4.23_o thus_o particular_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v their_o jesus_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v die_v for_o they_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o marrow_n of_o all_o religion_n not_o simple_o to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n but_o to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v my_o saviour_n not_o simple_o to_o know_v that_o he_o die_v for_o sinner_n but_o for_o i_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n not_o simple_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n but_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v eternal_a life_n lay_v up_o for_o i_o so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o die_v for_o those_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o this_o knowledge_n the_o devil_n himself_o have_v he_o know_v and_o do_v acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o this_o particular_a knowledge_n this_o certain_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n so_o as_o we_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n of_o heart_n note_n note_n i_o believe_v and_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n but_o my_o saviour_n not_o only_o that_o he_o die_v for_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o that_o he_o die_v for_o i_o and_o shed_v his_o blood_n to_o save_v my_o soul_n and_o though_o this_o be_v true_a that_o though_o but_o one_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v save_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v this_o certain_a knowledge_n to_o believe_v i_o be_o the_o man_n i_o be_o the_o woman_n and_o they_o which_o have_v this_o certain_a and_o unfalilble_a knowledge_n they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o they_o which_o have_v only_o a_o general_n and_o confuse_a knowledge_n swim_v in_o the_o brain_n alas_o they_o abide_v in_o death_n the_o three_o special_a thing_n which_o we_o must_v know_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n us._n how_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o us._n when_o as_o we_o can_v find_v and_o feel_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n within_o we_o when_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o sole_a worker_n of_o this_o knowledge_n when_o we_o can_v know_v by_o experience_n in_o our_o own_o self_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o 13.5_o gal._n 2_o 20._o 2._o cor._n 13.5_o that_o we_o can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o that_o he_o do_v make_v we_o with_o boldness_n to_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o to_o cry_v unto_o he_o abba_n father_n 8.15_o rom._n 8.15_o when_o we_o do_v feel_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o mortify_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n by_o little_a and_o little_a weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n and_o natural_a corruption_n within_o we_o and_o daily_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o repair_v in_o we_o more_o &_o more_o the_o bless_a image_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o have_v great_o deface_v in_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n which_o whosoever_o find_v put_v and_o pour_v into_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n they_o be_v happy_a and_o bless_a they_o be_v in_o real_a possession_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o as_o for_o those_o which_o want_v this_o knowledge_n seem_v they_o never_o so_o excellent_a nor_o think_v they_o never_o so_o well_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v but_o miserable_a and_o curse_a and_o abide_v in_o eternal_a death_n and_o damnation_n doct._n have_v thus_o at_o large_a show_v what_o be_v that_o knowledge_n here_o speak_v of_o dangerous_a ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v dangerous_a and_o also_o the_o excellent_a fruit_n &_o effect_n that_o come_v from_o it_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v know_v as_o also_o what_o great_a profit_n this_o knowledge_n bring_v to_o all_o those_o which_o have_v it_o namely_o eternal_a life_n it_o shall_v not_o now_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v in_o a_o word_n how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o want_v this_o save_a knowledge_n &_o what_o great_a misery_n come_v to_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o knowledge_n the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v most_o true_a nay_o the_o very_a truth_n and_o life_n itself_o when_o he_o will_v show_v the_o root_n and_o very_a spawn_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n he_o tell_v the_o scribe_n &_o pharisee_n 22.29_o mat._n 22.29_o you_o err_v because_o you_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o to_o what_o shall_v we_o impute_v this_o in_o these_o day_n that_o man_n run_v into_o error_n and_o teach_v false_a heretical_a nay_o damnable_a doctrine_n sure_o to_o this_o because_o man_n know_v not_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v no_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o man_n live_v in_o sin_n in_o drunkenness_n whoredom_n adultery_n swear_v covetousness_n &_o c_o alas_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o be_v this_o because_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o excellent_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 1.2_o hos_fw-la 1.2_o where_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n take_v up_o a_o great_a and_o grievous_a complaint_n against_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n because_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n nor_o truth_n to_o be_v find_v but_o that_o man_n live_v in_o swear_v lie_v kill_a whore_v thieve_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o these_o be_v there_o lay_v down_o in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n read_v the_o four_o chapter_n of_o leviticus_fw-la 4._o levit._fw-la 4._o and_o there_o it_o will_v appear_v how_o high_o almighty_a god_n condemn_v this_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n by_o those_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o even_o for_o the_o same_o 2.1_o heb._n 2.1_o now_o ignorance_n be_v threefold_a 1._o it_o be_v a_o simple_a and_o mere_a ignorance_n 2._o be_v a_o careless_a ignorance_n 3._o be_v a_o wilful_a and_o a_o affect_a ignorance_n all_o these_o kind_n of_o ignorance_n be_v here_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v as_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o this_o knowledge_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v simple_o for_o want_v of_o mean_n ignorance_n 1_o of_o simple_a ignorance_n which_o few_o man_n in_o these_o day_n and_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v able_a to_o object_n for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n minister_n have_v sound_v the_o lord_n trumpet_n of_o warning_n in_o most_o place_n of_o this_o land_n so_o that_o if_o man_n now_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o wilful_a and_o a_o affect_a ignorance_n for_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n we_o live_v now_o in_o such_o time_n as_o knowledge_n be_v even_o thrust_v upon_o man_n both_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o the_o restless_a labour_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n 4._o 2._o cor._n 4._o so_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v who_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o man_n shall_v want_v these_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o will_v not_o their_o ignorance_n excuse_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o may_v excuse_v à _fw-la tanto_fw-la but_o not_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la as_o divine_n affirm_v their_o punishment_n may_v be_v something_o the_o less_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o free_v they_o from_o have_v any_o at_o all_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o ignorance_n that_o be_v here_o condemn_v as_o a_o utter_a engine_n to_o this_o knowledge_n ignorance_n 2_o of_o careless_a ignorance_n be_v careless_a ignorance_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a sin_n of_o these_o time_n when_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n we_o care_v not_o for_o it_o but_o neglect_n and_o contemn_v it_o this_o be_v far_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a and_o if_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n will_v not_o excuse_v a_o man_n much_o less_o will_v this_o oh_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o thousand_o in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n that_o out_o of_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n offer_v unto_o they_o 4._o 2._o cor._n 4._o oh_o what_o a_o fearful_a sin_n be_v this_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v and_o that_o christ_n jesus_n will_v come_v at_o the_o last_o to_o render_v vengeance_n
