be_v right_o affect_v to_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o land_n and_o true_a friend_n to_o it_o they_o delight_v and_o much_o rejoice_v in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a happiness_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o strength_n and_o stability_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o flourish_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o holy_a religion_n of_o god_n now_o the_o papist_n be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o as_o indeed_o they_o envy_v the_o truth_n and_o hate_v the_o holy_a religion_n of_o god_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o they_o can_v abide_v it_o they_o oppose_v against_o it_o what_o they_o be_v able_a and_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_v they_o can_v to_o overturn_v it_o yea_o it_o will_v do_v they_o good_a at_o the_o heart_n to_o see_v the_o gospel_n remove_v out_o of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o holy_a truth_n and_o religion_n we_o yet_o enjoy_v quite_o overturn_v and_o their_o abominable_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n set_v up_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o they_o rejoice_v when_o they_o see_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n weaken_v and_o when_o they_o see_v such_o as_o stand_v sound_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o it_o disgrace_v and_o discountenance_v oh_o how_o do_v they_o exult_v and_o rejoice_v at_o it_o and_o can_v they_o then_o be_v good_a friend_n to_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o land_n who_o thus_o envy_v the_o true_a good_a of_o the_o land_n and_o that_o wherein_o stand_v the_o true_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o strength_n and_o stability_n of_o it_o no_o no_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a let_v they_o say_v what_o they_o will_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o pretend_v and_o say_v they_o be_v as_o good_a subject_n as_o the_o best_a and_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o howsoever_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o religion_n yet_o they_o wish_v as_o well_o to_o the_o state_n and_o they_o be_v as_o good_a friend_n to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o the_o state_n as_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o thus_o they_o prate_v and_o thus_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v but_o their_o lie_v and_o equivocate_a be_v palpable_a indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n they_o that_o hate_n zion_n as_o psal_n 129.5_o they_o that_o wish_v ill_a to_o the_o holy_a religion_n of_o god_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o be_v our_o glory_n our_o happiness_n our_o strength_n and_o stability_n say_v what_o they_o will_v assure_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v right_o affect_v and_o true_a friend_n to_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o our_o land_n and_o kingdom_n and_o we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v to_o be_v earnest_a with_o the_o lord_n that_o these_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o be_v too_o far_o trust_v yea_o we_o ought_v as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v 2_o thess_n 3.1_o 2._o to_o pray_v and_o that_o earnest_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v free_a passage_n and_o be_v glorify_v among_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o these_o perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n and_o sure_o if_o they_o do_v in_o any_o sort_n prevail_v against_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o holy_a religion_n we_o profess_v we_o may_v just_o impute_v it_o to_o this_o as_o one_o special_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o this_o duty_n verse_n 5._o of_o who_o be_v the_o father_n and_o of_o who_o concern_v the_o flesh_n christ_n come_v who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o ever_o amen_n in_o this_o verse_n the_o apostle_n put_v down_o a_o three_o cause_n and_o reason_n move_v he_o to_o wish_v himself_o separate_v or_o accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n namely_o this_o because_o of_o they_o be_v the_o father_n and_o of_o they_o christ_n come_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n who_o be_v far_o describe_v to_o be_v god_n over_o all_o and_o bless_a for_o ever_o to_o which_o the_o apostle_n subscribe_v and_o give_v assent_v in_o the_o word_n amen_n of_o who_o be_v the_o father_n and_o of_o who_o concern_v the_o flesh_n christ_n come_v who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o ever_o amen_n i_o will_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v open_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n of_o who_o be_v the_o father_n or_o who_o be_v the_o father_n that_o be_v of_o which_o people_n be_v the_o honourable_a and_o holy_a patriarch_n of_o who_o they_o be_v descend_v as_o of_o honourable_a ancestor_n and_o progenitor_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o word_n which_o also_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o posterity_n gen._n 17.4_o 7._o and_o of_o who_o concern_v the_o flesh_n christ_n come_v of_o which_o israelites_n christ_n descend_v according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n and_o take_v his_o humane_a nature_n of_o their_o stock_n as_o we_o have_v it_o rom._n 1.3_o he_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o hebrew_n 2.16_o it_o be_v say_v he_o take_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o ever_o some_o do_v alter_v and_o change_v the_o read_n of_o these_o word_n and_o do_v thus_o read_v they_o god_n who_o be_v over_o all_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o and_o so_o they_o will_v not_o have_v this_o clause_n refer_v to_o christ_n but_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o conclude_v with_o a_o general_a doxology_n in_o give_v praise_n to_o god_n but_o this_o be_v a_o violence_n to_o the_o text._n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v mention_n of_o christ_n his_o origin_n and_o beginning_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n his_o purpose_n be_v also_o to_o make_v mention_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o that_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o of_o that_o nation_n christ_n come_v who_o be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o god_n also_o even_o true_a god_n and_o very_a god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n by_o be_v or_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o eternal_a over_o all_o that_o be_v over_o all_o person_n and_o over_o all_o thing_n bless_a for_o ever_o that_o be_v god_n eternal_a and_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v praise_v in_o all_o age_n and_o for_o ever_o for_o this_o be_v a_o title_n attribute_v and_o give_v to_o god_n the_o creator_n rom._n 1.25_o amen_n that_o be_v so_o be_v it_o or_o let_v it_o be_v