so_o tit._n 1.9_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v gainsayer_n hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o adversasary_n pluck_v one_o way_n so_o do_v you_o pluck_v another_o way_n strive_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o heb._n 10.23_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v prov._n 4.13_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o instruction_n let_v she_o not_o go_v keep_v she_o for_o she_o be_v thy_o life_n prov._n 23.23_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o buy_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n sell_v it_o at_o no_o rate_n thus_o you_o see_v this_o duty_n command_v see_v it_o commend_v in_o one_o example_n most_o remarkable_a and_o imitable_a because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n the_o primitive-time_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o better_a explication_n of_o this_o point_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v 1._o how_o must_v christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v 2._o why_o must_v christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v 1._o how_o must_v christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v i_o answer_v they_o must_v hold_v it_o fast_o these_o three_o way_n in_o their_o memory_n affection_n practice_n and_o conversation_n 1._o they_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n in_o their_o memory_n heb._n 2.1_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v we_o shall_v learn_v of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o she_o keep_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n luke_n 2.19_o it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a getter_n but_o the_o great_a saver_n that_o become_v the_o rich_a man_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hear_n but_o the_o keep_n of_o truth_n that_o will_v make_v we_o spiritual_o rich._n 2._o we_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n in_o our_o affection_n we_o must_v cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o like_n thus_o do_v david_n psal_n 119.31_o i_o have_v stick_v unto_o thy_o testimony_n o_o lord_n put_v i_o not_o to_o shame_v and_o in_o ver_fw-la 20_o my_o soul_n break_v for_o the_o longing_n that_o it_o have_v unto_o thy_o judgement_n at_o all_o time_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n ver._n 97_o and_o ver_fw-la 167_o of_o the_o same_o psalm_n my_o soul_n have_v keep_v thy_o testimony_n and_o i_o love_v they_o exceed_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o man_n have_v not_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n they_o lose_v both_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n too_o 2_o thess_n 2.10_o 11_o because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o papist_n and_o atheist_n at_o this_o day_n they_o be_v draw_v away_o to_o believe_v lie_n lie_v miracle_n lie_v doctrine_n when_o god_n see_v man_n careless_a and_o remiss_a in_o their_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n he_o say_v to_o such_o careless_a wretch_n take_v he_o jesuit_n take_v he_o satan_n bound_v he_o and_o blind_v he_o and_o lead_v he_o to_o destruction_n hence_o be_v all_o those_o frequent_a exhortation_n which_o be_v fcatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o love_v wisdom_n understanding_n and_o instruction_n prov._n 3.3_o my_o son_n forget_v not_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n let_v not_o mercy_n and_o truth_n forsake_v thou_o bound_v they_o about_o thy_o neck_n write_v they_o upon_o the_o table_n of_o thy_o heart_n prov._n 4.6_o forsake_v not_o wisdom_n and_o she_o shall_v preserve_v thou_o love_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v keep_v thou_o prov._n 7.4_o say_v unto_o wisdom_n thou_o be_v my_o sister_n and_o call_v understanding_n thy_o kinswoman_n what_o a_o man_n love_v that_o he_o will_v keep_v careful_o if_o he_o love_v a_o jewel_n he_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v it_o if_o he_o love_v a_o picture_n he_o will_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o deface_v it_o a_o man_n will_v part_v with_o that_o last_o which_o he_o love_v best_o 3._o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n not_o only_o in_o memory_n and_o affection_n but_o likewise_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n in_o practice_n and_o conversation_n you_o shall_v yield_v conscionable_a subjection_n to_o every_o know_a truth_n without_o hold_v any_o one_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n the_o more_o a_o man_n practise_v what_o he_o know_v the_o more_o he_o shall_v know_v what_o to_o practice_n john_n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o true_a knowledge_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o obedience_n but_o obedience_n be_v thenurse_n of_o knowledge_n when_o a_o scholar_n have_v take_v out_o one_o lesson_n well_o it_o be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o a_o master_n to_o teach_v he_o another_o certain_o if_o we_o will_v practise_v more_o we_o shall_v know_v more_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n psal_n 25.14_o look_v as_o the_o widow_n oil_n by_o lay_v it_o out_o be_v increase_v so_o knowledge_n lay_v out_o in_o practice_n be_v put_v forth_o to_o advantage_n therefore_o put_v forth_o every_o know_a truth_n into_o practice_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n you_o have_v receive_v the_o second_o quaery_n by_o way_n of_o explication_n be_v this_o but_o why_o must_v christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v with_o constaney_n and_o perseverance_n the_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o because_o the_o truth_n have_v many_o enemy_n to_o oppose_v it_o corrupt_v it_o gainsay_v it_o malign_v it_o deface_v it_o and_o disgrace_v it_o though_o truth_n can_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o it_o be_v many_o time_n blame_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o have_v not_o more_o enemy_n upon_o earth_n than_o his_o truth_n have_v at_o this_o day_n yea_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v the_o more_o enemy_n because_o he_o do_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n john_n 8.40_o but_o now_o you_o seek_v to_o kill_v i_o a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n this_o do_v not_o abraham_n that_o be_v the_o great_a quarrel_n they_o have_v against_o