thou_o have_v faith_n it_o will_v apply_v jesus_n christ_n unto_o thy_o own_o soul_n in_o particular_a though_o not_o at_o all_o time_n with_o the_o like_a assurance_n this_o paul_n beg_v for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n 5.18_o col._n 1.9_o eph._n 5.18_o and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n it_o be_v such_o a_o jewel_n that_o god_n will_v not_o trust_v all_o man_n with_o but_o only_o the_o elect._n now_o let_v we_o see_v what_o use_v this_o doctrine_n may_v afford_v we_o for_o our_o further_a instruction_n use_v 1_o this_o may_v serve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reprove_v those_o that_o rest_n upon_o a_o confuse_a and_o superstitious_a knowledge_n of_o god_n such_o knowledge_n as_o may_v be_v have_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v gather_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o creature_n but_o will_v some_o say_v be_v there_o any_o such_o among_o christian_n undoubted_o there_o be_v who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n ten_o twenty_o yea_o thirty_o or_o more_o year_n together_o and_o yet_o to_o their_o shame_n be_v it_o speak_v have_v no_o more_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n than_o the_o very_a heathen_a that_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n so_o that_o 5.12_o heb._n 5.12_o whereas_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o mean_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o they_o may_v have_v be_v teacher_n of_o other_o yet_o have_v they_o need_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n who_o can_v consider_v without_o grief_n of_o heart_n in_o what_o state_n the_o great_a number_n of_o our_o people_n stand_v at_o this_o day_n how_o many_o have_v we_o among_o we_o i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o god_n say_v of_o the_o infant_n of_o nineveh_n that_o know_v not_o their_o right_a hand_n from_o their_o left_a but_o man_n grow_v and_o of_o ripe_a year_n which_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o time_n may_v have_v be_v teacher_n of_o other_o yet_o themselves_n be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o religion_n these_o be_v like_a to_o the_o potter_n clay_n ready_a to_o take_v any_o form_n what_o false_a religion_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n if_o it_o be_v authorize_v will_v they_o not_o subscribe_v unto_o a_o lamentable_a case_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o as_o babe_n and_o child_n ready_a to_o be_v draw_v away_o with_o every_o blast_n of_o vain_a doctrine_n not_o be_v able_a to_o decern_v the_o darkness_n of_o error_n from_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n see_v as_o our_o apostle_n say_v 2.11.12_o 2._o cor._n 4.3.4_o 2._o thes_n 2.11.12_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o which_o perish_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n thus_o do_v god_n send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v lie_n that_o all_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v which_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 5.39_o io._n 5.39_o let_v we_o then_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n as_o for_o treasure_n and_o let_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n that_o in_o they_o we_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n let_v we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v plentiful_o in_o we_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n let_v we_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o beget_v knowledge_n in_o we_o even_o this_o sanctify_a knowledge_n which_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n let_v we_o often_o call_v our_o own_o way_n to_o a_o account_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o sin_n beg_v hard_o for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n of_o they_o at_o god_n hand_n &_o then_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n as_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v pray_v etc._n etc._n for_o if_o by_o these_o thing_n we_o make_v not_o way_n to_o our_o knowledge_n whereupon_o it_o may_v be_v build_v as_o upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n alas_o our_o knowledge_n it_o will_v be_v but_o vain_a idle_a swim_v in_o the_o brain_n and_o far_o from_o lead_v a_o man_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o glory_n oh_o then_o think_v of_o this_o betimes_o while_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n last_v oh_o man_n thou_o be_v labour_v with_o from_o sabbath_n to_o sabbath_n that_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v season_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o now_o thou_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o christ_n if_o now_o therefore_o thou_o reject_v this_o kindness_n of_o he_o it_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o turn_v this_o thy_o great_a ingratitude_n as_o dung_n into_o thy_o face_n and_o because_o thou_o have_v hate_v knowledge_n 7.22_o mat._n 1.23_o pro._n 7.22_o therefore_o the_o lord_n may_v just_o say_v depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o try_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o have_v this_o knowledge_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o put_v we_o into_o the_o real_a possession_n of_o eternal_a life_n it_o have_v certain_a note_n and_o property_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v decern_v 15.9_o the_o property_n of_o this_o save_a knowledge_n 1._o io._n 3.3_o act._n 15.9_o the_o first_o effect_n and_o property_n of_o this_o save_a knowledge_n be_v this_o that_o be_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o will_v purge_v a_o man_n soul_n mind_n will_n and_o affection_n every_o one_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n speak_v of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n he_o will_v purge_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o again_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n so_o then_o hereby_o thou_o may_v try_v and_o prove_v thy_o knowledge_n whether_o it_o be_v this_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n heart_n 1_o it_o purge_v the_o heart_n or_o not_o if_o thou_o find_v that_o it_o purify_v thy_o heart_n purge_v thy_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n from_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n and_o token_n that_o it_o be_v this_o bless_a and_o sanctify_a knowledge_n that_o be_v begin_v in_o thou_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a part_n carnal_a knowledge_n puff_v up_o the_o mind_n but_o this_o knowledge_n expel_v pride_n and_o cast_v a_o man_n down_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o thou_o find_v thy_o heart_n filthy_a and_o thy_o will_n rebellious_a thy_o knowledge_n then_o be_v but_o fleshly_a and_o carnal_a and_o it_o be_v not_o this_o save_a knowledge_n that_o be_v within_o thou_o second_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a knowledge_n but_o it_o be_v a_o live_a knowledge_n it_o 2_o it_o will_v quicken_v those_o that_o have_v it_o it_o be_v a_o quicken_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o call_v eternal_a life_n because_o it_o be_v live_v and_o will_v quicken_v those_o that_o have_v it_o in_o their_o breast_n