_a and_o pledge_n of_o the_o other_o hitherto_o i_o have_v handle_v and_o apply_v public_a the_o text_n with_o a_o respect_n to_o man_n private_a and_o personal_a state_n but_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o beginning_n the_o prophet_n deliver_v this_o advice_n with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o his_o people_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a and_o so_o it_o propose_v the_o true_a way_n and_o method_n of_o prevent_v and_o remove_v public_a calamity_n and_o disaster_n from_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v to_o put_v away_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v piety_n and_o godliness_n as_o the_o prophet_n forewarn_v they_o of_o very_o sad_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n so_o all_o along_o he_o plain_o inculcate_n the_o cause_n thereof_o viz._n their_o pride_n and_o wantonness_n the_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o a_o gross_a contempt_n of_o and_o disobedience_n to_o his_o righteous_a law_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v so_o exemplary_o punish_v and_o that_o nothing_o can_v save_v they_o from_o utter_a ruin_n or_o procure_v the_o lengthen_v of_o their_o tranquillity_n but_o the_o cease_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n both_o the_o preservation_n and_o ruin_n of_o kingdom_n and_o public_a state_n be_v of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v move_v to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o according_a as_o they_o be_v righteous_a or_o wicked_a for_o as_o solomon_n say_v righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v 34._o a_o reproach_n to_o any_o people_n which_o maxim_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v clear_o exemplify_v in_o sacred_a history_n and_o be_v wise_o observe_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o person_n of_o achior_n the_o captain_n of_o the_o son_n of_o ammon_n for_o in_o the_o speech_n which_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v to_o olofernes_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o while_o they_o sin_v not_o before_o their_o god_n they_o prosper_v because_o the_o god_n that_o hate_v iniquity_n be_v with_o they_o but_o when_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o way_n which_o he_o appoint_v they_o they_o be_v destroy_v in_o many_o sore_a battle_n and_o be_v lead_v captive_n into_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o the_o temple_n of_o their_o god_n be_v cast_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o their_o city_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n from_o which_o wise_a observation_n he_o conclude_v as_o wise_o his_o advice_n to_o the_o same_o olofernes_n now_o therefore_o my_o lord_n and_o governor_n if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o this_o people_n and_o they_o sin_n against_o their_o god_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o ruin_n and_o let_v we_o go_v up_o and_o we_o shall_v overcome_v they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n in_o their_o nation_n let_v my_o lord_n pass_v by_o lest_o their_o lord_n defend_v they_o and_o their_o god_n be_v for_o they_o and_o we_o become_v a_o reproach_n before_o all_o the_o world_n righteousness_n 17._o be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o a_o people_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o union_n among_o themselves_o and_o will_v defend_v the_o frontier_n better_o than_o garrison_n or_o army_n can_v do_v for_o it_o secure_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o can_v defeat_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o numerous_a force_n and_o who_o when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n make_v his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o if_o therefore_o we_o have_v any_o concernment_n for_o the_o church_n and_o state_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n if_o we_o will_v have_v god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o our_o zion_n and_o to_o build_v up_o the_o wall_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n if_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o settle_v peace_n within_o their_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o their_o palace_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o return_v from_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n let_v we_o seek_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n retrieve_v true_a piety_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o by_o the_o work_n of_o real_a righteousness_n study_v to_o please_v god_n if_o we_o do_v this_o than_o his_o heart_n will_v be_v towards_o we_o and_o his_o delight_n will_v be_v in_o we_o then_o we_o shall_v become_v his_o pleasant_a vineyard_n which_o he_o will_v fence_v and_o plant_v out_o of_o which_o he_o will_v gather_v the_o stone_n and_o in_o which_o he_o will_v build_v a_o tower_n for_o himself_o he_o will_v cherish_v our_o church_n and_o state_n and_o do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v for_o their_o beauty_n order_n and_o peace_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o the_o pleasant_a grape_n of_o righteousness_n we_o yield_v the_o sour_a grape_n of_o iniquity_n if_o instead_o of_o judgement_n god_n see_v oppression_n if_o instead_o of_o righteousness_n he_o hear_v a_o cry_n if_o instead_o of_o the_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n of_o a_o christian_a conversation_n we_o send_v forth_o the_o noisome_a and_o stink_a scent_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n than_o he_o will_v utter_o abandon_v we_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o will_v then_o do_v to_o his_o vineyard_n i_o will_v say_v the_o lord_n take_v away_o the_o hedge_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v eat_v up_o and_o break_v the_o wall_n thereof_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v tread_v down_o and_o i_o will_v lay_v it_o waste_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v prune_v nor_o dig_v but_o there_o shall_v come_v up_o brier_n and_o thorn_n i_o will_v also_o command_v the_o cloud_n that_o they_o rain_v no_o rain_n upon_o it_o isa._n v._n 5._o our_o land_n will_v always_o be_v make_v to_o mourn_v so_o long_o as_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n abound_v in_o it_o public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n can_v be_v expect_v till_o there_o be_v a_o return_n of_o righteousness_n of_o true_a and_o solid_a piety_n till_o that_o appear_v we_o need_v not_o look_v for_o good_a let_v we_o therefore_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o by_o fervent_a and_o effectual_a prayer_n beseech_v he_o to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o all_o people_n and_o to_o rain_v down_o true_a righteousness_n upon_o all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o with_o the_o land_n we_o live_v in_o for_o than_o our_o case_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o then_o both_o zion_n and_o jerusalem_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o rejoice_v for_o the_o lord_n then_o will_v strengthen_v the_o bar_n of_o their_o gate_n he_o will_v bless_v the_o people_n within_o they_o make_v peace_n in_o their_o border_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o fine_a of_o the_o wheat_n now_o unto_o he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o for_o we_o unto_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xiii_o preach_v at_o st._n giles_n church_n in_o edinburgh_n on_o october_n 16._o 1687._o hosea_n v._n 13_o 14_o 15._o when_o ephraim_n see_v his_o sickness_n and_o judah_n see_v his_o wound_n then_o go_v ephraim_n to_o the_o assyrian_a and_o send_v to_o king_n jareb_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o heal_v you_o nor_o cure_v you_o of_o your_o wound_n for_o i_o will_v be_v unto_o ephraim_n as_o a_o lion_n and_o as_o a_o young_a lion_n to_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n ay_o even_o i_o will_v tear_v and_o go_v away_o i_o will_v take_v away_o and_o none_o shall_v