our_o saviour_n because_o he_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n now_o as_o jesus_n christ_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n be_v oppose_v so_o will_v his_o truth_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n first_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o grand_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n that_o prince_n of_o darkness_n will_v not_o willing_o have_v one_o lamp_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n unblown_a out_o the_o most_o of_o his_o rage_n be_v against_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o god_n people_n second_o ignorant_a unbelieving_a atheistical_a wretch_n that_o count_v preach_v foolishness_n that_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o undervalue_v it_o three_o subtle_a and_o undermine_a priest_n and_o jesuit_n those_o frog_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v it_o four_o scandalous_a protestant_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o fruit_n these_o will_v cast_v a_o aspersion_n and_o scandal_n upon_o the_o truth_n therefore_o because_o of_o these_o enemy_n christian_n shall_v hold_v forth_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n second_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o truth_n be_v worth_a the_o hold_v fast_o because_o we_o have_v many_o bless_a privilege_n by_o it_o as_o for_o example_n 1._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v our_o cap_n of_o maintenance_n it_o be_v the_o charter_n of_o our_o privilege_n it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o everlasting_a inheritance_n thy_o testimony_n have_v i_o claim_v for_o my_o heritage_n say_v david_n and_o will_v you_o not_o keep_v your_o evidence_n for_o a_o good_a inheritance_n 2._o here_o be_v another_o privilege_n if_o you_o will_v keep_v the_o truth_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o truth_n will_v keep_v you_o as_o we_o say_v of_o a_o tradesman_n if_o he_o will_v
1.6_o three_o consider_v the_o time_n of_o run_v be_v but_o short_a but_o the_o time_n of_o your_o reward_n will_v be_v eternal_a if_o you_o do_v not_o come_v short_a of_o this_o eternal_a rest_n but_o hold_v out_o and_o run_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n if_o you_o can_v but_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n i_o have_v not_o wicked_o depart_v from_o my_o god_n as_o david_n speak_v psal_n 18.21_o if_o you_o be_v not_o apostate_n but_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n o_o the_o unconceivable_a reward_n o_o the_o invaluable_a and_o unconceivable_a bliss_n of_o all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o this_o eternal_a rest_n the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o on_o the_o one_o side_n fear_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v the_o consideration_n of_o that_o eternal_a happiness_n quicken_v you_o to_o do_v the_o utmost_a of_o your_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v it_o if_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o life_n to_o spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n if_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o estate_n to_o lay_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n if_o you_o can_v do_v as_o much_o as_o all_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o all_o the_o martyr_n do_v or_o suffer_v let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o fruition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o day_n in_o glory_n will_v recompense_v it_o all_o the_o lord_n work_v these_o thing_n upon_o our_o heart_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o here_o present_a may_v fear_v exceed_o and_o continual_o lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n we_o shall_v forsake_v the_o promise_n and_o by_o forza_fw-mi ing_z the_o promise_n shall_v come_v short_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o persevere_v saint_n shall_v be_v the_o crown_a saint_n rev._n iii_o 11._o behold_v i_o come_v quick_o hold_v that_o fast_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n mention_v in_o the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n of_o revelation_n have_v this_o honour_n put_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v seven_o epistle_n send_v unto_o they_o immediate_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n while_o they_o stand_v fast_o to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n so_o be_v they_o after_o their_o decline_v from_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n make_v the_o monument_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o indignation_n the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v unto_o you_o be_v part_n of_o the_o six_o epistle_n write_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n wherein_o as_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o one_o that_o know_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n better_o than_o they_o know_v it_o themselves_o therefore_o he_o set_v down_o in_o his_o epistle_n something_o by_o way_n of_o commendation_n consolation_n exhortation_n something_o be_v set_v down_o here_o by_o way_n of_o commendation_n in_o ver_fw-la 8_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n behold_v i_o have_v set_v before_o thou_o a_o open_a door_n and_o no_o man_n can_v shut_v it_o by_o open_a door_n may_v be_v mean_v either_o a_o free_a and_o full_a liberty_n and_o opportunity_n of_o spread_v the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n use_v that_o phrase_n 1_o cor._n 16.9_o for_o a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a be_v open_v to_o i_o and_o there_o be_v many_o adversary_n or_o else_o by_o open_a door_n may_v be_v mean_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n in_o reference_n to_o eternity_n that_o door_n of_o heaven_n that_o sin_n have_v shut_v against_o we_o be_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n open_v to_o we_o oh_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v this_o door_n open_v to_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o door_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n but_o say_v he_o thou_o have_v a_o little_a strength_n and_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n this_o be_v by_o way_n of_o commendation_n though_o she_o have_v but_o a_o little_a strength_n yet_o because_o she_o improve_v it_o