it_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o lie_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o rot_v in_o sin_n but_o it_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o and_o quicken_v he_o in_o all_o holy_a duty_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o three_o property_n of_o this_o knowludge_n be_v sin_n 3_o it_o be_v ever_o work_v to_o destroy_v sin_n it_o be_v not_o a_o idle_a knowledge_n only_o swim_v in_o the_o brain_n but_o it_o be_v a_o operative_a and_o work_a knowledge_n it_o will_v work_v in_o they_o that_o have_v it_o the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v abolish_v natural_a corruption_n by_o little_a and_o little_a it_o will_v be_v powerful_a to_o work_v many_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o have_v it_o as_o faith_n repentance_n mortification_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n love_n of_o god_n zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o four_o property_n of_o this_o save_a knowledge_n be_v this_o ever_o 4_o it_o be_v permanent_a it_o last_v for_o ever_o that_o be_v put_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o christian_a man_n or_o woman_n it_o be_v durable_a and_o permanent_a and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n call_v it_o eternal_a life_n because_o this_o knowledge_n last_v not_o for_o a_o day_n or_o two_o or_o for_o a_o year_n or_o two_o but_o be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n it_o last_v for_o ever_o we_o know_v in_o part_n only_o in_o this_o life_n but_o our_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v perfect_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v now_o see_v what_o this_o knowledge_n be_v and_o what_o property_n use_v 2_o and_o effect_n it_o have_v namely_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v such_o a_o bless_a gift_n
may_v be_v save_v therefore_o god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v lie_n that_o all_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v that_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o take_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n the_o lord_n grant_v we_o more_o sanctify_a heart_n that_o we_o may_v make_v better_a use_n of_o his_o gracious_a opportunity_n that_o he_o do_v offer_v unto_o we_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v we_o may_v make_v more_o right_a step_n to_o his_o kingdom_n this_o doctrine_n make_v first_o for_o the_o just_a reproof_n of_o all_o papist_n and_o all_o such_o use_n 1_o as_o be_v popish_o affect_v as_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n may_v most_o just_o tax_v with_o this_o great_a ingratitude_n of_o contemn_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n that_o will_v rather_o hearken_v to_o erroneous_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n then_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n let_v they_o stand_v never_o so_o much_o of_o their_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o fast_n prayer_n alm_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v without_o the_o word_n but_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n hate_v they_o and_o his_o soul_n abhor_v they_o be_v not_o do_v in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o true_a obedience_n as_o solomon_n say_v he_o that_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n even_o his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v abominable_a but_o oh_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o embrace_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v believe_v lie_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o give_v they_o over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o be_v delude_v by_o satan_n and_o so_o to_o perish_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o second_o this_o doctrine_n do_v near_o concern_v use_n 2_o we_o all_o we_o see_v here_o what_o a_o fearful_a sin_n it_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o contemn_v his_o word_n to_o neglect_v his_o doctrine_n and_o light_o to_o esteem_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o lord_n can_v at_o any_o hand_n put_v it_o up_o but_o will_n most_o sure_o punish_v the_o contempt_n thereof_o as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o old_a world_n the_o sodomite_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o like_a and_o yet_o alas_o we_o see_v it_o a_o sin_n too_o too_o common_a so_o as_o man_n do_v general_o neglect_v &_o contemn_v if_o not_o desperate_o despise_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n the_o most_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n make_v no_o account_n of_o it_o but_o trample_v it_o under_o foot_n &_o esteem_v no_o more_o of_o the_o word_n preach_v than_o they_o do_v of_o their_o old_a shoe_n they_o will_v not_o go_v to_o the_o door_n to_o hear_v it_o but_o rather_o lie_v upon_o their_o bed_n sit_v by_o the_o fire_n talk_v in_o the_o street_n play_v in_o their_o bowl_a ally_n and_o to_o do_v any_o base_a or_o vain_a thing_n then_o to_o come_v into_o god_n house_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n whereby_o their_o poor_a soul_n may_v be_v save_v oh_o horrible_a impiety_n well_o i_o remember_v that_o saul_n observe_v david_n seat_n when_o he_o be_v want_v much_o more_o do_v the_o lord_n take_v notice_n of_o our_o empty_a seat_n and_o solitary_a pewe_v when_o we_o be_v want_v will_v you_o hear_v how_o the_o lord_n have_v grievous_o punish_v such_o contempt_n yea_o the_o neglect_n of_o holy_a mean_n and_o have_v not_o the_o lord_n meet_v with_o we_o for_o this_o sin_n yes_o questionless_a as_o the_o plague_n and_o pestilence_n be_v send_v for_o sin_n so_o i_o be_o persuade_v not_o one_o sin_n of_o the_o land_n have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o anger_n and_o to_o plague_v our_o land_n so_o often_o with_o the_o pestilence_n and_o other_o grievous_a judgement_n of_o unseasonable_a weather_n &_o the_o like_a than_o our_o long_a our_o general_n and_o our_o continual_a contempt_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n and_o profane_v of_o his_o sabbath_n so_o as_o the_o lord_n may_v say_v to_o we_o for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o cut_v you_o down_o even_o by_o hundred_o and_o thousand_o for_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o gracious_a mean_n i_o have_v use_v to_o do_v you_o good_a oh_o than_o i_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v we_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o see_v the_o lord_n will_v never_o suffer_v the_o contempt_n of_o his_o word_n go_v unpunished_a let_v we_o now_o at_o last_o repent_v of_o this_o sin_n let_v we_o esteem_v better_o of_o the_o word_n let_v we_o receive_v it_o believe_v it_o and_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o hear_v it_o otherwise_o if_o we_o live_v in_o the_o open_a contempt_n of_o it_o as_o now_o we_o do_v i_o say_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o warrant_n of_o his_o sacred_a word_n by_o the_o which_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n 11.21_o mat._n 11.21_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v easy_a for_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n &_o gomor_n then_o for_o we_o yea_o the_o time_n may_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v weep_v and_o howl_v cry_v out_o and_o say_v oh_o that_o i_o be_v a_o sodomite_n oh_o that_o i_o have_v be_v bear_v one_o of_o gomorah_n and_o envy_v the_o felicity_n ever_o of_o the_o sodomite_n in_o comparison_n of_o our_o own_o torment_n 2.3_o heb._n 2.3_o if_o now_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n three_o and_o last_o see_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o teach_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n thereof_o do_v draw_v down_o use_v 3_o such_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o we_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o how_o may_v this_o teach_v we_o all_o according_a to_o godly_a solomon_n his_o advice_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o our_o foot_n when_o we_o come_v into_o god_n house_n