to_o a_o fact_n every_o man_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v bind_v as_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n christ_n tell_v pilate_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 but_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o testimony_n that_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v i_o understand_v it_o not_o thus_o large_o for_o though_o it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a man_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n in_o any_o cause_n yet_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v under_o a_o more_o special_a obligation_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n that_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v that_o the_o text_n call_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n 1._o either_o for_o that_o testimony_n which_o our_o lord_n bare_a of_o himself_o 2._o or_o the_o testimony_n which_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n bear_v a_o testimony_n of_o himself_o he_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o zion_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o yet_o large_a every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o bear_v to_o those_o proposition_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o gospel_n contain_v and_o relate_v concern_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v considerable_a in_o a_o testimony_n be_v the_o way_n of_o give_v it_o the_o proper_a give_v a_o testimony_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n either_o with_o a_o oath_n or_o without_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n and_o another_o thing_n for_o he_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o a_o proposition_n he_o believe_v a_o proposition_n that_o hear_v it_o do_v in_o heart_n consent_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o the_o predicate_v be_v well_o fit_v to_o the_o subject_a whether_o he_o speak_v a_o word_n yea_o or_o no_o but_o he_o testify_v that_o with_o his_o word_n ow_v and_o declare_v his_o faith_n rom._n 10.10_o for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o christian_a secret_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n if_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v you_o may_v observe_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n make_v necessary_a to_o to_o salvation_n 1._o a_o heart_n believe_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o a_o external_a confession_n or_o profession_n there_o be_v a_o double_a confession_n a_o christian_n duty_n 1._o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n 2._o a_o confession_n of_o truth_n either_o confession_n be_v a_o open_a acknowledgement_n with_o our_o lip_n thus_o you_o read_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o of_o confess_v of_o christ_n only_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o testimony_n and_o confession_n any_o open_a assert_v vindicate_a and_o defend_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v give_v a_o testimony_n but_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o face_n of_o enemy_n in_o despite_n of_o opposition_n this_o be_v confession_n matth._n 10.32_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n luke_n 12.8_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n thus_o john_n 12.42_o many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o so_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n signify_v that_o open_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n qu._n 2._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o original_a do_v something_o differ_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d suffer_v thou_o evil_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o person_n by_o a_o figure_n a_o person_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o evil_n timothy_n be_v exhort_v to_o suffer_v evil_a with_o the_o gospel_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n what_o those_o affliction_n be_v what_o those_o evil_n be_v to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v there_o be_v several_a evil_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v or_o rather_o evil_n from_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o own_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n 2._o from_o the_o false_a and_o seem_a professor_n of_o it_o 3._o from_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o affliction_n which_o man_n be_v subject_v to_o from_o their_o own_n and_o profess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v from_o 3_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o such_o as_o be_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o they_o may_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o be_v thorn_n and_o goad_n in_o one_o another_o side_n these_o common_o be_v so_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o from_o a_o overheat_v zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n 2._o from_o such_o corruption_n as_o do_v attend_v god_n people_n consider_v as_o man_n make_v up_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o from_o a_o immoderate_a zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n truth_n be_v a_o uniform_a thing_n and_o be_v but_o one_o two_o contradictory_n proposition_n can_v be_v true_a but_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n none_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n concern_v truth_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o that_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guide_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v misapprehension_n in_o a_o proposition_n of_o truth_n they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n