so_o thus_o then_o conceive_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v of_o which_o people_n the_o israelite_n be_v the_o honourable_a and_o holy_a patriarch_n of_o who_o they_o be_v descend_v as_o of_o most_o honourable_a ancestor_n and_o progenitor_n and_o of_o which_o israelites_n christ_n also_o descend_v according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n and_o take_v his_o flesh_n and_o humane_a nature_n of_o their_o stock_n metaphrase_n the_o metaphrase_n which_o christ_n be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o god_n also_o even_o true_a god_n and_o very_a god_n by_o nature_n and_o god_n over_o all_o person_n and_o over_o all_o thing_n yea_o god_n eternal_a to_o be_v bless_v and_o praise_v in_o all_o age_n and_o for_o ever_o to_o which_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n and_o say_v so_o be_v it_o or_o let_v it_o be_v so_o have_v now_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n come_v we_o now_o to_o some_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n that_o this_o verse_n will_v afford_v we_o and_o first_o we_o see_v it_o here_o put_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o honour_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o as_o a_o special_a privilege_n that_o they_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n whence_o note_v we_o brief_o thus_o much_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o be_v of_o the_o race_n or_o kindred_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o dignity_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o good_a and_o godly_a parent_n we_o read_v rom._n 16._o that_o the_o apostle_n often_o remember_v this_o as_o a_o honour_n to_o such_o and_o such_o that_o they_o be_v of_o his_o kindred_n vers_fw-la 7._o andronicus_n and_o junia_n my_o cousin_n vers_fw-la 11._o herodian_a my_o kinsman_n vers_fw-la 21._o lucius_z and_o jason_n and_o sosipater_n my_o kinsman_n colos_n 4.10_o the_o apostle_n commend_v marcus_n to_o the_o colossian_n as_o a_o person_n worthy_a of_o respect_n under_o this_o title_n that_o he_o be_v barnabas_n sister_n son_n not_o to_o enlarge_v the_o point_n the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v a_o honour_n and_o dignity_n to_o be_v of_o the_o race_n or_o kindred_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o good_a and_o godly_a parent_n be_v reason_n because_o good_a man_n themselves_o be_v high_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n
can_v take_v notice_n of_o to_o see_v or_o know_v but_o only_o god_n and_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n a_o groan_v under_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a sin_n a_o groan_a under_o unbelief_n hardness_n of_o heart_n deadness_n and_o dulness_n in_o perform_v holy_a duty_n pride_n of_o life_n pride_n of_o heart_n self-love_n which_o no_o man_n can_v discern_v a_o groan_v unto_o god_n in_o secret_a to_o remove_v these_o thing_n now_o than_o if_o thou_o find_v these_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v a_o true_a and_o thorough_a change_n by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n thou_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o thy_o best_a please_a and_o darling_n sin_n and_o the_o more_o grace_n thou_o have_v the_o more_o careful_a thou_o be_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n thou_o do_v not_o think_v the_o time_n tedious_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n or_o repeat_v of_o sermon_n the_o more_o thy_o love_n to_o the_o mean_n increase_v and_o the_o more_o thou_o groane_v under_o such_o evil_n and_o sin_n as_o no_o eye_n of_o man_n can_v take_v notice_n of_o no_o not_o the_o devil_n and_o thou_o accounte_v it_o thy_o great_a misery_n to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o sin_n thou_o can_v endure_v any_o torture_n in_o thy_o body_n rather_o than_o sin_n certain_o thereupon_o thou_o may_v conclude_v that_o thou_o be_v one_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n and_o have_v outstrip_v and_o go_v beyond_o a_o reprobate_n oh_o then_o hereby_o try_v and_o examine_v yourselves_o labour_v to_o find_v this_o change_n wrought_v in_o thou_o by_o the_o power_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o this_o will_v yield_v thou_o sweet_a and_o heavenly_a comfort_n indeed_o verse_n 14._o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n no_o god_n forbid_v come_v we_o now_o unto_o the_o 14_o verse_n our_o apostle_n have_v from_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n hitherto_o clear_v god_n from_o inconstancy_n from_o be_v inconstant_a in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n notwithstanding_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o body_n and_o great_a part_n of_o they_o though_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o descend_v of_o jacob_n who_o be_v call_v israel_n yet_o god_n be_v not_o inconstant_a have_v clear_v god_n from_o that_o imputation_n now_o he_o come_v to_o clear_a god_n from_o iniquity_n and_o injustice_n and_o in_o this_o argument_n he_o continue_v from_o this_o 14._o verse_n to_o the_o 19_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n now_o in_o this_o 14_o verse_n our_o apostle_n prevent_v a_o false_a inference_n and_o a_o wrong_a conclusion_n that_o man_n corrupt_a and_o carnal_a reason_n may_v infer_v and_o bring_v upon_o that_o before_o deliver_v in_o the_o verse_n forego_v for_o the_o apostle_n have_v make_v know_v thus_o much_o concern_v these_o two_o brethren_n that_o they_o be_v equal_a in_o birth_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o in_o better_a or_o worse_a estate_n in_o regard_n of_o nature_n but_o both_o in_o equal_a condition_n god_n hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o this_o may_v seem_v very_o hard_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o carnal_a humane_a reason_n of_o man_n at_o this_o may_v stumble_v and_o hereupon_o be_v offend_v and_o rise_v up_o in_o a_o complaint_n against_o god_n and_o charge_v he_o with_o injustice_n and_o partiality_n that_o therefore_o because_o he_o love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n the_o lord_n be_v partial_a in_o his_o do_n now_o this_o inference_n and_o conclusion_n our_o apostle_n prevent_v and_o meet_v with_o and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o false_a and_o wrong_a conclusion_n draw_v from_o the_o premise_v unjust_o and_o that_o on_o this_o manner_n this_o be_v his_o manner_n of_o proceed_v first_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n know_v that_o that_o which_o he_o have_v deliver_v be_v a_o truth_n and_o be_v confident_a and_o bold_a in_o it_o and_o do_v provoke_v any_o one_o that_o do_v cavil_v against_o he_o to_o tell_v what_o they_o can_v say_v against_o he_o or_o infer_v upon_o that_o position_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v therefore_o say_v what_o you_o can_v he_o do_v provoke_v every_o man_n to_o tell_v he_o what_o they_o can_v say_v against_o this_o god_n love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n