and_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o apostate_n church_n this_o our_o saviour_n put_v upon_o her_o account_n of_o commendation_n 2._o here_o be_v something_o also_o by_o way_n of_o consolation_n in_o ver_fw-la 9.10_o behold_v i_o will_v make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o that_o be_v i_o will_v discover_v their_o hypocrisy_n i_o will_v make_v they_o know_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o reveal_v to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v i_o will_v make_v they_o to_o come_v and_o worship_n before_o thy_o foot_n and_o to_o know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o that_o be_v i_o will_v subdue_v thy_o enemy_n under_o thy_o foot_n and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o and_o in_o ver_fw-la 10_o because_o thou_o have_v keep_v the_o word_n of_o my_o patience_n i_o also_o will_v keep_v thou_o from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n here_o be_v marvellous_a comfort_n jesus_n christ_n never_o bring_v his_o child_n into_o a_o wilderness_n but_o he_o go_v with_o they_o when_o they_o go_v through_o the_o fire_n and_o through_o the_o water_n he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o i_o will_v keep_v thou_o and_o i_o will_v uphold_v thou_o say_v he_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n here_o be_v something_o by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n behold_v i_o come_v quick_o hold_v that_o fast_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o a_o duty_n press_v 2._o motive_n express_v the_o duty_n press_v be_v constancy_n and_o perseverance_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v the_o motive_n express_v be_v two_o the_o one_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o suddenness_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n behold_v i_o come_v quick_o the_o other_o be_v take_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o lose_v their_o crown_n set_v before_o they_o that_o no_o man_n take_v thy_o crown_n 1._o for_o the_o duty_n press_v hold_v fast_o that_o thou_o have_v keep_v it_o with_o might_n and_o main_a use_v thy_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o keep_v what_o thou_o have_v what_o be_v that_o this_o church_n have_v which_o christ_n exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o it_o have_v both_o the_o profession_n and_o possession_n of_o true_a religion_n now_o this_o true_a religion_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o in_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n both_o these_o this_o church_n have_v she_o have_v purity_n of_o doctrine_n as_o i_o show_v you_o out_o of_o ver_fw-la 8_o thou_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o name_n thou_o have_v keep_v my_o word_n then_o for_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n she_o have_v not_o deny_v christ_n name_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n thou_o have_v keep_v theword_n of_o my_o patience_n now_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o which_o thou_o have_v that_o true_a religion_n thou_o profese_a maintain_v and_o keep_v &_o hold_v fast_o against_o all_o opposition_n both_o in_o profession_n and_o practice_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n thou_o have_v embrace_v and_o hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n that_o thou_o have_v receive_v so_o than_o the_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v commend_v to_o you_o hence_o be_v this_o doct._n that_o christian_n must_v hold_v fast_o both_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n there_o be_v two_o branch_n in_o this_o doctrine_n which_o we_o may_v make_v two_o proposition_n the_o first_o this_o that_o christian_n must_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n the_o second_o this_o that_o christian_n must_v hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o christian_n must_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o consider_v that_o place_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o model_n or_o that_o platform_n of_o gospel-truths_n those_o fundamental_a truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v wrap_v up_o in_o a_o bundle_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o embrace_v
the_o popish_a religion_n be_v a_o loose_a and_o licentious_a religion_n a_o sintolerate_a religion_n for_o the_o pope_n can_v dispense_v with_o murder_v of_o prince_n and_o the_o like_a if_o it_o will_v promote_v his_o interest_n forbid_v priest_n marriage_n and_o yet_o suffer_v at_o the_o same_o time_n stew_n and_o brothel-house_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o sir_n walter_n raleigh_n be_v i_o to_o choose_v a_o religion_n for_o liberty_n and_o wickedness_n i_o will_v choose_v the_o popish_a religion_n therefore_o in_o god_n fear_n hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n against_o popery_n and_o hold_v it_o fast_o likewise_o against_o the_o error_n of_o arminianism_n which_o advance_v man_n freewill_n above_o god_n freegrace_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n against_o socinian_o that_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o brief_a be_v root_v settle_a and_o establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n stick_v close_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o david_n do_v stand_v for_o it_o plead_v for_o it_o choose_v to_o lose_v liberty_n estate_n comfort_n life_n and_o all_o rather_o than_o to_o part_v with_o the_o truth_n david_n make_v the_o truth_n his_o inheritance_n now_o as_o naboth_n say_v to_o ahab_n the_o lord_n forbid_v it_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v give_v the_o inheritance_n of_o my_o father_n unto_o thou_o 1_o king_n 21.3_o can_v he_o say_v so_o of_o a_o temporal_a inheritance_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o say_v so_o of_o a_o spiritual_a inheritance_n which_o be_v transmit_v to_o we_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n shall_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v cause_n to_o complain_v as_o in_o jer._n 9.3_o and_o they_o bend_v their_o tongue_n like_o their_o bow_n for_o lie_n but_o they_o be_v not_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o earth_n shall_v we_o deal_v with_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v with_o the_o man_n that_o go_v down_o from_o jerusalem_n to_o jericho_n and_o fall_v among_o thief_n leave_v