they_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o any_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n depend_v but_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o to_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a proposition_n one_o may_v judge_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o another_o thing_n yet_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o may_v have_v very_o different_a apprehension_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a truth_n now_o through_o a_o overweening_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o apprehension_n there_o be_v very_o great_a difference_n and_o also_o hard_a censuring_n and_o condemning_n of_o one_o another_o and_o these_o be_v great_a affliction_n but_o such_o as_o have_v attend_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n they_o be_v such_o different_a apprehension_n that_o cause_v the_o first_o christian_a synod_n act_n 15.1_o some_o come_v and_o teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n such_o difference_n there_o be_v rom._n 14.2_o for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n hence_o they_o judge_v despise_v condemn_a and_o censure_v one_o another_o and_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v to_o a_o friendly_a carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o in_o these_o different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n of_o a_o light_a nature_n mens_fw-la immoderate_a zeal_n for_o their_o own_o opinion_n have_v in_o all_o time_n beget_v great_a heat_n and_o have_v cause_v great_a affliction_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a root_n of_o bitterness_n among_o god_n own_o people_n we_o have_v see_v enough_o of_o it_o in_o the_o age_n
but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o equal_a import_n the_o nature_n of_o proposition_n do_v very_o much_o differ_v 1._o according_a to_o what_o do_v depend_v upon_o they_o 2._o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v in_o scripture_n 1._o according_a to_o what_o depend_v upon_o they_o some_o proposition_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o foundation_n look_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n take_v it_o away_o and_o the_o whole_a building_n tumble_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o gospel_n truth_n lie_v upon_o they_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o truth_n be_v build_v upon_o they_o here_o now_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o testimony_n lie_v high_a and_o rise_v high_a and_o further_o but_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n that_o we_o be_v not_o debtor_n unto_o 2._o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n concern_v truth_n for_o although_o the_o gospel_n have_v reveal_v all_o truth_n yet_o not_o all_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n so_o that_o christian_n have_v differ_v concern_v truth_n and_o every_o man_n as_o he_o believe_v so_o he_o ought_v to_o speak_v so_o he_o ought_v to_o live_v but_o the_o apprehension_n that_o some_o man_n have_v have_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o every_o proposition_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v in_o heart_n embrace_v have_v beget_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o stir_n the_o apostle_n give_v another_o rule_n when_o he_o say_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n there_o be_v some_o proposition_n of_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v have_v a_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o of_o which_o he_o may_v be_v very_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o regulate_v his_o testimony_n according_o qu._n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n be_v that_o which_o a_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v open_v this_o to_o you_o in_o seven_o or_o eight_o particular_n 1._o he_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o know_v believe_a testimony_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n that_o man_n give_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n that_o do_v in_o his_o heart_n believe_v what_o he_o with_o his_o mouth_n confess_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v as_o he_o believe_v so_o he_o speak_v so_o in_o this_o case_n a_o christian_a must_v speak_v as_o he_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o speak_v and_o ow_v and_o defend_v a_o truth_n because_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n when_o a_o man_n run_v with_o a_o multitude_n to_o attest_v a_o truth_n and_o cry_v for_o it_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o believe_v not_o what_o he_o profess_v i_o will_v have_v every_o christian_a not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o will_v have_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o give_v not_o a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n for_o a_o man_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v in_o faction_n it_o be_v abomination_n to_o god_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o word_n not_o mingle_v with_o faith_n profit_v not_o and_o a_o testimony_n not_o give_v in_o faith_n signify_v nothing_o oh_o christian_n beware_v of_o this_o that_o none_o of_o you_o in_o this_o day_n be_v factious_a professor_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o your_o lord_n but_o first_o see_v that_o you_o understand_v it_o see_v that_o yourselves_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a testimony_n a_o man_n or_o woman_n will_v have_v very_o little_a peace_n or_o comfort_n in_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o that_o which_o either_o he_o know_v not_o or_o in_o heart_n believe_v not_o when_o a_o