have_v make_v this_o challenge_n what_o can_v we_o say_v and_o infer_v against_o this_o holy_a position_n he_o deliver_v that_o conclusion_n which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v ready_a to_o make_v and_o bring_v in_o and_o that_o by_o way_n of_o interrogation_n be_v there_o therefore_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n what_o can_v thou_o say_v be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v negative_o no_o and_o that_o not_o bare_o but_o answer_v it_o by_o way_n of_o detestation_n and_o abhor_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o gross_a and_o absurd_a say_v he_o god_n forbid_v shall_v we_o conclude_v god_n be_v unrighteous_a no_o and_o that_o he_o deny_v most_o emphatical_o and_o powerful_o and_o thereunto_o the_o apostle_n subjoin_v a_o further_a and_o more_o special_a denial_n of_o that_o gross_a conclusion_n by_o a_o more_o special_a refutation_n in_o the_o 15_o 16_o 17_o and_o 18._o verse_n but_o to_o keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o 14_o verse_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o apostle_n challenge_v the_o particular_a conclusion_n and_o the_o powerful_a denial_n and_o first_o of_o all_o brief_o to_o open_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o reference_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v therefore_o in_o the_o 13_o verse_n where_o the_o apostle_n bring_v in_o god_n speak_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o have_v love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n and_o they_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v conceive_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v therefore_o see_v what_o conclusion_n we_o shall_v infer_v be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n shall_v we_o hereupon_o bring_v and_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v unrighteousness_n with_o god_n because_o god_n do_v from_o everlasting_a purpose_n and_o decree_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n jacob_n eternal_a salvation_n and_o also_o before_o the_o world_n be_v out_o of_o his_o free_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n nothing_o move_v he_o esau_n rejection_n that_o therefore_o god_n be_v unjust_a and_o unequal_a because_o he_o so_o deal_v with_o equal_a person_n in_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n god_n forbid_v oh_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o let_v we_o never_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o unequal_a and_o so_o unjust_a and_o that_o he_o deal_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n so_o then_o thus_o brief_o conceive_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v what_o conclusion_n shall_v we_o infer_v that_o god_n do_v love_n jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n shall_v we_o thereupon_o make_v this_o conclusion_n and_o inference_n that_o therefore_o god_n be_v unjust_a and_o unequal_a and_o that_o god_n proceed_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n god_n deal_v so_o unequal_o with_o person_n that_o be_v equal_a out_o of_o his_o mere_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n oh_o no_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o lord_n keep_v we_o from_o bring_v in_o such_o a_o conclusion_n such_o a_o absurd_a inference_n the_o lord_n keep_v we_o from_o utter_v of_o such_o a_o thought_n come_v we_o now_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n and_o may_v be_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o first_o of_o all_o note_v how_o confident_a the_o apostle_n be_v and_o resolute_a upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o he_o provoke_v any_o to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o will_v say_v against_o it_o what_o shall_v we_o infer_v what_o inference_n or_o what_o conclusion_n can_v any_o man_n bring_v upon_o this_o position_n that_o god_n love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n and_o belove_v not_o to_o stand_v upon_o this_o thus_o confident_a ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o deliver_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o preach_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n we_o be_v so_o to_o deliver_v god_n truth_n and_o especial_o material_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o avouch_v it_o against_o all_o gainsayers_a and_o all_o that_o come_v against_o we_o we_o must_v be_v able_a to_o challenge_v and_o avouch_v it_o to_o any_o man_n and_o say_v this_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o in_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o that_o every_o minister_n must_v study_v to_o show_v himself_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v
stick_v in_o the_o rind_n bark_n and_o outside_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a truth_n it_o can_v find_v out_o the_o pith_n and_o marrow_n of_o it_o carnal_a reason_n stick_v in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o never_o look_v to_o the_o divine_a mystery_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o carnal_a reason_n be_v stick_v in_o the_o rind_n and_o outside_n of_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v blind_a hence_o then_o take_v we_o notice_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o err_a spirit_n do_v common_o use_v 1_o fasten_v foul_a and_o false_a conclusion_n upon_o the_o holy_a and_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n because_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o carnal_a eye_n as_o from_o that_o sound_n and_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o god_n touch_v his_o absolute_a decree_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o some_o and_o his_o rejection_n to_o damnation_n of_o other_o hereupon_o some_o err_a spirit_n do_v conclude_v and_o they_o think_v it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o therefoe_n god_n be_v a_o tyrant_n and_o deal_v tyrannical_o with_o his_o people_n so_o again_o some_o hear_n this_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n that_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o every_o act_n of_o man_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o every_o creature_n that_o god_n providence_n be_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o carnal_a reasoner_n bring_v in_o this_o false_a conclusion_n that_o then_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o he_o think_v in_o his_o judgement_n it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n because_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n and_o belove_v do_v not_o the_o papist_n deal_v thus_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n they_o hear_v that_o a_o sinner_n be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n only_o by_o faith_n then_o say_v the_o papist_n this_o doctrine_n have_v a_o foul_a tail_n come_v after_o it_o for_o it_o do_v dispossess_v man_n heart_n from_o all_o care_n and_o endeavour_n of_o good_a