than_o stand_v against_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o arise_v from_o man_n and_o devil_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o christian_n be_v as_o ready_a to_o defend_v truth_n as_o other_o be_v to_o oppose_v it_o christ_n jesus_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v lead_v we_o the_o way_n for_o when_o all_o conspire_v against_o he_o because_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n yet_o be_v he_o with_o his_o life_n ready_a to_o justify_v the_o truth_n say_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n consider_v these_o two_o general_a part_n 1._o a_o engagement_n 2._o a_o design_n 1._o a_o engagement_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o a_o design_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n but_o since_o the_o end_n and_o the_o object_n denominate_v every_o action_n here_o be_v 1._o the_o action_n christ_n incarnation_n 2._o the_o end_n to_o bear_v witness_n 3._o the_o object_n the_o truth_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o if_o you_o will_v take_v they_o in_o this_o order_n 1._o the_o end_n and_o that_o point_a at_o and_o point_v out_o 1._o point_a at_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o to_o this_o end_n 2._o point_v out_o by_o be_v bear_v and_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o action_n to_o bear_v witness_n 3._o the_o object_n the_o truth_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n but_o since_o the_o end_n be_v first_o in_o intention_n though_o last_o in_o execution_n i_o shall_v begin_v at_o the_o end_n yet_o the_o right_a end_n and_o that_o point_a at_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o to_o this_o end_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n the_o life_n of_o most_o man_n be_v misspend_v only_o for_o want_n of_o a_o certain_a end_n to_o run_v at_o because_o they_o shoot_v their_o arrow_n and_o know_v not_o at_o what_o mark_v they_o level_v and_o direct_v their_o proceed_n by_o they_o know_v not_o what_o rule_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o reach_v not_o to_o perfection_n and_o end_v not_o in_o comfort_n some_o level_n at_o the_o right_a end_n but_o level_v amiss_o to_o level_v without_o a_o end_n be_v folly_n to_o a_o false_a end_n be_v loss_n true_a christian_n only_o find_v the_o right_a way_n for_o a_o wise_a christian_n amid_o the_o many_o change_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n still_o press_v on_o to_o one_o steady_a end_n by_o holy_a endeavour_n for_o the_o more_o he_o be_v unshaken_a in_o his_o resolution_n the_o near_o he_o come_v to_o the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o life_n christ_n jesus_n who_o stand_v firm_a unto_o the_o end_n and_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o truth_n witness_v the_o same_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a life_n as_o himself_o affirm_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v both_o needless_a and_o unprofitable_a for_o i_o to_o undertake_v the_o calculation_n of_o our_o saviour_n nativity_n or_o to_o make_v a_o discovery_n unto_o you_o of_o those_o sign_n which_o do_v accompany_v it_o in_o a_o most_o miraculous_a manner_n or_o to_o tell_v you_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n thereof_o set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o though_o they_o be_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n yet_o you_o must_v know_v that_o those_o celestial_a constellation_n do_v not_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o produce_v of_o that_o glorious_a birth_n but_o only_o in_o a_o admirable_a and_o unusual_a manner_n be_v make_v to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o my_o text_n say_v to_o be_v bear_v that_o he_o also_o may_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o no_o less_o impious_a than_o foolish_a proverb_n take_v up_o by_o man_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o event_n of_o any_o action_n or_o thing_n to_o lay_v the_o cause_n thereof_o upon_o the_o star_n and_o planerary_a influence_n and_o thereby_o man_n think_v when_o guilty_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o say_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n bring_v it_o upon_o i_o or_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o it_o say_v irreligious_o i_o be_v bear_v to_o this_o or_o the_o star_n design_v i_o to_o it_o as_o if_o some_o extrinsical_a necessity_n do_v draw_v man_n to_o sin_n as_o if_o the_o star_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n iniquity_n yet_o of_o the_o two_o those_o be_v better_o though_o just_o to_o be_v condemn_v also_o that_o will_v excuse_v themselves_o by_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o influence_n of_o malignant_a planet_n or_o their_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n than_o those_o that_o infer_v the_o cause_n from_o a_o necessity_n in_o the_o peremptory_a decree_n of_o almighty_a god_n as_o if_o holiness_n itself_o shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o make_v man_n criminal_a such_o a_o principle_n imbibe_v be_v enough_o to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o that_o opinion_n of_o the_o stoic_n at_o least_o if_o not_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a and_o a_o evil_a god_n yet_o that_o the_o one_o almighty_a essence_n act_v as_o if_o he_o be_v divide_v by_o say_v though_o god_n will_v have_v man_n otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v yet_o he_o have_v decree_v a_o certain_a