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prayer_n help_v and_o assistance_n for_o to_o guard_v you_o against_o false_a teacher_n when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n you_o will_v find_v this_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n advise_v they_o to_o cant._n 1.8_o you_o be_v to_o guard_v yourselves_o by_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o to_o go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n so_o also_o you_o be_v to_o go_v and_o feed_v your_o kid_n by_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n that_o god_n call_v for_o to_o pin_v your_o faith_n upon_o their_o sleeve_n yet_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o they_o for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o you_o rule_n 5._o arm_v yourselves_o with_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o you_o shall_v love_v the_o truth_n above_o your_o life_n so_o labour_v to_o be_v make_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o life_n estate_n liberty_n any_o thing_n for_o to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o hear_v christian_n to_o break_v out_o into_o murmur_n passion_n discontent_n contention_n that_o be_v carnal_a and_o sinful_a your_o work_n be_v humble_o meek_o and_o patient_o to_o lie_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o under_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n too_o that_o become_v christian_n suffer_v be_v that_o that_o will_v restore_v the_o glory_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v keep_v the_o truth_n deliver_v to_o you_o that_o will_v honour_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n best_a of_o all_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o bless_a paul_n his_o his_n expression_n be_v worthy_a of_o consideration_n 2_o tim._n 2.9_o he_o give_v a_o charge_n of_o keep_v and_o propagate_a one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a truth_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a yet_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v far_a off_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n wherein_o i_o suffer_v trouble_n mark_v paul_n do_v not_o say_v wherein_o i_o make_v trouble_n no_o but_o wherein_o i_o suffer_v trouble_n as_o a_o evil_a doer_n unto_o bond_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v if_o this_o bless_a and_o glorious_a apostle_n will_v have_v have_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n bind_v and_o have_v content_v himself_o with_o sinful_a silence_n and_o not_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n paul_n may_v have_v be_v free_a but_o paul_n will_v not_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v therefore_o paul_n will_v suffer_v for_o it_o shall_v we_o go_v high_o a_o great_a deal_n than_o this_o you_o have_v the_o glorious_a commendation_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o
will_v prevent_v your_o fear_n if_o god_n will_v continue_v forfeit_v mercy_n dear_a to_o you_o than_o your_o life_n you_o will_v set_v apart_o some_o special_a thing_n for_o god_n something_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n abroad_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o godly_a ministry_n at_o home_n for_o set_v up_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n this_o must_v have_v some_o caution_n with_o it_o as_o 1._o we_o must_v be_v sure_a our_o vow_n be_v of_o what_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n we_o must_v not_o make_v vow_n of_o that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o our_o own_o i_o hate_v robbery_n for_o burnt-offering_n we_o must_v not_o make_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v unjust_o or_o unrighteous_o take_v away_o or_o withhold_v from_o any_o it_o be_v sacrilege_n instead_o of_o a_o sacrifice_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v of_o thing_n warrantable_a and_o justifiable_a by_o the_o word_n 3._o it_o must_v 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the_o prophet_n daniel_n wherefore_o o_o king_n let_v my_o counsel_n be_v acceptable_a to_o thou_o break_v off_o thy_o sin_n by_o righteousness_n and_o thy_o iniquity_n by_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a if_o it_o may_v be_v a_o lengthen_v of_o thy_o tranquillity_n dan._n 4.27_o the_o prophet_n advise_v he_o to_o break_v off_o his_o sin_n by_o righteousness_n there_o be_v reformation_n and_o beside_o reformation_n that_o he_o will_v do_v something_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a what_o be_v that_o interpreter_n conceive_v by_o the_o poor_a here_o he_o understand_v god_n poor_a i.e._n the_o poor_a jew_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n he_o advise_v he_o will_v do_v something_o by_o way_n of_o sympathy_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o ease_v their_o yoke_n and_o oppression_n break_v off_o thy_o iniquity_n by_o pity_v and_o show_v mercy_n to_o thy_o poor_a captive_n under_o thy_o power_n now_o at_o this_o time_n take_v off_o their_o yoke_n ease_n their_o burden_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n again_o thus_o do_v you_o and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o your_o conversation_n or_o edification_n set_v apart_o something_o extraordinary_a for_o their_o relief_n and_o supply_n the_o prophet_n daniel_n seem_v to_o advise_v this_o to_o the_o king_n as_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o repentance_n in_o wrong_v we_o have_v do_v there_o must_v be_v confession_n and_o satisfaction_n or_o restoration_n he_o seem_v to_o advise_v this_o