work_n and_o hereupon_o slanderous_o they_o give_v out_o this_o false_a report_n of_o we_o that_o in_o this_o doctrine_n that_o man_n be_v justify_v only_o by_o faith_n they_o say_v we_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o god_n utter_a enemy_n to_o god_n law_n and_o utter_a enemy_n to_o all_o good_a work_n this_o they_o think_v they_o may_v lawful_o charge_v upon_o we_o thus_o these_o and_o many_o other_o do_v wrest_v false_a conclusion_n from_o the_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o why_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o atheistical_a conclusion_n there_o catch_v and_o snatch_v and_o carp_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n because_o they_o stick_v in_o the_o rind_n and_o dive_v not_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o they_o again_o belove_v be_v this_o so_o that_o carnal_a reason_n do_v wrest_v false_a conclusion_n use_v 2_o from_o the_o holy_a and_o divine_a truth_n of_o god_n then_o this_o must_v teach_v every_o one_o of_o we_o our_o duty_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o measure_v not_o divine_a truth_n by_o the_o meatyard_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o own_o carnal_a reason_n especial_o such_o holy_a truth_n of_o god_n as_o be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o strain_n such_o as_o be_v transcendent_a such_o as_o go_v beyond_o and_o extend_v the_o compass_n of_o natural_a reason_n such_o truth_n as_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o above_o reason_n oh_o take_v heed_n of_o measure_v these_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o if_o we_o seek_v to_o bring_v these_o truth_n within_o the_o model_n scantling_n and_o rule_v of_o our_o natural_a reason_n we_o shall_v run_v into_o many_o by-path_n and_o erroneous_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n as_o he_o must_v needs_o lose_v his_o way_n that_o know_v not_o the_o way_n and_o follow_v blind_a guide_n so_o fides_n est_fw-la oculus_fw-la animi_fw-la faith_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o divinity_n and_o high_a point_n of_o god_n follow_v your_o own_o blind_a reason_n we_o shall_v assure_o run_v into_o many_o gross_a error_n yea_o belove_a let_v i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o carnal_a understanding_n and_o a_o unsanctified_a wit_n for_o if_o we_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v abuse_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o wrest_v from_o it_o such_o conclusion_n as_o be_v not_o there_o to_o be_v find_v do_v yet_o experience_n show_v it_o to_o be_v true_a be_v there_o not_o some_o who_o look_v upon_o that_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o timothy_n 5.8_o where_o he_o say_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o and_o namely_o for_o they_o of_o his_o family_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n do_v not_o some_o i_o say_v look_v upon_o this_o with_o a_o shut_a eye_n and_o carnal_a understanding_n gather_v and_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o they_o may_v pinch_v and_o spare_v and_o scrape_v together_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o live_v a_o base_a and_o sordid_a life_n and_o not_o part_n with_o a_o farthing_n token_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o to_o any_o good_a use_v but_o niggardly_o utter_v these_o word_n they_o must_v provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o they_o may_v come_v to_o live_v by_o the_o alm_n of_o the_o parish_n themselves_o and_o will_v not_o spare_v a_o penny_n more_o than_o by_o the_o law_n they_o be_v enforce_v and_o compel_v and_o so_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n again_o some_o other_o look_v upon_o that_o place_n in_o ezekiel_n 16.11_o 12_o 13._o verse_n where_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o deck_v jerusalem_n with_o ornament_n with_o bracelet_n with_o goodly_a jewel_n with_o golden_a crown_n and_o with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o embroider_a work_n do_v not_o some_o hereupon_o gather_v that_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v vain_a in_o their_o apparel_n and_o may_v follow_v every_o new_a fashion_n and_o may_v go_v like_o ruffian_n in_o their_o long_a hair_n and_o foretop_n and_o think_v this_o be_v their_o warrant_n whereas_o they_o be_v deceive_v for_o the_o lord_n there_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n tropical_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v they_o with_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o so_o express_v it_o after_o that_o manner_n figurative_o and_o they_o will_v have_v he_o speak_v proper_o and_o so_o they_o draw_v a_o false_a conclusion_n from_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n thus_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o particular_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o carnal_a eye_n yea_o i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o right_o conclude_v from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o touch_v manner_n or_o touch_v heavenly_a thing_n if_o we_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n unless_o our_o eye_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o eye_n salve_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v learn_v we_o in_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o lay_v aside_o our_o own_o reason_n to_o come_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n shut_v and_o to_o look_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lay_v aside_o thy_o own_o reason_n yea_o thy_o own_o wisdom_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n roman_n 8.7_o yea_o the_o best_a act_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o sanctify_v it_o be_v enmity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n therefore_o let_v we_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v certain_o tread_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o true_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o complain_v who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n in_o these_o word_n why_o do_v he_o yet_o complain_v be_v something_o to_o be_v observe_v general_o for_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o objection_n of_o carnal_a person_n they_o make_v direct_o against_o that_o opinion_n of_o the_o arminian_o who_o hold_v that_o god_n do_v decree_n to_o reject_v some_o among_o man_n upon_o a_o foresight_n of_o their_o wilful_a obstinacy_n in_o sin_n and_o their_o wilful_a rebellion_n against_o he_o now_o belove_v if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a position_n and_o a_o truth_n of_o god_n than_o god_n just_o complain_v of_o such_o as_o be_v harden_v and_o that_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o though_o god_n do_v decree_v their_o rejection_n and_o consequent_o their_o harden_v yet_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n decree_n be_v his_o foresight_n of_o their_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n in_o a_o course_n of_o evil_n