i_o say_v what_o humility_n will_v it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o person_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o subject_n to_o divest_v himself_o of_o majesty_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o pretension_n to_o royalty_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o to_o put_v himself_o in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o subject_a in_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v right_o to_o give_v and_o which_o be_v in_o force_n only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n how_o will_v man_n stand_v amaze_v at_o this_o and_o yet_o such_o and_o great_a humility_n have_v christ_n show_v for_o we_o man_n for_o while_o he_o be_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o make_v himself_o empty_a and_o poor_a for_o we_o when_o he_o have_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o become_v subject_a and_o obedient_a both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o become_v man_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o psal._n 40._o my_o ear_n have_v thou_o open_v or_o bore_v allude_v to_o that_o custom_n of_o bore_v the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o resolve_v to_o be_v servant_n for_o ever_o which_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n x._o 5._o to_o render_v the_o thing_n clear_a have_v express_v thus_o a_o body_n have_v thou_o prepare_v for_o i_o and_o in_o both_o it_o be_v add_v lo_o i_o come_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o thy_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n i_o take_v delight_n and_o as_o obedience_n be_v the_o end_n why_o he_o become_v man_n so_o from_o his_o birth_n he_o pay_v a_o ready_a sincere_a and_o punctual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o act_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o the_o statute_n of_o men._n in_o his_o infancy_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o parent_n when_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o he_o be_v obedient_a both_o to_o the_o roman_a governor_n and_o jewish_a magistrate_n he_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o be_v both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n the_o great_a example_n of_o a_o cheerful_a and_o universal_a obedience_n which_o ever_o the_o world_n see_v he_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_a without_o reluctancy_n he_o never_o dispute_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n or_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n but_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o man_n and_o that_o he_o can_v command_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o just_a therefore_o have_v put_v himself_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o other_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o god_n he_o obey_v his_o absolute_a authority_n without_o reserve_n nay_o rather_o than_o give_v scandal_n or_o occasion_n to_o any_o to_o refuse_v obedience_n he_o will_v render_v it_o when_o it_o be_v not_o due_a and_o where_o it_o can_v not_o be_v without_o rigour_n exact_v nay_o when_o he_o can_v easy_o have_v avoid_v it_o thus_o he_o will_v be_v baptize_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o fulfil_v of_o all_o righteousness_n though_o john_n refuse_v it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o for_o he_o therefore_o also_o after_o he_o have_v convince_v peter_n that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v pay_v tribute_n notwithstanding_o say_v he_o to_o he_o lest_o we_o offend_v go_v thou_o to_o the_o sea_n and_o cast_v a_o hook_n and_o take_v up_o the_o fish_n that_o first_o come_v up_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v open_v its_o mouth_n thou_o shall_v find_v a_o piece_n of_o money_n that_o take_v and_o give_v unto_o they_o for_o i_o and_o thou_o matth._n xvii_o 27._o it_o be_v his_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o take_v pleasure_n therein_o only_o when_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o about_o pleasant_a matter_n but_o also_o when_o the_o command_n be_v severe_a heavy_a troublesome_a such_o as_o nature_n struggle_v with_o and_o be_v averse_a to_o when_o his_o soul_n be_v exceed_v sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n upon_o the_o sad_a apprehension_n of_o his_o suffering_n he_o go_v and_o pray_v o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o again_o o_o my_o father_n if_o this_o cup_n may_v not_o pass_v away_o from_o i_o unless_o i_o drink_v it_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v sometime_o free_a and_o independent_a prince_n have_v subject_v themselves_o to_o other_o but_o than_o it_o be_v for_o some_o noble_a employment_n and_o general_a command_n under_o they_o whereby_o they_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o get_v to_o themselves_o glory_n praise_n and_o renown_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o behold_v jesus_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o mean_a servant_n to_o misery_n pain_n shame_n reproach_n disgrace_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a vile_a and_o unjust_a usage_n which_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o most_o wicked_a can_v invent_v and_o which_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o noble_a soul_n will_v abhor_v he_o yield_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n to_o be_v smite_v of_o god_n and_o afflict_v by_o man_n to_o be_v despise_v set_v at_o nought_o oppress_v and_o kill_v and_o yet_o he_o never_o open_v his_o mouth_n he_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o his_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o death_n and_o death_n that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o admire_v this_o obedience_n of_o he_o the_o kind_n of_o death_n to_o which_o he_o submit_v be_v set_v before_o we_o even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross._n this_o be_v a_o death_n well_o know_v in_o those_o time_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o write_v this_o epistle_n and_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o very_o worst_a kind_n of_o death_n that_o the_o law_n of_o man_n can_v inflict_v on_o the_o great_a malefactor_n it_o be_v a_o painful_a death_n and_o the_o more_o painful_a because_o it_o be_v linger_v it_o be_v so_o vile_a and_o shameful_a that_o by_o the_o law_n none_o can_v be_v put_v to_o it_o except_o slave_n not_o a_o free_a man_n or_o any_o of_o honest_a birth_n whatever_o may_v be_v their_o crime_n this_o be_v the_o death_n to_o which_o jesus_n surrender_v himself_o and_o he_o yield_v to_o this_o death_n not_o only_a when_o there_o be_v no_o mitigation_n of_o the_o usual_a pain_n shame_n and_o bitterness_n but_o also_o when_o extraordinary_a pain_n shame_n torment_v and_o agony_n be_v superad_v let_v any_o take_v a_o view_n of_o our_o lord_n his_o death_n and_o passion_n