end_n of_o misery_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n without_o any_o respect_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o their_o person_n and_o so_o make_v the_o evil_a action_n of_o man_n determine_v by_o god_n decree_n and_o what_o will_v this_o come_v short_a of_o they_o that_o attribute_v the_o good_a action_n of_o man_n to_o a_o good_a god_n and_o their_o evil_a action_n to_o a_o evil_a god_n yet_o those_o stoic_n that_o make_v two_o god_n and_o these_o planetist_n that_o lay_v the_o fault_n of_o their_o action_n upon_o the_o star_n be_v much_o better_a than_o those_o that_o say_v all_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o all_o their_o end_n be_v undeterminable_a by_o any_o action_n of_o man_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n it_o will_v be_v better_a to_o raise_v the_o evil_a accident_n from_o a_o evil_n then_o from_o a_o good_a god_n but_o that_o we_o be_v under_o a_o fatal_a decree_n of_o necessity_n as_o to_o event_n or_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v to_o commit_v this_o or_o the_o other_o evil_n we_o utter_o deny_v and_o that_o 1._o first_o by_o consider_v the_o evil_a consequence_n that_o will_v follow_v upon_o assert_v a_o peremptory_a decree_n for_o if_o god_n peremptory_a decree_n have_v design_v sin_n to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n than_o man_n sin_v not_o in_o deed_n but_o in_o opinion_n only_o necessity_n have_v no_o law_n and_o where_o necessity_n bear_v sway_v there_o the_o will_n have_v no_o power_n and_o so_o man_n become_v equal_a with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n with_o the_o lion_n who_o unbridled_a appetite_n can_v be_v restrain_v by_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o can_v upon_o admonition_n do_v otherwise_o they_o can_v use_v principle_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o mad_a man_n and_o child_n be_v under_o no_o law_n because_o not_o capable_a of_o rational_a action_n for_o no_o man_n be_v command_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n necessity_n require_v as_o for_o example_n no_o man_n be_v bid_v to_o eat_v drink_v and_o sleep_v because_o these_o action_n and_o affection_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n the_o will_n may_v govern_v but_o not_o suppress_v they_o indeed_o charity_n be_v of_o necessity_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o free_a principle_n within_o or_o without_o and_o we_o be_v careless_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o if_o necessity_n have_v no_o law_n for_o if_o action_n in_o themselves_o have_v no_o law_n than_o they_o be_v not_o sinful_a for_o where_o no_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n &_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v rule_v by_o destiny_n than_o they_o be_v of_o necessity_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n our_o action_n be_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a in_o themselves_o but_o only_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n as_o esteem_v by_o we_o and_o in_o our_o opinion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v man_n and_o so_o become_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n to_o what_o end_n be_v exhortation_n and_o mean_v use_v to_o hinder_v man_n from_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v but_o fancy_n a_o christian_n call_v and_o christ_n die_a be_v mere_a fable_n if_o sin_n be_v not_o sin_n if_o sin_n be_v nothing_o it_o matter_n not_o let_v man_n live_v how_o they_o listen_v and_o whither_o tend_v this_o principle_n but_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o all_o religion_n when_o a_o man_n lay_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o his_o action_n upon_o the_o peremptory_a
and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o praise_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n and_o heal_v all_o thy_o infirmity_n which_o save_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n who_o crow_v thou_o with_o mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n who_o satisfi_v thy_o mouth_n with_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o thy_o youth_n be_v renew_v like_o the_o eagle_n for_o he_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o after_o our_o sin_n nor_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o iniquity_n testis_fw-la fidelis_fw-la or_o a_o faithful_a witness_n sermon_n vii_o st._n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n introduction_n introduction_n the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n be_v like_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o well-drawn_a picture_n that_o still_o which_o way_n soever_o you_o go_v look_v towards_o you_o for_o which_o way_n so_o ever_o you_o consider_v the_o word_n they_o still_o have_v reference_n to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n if_o you_o look_v upon_o his_o conception_n which_o come_v be_v foretell_v by_o a_o angel_n as_o witness_v thereof_o s._n luke_n 1.31_o yet_o there_o it_o be_v but_o the_o preparation_n to_o that_o come_n which_o be_v in_o my_o text_n viz._n his_o nativity_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v without_o a_o witness_n neither_o in_o that_o st._n stephen_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o who_o be_v to_o testify_v of_o he_o be_v join_v next_o unto_o the_o birthday_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o call_v by_o the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n st._n