be_v but_o a_o poor_a man_n and_o a_o threadbare_a fellow_n as_o the_o world_n disdainful_o term_v he_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o usual_a thing_n with_o man_n and_o woman_n out_o of_o the_o curse_a corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o envy_v the_o good_a gift_n of_o other_o and_o the_o good_a success_n other_o have_v in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o gift_n because_o their_o person_n dislike_v they_o what_o be_v more_o common_a then_o for_o some_o to_o envy_v the_o good_a success_n that_o some_o minister_n have_v in_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n in_o that_o they_o use_v their_o gift_n careful_o and_o conscionable_o do_v gather_v or_o build_v up_o a_o people_n to_o god_n and_o in_o that_o they_o be_v in_o such_o credit_n and_o such_o esteem_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v such_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n oh_o this_o be_v a_o eyesore_n to_o some_o and_o they_o carp_v at_o it_o and_o this_o they_o complain_v of_o as_o john_n disciple_n complain_v to_o he_o of_o christ_n joh._n 3.26_o they_o come_v to_o john_n and_o say_v to_o he_o rabbi_n he_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o beyond_o jordan_n to_o who_o thou_o bear_v witness_v behold_v he_o baptize_v and_o all_o man_n come_v unto_o he_o all_o man_n follow_v he_o a_o foul_a fault_n sure_o and_o a_o sore_a accusation_n and_o just_o so_o do_v some_o now_o in_o our_o day_n they_o complain_v that_o many_o flock_n to_o such_o and_o such_o minister_n and_o they_o envy_v the_o good_a success_n those_o minister_n have_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n in_o that_o so_o much_o good_a be_v do_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o why_o forsooth_o because_o they_o be_v puritan_n preacher_n and_o their_o person_n be_v such_o as_o they_o can_v affect_v all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o be_v just_o to_o be_v tax_v as_o sin_v against_o this_o holy_a truth_n now_o deliver_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o respect_v the_o know_a excellency_n dignity_n and_o preferment_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o other_o be_v it_o in_o place_n in_o gift_n in_o the_o good_a success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o gift_n whatsoever_o the_o person_n be_v that_o do_v enjoy_v it_o though_o they_o be_v wicked_a person_n yea_o our_o use_n 2_o enemy_n and_o so_o for_o a_o second_o use_n of_o the_o point_n we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o learn_v we_o to_o mind_v it_o as_o any_o just_a occasion_n be_v give_v to_o we_o be_v thou_o a_o wife_n learn_v then_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o dignity_n and_o superiority_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o thy_o husband_n as_o he_o be_v thy_o husband_n be_v he_o never_o so_o silly_a or_o simple_a a_o man_n or_o never_o so_o wicked_a or_o vile_a a_o person_n for_o as_o he_o be_v thy_o husband_n he_o have_v the_o stamp_n and_o image_n of_o god_n set_v on_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o thou_o and_o that_o in_o itself_o be_v good_a and_o excellent_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o and_o respect_v wheresoever_o it_o be_v find_v be_v thou_o a_o servant_n then_o take_v thou_o notice_n of_o it_o that_o thy_o master_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n before_o thou_o as_o he_o be_v thy_o master_n and_o thou_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o with_o reverence_n to_o respect_v it_o be_v thy_o master_n never_o so_o poor_a or_o of_o never_o so_o mean_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n note_n note_n or_o be_v his_o quality_n never_o so_o vile_a and_o so_o be_v person_n that_o be_v in_o place_n over_o we_o never_o so_o vile_a or_o wicked_a yet_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o reverence_v and_o to_o respect_v their_o know_a eminency_n and_o their_o know_a lawful_a authority_n that_o come_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n yea_o learn_v we_o not_o only_o not_o to_o envy_v but_o to_o love_v reverence_n and_o respect_v the_o good_a gift_n of_o other_o and_o the_o good_a success_n they_o have_v in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o gift_n be_v the_o person_n never_o so_o mean_a or_o base_a in_o our_o conceit_n it_o may_v be_v some_o be_v of_o mean_a part_n than_o thyself_o have_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o thou_o be_v better_a success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o gift_n than_o thou_o have_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thy_o gift_n what_o then_o consider_v thou_o that_o both_o man_n gift_n and_o the_o success_n they_o have_v in_o those_o gift_n come_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v measure_v out_o by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v god_n see_v just_a cause_n sometime_o to_o grace_v with_o success_n lesser_a gift_n above_o great_a because_o haply_o he_o see_v great_a sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o lesser_a gift_n then_o in_o the_o use_n of_o great_a and_o therefore_o do_v not_o thou_o envy_v or_o repine_v at_o the_o good_a success_n other_o have_v in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o gift_n because_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v vouchsafe_v be_v such_o as_o thou_o can_v not_o affect_v or_o because_o they_o be_v of_o mean_a gift_n than_o thyself_o if_o thou_o so_o do_v sure_o thou_o pick_v a_o quarrel_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o he_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o as_o we_o have_v it_o matth._n 20.15_o be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_o good_a do_v thou_o repine_v and_o fret_v against_o my_o good_a hand_n and_o against_o my_o dispose_n of_o my_o gift_n and_o success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o my_o gift_n if_o thou_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v not_o escape_v my_o punish_a hand_n oh_o then_o take_v thou_o heed_n of_o this_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v and_o learn_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o respect_v the_o know_v true_a excellency_n and_o dignity_n and_o preferment_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o any_o be_v it_o in_o place_n in_o gift_n in_o good_a success_n in_o the_o use_n of_o gift_n vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o though_o the_o person_n that_o do_v enjoy_v it_o be_v base_a and_o mean_a yea_o wicked_a and_o vile_a person_n and_o though_o they_o be_v our_o mortal_a enemy_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v think_v on_o and_o remember_v now_o to_o proceed_v i_o hold_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o stand_v on_o the_o worthy_a privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n here_o reckon_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n