he_o wound_v and_o half_a dead_a nay_o die_v in_o the_o street_n have_v god_n say_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o sell_v it_o not_o prov_fw-mi 23_o and_o shall_v we_o sell_v it_o for_o our_o lust_n and_o profit_n god_n forbid_v consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o abode_n not_o in_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v satan_n a_o liar_n who_o have_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o john_n 8.44_o even_o so_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n rom._n 1.18_o that_o be_v they_o strive_v against_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n those_o common_a principle_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o understanding_n they_o suppress_v and_o choke_v that_o so_o they_o may_v sin_v more_o free_o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o will_v not_o this_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o forsake_v we_o when_o we_o forsake_v the_o truth_n what_o a_o heroical_a resolution_n be_v that_o in_o holy_a paul_n 2_o cor._n 13.8_o for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n oh_o what_o a_o honour_n be_v it_o to_o a_o christian_a when_o truth_n have_v such_o sovereignty_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o than_o his_o own_o life_n tit._n 1.9_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n by_o a_o true_a profession_n and_o conversation_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o courage_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n 1._o but_o may_v be_v you_o will_v ask_v i_o what_o mean_n may_v we_o use_v thus_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n i_o answer_v brief_o 1._o embrace_v the_o truth_n not_o only_o in_o the_o light_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o what_o you_o love_v you_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o part_v with_o oh_o get_v your_o heart_n fire_v with_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o you_o may_v say_v lord_n i_o love_v thy_o truth_n exceed_o 2._o love_v not_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o person_n sake_n but_o love_v the_o person_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n love_v no_o man_n part_n or_o person_n to_o admire_v he_o and_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o he_o far_o than_o he_o follow_v christ_n be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o barnabas_n gal._n 2.13_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o peter_n dissimulation_n by_o his_o admire_a peter_n person_n so_o much_o by_o his_o rest_a and_o rely_v too_o much_o upon_o peter_n he_o fall_v into_o peter_n error_n 3._o be_v ever_o jealous_a of_o your_o own_o strength_n and_o trust_v not_o too_o much_o to_o your_o own_o ability_n this_o will_v provoke_v god_n to_o leave_v you_o to_o yourselves_o and_o then_o you_o will_v fall_v fearful_o 2_o cor._n 12.10_o for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a when_o i_o be_o weak_a in_o myself_o then_o be_o i_o strong_a in_o a_o saviour_n but_o when_o i_o be_o strong_a in_o myself_o in_o my_o own_o opinion_n then_o be_o i_o weak_a in_o a_o saviour_n no_o man_n stand_v by_o his_o own_o strength_n for_o by_o humane_a strength_n can_v none_o prevail_v 4._o and_o last_o get_v your_o heart_n establish_v with_o grace_n heb._n 13.9_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n be_v ballast_v with_o grace_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o ship_n that_o be_v well_o bala_v be_v not_o so_o ready_a and_o apt_a to_o reel_v as_o one_o that_o be_v not_o and_o when_o the_o apostle_n put_v in_o a_o caveat_n against_o unsetledness_n and_o fall_v from_o grace_n what_o mean_n do_v he_o prescribe_v 2_o pet._n 3.17_o 18_o you_o therefore_o belove_v see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o o_o that_o you_o and_o i_o can_v grow_v more_o in_o grace_n o_o that_o we_o can_v grow_v more_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o house_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o harken_v to_o this_o first_o exhortation_n and_o duty_n here_o press_v upon_o you_o namely_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n you_o have_v receive_v hold_v it_o fast_o in_o your_o memory_n in_o your_o affection_n and_o in_o your_o conversation_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o christian_n must_v hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v receive_v with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o proposition_n or_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v this_o christian_n must_v hold_v fast_o that_o grace_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v abundant_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a in_o psal_n 119.23_o teach_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n o_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v keep_v it_o to_o the_o end_n matth._n 24.13_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v not_o set_v our_o foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o continuance_n in_o that_o course_n that_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o your_o hope_n the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n so_o in_o heb._n 3.14_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n if_o we_o hold_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n this_o will_v be_v a_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n indeed_o if_o we_o persevere_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o grace_n we_o have_v receive_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n so_o we_o be_v command_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n not_o some_o few_o day_n but_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n luke_n 1.75_o he_o that_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o blow_n and_o look_v back_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n luke_n 9_o ult_n and_o in_o john_n 8.31_o if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o without_o this_o perseverance_n we_o be_v but_o nominal_a not_o real_a disciple_n but_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o why_o must_v christian_n continue_v in_o grace_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v hear_v but_o some_o scripture_n argument_n strong_o plead_v for_o this_o truth_n first_o unless_o christian_n hold_v fast_o the_o grace_n and_o holiness_n
