scourge_v the_o four_o be_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n the_o five_o be_v ston_a verse_n 37_o they_o be_v stone_v the_o six_o be_v this_o they_o be_v hew_v asunder_o these_o be_v all_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v endure_v for_o religion_n sake_n but_o the_o particular_a point_n may_v here_o be_v observe_v have_v be_v handle_v before_o and_o therefore_o i_o pasâ—e_n they_o over_o the_o seven_o kind_n of_o suffer_v be_v this_o they_o be_v tempt_v these_o word_n by_o the_o change_n of_o a_o letter_n in_o the_o original_n may_v be_v read_v thus_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o some_o do_v so_o translate_v it_o think_v that_o they_o that_o write_v or_o copy_v out_o this_o epistle_n at_o the_o first_o do_v put_v one_o letter_n for_o another_o their_o reason_n be_v because_o example_n of_o grievous_a punishment_n be_v mention_v both_o before_o and_o after_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o think_v this_o shall_v be_v burn_v which_o be_v a_o sore_a and_o grievous_a death_n but_o we_o may_v safe_o and_o true_o read_v the_o word_n thus_o they_o be_v tempt_v conceive_v hereby_o that_o they_o be_v entice_v and_o allure_v by_o fair_a promise_n of_o life_n to_o forsake_v their_o religion_n so_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v by_o saint_n james_n say_v every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o his_o own_o concupiscence_n and_o be_v entiâ—ed_v james_n 1.14_o if_o any_o ask_v why_o this_o kind_n of_o trial_n in_o tempt_v shall_v be_v place_v among_o such_o cruel_a torment_n i_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o trial_n as_o any_o can_v be_v for_o it_o be_v as_o dangerous_a a_o temptation_n to_o overthrow_v religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o any_o punishment_n in_o the_o world_n this_o appear_v plain_o in_o christ_n temptation_n by_o the_o devil_n for_o in_o those_o three_o satan_n bewray_v his_o malice_n and_o craft_n against_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n most_o notable_o now_o satan_n not_o prevail_a with_o the_o two_o first_o make_v his_o three_o and_o last_o assault_n from_o the_o glory_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o world_n for_o show_v unto_o christ_n all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o he_o say_v all_o these_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o math._n 4.9_o indeed_o christ_n holy_a heart_n will_v not_o yield_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a temptation_n appear_v by_o christ_n answer_n for_o in_o the_o former_a temptation_n he_o only_o dispute_v with_o satan_n out_o of_o scripture_n but_o when_o this_o temptation_n come_v christ_n bid_v he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o passion_n avoid_z satan_n signify_v thereby_o not_o only_o his_o abhor_v of_o that_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o assault_n by_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o these_o temptation_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o we_o may_v call_v they_o will_v most_o dangerous_o creep_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_n shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n all_o david_n trouble_n and_o persecution_n can_v not_o bring_v he_o to_o so_o grievous_a sin_n as_o do_v a_o little_a ease_n &_o rest_n a_o huge_a great_a army_n can_v so_o soon_o give_v entrance_n to_o a_o enemy_n into_o a_o city_n as_o riches_n and_o fair_a promise_n neither_o can_v bodily_a torment_n so_o soon_o prevail_v against_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o will_v worldly_a pleasure_n and_o fair_a promise_n in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o the_o world_n for_o the_o view_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o pomp_n thereof_o will_v soon_o steal_v from_o a_o man_n both_o religion_n and_o good_a conscience_n than_o any_o persecution_n possible_o can_v do_v and_o indeed_o who_o do_v so_o oft_o change_v their_o religion_n when_o trial_n come_v as_o they_o that_o have_v the_o world_n at_o will_n the_o eight_o example_n of_o suffering_n be_v this_o they_o be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o say_v of_o this_o which_o have_v not_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a example_n and_o therefore_o i_o omit_v it_o the_o nine_o and_o last_o example_n of_o suffering_n be_v this_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o sheep_n skin_n and_o goat_n skin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v that_o be_v be_v either_o banish_v or_o constrain_v by_o flight_n to_o save_v their_o life_n they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o base_a attire_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o ordinary_a food_n and_o comfort_n and_o so_o in_o great_a affliction_n and_o torment_n here_o we_o see_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o own_o country_n friend_n and_o family_n by_o persecution_n whence_o we_o observe_v that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n a_o christian_a man_n may_v lawful_o fly_v for_o his_o safety_n if_o he_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o private_a or_o public_a call_n for_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n here_o commend_v for_o their_o faith_n do_v fly_v when_o they_o be_v persecute_v and_o that_o by_o faith_n therefore_o the_o action_n be_v lawful_a as_o i_o may_v prove_v at_o large_a but_o that_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o heretofore_o when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n know_v that_o the_o pharisy_n hear_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n which_o he_o make_v joh._n 4.1.3_o he_o leave_v judea_n where_o they_o have_v great_a jurisdiction_n and_o come_v into_o galilee_n for_o his_o safety_n the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v fly_v as_o elias_n from_o jezabel_n 1._o king_n 19.3_o and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o that_o by_o christ_n direction_n math._n 10.23_o object_n 1_o but_o some_o will_v say_v persecution_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n &_o therefore_o no_o man_n may_v fly_v from_o it_o for_o so_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o fly_v from_o god_n himself_o ans._n we_o must_v consider_v persecution_n two_o way_n first_o as_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n seconcond_o as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o wicked_a enemy_n of_o god_n church_n for_o they_o god_n use_v sometime_o aâ—_n instrument_n in_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o his_o church_n either_o for_o chastisement_n or_o for_o trial_n now_o a_o christian_a be_v persecute_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v liberty_n to_o fly_v can_v be_v say_v to_o fly_v from_o god_n hand_n unless_o he_o go_v away_o contrary_a to_o god_n command_n as_o jonas_n do_v be_v send_v to_o ninive_n and_o beside_o he_o know_v that_o be_v impossible_a but_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n of_o his_o enemy_n to_o save_v his_o life_n for_o the_o further_a good_a of_o god_n church_n again_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o good_a to_o say_v persecution_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n therefore_o a_o man_n may_v not_o fly_v from_o it_o for_o so_o may_v a_o man_n conclude_v that_o nonâ—_n ought_v to_o fly_v from_o sickness_n or_o from_o war_n both_o which_o a_o man_n may_v do_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n not_o be_v hinder_v by_o some_o special_a call_n object_n 2_o but_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o testify_v his_o faith_n &_o religion_n before_o his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o fly_v in_o persecution_n answ._n true_a indeed_o a_o christian_a man_n must_v so_o testify_v his_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v call_v thereto_o of_o god_n but_o if_o god_n give_v he_o liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o fly_v than_o he_o will_v not_o have_v he_o at_o that_o time_n to_o justify_v his_o religion_n by_o that_o mean_n object_n 3_o but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o fly_v how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o of_o god_n child_n when_o they_o may_v have_v flee_v will_v not_o but_o have_v stand_v to_o justify_v their_o profession_n unto_o death_n ans._n we_o must_v judge_v reverent_o of_o they_o &_o think_v they_o do_v it_o by_o some_o special_a instinct_n &_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o patience_n &_o constancy_n in_o their_o great_a torment_n example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o our_o english_a act_n and_o monument_n in_o man_n worthy_a of_o notable_a commendation_n for_o their_o constancy_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n quest._n if_o flight_n in_o persecution_n may_v be_v a_o action_n of_o faith_n whether_o may_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n word_n fly_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n answ._n there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o the_o minister_n may_v lawful_o fly_v 1_o when_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n over_o which_o he_o be_v place_v be_v disperse_v by_o the_o enemy_n so_o as_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o gather_v and_o call_v they_o back_o again_o then_o no_o doubt_n he_o may_v fly_v till_o his_o congregation_n be_v gather_v again_o 2_o if_o the_o persecutor_n do_v special_o
gold_n silver_n or_o promotion_n but_o reconciliation_n with_o my_o god_n and_o his_o favour_n in_o jesus_n christ_n if_o thou_o have_v these_o two_o than_o thou_o go_v beyond_o cain_n then_o shall_v thou_o stand_v before_o god_n with_o abel_n and_o be_v accept_v remember_v these_o two_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o desire_v of_o reconciliation_n these_o two_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n if_o thou_o have_v these_o thou_o be_v bless_v with_o abel_n if_o not_o curse_a with_o cain_n howsoever_o thou_o live_v in_o the_o world_n if_o thou_o say_v cain_n kill_v his_o brother_n and_o so_o will_v not_o i_o do_v for_o all_o the_o world_n i_o will_v do_v no_o man_n hurt_v in_o body_n or_o good_n this_o will_v not_o serve_v for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o cain_n afore_o he_o kill_v his_o brother_n even_o when_o he_o offer_v his_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o this_o duty_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o there_o be_v no_o shift_v it_o off_o 2._o cain_n offer_v as_o well_o as_o abel_n yea_o cain_n offer_v afore_o abel_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o genesis_n 4.3_o and_o yet_o abel_n sacrifice_n be_v better_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n and_o be_v accept_v &_o not_o cain_n which_o come_v first_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v more_o forward_o than_o many_o other_o in_o many_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n another_o may_v be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v be_v better_o accept_v whence_o come_v this_o what_o be_v forwardness_n in_o good_a duty_n a_o fault_n nothing_o less_o but_o hence_o it_o be_v he_o that_o outward_o be_v most_o forward_o may_v come_v in_o hypocrisy_n &_o without_o faith_n the_o want_n whereof_o make_v his_o forwardness_n nothing_o worth_a many_o such_o have_v we_o in_o our_o church_n great_a frequenter_n of_o place_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o they_o come_v but_o as_o cain_n do_v or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o worse_a intent_n thy_o forwardness_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o take_v this_o with_o thou_o also_o care_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v first_o at_o the_o sermon_n or_o to_o be_v there_o often_o they_o other_o as_o to_o go_v with_o true_a faith_n repentance_n &_o a_o heart_n hunger_a for_o grace_n if_o not_o boast_v not_o in_o thy_o forwardness_n cain_n offer_v afore_o abel_n &_o yet_o not_o accept_v &_o so_o there_o may_v come_v a_o able_a after_o thou_o &_o bring_v faith_n with_o he_o &_o be_v accept_v when_o thou_o with_o thy_o hypocritical_a forwardness_n shall_v be_v reject_v as_o cain_n be_v three_o do_v cain_n offer_v as_o well_o as_o abel_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o church_n militant_a be_v a_o mix_v &_o compound_a company_n of_o man_n not_o of_o one_o sort_n but_o true_a believer_n &_o hypocrite_n mingle_v together_o as_o here_o in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v a_o cain_n worship_v in_o show_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n that_o worship_v in_o truth_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o infancy_n so_o in_o her_o perpetual_a growth_n &_o so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o good_a shall_v never_o be_v quite_o separate_v from_o the_o bad_a until_o christ_n himself_o do_v it_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n goat_n shall_v always_o be_v mingle_v among_o the_o sheep_n till_o christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n do_v separate_v they_o himself_o math._n 25.34_o and_o he_o that_o imagine_v a_o perfect_a separation_n till_o then_o imagine_v a_o fancy_n in_o his_o brain_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o can_v be_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v so_o let_v no_o man_n therefore_o be_v afraid_a to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n neither_o let_v any_o that_o be_v in_o it_o go_v out_o of_o it_o because_o the_o bad_a be_v mingle_v with_o the_o good_a for_o so_o it_o have_v be_v always_o &_o ever_o will_v be_v he_o than_o that_o will_v go_v out_o of_o a_o church_n because_o there_o be_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o find_v but_o triumphant_a in_o heaven_n four_o 〈◊〉_d that_o cain_n &_o abel_n offer_v hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o true_o profess_v his_o name_n have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o church_n be_v in_o the_o household_n of_o adam_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o it_o in_o the_o world_n for_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o &_o beside_o the_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v a_o place_n appoint_v where_o adam_n &_o his_o family_n come_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n for_o so_o much_o cain_n intimate_v gen._n 4.14_o &_o 16._o cain_n go_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v not_o only_o out_o of_o his_o favour_n &_o protection_n but_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o solemn_a service_n &_o where_o he_o wont_v to_o manifest_v his_o special_a presence_n to_o his_o child_n serve_v he_o and_o therefore_o cain_n as_o be_v excomunicate_a complain_v verse_n 14_o because_o he_o must_v leave_v it_o thus_o the_o church_n have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n &_o therefore_o be_v true_o call_v catholic_a the_o papist_n abuse_v this_o place_n notorious_o for_o whereas_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o ancient_a they_o argue_v therefore_o it_o be_v above_o the_o scripture_n yea_o &_o that_o we_o can_v not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v scripture_n but_o by_o the_o ancient_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v know_v the_o scripture_n be_v two_o way_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o as_o it_o be_v write_v &_o pen_v by_o holy_a man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v late_a than_o the_o church_n for_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o penman_n of_o scripture_n but_o second_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o substance_n sense_n and_o truth_n thereof_o be_v much_o more_o ancient_a they_o the_o church_n yea_o without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n for_o without_o faith_n be_v no_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o believer_n and_o without_o the_o word_n it_o be_v no_o faith_n therefore_o no_o word_n no_o faith_n no_o faith_n no_o church_n so_o then_o the_o scripture_n be_v afore_o the_o church_n but_o pen_v after_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o cain_n and_o abel_n offer_v now_o second_o what_o offer_v they_o sacrifice_n sacrifice_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o two_o end_n 1._o when_o a_o sacrifice_n be_v offer_v especial_o of_o beast_n when_o a_o man_n see_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o beast_n pour_v out_o it_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o desert_n of_o they_o &_o teach_v he_o to_o say_v thus_o eve_n as_o this_o creature_n be_v here_o slay_v &_o his_o blood_n distil_v &_o drop_v away_o so_o my_o sin_n deserve_v that_o my_o blood_n shall_v be_v sâ—â—ed_v and_o my_o soul_n be_v drench_v in_o hell_n for_o ever_o this_o creature_n can_v die_v but_o one_o death_n for_o it_o sin_v not_o but_o my_o sin_n deserve_v both_o the_o 1._o and_o 2._o death_n second_o sacrifice_n serve_v to_o put_v theâ—â—_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v and_o the_o slay_v of_o the_o beast_n show_v they_o how_o the_o messiah_n shall_v shed_v his_o blood_n &_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o â—irâ—s_n of_o the_o people_n these_o be_v the_o 2._o principal_a end_n of_o sacrifice_n &_o for_o these_o 2._o end_n do_v cain_n &_o abel_n offer_v cain_n in_o hypocrisy_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n abel_n in_o truth_n conscience_n and_o sincerity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a sacrifice_n so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o the_o sacrifice_n be_v all_o type_n 1._o in_o baptism_n sprinkle_v of_o the_o water_n serve_v to_o show_v we_o how_o filthy_o we_o be_v defile_v with_o our_o own_o sin_n 2._o it_o signify_v the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n for_o his_o sanctification_n from_o sin_n 2._o in_o the_o supper_n the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n signify_v 1._o how_o we_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o humiliation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n how_o our_o blood_n and_o life_n shall_v be_v shed_v and_o pour_v out_o for_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o have_v that_o that_o we_o deserve_v and_o second_o they_o represent_v unto_o we_o how_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v break_v &_o his_o blood_n pour_v out_o for_o our_o sin_n which_o he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o his_o father_n for_o our_o sake_n so_o that_o we_o see_v both_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o