to_o make_v up_o complete_a repentance_n namely_o to_o make_v restoration_n and_o retribution_n of_o what_o he_o have_v injurious_o take_v from_o the_o jew_n oh_o then_o let_v i_o say_v without_o breach_n of_o charity_n that_o whatsoever_o except_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a supply_n for_o his_o poor_a it_o will_v be_v find_v but_o make_v restitution_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o twofold_a ground_n 1._o with_o some_o it_o may_v be_v true_o restitution_n and_o restoration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v take_v away_o by_o unjust_a mean_n god_n know_v how_o that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n what_o unlawful_a mean_n have_v be_v use_v to_o augment_v the_o heap_n and_o swell_v their_o estate_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n who_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v increase_v their_o estate_n by_o undue_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n oh_o restore_v restore_v break_v off_o your_o iniquity_n by_o show_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n by_o make_v reparation_n as_o you_o can_v it_o will_v be_v but_o like_o zacheus_n give_v half_a his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o restore_a fourfold_a etc._n etc._n in_o a_o liberal_a contribution_n to_o the_o poor_a 2._o it_o will_v be_v restitution_n in_o another_o sense_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o unjust_a withhold_v some_o have_v injurious_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a too_o too_o many_o have_v keep_v injurious_o have_v we_o not_o robe_v the_o poor_a by_o a_o unjust_a deny_v of_o what_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o distribute_v to_o their_o necessty_n there_o be_v that_o withhold_v more_o than_o be_v meet_v etc._n etc._n prov._n 3.17_o and_o 11.24_o it_o may_v be_v god_n have_v give_v you_o so_o much_o there_o be_v god_n share_v there_o be_v the_o minister_n portion_n etc._n etc._n now_o all_o that_o you_o have_v withhold_v beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n be_v all_o steal_a good_n and_o be_v like_o a_o wheat-sheaf_a on_o fire_n will_v burn_v down_o the_o whole_a barn_n of_o corn._n that_o which_o i_o will_v exhort_v you_o to_o be_v for_o every_o one_o to_o set_v a_o part_n some_o considerable_a part_n of_o your_o estate_n and_o account_v it_o as_o a_o hollow_a thing_n dedicate_v to_o god_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o to_o touch_v be_v sacrilege_n that_o you_o may_v be_v ready_a on_o all_o occasion_n in_o all_o regular_a and_o due_a way_n to_o bring_v out_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a you_o know_v object_n abound_v in_o every_o place_n and_o you_o may_v expect_v warrantable_a mean_n for_o dispense_n of_o what_o god_n shall_v put_v into_o your_o heart_n in_o this_o matter_n mr._n jenkin_n forenoon_n sermon_n heb._n 11.38_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o verse_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a the_o apostle_n in_o this_o excellent_a chapter_n that_o by_o some_o be_v deserve_o call_v a_o little_a book_n of_o martyr_n discover_v the_o triumph_n of_o faith_n or_o victory_n against_o all_o difficulty_n we_o meet_v with_o 1._o i'faith_o it_o assent_v to_o truth_n be_v they_o never_o so_o improbable_a 2._o it_o put_v man_n upon_o duty_n be_v they_o never_o so_o irrational_a or_o against_o carnal_a interest_n 3._o it_o enable_v to_o suffering_n be_v they_o never_o so_o afflictive_a these_o worthy_n go_v through_o all_o by_o the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n the_o bitterness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sweetness_n thereof_o in_o these_o verse_n the_o apostle_n do_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o set_v down_o the_o greatness_n and_o smartness_n of_o their_o suffering_n which_o be_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n reduce_v to_o three_o head_n first_o those_o suffering_n that_o be_v to_o tempt_v they_o and_o draw_v they_o from_o god_n by_o those_o pain_n and_o torture_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v second_o those_o suffering_n they_o undergo_v in_o die_v three_o their_o suffering_n in_o regard_n of_o wander_a and_o leave_v their_o comfort_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v lose_v god_n there_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o persecution_n lay_v upon_o these_o saint_n through_o all_o which_o they_o wade_v and_o never_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n for_o any_o of_o they_o 2._o we_o have_v here_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o sufferer_n and_o that_o be_v in_o that_o expression_n these_o man_n or_o these_o person_n when_o they_o be_v 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paul_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o my_o chain_n a_o sign_n he_o love_v christ_n grace_n in_o paul_n christ_n jesus_n love_v no_o saint_n more_o than_o his_o persecute_a saint_n his_o martyr_n have_v the_o high_a throne_n reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o we_o must_v love_v to_o see_v christ_n livery_n upon_o a_o man_n though_o sprinkle_v with_o blood_n he_o that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o a_o persecute_a saint_n will_v never_o suffer_v for_o a_o crucify_a jesus_n six_o we_o must_v love_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n though_o their_o grace_n may_v eclipse_v and_o outshine_v our_o grace_n belove_a in_o the_o sweet_a fruit_n worm_n be_v apt_a