and_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v 8.18_o eccl._n 4.17_o mat._n 13._o luk._n 8.18_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v a_o light_a matter_n that_o we_o have_v this_o liberty_n to_o come_v into_o god_n house_n that_o we_o may_v hear_v he_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n for_o if_o we_o benefit_n not_o by_o these_o holy_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o draw_v near_o unto_o heaven_n we_o be_v make_v by_o they_o the_o more_o harden_a in_o sin_n to_o our_o great_a confusion_n at_o the_o last_o let_v we_o not_o therefore_o come_v for_o fashion_n sake_n or_o for_o custom_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n before_o god_n &_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o commadement_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v by_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n both_o that_o he_o will_v direct_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o minister_n his_o servant_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v the_o word_n true_o and_o powerful_o as_o also_o that_o he_o will_v open_v our_o heart_n as_o he_o do_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n that_o we_o may_v attend_v unto_o those_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v teach_v which_o godly_a preparation_n if_o it_o be_v careful_o observe_v of_o our_o hearer_n it_o can_v not_o be_v after_o so_o much_o and_o long_a teach_n they_o shall_v remain_v so_o ignorant_a and_o barren_a of_o god_n work_n as_o general_o they_o be_v well_o to_o conclude_v this_o doctrine_n let_v this_o be_v for_o our_o present_a instruction_n that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v free_a from_o the_o accusation_n of_o wicked_a graceless_a and_o profane_a person_n let_v we_o labour_n to_o be_v willing_a and_o well_o affect_v hearer_n that_o we_o come_v with_o hunger_a and_o thirst_a desire_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v be_v unto_o we_o a_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o a_o better_a life_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v never_o be_v constrain_v to_o use_v the_o same_o as_o here_o he_o do_v to_o this_o people_n namely_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o cut_v down_o and_o a_o mean_n of_o our_o further_a condemnation_n at_o the_o last_o will_v we_o not_o have_v be_v loath_a to_o have_v be_v in_o sodom_n when_o god_n rain_v down_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n upon_o their_o head_n oh_o lord_n how_o shall_v we_o quake_v and_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o this_o slaughter_n that_o the_o lord_n threaten_v here_o namely_o to_o cut_v down_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o to_o slay_v by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n i_o have_v cut_v down_o in_o that_o the_o lord_n profess_v here_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o punishment_n judgement_n the_o author_n of_o this_o judgement_n and_o do_v inflict_v this_o judgement_n on_o they_o for_o their_o
devil_n be_v more_o forward_o to_o do_v hurt_v than_o any_o witch_n can_v be_v oh_o then_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o become_v so_o spiritual_o wise_a that_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o devil_n herein_o and_o to_o help_v we_o herein_o let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n 28._o mat._n 28._o that_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o witch_n can_v kill_v man_n or_o beast_n at_o their_o pleasure_n till_o they_o have_v authority_n first_o from_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n alone_o by_o who_o wise_a providence_n &_o purpose_n all_o thing_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n come_v to_o pass_v only_o our_o sin_n provoke_v he_o to_o chastise_v and_o afflict_v we_o god_n give_v the_o devil_n leave_v as_o a_o executioner_n of_o his_o vengeance_n to_o correct_v and_o scourge_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o have_v obtain_v leave_n of_o god_n he_o seek_v to_o do_v it_o at_o his_o best_a advantage_n as_o may_v further_o his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o delude_v the_o simple_a for_o he_o have_v spoil_v we_o he_o have_v wound_v us._n we_o have_v hear_v before_o how_o that_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v doct._n 4_o all_o those_o judgement_n that_o light_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v come_v from_o god_n he_o god_n do_v chastise_v his_o own_o child_n when_o they_o sin_n against_o he_o and_o that_o most_o just_o for_o their_o sin_n especial_o for_o their_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n before_o we_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o this_o their_o first_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v one_o thing_n more_o from_o the_o person_n afflict_v he_o have_v spoil_v we_o etc._n etc._n even_o they_o that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n who_o god_n have_v honour_v above_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o people_n under_o heaven_n yet_o when_o they_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n by_o idolatry_n god_n do_v not_o spare_v to_o bring_v even_o upon_o they_o many_z and_o grievous_a judgement_n and_o affliction_n hence_o we_o observe_v this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o god_n will_v not_o spare_v to_o chastise_v his_o own_o child_n if_o they_o sin_n against_o he_o although_o he_o take_v not_o his_o love_a kindness_n from_o they_o nor_o suffer_v his_o truth_n to_o fail_v 11.33_o numb_a 11.33_o yet_o he_o will_v visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o their_o sin_n with_o scourge_n the_o history_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o their_o journey_v towards_o canaan_n their_o manifold_a murmur_n and_o rebellion_n be_v a_o plentiful_a witness_n of_o this_o truth_n when_o they_o lust_v for_o flesh_n and_o loathe_a manna_n how_o do_v god_n smite_v they_o with_o exceed_v great_a plague_n even_o judgement_n upon_o judgement_n until_o he_o have_v consume_v the_o great_a fort_n of_o they_o we_o may_v fee_v this_o in_o the_o example_n of_o solomon_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v turn_v away_o from_o the_o true_a god_n the_o lord_n be_v angry_a with_o he_o therefore_o the_o lord_n stir_v up_o one_o adversary_n against_o solomon_n 11._o 1._o reg._n 11._o and_o afterward_o another_o adversary_n which_o do_v much_o mischief_n and_o evil_n against_o israel_n when_o jonas_n have_v disobey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v against_o nineveh_n how_o do_v the_o lord_n vex_v jonas_n with_o his_o storm_n 1.2.3_o jonas_n 1.2.3_o that_o the_o ship_n can_v have_v no_o rest_n till_o she_o have_v disburden_v herself_o of_o jonas_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n as_o a_o sergeant_n pursue_v jonas_n to_o arrest_v he_o as_o a_o fugitive_n servant_n so_o that_o albeit_o jonas_n flee_v from_o god_n yet_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n follow_v after_o he_o and_o overtake_v he_o 12.10_o num._n 12.10_o when_o miriam_n the_o sister_n of_o moses_n contemn_v moses_n because_o she_o be_v not_o a_o prophetess_n as_o great_a in_o authority_n as_o himself_o although_o moses_n meek_o suffer_v it_o yet_o the_o lord_n revenge_v the_o wrong_n and_o strike_v she_o with_o a_o leprosy_n that_o for_o a_o season_n shâ—_n be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o host_n when_o david_n have_v fall_v into_o his_o sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n belove_v of_o god_n yea_o 12.9_o 2._o sam._n 12.9_o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v stir_v up_o evil_a against_o he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o house_n yea_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o unto_o who_o sin_n be_v but_o impute_v for_o he_o never_o commit_v any_o he_o be_v afflict_v with_o sorrow_n for_o our_o default_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n and_o the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o 53.5_o esay_n 53.5_o and_o by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o