stephen_n day_n but_o that_o protomartyr_n who_o here_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o that_o witness_n in_o my_o text_n do_v witness_v what_o the_o great_a witness_n do_v both_o do_v and_o suffer_v but_o that_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o more_o than_o a_o single_a testimony_n our_o mother_n the_o church_n do_v celebrate_v st._n johns_n day_n in_o commemoration_n of_o that_o belove_a disciple_n who_o faithful_a affection_n beget_v in_o he_o a_o eagle_n eye_n wherewith_o to_o behold_v those_o glorious_a mystery_n which_o none_o else_o of_o all_o the_o disciple_n be_v able_a to_o reveal_v and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v without_o occasion_n of_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n also_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o here_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n so_o love_v that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o and_o as_o his_o disciple_n testify_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n live_v and_o die_v so_o the_o innocent_a babe_n slay_v for_o his_o sake_n by_o cruel_a herod_n do_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n not_o by_o speak_v but_o by_o die_v but_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n both_o by_o speak_v &_o die_v do_v bear_v witness_n for_o we_o while_o himself_o be_v a_o infant_n antedate_v his_o cruel_a passion_n by_o a_o bloody_a circumcision_n institute_v as_o a_o pledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o his_o covenant_n which_o be_v wonderful_o effect_v by_o his_o own_o person_n when_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n hence_o the_o epiphany_n be_v famous_a for_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o first_o make_v discovery_n of_o this_o bless_a babe_n by_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o unusual_a light_n and_o here_o now_o be_v that_o star_n of_o jacob_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o rise_n in_o his_o birth_n and_o by_o this_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n first_o find_v out_o that_o afterward_o by_o his_o people_n be_v betray_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o enemy_n to_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a formality_n of_o justice_n be_v bring_v before_o a_o precedent_n and_o arraign_v for_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n he_o still_o assert_v his_o innocence_n though_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n look_v upon_o the_o word_n once_o more_o and_o they_o present_v you_o with_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o constancy_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n testimony_n even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v desert_v by_o his_o most_o intimate_a friend_n and_o servant_n and_o at_o that_o time_n especial_o wherein_o as_o man_n he_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o they_o be_v now_o have_v in_o examination_n before_o the_o judgement-seat_n of_o pilate_n wherein_o you_o have_v fulfil_v that_o say_n of_o he_o that_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v receive_v by_o they_o that_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o all_o despise_v of_o most_o and_o pity_v by_o few_o and_o yet_o herein_o also_o he_o come_v to_o do_v his_o father_n will_n by_o a_o willing_a death_n witness_v to_o that_o truth_n which_o some_o have_v forswear_a and_o other_o deny_v say_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o which_o word_n you_o may_v remember_v i_o have_v observe_v these_o part_n 1._o a_o action_n 2._o a_o end_n 3._o the_o object_n 1._o the_o action_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o end_n 1._o point_a at_o 2._o point_v out_o 1._o point_a at_o to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n 2._o point_v out_o to_o bear_v witness_n 3._o the_o object_n the_o truth_n and_o whereas_o the_o end_n in_o every_o action_n be_v first_o in_o intention_n though_o last_o in_o execution_n i_o do_v begin_v with_o the_o end_n the_o right_a end_n and_o that_o point_a at_o to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n namely_o 2._o the_o action_n which_o be_v christ_n incarnation_n and_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n and_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n the_o end_n of_o the_o action_n wherefore_o he_o come_v and_o why_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o that_o be_v 3._o the_o object_n the_o truth_n to_o bear_v witness_n and_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o this_o three_o part_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o the_o end_n 2._o the_o object_n the_o one_o in_o reference_n unto_o christ_n the_o other_o unto_o christian_n 1._o in_o reference_n unto_o christ_n as_o the_o primary_n intention_n of_o they_o and_o so_o the_o word_n concern_v our_o saviour_n as_o he_o be_v a_o witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n in_o his_o own_o person_n 2._o in_o the_o extent_n of_o they_o so_o they_o concern_v we_o for_o we_o also_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o in_o we_o there_o must_v concur_v to_o demonstrate_v our_o fidelity_n 1._o the_o end_n 2._o the_o action_n 3._o the_o object_n for_o we_o be_v in_o our_o particular_a station_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o other_o for_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v still_o have_v some_o faithful_a servant_n to_o witness_v for_o he_o though_o they_o continual_o meet_v