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
as_o much_o discredit_n so_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o strict_a professor_n of_o it_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o gospel_n at_o first_o act_v 28.22_o for_o as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o every_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v against_o now_o be_v the_o time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o try_v himself_o whether_o he_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v see_v it_o in_o the_o very_a time_n that_o we_o have_v live_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o have_v be_v a_o credit_n unto_o man_n it_o have_v be_v man_n great_a honour_n to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n with_o the_o great_a strictness_n god_n have_v turn_v the_o table_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o now_o live_v in_o a_o time_n when_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v isa_n 59.14_o 15._o judgement_n be_v turn_v away_o backward_o and_o justice_n stand_v afar_o off_o for_o truth_n be_v fall_v in_o the_o street_n and_o equity_n will_v not_o enter_v and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_n make_v himself_o a_o prey_n when_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n now_o if_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o a_o man_n think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o truth_n or_o christ_n to_o own_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o christ_n this_o maâ—_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d hint_v to_o you_o before_o there_o be_v a_o differenâ—â—_n betwixt_o be_v afraid_a and_o be_v ashamed_a 〈◊〉_d good_a christian_a may_v be_v sometime_o afraid_a 〈◊〉_d a_o day_n of_o great_a temptation_n but_o he_o be_v never_o ashamed_a but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o profess_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o own_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o this_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o if_o a_o christian_a at_o such_o a_o time_n findeâ—â—_n his_o heart_n cleave_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n though_o he_o may_v be_v under_o some_o temptation_n of_o fear_n and_o 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d so_o much_o as_o another_o it_o be_v a_o great_a infirmity_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n testimony_n 2._o when_o no_o temptation_n can_v prevail_v upon_o as_o to_o live_v a_o conversation_n contrary_n to_o the_o gospel_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o double_a testimony_n to_o the_o lord_n a_o vocal_a testimony_n and_o a_o real_a testimony_n we_o give_v a_o real_a testimony_n unto_o christ_n when_o we_o dare_v practical_o live_v up_o to_o the_o avow_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o vile_a and_o worst_a of_o time_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o vocal_a as_o well_o as_o a_o real_a testimony_n and_o a_o good_a christian_n do_v not_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o mere_a live_n up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v of_o a_o christian_n than_o this_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o neither_o do_v a_o christian_a give_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o open_o profess_v and_o ow_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o its_o enemy_n unless_o he_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o nay_o indeed_o that_o man_n who_o talk_v for_o the_o gospel_n and_o live_v not_o up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o give_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o lord_n instead_o of_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o he_o what_o have_v any_o man_n to_o do_v to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o god_n into_o his_o mouth_n when_o he_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n behind_o his_o back_n but_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n who_o true_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o apostatise_v and_o decline_a time_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o his_o testimony_n though_o perhaps_o some_o fear_n of_o temptation_n may_v not_o make_v he_o so_o bold_a for_o god_n as_o another_o yea_o as_o some_o hypocritical_a and_o false_a professor_n 3._o when_o a_o man_n be_v true_o afflict_v for_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 11.29_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o when_o a_o good_a christian_a can_v say_v of_o himself_o and_o say_v it_o in_o truth_n what_o minister_n what_o good_a christian_n what_o companion_n of_o christ_n be_v afflict_v and_o persecute_v and_o i_o be_o not_o afflict_v for_o they_o i_o burn_v not_o in_o their_o fire_n now_o this_o sympathy_n with_o our_o fellow-member_n when_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n will_v discover_v itself_o many_o way_n 1._o it_o be_v first_o discernible_a a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n when_o no_o circumstance_n of_o a_o man_n felicity_n or_o prosperity_n can_v balance_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o you_o have_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 2._o v._n 1._o he_o be_v cupbearer_n to_o the_o king_n and_o have_v not_o use_v before_o to_o be_v sad_a in_o his_o presence_n v._o 2._o the_o king_n say_v unto_o i_o why_o be_v thy_o countenance_n sad_a see_v thou_o be_v not_o sick_a this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n he_o answer_v v._o 3._o why_o shall_v not_o my_o countenance_n be_v sad_a when_o the_o city_n the_o place_n of_o my_o father_n sepulcher_n lie_v waste_v and_o the_o gate_n thereof_o be_v consume_v with_o fire_n it_o be_v say_v esther_n 3.15_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n sit_v down_o to_o drink_v but_o the_o