manasses_n jehosaphat_n josiah_n hezechiah_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o serve_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o god_n will_v not_o spare_v no_o not_o the_o godly_a themselves_o be_v they_o never_o so_o near_o or_o dear_a unto_o he_o but_o will_v bring_v upon_o they_o many_o and_o grievous_a judgement_n if_o they_o sin_n against_o he_o and_o this_o do_v this_o people_n in_o this_o present_a text_n find_v to_o be_v true_a by_o woeful_a experience_n for_o sin_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n against_o god_n and_o commit_v idolatry_n the_o lord_n do_v bring_v most_o heavy_a and_o grievous_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v reason_n that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o his_o justice_n that_o he_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o man_n person_n but_o will_v show_v himself_o utter_o to_o hate_v a_o sin_n whensoever_o wheresoever_o or_o in_o whosoever_o he_o find_v it_o the_o lord_n have_v ever_o in_o all_o age_n show_v example_n of_o his_o justice_n against_o sin_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v quake_v and_o tremble_v at_o the_o commit_n of_o it_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o love_v wickedness_n neither_o shall_v any_o evil_a dwell_v with_o he_o for_o he_o hate_v all_o they_o that_o work_n iniquity_n be_v they_o what_o they_o will_v be_v if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o commit_v sin_n against_o god_n god_n will_v not_o spare_v they_o he_o accept_v not_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n say_v elihu_n nor_o regard_v the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a 34.19_o io._n 34.19_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n this_o do_v the_o prophet_n david_n acknowledge_v when_o he_o say_v against_o thou_o against_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v 51.4_o 1._o sam._n 16.7_o psal_n 51.4_o and_o do_v evil_a in_o thy_o sight_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v just_a when_o thou_o speak_v and_o pure_a when_o thou_o iudge_v so_o that_o if_o man_n break_v his_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o their_o sin_n with_o scourge_n and_o all_o to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o word_n and_o to_o make_v good_a those_o threaten_n go_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n against_o sin_n yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wicked_a when_o the_o lord_n correct_v his_o child_n they_o be_v better_v by_o their_o affliction_n they_o be_v humble_v confess_v their_o sin_n and_o bewail_v they_o they_o labour_v to_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n by_o true_a repentance_n but_o the_o wicked_a the_o more_o the_o lord_n spoil_n and_o wound_n they_o they_o be_v the_o worse_a by_o it_o &_o whereas_o the_o child_n of_o god_n take_v occasion_n by_o affliction_n to_o turn_n to_o god_n the_o wicked_a be_v by_o they_o drive_v the_o further_a from_o god_n they_o either_o see_v it_o not_o that_o affliction_n come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o repute_v they_o to_o fortune_n or_o chance_n or_o some_o secondary_a cause_n or_o else_o they_o murmur_v and_o break_v out_o into_o impaciency_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o pharaoh_n the_o more_o the_o lord_n plague_v and_o spoil_v he_o the_o more_o he_o harden_v his_o heart_n use_v 1_o here_o then_o we_o be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o confess_v that_o great_a be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n see_v he_o will_v not_o spare_v no_o not_o the_o elect_a themselves_o those_o that_o be_v as_o near_o and_o as_o dear_a unto_o god_n as_o the_o apple_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o israelite_n god_n people_n of_o miriam_n david_n solomon_n and_o the_o like_a oh_o then_o what_o miserable_a wretch_n be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v presume_v of_o god_n mercy_n see_v we_o have_v such_o fearful_a spectacle_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o the_o lord_n do_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o godly_a more_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a
to_o they_o which_o know_v he_o not_o 1.8_o 2._o thess_n 1.8_o and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o last_o be_v the_o wilful_a and_o affect_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n ignorance_n 3_o a_o wilful_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n when_o man_n shall_v please_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o will_v not_o know_v their_o error_n but_o labour_n and_o strive_v against_o it_o when_o a_o man_n be_v addict_v to_o some_o particular_a sin_n and_o will_v not_o see_v the_o same_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o ignorance_n according_a to_o that_o common_a proverb_n none_o so_o blind_a as_o he_o that_o will_v not_o see_v these_o be_v like_o those_o rebellious_a jew_n the_o prophet_n jeremie_n speak_v of_o which_o say_v 44.16_o jer._n 44.16_o the_o word_n that_o thou_o have_v speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v not_o hear_v it_o of_o thou_o but_o we_o will_v do_v whatsoever_o thing_n go_v out_o of_o our_o own_o mouth_n alas_o how_o many_o be_v there_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o these_o day_n and_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v that_o be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a 58.5_o psal_n 58.5_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o charmer_n charm_v he_o never_o so_o wise_o oh_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n as_o of_o all_o ignorance_n so_o especial_o of_o this_o last_o for_o to_o sin_n in_o this_o degree_n be_v to_o sin_n with_o a_o high_a hand_n against_o god_n and_o it_o be_v a_o step_n to_o that_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v this_o may_v serve_v to_o condemn_v that_o curse_a &_o damnable_a use_n 1_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o teach_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o more_o ignorant_a the_o more_o devout_a and_o religious_a yea_o one_o of_o their_o fellow_n in_o this_o land_n in_o a_o seditious_a book_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v 22.18_o radford_n in_o his_o directatory_n to_o the_o truth_n pag._n 419_o mat._n 22.18_o that_o the_o poor_a ploughman_n that_o say_v his_o pater_fw-la noster_fw-la not_o understand_v the_o word_n may_v pray_v with_o more_o devotion_n and_o please_v god_n better_o than_o the_o great_a doctor_n that_o can_v make_v a_o sermon_n of_o every_o petition_n of_o the_o same_o but_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o chief_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n he_o teach_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o error_n sin_n rebellion_n and_o damnation_n and_o in_o every_o place_n the_o word_n of_o god_n show_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o those_o that_o live_v in_o ignorance_n &_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o world_n live_v in_o a_o most_o fearful_a estate_n and_o condition_n abound_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n both_o against_o god_n and_o man_n and_o sure_o this_o doctrine_n of_o ignorance_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a pillar_n of_o popish_a religion_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o see_v their_o filthy_a abomination_n for_o if_o man_n be_v not_o extreme_a ignorant_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n how_o can_v they_o be_v so_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v to_o worship_v stock_n and_o stone_n to_o fall_v down_o to_o dumb_a image_n etc._n etc._n use_v 2_o second_o this_o show_v the_o fearful_a estate_n of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v in_o ignorance_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n these_o man_n must_v needs_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n for_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o sure_o 4.1_o hos_fw-la 4.1_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o