man_n believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v he_o speak_v that_o with_o his_o lip_n which_o his_o soul_n have_v first_o examine_v and_o he_o see_v bottom_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o heart_n agree_v and_o assent_v to_o this_o be_v his_o testimony_n take_v this_o note_n with_o you_o in_o every_o testimony_n let_v it_o be_v vocal_a or_o real_a let_v it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n not_o a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n and_o a_o mere_a run_v along_o with_o a_o cry_n like_o the_o rout_n of_o ephesus_n when_o act_n 19.32_o some_o cry_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o for_o the_o assembly_n be_v confuse_v and_o the_o more_o part_n know_v not_o wherefore_o they_o be_v come_v together_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v a_o love_a testimony_n or_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v faith_n and_o love_n mâ—st_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o those_o action_n that_o do_v or_o can_v speak_v any_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n receive_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o it_o be_v of_o no_o effect_n as_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v and_o not_o out_o of_o love_n be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n love_n be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o sweet_a savour_n to_o all_o our_o do_n and_o to_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n if_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o give_v all_o my_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v if_o i_o have_v not_o love_n it_o be_v all_o nothing_o let_v a_o man_n give_v never_o so_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v not_o this_o out_o of_o love_n it_o be_v out_o of_o some_o evil_a principle_n of_o contradiction_n or_o faction_n or_o some_o stubbornness_n of_o spirit_n and_o god_n accept_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o a_o christian_n say_v i_o be_o for_o the_o true_a doctrine_n i_o be_o for_o pure_a worship_n and_o i_o be_o for_o the_o kingly_a government_n of_o christ_n but_o his_o do_v this_o out_o of_o a_o true_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o i_o fear_v in_o a_o crowd_n that_o give_v testimony_n in_o a_o evil_a time_n as_o that_o some_o testify_v they_o know_v not_o what_o so_o that_o other_o testify_v rather_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o contradiction_n or_o fullenness_n than_o out_o of_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o love_n to_o ordinance_n and_o truth_n hence_o you_o shall_v observe_v that_o as_o in_o a_o serene_a and_o fair_a time_n there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o professor_n that_o be_v like_o swallow_n that_o will_v stay_v with_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o summer_n time_n so_o you_o shall_v observe_v there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o opposition_n especial_o when_o the_o persecution_n reach_v not_o high_a busy_a to_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o truth_n which_o when_o they_o may_v embrace_v free_o they_o never_o regard_v and_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o you_o have_v a_o example_n of_o both_o these_o at_o home_n on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o have_v a_o company_n of_o professor_n that_o have_v now_o forsake_v we_o and_o flee_v and_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n in_o a_o time_n of_o temptation_n they_o be_v go_v away_o and_o you_o shall_v observe_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o that_o cry_v out_o late_o for_o sacrament_n and_o against_o rob_v christian_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n the_o great_a pledge_n of_o christ_n love_n now_o that_o none_o hinder_v their_o come_n to_o they_o they_o regard_v not_o the_o sacrament_n both_o these_o be_v sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n they_o give_v or_o think_v they_o give_v some_o testimony_n to_o their_o lord_n but_o their_o testimony_n be_v equal_o acceptable_a to_o god_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v out_o 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god_n have_v make_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n betwixt_o faith_n in_o the_o mediator_n in_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n this_o indeed_o can_v be_v without_o obedience_n but_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v two_o thing_n and_o must_v neither_o be_v separate_v nor_o confound_v 7._o last_o what_o love_n have_v we_o to_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n how_o christ_n second_o appearance_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o wherein_o our_o love_n to_o it_o be_v discernible_a i_o have_v already_o open_v four_o this_o notion_n afford_v a_o great_a deal_n use_v 4_o of_o consolation_n to_o every_o good_a christian_a and_o that_o in_o two_o case_n 1._o concern_v all_o the_o labour_n &_o difficulty_n &_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o good_a christian_n you_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o text_n he_o be_v one_o who_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n who_o not_o only_o run_v but_o finish_v his_o course_n who_o not_o 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that_o which_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n in_o my_o flesh_n for_o his_o body_n sake_n which_o be_v the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n behind_o of_o christ_n suffering_n have_v he_o not_o suffer_v and_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n where_o he_o be_v impassable_a live_v with_o and_o unto_o god_n where_o