with_o opposition_n for_o though_o under_o the_o law_n witness_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o at_o divers_a time_n and_o in_o sundry_a manner_n etc._n etc._n yet_o not_o only_o the_o vain_a error_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o also_o the_o careless_a perverseness_n of_o the_o jew_n lead_v multitude_n of_o people_n into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o the_o prophet_n esay_n say_v who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n esay_n 53.1_o yea_o the_o people_n change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o lie_n and_o cause_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v evil_a speak_v of_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n if_o possible_a to_o banish_v truth_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o malicious_a opposition_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v not_o leave_v without_o record_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n but_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o st._n john_n 5.7_o the_o father_n promise_v the_o holy_a ghost_n prepare_v and_o the_o son_n assume_v or_o take_v what_o be_v
truth_n introduction_n introduction_n a_o imprudent_a discourse_n attend_v with_o ambitious_a thought_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o adam_n misery_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o new_a covenant_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o serpent_n ruin_n who_o mischievous_a head_n be_v early_o break_v by_o the_o promise_a seed_n the_o true_a messiah_n who_o the_o patriarch_n foresee_v and_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o patriarch_n foresee_v he_o genesis_n 49.10_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v he_o under_o diverse_a representation_n esay_n 2.7_o esay_n 7.14_o jer._n 23.5_o dan._n 9.25_o 26._o zachary_n 6.12_o haggai_n 2.7_o by_o the_o emanuel_n jeremy_n the_o branch_n daniel_n the_o messiah_n zachary_n by_o he_o that_o rise_v on_o high_a haggai_n the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a that_o sinner_n shall_v be_v save_v that_o a_o despicable_a man_n shall_v save_v a_o world_n be_v think_v so_o incredible_a that_o the_o prophet_n esay_n cry_v out_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n which_o be_v in_o time_n fulfil_v but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 4.4_o though_o the_o news_n be_v true_a and_o proclaim_v from_o heaven_n by_o a_o angel_n and_o that_o of_o great_a joy_n for_o that_o on_o this_o day_n be_v bear_v a_o saviour_n christ_n the_o lord_n what_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v concern_v his_o come_n be_v by_o himself_o fulfil_v in_o time_n what_o they_o point_v at_o he_o point_v out_o and_o by_o a_o miracle_n show_v it_o to_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v where_o be_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o we_o have_v see_v his_o star_n in_o the_o east_n and_o we_o be_v come_v to_o worship_v he_o st._n matthew_n 2.2_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o they_o receive_v he_o not_o but_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n as_o they_o do_v that_o slay_v the_o prophet_n who_o declare_v the_o come_n of_o the_o just_a one_o for_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o be_v force_v to_o be_v go_v and_o fly_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n into_o a_o foreign_a country_n to_o avoid_v the_o fury_n of_o that_o mighty_a nimrod_n who_o pretend_a worship_n be_v only_o the_o dark_a vizour_n of_o a_o inhuman_a murder_n disguise_v his_o wicked_a purpose_n under_o the_o beautiful_a mask_n of_o a_o desire_a amity_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o that_o call_v themselves_o christ_n when_o there_o be_v those_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n that_o will_v and_o do_v disow_v christ_n nativity_n and_o this_o old_a simeon_n by_o inspiration_n calculate_v at_o his_o nativity_n say_v this_o child_n be_v set_v for_o a_o sign_n which_o shall_v be_v speak_v against_o st._n luke_n 2.34_o and_o wicked_a people_n make_v it_o good_a as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v foretell_v by_o prophet_n nor_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n at_o a_o appoint_a day_n and_o that_o for_o we_o man_n and_o for_o our_o salvation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o many_o will_v not_o believe_v say_v god_n hab._n 1.5_o which_o be_v fulfil_v act_v 13.41_o behold_v you_o despiser_n and_o wonder_v and_o perish_v for_o i_o work_v a_o work_n in_o your_o day_n a_o work_n which_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v etc._n etc._n for_o so_o will_v they_o have_v hinder_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n from_o work_v that_o which_o he_o have_v wrought_v and_o what_o god_n have_v set_v down_o shall_v be_v do_v which_o wâ—…_n according_o fulfil_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v bear_v but_o to_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d he_o himself_o say_v so_o much_o of_o himself_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o which_o word_n you_o may_v remember_v i_o have_v former_o observe_v these_o three_o part_n 1._o a_o action_n 1._o the_o end_n 3._o the_o object_n 1._o the_o action_n christ_n incarnation_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o that_o point_a at_o and_o point_v out_o 1._o point_a at_o to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n 2._o point_v out_o to_o bear_v witness_n 3._o the_o