people_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n so_o we_o may_v say_v general_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n among_o many_o 17.30_o act._n 17.30_o but_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n abound_v because_o man_n live_v in_o ignorance_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n as_o popery_n idolatry_n carnal_a security_n presumption_n swear_v blasphemy_n contempt_n of_o the_o word_n profanation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n neglect_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o good_a duty_n all_o spring_n from_o this_o root_n want_v of_o knowledge_n 23._o luk._n 23._o paul_n persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v through_o ignorance_n and_o our_o saviour_n pray_v to_o his_o father_n for_o his_o persecutor_n 11.20_o mat._n 11.20_o because_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v oh_o if_o man_n know_v what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o want_v neglect_n or_o contemn_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n how_o dare_v they_o dishonour_v god_n as_o they_o do_v but_o so_o long_o as_o man_n live_v in_o ignorance_n so_o long_o they_o will_v run_v into_o all_o sin_n be_v profane_a and_o wicked_a but_o of_o all_o ignorance_n there_o be_v none_o more_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o so_o a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o reprobation_n as_o wilful_a ignorance_n when_o man_n shall_v shut_v their_o eye_n at_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n stop_v their_o ear_n harden_v their_o heart_n and_o despise_v knowledge_n wisdom_n cry_v without_o 1.20_o pro._n 1.20_o o_o you_o fool_n how_o long_o will_v you_o love_v foolishness_n and_o the_o scornful_a delight_n in_o scorn_v and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o none_o regard_v but_o you_o despise_v all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o nurture_n i_o will_v also_o laugh_v at_o your_o destruction_n well_o you_o hear_v that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n especial_o wilful_a ignorance_n you_o hear_v again_o that_o it_o abound_v in_o most_o place_n general_o the_o body_n of_o our_o people_n be_v exceed_o ignorant_a as_o though_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o god_n now_o where_o ignorance_n abound_v there_o sin_n abound_v and_o where_o sin_n abound_v the_o curse_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o hang_v over_o their_o head_n as_o in_o that_o place_n of_o hosea_n the_o lord_n threaten_v 4.2.3_o hos_fw-la 4.2.3_o that_o because_o of_o sin_n he_o will_v make_v the_o whole_a land_n to_o mourn_v thus_o have_v show_v the_o sin_n itself_o ignorance_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o knowledge_n we_o will_v proceed_v a_o little_a further_o and_o show_v the_o cause_n why_o this_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n reign_v in_o most_o place_n and_o why_o people_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o second_o the_o remedy_n of_o this_o sin_n how_o people_n may_v get_v out_o of_o it_o and_o so_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a life_n the_o main_n cause_n why_o people_n be_v so_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v ignorance_n cause_n of_o ignorance_n be_v the_o want_n of_o teach_v in_o most_o congregation_n howsoever_o it_o have_v please_v god_n that_o this_o complaint_n can_v be_v take_v up_o of_o this_o country_n &_o part_n preach_v 1_o want_n of_o preach_v yet_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o in_o some_o town_n and_o parish_n they_o have_v the_o word_n very_o seldom_o preach_v unto_o they_o perhaps_o monthly_a or_o less_o now_o 29.18_o pro._n 29.18_o where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o preach_v there_o the_o people_n perish_v or_o where_o vision_n fail_v the_o people_n be_v naked_a void_a of_o knowledge_n 10.14_o rom._n 10.14_o grace_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v without_o a_o preacher_n so_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v god_n 9_o mat._n 15.14_o hos_fw-la 4_o 9_o unless_o they_o be_v teach_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_n the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n and_o again_o there_o shall_v be_v like_o priest_n like_o people_n like_o shepherd_n like_o sheep_n a_o ignorant_a careless_a and_o unconscionable_a minister_n a_o ignorant_a blind_a and_o profane_a people_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v or_o discommend_v the_o minister_n he_o do_v likewise_o commend_v or_o discommend_v the_o people_n for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n depend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n on_o the_o good_a pain_n of_o the_o minister_n people_n 2_o carelessness_n of_o the_o people_n another_o cause_n why_o ignorance_n abound_v be_v the_o wonderful_a security_n and_o carelessness_n of_o the_o people_n they_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o know_v god_n nor_o love_n nor_o desire_n to_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n yea_o they_o be_v well_o content_a to_o live_v still_o in_o their_o damnable_a ignorance_n and_o blindness_n 14._o 2._o pet_n 2._o job._n 21.15_o mal._n 3_o 14._o who_o be_v the_o almighty_a that_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o
the_o word_n preach_v and_o teach_v read_v receive_v or_o what_o duty_n else_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o god_n service_n cheerfulness_n be_v require_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v that_o which_o put_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a in_o all_o christian_a duty_n whatsoever_o the_o wicked_a man_n with_o cain_n come_v with_o his_o sacrifice_n as_o well_o as_o abel_n and_o so_o for_o hear_v read_v prayer_n receyve_v and_o the_o like_a the_o hypocrite_n come_v so_o mask_v unto_o these_o duty_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n at_o all_o time_n be_v not_o able_a to_o decern_v betwixt_o they_o both_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a yet_o if_o they_o will_v sit_v as_o judge_v over_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o may_v even_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o doctrine_n note_n note_n perceive_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o the_o one_o do_v perform_v these_o duty_n for_o fashion_n sake_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n shame_n punishment_n or_o the_o like_a whereas_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v perform_v they_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o notwithstanding_o no_o temporal_a law_n do_v require_v the_o same_o but_o only_o in_o obedience_n unto_o god_n most_o righteous_a law_n and_o holy_a commandment_n and_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a joy_n to_o any_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o know_v how_o god_n the_o father_n be_v affect_v unto_o he_o and_o love_v he_o as_o his_o child_n to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v content_a to_o shed_v his_o own_o heart_n blood_n to_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o to_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n weaken_v our_o corruption_n and_o make_v we_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n this_o knowledge_n pass_v all_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n 8.15_o rom._n 8.15_o this_o will_v bring_v peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n see_v that_o we_o must_v seek_v after_o knowledge_n so_o willing_o and_o so_o cheerful_o use_v as_o the_o huntsman_n after_o his_o game_n and_o so_o that_o all_o duty_n in_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v of_o we_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o we_o learn_v how_o god_n do_v esteem_v of_o our_o action_n and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o the_o work_n itself_o but_o according_a to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o doer_n this_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o lord_n own_o word_n when_o he_o say_v this_o people_n come_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n 