what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o accompany_v his_o cross_n what_o treachery_n and_o ingratitude_n he_o meet_v with_o with_o what_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n he_o be_v pursue_v what_o base_a calumny_n he_o be_v load_v with_o what_o horrid_a crime_n of_o blasphemy_n sedition_n and_o conspiracy_n against_o church_n and_o state_n be_v false_o charge_v upon_o he_o how_o he_o be_v desert_v by_o his_o friend_n mock_v by_o his_o enemy_n and_o despiteful_o use_v by_o every_o body_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o never_o any_o sorrow_n be_v like_a unto_o his_o sorrow_n nor_o any_o cross_n so_o grievous_a as_o he_o he_o sustain_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n the_o weight_n of_o sin_n the_o malice_n of_o devil_n and_o the_o spite_n of_o men._n his_o death_n be_v both_o base_a and_o bitter_a sad_a and_o shameful_a beyond_o all_o expression_n but_o withal_o it_o be_v voluntary_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o end_n and_o reason_n himself_o why_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o abase_v and_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross._n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o either_o i_o can_v mention_v all_o or_o insist_v at_o large_a on_o any_o for_o the_o time_n allow_v will_v not_o suffice_v for_o such_o a_o task_n i_o shall_v propose_v brief_o some_o few_o which_o may_v satisfy_v and_o leave_v the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o to_o your_o private_a meditation_n in_o general_n than_o all_o this_o be_v do_v for_o redemption_n set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o effectuate_a the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o declare_v it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n that_o admirable_a person_n of_o who_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v be_v call_v our_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n behold_v say_v the_o angel_n to_o the_o shepherd_n i_o bring_v to_o you_o tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n
of_o god_n to_o give_v we_o either_o comfort_n or_o instruction_n so_o this_o constancy_n and_o generous_a public_a concernment_n of_o the_o woman_n must_v not_o pass_v unobserved_a for_o as_o the_o reveal_n of_o his_o birth_n to_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o east_n be_v a_o comfort_n to_o the_o gentile_a world_n and_o a_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o share_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o so_o god_n order_v the_o behaviour_n of_o these_o woman_n for_o a_o comfort_n to_o all_o their_o sex_n god_n give_v they_o this_o tender_a love_n to_o his_o son_n which_o prompt_v they_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o even_o to_o the_o last_o minute_n of_o his_o life_n when_o he_o be_v desert_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o bewail_v his_o suffering_n when_o man_n be_v mock_v and_o scoff_v he_o and_o final_o to_o seek_v he_o early_o the_o three_o day_n at_o his_o grave_n that_o they_o may_v do_v he_o honour_v there_o they_o be_v make_v 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inconvenience_n plutarch_n tell_v of_o a_o certain_a woman_n that_o be_v question_v how_o she_o can_v attempt_v a_o thing_n prohibit_v by_o the_o tyrant_n under_o who_o she_o live_v and_o which_o will_v high_o incense_v he_o she_o answer_v resolute_o it_o please_v the_o god_n with_o who_o i_o intend_v to_o live_v long_o than_o with_o the_o tyrant_n if_o our_o design_n be_v to_o live_v with_o god_n for_o ever_o if_o eternal_a life_n or_o his_o favour_n be_v our_o expectation_n we_o shall_v search_v out_o his_o good_a perfect_a and_o acceptable_a will_n and_o cleave_v to_o that_o whatever_o the_o world_n think_v of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n begin_v to_o prevail_v we_o shall_v consider_v how_o much_o wise_a it_o be_v to_o fear_v god_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o my_o friend_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o luke_n twelve_o 4_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o woman_n who_o be_v sorrow_n say_v to_o bewail_v and_o lament_v christ_n as_o they_o follow_v he_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a import_n the_o great_a measure_n of_o grief_n and_o sadness_n and_o be_v never_o use_v but_o when_o the_o very_a height_n of_o it_o be_v express_v the_o consternation_n of_o sinner_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n their_o sad_a apprehension_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n and_o the_o melancholy_a effect_n it_o work_v in_o they_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o same_o word_n matth._n xxiv_o and_o rev._n i_o 7._o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o sorrow_n of_o these_o be_v not_o small_a nor_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o mean_v
rescue_v he_o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v unto_o my_o place_n till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o seek_v my_o face_n in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o ephraim_n be_v put_v here_o for_o the_o text._n whole_a ten_o tribe_n who_o revolt_v from_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o embody_v themselves_o into_o a_o distinct_a kingdom_n under_o judah_n be_v here_o comprehend_v also_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n which_o two_o tribe_n as_o they_o keep_v close_o in_o allegiance_n and_o expression_n of_o loyalty_n to_o their_o lawful_a king_n so_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o serve_v the_o one_o true_a god_n in_o that_o way_n and_o after_o that_o manner_n prescribe_v by_o his_o word_n by_o the_o sickness_n of_o ephraim_n and_o the_o wound_n of_o judah_n be_v mean_v those_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n which_o god_n send_v upon_o the_o several_a state_n because_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n and_o by_o consider_v this_o prophecy_n and_o 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to_o render_v they_o tractable_a and_o obedient_a but_o then_o only_a this_o be_v true_o effectuate_v when_o god_n sanctify_v affliction_n and_o give_v his_o grace_n with_o they_o and_o when_o affliction_n produce_v this_o when_o people_n be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o than_o god_n lay_v aside_o all_o quarrel_n he_o put_v off_o his_o anger_n and_o put_v on_o bowel_n of_o love_n and_o compassion_n he_o hide_v his_o face_n while_o man_n continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n all_o the_o time_n they_o be_v go_v astray_o from_o god_n he_o retire_v within_o his_o place_n as_o be_v here_o say_v but_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o in_o all_o sincerity_n seek_v his_o face_n than_o he_o come_v forth_o of_o his_o place_n and_o lift_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o they_o and_o speak_v comfortable_o unto_o they_o his_o go_v forth_o be_v prepare_v as_o the_o morning_n and_o then_o he_o come_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o rain_n as_o the_o latter_a and_o former_a rain_n unto_o the_o earth_n which_o both_o refresh_v it_o and_o make_v it_o fruitful_a thus_o i_o have_v explain_v the_o word_n and_o give_v you_o the_o genuine_a scope_n and_o purport_n of_o they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o intend_v to_o propose_v plain_o such_o instruction_n as_o they_o afford_v and_o as_o i_o judge_v they_o both_o useful_a and_o seasonable_a so_o i_o pray_v god_n they_o may_v be_v candid_o hear_v meek_o receive_v serious_o consider_v and_o careful_o observe_v first_o then_o we_o may_v read_v and_o discern_v state_n here_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n which_o come_v either_o upon_o private_a person_n or_o on_o public_a state_n viz._n sin_n this_o