object_n be_v the_o truth_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o since_o the_o end_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o intention_n though_o last_o in_o execution_n i_o do_v begin_v with_o the_o end_n point_v at_o and_o that_o be_v to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n but_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o this_o day_n christ_n nativity_n i_o be_v bear_v i_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o here_o at_o the_o first_o step_n of_o our_o discourse_n we_o be_v plunge_v into_o a_o unfathomed_a depth_n of_o mystery_n for_o this_o he_o that_o be_v here_o bear_v be_v the_o same_o he_o that_o call_v himself_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o exodus_fw-la 3.14_o that_o socinian_n that_o say_v he_o be_v not_o very_a god_n be_v a_o blasphemer_n i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n who_o essence_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o to_o be_v bear_v note_n his_o humanity_n and_o how_o this_o work_n be_v that_o he_o that_o be_v i_o be_o shall_v be_v bear_v and_o close_o with_o the_o deity_n tongue_n can_v express_v and_o heart_n can_v conceive_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o nothing_o be_v but_o what_o be_v in_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o not_o that_o neither_o but_o with_o much_o imperfection_n for_o the_o first_o of_o we_o that_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n leave_v we_o nothing_o but_o a_o penury_n of_o what_o we_o be_v and_o if_o we_o know_v not_o ourselves_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v how_o god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n remain_v incommunicable_a or_o how_o he_o be_v incommunicable_a do_v vouchsafe_v to_o partake_v of_o humane_a nature_n yet_o thus_o be_v christ_n both_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o same_o person_n as_o man_n he_o have_v a_o mother_n that_o bear_v he_o and_o as_o god_n a_o father_n that_o beget_v he_o but_o who_o can_v without_o admiration_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o son_n or_o tell_v of_o such_o a_o generation_n that_o be_v like_a both_o &_o yet_o like_o neither_o like_o neither_o for_o consider_v he_o as_o man_n and_o so_o he_o have_v no_o similitude_n of_o a_o ineffable_a essence_n look_v upon_o he_o as_o god_n and_o so_o he_o bear_v no_o proportion_n with_o the_o virgin_n womb_n and_o yet_o like_o both_o as_o god_n like_o his_o father_n as_o man_n like_o his_o mother_n god_n and_o yet_o the_o son_n of_o a_o woman_n man_n and_o still_o the_o image_n of_o his_o father_n and_o that_o from_o eternity_n be_v without_o beginning_n of_o day_n or_o end_n of_o time_n god_n son_n and_o motherless_a a_o virgin_n babe_n and_o fatherless_a without_o a_o father_n as_o bear_v of_o a_o woman_n and_o without_o a_o mother_n as_o beget_v of_o god_n thus_o be_v he_o god_n and_o motherless_a as_o beget_v and_o not_o bear_v a_o man_n and_o fatherless_a because_o bear_v and_o not_o beget_v we_o must_v believe_v both_o beyond_o enquiry_n because_o more_o be_v possible_a with_o god_n then_o be_v conceivable_a with_o man_n and_o divine_a mystery_n shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v undoubted_a truth_n though_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v they_o for_o what_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o believe_v we_o must_v believe_v beyond_o understanding_n and_o of_o all_o the_o divine_a mystery_n this_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n incarnation_n especial_o who_o very_a mystery_n heighten_v faith_n to_o no_o less_o than_o a_o miracle_n and_o where_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v wonder_n must_v needs_o be_v create_v and_o both_o these_o two_o meet_a in_o this_o one_o act_n of_o faith_n exercise_v about_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n for_o believe_v we_o wonder_v and_o marvel_v we_o believe_v and_o make_v our_o bless_a saviour_n incarnation_n the_o object_n of_o both_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o marvel_v at_o and_o yet_o wonder_v at_o our_o faith_n still_o double_v the_o miracle_n by_o marvel_v that_o we_o can_v at_o once_o both_o wonder_n and_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o wonder_n and_o yet_o this_o wonder_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o how_o can_v we_o do_v less_o than_o marvel_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o on_o the_o father_n side_n he_o shall_v be_v god_n and_o no_o man_n
the_o meaning_n thereof_o yet_o now_o that_o he_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o thing_n itself_o the_o mistake_n or_o leave_v out_o but_o of_o one_o circumstance_n may_v make_v the_o whole_a action_n sinful_a there_o be_v no_o excuse_n to_o be_v draw_v for_o the_o same_o either_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o person_n now_o or_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o former_a life_n that_o can_v make_v good_a or_o fill_v up_o what_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o his_o action_n nor_o be_v david_n excusable_a in_o feign_v himself_o mad_a before_o the_o people_n 1_o sam._n 21.13_o though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n no_o much_o more_o be_v commendable_a the_o say_n of_o old_a eleazar_n when_o at_o the_o command_n of_o antiochus_n all_o be_v to_o die_v that_o will_v not_o eat_v swine_n flesh_n and_o when_o he_o have_v eat_v it_o or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o eat_v it_o for_o