several_o that_o will_v be_v a_o long_a course_n and_o not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n only_o from_o the_o glory_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o put_v down_o as_o a_o privilege_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o israelite_n mean_v thereby_o as_o i_o show_v before_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n covenant_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n special_a presence_n among_o they_o i_o think_v to_o have_v note_v brief_o that_o which_o of_o late_o have_v be_v large_o and_o well_o handle_v in_o your_o hear_n namely_o this_o doctrine_n that_o the_o gospel_n and_o holy_a religion_n of_o god_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o people_n to_o who_o it_o be_v vouchsafe_v because_o indeed_o as_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n special_a presence_n it_o be_v god_n love-token_n and_o its_o a_o sign_n that_o god_n have_v there_o some_o that_o belong_v to_o his_o election_n where_o it_o be_v give_v and_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n act._n 5.20_o and_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act._n 13.26_o yea_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o holy_a religion_n of_o god_n be_v the_o very_a sinew_n strength_n and_o stability_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o people_n and_o that_o which_o do_v establish_v a_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n and_o where_o the_o gospel_n and_o holy_a truth_n and_o religion_n of_o god_n be_v embrace_v there_o be_v god_n kingdom_n as_o say_v the_o prophet_n esay_n 52.7_o how_o beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n be_v the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o declare_v and_o publish_v peace_n that_o declare_v good_a tiding_n and_o publish_v salvation_n say_v unto_o zion_n thy_o god_n reign_v and_o god_n kingdom_n be_v stable_n and_o firm_a nothing_o be_v able_a to_o overturn_v it_o but_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v on_o this_o it_o have_v be_v point_v at_o before_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n only_o by_o way_n of_o use_n this_o ground_n of_o truth_n serve_v to_o discover_v to_o we_o use_v that_o the_o papist_n that_o live_v among_o we_o in_o this_o land_n and_o kingdom_n can_v be_v right_o affect_v to_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o our_o land_n they_o can_v be_v true_a friend_n to_o the_o happy_a estate_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o while_o they_o that_o
matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o believe_a soul_n and_o particular_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o comfort_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o these_o promise_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v for_o thus_o run_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o gospel_n whosoever_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v hereupon_o the_o minister_n stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o place_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o ambassador_n do_v make_v this_o particular_a application_n and_o draw_v out_o this_o conclusion_n the_o text_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v the_o minister_n say_v believe_v thou_o richard_n thomas_n william_n or_o whatsoever_o thou_o be_v and_o thou_o shall_v sure_o be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n himself_o do_v preach_v by_o his_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o why_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o preacher_n the_o delivery_n of_o his_o word_n as_o appear_v 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o believe_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o a_o man_n find_v faith_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n which_o he_o may_v prove_v by_o the_o fruit_n and_o work_n of_o faith_n may_v thereupon_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n choose_v and_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v and_o thereupon_o we_o may_v see_v it_o be_v but_o a_o cavil_n that_o these_o enemy_n of_o god_n affirm_v that_o the_o minister_n know_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n belong_v to_o god_n election_n or_o no_o when_o the_o minister_n assure_v he_o not_o upon_o that_o ground_n but_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o believe_v be_v this_o so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n must_v not_o only_o make_v know_v use_v 2_o general_a doctrine_n but_o particular_o apply_v they_o sure_o then_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n must_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o must_v also_o be_v content_a to_o have_v those_o truth_n apply_v unto_o they_o particular_o by_o way_n of_o instruction_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n and_o by_o way_n of_o just_a reproof_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o belove_v man_n must_v not_o start_v aside_o and_o fret_v and_o chafe_v and_o take_v on_o when_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v home_o unto_o they_o and_o apply_v particular_o unto_o their_o soul_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o particular_a sin_n as_o their_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o apparel_n or_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v no_o they_o must_v willing_o cheerful_o and_o ready_o yield_v and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o and_o not_o begin_v to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o say_v now_o he_o speak_v out_o of_o malice_n and_o spleen_n and_o distemper_n and_o now_o he_o speak_v against_o such_o a_o man_n as_o if_o the_o man_n and_o the_o sin_n be_v one_o substance_n the_o minister_n can_v speak_v against_o pride_n garishness_n of_o apparel_n long_o shag_v hair_n but_o he_o speak_v against_o the_o man_n as_o if_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o man_n and_o the_o man_n and_o the_o sin_n all_o one_o therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v in_o a_o chafe_n when_o thy_o sin_n be_v reprove_v and_o know_v that_o if_o thou_o thus_o do_v fret_v and_o chafe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o argument_n that_o thou_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o a_o spiritual_a frenzy_n and_o madness_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n ready_a to_o break_v out_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o man_n that_o so_o fret_v and_o chafe_v and_o take_v on_o in_o impatiency_n it_o be_v a_o immediate_a forerunner_n of_o god_n heavy_a wrath_n when_o man_n can_v abide_v to_o be_v touch_v or_o to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n apply_v particular_o they_o be_v impatient_a of_o reproof_n and_o must_v have_v the_o preacher_n to_o speak_v please_a thing_n and_o to_o daub_v they_o up_o with_o untempered_a mortar_n this_o bring_v upon_o they_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n