city_n shiâ—â—â—â—_n be_v perplex_v that_o man_n be_v not_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o can_v so_o down_o to_o drink_v that_o can_v be_v merry_a as_o at_o other_o time_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v underfoot_n but_o that_o man_n be_v a_o true_a partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o heart_n burn_v for_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2._o our_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o be_v evident_a when_o we_o do_v what_o in_o 〈◊〉_d lie_v to_o relieve_v they_o communicate_v with_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o their_o affliction_n help_v to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6.2_o so_o than_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o christian_n to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n they_o shall_v bear_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o spirit_n have_v great_a sorrow_n of_o heart_n and_o affliction_n they_o shall_v bear_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n when_o ever_o we_o go_v to_o god_n as_o the_o highpriest_n carry_v upon_o his_o breast_n the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n so_o we_o shall_v carry_v the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o true_a professor_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o shall_v help_v and_o bear_v they_o with_o our_o hand_n too_o remember_v those_o who_o be_v bind_v as_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v with_o they_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n use_v 3_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v i_o persuade_v with_o you_o a_o little_a for_o this_o duty_n of_o not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o his_o prisoner_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n now_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o branch_n of_o application_n i_o will_v inquire_v 1._o to_o what_o of_o christ_n this_o testimony_n be_v due_a whether_o to_o all_o proposition_n concern_v christ_n or_o to_o some_o only_o 2._o what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n it_o must_v be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o lord_n 3._o what_o argument_n ought_v to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n 4._o what_o direction_n may_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o case_n qu._n 1._o to_o what_o of_o christ_n be_v this_o testimony_n due_a the_o proper_a object_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v a_o proposition_n or_o a_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o one_o or_o the_o other_o now_o the_o proposition_n that_o relate_v unto_o christ_n be_v of_o several_a nature_n of_o different_a nature_n and_o of_o different_a moment_n some_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n some_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n some_o concern_v the_o kingly_a office_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n some_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n i_o know_v no_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o debtor_n to_o and_o aught_o to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n unto_o
propagate_v the_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o love_n of_o it_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o since_o by_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o miraculous_a operation_n by_o which_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v their_o divine_a mission_n 3._o the_o undaunted_a courageous_a suffering_n of_o god_n people_n miracle_n quick_o cease_v while_o they_o be_v wrought_v but_o few_o see_v the_o operation_n of_o they_o other_o then_o we_o since_o have_v but_o have_v the_o report_n of_o they_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v propagate_v truth_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o suffer_v the_o preach_v of_o minister_n and_o the_o suffering_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o people_n those_o who_o have_v not_o faith_n enough_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n upon_o their_o belief_n of_o which_o hang_v all_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o miracle_n we_o there_o read_v of_o yet_o have_v have_v sense_n enough_o to_o discern_v man_n die_v with_o boldness_n and_o courage_n in_o a_o steady_a own_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o we_o to_o think_v there_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o those_o proposition_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o which_o man_n will_v adventure_v to_o die_v and_o lose_v all_o their_o sensible_a enjoyment_n what_o do_v man_n than_o aim_v at_o will_v they_o do_v a_o mischief_n to_o their_o enemy_n and_o do_v they_o mistake_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n for_o such_o alas_o neither_o can_v they_o reach_v this_o end_n their_o suffering_n turn_v to_o they_o for_o a_o testimony_n a_o testimony_n from_o god_n to_o they_o of_o a_o honour_n he_o put_v upon_o they_o great_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v and_o will_v yet_o further_o bestow_v upon_o they_o a_o exceed_a great_a reward_n either_o with_o their_o suffering_n or_o after_o their_o suffering_n either_o in_o this_o life_n or_o in_o the_o life_n which_o be_v to_o come_v why_o then_o do_v people_n rage_n why_o do_v they_o imagine_v a_o vain_a thing_n o_o that_o i_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o sound_v a_o retreat_n from_o this_o battle_n which_o can_v but_o end_v in_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o their_o enemy_n victory_n obj._n but_o i_o hear_v some_o say_n be_v there_o any_o that_o will_v go_v about_o to_o make_v man_n suffer_v for_o christ_n name_n sake_n may_v not_o man_n be_v make_v sufferer_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v but_o they_o must_v suffer_v