that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v doct._n 3._o that_o continue_a repentance_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o initial_a repentance_n remember_v therefore_o how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v the_o first_o of_o these_o doctrine_n i_o apply_v myself_o to_o and_o apply_v to_o the_o people_n last_o lordsday_n and_o shall_v not_o now_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v on_o timothy_n in_o proportion_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o whole_a entire_a body_n of_o divine_a truth_n hold_v it_o fast_o against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o now_o if_o they_o that_o be_v themselves_o teacher_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o other_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o platform_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o then_o much_o more_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o private_a christian_n who_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o have_v that_o latitude_n of_o part_n and_o gift_n that_o teacher_n have_v and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o christ_n require_v this_o not_o only_o of_o the_o pastor_n but_o of_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n rev._n 2.24_o speak_v not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o you_o i_o say_v and_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n and_o which_o have_v not_o know_v the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o they_o speak_v i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o none_o other_o burden_n but_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o bold_a fast_o till_o i_o come_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v this_o be_v all_o i_o require_v of_o you_o my_o people_n keep_v yourselves_o and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o you_o have_v till_o i_o come_v and_o so_o in_o rev._n 3.11_o behold_v i_o come_v quick_o hold_v that_o fast_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v away_o thy_o crown_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o divine_a truth_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v it_o be_v thy_o crown_n thy_o excellency_n therefore_o hold_v it_o fast_o this_o duty_n of_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v thy_o crown_n thy_o excellency_n therefore_o hold_v it_o fast_o this_o duty_n of_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n be_v urge_v in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n under_o other_o expression_n as_o that_o of_o continue_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n christ_n say_v if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o and_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n act_v 14.22_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n visit_v the_o church_n exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o those_o term_n of_o be_v root_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o stand_v and_o stand_v fast_o and_o many_o other_o they_o all_o enforce_v this_o duty_n now_o for_o the_o better_a handle_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o christian_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o second_o how_o they_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o three_o why_o they_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o receive_v four_o i_o will_v apply_v it_o first_o what_o christian_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n say_v they_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v now_o truth_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o some_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a 2._o some_o be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a truth_n call_v truth_n of_o god_n because_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o conform_v the_o mind_n and_o soul_n that_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n 2._o now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v right_a in_o moral_a thing_n and_o to_o know_v and_o cleave_v to_o that_o which_o be_v truth_n in_o morality_n yet_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o be_v here_o call_v upon_o to_o hold_v fast_o they_o be_v divine_a truth_n supernatural_a truth_n truth_n in_o religion_n truth_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n second_o again_o religious_a and_o divine_a truth_n truth_n of_o god_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o name_n and_o in_o the_o estimation_n of_o some_o man_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v truth_n of_o god_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n now_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christian_n be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o whatever_o any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n offer_v as_o truth_n shall_v be_v receive_v and_o hold_v fast_o for_o than_o we_o must_v hold_v fast_o many_o error_n but_o whatever_o man_n call_v truth_n or_o offer_v as_o truth_n we_o must_v examine_v it_o by_o the_o un-erring_a rule_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a canon_n which_o we_o have_v 1_o thess_n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a prove_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o hold_v truth_n by_o that_o then_o receive_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o fast_o divine_a scripture-truths_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o three_o scripture-truths_n truth_n that_o be_v ground_v and_o warrant_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o and_o