he_o spit_v it_o out_o again_o and_o repent_v come_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n to_o the_o torment_n choose_v to_o die_v glorious_o rather_o than_o live_v stain_v with_o such_o a_o abomination_n therefore_o say_v he_o excellent_o when_o persuade_v by_o friend_n to_o bring_v flesh_n of_o his_o own_o and_o make_v as_o if_o he_o obey_v the_o king_n in_o eat_v the_o flesh_n take_v from_o the_o sacrifice_n it_o become_v not_o one_o of_o my_o year_n to_o dissemble_v for_o then_o any_o young_a person_n may_v think_v that_o i_o be_v fourscore_o year_n old_a and_o ten_o be_v now_o go_v to_o a_o strange_a religion_n and_o so_o they_o through_o my_o hypocrisy_n and_o desire_v to_o live_v a_o little_a time_n and_o a_o moment_n long_o shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o i_o and_o so_o i_o get_v a_o stain_n and_o make_v my_o old_a age_n abominable_a and_o though_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a be_v deliver_v from_o man_n yet_o shall_v i_o not_o escape_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o almighty_a neither_o alive_a nor_o dead_a 2_o maccab._n 6.19_o 20_o 21._o when_o it_o once_o come_v to_o this_o strait_a that_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v the_o truth_n or_o fall_v under_o the_o sword_n of_o persecution_n we_o be_v rather_o to_o die_v in_o or_o for_o the_o faith_n then_o forsake_v it_o and_o as_o we_o may_v not_o for_o the_o save_n of_o our_o life_n do_v that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a much_o less_o must_v we_o free_v our_o good_n from_o danger_n by_o similation_n or_o make_v a_o lie_n we_o must_v not_o similate_v good_a into_o evil_n nor_o truth_n into_o falsehood_n by_o wicked_a word_n or_o work_n nor_o seem_v to_o do_v good_a when_o we_o intend_v nothing_o less_o because_o of_o the_o lie_n which_o will_v lie_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o for_o so_o do_v and_o withal_o because_o there_o be_v a_o lie_n in_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o in_o say_v and_o neither_o be_v allowable_a in_o any_o man_n under_o what_o pretence_n soever_o though_o the_o do_v thereof_o be_v to_o save_v his_o life_n for_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereof_o rom._n 3.8_o 4._o denial_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o either_o by_o subscribe_v against_o it_o or_o by_o do_v that_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a unto_o it_o for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a denial_n of_o truth_n 1._o in_o faith_n 2._o in_o practice_n 1._o in_o faith_n for_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n 2._o in_o practice_n for_o fear_v of_o pain_n 1._o in_o faith_n some_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1_o tim._n 1.19_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v give_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3.4_o why_o they_o so_o do_v it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o for_o love_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n cast_v away_o truth_n of_o faith_n so_o 2._o other_o for_o fear_n of_o pain_n have_v do_v it_o in_o fact_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o in_o word_n profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o titus_n 1.16_o be_v reprobate_a to_o every_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n but_o beside_o this_o deny_v of_o truth_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n there_o be_v also_o a_o denial_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o this_o admit_v of_o divers_a degree_n 1._o apostasy_n when_o man_n fall_v from_o truth_n into_o sinful_a error_n 2_o when_o they_o revile_v the_o truth_n by_o evil_a speech_n thus_o wicked_a man_n detect_v themselves_o to_o be_v enemy_n to_o that_o truth_n which_o with_o their_o tongue_n and_o hand_n they_o violent_o oppose_v 3._o the_o sin_n also_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v in_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o sinful_a apostate_n and_o revile_v judgement_n and_o that_o appear_v 1._o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n 1._o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n when_o man_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n first_o forsake_v of_o it_o then_o deny_v and_o at_o last_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o continue_v in_o that_o blasphemy_n this_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2._o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o be_v when_o man_n do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v utter_o contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o the_o same_o this_o be_v to_o sin_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o every_o action_n that_o dishonour_v god_n and_o hearten_v other_o to_o do_v the_o like_a be_v to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o look_v to_o himself_o and_o make_v a_o curious_a examination_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o reference_n to_o his_o word_n and_o work_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o those_o error_n and_o crime_n which_o the_o work_n and_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n eminent_o convince_v of_o for_o we_o be_v oblige_v though_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v we_o bear_v regenerate_a make_v christian_n come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o christian_a church_n that_o we_o both_o in_o our_o word_n in_o our_o work_n in_o our_o life_n by_o our_o death_n if_o call_v