not_o christ_n or_o know_v he_o acknowledge_v he_o not_o their_o only_a saviour_n or_o acknowledge_v he_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o purify_v their_o heart_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o as_o the_o father_n call_v they_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la gild_v and_o glitter_a dross_n and_o beautiful_a deformity_n and_o however_o this_o seem_v harsh_a yet_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a see_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o here_o also_o the_o vanity_n of_o some_o popish_a writer_n appear_v who_o presumptuous_o make_v some_o philosopher_n saint_n whereas_o they_o shall_v first_o have_v show_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v and_o teach_v it_o as_o willing_o as_o they_o but_o else_o if_o they_o have_v have_v all_o the_o learning_n and_o all_o the_o moral_a virtue_n in_o the_o world_n this_o must_v stand_v for_o a_o truth_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n last_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n register_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v contain_v in_o it_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o all_o the_o action_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o man_n life_n for_o without_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v please_v god_n and_o if_o no_o man_n than_o no_o man_n action_n can_v please_v god_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n roman_n chapter_n 14._o verse_n 23._o if_o therefore_o man_n action_n must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n then_o consequent_o must_v they_o have_v their_o ground_n &_o warrant_v from_o the_o word_n for_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n be_v relative_n and_o the_o one_o depend_v upon_o the_o other_o no_o faith_n no_o word_n to_o bind_v no_o word_n no_o faith_n to_o believe_v but_o all_o action_n that_o please_v god_n must_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n therefore_o all_o action_n that_o please_v god_n have_v some_o ground_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o which_o word_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o holy_a action_n but_o even_o in_o the_o common_a action_n of_o man_n life_n and_o lawful_a calling_n this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o we_o must_v firm_o believe_v and_o receive_v and_o beside_o this_o argument_n here_o it_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3.16.17_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v improve_v correct_v and_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a and_o make_v perfect_a unto_o all_o good_a work_n how_o can_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n be_v more_o sufficient_o in_o word_n express_v again_o every_o creature_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n 4.4.5_o be_v good_a etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n now_o if_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o christian_a perfect_a in_o all_o good_a work_n how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o it_o give_v he_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o all_o his_o work_n and_o if_o every_o action_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n how_o can_v that_o be_v but_o the_o word_n have_v warranty_n and_o direction_n for_o every_o action_n and_o duty_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o upon_o these_o ground_n we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v resolve_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o now_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v for_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v long_o ago_o and_o the_o story_n be_v of_o particular_a man_n nation_n and_o time_n and_o the_o commandment_n be_v know_v to_o be_v but_o ten_o how_o then_o can_v the_o scripture_n yield_v sufficient_a direction_n for_o every_o man_n particular_a action_n i_o answer_v the_o scripture_n give_v direction_n for_o all_o action_n 2._o way_n either_o by_o rule_n or_o by_o example_n rule_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n general_n or_o particular_a particular_a rule_n for_o particular_a calling_n be_v many_o for_o king_n they_o must_v read_v god_n book_n and_o not_o have_v many_o wife_n 2._o nor_o gather_v too_o much_o silver_n and_o gold_n they_o must_v be_v wise_a and_o learned_a and_o kiss_v the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n and_o many_o other_o for_o minister_n they_o must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v watch_v sober_a not_o young_a scholar_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o consequent_o the_o most_o of_o the_o calling_n that_o be_v in_o the_o common_a wealth_n etc._n have_v their_o particular_a direction_n in_o plain_a rule_n 20._o general_n rule_n be_v first_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v direction_n for_o all_o sort_n and_o calling_n of_o man_n in_o all_o time_n what_o to_o be_v do_v what_o not_o to_o be_v do_v in_o all_o action_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o beside_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v some_o few_o rule_n which_o be_v general_a direction_n for_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n as_o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o the_o same_o unto_o they_o again_o 7.12_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 10.31_o again_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o without_o offence_n of_o thy_o brother_n again_o let_v all_o your_o work_n be_v do_v in_o love_n 14.26_o last_o let_v no_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o alone_o but_o every_o man_n another_o wealth_n now_o there_o be_v no_o action_n in_o the_o world_n 10.24_o nor_o any_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v of_o a_o christian_a man_n be_v he_o a_o public_a or_o private_a person_n be_v it_o a_o public_a or_o a_o private_a action_n be_v it_o towards_o god_n or_o man_n but_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o particular_a direction_n yet_o it_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o some_o of_o these_o rule_n and_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o some_o of_o these_o he_o may_v frame_v his_o work_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o comfortable_a to_o himself_o second_o beside_o rule_n there_o be_v example_n which_o be_v special_a direction_n and_o they_o be_v either_o of_o god_n or_o good_a man_n extraordinary_a example_n of_o god_n namely_o such_o as_o he_o do_v in_o extraordinary_a time_n or_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o concern_v we_o not_o for_o these_o he_o do_v by_o the_o power_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o godhead_n as_o bid_v of_o abraham_n sacrifice_v his_o son_n bid_v the_o israelite_n spoil_v the_o egyptian_n 22._o and_o such_o like_a 11.2_o but_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o his_o creature_n of_o his_o justice_n towards_o sinner_n of_o his_o mercy_n towards_o his_o child_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n towards_o all_o be_v excellent_a rule_n of_o direction_n for_o us._n hence_o we_o have_v these_o rule_n be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a luke_n 6.36_o so_o for_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n the_o miraculous_a action_n of_o his_o power_n which_o argue_v his_o godhead_n as_o his_o walk_n upon_o the_o water_n and_o such_o like_a be_v no_o direction_n for_o us._n nor_o again_o his_o action_n and_o work_n â—lone_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n as_o his_o fast_v forty_o day_n his_o passion_n and_o his_o merit_n these_o be_v no_o direction_n for_o we_o to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o as_o the_o first_o give_v we_o instruction_n so_o these_o procure_v we_o justification_n but_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o his_o action_n do_v by_o he_o as_o a_o man_n or_o as_o a_o jew_n bear_v they_o be_v both_o our_o instruction_n and_o imitation_n and_o they_o be_v good_a direction_n for_o our_o action_n as_o his_o obedience_n his_o zeal_n his_o patience_n his_o humility_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n concern_v all_o which_o he_o say_v himself_o to_o we_o learn_v of_o i_o 11.29_o for_o i_o be_o humble_a and_o low_o and_o again_o when_o he_o have_v wash_v his_o apostle_n foot_n he_o bid_v they_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 15._o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v give_v you_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v even_o as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o these_o his_o example_n be_v rule_n of_o direction_n to_o all_o man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n now_o as_o for_o the_o example_n of_o man_n as_o the_o example_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v every_o way_n to_o be_v eschew_v so_o good_a man_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o for_o they_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o their_o example_n or_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v
word_n and_o promise_n god_n speak_v plain_o and_o deceive_v not_o abraham_n and_o after_o at_o the_o time_n perform_v it_o so_o must_v we_o deal_v plain_o and_o simple_o in_o our_o word_n and_o bargain_n and_o think_v that_o to_o deceive_v and_o overreach_v by_o crafty_a word_n and_o double_a meaning_n and_o equivocal_a phrase_n be_v not_o beseem_v christianity_n and_o we_o must_v make_v conscience_n of_o a_o lie_n else_o we_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o god_n also_o a_o christian_a man_n must_v take_v heed_n what_o how_o and_o to_o who_o he_o promise_v but_o have_v promise_v he_o must_v perform_v though_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o harm_n to_o himself_o if_o it_o be_v not_o wrong_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o church_n or_o state_n wrong_v to_o himself_o must_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o performance_n christian_n man_n word_n must_v not_o be_v vain_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o good_a as_o bond_n though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v lawful_a and_o very_o convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o mortality_n to_o take_v such_o kind_n of_o assurance_n last_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v so_o gen._n 15.8_o and_o here_o we_o see_v it_o be_v so_o but_o he_o himself_o see_v it_o not_o so_o that_o abraham_n have_v the_o promise_n and_o we_o the_o performance_n so_o adam_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o we_o see_v it_o perform_v see_v here_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n above_o the_o old_a this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v so_o much_o better_a than_o they_o as_o god_n be_v better_a to_o we_o than_o he_o be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o excel_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n of_o holiness_n or_o else_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o holy_a obedience_n shall_v turn_v to_o our_o great_a condemnation_n which_o have_v have_v so_o far_o great_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o so_o far_o better_a mean_n than_o they_o which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o alas_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o who_o come_v behind_o they_o nay_o have_v no_o care_n to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n nor_o holiness_n nor_o any_o duty_n of_o holy_a obedience_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o example_n of_o this_o holy_a woman_n faith_n and_o of_o the_o commendation_n thereof_o now_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o more_o particular_a example_n of_o faith_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v a_o general_a commendation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o those_o joint_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o already_o verse_n 13._o all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o believe_v they_o and_o receive_v they_o thankful_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n hitherto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v particular_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o diverse_a holy_a believer_n now_o from_o this_o verse_n to_o the_o 17._o he_o do_v general_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n sarah_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n together_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o durance_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o faith_n particular_o the_o point_n be_v two_o 1._o be_v lay_v down_o their_o constancy_n and_o continuance_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n 2._o that_o constancy_n be_v set_v four_o by_o four_o effect_n 1._o they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o 2._o they_o believe_v they_o 3._o receive_v they_o thankful_o 4._o profess_a themselves_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o first_o point_n touch_v these_o believer_n be_v that_o as_o they_o begin_v so_o they_o hold_v on_o as_o they_o live_v so_o they_o die_v in_o faith_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o word_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o all_o afore_o go_v save_v enoch_n who_o die_v not_o yet_o he_o continue_v also_o constant_a in_o his_o faith_n and_o in_o that_o faith_n be_v take_v up_o but_o as_o for_o abel_n and_o noah_n they_o die_v in_o faith_n yet_o i_o take_v it_o that_o principal_o and_o direct_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o these_o four_o i_o name_v and_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o particular_a effect_n in_o this_o verse_n and_o the_o point_n whereby_o this_o their_o constancy_n be_v amplify_v in_o the_o three_o verse_n follow_v ado_n all_o agree_v especial_o with_o these_o four_o and_o not_o so_o proper_o with_o abel_n or_o noah_n so_o that_o i_o take_v he_o mean_v by_o all_o these_o all_o these_o man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o second_o world_n since_o the_o flood_n all_o these_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o assurance_n that_o the_o promise_n make_v unto_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o god_n good_a time_n these_o promise_n be_v principal_o these_o two_o 1._o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n 2._o the_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o this_o faith_n they_o die_v that_o be_v they_o hold_v it_o through_o all_o assault_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n and_o die_v therein_o in_o this_o their_o practice_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o a_o most_o worthy_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o we_o must_v so_o live_v that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n many_o say_v they_o live_v in_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o do_v so_o but_o the_o main_a point_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n there_o be_v none_o so_o ill_a but_o howsoever_o he_o live_v yet_o he_o will_v die_v well_o if_o he_o will_v die_v well_o he_o must_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o miserable_a be_v the_o death_n that_o be_v without_o faith_n and_o herein_o faith_n and_o hope_n differ_v from_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n love_n joy_n zeal_n holiness_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a here_o and_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n but_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v perfect_v at_o our_o death_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o then_o to_o be_v believe_v nor_o hope_v for_o see_v we_o then_o do_v enjoy_v all_o thing_n but_o as_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o our_o life_n at_o our_o regeneration_n so_o they_o be_v make_v perfect_a when_o we_o die_v and_o they_o shine_v most_o glorious_o in_o the_o last_o and_o great_a combat_n of_o all_o which_o be_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n so_o that_o the_o death_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v the_o gate_n to_o glory_n be_v to_o die_v in_o faith_n beside_o as_o life_n leave_v we_o death_n find_v we_o and_o as_o death_n leave_v we_o the_o last_o judgement_n find_v we_o and_o as_o it_o leave_v we_o so_o we_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o recovery_n or_o alteration_n now_o to_o die_v in_o faith_n be_v to_o die_v in_o a_o assure_a estate_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v that_o that_o every_o man_n desire_v therefore_o as_o we_o all_o desire_v it_o so_o let_v we_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v attain_v unto_o it_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o 1._o corinth_n 15.55_o death_n be_v a_o terrible_a serpent_n for_o he_o have_v a_o poison_a sting_n now_o when_o we_o die_v we_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o this_o hideous_a and_o fearful_a serpent_n he_o be_v fearful_a every_o way_n but_o especial_o for_o his_o sting_n that_o sting_n be_v our_o sin_n and_o this_o sting_n be_v not_o take_v away_o nor_o the_o force_n of_o it_o quench_v but_o by_o true_a faith_n which_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes._n 6._o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_v with_o this_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o conquer_a of_o who_o who_o stand_v our_o happiness_n and_o by_o who_o to_o be_v conquer_v be_v our_o eternal_a misery_n we_o must_v then_o so_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v die_v in_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o die_v in_o faith_n that_o faith_n of_o he_o kill_v his_o sin_n and_o conquer_v death_n but_o he_o that_o die_v without_o faith_n death_n and_o sin_n seize_v on_o he_o and_o his_o sin_n live_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o misery_n by_o they_o now_o if_o we_o will_v die_v in_o faith_n we_o must_v live_v in_o faith_n else_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v for_o so_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n live_v long_o in_o this_o faith_n wherein_o they_o die_v for_o their_o holy_a life_n show_v plain_o that_o they_o live_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n say_v do_v purify_v our_o heart_n act._n 15.9_o now_o if_o we_o will_v live_v in_o true_a faith_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o set_v down_o by_o god_n word_n be_v these_o first_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v knowledge_n of_o
the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o second_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v note_v in_o these_o word_n and_o believe_v they_o where_o by_o believe_v we_o must_v understand_v not_o so_o much_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v note_v before_o as_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o the_o word_n import_v a_o confirmation_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o a_o resolution_n in_o assurance_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v not_o unusual_a in_o scripture_n for_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o church_n who_o have_v true_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n that_o they_o may_v increase_v and_o abound_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o ephesian_n 3.16.17_o philippian_n 1.9.11_o colossian_n 1.9.11_o here_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n of_o these_o patriarch_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o property_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o increase_v in_o faith_n till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n in_o god_n promise_n all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o lord_n talent_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v the_o lord_n servant_n call_v to_o occupy_v therewith_o now_o god_n have_v put_v his_o talon_n into_o any_o man_n hand_n do_v require_v the_o increase_n thereof_o as_o the_o parable_n show_v luke_n 19.13_o and_o this_o paul_n teach_v for_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o and_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ephesian_n 3.16_o he_o signify_v that_o he_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v go_v on_o from_o grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o be_v a_o tall_a man_n in_o christ_n as_o a_o child_n grow_v from_o year_n to_o year_n till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a man_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v like_a unto_o fire_n which_o will_v not_o go_v out_o so_o long_o as_o wood_n or_o other_o fuel_n be_v put_v unto_o it_o but_o will_v take_v hold_v thereof_o and_o grow_v unto_o a_o great_a flame_n and_o so_o will_v faith_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o all_o those_o that_o conscionablie_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o worde_n and_o prayer_n but_o go_v the_o case_n thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o general_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o many_o among_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o lust_n their_o good_a meaning_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n other_o and_o those_o not_o a_o few_o be_v so_o far_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o worse_o and_o still_o go_v backward_o more_o and_o more_o a_o three_o sort_n we_o have_v that_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o yet_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v very_o slender_a they_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o profit_v little_a now_o howsoever_o it_o may_v be_v think_v but_o a_o small_a fault_n not_o to_o profit_v in_o religion_n yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n in_o any_o congregation_n be_v daily_o teach_v and_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n note_v those_o woman_n to_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n which_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o timoth._n 3.7_o if_o a_o child_n late_o bear_v like_v not_o well_o nor_o grow_v when_o it_o have_v good_a keep_n the_o common_a say_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o changeling_n so_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o may_v most_o true_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a changeling_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n we_o must_v first_o labour_n for_o faith_n &_o have_v faith_n increase_v therein_o and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n in_o christ._n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o those_o