as_o they_o wish_v their_o own_o well_o to_o search_v free_o their_o way_n and_o to_o labour_v to_o find_v out_o that_o accurse_a thing_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o which_o provoke_v god_n anger_n against_o they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v their_o guilt_n let_v i_o also_o beseech_v they_o not_o to_o hide_v the_o same_o by_o excuse_v and_o extenuate_v it_o but_o to_o make_v a_o humble_a and_o ingenuous_a confession_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o testify_v a_o unfeigned_a repentance_n by_o a_o sincere_a care_n to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n let_v they_o rectify_v what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o make_v a_o amends_o for_o their_o past_a negligence_n by_o a_o exact_a diligence_n hereafter_o to_o keep_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n which_o if_o they_o do_v i_o may_v assure_v they_o that_o god_n will_v no_o long_o hide_v his_o face_n and_o favour_n from_o they_o he_o will_v no_o more_o frown_n but_o smile_v and_o give_v they_o comfortable_a word_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v to_o rejoice_v for_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o have_v see_v affliction_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o will_v make_v application_n nation_n to_o the_o public_a state_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n and_o in_o who_o welfare_n religion_n and_o interest_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v concern_v i_o think_v it_o need_v surprise_v none_o if_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o we_o and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v hang_v over_o these_o land_n for_o who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v it_o the_o present_a bad_a harvest_n be_v one_o instance_n the_o evil_a threaten_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n we_o may_v say_v be_v literal_o like_a to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o he_o be_v pour_v down_o his_o wrath_n upon_o we_o by_o water_n which_o threaten_v to_o wash_v away_o the_o food_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n what_o other_o calamity_n be_v impend_v either_o on_o church_n or_o state_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o wise_a person_n but_o without_o danger_n or_o the_o imputation_n of_o indiscretion_n i_o may_v bid_v you_o read_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n and_o by_o that_o foresee_v what_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v it_o will_v be_v no_o great_a stretch_n though_o i_o shall_v offer_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o sin_n that_o abound_v among_o we_o and_o those_o of_o judah_n and_o israel_n complain_v of_o in_o this_o prophecy_n and_o will_v one_o charge_v the_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n among_o we_o with_o the_o same_o fault_n our_o prophet_n lay_v upon_o the_o priest_n the_o ruler_n and_o prince_n and_o people_n of_o his_o time_n no_o great_a injury_n will_v be_v do_v to_o truth_n but_o such_o a_o unusual_a freedom_n perhaps_o will_v not_o be_v well_o take_v especial_o from_o a_o stranger_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o kindness_n to_o give_v warning_n of_o a_o common_a danger_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o provide_v for_o our_o common_a safety_n though_o we_o will_v flatter_v ourselves_o it_o will_v not_o go_v better_o with_o we_o be_v judah_n and_o israel_n punish_v because_o they_o will_v not_o frame_v their_o do_n to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v we_o think_v to_o escape_v if_o we_o imitate_v their_o sin_n be_v there_o not_o reason_n to_o fear_v a_o be_v make_v to_o share_v in_o the_o like_a judgement_n be_v god_n arisen_a to_o judgement_n be_v he_o go_v through_o the_o world_n with_o the_o rod_n of_o his_o wrath_n in_o his_o hand_n visit_v nation_n for_o their_o iniquity_n and_o do_v we_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v our_o turn_n that_o he_o will_v pass_v by_o we_o when_o we_o be_v as_o guilty_a as_o any_o other_o no_o so_o long_o as_o sin_n thus_o continue_v and_o increase_v among_o we_o it_o will_v never_o be_v well_o with_o we_o our_o state_n shall_v still_o move_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o if_o then_o we_o will_v either_o prevent_v the_o evil_n which_o be_v yet_o a_o come_n or_o heal_v the_o wound_n already_o receive_v let_v we_o join_v our_o endeavour_n to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n and_o to_o cleanse_v the_o land_n of_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v among_o we_o it_o avail_v little_a to_o apply_v external_a plaster_n while_o the_o arrow_n head_n stick_v in_o the_o wound_n in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a age_n the_o people_n of_o these_o land_n have_v be_v ever_o cry_v out_o of_o grievance_n but_o they_o have_v have_v little_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v to_o find_v out_o the_o great_a cause_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o viz._n their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n against_o god_n for_o which_o if_o they_o have_v hearty_o grieve_v they_o have_v never_o have_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o make_v other_o complaint_n in_o our_o father_n day_n all_o the_o fault_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o government_n and_o governor_n in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o through_o the_o instigation_n of_o factious_a and_o seditious_a man_n make_v people_n restless_a until_o they_o have_v overturn_v the_o government_n and_o thrust_v the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o perhaps_o the_o best_a of_o man_n not_o only_o from_o his_o throne_n but_o out_o of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o most_o barbarous_a manner_n but_o as_o this_o increase_v their_o gild_n so_o it_o do_v not_o heal_v their_o sore_n nor_o ease_v their_o pain_n they_o rather_o feel_v more_o smart_n and_o grief_n which_o dispose_v they_o to_o seek_v again_o unto_o david_n their_o king_n and_o if_o together_o with_o that_o the_o people_n have_v serious_o seek_v the_o lord_n also_o all_o have_v be_v well_o but_o alas_o that_o be_v yet_o to_o do_v whatever_o change_n and_o revolution_n we_o have_v suffer_v there_o have_v never_o be_v cordial_a endeavour_n to_o introduce_v that_o best_a and_o most_o desirable_a change_n from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n and_o godliness_n bless_a be_v god_n there_o have_v be_v a_o reformation_n in_o our_o doctrine_n and_o our_o worship_n have_v be_v rectify_v and_o purge_v from_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o it_o through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unwariness_n of_o man_n but_o to_o our_o shame_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o our_o practice_n and_o conversation_n be_v not_o reform_v but_o continue_v much_o the_o same_o and_o perhaps_o in_o some_o thing_n worse_o than_o what_o be_v before_o that_o other_o happy_a reformation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n come_v in_o there_o be_v certain_o reason_n to_o descry_v and_o run_v down_o the_o hypocrisy_n