express_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o such_o as_o be_v mediate_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o by_o deduction_n draw_v thence_o now_o those_o truth_n be_v immediate_o and_o express_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n we_o be_v without_o dispute_n to_o receive_v and_o hold_v but_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v draw_v thence_o we_o 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which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n we_o have_v but_o one_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v deliver_v but_o once_o god_n mean_v no_o more_o to_o deliver_v his_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o therefore_o you_o have_v need_n strive_v hard_a to_o keep_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o three_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o fast_o we_o do_v wrong_a god_n and_o if_o we_o wrong_v ourselves_o and_o we_o wrong_v the_o truth_n and_o we_o wrong_v our_o posterity_n 1._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v receive_v because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o wrong_v god_n for_o truth_n be_v more_o god_n than_o we_o they_o be_v we_o as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v his_o as_o he_o be_v the_o original_a and_o author_n of_o they_o truth_n be_v god_n jewel_n there_o be_v never_o a_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o god_n own_v it_o as_o he_o and_o for_o we_o to_o barter_n 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receive_v hold_v they_o fast_o in_o your_o judgement_n hold_v they_o fast_o in_o your_o will_n and_o affection_n hold_v they_o fast_o in_o your_o life_n and_o conversation_n hold_v the_o truth_n you_o have_v receive_v constant_o and_o hold_v they_o against_o all_o opposition_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a from_o friend_n and_o foe_n to_o press_v this_o upon_o you_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v need_v to_o use_v no_o other_o motive_n than_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o before_o you_o in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n only_o this_o one_o thing_n more_o and_o that_o be_v take_v notice_n how_o urgent_a the_o
to_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v but_o why_o be_v it_o say_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v that_o be_v invariable_o irrevocable_o once_o for_o all_o to_o the_o saint_n respect_v the_o privilege_n the_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v as_o a_o treasure_n and_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o candlestick_n not_o only_o to_o hold_v out_o the_o light_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o light_n whence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n or_o the_o ground_n of_o truth_n not_o that_o they_o be_v to_o make_v doctrine_n but_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n even_o as_o table_n and_o pillar_n upon_o which_o proclamation_n be_v hang_v and_o hold_v forth_o to_o be_v make_v public_a so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v keep_v and_o will_v be_v 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of_o immortality_n on_o your_o head_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v if_o you_o have_v christ_n you_o have_v all_o thing_n all_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n all_o temporal_a blessing_n if_o you_o have_v christ_n god_n will_v and_o can_v give_v you_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a for_o you_o without_o christ_n you_o be_v not_o and_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n therefore_o this_o be_v my_o first_o counsel_n to_o you_o crown_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o your_o hearr_n and_o life_n second_o then_o maintain_v a_o constant_a and_o a_o conscientious_a intimate_a communion_n with_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n it_o be_v good_a counsel_n which_o eliphas_n give_v to_o job_n job_n 22.21_o will_v you_o have_v much_o of_o the_o preseuce_n of_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n oh_o then_o frequent_o fall_v down_o and_o lie_v at_o the_o footstool_n of_o the_o lord_n throne_n for_o grace_n and_o for_o peace_n and_o when_o 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this_o come_v to_o pass_v first_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o a_o crafty_a subtle_a deceitful_a devil_n as_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o read_v while_o man_n sleep_v the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n mat._n 13.25_o and_o who_o this_o enemy_n be_v we_o may_v see_v in_o christ_n expound_v the_o parable_n ver_fw-la 39_o and_o second_o partly_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n own_o deceitful_a heart_n as_o heb._n 3_o 12._o observe_v it_o there_o be_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o best_a it_o dwell_v in_o the_o best_a but_o it_o reign_v in_o the_o wicked_a and_o what_o be_v that_o one_o of_o these_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o apostatise_v in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n three_o it_o be_v partly_o by_o reason_n of_o deceitful_a worker_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v false_a apostle_n it_o be_v partly_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o then_o take_v heed_n of_o apostatise_v either_o from_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n purity_n of_o worship_n or_o practice_n of_o conversation_n 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trust_n