29.13_o esa_n 29.13_o and_o honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o alas_o what_o the_o better_a to_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o lord_n with_o our_o lip_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v the_o service_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o that_o lord_n look_v after_o and_o this_o be_v ezechias_n comfort_n and_o cheer_n when_o he_o be_v to_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o flesh_n that_o he_o can_v say_v in_o truth_n of_o heart_n 28.3_o esa_n 28.3_o remember_v lord_n that_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o upright_o heart_n and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o carnal_a man_n and_o woman_n never_o seek_v for_o this_o knowledge_n but_o come_v always_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n for_o custom_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n alas_o they_o can_v never_o find_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n they_o never_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o this_o knowledge_n they_o never_o yet_o taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o knowledge_n &_o then_o no_o marvel_n they_o prize_v it_o not_o nor_o hear_v it_o with_o any_o cheerfulness_n at_o all_o oh_o then_o let_v we_o all_o labour_n to_o feel_v our_o spiritual_a want_n of_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o as_o the_o spiritual_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n then_o shall_v we_o endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n one_o thing_n more_o may_v be_v note_v from_o these_o word_n that_o see_v the_o child_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o repentance_n &_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n doct._n have_v not_o only_o true_a sanctify_a knowledge_n they_o god_n child_n labour_v for_o a_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n daily_o in_o they_o then_o shall_v we_o have_v knowledge_n but_o more_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_n ourselves_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n that_o be_v not_o rest_n content_a with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n but_o to_o attain_v every_o day_n to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o same_o hence_o we_o be_v teach_v this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o content_a with_o a_o little_a knowledge_n but_o they_o still_o desire_v for_o more_o and_o labour_n to_o grow_v and_o to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n the_o covetous_a man_n the_o more_o he_o have_v the_o more_o he_o covet_v even_o so_o the_o christian_a man_n and_o woman_n be_v right_a covetous_a of_o heavenly_a matter_n he_o covet_v daily_o for_o more_o knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n to_o have_v a_o great_a part_n in_o this_o bless_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o this_o regard_n the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n in_o a_o dropsy_n the_o more_o he_o drink_v the_o more_o he_o be_v a_o thirst_n even_o so_o the_o more_o knowledge_n the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v the_o more_o he_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o this_o knowledge_n that_o he_o may_v grow_v in_o the_o same_o and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a point_n to_o be_v note_v that_o there_o be_v no_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o religion_n for_o either_o we_o must_v go_v forward_o or_o backward_o either_o we_o must_v grow_v daily_o in_o knowledge_n 4.4_o 1._o thes_n 4.4_o or_o else_o we_o must_v needs_o decay_v in_o knowledge_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n saint_n paul_n do_v often_o pray_v for_o those_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o they_o may_v grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o saint_n peter_n he_o exhort_v we_o 2.2_o 1._o pet._n 2.2_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o where_o he_o lay_v down_o three_o most_o excellent_a point_n first_o that_o here_o we_o be_v but_o as_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n and_o child_n in_o understanding_n of_o the_o word_n we_o know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n second_o he_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o must_v increase_v in_o knowledge_n namely_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v nourish_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o three_o the_o end_n of_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n namely_o that_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o knowledge_n grow_v in_o faith_n grow_v in_o obedienc_n so_o that_o though_o man_n hear_v the_o word_n yet_o if_o they_o grow_v not_o and_o be_v not_o better_v by_o it_o they_o be_v no_o good_a hearer_n the_o word_n have_v no_o good_a fruit_n in_o they_o this_o duty_n of_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n be_v often_o urge_v in_o the_o scripture_n 4.18_o 1._o cor._n 13.9_o 1._o thes_n 4.4_o 2._o pet._n 3.18_o heb._n 6.1_o pro._n 4.18_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n &_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o you_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o again_o let_v we_o be_v lead_v forward_o to_o perfection_n and_o the_o prophet_n compare_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o elect_n to_o the_o water_n flow_v from_o the_o sanctuary_n 47.3_o ezec._n 47.3_o which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o to_o the_o ankle_n then_o to_o the_o knee_n next_o to_o the_o loin_n and_o last_o to_o a_o river_n that_o can_v not_o be_v pass_v over_o so_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o elect_n though_o their_o beginning_n be_v but_o small_a yet_o they_o increase_v daily_o till_o they_o come_v to_o that_o full_a measure_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v allot_v to_o every_o christian_a the_o doctrine_n be_v thus_o clear_v we_o will_v now_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o use_v this_o doctrine_n do_v concern_v we_o all_o very_o near_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o scholar_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n now_o then_o let_v we_o not_o prove_v truant_n after_o long_o teach_v and_o preach_v to_o prove_v ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o a.b.c._n if_o our_o child_n go_v to_o school_n and_o learn_v nothing_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o play_v the_o truant_n or_o else_o they_o have_v a_o bad_a master_n even_o so_o we_o be_v long_o teach_v in_o the_o word_n what_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v still_o prove_v ignorant_a of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tree_n
see_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v small_a and_o they_o few_o that_o believe_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n this_o reason_n be_v more_o against_o they_o then_o with_o they_o second_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o condemn_v they_o that_o use_v 2_o excuse_v their_o sin_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o multitude_n as_o pride_n covetousness_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v but_o as_o other_o do_v it_o be_v the_o fashion_n and_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a and_o thus_o poor_a soul_n they_o think_v they_o have_v allege_v a_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v answer_v what_o shall_v we_o go_v to_o hell_n for_o company_n 50.18_o psal_n 50.18_o we_o see_v it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o do_v as_o most_o do_v the_o gate_n be_v wide_a that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o go_v in_o thereat_o let_v we_o rather_o suspect_v ourselves_o because_o we_o do_v as_o the_o most_o do_v and_o fashion_v not_o ourselves_o like_a unto_o the_o world_n but_o join_v with_o the_o little_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elias_n that_o fear_v god_n let_v we_o join_v with_o he_o to_o obey_v god_n and_o therefore_o let_v man_n know_v that_o by_o shroud_a themselves_n under_o the_o multitude_n 6.13_o