patriarch_n increase_v in_o faith_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v attain_v hereto_o answer_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o may_v find_v three_o way_n whereby_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o do_v grow_v up_o in_o grace_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n merciful_o renew_v the_o same_o during_o his_o life_n as_o occasion_n serve_v sundry_a time_n he_o stay_v not_o there_o suffer_v it_o to_o die_v with_o abraham_n but_o when_o abraham_n be_v dead_a god_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o rebecka_n and_o with_o jacob_n also_o after_o they_o now_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v utter_v what_o a_o wonderful_a furtherance_n it_o be_v unto_o their_o faith_n to_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o to_o renew_v his_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o they_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o increase_a their_o faith_n be_v their_o holy_a converse_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o to_o nurture_n they_o up_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o do_v not_o only_o implant_v god_n promise_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o child_n but_o be_v themselves_o confirm_v in_o the_o same_o for_o he_o that_o teach_v another_o from_o a_o feel_a heart_n great_o strengthen_v his_o own_o soul_n now_o god_n himself_o do_v testify_v this_o thing_n of_o abraham_n 18.19_o say_v i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o son_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o judgement_n now_o look_v what_o abraham_n herein_o do_v to_o isaac_n that_o no_o doubt_n do_v isaac_n unto_o jacob_n the_o three_o mean_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n be_v from_o each_o one_o to_o himself_o for_o they_o give_v themselves_o often_o time_n in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o muse_n &_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 24.63_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n towards_o evening_n and_o we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o it_o be_v concern_v this_o and_o other_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o and_o we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o jaacob_n do_v the_o like_a these_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o these_o godly_a patriarch_n be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o faith_n all_o which_o must_v be_v mark_v of_o we_o diligent_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o and_o yet_o profit_v little_a by_o it_o be_v chief_o this_o because_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v grow_v up_o in_o faith_n be_v so_o slender_o use_v among_o us._n for_o the_o first_o mean_n which_o be_v on_o god_n behalf_n to_o man_n be_v through_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n plentiful_o afford_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o land_n in_o the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o god_n gracious_a promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v open_v and_o apply_v to_o man_n heart_n and_o his_o judgement_n against_o sin_n be_v sharp_o denounce_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ._n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v mutual_a instruction_n of_o father_n to_o child_n of_o master_n to_o servant_n and_o of_o one_o neighbour_n to_o another_o together_o with_o mutual_a conference_n about_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v or_o else_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o three_o mean_n which_o be_v private_a meditation_n upon_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n teach_v unto_o we_o which_o meditation_n be_v to_o a_o christian_a soul_n like_o the_o chew_v of_o the_o cud_n unto_o a_o beast_n for_o as_o chew_v the_o cud_n turn_v that_o which_o be_v eat_v into_o true_a feed_n so_o do_v holy_a meditation_n make_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n spiritual_a refresh_n by_o digest_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n if_o i_o say_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o these_o two_o latter_a we_o shall_v find_v they_o seldom_o use_v of_o very_a many_o or_o not_o at_o all_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o need_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o use_v these_o mean_n with_o care_n and_o reverence_n but_o alas_o these_o some_o be_v very_o few_o and_o because_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o slack_o perform_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v oft_o repeat_v yet_o man_n reap_v little_a profit_n by_o it_o so_o that_o we_o
son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v fast_o this_o promise_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v abraham_n practice_n for_o in_o this_o temptation_n god_n meaning_n be_v to_o try_v abraham_n and_o to_o see_v what_o he_o will_v do_v now_o abraham_n he_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n and_o yet_o obey_v god_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o earth_n can_v tell_v how_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o commandment_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o this_o be_v abraham_n faith_n though_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o reason_n know_v not_o yet_o god_n know_v and_o therefore_o see_v i_o have_v his_o commandment_n i_o will_v obey_v it_o and_o see_v i_o have_v his_o word_n and_o promise_n i_o will_v believe_v that_o also_o and_o never_o forsake_v it_o and_o even_o thus_o must_v we_o strive_v to_o do_v in_o all_o temptation_n whatsoever_o yea_o even_o in_o those_o that_o come_v from_o satan_n which_o be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o all_o violence_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v and_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v ever_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o satan_n to_o hold_v that_o god_n promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o but_o rather_o see_v the_o contrary_n and_o though_o in_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o stick_v always_o to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o question_n yet_o in_o spiritual_a temptation_n and_o trial_n this_o be_v sound_a divinity_n always_o to_o hold_v god_n promise_n and_o to_o stick_v fast_o to_o that_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o follow_v satan_n in_o his_o argument_n neither_o suffer_v he_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o drive_v we_o from_o it_o further_o in_o that_o this_o fact_n of_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v only_a abraham_n trial_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v he_o just_a before_o god_n but_o only_o serve_v to_o prove_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v iust._n and_o therefore_o whereas_o saint_n james_n say_v jam._n 2.21_o that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v through_o work_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n upon_o the_o altar_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o abraham_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v just_a before_o god_n by_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n and_o not_o that_o by_o this_o fact_n abraham_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v make_v just_a or_o of_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v make_v more_o just_a for_o indeed_o good_a work_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n just_a but_o only_o do_v prove_v and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v just_a three_o god_n give_v abraham_n this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n but_o yet_o he_o conceal_v from_o he_o what_o be_v his_o purpose_n and_o intent_n herein_o for_o god_n mean_v not_o that_o abraham_n shall_v kill_v his_o son_n indeed_o but_o only_o to_o try_v what_o he_o will_v do_v whether_o he_o will_v still_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o or_o not_o where_o we_o see_v that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n his_o will_n but_o not_o his_o whole_a will_n whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n according_a to_o this_o example_n of_o god_n when_o he_o tell_v a_o thing_n to_o another_o to_o conceal_v his_o meaning_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v two_o extremity_n both_o which_o must_v be_v avoid_v in_o this_o case_n 1_o that_o a_o man_n must_v always_o express_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n 2_o that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v speak_v one_o thing_n and_o think_v another_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o meaning_n but_o this_o late_a be_v no_o way_n lawful_a and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a we_o therefore_o must_v hold_v a_o mean_a between_o both_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v conceal_v his_o whole_a meaning_n say_v nothing_o though_o they_o be_v examine_v namely_o when_o the_o conceal_n thereof_o do_v direct_o stand_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brother_n thus_o godly_a martyr_n have_v do_v for_o be_v examine_v before_o tyrant_n where_o and_o with_o who_o they_o worship_v god_n they_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o disclose_v their_o brethren_n and_o this_o conceal_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v lawful_a because_o it_o touch_v immediate_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n second_o a_o man_n may_v conceal_v part_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o must_v be_v also_o with_o these_o two_o caveat_n first_o that_o it_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n second_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o gods_n church_n thus_o do_v jonas_n conceal_v the_o condition_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o ninivites_fw-la when_o he_o preach_v destruction_n unto_o they_o say_v within_o forty_o day_n and_o niniveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o event_n that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v spare_v if_o they_o do_v repent_v but_o that_o condition_n god_n will_v have_v conceal_v because_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o ninivites_fw-la to_o have_v know_v it_o since_o the_o conceal_n of_o it_o cause_v they_o more_o speedy_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v but_o out_o of_o these_o case_n a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o speak_v must_v declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n or_o else_o he_o sin_n great_o against_o god_n commandment_n forsake_v the_o property_n of_o the_o godly_a psal._n 15.2_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n the_o second_o impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n offer_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n we_o know_v that_o the_o love_n of_o parent_n descend_v to_o every_o child_n natural_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o only_o beget_v upon_o who_o be_v but_o one_o all_o that_o be_v bestow_v which_o when_o there_o be_v many_o be_v divide_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n this_o may_v great_o hinder_v abraham_n obedience_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o offer_v his_o son_n yea_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n but_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o temptation_n break_v through_o this_o impediment_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n where_o we_o note_v that_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n overcome_v his_o own_o nature_n love_n be_v the_o strong_a affection_n in_o the_o heart_n especial_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n even_o his_o only_a child_n and_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o overcome_v this_o love_n in_o the_o parent_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o death_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o child_n but_o yet_o behold_v abraham_n by_o faith_n subdue_v this_o special_a love_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o only_a child_n god_n himself_o testify_v of_o abraham_n that_o his_o love_n to_o isaac_n be_v great_a gen._n 22.2_o and_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o his_o love_n this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v as_o declare_v the_o great_a power_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o if_o faith_n can_v overcome_v create_v and_o sanctify_a nature_n then_o undoubted_o the_o power_n thereof_o will_v enable_v man_n to_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o overcome_v our_o nature_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o which_o come_v in_o by_o transgression_n and_o hence_o such_o excellent_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o and_o god_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o purify_v the_o heart_n faith_n strengthen_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 1._o pet._n 1.5_o be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v nature_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o then_o howsoever_o religion_n be_v receive_v and_o faith_n profess_v general_o among_o we_o yet_o undoubted_o there_o be_v little_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n for_o even_o among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o subdue_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n and_o suppress_v the_o work_n of_o their_o wicked_a nature_n sure_o very_o few_o now_o where_o corruption_n bear_v sway_v and_o sin_n reign_v there_o sound_a faith_n can_v be_v for_o if_o faith_n be_v sound_a in_o man_n it_o will_v purify_v
therefore_o she_o come_v to_o the_o spy_n who_o she_o have_v receive_v and_o hide_v upon_o the_o roof_n of_o her_o house_n &_o there_o confess_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n in_o heaven_n above_o 11._o and_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o here_o we_o may_v note_v that_o when_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v for_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n then_o god_n can_v work_v faith_n extraordinary_o even_o by_o report_n and_o rumour_n for_o thus_o rahab_n and_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a come_v to_o believe_v we_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o that_o their_o religion_n can_v save_v a_o man_n hereupon_o many_o that_o savour_v that_o way_n reply_n and_o say_v will_v you_o therefore_o condemn_v all_o your_o forefather_n that_o live_v and_o die_v in_o time_n of_o popery_n we_o answer_v no_o we_o dare_v not_o give_v such_o censure_n upon_o they_o but_o rather_o judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o yea_o we_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v save_v for_o though_o they_o want_v preach_v &_o read_v yet_o god_n may_v work_v faith_n in_o they_o extraordinary_o and_o bless_v even_o good_a report_n and_o speech_n unto_o they_o with_o the_o read_n of_o other_o godly_a book_n beside_o god_n word_n which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v we_o need_v not_o then_o give_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n of_o they_o because_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o can_v save_v extraordinary_o when_o mean_n fail_v further_o concern_v rahabs_n faith_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o it_o be_v weak_a or_o strong_a because_o before_o she_o have_v do_v this_o fact_n of_o faith_n her_o whole_a abode_n be_v among_o the_o heathen_a answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o certain_a seed_n or_o beginning_n or_o preparation_n to_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v honour_n with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n as_o when_o a_o man_n know_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n have_v withal_o a_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o profit_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o join_v practice_n therewith_o in_o his_o life_n and_o calling_n example_n hereof_o we_o have_v many_o in_o god_n word_n a_o certain_a ruler_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o go_v down_o &_o heal_v his_o son_n joh._n 4.49_o 50._o etc._n etc._n jesus_n but_o say_v unto_o he_o go_v thy_o way_n thy_o son_n live_v and_o the_o ruler_n believe_v the_o word_n that_o jesus_n speak_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o son_n live_v now_o inquire_v of_o the_o hour_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o time_n when_o jesus_n say_v thy_o son_n live_v the_o text_n say_v he_o believe_v and_o all_o his_o household_n now_o what_o be_v this_o man_n faith_n sure_o he_o only_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o withal_o resign_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n to_o be_v instruct_v further_o therein_o and_o though_o they_o know_v nothing_o particular_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o saviour_n yet_o for_o this_o willingness_n in_o embrace_v christ_n and_o readiness_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v they_o do_v believe_v so_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 29_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n be_v convict_v in_o her_o conscience_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n tell_v she_o run_v into_o the_o town_n and_o say_v come_v see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o he_o the_o christ_n then_o the_o text_n say_v many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v because_o of_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n now_o what_o faith_n have_v these_o samaritan_n sure_o they_o do_v only_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o his_o doctrine_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o go_v to_o hear_v he_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o likewise_o christ_n give_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o apostle_n faith_n math._n 16.17_o 18_o in_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v upon_o this_o your_o faith_n which_o thou_o confess_v will_n i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o main_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o little_a after_o when_o christ_n tell_v they_o of_o his_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o his_o passion_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o elect_a peter_n persuade_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a say_v master_n spare_v thyself_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o peter_n do_v not_o know_v how_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o saviour_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n particular_o know_v christ_n his_o resurrection_n till_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o yea_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o ascension_n they_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o they_o ask_v he_o lord_n will_v thou_o now_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n 1.6_o dream_v still_o of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n for_o which_o christ_n rebuke_n they_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o want_n christ_n say_v they_o have_v true_a faith_n yea_o such_o faith_n as_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o this_o then_o be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a truth_n that_o if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o further_a knowledge_n do_v hold_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yield_v himself_o willing_a to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o withal_o join_v obedience_n to_o his_o knowledge_n the_o lord_n be_v willing_a for_o a_o time_n to_o accept_v of_o this_o as_o of_o true_a faith_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o rahabs_n faith_n her_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a faith_n or_o rather_o the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n afterward_o for_o as_o we_o may_v read_v all_o that_o she_o know_v be_v this_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o deliver_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o the_o israelite_n hand_n 2.11_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a persuasion_n wrought_v by_o a_o report_n and_o according_o she_o join_v herself_o to_o god_n people_n and_o resign_v herself_o to_o obey_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o whether_o she_o know_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o here_o set_v down_o and_o it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o as_o yet_o she_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o it_o for_o here_o be_v all_o thing_n set_v down_o that_o tend_v to_o her_o commendation_n so_o that_o her_o faith_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o only_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o yet_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v commend_v she_o for_o her_o faith_n among_o the_o most_o renown_a believer_n that_o ever_o be_v hence_o we_o may_v learn_v many_o good_a instruction_n first_o that_o god_n make_v much_o account_n of_o a_o little_a grace_n if_o he_o see_v in_o a_o man_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n he_o do_v high_o esteem_v thereof_o when_o the_o young_a man_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o ask_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v 10.17_o christ_n tell_v he_o he_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o young_a man_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o his_o youth_n at_o which_o answer_n it_o be_v say_v christ_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o this_o he_o he_o do_v for_o the_o show_n of_o grace_n which_o appear_v in_o his_o answer_n much_o more_o than_o will_v he_o like_v of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a grace_n indeed_o so_o likewise_o christ_n reason_v with_o the_o scribe_n concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o perceive_v that_o he_o have_v answer_v discreet_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 12.34_o show_v hereby_o how_o deep_o he_o tender_v the_o spark_n and_o seed_n of_o true_a grace_n nay_o he_o make_v much_o of_o a_o very_a show_n of_o grace_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o any_o of_o we_o but_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a grace_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o tender_v it_o and_o cherish_v it_o and_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o with_o all_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o it_o yea_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o increase_v the_o same_o for_o according_a to_o our_o grace_n be_v our_o acceptance_n and_o respect_n with_o god_n in_o christ._n second_o whereas_o
ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n able_a to_o reform_v both_o the_o misdemeanour_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o error_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o to_o the_o reason_n more_o particular_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n here_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o for_o their_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n and_o then_o to_o a_o cloud_n compass_v us._n last_o to_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n as_o i_o take_v it_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o cloud_n which_o direct_v and_o lead_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o when_o they_o come_v from_o egypt_n and_o be_v 40._o year_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n all_o that_o while_n they_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n by_o day_n exod._n 13.21_o now_o look_v as_o this_o cloud_n guide_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o do_v this_o company_n of_o famous_a believer_n direct_v all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o right_a way_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o these_o worthy_a believer_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n mark_v further_o they_o be_v call_v a_o cloud_n but_o what_o a_o cloud_n namely_o compass_v us._n a_o compass_v cloud_n they_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a company_n of_o believer_n so_o as_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v he_o he_o shall_v see_v believer_n on_o every_o side_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o compass_v we_o because_o they_o give_v we_o direction_n in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o cloud_n do_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o here_o be_v answer_v a_o common_a objection_n of_o temporizer_n which_o argue_v thus_o against_o religion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o religion_n now_o aday_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o to_o be_v of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n till_o we_o be_v certify_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o carnal_a reason_n be_v here_o answer_v for_o howsoever_o in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o god_n church_n yet_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n all_o agree_v in_o one_o for_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n resemble_v a_o cloud_n that_o go_v before_o we_o show_v we_o the_o right_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o in_o that_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o as_o the_o israelites_n do_v follow_v the_o cloud_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o these_o ancient_a believe_a father_n &_o prophet_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o the_o israelite_n follow_v that_o cloud_n they_o never_o go_v till_o it_o go_v before_o they_o and_o when_o it_o stand_v still_o they_o stand_v still_o also_o though_o it_o be_v 2._o year_n together_o and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o move_v they_o move_v with_o it_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v we_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o life_n the_o worthy_a example_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 15.4_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o in_o faith_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v direct_v to_o life_n everlasting_a in_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v they_o absolute_o for_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o infirmity_n &_o some_o of_o they_o have_v their_o grievous_a fault_n whereby_o they_o be_v taint_v &_o their_o commendation_n somewhat_o blemish_v but_o we_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n &_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o cloud_n that_o guide_v the_o israelite_n have_v two_o part_n 14.20_o a_o light_a part_n &_o a_o dark_a the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n people_n have_v not_o the_o light_a part_n before_o they_o but_o the_o dark_a part_n &_o so_o follow_v that_o they_o rush_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n &_o be_v drown_v when_o as_o the_o israelite_n follow_v the_o light_a part_n go_v through_o in_o safety_n even_o so_o these_o believer_n have_v in_o they_o two_o thing_n their_o sin_n which_o be_v their_o dark_a part_n which_o if_o we_o follow_v we_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o great_a danger_n &_o destruction_n and_o faith_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v their_o light_a part_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v as_o our_o light_n which_o if_o we_o do_v careful_o it_o will_v bring_v we_o safe_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o paul_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n be_v follower_n of_o he_o yet_o not_o absolute_o in_o every_o thing_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n and_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o father_n as_o they_o go_v on_o in_o faith_n in_o christ._n further_o they_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o witness_n and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o by_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o confirm_v the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o because_o they_o do_v all_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n whereof_o they_o be_v witness_n partly_o by_o speech_n and_o partly_o by_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o be_v every_o member_n of_o christ_n a_o witness_n as_o the_o lord_n often_o call_v the_o believe_a israelite_n 12_o his_o witness_n quest._n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o these_o believer_n shall_v be_v god_n witness_n answer_n sure_o because_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n holy_a religion_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o see_v these_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v christ_n witness_n first_o hereby_o all_o ignorant_a person_n must_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o get_v faith_n and_o to_o learn_v true_a religion_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v move_v a_o man_n to_o become_v religious_a this_o will_n for_o out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n god_n will_v choose_v faithful_a man_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n to_o testify_v of_o his_o religion_n unto_o other_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o worthy_a mighty_a prince_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n 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mark_v &_o hate_v worse_o than_o toad_n &_o adder_n and_o if_o such_o a_o one_o can_v be_v convict_v by_o any_o lawful_a evidence_n if_o ever_o heretic_n or_o traitor_n deserve_a death_n such_o a_o one_o deserve_v ten_o death_n as_o be_v a_o traitor_n to_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o nature_n herself_o and_o though_o these_o wretch_n say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o make_v they_o a_o god_n of_o themselves_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o affection_n to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o their_o profit_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v a_o god_n but_o a_o false_a god_n these_o have_v be_v in_o all_o country_n and_o in_o most_o age_n as_o history_n do_v show_v some_o worship_v the_o sun_n some_o the_o moon_n some_o star_n some_o beast_n bird_n fish_n some_o dead_a idol_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n or_o metal_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n &_o no_o better_o be_v some_o in_o these_o church_n where_o the_o true_a god_n be_v worship_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v covetousness_n be_v idolatry_n for_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v set_v whole_o on_o riches_n than_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n be_v his_o god_n and_o to_o other_o who_o affection_n be_v all_o on_o pleasure_n their_o belly_n be_v their_o god_n let_v these_o man_n hold_v in_o judgement_n as_o they_o can_v their_o practice_n i_o be_o sure_a proclaim_v atheism_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n but_o in_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v 3._o principal_a sort_n first_o turk_n second_o jew_n who_o hold_v the_o true_a god_n but_o deny_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o christ._n three_o the_o true_a papist_n hold_v in_o word_n one_o god_n &_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n as_o we_o do_v but_o look_v at_o their_o doctrine_n and_o if_o their_o word_n have_v any_o natural_a meaning_n they_o deny_v it_o for_o if_o the_o second_o person_n be_v true_a christ_n then_o have_v he_o two_o nature_n godhead_n and_o manhood_n but_o by_o their_o feign_a transubstantiation_n they_o quite_o take_v away_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o manhood_n and_o again_o christ_n have_v three_o office_n he_o be_v the_o true_a king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o he_o be_v not_o christ_n but_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o necessary_a consequence_n deny_v they_o all_o as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v unto_o their_o shame_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o they_o never_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n can_v or_o dare_v answer_v it_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o shall_v soon_o either_o hear_v of_o we_o again_o or_o else_o we_o will_v recant_v it_o but_o till_o then_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o god_n be_v by_o their_o doctrine_n not_o the_o true_a god_n but_o a_o idol_n for_o he_o that_o deny_v the_o son_n deny_v the_o father_n also_o 2.23_o as_o say_v s._n john_n the_o four_o sort_n of_o atheist_n be_v such_o as_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a 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let_v any_o man_n profess_v what_o he_o will_v if_o his_o life_n be_v nought_o his_o religion_n be_v a_o false_a religion_n in_o he_o now_o then_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o point_n with_o the_o use_n thereof_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o sort_n of_o atheist_n that_o almost_o the_o world_n be_v full_a and_o that_o we_o be_v all_o so_o by_o nature_n then_o first_o let_v we_o see_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n aright_o and_o if_o no_o man_n come_v to_o god_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v god_n aright_o than_o we_o see_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_v though_o so_o few_o come_v to_o god_n let_v we_o
holy_a and_o frequent_a use_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o to_o none_o else_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o papist_n be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v with_o their_o own_o forge_a revelation_n they_o will_v never_o deny_v it_o by_o force_n of_o this_o testimony_n a_o christian_a man_n know_v as_o assure_o as_o that_o god_n be_v god_n that_o the_o pope_n as_o now_o he_o be_v and_o as_o he_o exercise_v his_o place_n and_o power_n can_v be_v the_o true_a vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o popery_n as_o it_o be_v now_o establish_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o teach_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o their_o side_n can_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n nor_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o when_o question_n be_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v say_v the_o contrary_a a_o christian_a man_n will_v know_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o more_o mediator_n to_o god_n but_o christ_n or_o of_o that_o place_n that_o christ_n be_v offer_v for_o our_o sin_n once_o for_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sacrifice_n can_v purchase_v we_o pardon_n but_o he_o let_v papist_n colour_v the_o matter_n by_o unsound_a distinction_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v &_o the_o same_o may_v be_v show_v in_o diverse_a other_o point_n and_o place_n and_o if_o any_o ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v i_o answer_v noah_n be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v so_o god_n child_n be_v warn_v and_o assure_v of_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v thing_n beyond_o sense_n and_o reason_n god_n secret_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o use_n of_o exhortation_n be_v that_o if_o god_n warn_v his_o child_n of_o his_o will_n &_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o they_o this_o shall_v move_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o become_v true_o and_o indeed_o 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two_o thing_n first_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o god_n in_o those_o man_n heart_n that_o have_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o always_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v god_n word_n that_o it_o be_v supernatural_a it_o appear_v in_o that_o it_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n word_n deliver_v be_v it_o never_o so_o incredible_a to_o reason_n or_o sense_n but_o how_o do_v god_n work_v this_o faith_n by_o his_o word_n for_o as_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o worker_n of_o faith_n so_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o mean_n whereby_o he_o work_v it_o and_o that_o be_v his_o word_n which_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a outward_a mean_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o that_o word_n of_o god_n be_v two_o way_n to_o be_v consider_v either_o as_o reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o to_o noah_n here_o or_o else_o be_v write_v by_o god_n be_v either_o preach_v by_o his_o minister_n or_o read_v by_o a_o man_n self_n in_o want_n of_o preach_v and_o these_o be_v all_o one_o and_o be_v all_o mean_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o begin_v it_o where_o it_o be_v want_v but_o to_o augment_v it_o where_o it_o be_v begin_v which_o be_v so_o it_o must_v teach_v we_o all_o not_o only_o with_o special_a care_n and_o reverence_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v preach_v but_o also_o to_o hear_v it_o read_v yea_o to_o read_v it_o ourselves_o with_o all_o diligence_n so_o do_v it_o will_v work_v out_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o we_o that_o holy_a faith_n which_o will_v make_v we_o bless_v in_o ourselves_o and_o accept_v of_o god_n as_o it_o do_v noah_n in_o this_o place_n second_o here_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o be_v all_o that_o that_o faith_n believe_v namely_o nothing_o but_o god_n word_n and_o all_o and_o every_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o faith_n have_v two_o object_n differ_v not_o in_o nature_n but_o in_o degree_n principal_a and_o inferior_a the_o principal_a object_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ._n the_o inferior_a object_n thereof_o be_v all_o other_o particular_a promise_n of_o safety_n deliverance_n providence_n help_n assistance_n comfort_n or_o what_o other_o benefit_n soever_o be_v make_v either_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o inclusive_o to_o any_o particular_a man_n or_o which_o be_v personal_o make_v unto_o he_o for_o save_v faith_n believe_v not_o only_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o salvation_n but_o all_o other_o promise_n either_o of_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a blessing_n which_o be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o great_a promise_n and_o do_v depend_v of_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o apprehend_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n so_o noah_n here_o have_v already_o apprehend_v the_o main_a promise_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o have_v hide_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o afterward_o when_o this_o particular_a promise_n of_o his_o deliverance_n be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o faith_n he_o lay_v hold_v on_o it_o also_o and_o it_o be_v good_a reason_n that_o faith_n shall_v do_v so_o for_o if_o it_o apprehend_v the_o great_a promise_n than_o no_o marvel_n though_o it_o take_v hold_v of_o all_o other_o inferior_a promise_n which_o be_v but_o dependence_n upon_o the_o principal_a by_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v wrongful_o charge_v by_o they_o who_o say_v we_o teach_v that_o save_a faith_n believe_v only_a salvation_n by_o christ_n or_o apprehend_v only_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n in_o christ_n for_o we_o say_v &_o teach_v it_o apprehend_v also_o other_o particular_a promise_n &_o even_o the_o promise_n of_o outward_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o exsample_n of_o noah_n last_o in_o that_o noah_n a_o faithful_a man_n be_v here_o warn_v of_o god_n of_o the_o danger_n ensue_v that_o so_o he_o may_v avoid_v they_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o love_a care_n that_o god_n have_v over_o they_o who_o have_v a_o care_n to_o fear_v and_o serve_v he_o thus_o deal_v he_o with_o his_o child_n in_o all_o age_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o preservation_n to_o encourage_v all_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n as_o here_o noah_n do_v for_o so_o do_v they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o of_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o even_o then_o when_o his_o wrath_n smoke_v against_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o furthermore_o in_o all_o exigent_n and_o extremity_n he_o will_v â—each_v they_o either_o from_o his_o word_n or_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o some_o other_o of_o his_o child_n or_o else_o by_o his_o own_o secret_a inspiration_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o what_o course_n to_o take_v for_o their_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n how_o often_o shall_v a_o christian_a man_n find_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n that_o god_n put_v into_o his_o mind_n to_o answer_v thus_o or_o thus_o or_o to_o foresee_v this_o or_o that_o by_o which_o his_o so_o do_v he_o escape_v some_o great_a danger_n so_o that_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o noah_n be_v all_o faithful_a man_n do_v daily_o find_v that_o they_o be_v warn_v by_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v concern_v they_o but_o what_o be_v those_o thing_n whereof_o noah_n be_v warn_v from_o god_n the_o text_n say_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o not_o see_v this_o have_v not_o relation_n to_o the_o time_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n write_v these_o word_n but_o when_o god_n give_v the_o warning_n to_o noah_n for_o than_o they_o be_v not_o see_v but_o be_v to_o