and_o form_n of_o godliness_n fashionable_a in_o the_o late_a time_n but_o it_o have_v be_v more_o commendable_a to_o have_v endeavour_v with_o great_a vigour_n to_o set_v up_o the_o life_n and_o power_n thereof_o and_o will_v to_o god_n we_o be_v at_o last_o sensible_a of_o our_o error_n and_o omission_n and_o convince_v that_o hitherto_o we_o have_v very_o unskilful_o set_v about_o the_o cure_v our_o malady_n o_o that_o all_o who_o profess_v the_o same_o truth_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o contest_v and_o to_o contend_v together_o for_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o join_v therewith_o the_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n if_o we_o will_v thus_o by_o true_a piety_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n return_v unto_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v return_v unto_o we_o and_o put_v we_o in_o a_o happy_a and_o glorious_a state_n as_o he_o have_v tear_v so_o he_o will_v heal_v we_o as_o he_o have_v smite_v so_o he_o will_v bind_v we_o up_o that_o we_o may_v live_v joyful_o in_o his_o sight_n but_o if_o this_o be_v neglect_v or_o delay_v and_o if_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o take_v method_n and_o device_n of_o our_o own_o for_o save_v ourselves_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v what_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v judgement_n of_o all_o sort_n we_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v visit_v in_o our_o worldly_a concern_v and_o those_o two_o sad_a calamity_n which_o be_v mention_v amos_n viij_o 11._o 2_o thess._n two_o 11_o 12._o may_v be_v look_v for_o which_o god_n avert_v plead_v with_o your_o mother_n plead_v say_v god_n by_o this_o prophet_n for_o she_o be_v not_o my_o wife_n neither_o be_o i_o her_o husband_n let_v she_o therefore_o put_v away_o her_o whoredom_n out_o of_o her_o sight_n and_o her_o adultery_n from_o between_o her_o breast_n lest_o i_o strip_v she_o naked_a and_o set_v she_o as_o in_o the_o day_n she_o be_v bear_v and_o make_v she_o as_o a_o wilderness_n and_o set_v she_o like_o a_o dry_a land_n and_o slay_v she_o with_o thirst_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n amen_n sermon_n fourteen_o preach_v at_o st._n giles_n church_n in_o edinburgh_n april_n 13._o
1690._o micah_n vii_o 8_o 9_o rejoice_v not_o against_o i_o o_o my_o enemy_n when_o i_o fall_v i_o shall_v arise_v when_o i_o sit_v in_o darkness_n the_o lord_n shall_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o i_o i_o will_v bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o until_o he_o plead_v my_o cause_n and_o execute_v judgement_n for_o i_o he_o will_v bring_v i_o forth_o to_o the_o light_n and_o i_o shall_v behold_v his_o righteousness_n the_o prophet_n speak_v here_o in_o the_o text._n name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o her_o present_a circumstance_n and_o what_o be_v short_o to_o befall_v she_o her_o present_a condition_n be_v very_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a if_o you_o consider_v she_o inward_a state_n there_o be_v no_o health_n nor_o soundness_n in_o she_o but_o much_o disorder_n confusion_n and_o corruption_n as_o be_v complain_v of_o throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o which_o be_v express_o declare_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o this_o chapter_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o six_o verse_n this_o sickness_n and_o inward_a distemper_n can_v not_o be_v without_o grievous_a pang_n and_o convulsive_a fit_n but_o beside_o they_o be_v lie_v under_o sad_a pressure_n from_o without_o the_o assyrian_n oppress_v they_o and_o by_o frequent_a inroad_n waste_v their_o wealth_n and_o make_v great_a devastation_n of_o their_o country_n the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v already_o carry_v captive_a and_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o other_o two_o together_o with_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o glorious_a temple_n of_o solomon_n be_v approach_v the_o prophet_n be_v sensible_a of_o what_o have_v already_o happen_v and_o foresee_v by_o the_o spirit_n what_o be_v to_o come_v he_o do_v here_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n obviate_v those_o misconstruction_n man_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o put_v on_o this_o her_o deplorable_a condition_n and_o also_o instruct_v we_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o entertain_v the_o idumean_n chaldean_n and_o babylonian_n and_o other_o enemy_n without_o who_o envy_v the_o former_a prosperity_n of_o israel_n be_v glad_a at_o these_o disaster_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o they_o rejoice_v at_o their_o misery_n they_o take_v occasion_n to_o mock_v they_o say_v where_o be_v now_o the_o god_n in_o who_o they_o trust_v who_o have_v save_v they_o heretofore_o and_o do_v so_o many_o great_a thing_n for_o they_o in_o egypt_n thus_o in_o stead_n of_o fear_v god_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o judgement_n he_o have_v inflict_v on_o his_o own_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o make_v they_o matter_n of_o profane_a mirth_n and_o laughter_n and_o not_o understand_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o dispensation_n they_o even_o accuse_v god_n himself_o and_o dart_v up_o blasphemous_a speech_n towards_o heaven_n but_o the_o prophet_n bid_v they_o here_o be_v sober_a and_o advise_v they_o to_o moderate_v their_o mirth_n and_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o profane_a and_o insult_a humour_n for_o thing_n will_v not_o always_o be_v at_o this_o pass_n god_n will_v not_o always_o deal_v so_o rough_o and_o harsh_o with_o they_o experience_n teach_v they_o not_o to_o despair_v but_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o better_a state_n rejoice_v not_o against_o i_o o_o my_o enemy_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v make_v not_o our_o calamity_n and_o disaster_n the_o subject_n of_o your_o mirth_n and_o laughter_n which_o shall_v rather_o strike_v you_o with_o dread_a and_o fear_v for_o if_o we_o the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o himself_o have_v suffer_v such_o thing_n because_o we_o sin_v against_o he_o what_o may_v you_o expect_v who_o be_v never_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o who_o have_v always_o provoke_v he_o neither_o insult_v over_o we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v utter_o and_o eternal_o ruin_v and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o ever_o to_o recover_v so_o as_o to_o deserve_v any_o regard_n from_o you_o common_a humanity_n shall_v teach_v people_n to_o pity_v one_o another_o and_o to_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o miserable_a and_o if_o you_o consult_v experience_n it_o will_v show_v that_o all_o person_n and_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n be_v liable_a to_o change_n that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o exalt_v but_o he_o may_v be_v abase_v nor_o any_o so_o low_a but_o he_o may_v be_v exalt_v nemo_fw-la confidat_fw-la nimium_fw-la secundis_fw-la nemo_fw-la desperet_fw-la meliora_fw-la lapsus_fw-la none_o can_v secure_v his_o state_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a ought_v not_o to_o brag_v nor_o shall_v the_o most_o abject_a and_o miserable_a despond_v and_o give_v over_o hope_n none_o stand_v so_o secure_a but_o he_o may_v catch_v a_o fall_n nor_o be_v any_o fall_v so_o low_a but_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o