from_o babylon_n and_o the_o comfort_n that_o be_v here_o proclaim_v it_o be_v derive_v from_o a_o double_a spring_n 1._o from_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o from_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n who_o be_v the_o marrow_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o from_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v amplify_v two_o way_n from_o the_o herald_n that_o proclaim_v it_o and_o by_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v proclaim_v 1._o by_o the_o herald_n that_o proclaim_v it_o namely_o john_n the_o baptist_n call_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v straight_o in_o the_o desert_a a_o way_n for_o our_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v amplify_v by_o the_o place_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v proclaim_v namely_o in_o zion_n or_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n o_o zion_n that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n get_v thou_o up_o into_o the_o high_a mountain_n o_o jerusalem_n that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n with_o strength_n lift_v it_o up_o be_v not_o afraid_a say_v to_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n behold_v your_o god_n then_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v describe_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o his_o terror_n to_o his_o enemy_n 2._o by_o his_o mild_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o his_o own_o people_n by_o his_o terror_n towards_o his_o enemy_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n the_o 10_o ver_fw-la behold_v the_o lord_n will_v come_v with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o his_o arm_n shall_v rule_v for_o he_o behold_v his_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o and_o his_o work_n before_o he_o then_o he_o be_v describe_v here_o by_o his_o meek_a and_o mild_a carriage_n towards_o his_o people_n in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o etc._n etc._n let_v i_o first_o open_v the_o term_n of_o the_o text_n and_o then_o come_v to_o some_o point_n of_o instruction_n he_o shall_v feed_v the_o government_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o towards_o his_o choose_a be_v express_v by_o three_o name_n he_o be_v call_v a_o ruler_n a_o leader_n and_o a_o shepherd_n he_o be_v call_v a_o ruler_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o hebrew_n in_o micah_n 5.2_o but_o thou_o bethlehem_a ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a now_o jesus_n christ_n rule_v three_o way_n 1._o by_o his_o commanding-power_n 2._o by_o his_o compelling-power_n 3._o by_o his_o perswading-power_n he_o have_v a_o commanding-power_n all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matth._n 18.35_o he_o have_v a_o compelling-power_n those_o my_o enemy_n which_o will_v not_o that_o i_o shall_v reign_v over_o they_o bring_v hither_o and_o slay_v they_o before_o i_o luk._n 19.27_o then_o he_o have_v likewise_o a_o perswading-power_n gen._n 9.27_o god_n shall_v persuade_v japhet_n and_o he_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem._n two_o his_o government_n be_v express_v by_o this_o name_n he_o be_v a_o leader_n to_o his_o people_n now_o christ_n be_v a_o leader_n to_o his_o people_n three_o way_n 1._o by_o teach_v of_o his_o people_n his_o very_a enemy_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o mar._n 12.14_o we_o know_v thou_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n he_o teach_v they_o by_o go_v before_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o good_a example_n john_n 13.15_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v he_o lead_v they_o likewise_o by_o draw_v of_o they_o cant._n 1.4_o draw_v i_o we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o then_o as_o he_o be_v a_o ruler_n and_o a_o leader_n so_o he_o be_v a_o shepherd_n his_o government_n be_v comprise_v under_o this_o name_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n where_o under_o the_o name_n of_o feed_v be_v comprise_v all_o the_o necessary_a attendance_n and_o accommodation_n that_o conduce_v to_o the_o safety_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o flock_n such_o as_o provide_v of_o they_o pasture_n and_o protect_v of_o they_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o wolf_n and_o lion_n and_o beast_n of_o prey_n and_o likewise_o in_o prevent_v their_o straggle_a and_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o cure_v of_o those_o disease_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o sheep_n all_o these_o be_v mean_v by_o feed_v oh_o the_o richness_n and_o compleatness_n of_o this_o precious_a redeemer_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o because_o he_o be_v both_o the_o ruler_n leader_n and_o shepherd_n the_o prince_n and_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o saviour_n and_o all_o he_o shall_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arms._n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v a_o tender_a care_n of_o all_o his_o sheep_n that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v as_o he_o say_v in_o that_o heavenly_a prayer_n john_n 17.11_o while_o i_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o world_n i_o keep_v they_o in_o thy_o name_n those_o that_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v keep_v and_o none_o of_o they_o be_v lose_v but_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v ay_o but_o he_o have_v the_o most_o tender_a and_o pitiful_a compassion_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v his_o lamb_n that_o be_v young_a beginner_n babe_n in_o christ_n those_o he_o gather_v in_o his_o arm_n so_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o those_o he_o carry_v in_o his_o bosom_n that_o be_v he_o deal_v favourable_o with_o they_o those_o he_o cherish_v with_o all_o indulgence_n he_o do_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a read_v matth._n 12.20_o then_o he_o gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a or_o those_o that_o give_v suck_v the_o hebrew_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sigfy_v both_o either_o those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a or_o those_o that_o give_v suck_v the_o prophet_n here_o in_o the_o text_n allude_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o jacob_n deal_v with_o his_o flock_n see_v what_o a_o compassionate_a man_n