for_o christ_n name_n sake_n sol._n i_o answer_v god_n forbid_v that_o christ_n name_n shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o any_o who_o pretend_v to_o he_o to_o patronize_v treason_n or_o rebellion_n or_o any_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a order_n or_o peace_n nay_o man_n radical_o good_a may_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v suffer_v as_o evil-doer_n if_o peter_n have_v be_v make_v to_o suffer_v for_o draw_v out_o the_o sword_n and_o cut_v off_o malchus_n his_o ear_n i_o know_v none_o can_v have_v defend_v he_o it_o be_v not_o like_o his_o master_n will_v who_o reprove_v he_o for_o it_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o those_o who_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n christ_n do_v not_o justfy_v that_o action_n as_o do_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n though_o it_o be_v for_o his_o sake_n yet_o it_o be_v spoil_v by_o the_o rashness_n and_o disorderliness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v the_o do_v of_o a_o action_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n signifi_v the_o do_v it_o at_o his_o command_n and_o by_o his_o order_n as_o well_o as_o for_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n 2._o all_o innocent_a suffering_n be_v not_o a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n a_o man_n suffer_v innocent_o when_o he_o suffer_v for_o a_o pretend_a crime_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a when_o man_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o but_o every_o one_o who_o thus_o suffer_v suffer_v not_o for_o christ_n name_n sake_n naboth_n be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o a_o false_a subornation_n but_o he_o be_v no_o sufferer_n for_o god_n sake_n but_o for_o his_o own_o just_a right_n and_o liberty_n indeed_o all_o stand_v concern_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v no_o cause_n nor_o instrument_n of_o and_o in_o man_n sufer_v innocent_o for_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a guilt_n exod._n 23.7_o psal_n 10.8.15.5_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cry_a sin_n which_o bring_v vengeance_n on_o the_o jew_n that_o among_o they_o be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n jer._n 2.24_o and_o that_o they_o have_v fill_v the_o land_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n jer._n 19.4_o but_o wicked_a man_n may_v fill_v a_o nation_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n and_o yet_o not_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v for_o christ_n name_n sake_n 3._o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n must_v be_v a_o suffering_n for_o he_o not_o mere_o for_o ourselves_o in_o defend_v our_o personal_a just_a right_n nor_o yet_o for_o our_o country_n in_o defend_v its_o just_a liberty_n but_o for_o christ_n in_o maintain_v his_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n whether_o relate_v to_o his_o worship_n or_o to_o man_n life_n and_o conversation_n as_o the_o holy_a martyr_n of_o old_a choose_v rather_o to_o die_v and_o to_o lose_v all_o they_o have_v then_o to_o deny_v christ_n and_o not_o to_o publish_v his_o gospel_n and_o to_o live_v up_o to_o his_o law_n for_o worship_n and_o holiness_n 4._o last_o as_o a_o suffering_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o any_o civil_a right_n if_o for_o they_o mere_o be_v no_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n so_o no_o civil_a edict_n or_o law_n can_v take_v away_o a_o christian_n honour_n in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n if_o indeed_o their_o suffering_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n act_v 5.41_o the_o apostle_n go_v away_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n yet_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n v._o 28._o if_o a_o suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n shall_v turn_v to_o they_o for_o such_o a_o testimony_n all_o man_n that_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n or_o life_n or_o whatever_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o stand_v high_o concern_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o raise_v not_o against_o themselves_o any_o such_o testimony_n or_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o use_v ii_o if_o what_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v truth_n if_o christian_n suffering_n for_o christ_n name_n sake_n shall_v turn_v unto_o they_o for_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o assertion_n if_o it_o â—urn_v to_o they_o for_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v open_v if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o find_v these_o thing_n be_v indeed_o so_o as_o i_o have_v open_v to_o you_o you_o see_v what_o reason_n christian_n have_v in_o such_o suffering_n to_o count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o diverse_a temptation_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o james_n ch_n 1._o v._n 3._o to_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n exhortation_n matth._n 5.12_o to_o rejoice_v for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v they_o may_v also_o be_v glad_a with_o exceed_v joy_n to_o be_v in_o nothing_o terrify_v by_o adversary_n which_o be_v to_o they_o a_o evident_a token_n of_o perdition_n but_o to_o you_o of_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o god_n phil._n 1.28_o i_o beseech_v you_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v serious_o with_o yourselves_o what_o a_o testimony_n of_o god_n favour_n what_o a_o mark_n of_o honour_n from_o he_o be_v worth_a what_o a_o testimony_n be_v worth_a to_o your_o soul_n that_o you_o be_v some_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v glorify_v if_o you_o be_v such_o who_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o business_n of_o eternity_n and_o keep_v any_o watch_n upon_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o soul_n think_v with_o yourselves_o what_o in_o your_o sad_a and_o melancholic_a reflection_n at_o some_o time_n you_o will_v give_v that_o god_n will_v show_v you_o a_o token_n for_o good_a psal_n 86.17_o david_n beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v show_v he_o such_o a_o token_n this_o be_v such_o a_o token_n as_o god_n show_v paul_n to_o cheer_v he_o with_o act_n chap._n 23._o v._n 11._o the_o lord_n stand_v by_o he_o and_o say_v be_v of_o good_a cheer_n paul_n for_o as_o thou_o have_v testify_v of_o