as_o for_o i_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o prophet_n word_n when_o i_o fall_v i_o shall_v rise_v or_o as_o it_o may_v be_v render_v though_o i_o fall_v i_o shall_v arise_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v think_v not_o my_o case_n desperate_a or_o that_o i_o have_v so_o fall_v that_o i_o can_v recover_v i_o be_o not_o destitute_a of_o hope_n for_o as_o low_a and_o miserable_a as_o i_o be_o at_o present_a my_o god_n abide_v still_o who_o be_v almighty_a to_o save_v who_o hand_n be_v strong_a and_o always_o ready_a to_o relieve_v the_o distress_a it_o be_v true_a he_o be_v at_o present_a angry_a with_o i_o but_o his_o anger_n will_v not_o last_v always_o he_o do_v not_o cast_v off_o for_o ever_o his_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a and_o i_o know_v his_o promise_n can_v fail_v which_o be_v if_o they_o break_v my_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o my_o commandment_n then_o will_v i_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o their_o iniquity_n with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v i_o have_v have_v often_o experience_n of_o this_o kind_a deal_n of_o his_o i_o have_v fall_v and_o i_o have_v rise_v again_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o original_a and_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a than_o the_o promiscuous_a use_v the_o preterite_n and_o future_a tense_n so_o that_o our_o translator_n may_v very_o well_o render_v it_o here_o in_o the_o future_a yet_o some_o render_v it_o i_o have_v fall_v i_o have_v rise_v as_o if_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o the_o prophet_n in_o her_o name_n have_v gather_v hope_n from_o experience_n and_o say_v to_o her_o insult_a enemy_n conclude_v not_o i_o utter_o lose_v and_o irrecoverable_a because_o god_n have_v bring_v i_o low_o look_v back_o to_o the_o time_n past_a and_o consider_v that_o god_n never_o leave_v i_o to_o perish_v that_o as_o he_o visit_v i_o with_o his_o rod_n so_o he_o always_o show_v i_o his_o salvation_n i_o trust_v he_o will_v do_v so_o now_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n when_o or_o while_o i_o sit_v in_o darkness_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o i_o darkness_n in_o scripture_n language_n signify_v trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o light_n be_v put_v for_o joy_n and_o comfort_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n by_o this_o expression_n declare_v his_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v afford_v his_o people_n seasonable_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o tribulation_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o support_n of_o their_o mind_n until_o the_o time_n of_o their_o deliverance_n come_v now_o the_o prophet_n have_v thus_o answer_v the_o profane_a scoff_v and_o mock_n of_o the_o heathen_n about_o they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o draw_v his_o people_n thought_n more_o home_n and_o require_v they_o to_o look_v into_o themselves_o and_o to_o consider_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n instead_o of_o these_o misconstruction_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n by_o man_n unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o their_o enemy_n say_v he_o himself_o resolve_v and_o teach_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o people_n to_o take_v all_o these_o calamity_n and_o affliction_n from_o god_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v submit_v and_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o bear_v patient_o i_o will_v say_v he_o bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o and_o as_o their_o calamity_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o entertain_v so_o he_o encourage_v to_o it_o by_o a_o promise_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o thereafter_o god_n will_v plead_v their_o cause_n and_o execute_v judgement_n for_o they_o that_o be_v defend_v and_o vindicate_v they_o right_a their_o wrong_n repay_v their_o injury_n
hide_v from_o we_o till_o the_o event_n declare_v they_o and_o then_o we_o be_v force_v to_o approve_v and_o applaud_v what_o before_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o condemn_v as_o fines_n imprisonment_n and_o other_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o commonwealth_n so_o calamity_n trouble_n and_o affliction_n be_v now_o necessary_a to_o the_o world_n by_o they_o god_n keep_v up_o his_o authority_n defend_v his_o law_n curb_v sin_n prevent_v some_o from_o go_v astray_o and_o reclaim_v other_o who_o have_v already_o err_v from_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n hereby_o he_o exercise_v his_o people_n virtue_n integrity_n faith_n patience_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o make_v they_o to_o acquire_v the_o growth_n stature_n vigour_n and_o understanding_n of_o perfect_a man_n which_o they_o will_v not_o do_v if_o softness_n and_o ease_n and_o plenty_n be_v always_o indulge_v they_o as_o wind_n serve_v to_o purify_v the_o air_n and_o frost_n and_o snow_n and_o rain_n to_o moisten_v and_o fatten_v the_o earth_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fruitful_a so_o god_n send_v calamity_n and_o affliction_n that_o they_o who_o be_v barren_a may_v be_v make_v to_o bear_v fruit_n and_o that_o other_o may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n if_o a_o ignorant_a and_o unskilful_a person_n see_v a_o gardener_n prune_v his_o tree_n and_o lop_n off_o the_o branch_n with_o axe_n and_o knife_n he_o will_v perhaps_o suspect_v he_o of_o madness_n or_o think_v he_o intend_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o garden_n whereas_o he_o thereby_o prevent_v their_o overgrow_a and_o undo_v one_o another_o and_o render_v his_o garden_n both_o more_o comely_a and_o more_o profitable_a so_o god_n by_o affliction_n prune_v his_o people_n he_o keep_v down_o those_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n which_o otherwise_o will_v break_v out_o among_o they_o and_o dispose_v they_o to_o bear_v proper_a fruit_n in_o their_o season_n it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o be_v afflict_v say_v david_n the_o psalmist_n be_v once_o tempt_v to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v unkind_a to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n because_o he_o afflict_v they_o but_o on_o second_o thought_n he_o check_v himself_o and_o conclude_v that_o true_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n even_o to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n that_o be_v such_o deal_n with_o his_o people_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o he_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o they_o for_o he_o be_v still_o good_a to_o they_o and_o their_o affliction_n testify_v it_o and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n shall_v certain_o find_v it_o so_o now_o see_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o let_v we_o application_n not_o complain_v of_o the_o present_a providence_n of_o god_n let_v we_o not_o murmur_v against_o nor_o bear_v impatient_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v upon_o we_o for_o we_o have_v true_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o he_o do_v just_o punish_v we_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o many_o of_o the_o instrument_n of_o our_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n i_o must_v not_o flatter_v you_o certain_o our_o prince_n our_o noble_n