thereunto_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o act_n bear_v witness_n to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n testis_fw-la fidelis_fw-la or_o the_o faithful_a witness_n sermon_n viii_o st._n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n the_o life_n of_o most_o man_n be_v misspend_v it_o be_v only_o they_o who_o have_v a_o certain_a end_n of_o their_o action_n that_o shall_v attain_v to_o the_o right_a end_n for_o which_o those_o action_n be_v design_v namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n some_o there_o be_v that_o shoot_v at_o they_o know_v not_o what_o mark_n they_o direct_v themselves_o to_o a_o universal_a scope_n not_o mind_v or_o regard_v the_o particular_a tendency_n of_o their_o do_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o arise_v not_o to_o perfection_n they_o continue_v in_o that_o evil_n which_o end_v in_o discomfort_n some_o level_n at_o the_o right_a end_n but_o level_v amiss_o want_v prudence_n and_o discretion_n right_o to_o manage_v their_o action_n so_o as_o may_v best_o direct_v to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n it_o be_v only_o true_a christian_a wisdom_n that_o show_v the_o right_a end_n and_o certain_o find_v out_o the_o way_n thereunto_o and_o a_o wise_a christian_a amid_o the_o many_o change_n of_o this_o life_n continual_o press_v to_o one_o end_n with_o reverence_n and_o respect_n still_o set_v his_o resolution_n in_o all_o his_o way_n if_o possible_a to_o get_v near_o to_o the_o great_a centre_n who_o when_o he_o be_v summon_v unto_o death_n and_o betray_v thereunto_o by_o his_o seem_a friend_n yet_o steadfast_o assert_v the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n say_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o which_o word_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v these_o particular_n 1._o a_o action_n 2._o an_fw-mi end_n 3._o the_o object_n 1._o the_o action_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o that_o point_v at_o &_o point_v out_o 1._o point_a at_o to_o this_o end_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n 2._o point_v out_o to_o
all_o to_o fate_n but_o christ_n come_v to_o maintain_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n and_o that_o in_o a_o divine_a essence_n and_o that_o he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o do_v not_o necessitate_v any_o man_n action_n by_o a_o fatal_a destiny_n and_o not_o only_o be_v there_o error_n in_o man_n judgement_n but_o 2._o in_o their_o manner_n and_o way_n how_o great_a the_o error_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o that_o be_v and_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o their_o writing_n and_o not_o only_o they_o but_o the_o rabbin_n of_o old_a under_o the_o law_n teach_v against_o literal_a hypocrisy_n that_o no_o obedience_n be_v profitable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o not_o then_o neither_o but_o when_o only_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o to_o man_n appearance_n but_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v he_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n and_o what_o they_o stand_v for_o in_o the_o letter_n he_o require_v in_o the_o spirit_n expound_v their_o doctrine_n more_o strict_o say_v it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o old_a thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v and_o whosoever_o shall_v kill_v shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n as_o be_v set_v down_o the_o 5_o 6_o 7._o chap._n of_o saint_n matthew_n christ_n come_v to_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v witness_n to_o it_o in_o his_o sermon_n judgement_n and_o censure_n answer_n and_o reproof_n 1._o in_o his_o sermon_n that_o his_o adversary_n can_v not_o but_o pass_v this_o censure_n of_o they_o master_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v true_a and_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n st._n matthew_n 22.16_o 2._o in_o his_o judgement_n and_o censure_n for_o how_o do_v he_o use_v in_o read_v pleading_z and_o decide_v to_o demonstrate_v his_o faithfulness_n you_o have_v the_o full_a story_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o saint_n luke_n 7.4_o and_o so_o on_o concern_v his_o willingness_n to_o forgive_v the_o great_a debt_n a_o example_n of_o the_o second_o be_v pregnant_a to_o this_o purpose_n when_o he_o defend_v the_o pious_a woman_n against_o his_o disciple_n for_o anoint_v his_o head_n with_o preous_a ointment_n saint_n matthew_n 26.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o you_o have_v his_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o three_o when_o against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n he_o become_v a_o advocate_n for_o himself_o to_o defend_v that_o true_a power_n which_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v to_o he_o saint_n john_n 8.12_o and_o so_o on_o 3._o in_o his_o answer_n and_o reproof_n in_o his_o answer_n though_o they_o be_v many_o time_n in_o silence_n yet_o he_o convince_v they_o by_o say_v nothing_o and_o in_o his_o reproof_n how_o true_a for_o when_o he_o speak_v they_o be_v such_o as_o never_o man_n utter_v for_o faithful_a seasonable_a and_o meek_a never_o express_v any_o seem_a passion_n but_o once_o in_o purge_v the_o temple_n of_o those_o buyer_n and_o seller_n who_o have_v make_v his_o father_n house_n a_o place_n of_o merchandise_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n have_v turn_v it_o into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n