now_o i_o be_o leave_v of_o you_o 4._o here_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o trustee_n from_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o he_o to_o manage_v this_o trust_n and_o this_o be_v express_v in_o two_o particular_n 1._o he_o be_v able_a to_o build_v up_o and_o then_o 2._o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v i_o will_v leave_v you_o with_o such_o who_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o i_o may_v raise_v a_o multitude_n of_o observation_n from_o the_o word_n as_o first_o of_o all_o doct._n 1._o that_o it_o shall_v he_o the_o care_n of_o a_o faithful_a minister_n when_o be_v be_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n take_v from_o a_o people_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a minister_n to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v his_o comfort_n that_o be_v may_v do_v it_o that_o he_o may_v leave_v his_o people_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o be_v 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through_o thy_o own_o name_n those_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o we_o be_v and_o in_o the_o fourteen_o i_o have_v give_v they_o thy_o word_n he_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v explain_v these_o particular_n 1._o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v in_o a_o minister_n to_o recommend_v his_o people_n to_o god_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v recommend_v they_o to_o god_n for_o 3._o why_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o careful_a to_o recommend_v they_o to_o god_n 4._o how_o he_o shall_v recommend_v they_o to_o god_n last_o apt_o it_o first_o it_o be_v to_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o god_n care_n and_o keep_n as_o i_o show_v you_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o god_n be_v to_o do_v that_o for_o they_o effectual_o which_o he_o will_v fain_o do_v ministerial_o if_o he_o have_v be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v among_o they_o as_o when_o a_o die_a father_n or_o husband_n commend_v his_o wife_n and_o child_n to_o some_o survive_a intimate_a friend_n it_o be_v a_o leave_v a_o commit_v they_o to_o that_o friend_n to_o deal_v and_o to_o do_v for_o they_o which_o he_o will_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v live_v now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o a_o faithful_a minister_n design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o do_v for_o that_o congregation_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n these_o four_o thing_n especial_o every_o faithful_a minister_n endeavour_n to_o do_v while_o he_o be_v among_o his_o people_n 1._o their_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n 2._o their_o building_n and_o edification_n 3._o their_o protection_n and_o preservation_n 4._o their_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n first_o their_o conversion_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n this_o be_v that_o a_o faithful_a minister_n heart_n be_v set_v upon_o that_o he_o may_v convert_v poor_a soul_n that_o be_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n that_o he_o may_v turn_v poor_a soul_n to_o god_n that_o by_o often_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o counsel_n he_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n rom._n 10.1_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o the_o roman_n that_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o profession_n ah_o but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o fain_o he_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o people_n of_o god-in_a truth_n that_o be_v the_o hearty_a desire_n of_o every_o faithful_a minister_n not_o only_o to_o bring_v his_o people_n to_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o godliness_n but_o to_o the_o work_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n not_o only_o to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_a but_o christianity_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o his_o study_v to_o get_v they_o to_o god_n by_o little_a and_o little_a till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o gal._n 4.11_o my_o little_a child_n say_v the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n s._n paul_n travel_v in_o birth_n with_o the_o galathian_o from_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n he_o will_v get_v grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o will_v get_v they_o ingraff_v into_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o commend_v they_o to_o god_n which_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v do_v if_o he_o may_v have_v be_v suffer_v to_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o minister_n heart_n lord_n lord_n thou_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o every_o one_o of_o this_o people_n shall_v be_v make_v holy_a by_o thy_o word_n i_o will_v fain_o have_v beget_v they_o by_o the_o ministry_n to_o jesus_n christ_n but_o now_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n i_o be_o take_v off_o before_o my_o work_n be_v do_v and_o thou_o see_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o i_o be_o now_o likely_a not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o now_o it_o be_v my_o care_n that_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o thy_o election_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v gather_v home_o to_o thou_o 2._o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n he_o endeavour_v that_o those_o that_o be_v already_o sanctify_v