company_n at_o abraham_n request_n have_v there_o be_v but_o 10._o righteous_a man_n in_o sodom_n all_o have_v be_v spare_v for_o their_o sake_n gen._n 18.32_o when_o joseph_n dwell_v in_o egypt_n all_o putiphars_n house_n and_o all_o in_o it_o though_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a man_n be_v bless_v for_o josephs_n sake_n gen._n 39.5_o when_o lot_n be_v deliver_v out_o of_o sodomes_n destruction_n the_o angel_n ask_v he_o have_v thou_o any_o son_n in_o law_n that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v save_v for_o his_o sake_n gen._n 19.12_o when_o paul_n and_o 276._o soul_n with_o he_o suffer_v shipwreck_n and_o be_v all_o in_o present_a danger_n of_o drown_v god_n save_v paul_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n all_o the_o rest_n god_n give_v he_o the_o life_n of_o all_o that_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ship_n act_n 27.24_o and_o so_o here_o noah_n child_n and_o their_o wife_n be_v spare_v for_o noah_n sake_n let_v this_o encourage_v all_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n see_v thereby_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v themselves_o alone_o bless_v but_o bring_v down_o god_n blessing_n even_o on_o their_o house_n child_n and_o posterity_n yea_o the_o very_a place_n where_o and_o the_o people_n with_o who_o they_o dwell_v shall_v fare_v the_o better_a for_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n &_o reason_n why_o not_o noah_n alone_o but_o even_o his_o household_n be_v also_o save_v in_o the_o four_o place_n let_v we_o observe_v how_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o noah_n build_v the_o ark_n not_o for_o the_o save_n of_o himself_o but_o of_o his_o household_n and_o it_o be_v so_o say_v for_o two_o cause_n first_o to_o show_v that_o noah_n though_o he_o be_v the_o head_n &_o governor_n yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o household_n for_o in_o the_o word_n household_n himself_o be_v comprehend_v master_n and_o father_n though_o they_o be_v governor_n yet_o must_v think_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o household_n so_o will_v they_o have_v more_o care_n thereof_o when_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a second_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o care_n noah_n have_v for_o his_o family_n even_o so_o great_a as_o he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n to_o save_v they_o withal_o here_o be_v a_o example_n of_o a_o worthy_a master_n of_o a_o household_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v but_o for_o a_o temporal_a deliverance_n now_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a for_o their_o bodily_a safety_n how_o much_o more_o be_v he_o to_o save_v they_o from_o hell_n and_o damnation_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o eternal_a destruction_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n therefore_o doubtless_o as_o he_o be_v a_o diligent_a preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o that_o sinful_a world_n so_o principal_o a_o diligent_a preacher_n and_o prayer_n and_o catechiser_n of_o his_o own_o family_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v they_o god_n servant_n and_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o eternal_a fire_n of_o hell_n noah_n example_n be_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o parent_n and_o father_n of_o family_n to_o teach_v they_o care_n not_o only_o for_o the_o body_n &_o bodily_a welfare_n of_o their_o family_n but_o especial_o for_o their_o soul_n and_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o if_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o all_o bond_n of_o nature_n and_o religion_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o body_n of_o their_o child_n let_v reason_n judge_v how_o much_o more_o straight_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o look_v to_o their_o soul_n but_o s._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o temporal_a thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o family_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n 1._o timon_n 5.8_o then_o what_o be_v he_o who_o provide_v nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n sure_o his_o case_n be_v extreme_o fearful_a therefore_o when_o thou_o have_v provide_v meat_n apparel_n a_o calling_n and_o marriage_n house_n &_o live_v for_o thy_o child_n think_v not_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o so_o may_v turn_v they_o off_o the_o world_n may_v take_v they_o thus_o but_o god_n will_v not_o take_v they_o so_o at_o thy_o hand_n no_o the_o great_a duty_n remain_v behind_o thou_o must_v provide_v for_o their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v know_v god_n &_o fear_v his_o name_n thou_o must_v with_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o teach_v thy_o family_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n i_o know_v abraham_n say_v god_n that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o sure_o god_n will_v know_v all_o such_o as_o do_v so_o by_o do_v thus_o man_n shall_v make_v their_o house_n church_n of_o god_n as_o here_o noah_n be_v &_o it_o will_v be_v far_o better_o with_o our_o church_n &_o state_n if_o man_n do_v so_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n &_o justice_n in_o the_o country_n shall_v have_v much_o less_o to_o do_v if_o master_n of_o family_n will_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o to_o go_v further_o let_v we_o see_v more_o particular_o what_o this_o household_n be_v that_o be_v thus_o save_v by_o the_o ark_n first_o it_o be_v a_o family_n of_o four_o man_n &_o four_o woman_n not_o man_n or_o woman_n alone_a but_o both_o and_o consist_v of_o as_o many_o woman_n as_o man_n thus_o god_n will_v have_v one_o sex_n to_o love_v another_o and_o one_o to_o think_v themselves_o beholden_a to_o the_o other_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o first_o world_n be_v by_o one_o man_n &_o one_o woman_n of_o the_o second_o by_o four_o man_n and_o four_o woman_n but_o always_o equal_a and_o here_o also_o god_n will_v teach_v man_n not_o to_o contemn_v the_o other_o though_o the_o weak_a sex_n for_o god_n save_v as_o many_o of_o they_o from_o the_o universal_a flood_n as_o he_o do_v man_n second_o how_o many_o be_v they_o in_o all_o but_o eight_o person_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n no_o more_o be_v save_v a_o miserable_a spectacle_n see_v what_o sin_n can_v do_v it_o can_v bring_v many_o million_o to_o eight_o person_n in_o a_o short_a time_n see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v god_n let_v we_o not_o then_o glory_n in_o our_o multitude_n but_o glory_n in_o this_o that_o we_o know_v and_o serve_v god_n for_o otherwise_o if_o our_o sin_n cry_v out_o to_o he_o against_o we_o he_o can_v easy_o make_v we_o few_o enough_o three_o what_o be_v these_o eight_o person_n not_o one_o servant_n among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o but_o noah_n and_o his_o wife_n his_o three_o son_n and_o their_o wife_n it_o be_v marvellous_a that_o here_o be_v none_o of_o noah_n servant_n some_o think_v he_o have_v none_o and_o that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o those_o day_n require_v no_o attendance_n but_o that_o each_o one_o be_v servant_n to_o himself_o and_o they_o seem_v to_o gather_v it_o out_o of_o gen_n 7.1_o where_o god_n bid_v noah_n enter_v thou_o &_o all_o thy_o house_n into_o the_o ark_n and_o when_o they_o enter_v they_o be_v recount_v in_o the_o seven_o verse_n to_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o his_o wife_n and_o his_o child_n therefore_o say_v they_o in_o noah_n house_n there_o be_v no_o servant_n but_o why_o may_v not_o noah_n have_v servant_n as_o well_o as_o abraham_n and_o lot_n have_v doubtless_o he_o have_v but_o behold_v a_o wonderful_a matter_n noah_n own_a servant_n will_v not_o believe_v his_o preach_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o live_v loose_o with_o the_o world_n &_o perish_v with_o it_o then_o to_o live_v godly_a with_o their_o master_n and_o be_v save_v with_o he_o this_o be_v and_o will_v be_v true_a in_o all_o age_n that_o in_o a_o wicked_a age_n or_o in_o a_o wicked_a town_n a_o master_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o govern_v his_o own_o servant_n but_o the_o stream_n of_o common_a wickedness_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o other_o man_n do_v draw_v they_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o their_o master_n they_o can_v ready_o allege_v for_o themselves_o we_o will_v not_o be_v use_v more_o hardly_o then_o other_o man_n be_v we_o will_v not_o be_v tie_v to_o our_o hour_n &_o bind_v to_o so_o many_o exercise_n we_o will_v do_v as_o other_o do_v thus_o will_v noah_n servant_n do_v and_o perish_v with_o the_o world_n so_o hard_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o good_a man_n to_o have_v good_a servant_n in_o such_o time_n or_o place_n where_o wickedness_n reign_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v in_o some_o sort_n how_o the_o ark_n save_v noah_n and_o his_o household_n and_o what_o this_o household_n of_o his_o be_v now_o beside_o this_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o ark_n we_o be_v further_a to_o know_v that_o whereas_o this_o save_n of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o corporal_a deliverance_n from_o a_o temporal_a death_n this_o ark_n have_v also_o a_o spiritual_a use_n which_o we_o may_v not_o omit_v for_o as_o many_o of_o noah_n family_n as_o be_v true_a believer_n
into_o the_o body_n of_o scripture_n even_o as_o the_o three_o sentence_n of_o the_o heathen_a poet_n allege_v by_o saint_n paul_n act_n 17.28_o 1._o corinthian_n 15.33_o titus_n 1.12_o have_v now_o a_o divine_a truth_n in_o they_o which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o but_o yet_o will_v some_o say_v the_o apostle_n have_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o tradition_n see_v they_o be_v not_o write_v i_o answer_v we_o may_v safe_o grant_v it_o and_o yet_o our_o cause_n lose_v nothing_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v they_o by_o inspiration_n and_o not_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v as_o likely_a or_o much_o more_o than_o the_o other_o three_o but_o for_o this_o particular_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o word_n or_o at_o least_o the_o matter_n out_o of_o the_o story_n in_o genesis_n for_o thus_o go_v the_o word_n gâ—d_v say_v to_o abraham_n go_v out_o of_o thy_o country_n etc._n etc._n into_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o he_o name_v none_o to_o he_o but_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v show_v he_o one_o so_o then_o abraham_n go_v out_o at_o god_n appointment_n and_o god_n know_v but_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v he_o know_v well_o the_o land_n he_o leave_v but_o he_o know_v not_o the_o land_n he_o shall_v have_v but_o it_o may_v be_v again_o object_v that_o this_o be_v not_o true_a for_o it_o appear_v gen._n 12.5_o that_o abraham_n with_o sarah_n his_o wife_n and_o all_o their_o substance_n depart_v to_o go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n they_o come_v therefore_o he_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v namely_o to_o that_o land_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a he_o go_v out_o with_o purpose_n and_o assurance_n to_o inherit_v a_o land_n promise_v he_o by_o god_n but_o not_o name_v to_o he_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v there_o say_v he_o go_v out_o to_o go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n that_o be_v speak_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o performance_n when_o he_o be_v come_v thither_o not_o of_o the_o first_o promise_n make_v he_o at_o his_o departure_n or_o of_o the_o time_n when_o moses_n write_v it_o not_o of_o the_o time_n when_o god_n speak_v it_o to_o abraham_n and_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o land_n god_n do_v mean_a until_o he_o come_v thither_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o seven_o verse_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o abraham_n have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o wai_o come_v into_o canaan_n than_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o say_v this_o land_n will_v i_o give_v unto_o thy_o seed_n but_o till_o than_o god_n never_o name_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v afore_o that_o he_o believe_v and_o obey_v upon_o the_o general_a promise_n but_o now_o when_o god_n do_v particular_o specify_v and_o show_v what_o land_n he_o then_o show_v his_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o do_v there_o build_v a_o altar_n unto_o the_o god_n that_o have_v appear_v unto_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o abraham_n go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v which_o be_v so_o it_o appear_v that_o abraham_n do_v that_o which_o the_o world_n will_v call_v plain_a foolishness_n to_o leave_v know_v friend_n for_o unknowen_a certain_a live_n for_o uncertain_a be_v a_o simple_a course_n in_o man_n reason_n at_o least_o the_o world_n will_v say_v he_o may_v first_o have_v demand_v of_o god_n what_o land_n that_o be_v which_o he_o shall_v have_v before_o he_o leave_v that_o which_o he_o have_v but_o abraham_n make_v no_o such_o question_n move_v no_o such_o doubt_n but_o believe_v and_o obay_v and_o go_v out_o of_o his_o certain_a dwell_n at_o god_n calling_n though_o he_o know_v not_o where_o to_o lodge_v at_o night_n this_o practice_n of_o faithful_a abraham_n have_v profitable_a use_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o god_n commandment_n seem_v foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a yet_o we_o must_v obey_v they_o christ_n say_v if_o a_o man_n will_v ever_o come_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.3_o s._n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v wise_a let_v he_o be_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a 1._o corinth_n 3.18_o christ_n say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o follow_v i_o luk_n 9.23_o but_o how_o can_v these_o commandment_n be_v believe_v or_o do_v how_o can_v reason_n believe_v they_o how_o can_v nature_n do_v they_o so_o dispute_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n with_o christ_n john_n 4.11_o when_o christ_n tell_v she_o he_o will_v give_v she_o of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n she_o reply_v sir_n thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o draw_v with_o and_o the_o well_o be_v deep_a whence_o then_o have_v thou_o that_o water_n of_o life_n thus_o we_o object_n and_o reason_n against_o god_n with_o carnal_a objection_n and_o weigh_v god_n commandment_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n thus_o god_n and_o his_o commandment_n be_v much_o abuse_v by_o us._n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n 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it_o measure_v they_o by_o god_n word_n and_o not_o it_o by_o they_o and_o what_o we_o can_v yield_v to_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v obey_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o shall_v god_n word_n have_v a_o gracious_a and_o powerful_a work_n in_o us._n second_o here_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o though_o we_o see_v no_o profit_n come_v by_o obey_v god_n commandment_n yet_o we_o must_v obey_v they_o for_o what_o profit_n can_v abraham_n see_v in_o leave_v a_o certain_a live_n for_o a_o uncertainty_n yet_o he_o obey_v and_o go_v upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n build_v upon_o it_o that_o god_n be_v his_o guide_n he_o can_v not_o go_v astray_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v god_n sincere_o and_o do_v his_o commandment_n though_o no_o profit_n seem_v can_v come_v thereby_o but_o some_o will_v say_v shall_v godly_a man_n be_v lead_v like_o blindefolde_a fool_n shall_v they_o refuse_v all_o mean_n of_o help_n by_o wit_n and_o policy_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o ridiculous_a and_o ass_n for_o the_o wicked_a world_n to_o ride_v upon_o i_o answer_v let_v godly_a man_n use_v all_o their_o wit_n and_o look_v with_o all_o their_o eye_n in_o their_o action_n with_o man_n of_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n let_v they_o do_v as_o abraham_n do_v follow_v god_n call_v though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o no_o end_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n we_o must_v do_v as_o blindeman_n do_v who_o follow_v their_o guide_n though_o it_o be_v through_o wood_n &_o rock_n hill_n or_o dale_n or_o dangerous_a place_n regard_v nothing_o fear_v nothing_o only_o follow_v &_o trust_v their_o guide_n who_o have_v eye_n for_o they_o though_o they_o have_v none_o for_o themselves_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v god_n calling_n and_o yield_v absolute_a obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n fear_v nothing_o but_o trust_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o assure_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v our_o bless_a guide_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v mislead_v thus_o to_o do_v be_v true_a faith_n but_o alas_o how_o contrary_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n man_n deal_v with_o god_n as_o we_o do_v with_o loose_a chapman_n who_o we_o will_v not_o trust_v without_o a_o good_a pawn_n so_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v god_n commandment_n long_o than_o his_o religion_n serve_v our_o turn_n nor_o will_v we_o trust_v and_o follow_v god_n without_o the_o pawn_n of_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n nay_o we_o do_v worse_o most_o man_n esteem_v of_o god_n no_o better_o nor_o use_v he_o any_o better_a than_o they_o do_v thief_n in_o their_o house_n if_o a_o man_n come_v