and_o great_a one_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n and_o all_o rank_n among_o we_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o do_v wicked_o and_o therefore_o god_n have_v just_o bring_v evil_a upon_o our_o land_n and_o they_o who_o have_v smart_v by_o this_o revolution_n have_v suffer_v just_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o humble_a ourselves_o before_o he_o acknowledge_v our_o offence_n and_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o then_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o plead_v our_o cause_n i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o hosea_n o_o israel_n return_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n for_o thou_o have_v fall_v by_o thy_o iniquity_n take_v with_o you_o word_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o take_v away_o all_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v we_o gracious_o so_o will_v we_o render_v the_o calf_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v hear_v he_o say_v i_o will_v heal_v your_o backslide_n i_o will_v love_v they_o free_o for_o my_o anger_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o he_o and_o as_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n come_v and_o let_v we_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v tear_v and_o he_o will_v heal_v we_o he_o have_v smite_v and_o he_o will_v bind_v we_o up_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a advice_n for_o ourselves_o so_o i_o will_v advise_v those_o to_o who_o the_o present_a time_n seem_v a_o little_a more_o favourable_a i_o mean_v our_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a party_n who_o i_o call_v brethren_n though_o their_o usage_n and_o treatment_n of_o we_o have_v show_v they_o enemy_n see_v they_o have_v overthrow_v the_o church_n and_o treat_v her_o bishop_n and_o priest_n with_o contumely_n and_o reproach_n i_o say_v i_o will_v advise_v they_o not_o to_o be_v over_o vain_a and_o confident_a for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o to_o rejoice_v at_o our_o affliction_n and_o to_o insult_v over_o our_o misery_n do_v not_o favour_n much_o of_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o make_v so_o high_a pretence_n and_o unless_o they_o can_v chain_v their_o present_a state_n by_o irreversible_a decree_n there_o be_v as_o little_a prudence_n as_o religion_n in_o despise_v we_o thus_o and_o trample_v so_o much_o upon_o we_o for_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o may_v yet_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v shelter_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o our_o vine_n they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o another_o party_n i_o mean_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n boast_v and_o brag_v and_o aim_v too_o at_o more_o than_o be_v fit_a or_o meet_v or_o what_o discretion_n will_v have_v require_v which_o bring_v on_o their_o ruin_n and_o which_o have_v occasion_v their_o loss_n of_o that_o peace_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v and_o will_v have_v enjoy_v wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v i_o believe_v that_o thou_o shall_v arise_v o_o lord_n and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n when_o the_o time_n to_o favour_v she_o when_o the_o set_a time_n be_v come_v though_o our_o case_n be_v more_o desperate_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o despair_v though_o we_o be_v at_o a_o low_a pass_n and_o have_v few_o friend_n i_o yet_o will_v not_o let_v go_v my_o hope_n for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n and_o though_o he_o leave_v we_o we_o can_v complain_v but_o we_o know_v also_o that_o our_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o with_o he_o be_v plenteous_a redemption_n he_o will_v not_o cast_v off_o for_o ever_o therefore_o they_o who_o be_v his_o people_n shall_v still_o hope_v in_o he_o and_o we_o be_v his_o people_n as_o much_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v as_o any_o other_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o pure_a age_n do_v and_o have_v the_o same_o ministry_n and_o government_n even_o that_o very_a ministry_n and_o government_n which_o in_o those_o time_n be_v think_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o in_o and_o under_o that_o ministry_n we_o also_o have_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n pure_o administer_v by_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o god_n by_o a_o covenant_n which_o be_v more_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a than_o any_o of_o man_n invent_v can_v be_v if_o therefore_o we_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o acknowledge_v our_o offence_n he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o sure_o visit_v we_o with_o his_o salvation_n for_o we_o be_v his_o zion_n a_o part_n of_o his_o catholic_n church_n or_o peculiar_a people_n and_o he_o will_v not_o always_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o we_o may_v take_v up_o this_o hope_n both_o by_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o other_o have_v we_o not_o fall_v heretofore_o and_o have_v we_o not_o rise_v again_o have_v we_o not_o see_v the_o church_n invade_v her_o essential_a order_n and_o subordination_n demolish_v her_o pastor_n exile_v her_o temple_n profane_v her_o beauty_n deface_v and_o have_v we_o not_o see_v all_o these_o repair_v and_o restore_v again_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n impossible_a unto_o god_n can_v he_o not_o sudden_o alter_v the_o secure_a state_n and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o most_o violent_a career_n anno_fw-la 58_o and_o 59_o neither_o king_n nor_o royal_a family_n dare_v be_v own_a and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o capital_a crime_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o yet_o you_o all_o know_v that_o within_o a_o year_n or_o
of_o the_o church_n somewhat_o depend_v as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n all_o the_o member_n shall_v be_v have_v a_o care_n of_o but_o those_o especial_o shall_v be_v regard_v and_o tender_v which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o important_a and_o which_o may_v hazard_v the_o whole_a if_o aught_o ail_v they_o even_o so_o every_o member_n of_o church_n and_o state_n shall_v share_v of_o our_o love_n but_o those_o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o and_o by_o his_o special_a gift_n and_o grace_n have_v singular_o fit_v for_o preserve_v recover_v or_o advance_v the_o good_a of_o church_n and_o state_n i_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v much_o esteem_v and_o their_o particular_a welfare_n shall_v be_v careful_o seek_v after_o by_o all_o who_o regard_v either_o religion_n or_o the_o civil_a peace_n for_o when_o it_o be_v not_o well_o with_o these_o the_o other_o be_v in_o hazard_n in_o a_o army_n the_o life_n of_o private_a soldier_n shall_v be_v secure_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a but_o hero_n and_o valiant_a general_n and_o captain_n much_o more_o because_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o the_o other_o will_v be_v soon_o scatter_v and_o if_o they_o be_v preserve_v they_o can_v by_o their_o valour_n and_o conduct_n recover_v a_o loss_n sustain_v among_o the_o common_a soldiery_n it_o be_v true_a man_n can_v do_v nothing_o without_o god_n but_o god_n ordinary_o work_v in_o and_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o men._n such_o man_n therefore_o shall_v