he_o can_v suffer_v and_o die_v no_o more_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o double_a notion_n either_o as_o expiatory_a or_o exemplary_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o expiatory_a there_o be_v nothing_o of_o they_o behind_o nothing_o of_o they_o to_o be_v fill_v up_o he_o say_v upon_o the_o cross_n all_o be_v finish_v and_o he_o tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o his_o father_n wrath_n alone_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o people_n with_o he_o but_o if_o you_o consider_v they_o as_o they_o be_v exemplary_a as_o he_o suffer_v set_v we_o a_o example_n so_o 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token_n of_o god_n special_a presence_n no_o man_n suffer_v for_o god_n without_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n none_o can_v pass_v through_o these_o deep_a water_n nor_o this_o hot_a fire_n unless_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o he_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n isa_n 43.2_o thus_o now_o i_o have_v open_v the_o second_o thing_n and_o show_v you_o how_o a_o good_a christian_n suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n turn_v unto_o he_o for_o a_o testimony_n towards_o god_n i_o find_v yet_o some_o other_o sense_n give_v of_o these_o word_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o name_n 3._o it_o shall_v turn_v unto_o you_o for_o a_o testimony_n that_o be_v say_v some_o for_o a_o testimony_n for_o the_o truth_n the_o suffering_n of_o god_n people_n be_v their_o testimony_n indeed_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d martyrdom_n signify_v a_o testimony_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o fix_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n because_o of_o the_o pronoun_n to_o you_o for_o those_o soul_n must_v be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v persuade_v to_o suffer_v for_o it_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o the_o primitive_a be_v here_o put_v for_o the_o possessive_a and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o sense_n be_v this_o it_o shall_v be_v your_o testimony_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o seal_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o a_o real_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o which_o alone_o some_o be_v able_a to_o give_v as_o that_o female_a martyr_n who_o tell_v her_o persecutor_n she_o can_v not_o dispute_v for_o christ_n but_o she_o can_v die_v for_o christ_n every_o one_o can_v give_v a_o verbal_a testimony_n they_o can_v conceive_v and_o believe_v more_o than_o they_o can_v with_o their_o tongue_n express_v suffer_v be_v their_o testimony_n 4._o in_o testimonium_fw-la contumaciae_fw-la eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la crediderint_fw-la for_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o stubborness_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v not_o believe_v the_o suffering_n of_o god_n people_n for_o the_o truth_n speak_v the_o stubborness_n of_o man_n that_o will_v not_o embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n seal_n with_o their_o blood_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o not_o judge_v it_o the_o best_a account_n of_o the_o phrase_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o come_v now_o unto_o the_o application_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v dispatch_v under_o two_o head_n the_o first_o of_o discouragement_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n the_o second_o of_o encouragement_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o it_o use_v i._n for_o discouragement_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o 1_o sam._n 2.3_o talk_v no_o more_o so_o exceed_v proud_o let_v not_o arrogancy_n come_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n and_o by_o 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think_v with_o themselves_o what_o their_o end_n of_o such_o action_n be_v it_o be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o that_o themselves_o may_v live_v alone_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o enjoy_v their_o sensual_a satisfaction_n without_o disturbance_n and_o the_o sensible_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o rival_n or_o competitor_n or_o else_o that_o they_o may_v ruin_v the_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o admit_v that_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o these_o suffering_n shall_v be_v a_o testimony_n turn_v for_o a_o testimony_n none_o of_o these_o end_n be_v feasible_a if_o they_o be_v a_o testimony_n and_o shall_v turn_v to_o god_n people_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o the_o adversary_n they_o be_v not_o like_a by_o such_o action_n to_o advance_v themselves_o by_o action_n which_o be_v evident_a token_n of_o their_o perdition_n both_o a_o sudden_a destruction_n here_o and_o a_o eternal_a destruction_n hereafter_o there_o be_v two_o body_n of_o people_n of_o which_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o god_n after_o a_o short_a time_n that_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o his_o purpose_n he_o have_v destroy_v they_o the_o first_o be_v army_n the_o second_o be_v bands_n and_o troop_n of_o persecutor_n there_o have_v be_v some_o of_o these_o in_o all_o time_n some_o need_n of_o they_o god_n the_o wise_a god_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n have_v have_v occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o you_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o body_n be_v usual_o make_v up_o of_o the_o dregs_o of_o mankind_n god_n have_v often_o use_v they_o but_o they_o have_v never_o last_v long_o of_o all_o body_n of_o people_n