unto_o remediless_a and_o easless_a destruction_n esay_n 30.13_o 14._o of_o say_v the_o prophet_n this_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n when_o man_n teach_v their_o preacher_n what_o to_o say_v it_o be_v like_o the_o break_n of_o a_o high_a wall_n that_o be_v sudden_a or_o like_o a_o bump_n in_o a_o wall_n a_o swell_a knob_v that_o upon_o a_o sudden_a fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v break_v all_o to_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n that_o be_v break_v in_o shiver_n and_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o leave_v as_o to_o hold_v fire_n or_o water_n so_o it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o repine_v at_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o word_n their_o destruction_n be_v sudden_a again_o further_a consider_v we_o if_o so_o be_v we_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n apply_v unto_o we_o though_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o we_o and_o we_o can_v accumulate_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o put_v away_o from_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n we_o can_v endure_v that_o sure_o the_o lord_n will_v then_o punish_v we_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n he_o will_v deal_v with_o we_o proportionable_o and_o according_o he_o will_v make_v his_o word_n of_o comfort_n that_o we_o so_o eager_o take_v hold_v on_o a_o unprofitable_a word_n and_o a_o word_n that_o shall_v yield_v no_o comfort_n unto_o we_o when_o we_o lie_v on_o our_o sick_a bed_n and_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n because_o we_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n that_o appertain_v not_o unto_o we_o and_o put_v away_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n therefore_o he_o will_v make_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n comfortless_a consider_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o example_n of_o herod_n mark_v 6.20_o herod_n hear_v and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o that_o john_n baptist_n teach_v and_o find_v much_o comfort_n in_o hear_v of_o he_o but_o when_o john_n come_v to_o touch_v he_o and_o to_o hit_v he_o on_o the_o bare_a his_o belove_a sore_n and_o please_a dalilah_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o have_v his_o brother_n wife_n then_o herod_n show_v what_o he_o be_v he_o carry_v then_o a_o splenative_a mind_n and_o a_o grudge_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o never_o leave_v till_o he_o have_v his_o head_n what_o touch_v my_o belove_a sin_n and_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o herod_n according_o for_o those_o comfort_n that_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o from_o john_n preach_v be_v fruitless_a he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o perish_v fearful_o in_o his_o folly_n then_o learn_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n not_o cunning_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n and_o just_a reproof_n to_o be_v tax_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n meet_v with_o we_o in_o his_o word_n for_o our_o particular_a sin_n to_o say_v it_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o blessing_n and_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o have_v minister_n which_o do_v not_o daub_v we_o with_o untempered_a mortar_n and_o to_o say_v as_o david_n say_v in_o psal_n 141.5_o let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a balm_n this_o be_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o if_o we_o do_v accumulate_v to_o ourselves_o the_o comfort_n that_o be_v promulgate_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o reproof_n denounce_v against_o our_o sin_n god_n will_v then_o make_v his_o comfort_n comfortless_a and_o they_o shall_v do_v we_o no_o good_a so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n have_v former_o handle_v the_o reference_n this_o verse_n have_v with_o precedent_a matter_n i_o now_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o verse_n itself_o and_o first_o of_o all_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n do_v deny_v god_n eternal_a election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v in_o he_o that_o will_v good_a or_o work_v good_a and_o so_o the_o observation_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o nothing_o in_o man_n or_o do_v by_o man_n come_v from_o he_o doctrine_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o ground_n of_o man_n election_n or_o salvation_n neither_o any_o man_n willing_a of_o good_a or_o work_v of_o good_a no_o not_o the_o willing_a or_o work_v of_o good_a by_o a_o regenerate_a person_n by_o a_o person_n true_o sanctify_v and_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n not_o his_o willing_a or_o work_v of_o good_a that_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o election_n or_o salvation_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v a_o
and_o weakness_n and_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o so_o be_v that_o our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n stand_v build_v upon_o the_o weak_a ground_n of_o our_o own_o good_a work_n but_o mark_v their_o subtlety_n when_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n they_o plead_v imbecility_n and_o weakness_n but_o when_o they_o plead_v for_o their_o own_o doctrine_n than_o they_o say_v they_o ground_n their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n god_n require_v of_o they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v they_o what_o a_o madness_n be_v this_o in_o they_o thus_o to_o contradict_v themselves_o and_o belove_v to_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o be_v there_o not_o many_o among_o we_o as_o mad_a as_o the_o papist_n foolish_a ignorant_a sot_n that_o thus_o reason_n i_o know_v i_o must_v love_v god_n above_o all_o and_o my_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o and_o if_o i_o do_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n i_o hope_v god_n will_v be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v our_o own_o work_n of_o good_a the_o ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o to_o ground_v the_o hope_n and_o certainty_n of_o heaven_n upon_o their_o own_o well_o do_v their_o conclusion_n be_v so_o simple_a and_o so_o foolish_a that_o upon_o love_a god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o heaven_n make_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o willing_a and_o work_v of_o good_a come_v from_o a_o right_a radix_fw-la they_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o build_v our_o salvation_n upon_o our_o best_a good_a work_n yea_o upon_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n or_o the_o best_a good_a thing_n we_o can_v perform_v we_o delude_v and_o deceive_v ourselves_o neither_o our_o well_o willing_a nor_o well_o work_v be_v not_o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n himself_o luk._n 