god_n have_v appoint_v to_o the_o use_n whereof_o he_o have_v annex_v his_o promise_n of_o help_n against_o sin_n let_v they_o therefore_o lie_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n unto_o their_o conscience_n in_o holy_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n let_v they_o careful_o use_v the_o mean_n god_n have_v appoint_v hear_v and_o read_v his_o word_n receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n crave_v also_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o and_o let_v they_o sharpen_v these_o holy_a exercise_n by_o fast_v watch_v holy_a conference_n with_o other_o visitation_n of_o other_o afflict_v like_o themselves_o oft_o reveal_v their_o estate_n to_o their_o godly_a pastor_n let_v they_o continue_v thus_o do_v and_o rest_v confident_o on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n with_o the_o steadfast_a foot_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o old_a sarah_n shall_v have_v strength_n to_o conceive_v that_o be_v that_o their_o poor_a soul_n shall_v receive_v strength_n to_o tread_v upon_o satan_n to_o conquer_v their_o corruption_n &_o to_o conceive_v &_o bring_v forth_o many_o worthy_a fruit_n of_o holiness_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o their_o late_a experience_n as_o isaac_n be_v to_o sarah_n in_o her_o elder_a age_n the_o next_o doctrine_n we_o may_v here_o learn_v be_v that_o whereas_o sarah_n by_o her_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o therefore_o child_n be_v the_o immediate_a blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o sarah_n bare_a isaac_n not_o by_o any_o ordinary_a strength_n or_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o through_o faith_n she_o receive_v strength_n to_o conceive_v etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v this_o so_o in_o she_o only_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n power_n but_o in_o all_o some_o be_v indeed_o barren_a by_o constitution_n and_o these_o can_v conceive_v unless_o by_o god_n power_n as_o sarah_n do_v but_o some_o have_v no_o child_n who_o in_o all_o natural_a reason_n may_v conceive_v for_o as_o god_n give_v the_o law_n and_o thereby_o a_o gift_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v genesis_n 1.22_o so_o he_o reserve_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o power_n to_o alter_v or_o dispense_v to_o add_v or_o diminish_v as_o it_o please_v he_o therefore_o say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o psal._n 128.4_o he_o say_v loe_o thus_o shall_v he_o be_v bless_v that_o fear_v the_o lord_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v parent_n therefore_o to_o bring_v they_o up_o as_o god_n blessing_n and_o not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o corporal_a necessity_n for_o so_o they_o do_v their_o beast_n but_o to_o nurture_n they_o in_o holy_a discipline_n by_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o heart_n if_o this_o they_o want_v they_o have_v nothing_o though_o you_o leave_v they_o earldom_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o say_n true_a better_a unborn_a than_o untaught_a the_o law_n and_o power_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v be_v give_v to_o beast_n in_o their_o kind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o genesis_n 1._o verse_n 22._o therefore_o unless_o we_o do_v more_o than_o provide_v for_o their_o body_n we_o differ_v little_a from_o they_o but_o make_v they_o know_v god_n and_o so_o we_o make_v they_o fellow_n with_o the_o angel_n if_o parent_n do_v thus_o it_o can_v be_v express_v what_o blessing_n will_v come_v thereby_o to_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n three_o and_o last_o let_v we_o here_o know_v and_o learn_v that_o this_o holy_a matron_n sarah_n figure_v unto_o we_o mystical_o the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o god._n allegory_n be_v chary_o and_o spare_o to_o be_v teach_v else_o much_o unsounde_a doctrine_n may_v cumber_v man_n conscience_n but_o this_o be_v sound_a and_o sure_a for_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n galath_n 4.23_o etc._n etc._n by_o agar_n and_o sarah_n other_o thing_n be_v mean_v for_o these_o two_o mother_n be_v two_o testament_n agar_n she_o which_o gender_v unto_o bondage_n sarah_n jerusalem_n which_o be_v free_a and_o from_o above_o and_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o now_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o natural_a sarah_n the_o wife_n of_o abraham_n and_o mystical_a sarah_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o this_o that_o as_o she_o not_o by_o power_n in_o herself_o but_o by_o god_n power_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n bare_a isaac_n so_o the_o church_n our_o mother_n bring_v forth_o child_n to_o god_n only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o as_o isaac_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o promise_n and_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o promise_n galath_n 4.23_o so_o man_n regenerate_v and_o bear_v to_o the_o church_n be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n john_n 1.13_o and_o s._n james_n say_v 1.18_o god_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n thus_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o will_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o two_o together_o beget_v child_n to_o the_o church_n the_o use_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o all_o to_o honour_v the_o church_n as_o our_o mother_n but_o to_o worship_n god_n alone_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o church_n can_v make_v herself_o our_o mother_n noâ—_n we_o her_o child_n when_o she_o will_v but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o must_v speak_v the_o word_n and_o then_o we_o be_v make_v he_o must_v beget_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o further_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v god_n child_n and_o heir_n of_o immortality_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o two_o first_o effect_n of_o her_o faith_n the_o three_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n which_o because_o it_o be_v much_o stand_v upon_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o will_v put_v it_o off_o till_o then_o be_v therefore_o worthy_a our_o deep_a consideration_n and_o now_o follow_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n the_o five_o and_o last_o point_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o faith_n because_o she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o she_o build_v this_o her_o faith_n that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n be_v barren_a and_o past_a age_n be_v not_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o god_n so_o much_o as_o the_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n she_o have_v of_o he_o that_o promise_v for_o promise_n be_v not_o of_o value_n so_o much_o by_o the_o thing_n promise_v though_o never_o so_o great_a or_o excellent_a for_o they_o may_v promise_v much_o who_o can_v perform_v nothing_o or_o though_o they_o can_v yet_o will_v recall_v their_o word_n in_o lightness_n and_o inconstancy_n as_o by_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o party_n promise_v we_o say_v in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v rather_o have_v some_o man_n word_n than_o other_o man_n bond_n and_o rather_o have_v a_o little_a promise_v of_o some_o then_o much_o of_o other_o now_o such_o be_v the_o judgement_n that_o sarah_n hold_v of_o he_o that_o promisâ—â—_n namely_o god_n she_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v faithful_n that_o be_v she_o judge_v he_o able_a &_o willing_a to_o accomplish_v whatever_o he_o promise_v to_o she_o so_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n must_v be_v a_o sure_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o god_n 1._o his_o ability_n to_o make_v good_a whatever_o pass_v he_o in_o word_n 2._o his_o carefulness_n to_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v say_v it_o some_o will_v promise_v any_o thing_n though_o their_o ability_n stretch_v not_o to_o perform_v other_o be_v able_a enough_o but_o have_v no_o care_n of_o their_o word_n but_o both_o these_o be_v in_o god_n all-sufficient_a ability_n and_o most_o careful_a willingness_n so_o sarah_n judge_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o she_o believe_v against_o reason_n and_o so_o must_v we_o do_v if_o we_o will_v believe_v god_n word_n aright_o we_o may_v read_v and_o hear_v and_o know_v god_n word_n and_o have_v the_o point_n therein_o swim_v in_o our_o head_n but_o if_o we_o will_v constant_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n his_o bless_a promise_n &_o in_o our_o conscience_n fear_v his_o threaten_n we_o must_v be_v full_o persuade_v of_o these_o two_o to_o be_v in_o he_o so_o be_v we_o teach_v by_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n afore_o we_o pray_v for_o
he_o worship_v upon_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n yet_o further_o there_o may_v be_v a_o question_n move_v about_o the_o word_n for_o if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n in_o genesis_n it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o jacob_n worship_v towards_o the_o end_n or_o top_n of_o his_o bed_n genesis_n 47._o now_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o to_o worship_v on_o the_o top_n of_o his_o staff_n and_o on_o the_o top_n of_o his_o bed_n how_o therefore_o can_v they_o stand_v together_o ans._n they_o may_v stand_v well_o together_o and_o be_v both_o true_a for_o when_o jacob_n be_v about_o to_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v he_o raise_v up_o himself_o upon_o his_o pillow_n towards_o the_o bed_n head_n and_o thereon_o rest_v his_o body_n now_o because_o his_o body_n be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a he_o stay_v himself_o also_o upon_o his_o staff_n and_o thus_o compare_v the_o place_n together_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o repugnancy_n in_o they_o again_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v diverse_o read_v in_o diverse_a place_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o impeachment_n to_o the_o truth_n certainty_n or_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n for_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v the_o same_o thing_n often_o yet_o in_o different_a term_n as_o in_o this_o place_n the_o diversity_n of_o word_n do_v enlarge_v or_o open_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n but_o no_o way_n corrupt_v or_o deprave_v the_o same_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o word_n now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o fact_n itself_o in_o jacob_n worship_n three_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o occasion_n 2._o the_o time_n 3._o the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o occasion_n of_o jacob_n worship_n here_o speak_v of_o as_o we_o may_v read_v genesis_n 47_o be_v this_o when_o the_o time_n draw_v near_o that_o jacob_n must_v die_v he_o call_v for_o his_o son_n joseph_n and_o charge_v he_o deep_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o bury_v he_o in_o egypt_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a but_o that_o he_o shall_v carry_v he_o thence_o and_o bury_v he_o in_o the_o burial_n of_o his_o father_n joseph_n consent_v unto_o his_o father_n request_n and_o yet_o jacob_n for_o certainty_n make_v he_o to_o swear_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o joseph_n swear_v unto_o he_o now_o upon_o this_o issue_n that_o jacob_n have_v with_o joseph_n the_o text_n say_v that_o israel_n worship_v towards_o the_o bed_n â—ead_a that_o be_v he_o praise_v god_n and_o give_v thanks_n unto_o he_o for_o this_o benefit_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bury_v with_o his_o father_n abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o yet_o this_o benefit_n do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v himself_o as_o his_o child_n for_o the_o carry_v of_o his_o bone_n thither_o be_v to_o be_v a_o token_n and_o pledge_n and_o a_o certain_a assurance_n unto_o they_o that_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n shall_v be_v they_o and_o that_o god_n will_v bring_v they_o thither_o again_o in_o this_o circumstance_n observe_v a_o notable_a duty_n belong_v unto_o father_n and_o master_n of_o family_n they_o must_v in_o their_o life_n time_n have_v care_n of_o their_o posterity_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o help_v they_o and_o benefit_n they_o in_o the_o faith_n not_o only_o while_o they_o be_v alive_a but_o also_o after_o they_o be_v dead_a after_o the_o example_n of_o this_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o when_o they_o have_v obtain_v this_o benefit_n for_o they_o they_o must_v be_v glad_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o rejoice_v and_o thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n as_o jacob_n do_v in_o this_o place_n 2._o circumstance_n the_o manner_n how_o he_o worship_v which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n on_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v for_o good_a jacob_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o body_n and_o old_a age_n be_v not_o able_a to_o come_v forth_o of_o his_o bed_n and_o kneel_v down_o or_o 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by_o way_n of_o limitation_n for_o sometime_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pray_v kneel_v luke_n chapter_n 21._o verse_n 41_o sometime_o grovel_v matthew_n chapter_n 26._o verse_n 59_o sometime_o stand_v john_n chapter_n 11._o verse_n 41_o as_o also_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o scripture_n approve_v the_o publican_n who_o stand_v afar_a off_o and_o pray_v luke_n chapter_n 18._o verse_n 13._o elias_n also_o 1._o king_n chapter_n 18._o verse_n 42_o be_v say_v to_o pray_v with_o his_o head_n between_o his_o leg_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a form_n prescribe_v we_o only_o this_o we_o must_v use_v that_o gesture_n which_o may_v best_o set_v forth_o and_o declare_v our_o humble_a heart_n and_o holy_a affection_n unto_o god_n here_o then_o be_v confute_v a_o opinion_n of_o those_o which_o think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v worship_n god_n with_o his_o heart_n &_o yet_o worship_v image_n with_o his_o body_n that_o he_o may_v be_v present_a at_o idolatrous_a worship_n yet_o keep_v his_o heart_n unto_o god_n but_o jacob_n behaviour_n in_o this_o place_n do_v both_o confute_v and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o think_v his_o body_n as_o due_a to_o god_n as_o his_o soul_n and_o therefore_o worship_v god_n with_o both_o 3._o circumstance_n the_o time_n when_o he_o worship_v god_n thus_o namely_o when_o he_o be_v die_v even_o than_o he_o worship_v god_n in_o this_o circumstance_n we_o may_v note_v diverse_a thing_n first_o here_o behold_v the_o bad_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n for_o many_o man_n when_o they_o be_v die_v nowadays_a be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v jacob_n example_n in_o worship_v and_o praise_v god_n that_o then_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o call_v for_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v worship_v god_n have_v spend_v the_o former_a part_n of_o their_o life_n careless_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o soul_n follow_v worldly_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n never_o think_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n till_o they_o die_v but_o what_o a_o fearful_a course_n be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v thus_o brutish_o go_v on_o from_o day_n to_o day_n not_o know_v how_o to_o worship_v god_n well_o all_o such_o as_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v be_v like_a to_o godly_a jacob_n or_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o nathaniel_n will_v be_v true_a israelite_n joh._n 1.47_o the_o natural_a son_n of_o old_a israel_n indeed_o they_o must_v have_v care_n so_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v worship_n god_n when_o they_o die_v &_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o defer_v but_o learn_v betimes_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o when_o death_n come_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o show_v forth_o and_o practise_v the_o same_o it_o be_v a_o lamentable_a thing_n to_o consider_v how_o the_o devil_n bewitch_v man_n heart_n so_o as_o they_o live_v in_o the_o world_n as_o though_o they_o shall_v never_o go_v out_o of_o it_o never_o care_v for_o religion_n till_o the_o day_n of_o death_n come_v upon_o they_o &_o than_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o learn_v but_o this_o be_v to_o follow_v esau_n and_o not_o jacob_n who_o be_v therefore_o condemn_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o again_o in_o this_o that_o jacob_n worship_v god_n at_o his_o death_n we_o learn_v this_o that_o as_o man_n live_v so_o they_o die_v for_o the_o most_o part_n jacob_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o god_n worship_n &_o therein_o live_v all_o his_o life_n long_o and_o look_v as_o he_o live_v so_o he_o die_v for_o when_o he_o die_v he_o worship_v god_n rest_v his_o body_n on_o the_o end_n of_o his_o staff_n this_o same_o truth_n be_v verify_v now_o and_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o let_v a_o man_n worship_n god_n through_o the_o course_n of_o
the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n 26._o esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o moses_n faith_n and_o in_o these_o three_o verse_n propound_v a_o most_o notable_a example_n hereof_o by_o moses_n faith_n in_o this_o place_n we_o must_v understand_v save_v faith_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n whereby_o moses_n receive_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n touch_v salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o of_o the_o promise_a land_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o and_o apply_v the_o same_o unto_o himself_o particular_o now_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o this_o example_n the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o a_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o moses_n namely_o that_o moses_n have_v faith_n and_o by_o it_o do_v this_o great_a work_n this_o i_o say_v be_v strange_a because_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o by_o pharaoh_n daughter_n in_o the_o court_n of_o pharaoh_n where_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o idolatry_n wantonness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o here_o it_o be_v testify_v of_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o can_v lie_v that_o he_o have_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n and_o the_o like_a be_v record_v of_o other_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o ahab_n court_n who_o be_v a_o king_n that_o have_v sell_v himself_o to_o work_v wickedness_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o even_o there_o be_v good_a obadiah_n a_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n great_o 8.3_o and_o herod_n be_v a_o most_o deadly_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o joanna_n the_o wife_n of_o chuza_n herod_n friend_n minister_v of_o her_o good_n unto_o christ._n and_o paul_n say_v the_o saint_n which_o be_v of_o caesar_n household_n salute_v you_o where_o by_o caesar_n house_n be_v mean_v the_o court_n of_o nero_n who_o be_v a_o most_o bloody_a man_n and_o a_o wicked_a persecuter_n and_o yet_o in_o his_o house_n be_v the_o professor_n of_o christ_n gospel_n by_o these_o example_n we_o learn_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o middle_n among_o his_o enemy_n for_o these_o 3._o court_n of_o pharaoh_n herod_n and_o nero_n may_v be_v call_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n &_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o of_o god_n servant_n in_o they_o all_o which_o show_v we_o clear_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n which_o say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o reign_v in_o the_o middle_n among_o his_o enemy_n 110.2_o howsoever_o they_o rage_n and_o seek_v to_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n and_o to_o root_v out_o his_o kingdom_n yet_o maugre_o their_o throat_n he_o will_v rule_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o their_o kingdom_n &_o there_o have_v those_o which_o true_o serve_v he_o &_o fear_v his_o name_n revel_v 2.13_o god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o pergamus_n where_o satan_n throne_n be_v again_o this_o faith_n of_o moses_n serve_v to_o check_v many_o a_o man_n in_o this_o age_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o under_o godly_a parent_n &_o governor_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o hater_n and_o mocker_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o christ._n sure_o moses_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v stand_v up_o against_o all_o such_o and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o have_v faith_n though_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o most_o profane_a place_n and_o they_o be_v void_a of_o faith_n nay_o enemy_n unto_o it_o though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o strange_a fact_n which_o moses_n do_v for_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v so_o commend_v the_o text_n say_v of_o he_o first_o of_o all_o that_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n how_o moses_n become_v her_o son_n we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a exod._n 2_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o she_o have_v find_v moses_n in_o the_o basket_n preserve_v he_o alive_a and_o bring_v he_o up_o as_o her_o own_o child_n purpose_v to_o make_v he_o her_o own_o son_n &_o heir_n but_o this_o honour_n of_o she_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v this_o he_o refuse_v by_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v that_o notable_a and_o famous_a act_n for_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v here_o commend_v unto_o us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v this_o fact_n of_o moses_n may_v seem_v rather_o worthy_a of_o blame_n then_o praise_n as_o be_v a_o practice_n of_o great_a rudeness_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o she_o preserve_v his_o life_n from_o death_n and_o bring_v he_o up_o as_o her_o own_o child_n and_o vouchsafe_v he_o this_o special_a favour_n to_o make_v he_o her_o heir_n and_o therefore_o moses_n shall_v not_o thus_o have_v contemn_v her_o favour_n answer_n indeed_o it_o have_v be_v moses_n part_v to_o have_v show_v himself_o thankful_a in_o accept_v this_o favour_n at_o her_o hand_n and_o also_o in_o enjoy_v the_o same_o if_o he_o may_v have_v do_v