they_o have_v be_v the_o most_o mutable_a perish_v body_n the_o first_o be_v usual_o guilty_a of_o much_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n for_o man_n with_o their_o sword_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o keep_v from_o smite_v but_o 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be_v all_o the_o papist_n be_v yet_o in_o play_n but_o god_n have_v break_v they_o in_o many_o place_n what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o the_o generation_n of_o those_o in_o queen_n mary_n day_n gardiner_z be_v soon_o cut_v off_o in_o his_o wickedness_n bonner_n bury_v upon_o a_o dunghill_n i_o do_v but_o name_v some_o thing_n to_o you_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o to_o look_v back_o and_o see_v where_o you_o can_v find_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o troop_n or_o band_n of_o persecutor_n that_o god_n in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v not_o scatter_v by_o his_o providence_n and_o break_v or_o any_o single_a person_n almost_o who_o have_v be_v eminent_a in_o these_o achievement_n that_o have_v die_v a_o old_a man_n and_o full_a of_o day_n and_o go_v with_o peace_n to_o his_o grave_n tell_v i_o who_o ever_o prosper_v in_o this_o trade_n when_o the_o devil_n thus_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n that_o god_n be_v about_o to_o destroy_v he_o and_o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o far_o off_o what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o a_o man_n in_o such_o action_n shall_v propound_v to_o himself_o as_o the_o end_n be_v it_o the_o root_n out_o of_o truth_n the_o do_v of_o a_o mischief_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o he_o hate_v alas_o neither_o of_o these_o end_n be_v practicable_a or_o feasible_a the_o suffering_n of_o god_n people_n have_v always_o root_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v get_v as_o much_o confirmation_n by_o the_o steady_a suffering_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o as_o they_o have_v do_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o they_o three_o thing_n have_v mighty_o contribute_v to_o settle_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o
and_o agree_v to_o so_o out_o of_o a_o burn_a love_n and_o zeal_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 3._o our_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o judicious_a testimony_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o god_n require_v when_o we_o swear_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n swear_v be_v a_o attestation_n a_o solemn_a attestation_n of_o a_o truth_n the_o testimony_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v to_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o oath_n though_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v if_o call_v to_o that_o but_o as_o it_o must_v be_v to_o the_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o judgement_n the_o judgement_n that_o i_o will_v have_v attend_v the_o testimony_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v be_v not_o a_o judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a the_o truth_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o will_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n too_o as_o it_o must_v bear_v if_o it_o bear_v any_o for_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o though_o truth_n all_o truth_n be_v a_o very_a sacred_a pin_n yet_o every_o such_o pin_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o like_a weight_n i_o be_o afraid_a we_o have_v too_o loud_a a_o testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n which_o though_o they_o may_v have_v speak_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o love_n yet_o have_v not_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o christian_n such_o testimony_n be_v those_o the_o christian_n give_v rom._n 14._o for_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o yet_o christian_n on_o either_o side_n be_v too_o warm_a any_o christian_a be_v thus_o far_o bind_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o every_o truth_n as_o not_o to_o deny_v it_o 2._o in_o his_o own_o particular_a practice_n to_o own_o it_o but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v a_o party_n for_o every_o truth_n now_o this_o depend_v upon_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o own_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o to_o practise_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o to_o which_o god_n will_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v contentious_a for_o god_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o latitude_n in_o they_o without_o hazard_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v give_v our_o testimony_n to_o truth_n with_o prudence_n a_o prudential_a judge_v of_o the_o weight_n and_o value_n of_o a_o truth_n before_o we_o give_v a_o zealous_a testimony_n to_o it_o 4._o our_o testimony_n must_v be_v with_o prudence_n prov._n 8.12_o i_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o prudence_n wisdom_n do_v often_o signify_v grace_n and_o true_o all_o true_a grace_n in_o a_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v with_o prudence_n we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n 10.16_o matth._n 10.16_o but_o as_o wise_a there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o prudence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o give_v our_o testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n our_o lord_n himself_o if_o you_o observe_v he_o do_v it_o with_o prudence_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o let_v our_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o prudence_n this_o