be_v much_o respect_v and_o care_v for_o who_o god_n have_v mark_v out_o to_o be_v fit_a instrument_n of_o convey_v his_o blessing_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v wisdom_n and_o zeal_n and_o courage_n and_o other_o proper_a endowment_n for_o propagate_a truth_n stop_v error_n the_o curb_v of_o vice_n and_o the_o right_n order_v the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v a_o general_a blessing_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o every_o individual_a i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o precept_n consider_v in_o itself_o in_o which_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o what_o st._n paul_n advise_v timothy_n and_o then_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v of_o that_o advice_n what_o he_o advise_v he_o be_v to_o drink_v no_o long_o water_n but_o a_o little_a wine_n the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v for_o his_o stomach_n sake_n and_o his_o often_o infirmity_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o drink_v no_o long_o practice_n water_n this_o be_v no_o positive_a prohibition_n of_o the_o use_n of_o water_n but_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a reference_n to_o timothy_n practice_n which_o must_v be_v consider_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n it_o will_v seem_v that_o timothy_n have_v heretofore_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o sort_n of_o drink_n but_o water_n not_o certain_o that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o procure_v wine_n to_o himself_o nor_o yet_o from_o any_o scruple_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o use_v that_o liquor_n for_o so_o great_a a_o person_n as_o timothy_n be_v to_o who_o st._n paul_n give_v so_o high_a eulogy_n every_o where_o throughout_o his_o epistle_n and_o who_o he_o think_v worthy_a of_o the_o trust_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n can_v not_o be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n no_o doubt_n st._n paul_n teach_v he_o early_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v so_o teach_v he_o will_v be_v far_o from_o place_v religion_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o abstinence_n but_o his_o continue_a use_n of_o water_n be_v either_o because_o he_o be_v so_o bring_v up_o by_o his_o parent_n or_o out_o of_o his_o great_a temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n in_o imitation_n of_o his_o great_a master_n st._n paul_n he_o may_v keep_v his_o body_n under_o and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o when_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n ix_o 27._o but_o whether_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o motive_n it_o be_v that_o timothy_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continual_o drink_v water_n st._n paul_n observe_v that_o it_o do_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o his_o health_n and_o either_o occasion_v or_o increase_v those_o bodily_a distemper_n he_o be_v so_o much_o subject_n to_o and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v he_o here_o to_o forbear_v the_o so_o much_o and_o so_o frequent_a use_n of_o water_n this_o practice_n of_o timothy_n which_o move_v age._n st._n paul_n to_o insert_v this_o direction_n here_o afford_v we_o a_o fair_a occasion_n of_o reprove_v the_o epicurism_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o recommend_v temperance_n and_o subdue_a of_o the_o body_n by_o fast_v abstinence_n and_o other_o act_n of_o mortification_n the_o primitive_a christian_n keep_v their_o body_n under_o a_o severe_a discipline_n which_o be_v now_o adays_o wear_v altogether_o out_o of_o fashion_n we_o be_v not_o so_o far_o behind_o they_o in_o time_n as_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o strictness_n and_o severity_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o come_v so_o short_a of_o their_o devotion_n and_o piety_n and_o those_o other_o christian_a virtue_n which_o render_v they_o illustrious_a a_o account_n of_o their_o severity_n and_o mortification_n will_v be_v think_v fabulous_a man_n accustom_v to_o such_o softness_n and_o looseness_n as_o we_o of_o this_o age_n will_v hardly_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v return_v back_o to_o this_o world_n they_o will_v have_v as_o great_a difficulty_n of_o believe_v we_o to_o be_v christian_n see_v we_o work_v so_o much_o the_o will_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o walk_v in_o lasciviousness_n lust_n excess_n of_o wine_n revel_n banquet_n and_o do_v run_v easy_o and_o forward_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o ease_n voluptuousness_n and_o loose_a manner_n of_o live_v be_v suitable_a enough_o to_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o consistent_a enough_o with_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o fit_v one_o for_o it_o than_o paul_n and_o timothy_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v fool_n and_o madman_n as_o a_o italian_a monk_n say_v once_o witty_o preach_v before_o two_o cardinal_n but_o the_o imputation_n of_o folly_n fall_v certain_o on_o we_o and_o not_o on_o these_o great_a light_n of_o the_o world_n our_o apostle_n think_v chamber_v and_o wantonness_n gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n only_o agreeable_a with_o the_o night_n of_o heathenish_a ignorance_n but_o we_o practise_v they_o in_o the_o broad_a day_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o make_v these_o work_n of_o darkness_n face_n the_o clear_a sunshine_n so_o little_a be_v the_o man_n of_o this_o age_n acquaint_v with_o abstinence_n and_o mortification_n that_o i_o fear_v they_o will_v brand_v a_o man_n with_o heresy_n that_o will_v recommend_v they_o there_o be_v no_o restraint_n put_v upon_o the_o appetite_n but_o occasion_n be_v industrious_o seek_v out_o to_o gratify_v and_o regale_n they_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v count_v miserable_a not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o best_a thing_n to_o satiety_n and_o repletion_n back_o and_o belly_n take_v up_o the_o thought_n of_o poor_a and_o rich_a and_o most_o man_n contrivance_n the_o very_a end_n of_o their_o life_n be_v that_o they_o may_v lie_v soft_o and_o fare_v delicious_o every_o day_n this_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o this_o age_n after_o this_o manner_n do_v man_n now_o frame_v their_o life_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o imitate_v the_o primitive_a christian_n nor_o yet_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o man_n be_v only_o flesh_n if_o he_o can_v taste_v no_o high_a pleasure_n than_o what_o come_v to_o he_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n this_o be_v not_o so_o unreasonable_a though_o it_o be_v report_v even_o of_o epicurus_n that_o he_o establish_a sobriety_n and_o temperance_n by_o his_o principle_n if_o a_o mahometan_a paradise_n be_v all_o our_o expectation_n hereafter_o i_o will_v not_o either_o think_v it_o unlawful_a or_o improper_a to_o give_v way_n to_o our_o appetite_n and_o to_o cherish_v voluptuous_a desire_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v dispose_v for_o those_o sensuality_n which_o be_v promise_v there_o but_o see_v our_o heaven_n be_v of_o another_o sort_n and_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v destroy_v both_o the_o belly_n and_o meat_n and_o be_v tell_v of_o pure_a spiritual_a joy_n to_o be_v taste_v even_o in_o this_o life_n excess_n surfeit_v and_o a_o full_a feed_v daily_o be_v