exod._n 23.2_o jer._n 6.13_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v themselves_o as_o that_o the_o rather_o they_o accuse_v themselves_o because_o common_o the_o great_a part_n be_v the_o worst_a use_v 3_o three_o this_o may_v comfort_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o when_o they_o study_v take_v pain_n preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o yet_o see_v no_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n few_o believe_v and_o repent_v it_o be_v that_o which_o indeed_o do_v much_o grieve_v they_o and_o discourage_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o elias_n but_o this_o must_v be_v our_o comfort_n that_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v so_o in_o old_a time_n in_o the_o prophet_n time_n in_o christ_n time_n and_o since_o and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n only_o let_v every_o faithful_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v his_o endeavour_n and_o commit_v the_o success_n to_o god_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o the_o lord_n complain_v the_o complaint_n itself_o follow_v for_o your_o goodness_n be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o morning_n dew_n it_o go_v away_o here_o be_v the_o three_o general_a point_n in_o the_o complaint_n namely_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o itself_o the_o complaint_n itself_o which_o so_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o complain_v of_o this_o people_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o prevent_n of_o a_o objection_n and_o cavil_n of_o this_o people_n for_o they_o may_v object_v and_o say_v what_o ail_v he_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n so_o to_o exclaim_v and_o complain_v of_o we_o that_o he_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n why_o do_v we_o not_o bring_v our_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o altar_n do_v we_o not_o come_v daily_o to_o serve_v god_n yea_o we_o have_v lament_v our_o sin_n and_o humble_a ourselves_o before_o his_o face_n crave_v pardon_n at_o his_o hand_n what_o will_v he_o have_v we_o to_o do_v more_o to_o this_o cavil_n of_o they_o the_o prophet_n answer_v in_o lay_v open_a the_o cause_n of_o this_o complaint_n in_o these_o word_n for_o your_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n by_o goodness_n here_o he_o mean_v their_o outward_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n their_o feign_a repentance_n they_o have_v some_o outward_a show_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o repentance_n and_o service_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v void_a of_o sincerity_n and_o soundness_n of_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n but_o from_o the_o tooth_n outward_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v vanish_v and_o unconstant_a and_o of_o the_o sudden_a like_a unto_o the_o dew_n or_o morning_n cloud_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o a_o moment_n by_o the_o sun_n in_o this_o people_n here_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o nature_n and_o doct._n 6_o property_n of_o all_o hypocrite_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o bare_a naked_a and_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n inward_a it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o hypocrite_n to_o mind_n more_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n than_o the_o inward_a never_o look_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n &_o soul_n for_o though_o they_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n come_v to_o the_o temple_n seem_v to_o repent_v yet_o it_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a show_n not_o sound_v nor_o sincere_a it_o never_o come_v from_o their_o heart_n and_o what_o account_v such_o service_n of_o god_n be_v with_o god_n he_o declare_v by_o his_o prophet_n esay_n when_o he_o say_v 1.14_o esay_n 1.14_o my_o soul_n hate_v your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n they_o be_v a_o burden_n unto_o i_o i_o be_o a_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o they_o will_v keep_v the_o sabbath_n and_o frequent_v the_o solemn_a assembly_n but_o it_o be_v but_o for_o custom_n and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n they_o will_v learn_v nothing_o at_o all_o though_o their_o body_n be_v there_o yet_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o there_o and_o this_o sin_n of_o they_o almighty_a god_n lay_v to_o their_o charge_n else_o where_o when_o he_o say_v 29.13_o esay_n 29.13_o this_o people_n come_v near_o unto_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o he_o blame_v they_o not_o for_o that_o they_o come_v not_o into_o god_n temple_n and_o into_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n for_o herein_o they_o be_v very_o forward_o but_o that_o they_o bring_v now_o a_o lame_a sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v but_o a_o lip_n service_n and_o a_o will_v worship_v and_o the_o lord_n do_v esteem_v no_o better_o of_o it_o then_o the_o kill_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o a_o dog_n neck_n or_o the_o offer_n up_o of_o swine_n blood_n all_o which_o be_v abominable_a unto_o the_o lord_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v worship_v 66.3.4_o esay_n 66.3.4_o not_o only_o according_a to_o the_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o in_o spirit_n &_o truth_n to_o who_o will_v i_o have_v respect_n unto_o but_o to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a &_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n 15.11_o jer._n 7.7_o pro._n 15.11_o and_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o if_o this_o be_v want_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v but_o sin_n unto_o we_o and_o shall_v add_v unto_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n as_o i_o take_v why_o man_n profit_v no_o more_o under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n namely_o this_o because_o man_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o perform_v the_o outward_a rite_n of_o god_n worship_n &_o service_n as_o to_o come_v to_o church_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a all_o be_v well_o with_o they_o they_o need_v no_o more_o in_o these_o jew_n we_o may_v clear_o see_v a_o counterpane_n of_o our_o people_n and_o time_n what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o after_o use_v 1_o so_o much_o and_o so_o long_o preach_v man_n shall_v remain_v so_o ignorant_a so_o covetous_a so_o vile_a and_o so_o sinful_a still_o be_v it_o not_o because_o most_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o outward_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n why_o do_v not_o the_o mean_n that_o convert_v those_o jew_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n convert_v these_o of_o who_o the_o lord_n speak_v in_o this_o place_n sure_o the_o prophet_n give_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o this_o verse_n namely_o because_o these_o jew_n think_v that_o they_o have_v goodness_n enough_o and_o religion_n enough_o so_o long_o as_o they_o perform_v the_o outward_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n all_o these_o mean_n can_v do_v they_o no_o good_a and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o time_n and_o people_n note_n note_n do_v not_o most_v man_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o outward_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o come_v to_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n &_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o think_v then_o they_o have_v honour_v god_n high_o and_o serve_v he_o aswell_o as_o the_o best_a of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o god_n can_v require_v no_o more_o at_o their_o hand_n i_o appeal_v unto_o your_o heart_n and_o conscience_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o so_o that_o most_o do_v content_a themselves_o with_o the_o very_a outward_a action_n of_o god_n worship_n never_o look_v for_o soundness_n of_o heart_n to_o come_v in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n oh_o then_o