prudence_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v any_o necessary_a truth_n or_o to_o dissemble_v so_o as_o to_o declare_v ourselves_o against_o it_o or_o not_o to_o own_v it_o for_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o prudencâ—_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o impiety_n if_o there_o be_v a_o failure_n in_o piety_n there_o can_v be_v no_o prudence_n prudence_n do_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v the_o do_v or_o the_o not_o do_v of_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o do_v of_o it_o in_o general_n we_o then_o give_v our_o testimony_n with_o prudence_n when_o we_o give_v it_o without_o any_o just_a offence_n to_o jew_n gentile_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n may_v be_v spoil_v by_o the_o height_n of_o our_o spirit_n through_o pride_n show_v in_o judge_v contemn_v and_o despise_v of_o other_o or_o through_o the_o boisterousness_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o spirit_n or_o by_o our_o noise_n and_o clamour_n so_o that_o to_o the_o prudence_n of_o a_o testimony_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v 1._o humility_n in_o opposition_n to_o pride_n pride_n be_v a_o coloquintida_n that_o make_v all_o our_o mess_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n bitter_a god_n abhor_v the_o proud_a he_o abhor_v a_o haughty_a and_o contentious_a spirit_n he_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o he_o accept_v his_o testimony_n paul_n say_v act_v 20.19_o he_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v on_o humility_n of_o mind_n col._n 3.12_o and_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n humility_n be_v our_o garment_n a_o christian_a must_v do_v nothing_o but_o in_o humility_n in_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o vein_n of_o humility_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o our_o service_n to_o god_n where_o humility_n be_v want_v in_o that_o part_n a_o christian_a always_o walk_v naked_a and_o man_n see_v his_o shame_n a_o fastidious_a scornful_a contemn_v sufferer_n be_v no_o christian_a sufferer_n â—_o another_o thing_n be_v meekness_n with_o respect_n to_o passion_n this_o be_v often_o call_v for_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v it_o on_o col._n 3.12_o and_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o instruct_v in_o meekness_n those_o that_o be_v without_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v you_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n meekness_n be_v oppose_v to_o frowardness_n and_o passion_n a_o passionate_a testimony_n to_o a_o truth_n be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o imprudent_a and_o indiscreet_a testimony_n the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o three_o thing_n that_o commend_v a_o testimony_n be_v courtesy_n in_o opposition_n to_o morosity_n and_o soureness_n when_o festus_n tell_v paul_n that_o much_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o mad_a he_o answer_v i_o be_o not_o mad_a most_o noble_a festus_n observe_v with_o how_o much_o compliment_n paul_n speak_v to_o festus_n and_o other_o while_o he_o be_v bear_v testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o soureness_n and_o morosity_n of_o a_o christian_n behaviour_n in_o bear_v his_o testimony_n make_v his_o testimony_n more_o unlovely_a and_o not_o so_o prudent_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v 4._o a_o four_o thing_n be_v peaceableness_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n must_v not_o strive_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o asperse_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o than_o the_o imprudence_n of_o a_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o the_o managery_n of_o his_o business_n 5._o your_o testimony_n unto_o god_n must_v be_v uniform_a and_o sincere_a it_o can_v be_v uniform_a if_o it_o be_v not_o sincere_a the_o testimony_n of_o the_o life_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lip_n you_o know_v a_o witness_n that_o contradict_v his_o testimony_n do_v by_o it_o make_v his_o testimony_n invalid_a he_o that_o live_v contrary_a to_o his_o profession_n give_v himself_o the_o lie_n he_o testify_v with_o his_o lip_n but_o he_o deni_v in_o his_o life_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o titus_n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a you_o shall_v observe_v therefore_o that_o when_o the_o devil_n at_o any_o time_n give_v a_o testimony_n to_o a_o truth_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n they_o constant_o refuse_v and_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o speak_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v rather_o a_o dishonour_n and_o weaken_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o any_o strengthen_n and_o credit_n and_o confirmation_n a_o man_n that_o be_v holy_a in_o his_o life_n bear_v testimony_n with_o his_o lip_n be_v a_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n he_o by_o his_o mouth_n declare_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o by_o his_o life_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o do_v indeed_o not_o mock_v and_o dissemble_v with_o the_o world_n but_o he_o believe_v what_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v you_o shall_v see_v in_o some_o case_n some_o foolish_a witness_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a so_o a_o christian_a may_v do_v more_o mischief_n than_o good_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o own_n of_o it_o and_o profess_v to_o it_o 6._o let_v it_o be_v a_o bold_a and_o undaunted_a testimony_n he_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n in_o a_o cause_n who_o speak_v modest_o and_o with_o all_o