that_o good_a man_n be_v as_o you_o may_v read_v gen._n 33.13_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o herd_n that_o be_v with_o young_a they_o be_v with_o i_o and_o if_o man_n shall_v over-drive_a they_o but_o one_o day_n all_o the_o flock_n will_v die_v what_o a_o care_n have_v jacob_n of_o all_o his_o flock_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a so_o the_o lord_n christ_n he_o gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a that_o be_v weak_a christian_n such_o as_o be_v easy_o offend_v such_o as_o be_v deject_v and_o discourage_v such_o as_o be_v full_a of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n he_o gentle_o lead_v they_o that_o be_v he_o exercise_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pity_n and_o patience_n and_o compassion_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o they_o in_o all_o their_o affliction_n he_o be_v afflict_v with_o they_o isa_n 63.9_o he_o have_v sympathize_v bowel_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v full_a of_o infirmity_n his_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v as_o it_o be_v for_o they_o jer._n 31.20_o be_v ephraim_n a_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o do_v earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o my_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v for_o he_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o here_o be_v gentleness_n in_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o patience_n in_o suffer_v of_o they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o meek_a a_o gentle_a a_o mild_a a_o compassionate_a saviour_n that_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n he_o be_v of_o a_o very_a sweet_a amiable_a pliable_a disposition_n as_o god_n have_v fit_v he_o with_o a_o body_n so_o he_o have_v fit_v he_o with_o a_o heart_n to_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a redeemer_n the_o word_n be_v thus_o open_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o they_o especial_o present_v to_o your_o view_n 1._o christ_n relation_n to_o his_o people_n two_o his_o mild_a carriage_n towards_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n 1._o christ_n relation_n to_o his_o people_n that_o you_o have_v in_o these_o word_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n two_o you_o have_v his_o meek_n mildred_n and_o gracious_a carriage_n towards_o they_o he_o do_v both_o protect_v they_o and_o feed_v they_o and_o pity_v they_o and_o gather_v they_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o
that_o to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o very_a awaken_n truth_n but_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n make_v it_o clear_a to_o you_o and_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o it_o first_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o true_a religion_n to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n second_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o that_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n three_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o that_o come_v very_o near_o to_o heaven_n yet_o to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o and_o let_v your_o heart_n go_v along_o with_o i_o and_o oh_o that_o you_o and_o i_o can_v follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o tremble_a for_o the_o first_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o two_o instance_n for_o this_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v those_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n they_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o hear_v they_o because_o they_o open_v the_o law_n they_o be_v expounder_n of_o the_o law_n and_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o hear_v they_o although_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v they_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o piety_n these_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n go_v exceed_v far_o i_o will_v show_v you_o how_o far_o they_o go_v in_o these_o six_o particular_n first_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n they_o be_v very_o diligent_a in_o read_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o give_v themselves_o so_o much_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o law_n that_o they_o can_v tell_v exact_o almost_o every_o verse_n in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n nay_o they_o can_v tell_v you_o how_o often_o every_o letter_n in_o the_o hebrew_n alphabet_n be_v repeat_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o example_n the_o letter_n aleph_fw-la be_v repeat_v three-hundred_n seventy-seven_a time_n in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n second_o they_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n they_o pray_v in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o make_v long_a prayer_n for_o a_o pretence_n to_o devour_v widow_n house_n matth._n 23.14_o three_o to_o prayer_n they_o add_v fast_v also_o hear_v what_o one_o of_o they_o say_v luke_n 18.12_o i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o tame_n of_o the_o body_n four_o they_o be_v very_o strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n insomuch_o that_o they_o quarrel_v with_o our_o saviour_n because_o his_o disciple_n do_v but_o pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n nay_o they_o be_v so_o superstitious_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n that_o if_o one_o have_v get_v a_o thorn_n in_o his_o foot_n they_o will_v not_o pull_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o sabbath-day_n for_o fear_v of_o break_v the_o sabbath_n five_o they_o be_v very_o industrious_a in_o teach_v of_o other_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n matth._n 23.15_o they_o will_v have_v take_v any_o pain_n to_o win_v other_o to_o the_o same_o sect_n or_o religion_n with_o themselves_o six_o they_o be_v very_o exact_a and_o unblameable_a in_o their_o outward_a conversation_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v free_a from_o more_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o stare_v a_o man_n in_o the_o face_n god_n i_o thank_v thou_o say_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n luke_n 18.11_o nay_o they_o separate_v themselves_o from_o notorious_a sinner_n they_o will_v not_o come_v into_o the_o company_n of_o drunkard_n and_o