17.10_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v and_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v we_o to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o we_o must_v say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o we_o must_v say_v so_o not_o only_o for_o modesty_n sake_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v absurd_o gloss_n upon_o that_o text_n for_o modesty_n and_o humility_n sake_n say_v they_o we_o must_v say_v so_o why_o belove_v the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o teach_v we_o to_o lie_v and_o to_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a for_o modesty_n sake_n no_o but_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o that_o for_o all_o our_o well_o willing_a and_o well_o do_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o hereupon_o cast_v off_o all_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o well_o do_v no_o we_o be_v careful_o and_o conscionable_o to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v that_o be_v good_a and_o know_v that_o work_v of_o good_a come_v from_o the_o root_n of_o save_v and_o sanctify_a faith_n it_o be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v the_o beat_a high_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o make_v much_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a it_o be_v a_o fruit_n ever_o flow_v from_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n and_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a antecedent_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a glory_n in_o heaven_n yet_o if_o we_o do_v advance_v this_o do_v of_o good_a beyond_o this_o strain_n to_o merit_v salvation_n we_o do_v build_v it_o upon_o a_o rot_a and_o unsound_a foundation_n now_o further_o observe_v we_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o opposition_n between_o man_n willing_a and_o run_v and_o god_n show_v mercy_n hence_o i_o may_v note_v these_o particular_n first_o of_o all_o that_o god_n mercy_n be_v the_o sole_a and_o whole_a and_o alsufficient_a cause_n of_o man_n election_n and_o not_o man_n well_o willing_a or_o work_v good_a either_o foresee_v as_o the_o arminian_o teach_v or_o the_o present_a act_n and_o be_v and_o second_o that_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o the_o merit_n or_o work_n of_o man_n do_v not_o concur_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o man_n salvation_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v but_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v handle_v before_o and_o hence_o note_v we_o in_o a_o word_n thus_o much_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o eternal_a election_n and_o salvation_n of_o some_o among_o man_n be_v not_o in_o man_n themselves_o but_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n hence_o observe_v that_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o merciful_a powerful_a doctrine_n and_o gracious_a hand_n of_o god_n it_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v essential_a with_o god_n himself_o col._n 3.3_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o colossian_n that_o their_o life_n be_v bid_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o hence_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o glory_n ephes_n 1.17_o because_o glory_n be_v as_o it_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o and_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6.5_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o only_o dwell_v in_o immortality_n the_o lord_n which_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n he_o do_v give_v it_o to_o who_o he_o will_v and_o he_o will_v give_v it_o in_o his_o due_a time_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v certain_o give_v it_o to_o his_o choose_a use_v then_o what_o a_o ground_n of_o sweet_a and_o excellent_a comfort_n be_v this_o to_o every_o one_o that_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n choose_v have_v thou_o good_a evidence_n of_o it_o that_o thou_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n oh_o then_o consider_v thy_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o creature_n no_o it_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o powerful_a god_n and_o no_o enemy_n whatsoever_o can_v wrest_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n if_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o own_o trust_n than_o thou_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o thou_o can_v keep_v it_o or_o no_o nay_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o thou_o will_v lose_v it_o adam_n in_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n be_v trust_v with_o it_o witting_o and_o willing_o lose_v it_o but_o thy_o salvation_n be_v keep_v by_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v it_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o and_o not_o the_o force_n fraud_n or_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o world_n without_o can_v fetch_v it_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o keeper_n of_o it_o no_o nor_o our_o own_o flesh_n can_v prevail_v to_o the_o overcome_v of_o he_o oh_o than_o if_o thou_o have_v evidence_n of_o thy_o salvation_n comfort_v up_o thyself_o let_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n spit_v their_o malice_n and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n they_o can_v they_o can_v possible_o deprive_v thou_o or_o dispossess_v thou_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o powerful_a creator_n and_o they_o can_v take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n how_o then_o may_v a_o child_n of_o god_n cheer_v up_o himself_o upon_o this_o consideration_n verse_n 17._o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v unto_o pharaoh_n even_o for_o this_o same_o purpose_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o that_o i_o may_v show_v my_o power_n in_o thou_o and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v through_o all_o the_o earth_n therefore_o have_v he_o mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v in_o these_o two_o verse_n the_o lord_n show_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v just_a in_o cast_v off_o some_o man_n and_o reject_v of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v clear_v god_n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n in_o choose_v some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o pass_v over_o other_o out_o of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n though_o they_o be_v all_o one_o in_o regard_n of_o nature_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o free_a liberty_n to_o show_v compassion_n to_o who_o he_o will_n now_o the_o apostle_n clear_v god_n from_o be_v unjust_a in_o reject_v of_o some_o particular_a person_n of_o equal_a estate_n and_o condition_n with_o the_o elect_a in_o regard_n of_o nature_n every_o way_n equal_a unto_o they_o in_o themselves_o and_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o be_v unjust_a in_o so_o do_v by_o a_o testimony_n of_o