as_o to_o this_o which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v to_o they_o who_o love_v his_o appearance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o guilt_n it_o be_v not_o pay_v for_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n appearance_n shall_v be_v judge_v a_o proportionable_a price_n to_o a_o crown_n a_o crown_n be_v a_o thing_n above_o a_o purchase_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v call_v so_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o his_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o 8.30_o isa_n 53.11_o rom._n 8.30_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v say_v the_o apostle_n the_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v sprinkle_a with_o his_o blood_n before_o we_o can_v have_v any_o entrance_n into_o they_o he_o die_v as_o well_o as_o ascend_v that_o he_o may_v prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o in_o those_o bless_a mansion_n the_o saint_n crown_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n 3._o three_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v with_o reference_n to_o god_n righteousness_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o take_v righteousness_n as_o signify_v justice_n or_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n if_o we_o take_v righteousness_n as_o signify_v justice_n if_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a 1.9_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n god_n be_v just_a to_o give_v his_o son_n the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o fruit_n of_o his_o purchase_n if_o we_o take_v it_o as_o signify_v truth_n or_o faithfulness_n so_o also_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v a_o promise_a reward_n what_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o many_o promise_n stand_v engage_v for_o 4._o last_o it_o be_v also_o a_o crown_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o ample_a reward_n of_o our_o righteousness_n the_o reward_n not_o of_o debt_n but_o of_o grace_n estius_n will_v have_v it_o call_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n because_o purchase_v or_o merit_v by_o our_o work_n or_o our_o righteousness_n but_o that_o place_n psal_n 103.4_o much_o trouble_v he_o 103.4_o psal_n 103.4_o who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n he_o pretend_v some_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o that_o be_v the_o least_o we_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n god_n use_v not_o to_o crown_v menstruous_a clothes_n or_o filthy_a rag_n he_o use_v not_o to_o crown_v our_o work_n but_o his_o own_o work_n in_o we_o yea_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o his_o people_n isaiah_n 28.5_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o a_o diadem_n of_o beauty_n for_o the_o residue_n of_o his_o people_n 3._o qu._n how_o be_v this_o crown_n say_v to_o be_v lay_v up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n colos_n 1.5_o for_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o you_o in_o heaven_n critic_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o a_o lay_v aside_o or_o lay_v up_o as_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o a_o future_a use_n or_o a_o future_a provision_n as_o when_o man_n lay_v up_o for_o their_o child_n so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o use_v in_o mat._n 25._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n to_o express_v the_o action_n of_o he_o who_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n lay_v it_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n once_o in_o scripture_n i_o find_v it_o use_v in_o another_o sense_n heb._n 9.27_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o that_o by_o the_o way_n give_v some_o further_a light_n into_o this_o text_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o they_o matth._n 25.34_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o word_n import_v 1._o the_o preparation_n or_o designation_n of_o something_o for_o the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n 2._o the_o reservation_n of_o it_o or_o the_o safe_a keep_n of_o it_o for_o those_o person_n for_o who_o it_o be_v so_o design_v and_o prepare_v there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n design_v by_o god_n for_o some_o lay_v up_o in_o god_n decree_n and_o eternal_a thought_n for_o they_o from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o that_o be_v safe_o reserve_v and_o keep_v for_o they_o secure_v by_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n will_v and_o counsel_n for_o he_o be_v not_o as_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o proposition_n i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o prop._n 2._o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v this_o crown_n must_v be_v such_o who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o who_o love_n the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o q._n 1._o what_o be_v this_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o good_a fight_n 2._o what_o fight_v be_v here_o mean_v 1._o the_o call_n of_o it_o the_o good_a fight_n import_v that_o there_o be_v some_o bad_a fight_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o fight_v against_o god_n