sabbath-breaker_n they_o be_v of_o the_o strict_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n their_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o strait_a sect_n act_v 26.5_o which_o know_v i_o from_o the_o beginning_n if_o they_o will_v testify_v that_o after_o the_o most_o strait_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o live_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v general_o conceive_v among_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o two_o man_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n a_o scribe_n be_v one_o and_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o other_o and_o yet_o those_o professor_n for_o all_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 5.20_o let_v i_o give_v you_o another_o example_n of_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n which_o you_o read_v of_o in_o matth._n 25_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o five_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o five_o be_v foolish_a by_o virgin_n there_o be_v mean_v professor_n and_o they_o be_v call_v virgin-professor_n because_o they_o be_v not_o taint_v or_o defile_v with_o any_o gross_a or_o scandalous_a sin_n even_o those_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n they_o notwithstanding_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o be_v wait_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n christ_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o those_o virgin-professor_n fall_v short_a of_o heaven_n matth._n 25.10_o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v the_o door_n of_o heaven_n the_o door_n of_o mercy_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o so_o you_o see_v the_o first_o branch_n prove_v 2._o let_v i_o prove_v the_o second_o branch_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o many_o that_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o and_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n in_o matth._n 7.22_o 23_o many_o will_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o than_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n mark_v how_o confident_a they_o be_v have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o thy_o name_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n luke_n 13.26_o to_o who_o jesus_n christ_n will_v say_v depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n get_v you_o out_o of_o my_o sight_n i_o can_v abide_v to_o look_v upon_o you_o these_o be_v confident_a what_o a_o deal_n of_o confidence_n express_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v as_o real_o acquaint_v with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o any_o be_v lord_n lord_n have_v not_o we_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n &_o c_o again_o in_o rom._n 2.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o to_o that_o boast_a jew_n thou_o rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v thy_o boast_n of_o god_n and_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v confident_a that_o thou_o thyself_o be_v a_o guide_n of_o the_o blind_a a_o light_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o darkness_n a_o instructor_n of_o the_o foolish_a a_o teacher_n of_o babe_n which_o have_v the_o form_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o law_n thou_o therefore_o which_o teach_v another_o teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o such_o a_o one_o as_o teach_v other_o and_o teach_v not_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o be_v stark_o naught_o so_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o confident_a of_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o come_v short_a of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o second_o branch_n 3._o let_v i_o prove_v the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o come_v very_o near_o to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o to_o come_v short_a of_o heaven_n let_v i_o give_v you_o some_o example_n for_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o you_o read_v of_o matth._n 19_o 20_o 21_o when_o our_o saviour_n bid_v he_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n say_v he_o lord_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v keep_v from_o my_o youth_n up_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o as_o to_o his_o outward_a
three_o a_o obedient_a christian_a shall_v know_v truth_n more_o transform_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o very_a image_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o he_o know_v 2_o cor._n 3._o ult_n but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v we_o be_v change_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n unto_o another_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o excellent_a knowledge_n that_o be_v a_o transform_a knowledge_n that_o make_v a_o christian_a have_v a_o heart_n frame_v into_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o mould_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v like_a unto_o it_o as_o lead_v that_o be_v melt_v and_o cast_v into_o a_o mould_n be_v of_o the_o shape_n of_o the_o mould_n rom._n 6.17_o but_o you_o have_v obey_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v you_o or_o into_o which_o you_o be_v deliver_v or_o cast_v four_o a_o obedient_a christian_a shall_v know_v truth_n more_o powerful_o than_o he_o do_v before_o that_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o know_v shall_v over-awe_n his_o heart_n that_o he_o dare_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n 2_o cor._n 13.8_o for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n act_n 4.20_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a speech_n of_o saint_n hierom_n i_o can_v die_v for_o the_o truth_n but_o i_o can_v deny_v the_o truth_n nor_o be_v silent_a whereas_o another_o man_n it_o may_v be_v he_o can_v oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n though_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o it_o may_v be_v another_o man_n can_v break_v his_o vow_n and_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o protestation_n although_o he_o know_v the_o sin_n of_o covenant-breaking_a be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o remarkable_a scripture_n ezek._n 17.15_o 16_o where_o it_o be_v testify_v of_o zedekiah_n that_o after_o he_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o nabuchadnezzar_n