it_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v for_o if_o he_o have_v dwell_v still_o with_o she_o and_o be_v her_o son_n and_o heir_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v undutiful_a unto_o god._n now_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v remember_v and_o practise_v always_o that_o in_o duty_n of_o like_a nature_n 〈◊〉_d the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n do_v bind_v we_o no_o further_o than_o our_o obedience_n thereto_o may_v stand_v with_o obedience_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o when_o these_o two_o can_v stand_v together_o than_o we_o be_v free_v from_o obedience_n unto_o the_o second_o table_n as_o from_o perform_v honour_n and_o thankfulness_n unto_o man_n when_o we_o can_v therewithal_o perform_v obedience_n and_o service_n unto_o god_n and_o this_o be_v moses_n case_n because_o he_o can_v not_o both_o serve_v god_n and_o continue_v his_o thankfulness_n to_o pharaoh_n daughter_n for_o in_o stay_v with_o she_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o true_a religion_n therefore_o he_o forsake_v her_o favour_n and_o honour_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v here_o commend_v unto_o us._n the_o like_a do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o when_o the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o refuse_v it_o and_o flee_v from_o among_o they_o john_n 6.15_o because_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o that_o call_n for_o which_o he_o be_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n therefore_o moses_n fact_n be_v commendable_a and_o do_v great_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o his_o holy_a faith_n in_o this_o fact_n of_o moses_n thus_o general_o consider_v observe_v a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o make_v a_o man_n to_o esteem_v more_o of_o the_o state_n of_o adoption_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n then_o to_o be_v the_o child_n or_o heir_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o moses_n in_o this_o place_n and_o the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n yet_o he_o set_v all_o his_o royalty_n and_o majesty_n at_o nought_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n blessing_n of_o adoption_n &_o therefore_o say_v the_o lord_n not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v my_o portion_n 16._o and_o again_o when_o he_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o lord_n tabernacle_n &_o the_o company_n of_o god_n saint_n through_o persecution_n he_o say_v the_o sparrow_n and_o swallow_n be_v more_o happy_a than_o he_o psalm_n 84_o because_o they_o have_v nest_n where_o they_o may_v keep_v their_o young_a and_o sit_v and_o sing_v but_o he_o can_v not_o come_v near_o the_o lord_n altar_n and_o yet_o more_o full_o to_o express_v the_o earnestness_n of_o his_o affection_n this_o way_n he_o say_v he_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o base_a office_n even_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o a_o man_n of_o renown_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n but_o howsoever_o these_o man_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n herein_o yet_o come_v to_o our_o age_n and_o seek_v in_o town_n country_n and_o people_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v this_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v rare_a to_o be_v find_v for_o general_o though_o i_o will_v not_o say_v all_o the_o most_o of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o good_a parentage_n as_o the_o son_n of_o knight_n or_o squire_n and_o especial_o of_o noble_n be_v so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o earthly_a parentage_n that_o they_o have_v scarce_o a_o thought_n after_o adoption_n in_o christ._n god_n heavenly_a grace_n will_v take_v no_o place_n in_o their_o heart_n
we_o must_v follow_v moses_n example_n choose_v religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o let_v honour_n and_o preferment_n go_v this_o be_v moses_n practice_n &_o we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o that_o if_o he_o may_v have_v enjoy_v they_o together_o he_o will_v have_v refuse_v neither_o but_o because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v they_o both_o therefore_o he_o prefer_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o the_o honour_n and_o wealth_n of_o egypt_n three_o note_v this_o moses_n do_v not_o only_o refuse_v the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o egypt_n when_o they_o will_v become_v unto_o he_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n but_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v enjoy_v they_o he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v great_a misery_n and_o adversity_n with_o gods_n people_n where_o behold_v a_o singular_a virtue_n in_o moses_n he_o judge_v it_o too_o be_v the_o great_a misery_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v any_o adversity_n and_o reproach_n in_o this_o world_n than_o live_v and_o lie_v in_o sin_n because_o thereby_o he_o shall_v displease_v god_n his_o most_o love_a father_n in_o christ._n a_o most_o notable_a virtue_n in_o this_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a mind_n bear_v all_o those_o that_o have_v the_o same_o grace_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n that_o moses_n have_v s._n paul_n esteem_v the_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n which_o satan_n suggest_v into_o his_o mind_n to_o be_v as_o beat_n and_o buffet_n and_o as_o prick_v and_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n 2._o cor._n 12.7_o and_o david_n say_v psal._n 119.136_o his_o eye_n gush_v out_o with_o river_n of_o water_n because_o man_n break_v god_n commandment_n be_v david_n thus_o grieve_v for_o other_o man_n sin_n oh_o than_o what_o a_o grief_n do_v he_o suffer_v when_o he_o himself_o break_v god_n commandment_n and_o thereby_o displease_v god_n now_o look_v how_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v affect_v so_o must_v every_o one_o of_o we_o that_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n labour_v to_o be_v affect_v towards_o sin_n we_o must_v judge_v it_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o torment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v displease_v god_n but_o alas_o come_v to_o our_o day_n and_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o to_o most_o man_n it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v unto_o they_o to_o commit_v sin_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o count_v it_o a_o misery_n yea_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ordinary_o addict_v to_o some_o special_a sin_n you_o then_o may_v as_o soon_o take_v away_o his_o life_n as_o bereave_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v adventure_v the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n for_o ever_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o time_n but_o all_o such_o be_v far_o unlike_o these_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n for_o they_o count_v it_o the_o great_a cross_n and_o misery_n that_o can_v be_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o displease_v god_n and_o do_v check_v and_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o if_o we_o look_v to_o enjoy_v like_o peace_n and_o comfort_n with_o they_o we_o must_v strive_v against_o our_o own_o corrupt_a disposition_n and_o labour_n to_o find_v sin_n to_o be_v our_o great_a sorrow_n worldly_n misery_n may_v affect_v we_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n all_o worldly_a grief_n shall_v be_v light_n unto_o us._n indeed_o we_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v natural_o but_o herein_o we_o must_v show_v the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n that_o to_o displease_v god_n by_o any_o sin_n be_v our_o great_a grief_n the_o second_o reason_n that_o move_v moses_n to_o refuse_v the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o pharaoh_n court_n be_v because_o he_o shall_v have_v enjoy_v they_o but_o for_o a_o time_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o natural_a life_n be_v the_o long_a that_o possible_o he_o can_v have_v enjoy_v they_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n must_v move_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o use_v this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n herein_o even_o all_o temporal_a benefit_n as_o though_o we_o use_v they_o not_o be_v always_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o leave_v they_o whensoever_o god_n shall_v call_v this_o same_o reason_n do_v paul_n render_v when_o he_o persuade_v the_o corinthian_n to_o the_o same_o duty_n 1._o cor._n 7.31_o use_v this_o world_n say_v he_o as_o though_o you_o use_v it_o noâ—_n for_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n go_v away_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n last_o but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v never_o so_o fain_o he_o can_v but_o enjoy_v they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o use_v they_o as_o though_o you_o use_v they_o not_o but_o pity_v it_o be_v to_o see_v how_o far_o man_n be_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o they_o set_v their_o whole_a heart_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o to_o get_v riches_n be_v their_o delight_n and_o their_o god_n this_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v god_n have_v not_o lay_v down_o these_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o vain_a undoubted_o if_o they_o draw_v we_o not_o to_o the_o like_a practice_n they_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o moses_n choice_n and_o refusal_n verse_n 26._o esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n moses_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v refuse_v the_o honour_n &_o wealth_n of_o egypt_n and_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o affliction_n with_o god_n people_n now_o because_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o strange_a choice_n and_o a_o natural_a man_n will_v soon_o condemn_v he_o of_o folly_n for_o his_o labour_n therefore_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v down_o a_o reason_n that_o move_v moses_n thus_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n moses_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o god_n people_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n of_o egypt_n because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o reproach_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n be_v great_a riches_n than_o all_o the_o wealth_n in_o egypt_n so_o that_o he_o refuse_v not_o absolute_o riches_n honour_n and_o other_o comfort_n but_o choose_v the_o best_a riches_n and_o honour_n and_o leave_v the_o worse_a upon_o a_o sound_a judgement_n between_o thing_n that_o do_v differ_v hereby_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o general_a how_o needful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o every_o christian_a to_o have_v sound_a knowledge_n &_o understanding_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o will_v walk_v upright_o and_o approve_v of_o god_n must_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v not_o only_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o between_o good_a and_o good_a which_o be_v the_o better_a and_o so_o of_o evil_n which_o be_v the_o worse_a which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v but_o he_o that_o have_v a_o sound_n and_o right_a judgement_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o therein_o be_v attain_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v many_o there_o be_v that_o by_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n choose_v hell_n and_o refuse_v heaven_n which_o undoubted_o come_v from_o their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o word_n but_o ignorance_n will_v excuse_v none_o he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n must_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v good_a from_o evil_n and_o according_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o to_o refuse_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o without_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n no_o man_n can_v do_v and_o therefore_o all_o ignorant_a person_n and_o all_o such_o as_o be_v blind_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n must_v shake_v off_o their_o security_n and_o get_v sound_a knowledge_n in_o scripture_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o when_o thing_n which_o do_v differ_v be_v set_v before_o they_o they_o may_v with_o moses_n choose_v the_o better_a but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o moses_n judgement_n more_o particular_o he_o esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v he_o be_v firm_o resolve_v that_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n be_v great_a riches_n unto_o he_o than_o the_o treasure_n of_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o some_o will_v say_v this_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a judgement_n can_v it_o possible_o be_v true_a and_o good_a ans._n yes_o undoubted_o it_o be_v most_o sound_a judgement_n and_o worthy_a eternal_a remembrance_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o that_o to_o suffer_v reproach_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n be_v great_a riches_n than_o all_o worldly_a wealth_n the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o reason_n out_o of_o god_n word_n 1_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n to_o those_o which_o
most_o notorious_a which_o be_v foretell_v by_o daniel_n in_o his_o prophecy_n dan._n 11.36_o and_o be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n to_o come_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o primitive_a church_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n suffer_v ten_o most_o bloody_a &_o grievous_a persecution_n betwixt_o each_o of_o which_o she_o yet_o have_v some_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v respite_n to_o breath_n in_o and_o after_o the_o ten_o persecution_n end_v the_o lord_n raise_v up_o the_o good_a emperor_n constantine_n who_o bring_v peace_n &_o welfare_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o soon_o after_o he_o the_o heresy_n of_o arrius_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o devil_n bring_v as_o grievous_a persecution_n upon_o the_o church_n as_o ever_o the_o pagan_n do_v be_v a_o most_o blasphemous_a heresy_n deny_v the_o eternal_a deity_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n for_o 80._o year_n not_o long_o after_o the_o suppression_n of_o that_o heresy_n begin_v the_o idolatry_n and_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n to_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o now_o about_o some_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n raise_v up_o worthy_a instrument_n by_o who_o mean_n he_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o that_o idolatry_n and_o blindness_n yet_o so_o as_o still_o the_o church_n have_v feel_v the_o bloody_a hand_n of_o antichrist_n in_o grievous_a persecution_n all_o which_o show_v this_o to_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o outward_a state_n of_o god_n church_n be_v interchangeable_a have_v one_o while_o peace_n and_o another_o while_n grievous_a persecution_n to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o god_n have_v plant_v his_o church_n among_o we_o in_o this_o land_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o prosperity_n and_o peace_n which_o in_o great_a mercy_n he_o have_v give_v we_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o be_v among_o we_o and_o during_o this_o time_n we_o have_v have_v great_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n in_o god_n holy_a ministry_n for_o the_o word_n prayer_n &_o sacrament_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o state_n of_o god_n church_n for_o peace_n and_o trouble_n be_v interchangeable_a as_o day_n and_o night_n for_o light_n and_o darkness_n wherefore_o we_o must_v be_v advertise_v to_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o for_o our_o estate_n in_o peace_n must_v not_o last_v always_o these_o golden_a day_n will_v have_v a_o end_n and_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n will_v undoubted_o come_v indeed_o god_n only_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o affliction_n shall_v befall_v and_o the_o particular_a time_n thereof_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o god_n we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o by_o the_o reason_n follow_v first_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n be_v this_o that_o the_o curse_n do_v follow_v the_o transgression_n so_o that_o when_o any_o man_n family_n or_o people_n live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o god_n commandment_n they_o must_v look_v for_o god_n judgement_n to_o be_v pour_v upon_o they_o now_o we_o may_v too_o true_o assume_v that_o this_o our_o nation_n and_o people_n abound_v with_o grievous_a sin_n in_o all_o estate_n for_o in_o the_o civil_a estate_n to_o omit_v manifold_a practice_n of_o oppression_n where_o be_v justice_n without_o bribery_n or_o bargain_v without_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n and_o in_o the_o ministry_n beside_o many_o abuse_n where_o be_v that_o care_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n and_o for_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n beside_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n what_o fearful_a blasphemy_n whoredom_n swear_v and_o sabbaoth-breaking_a do_v every_o where_o abound_v beside_o fearful_a atheism_n which_o be_v a_o mother_n of_o abomination_n whether_o we_o respect_v natural_a atheism_n whereby_o many_o deny_v god_n by_o their_o work_n or_o learned_a atheism_n in_o some_o who_o dispute_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o sin_n among_o we_o cry_v loud_o for_o gods_n judgement_n upon_o we_o even_o for_o that_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o remooveall_v of_o god_n kingdom_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n second_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n of_o place_n and_o note_n both_o in_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n god_n take_v from_o we_o by_o death_n even_o in_o their_o best_a time_n be_v they_o not_o such_o as_o excel_v among_o we_o for_o great_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n and_o for_o true_a piety_n and_o good_a conscience_n now_o howsoever_o this_o may_v seem_v but_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o yet_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o god_n judgement_n for_o the_o righteous_a perish_v and_o no_o man_n consider_v it_o in_o heart_n and_o merciful_a man_n be_v take_v away_o and_o no_o man_n understand_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v isa._n 57.1_o three_o god_n have_v set_v his_o fearful_a judgement_n among_o we_o and_o about_o we_o war_n and_o sword_n in_o our_o neighbour_n nation_n which_o also_o have_v be_v oft_o shake_v at_o we_o also_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n throughout_o our_o own_o land_n by_o intercourse_n and_o long_a continuance_n levit._n 26._o now_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o when_o god_n send_v his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v one_o judgement_n be_v but_o the_o forerunner_n of_o another_o more_o grievous_a and_o terrible_a than_o the_o former_a but_o little_a or_o no_o repentance_n appear_v among_o we_o nay_o rather_o we_o fall_v away_o more_o and_o more_o and_o so_o stand_v still_o in_o danger_n of_o more_o fearful_a judgement_n last_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o his_o own_o servant_n as_o he_o do_v sometime_o reward_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o peace_n so_o otherwhiles_o he_o will_v try_v their_o faith_n by_o affliction_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o his_o servant_n job_n though_o there_o be_v none_o for_o piety_n like_o he_o in_o his_o time_n through_o all_o the_o world_n now_o god_n have_v his_o servant_n among_o we_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o who_o faith_n we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o some_o tribulation_n shall_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n 2._o tim._n 3.12_o this_o be_v so_o that_o our_o peace_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o trouble_n as_o by_o the_o former_a reason_n which_o direct_o fasten_v themselves_o upon_o our_o church_n and_o state_n may_v evident_o appear_v let_v we_o then_o here_o learn_v our_o duty_n first_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o what_o may_v be_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v befall_v we_o when_o trial_n and_o persecution_n shall_v come_v this_o be_v the_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o those_o that_o will_v follow_v he_o constant_o as_o good_a disciple_n they_o must_v as_o good_a builder_n consider_v of_o the_o cost_n before_o they_o lie_v the_o foundation_n and_o like_o good_a warrior_n consider_v of_o their_o strength_n before_o they_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n lest_o they_o leave_v off_o &_o turn_v back_o like_o fool_n and_o coward_n luk._n 14.28_o etc._n etc._n we_o by_o god_n mercy_n do_v now_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n with_o hope_n to_o be_v save_v thereby_o therefore_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o what_o our_o religion_n may_v cost_v we_o and_o see_v before_o hand_n what_o be_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o for_o our_o profession_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v not_o do_v this_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o profession_n we_o must_v now_o do_v it_o for_o better_a late_o than_o never_o lest_o go_v on_o secure_o without_o this_o account_n make_v we_o shameful_o forsake_v christ_n when_o trial_n come_v in_o former_a time_n the_o constant_a profession_n of_o christ_n have_v cost_v man_n loss_n of_o friend_n loss_n of_o good_n and_o liberty_n yea_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o heart_n blood_n and_o the_o same_o case_n may_v befall_v us._n wherefore_o we_o must_v cast_v with_o ourselves_o and_o see_v whether_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o good_n and_o friend_n yea_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n again_o as_o this_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n must_v move_v we_o to_o make_v this_o account_n for_o resolution_n in_o suffer_v so_o it_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o labour_v for_o those_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o all_o temptation_n trouble_n &_o persecution_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o blaze_a lamp_n as_o the_o