this_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n in_o all_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o rebellion_n which_o samuel_n say_v be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n it_o be_v the_o rebellion_n of_o the_o creature_n against_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o clay_n against_o the_o potter_n of_o the_o child_n against_o the_o father_n it_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v always_o bad_a in_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o brier_n and_o thorn_n against_o god_n in_o battle_n a_o kick_n against_o the_o prick_n as_o our_o lord_n tell_v paul_n act_v 9_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v always_o full_a of_o hector_n hardy_a enough_o to_o engage_v in_o this_o fight_n there_o be_v such_o as_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o indeed_o all_o sinner_n be_v such_o in_o heart_n though_o they_o some_o of_o they_o keep_v their_o hand_n in_o their_o pocket_n but_o such_o persecutor_n and_o such_o as_o set_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n such_o as_o set_v themselves_o against_o a_o gospel-ministry_n and_o against_o holiness_n these_o be_v all_o fighter_n against_o god_n this_o now_o be_v the_o bad_a fight_n material_o bad_a and_o what_o will_v be_v find_v so_o eventual_o 2._o there_o be_v also_o a_o fight_v against_o man_n on_o civil_a account_n which_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n indeed_o most_o war_n be_v so_o at_o least_o on_o one_o side_n war_n be_v state_n physic_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o use_v and_o make_v they_o be_v good_a otherwise_o they_o be_v bad_a in_o all_o war_n one_o army_n be_v make_v up_o of_o murderer_n both_o side_n can_v be_v right_o we_o be_v command_v to_o seek_v peace_n and_o ensue_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n war_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v as_o sport_n the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o translate_v good_a signify_v fair_a wholesome_a noble_a excellent_a thus_o you_o read_v of_o the_o tree_n that_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 7.17_o and_o christ_n say_v that_o the_o woman_n which_o have_v spend_v her_o box_n of_o ointment_n upon_o he_o have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a work_n mat._n 26.10_o that_o be_v a_o excellent_a noble_a praiseworthy_a work_n as_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o next_o word_n expound_v himself_o say_v that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v that_o which_o she_o have_v do_v shall_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o but_o what_o be_v this_o good_a fight_n which_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v fight_v he_o expound_v himself_o 1_o tim._n 6.12_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o combatant_n grace_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o get_v the_o victory_n but_o who_o be_v the_o enemy_n with_o which_o this_o good_a fight_n be_v to_o be_v fight_v who_o can_v they_o be_v but_o the_o three_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n paul_n fight_v they_o all_o and_o so_o must_v every_o one_o fight_v they_o all_o who_o will_v put_v in_o his_o claim_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o
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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 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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 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of_o a_o love_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n but_o mere_o out_o of_o faction_n and_o turbulence_n of_o spirit_n or_o for_o some_o base_a worldly_a end_n i_o will_v have_v you_o own_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v have_v you_o fear_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o as_o you_o will_v fear_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o you_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o will_v have_v you_o confess_v he_o as_o you_o will_v have_v he_o to_o confess_v you_o as_o you_o will_v expect_v he_o shall_v confess_v you_o but_o be_v sure_a you_o give_v your_o testimony_n out_o of_o love_n as_o what_o you_o know_v and_o in_o heart_n true_o believe_v
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 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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
due_a respect_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n and_o who_o agree_v and_o do_v not_o contradict_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v bold_a and_o courageous_a speak_v with_o freedom_n hence_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o use_v about_o the_o testimony_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v bear_v to_o the_o truth_n a_o free_a bold_a testimony_n in_o any_o cause_n do_v it_o great_a service_n while_o the_o stammer_n lisp_a witness_n that_o use_v no_o freedom_n in_o his_o speech_n rather_o hurt_v a_o cause_n than_o do_v it_o good_a the_o scripture_n speak_v much_o of_o and_o commend_v a_o christian_n boldness_n a_o boldness_n in_o faith_n and_o prayer_n and_o a_o boldness_n in_o a_o bear_a testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n when_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o face_n of_o man_n that_o will_v outface_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n a_o christian_a shall_v be_v bold_a in_o the_o faith_n bold_a in_o prayer_n and_o bold_a in_o his_o confession_n 7._o let_v your_o testimony_n be_v a_o hearty_a testimony_n a_o free_a ready_a cheerful_a testimony_n god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n say_v the_o apostle_n indeed_o in_o all_o our_o gift_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v so_o god_n love_v a_o freedom_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v subpoena_v into_o a_o testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n indeed_o we_o be_v subpoena_v by_o that_o dreadful_a text_n matth._n 9_o a_o christian_n shall_v give_v a_o testimony_n free_o not_o to_o provoke_v and_o challenge_v danger_n and_o dare_v a_o trial_n but_o when_o he_o see_v suffer_v at_o hand_n so_o that_o god_n call_v he_o to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o cheerfulness_n become_v a_o christian_n cheerfulness_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o grudge_v 8._o i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o patient_a testimony_n rev._n 19_o st._n john_n give_v this_o character_n of_o himself_o i_o john_n who_o also_o be_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n patience_n under_o evil_n be_v what_o be_v often_o call_v for_o in_o scripture_n and_o press_v upon_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n with_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n by_o a_o patient_a testimony_n i_o understand_v three_o thing_n 1._o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n a_o flit_a and_o incertain_a christian_a in_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n to_o day_n and_o another_o mind_n to_o morrow_n be_v no_o good_a witness_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n semper_fw-la idem_fw-la be_v the_o true_a motto_n of_o every_o christian_a of_o every_o such_o witness_n he_o that_o be_v one_o day_n of_o one_o mind_n another_o day_n of_o another_o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n toss_v about_o may_v possible_o get_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o as_o through_o fire_n but_o he_o be_v no_o good_a witness_n for_o christ_n you_o know_v among_o man_n a_o good_a witness_n must_v abide_v by_o his_o testimony_n if_o he_o vari_v his_o testimony_n be_v weaken_v therefore_o christian_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o examine_v proposition_n well_o before_o they_o profess_v they_o and_o when_o they_o profess_v they_o to_o think_v well_o with_o themselves_o before_o they_o part_v with_o they_o a_o man_n never_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o point_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v incertain_a himself_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v a_o patient_a testimony_n with_o respect_n unto_o those_o affront_n which_o he_o may_v suffer_v from_o man_n while_o he_o be_v give_v his_o testimony_n a_o good_a and_o steady_a witness_n in_o your_o court_n be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o affront_v of_o any_o lawyer_n that_o set_v himself_o to_o baffle_v he_o out_o of_o his_o testimony_n he_o that_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n must_v not_o be_v affect_v at_o the_o affront_v of_o man_n that_o will_v baffle_v he_o out_o of_o his_o testimony_n he_o must_v be_v patient_a both_o as_o to_o the_o flattery_n and_o enticement_n of_o enemy_n and_o also_o as_o to_o their_o frown_n and_o menace_n 3._o a_o patient_a testimony_n must_v be_v a_o testimony_n attend_v with_o that_o patience_n which_o they_o have_v need_n of_o who_o may_v suffer_v for_o give_v their_o testimony_n for_o though_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o suffer_v for_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o suffer_v for_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o truth_n and_o thus_o now_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v but_o two_o thing_n more_o to_o do_v first_o to_o encourage_v you_o to_o it_o by_o some_o argument_n then_o to_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o now_o for_o argument_n to_o persuade_v you_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n you_o have_v hear_v enough_o already_o i_o have_v show_v you_o a_o tenfold_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o you_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 2._o remember_v christ_n be_v your_o lord_n 3._o you_o can_v otherwise_o show_v your_o gratitude_n to_o he_o for_o that_o testimony_n which_o he_o give_v for_o you_o 4._o thus_o you_o shall_v be_v conformable_a unto_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v behind_o of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v fill_v up_o in_o you_o 5._o remember_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 6._o consider_v the_o station_n which_o you_o take_v up_o in_o the_o world_n of_o a_o witness_n a_o soldier_n a_o child_n to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n a_o servant_n to_o a_o heavenly_a master_n 7._o remember_v the_o private_a law_n that_o you_o have_v lay_v upon_o yourselves_o 8._o remember_v the_o duty_n which_o lie_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o your_o fellow_n member_n 9_o remember_v the_o danger_n of_o forbear_v and_o the_o reward_n of_o your_o give_v this_o testimony_n 10._o consider_v your_o oneness_n with_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n after_o all_o these_o what_o need_v any_o further_a argument_n yet_o because_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o not_o forward_o unto_o this_o our_o heart_n be_v awk_n and_o backward_o to_o the_o partake_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o averse_a to_o the_o give_v of_o this_o testimony_n let_v i_o by_o way_n of_o a_o further_a argument_n in_o this_o cause_n name_n to_o you_o and_o press_v upon_o you_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v in_o this_o place_n and_o by_o which_o he_o himself_o press_v this_o exhortation_n 1._o the_o first_o lie_v in_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n one_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v upon_o our_o spirit_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o a_o day_n of_o testimony_n that_o we_o shall_v 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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 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