may_v be_v further_o build_v up_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n where_o there_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n lack_v the_o apostle_n give_v great_a commendation_n of_o the_o thessalonans_fw-la 1_o thess_n 3.10_o they_o be_v a_o famous_a church_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o eminent_a christian_n yet_o there_o be_v something_o lack_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o in_o their_o knowledge_n christ_n speak_v to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a apostle_n oh_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n though_o the_o foundation-stone_n be_v lay_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o superstructure_n behind_o and_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n the_o building_n they_o up_o eph._n 4.12_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o every_o faithful_a minister_n to_o make_v his_o people_n fit_a for_o heaven_n he_o will_v be_v feed_v of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v grow_v to_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o every_o godly_a minister_n desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o finisher_n as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n under_o god_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v be_v build_v up_o to_o christ_n heavenly_a kingdom_n 3._o a_o minister_n aim_n be_v that_o his_o people_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o danger_n the_o people_n of_o god_n after_o they_o be_v effectual_o call_v they_o be_v
to_o the_o harden_v of_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n do_v we_o serious_o consider_v how_o great_a hinderer_n riches_n &_o pleasure_n and_o worldly_a prosperity_n be_v to_o grace_n and_o holiness_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o discontent_v at_o our_o mean_a and_o afflict_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o over-desirous_a of_o those_o accommodation_n which_o have_v prove_v the_o bane_n of_o so_o many_o and_o the_o hinderer_n of_o their_o salvation_n peace_n and_o plenty_n honour_n and_o prosperity_n do_v very_o often_o increase_v pride_n and_o covetousness_n security_n and_o earthly-mindedness_a when_o as_o affliction_n tribulation_n want_n reproach_n be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o exercise_v and_o increase_v of_o patience_n humility_n and_o a_o heavenly_a conversation_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n paul_n glory_v in_o tribulation_n because_o it_o wrought_v in_o he_o the_o grace_n of_o patience_n rom._n 5.3_o and_o not_o only_o so_o say_v he_o but_o we_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n also_o know_v that_o tribulation_n work_v patience_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v many_o soul_n now_o in_o torment_n for_o that_o pride_n security_n worldly-mindedness_a and_o other_o sin_n which_o be_v nourish_v and_o foster_v up_o in_o their_o prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o soul_n now_o in_o heaven_n which_o be_v help_v forward_o in_o their_o way_n thither_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v nourish_v and_o increase_v by_o their_o adversity_n cross_n and_o calamity_n here_o below_o be_v not_o therefore_o dismay_v and_o discontent_a christian_a with_o that_o condition_n though_o it_o be_v grievous_a to_o thy_o frail_a flesh_n which_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n last_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o believer_n &_o heir_n of_o heaven_n be_v thou_o in_o affliction_n be_v not_o dismay_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n will_v tend_v to_o the_o fit_v of_o thy_o soul_n for_o and_o to_o the_o bring_n of_o thou_o near_o to_o heaven_n affliction_n and_o tribulation_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o unite_n of_o soul_n close_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o fit_v and_o prepare_v they_o more_o and_o more_o for_o eternal_a glory_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o glory_n act_v 14.22_o god_n do_v discipline_n his_o dear_a child_n by_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n here_o and_o so_o fit_v they_o for_o to_o reign_v with_o he_o hereafter_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v dismay_v at_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o fit_v of_o we_o for_o our_o heavenly_a inheritance_n and_o to_o the_o bring_n of_o we_o near_o to_o christ_n and_o salvation_n oh_o let_v not_o affliction_n nor_o tribulation_n dismay_v you_o that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o support_v you_o but_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o your_o heavenly_a interest_n keep_v you_o from_o faint_v at_o all_o your_o affliction_n and_o tribulation_n that_o you_o meet_v with_o in_o your_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o now_o belove_a hearer_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o trespass_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o your_o patience_n see_v this_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v to_o speak_v to_o you_o from_o this_o place_n be_v prohibit_v to_o preach_v unless_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o i_o confess_v my_o conscience_n dare_v not_o submit_v unto_o being_n therefore_o enforce_v to_o lay_v down_o my_o ministry_n i_o think_v good_a to_o let_v you_o know_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o out_o of_o singularity_n nor_o stubbornness_n in_o opinion_n which_o many_o it_o may_v be_v may_v conjecture_v but_o because_o the_o thing_n