he_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o say_v god_n shall_v he_o prosper_v he_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v shall_v he_o prolong_v his_o day_n he_o have_v break_v his_o covenant_n say_v god_n shall_v he_o be_v deliver_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n he_o shall_v die_v in_o that_o land_n for_o his_o covenant-breaking_a so_o i_o say_v a_o man_n may_v have_v so_o much_o knowledge_n that_o he_o know_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v sin_n and_o he_o may_v know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o that_o do_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v it_o for_o example_n they_o know_v that_o whoredom_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o damnable_a sin_n that_o carry_v thousand_o to_o hell_n steal_v water_n be_v sweet_a and_o bread_n eat_v in_o secret_a be_v pleasant_a but_o he_o know_v not_o that_o the_o dead_a be_v there_o and_o that_o her_o guest_n be_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o hell_n prov._n 9.17_o 18._o those_o work_n of_o darkness_n be_v pleasant_a for_o a_o while_n but_o the_o devil_n banquet_n shall_v have_v the_o devil_n shoot_v though_o a_o wicked_a man_n know_v that_o whoredom_n be_v a_o sin_n yet_o his_o knowledge_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o it_o have_v no_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o now_o a_o obedient_a christian_a he_o shall_v know_v truth_n so_o powerful_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o awe_n upon_o his_o soul_n thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o prophet_n david_n psalm_n 119.161_o prince_n have_v persecute_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n but_o my_o heart_n stand_v in_o awe_n of_o thy_o word_n that_o be_v the_o four_o a_o obedient_a christian_a know_v truth_n more_o powerful_o five_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v know_v truth_n more_o satisfy_o to_o oversway_v all_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o he_o and_o all_o discouragement_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o how_o it_o be_v with_o he_o in_o this_o regard_n gal._n 1.15_o 16_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v jesus_n christ_n in_o i_o that_o phrase_n in_v i_o be_v very_o remarkable_a a_o man_n may_v have_v jesus_n christ_n reveal_v to_o he_o and_o yet_o not_o reveal_v in_o he_o but_o when_o god_n reveal_v christ_n in_o i_o immediate_o i_o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o this_o knowledge_n do_v preponder_n and_o outweigh_v all_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o another_o man_n that_o have_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o feeble_a knowledge_n it_o may_v be_v he_o take_v check_v at_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o what_o say_v he_o if_o i_o walk_v in_o a_o strict_a way_n and_o be_o circumspect_a and_o careful_a in_o order_v my_o conversation_n i_o shall_v be_v scorn_v and_o oppose_v and_o contemn_v and_o these_o his_o objection_n prevail_v with_o he_o a_o man_n now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o these_o objection_n and_o to_o pass_v through_o good_a report_n and_o ill_a report_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n for_o explication_n second_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o obedient_a christian_n shall_v know_v more_o than_o other_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o these_o four_o reason_n for_o it_o first_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o act_v 5.31_o 32_o him_n have_v god_n exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n for_o to_o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o you_o must_v understand_v it_o aright_o god_n do_v not_o promise_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o our_o obedience_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n now_o if_o god_n give_v his_o spirit_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o than_o they_o shall_v have_v more_o knowledge_n they_o shall_v know_v more_o of_o his_o will_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o open_v our_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o teach_a spirit_n and_o they_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v certain_o come_v to_o jesus_n christ_n john_n 6.45_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n every_o man_n therefore_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o isa_n 54.13_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o lead_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n will_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o spirit_n will_v not_o only_o take_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n but_o lead_v you_o in_o the_o way_n that_o you_o shall_v walk_v in_o as_o you_o lead_v your_o child_n when_o you_o teach_v they_o to_o go_v so_o the_o spirit_n will_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o man_n to_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v give_v must_v certain_o needs_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n second_o a_o second_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o god_n have_v make_v many_o promise_n to_o the_o obedient_a how_o many_o precious_a promise_n have_v you_o in_o that_o one_o scripture_n deut._n 28_o if_o thou_o shall_v hearken_v diligent_o unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n to_o observe_v and_o to_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n then_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v set_v thou_o on_o high_a above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o these_o blessing_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o bless_a shall_v thou_o be_v in_o the_o city_n and_o in_o the_o field_n and_o in_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o ground_n and_o a_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o cattle_n and_o thy_o kine_n and_o the_o flock_n of_o thy_o sheep_n and_o bless_a shall_v be_v thy_o basket_n and_o thy_o store_n bless_a shall_v thou_o be_v when_o thou_o come_v in_o and_o when_o thou_o go_v out_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v blessing_n of_o all_o sort_n promise_v and_o among_o other_o this_o be_v one_o for_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o it_o be_v twice_o repeat_v in_o one_o evangelist_n in_o matth._n 13.12_o and_o matth._n 25.29_o