indeed_o he_o spare_v neither_o friend_n nor_o foe_n for_o when_o he_o reprove_v his_o disciple_n saint_n luke_n 9.46_o upon_o their_o contention_n for_o greatness_n he_o do_v it_o in_o meekness_n by_o the_o innocent_a similitude_n of_o a_o child_n ver_fw-la 48._o when_o to_o the_o pharisee_n he_o say_v woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o be_v like_a unto_o white_v sepulchre_n which_o indeed_o appear_v beautiful_a outward_o but_o be_v within_o full_a of_o dead_a man_n bone_n he_o do_v it_o in_o faithfulness_n st._n matthew_n 23.27_o and_o even_o of_o herod_n he_o say_v no_o less_o nor_o show_v he_o any_o fear_n of_o his_o power_n for_o he_o say_v go_v you_o and_o tell_v that_o fox_n behold_v i_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o i_o do_v cure_n to_o day_n and_o to_o morrow_n and_o the_o three_o day_n i_o shall_v be_v perfect_v saint_n luke_n 13.32_o whereby_o you_o see_v he_o always_o bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o wherein_o else_o shall_v we_o follow_v his_o example_n for_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v in_o word_n and_o work_n in_o life_n and_o in_o death_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n every_o man_n in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n indeed_o there_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n lie_v upon_o magistrate_n and_o all_o public_a officer_n that_o they_o in_o their_o several_a sphere_n move_v exemplary_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a word_n and_o sacrament_n for_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v upon_o on_o they_o by_o way_n of_o obligation_n be_v double_a because_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o officer_n therein_o and_o that_o extraordinary_o as_o call_v thereunto_o inward_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o outward_o send_v by_o those_o that_o have_v power_n in_o the_o church_n lawful_o to_o commission_n they_o thereunto_o and_o then_o they_o be_v oblige_v also_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o common_a christian_n in_o their_o degree_n that_o they_o may_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o excellency_n of_o goodness_n follow_v the_o excellency_n of_o all_o good_a that_o good_a man_n god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o leave_v we_o his_o example_n as_o a_o pattern_n to_o imitate_v who_o be_v full_a of_o humility_n strong_a in_o beloeve_v wonderful_a in_o patience_n rich_a in_o love_n and_o in_o all_o a_o pattern_n of_o holiness_n and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n imaginable_a that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v he_o who_o we_o pretend_v to_o worship_n be_v careful_a that_o we_o bring_v no_o dishonour_n to_o his_o name_n by_o do_v what_o he_o do_v not_o or_o in_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v and_o command_v but_o rather_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o may_v be_v engage_v to_o run_v as_o he_o do_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o take_v all_o manner_n of_o encouragement_n from_o he_o that_o so_o if_o we_o be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o follow_v christ_n in_o his_o word_n command_v yet_o we_o may_v do_v it_o by_o his_o word_n direct_v and_o what_o though_o christian_n meet_v with_o unreasonable_a deal_n from_o man_n yet_o they_o must_v not_o turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o hear_v nor_o their_o tongue_n from_o speak_v nor_o their_o life_n from_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n if_o call_v thereunto_o for_o since_o they_o be_v bear_v for_o this_o end_n to_o follow_v the_o great_a exemplary_a who_o die_v for_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n they_o must_v not_o base_o decline_v it_o for_o he_o himself_o say_v to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o word_n in_o their_o primary_n intention_n as_o they_o concern_v our_o saviour_n and_o come_v now_o 2._o to_o the_o extension_n of_o they_o as_o they_o concern_v we_o for_o since_o christ_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v present_v as_o a_o pattern_n of_o holiness_n we_o that_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v christian_n our_o eye_n must_v so_o look_v to_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n and_o as_o he_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o this_o end_n be_v we_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v we_o into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o so_o i_o begin_v again_o with_o the_o act_n to_o bear_v witness_n for_o though_o all_o the_o sacred_a word_n be_v call_v a_o testimony_n because_o sufficient_a to_o bear_v witness_n to_o itself_o yet_o god_n will_v have_v every_o truth_n of_o his_o establish_a by_o the_o mouth_n and_o life_n of_o christian_n also_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n beside_o other_o come_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n yea_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o word_n and_o truth_n itself_o take_v the_o witness_n of_o other_o to_o himself_o and_o join_v himself_o to_o their_o witness_n for_o the_o whole_a sacred_a trinity_n bear_v record_n of_o his_o truth_n 1._o the_o father_n and_o that_o to_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a he_o do_v then_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v audible_o deliver_v in_o that_o voice_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o st._n matthew_n 17.5_o 2._o the_o word_n he_o do_v