require_v be_v such_o as_o my_o conscience_n can_v close_v withal_o can_v i_o see_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o those_o ceremony_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v enjoin_v i_o shall_v ready_o submit_v unto_o they_o for_o i_o can_v take_v the_o great_a god_n to_o witness_v with_o my_o conscience_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n grieve_v i_o a_o hundred_o part_n so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v hinder_v from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o be_v disable_v from_o serve_v my_o great_a master_n christ_n in_o that_o employment_n but_o see_v i_o can_v find_v my_o warrant_n thence_o i_o dare_v not_o go_v against_o my_o conscience_n and_o so_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereby_o those_o strict_a prohibition_n record_v deut._n 42._o and_o 12.32_o prov._n 30.6_o and_o in_o other_o scripture_n wherein_o we_o be_v prohibit_v to_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o god_n own_o institution_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o terrible_a threaten_n pronounce_v against_o those_o that_o shall_v transgress_v in_o this_o particular_a have_v such_o impression_n upon_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o give_v my_o assent_n nor_o consent_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v not_o warrant_v from_o his_o word_n but_o i_o think_v it_o the_o lesser_a evil_n of_o the_o two_o to_o expose_v myself_o to_o suffering_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o to_o undergo_v the_o check_n and_o reproach_n of_o a_o wound_a and_o grieve_a conscience_n dear_o belove_v while_o i_o have_v liberty_n to_o speak_v unto_o you_o i_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n act._n 20.27_o i_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o you_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n but_o according_a to_o that_o strength_n and_o ability_n that_o god_n have_v give_v i_o have_v labour_v to_o instruct_v you_o and_o to_o press_v home_o upon_o you_o those_o great_a and_o save_a truth_n which_o be_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v know_v and_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o as_o the_o apolste_v paul_n write_v to_o the_o philippian_n phil._n 1.8_o so_o may_v i_o say_v to_o you_o that_o god_n be_v my_o record_n how_o great_o i_o have_v long_v after_o you_o all_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n your_o conversation_n unto_o god_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v have_v in_o my_o eye_n for_o this_o i_o have_v pray_v for_o this_o i_o have_v preach_v for_o this_o i_o have_v study_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o joyous_a to_o i_o than_o to_o hear_v of_o any_o of_o my_o hearer_n that_o be_v walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o have_v set_v their_o face_n towards_o heaven_n but_o see_v god_n be_v please_v for_o end_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o to_o suffer_v my_o mouth_n together_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o other_o my_o dear_a and_o reverend_a brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v stop_v i_o desire_v to_o leave_v a_o word_n or_o two_o with_o each_o of_o you_o which_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o word_n of_o a_o die_a minister_n or_o of_o a_o dead_a minister_n in_o a_o civil_a sense_n and_o therefore_o suffer_v they_o to_o take_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o your_o heart_n i_o shall_v therefore_o direct_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n first_o to_o those_o that_o do_v much_o rejoice_v at_o this_o time_n and_o that_o have_v earnest_o look_v and_o long_v for_o it_o to_o such_o who_o hug_v themselves_o and_o make_v merry_a because_o the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n as_o wicked_a man_n account_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v which_o have_v tell_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o reprove_v they_o of_o their_o carnal_a sensual_a unholy_a life_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o preach_v nor_o to_o trouble_v they_o with_o the_o unpleasing_a doctrine_n of_o repentance_n conversion_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o other_o truth_n which_o they_o dislike_v to_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o faithful_a laborious_a convince_a preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o enemy_n because_o they_o have_v tell_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o can_v not_o soothe_v they_o up_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o rejoice_v as_o the_o inbabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v rejoice_v over_o the_o witness_n and_o make_v merry_a rev._n 11.10_o to_o you_o i_o say_v whosoever_o you_o be_v that_o none_o have_v more_o need_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o of_o our_o preach_n than_o you_o and_o if_o you_o be_v but_o acquaint_v true_o with_o your_o own_o state_n in_o which_o you_o be_v which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o wrath_n without_o you_o repent_v and_o turn_v and_o become_v new_a creature_n you_o will_v be_v of_o other_o mind_n than_o now_o you_o be_v and_o turn_v your_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n into_o mourning_n consider_v that_o be_v never_o the_o better_a with_o any_o city_n when_o the_o watchman_n be_v remove_v nor_o for_o a_o traveller_n when_o the_o light_n be_v go_v which_o shall_v direct_v he_o in_o his_o way_n and_o it_o can_v be_v but_o sad_a when_o