christ_n and_o thereupon_o rest_v our_o soul_n thus_o do_v these_o believer_n in_o this_o place_n and_o this_o faith_n do_v job_n notable_o testify_v when_o god_n have_v take_v from_o he_o child_n good_n health_n yea_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v yet_o than_o he_o say_v job_n 13.15_o though_o he_o kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o so_o must_v we_o endeavour_n to_o do_v if_o that_o case_n befall_v we_o for_o when_o all_o worldly_a help_n and_o comfort_n fail_v we_o this_o promise_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o sweet_a and_o safe_a refuge_n for_o our_o soul_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a and_o torment_v here_o the_o apostle_n amplifi_v their_o misery_n in_o their_o wander_a estate_n by_o three_o degree_n of_o cross_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o same_o first_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n second_o they_o be_v afflict_v both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n three_o torment_v that_o be_v evil_o entreat_v these_o be_v add_v for_o a_o special_a cause_n to_o show_v that_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v lade_v with_o affliction_n they_o be_v banish_v &_o drive_v to_o extreme_a poverty_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o their_o good_n and_o of_o all_o society_n of_o man_n they_o be_v afflict_v in_o body_n and_o in_o mind_n and_o evil_o entreat_v of_o all_o man_n no_o man_n will_v do_v they_o good_a but_o all_o man_n do_v they_o wrong_n whereby_o we_o see_v that_o even_a wave_n of_o misery_n overwhelm_v they_o on_o every_o side_n hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n servant_n may_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o manifold_a calamity_n at_o the_o same_o instant_n be_v press_v down_o with_o cross_n in_o good_n in_o body_n mind_n friend_n and_o every_o way_n this_o be_v job_n case_n a_o most_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n he_o be_v afflict_v in_o body_n in_o friend_n good_n &_o child_n &_o which_o be_v great_a of_o all_o he_o wrestle_v in_o conscience_n with_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n job_n 13.16_o thou_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o and_o make_v i_o to_o possess_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o the_o like_a have_v be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o of_o god_n child_n psal._n 88.3.7_o my_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o evil_n thou_o have_v vex_v i_o with_o all_o thy_o wave_n etc._n etc._n question_n how_o can_v this_o stand_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n wherein_o be_v promise_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o deut._n 28._o 1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n all_o these_o blessing_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o and_o overtake_v thou_o bless_a in_o the_o city_n and_o in_o the_o field_n in_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o of_o thy_o ground_n and_o cattle_n psal._n 34.10_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n shall_v lack_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a for_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v 1._o tim._n 4.8_o and_o therefore_o david_n compare_v the_o godly_a man_n to_o the_o tree_n that_o be_v plant_v by_o the_o water_n side_n which_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o be_v green_a and_o well_o like_n psalm_n 1.3_o how_o then_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o god_n own_o servant_n shall_v be_v thus_o oppress_v and_o lade_v not_o with_o one_o calamity_n or_o two_o but_o with_o sundry_a and_o grievous_a affliction_n at_o the_o same_o time_n answer_n true_a it_o be_v the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o gracious_a promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n unto_o god_n child_n but_o they_o be_v conditional_a and_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o a_o exception_n to_o this_o effect_n god_n child_n shall_v have_v such_o and_o such_o blessing_n unless_o it_o please_v god_n by_o affliction_n to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o or_o to_o chastise_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o grace_n or_o chastisement_n for_o sin_n must_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o most_o worthy_a &_o renown_a servant_n of_o god_n for_o their_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v afflict_v and_o in_o misery_n for_o his_o promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a all_o thing_n be_v they_o as_o paul_n say_v 1._o cor._n 3.21_o and_o they_o shall_v have_v honour_n wealth_n favour_n etc._n etc._n unless_o it_o please_v god_n to_o prove_v their_o faith_n or_o to_o chastise_v their_o sin_n by_o cross_n and_o affliction_n question_n how_o can_v god_n servant_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v so_o many_o and_o grievous_a cross_n at_o once_o see_v it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v one_o cross_n patient_o the_o answer_n be_v here_o lay_v down_o to_o wit_n by_o faith_n for_o many_o and_o grievous_a be_v the_o misery_n that_o lay_v on_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o by_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o life_n in_o the_o messiah_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o bear_v they_o all_o this_o be_v a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o immoderate_a grief_n in_o the_o great_a distress_n and_o undoubted_o the_o flood_n of_o affliction_n shall_v never_o overwhelm_v he_o that_o have_v his_o heart_n assure_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o make_v david_n say_v he_o will_v not_o fear_v evil_a though_o he_o shall_v walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n psal._n 23.4_o and_o paul_n speak_v of_o tribulation_n anguish_n famine_n persecution_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o sai_z in_o all_o these_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o have_v love_v rom._n 8.37_o and_o from_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v all_o estate_n to_o be_v hungry_a to_o want_v etc._n etc._n phil._n 4.12_o 13._o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o god_n child_n may_v be_v afflict_v with_o manifold_a calamity_n at_o once_o then_o the_o opinion_n of_o natural_a and_o ungodly_a man_n be_v false_a who_o judge_v he_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a who_o god_n lade_v with_o manifold_a calamity_n this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o job_n three_o friend_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o their_o disputation_n against_o he_o that_o because_o god_n have_v lay_v so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o cross_n upon_o he_o therefore_o he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rash_a judgement_n of_o natural_a man_n in_o our_o day_n especial_o upon_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n when_o god_n hand_n of_o trial_n or_o correction_n lie_v upon_o they_o they_o present_o censure_v they_o for_o hypocrite_n but_o this_o be_v a_o wretched_a opinion_n for_o god_n dear_a child_n may_v be_v press_v down_o with_o manifold_a calamity_n second_o see_v faith_n in_o christ_n will_v support_v the_o soul_n under_o manifold_a cross_n be_v they_o never_o so_o grievous_a we_o must_v labour_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o this_o faith_n and_o when_o affliction_n come_v we_o must_v strive_v to_o show_v forth_o the_o fruit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o by_o bear_v they_o patient_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o affliction_n in_o this_o last_o example_n of_o believer_n verse_n 38._o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o mountain_n and_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o these_o word_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v answer_v to_o a_o secret_a objection_n or_o surmise_n which_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v conceive_v against_o the_o believer_n speak_v of_o before_o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o some_o man_n may_v think_v thus_o no_o marvel_n though_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o for_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n this_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v flat_o deny_v and_o avouch_v the_o clean_a contrary_n of_o they_o to_o wit_n that_o they_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o by_o faith_n and_o the_o lord_n cause_v they_o so_o to_o do_v because_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o they_o be_v too_o good_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o surmise_n we_o may_v observe_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o natural_a man_n concern_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o earth_n whereon_o they_o tread_v be_v too_o good_a for_o they_o this_o have_v be_v be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o world_n estimation_n of_o god_n child_n matthew_n chapter_n 24._o verse_n 9_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o
witness_n but_o rather_o be_v except_v against_o as_o altogether_o unworthy_a and_o so_o will_v prove_v a_o discredit_n to_o his_o friend_n cause_n &_o a_o shame_n to_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o christ_n cause_n if_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n &_o deny_v indeed_o we_o discredit_v christ_n and_o his_o profession_n &_o shame_v ourselves_o for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o judgement_n but_o in_o life_n &_o conversation_n to_o make_v a_o true_a &_o constant_a confession_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o exhortation_n now_o follow_v the_o 2._o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o verse_n namely_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n church_n &_o people_n may_v put_v in_o practice_n this_o worthy_a exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o three_o duty_n 1._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o 2._o they_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o sin_n that_o hang_v so_o fast_o on_o or_o sin_n which_o so_o ready_o do_v compass_v we_o about_o 3._o they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o with_o patience_n whosoever_o in_o god_n church_n either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n can_v perform_v these_o 3._o thing_n shall_v be_v able_a no_o doubt_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o continue_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o these_o 3._o in_o order_n the_o 1._o thing_n then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v this_o we_o must_v cast_v away_o that_o which_o press_v down_o or_o thus_o cast_v away_o the_o weight_n or_o burden_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v even_o that_o burden_n which_o so_o press_v down_o the_o poor_a christian_a that_o he_o can_v go_v on_o forward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o godliness_n and_o christianity_n by_o burden_n or_o weight_n here_o we_o must_v understand_v 5._o thing_n 1._o the_o love_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n 2._o care_v for_o earthly_a thing_n 3._o riches_n &_o temporal_a wealth_n 4._o worldly_n honour_n &_o preferment_n 5._o worldly_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o lie_v heavy_a on_o man_n soul_n as_o weighty_a burden_n which_o press_v it_o down_o especial_o then_o when_o the_o soul_n shall_v lift_v up_o itself_o to_o seek_v heavenly_a thing_n so_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a riches_n pleasure_n &_o care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v call_v thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o surfeit_v &_o drunkenness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v thing_n which_o oppress_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o show_v by_o many_o testimony_n that_o all_o these_o five_o thing_n do_v press_v down_o the_o heart_n especial_o then_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o seek_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n now_o in_o this_o that_o these_o 5._o thing_n be_v weighty_a burden_n we_o may_v learn_v first_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o these_o our_o day_n every_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v publish_v preach_v &_o expound_v take_v so_o little_a place_n in_o man_n heart_n whether_o we_o regard_v knowledge_n &_o understanding_n or_o affection_n and_o obedience_n for_o god_n word_n be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n mighty_a in_o operation_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v then_o that_o the_o ground_n be_v barren_a where_o it_o be_v cast_v why_o make_v it_o not_o man_n learned_a &_o religious_a ans._n sure_o in_o every_o place_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v especial_o among_o we_o these_o five_o thing_n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n &_o exercise_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o long_o preach_v there_o be_v little_a fruit_n or_o profit_n either_o for_o knowledge_n or_o obedience_n for_o where_o the_o heart_n be_v press_v down_o with_o the_o weight_n of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n there_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v take_v no_o place_n nor_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o this_o be_v general_o true_a among_o we_o though_o we_o hear_v god_n word_n from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o thereby_o may_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n if_o we_o will_v yet_o in_o many_o there_o be_v little_a show_n of_o either_o and_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o these_o worldly_a care_n which_o take_v place_n in_o our_o heart_n for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n be_v addict_v to_o the_o greedy_a seek_v after_o these_o earthly_a thing_n honour_n pleasure_n etc._n etc._n so_o long_o will_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v barren_a the_o good_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n may_v be_v sow_v therein_o but_o little_a fruit_n shall_v come_v thereof_o save_o brier_n and_o weed_n which_o will_v increase_v our_o damnation_n again_o whereas_o the_o love_n of_o temporal_a life_n &_o care_n of_o earthly_a thing_n etc._n etc._n be_v sore_a burden_n press_v down_o a_o man_n heart_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o sad_a and_o dead_a in_o regard_n of_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o contemplation_n hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v oftentimes_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o elevate_v and_o lift_v up_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o god_n partly_o by_o meditation_n in_o his_o word_n partly_o by_o invocation_n on_o his_o name_n and_o partly_o by_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o do_v these_o thing_n the_o better_a we_o must_v remember_v to_o set_v apart_o some_o special_a time_n every_o day_n for_o this_o special_a work_n so_o as_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 25.1_o lord_n i_o lift_v up_o my_o heart_n unto_o thou_o david_n be_v well_o acquint_v with_o this_o exercise_n and_o so_o be_v daniel_n for_o both_o of_o they_o use_v this_o as_o we_o may_v read_v psa._n 55.17_o evening_n and_o morning_n say_v david_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v &_o make_v a_o noise_n and_o daniel_n use_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n 3._o time_n a_o day_n wherein_o 6.10_o he_o will_v hearty_o &_o unfeigned_o call_v upon_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o great_a reason_n we_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n wherein_o be_v innumerable_a weighty_a thing_n which_o press_v down_o our_o heart_n from_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n &_o therefore_o we_o must_v often_o practise_v ourselves_o in_o holy_a meditation_n &_o prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v lift_v up_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o use_v a_o fit_a comparison_n we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o keep_v clock_n if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o clock_n still_o go_v must_v once_o or_o twice_o a_o day_n wind_v up_o the_o plummet_n which_o cause_n the_o wheel_n to_o go_v about_o because_o they_o be_v still_o draw_v downward_o even_o so_o see_v our_o heart_n have_v plummet_n of_o lead_n which_o be_v worldly_a care_n and_o desire_n to_o press_v they_o down_o from_o seek_v up_o to_o heaven_n we_o must_v do_v with_o our_o heart_n as_o the_o clock-keeper_n do_v with_o his_o plummet_n wind_v they_o up_o unto_o god_n every_o day_n &_o for_o this_o end_n must_v set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o holy_a duty_n why_o do_v god_n command_v the_o 7._o day_n to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o set_v apart_o from_o all_o bodily_a exercise_n &_o worldly_a care_n undoubted_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o elevate_v their_o heart_n from_o all_o worldly_a thing_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n above_o else_o if_o the_o mind_n shall_v be_v always_o press_v down_o with_o worldly_a care_n it_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o heaven_n joy_n he_o that_o have_v not_o conscience_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o heaven_n by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v god_n word_n with_o meditation_n thereon_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o soundness_n in_o religion_n nor_o his_o heart_n firm_o settle_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n three_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o the_o hebrew_n must_v cast_v away_o the_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o here_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o far_o forth_o we_o must_v use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o riches_n honour_n and_o lawful_a pleasure_n yea_o and_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n whatsoever_o namely_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o will_v further_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o no_o further_o but_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o these_o temporal_a thing_n be_v a_o burden_n unto_o we_o press_v we_o down_o and_o make_v we_o unfit_a for_o