more_o solemn_a be_v the_o engagement_n that_o lie_v upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o do_v all_o homage_n and_o show_v all_o height_n of_o respect_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o itself_o lovely_a and_o beautiful_a beyond_o all_o admiration_n and_o with_o all_o lineal_o and_o immediate_o descend_v from_o that_o great_a king_n as_o himself_o speak_v in_o malachi_n who_o be_v lord_n both_o of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n second_o the_o tenderness_n and_o high_a respect_n as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v of_o it_o while_o it_o be_v with_o he_o he_o scarce_o suffer_v it_o so_o much_o as_o to_o look_v out_o into_o the_o world_n neither_o into_o heaven_n nor_o earth_n but_o reserve_v it_o for_o company_n and_o socieitie_n to_o his_o own_o son_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v that_o then_o it_o shall_v go_v forth_o and_o not_o before_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n say_v paul_n keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v rom._n 16._o 25._o these_o same_o signata_fw-la or_o thing_n seal_v up_o and_o keep_v close_o be_v ever_o matter_n of_o great_a worth_n god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o love_v his_o angel_n who_o stand_v continual_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o behold_v his_o face_n yet_o keep_v they_o fast_v from_o the_o knowledge_n and_o contemplation_n of_o this_o transcendent_a mystery_n at_o least_o from_o the_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o from_o the_o day_n of_o their_o creation_n till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o world_n three_o the_o main_a ingredient_n whereof_o it_o be_v make_v which_o run_v in_o every_o vein_n of_o it_o and_o wherein_o the_o whole_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o consist_v be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n so_o precious_a that_o gold_n and_o silver_n be_v scarce_o foil_n to_o it_o 1._o pet._n 1._o 18._o therefore_o to_o neglect_v this_o gospel_n in_o any_o kind_n not_o to_o be_v jealous_a over_o it_o with_o a_o jealousy_n as_o strong_a as_o death_n be_v to_o profane_v the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o count_v it_o as_o a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o so_o to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o heb._n 10._o 29._o four_o and_o last_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n itself_o that_o rule_v in_o it_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n deut._n 32._o 47._o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o you_o because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n and_o through_o this_o thing_n you_o shall_v prolong_v your_o day_n etc._n etc._n and_o solomon_n often_o speak_v of_o wisdom_n still_o press_v this_o argument_n upon_o man_n to_o embrace_v it_o because_o she_o be_v their_o life_n pro._n 3._o 18._o &_o 22._o prov._n 4._o 23._o alas_o what_o be_v the_o world_n but_o a_o place_n of_o darkness_n and_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o countenance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n lift_v up_o upon_o it_o if_o this_o beautiful_a gate_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o heaven_n be_v shut_v up_o against_o it_o will_v not_o the_o precious_a soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v among_o lion_n continual_o i_o mean_v among_o devour_a fear_n and_o terror_n and_o horrid_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n to_o come_v therefore_o let_v this_o reason_n also_o be_v consider_v if_o we_o do_v engage_v ourselves_o never_o so_o deep_a for_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o will_v bear_v we_o out_o and_o justify_v all_o our_o undertake_n in_o this_o behalf_n yea_o and_o will_v condemn_v we_o with_o as_o high_a a_o hand_n if_o it_o ever_o miscarrieth_a through_o any_o degeneratenesse_n any_o base_a and_o accurse_a fearfulness_n on_o our_o part_n cap._n vii_o four_o general_a rule_n or_o direction_n whereby_o to_o discover_v and_o judge_v what_o opinion_n be_v most_o like_a to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n §._o 1._o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v not_o contend_v with_o our_o own_o shadow_n or_o be_v strike_v with_o any_o panic_n fear_v like_o the_o wicked_a who_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v as_o david_n speak_v i._n e._n where_o no_o cause_n of_o fear_n be_v or_o contend_v for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o faith_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o a_o rule_n or_o two_o by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a in_o part_n to_o discern_v and_o judge_v when_o it_o be_v time_n to_o look_v about_o to_o lay_v hold_n and_o to_o contend_v or_o when_o satan_n be_v about_o to_o beguile_v we_o of_o our_o faith_n let_v i_o by_o the_o way_n give_v this_o one_o item_n that_o our_o faith_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v two_o way_n indammage_v or_o suffer_v waste_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n imply_v either_o first_o by_o add_v or_o put_v too_o or_o second_o by_o encroach_a or_o take_v away_o rev._n 22._o 18._o or_o indeed_o as_o oft_o by_o a_o certain_a composition_n of_o both_o together_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o exchange_n as_o by_o either_o alone_a for_o there_o be_v never_o any_o truth_n take_v away_o but_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o give_v or_o leave_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o as_o the_o harlot_n plead_v before_o solomon_n 1._o king_n 3._o 20._o against_o her_o fellow_n that_o while_o she_o sleep_v her_o fellow_n take_v her_o live_a child_n from_o her_o side_n and_o lay_v her_o dead_a child_n in_o her_o bosom_n instead_o of_o it_o so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v of_o satan_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o man_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n for_o such_o a_o service_n they_o never_o take_v away_o any_o live_a truth_n from_o we_o but_o they_o lie_v some_o dead_a error_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o but_o such_o charge_v as_o this_o be_v the_o most_o hateful_a and_o accurse_a robbery_n of_o any_o other_o this_o brief_o by_o the_o way_n §._o 2._o 2._o now_o to_o give_v some_o rule_n of_o direction_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o at_o any_o time_n there_o be_v any_o special_a cause_n more_o than_o at_o a_o other_o to_o stand_v up_o in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o practice_v this_o duty_n of_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n at_o least_o they_o will_v serve_v to_o give_v aim_n they_o will_v serve_v to_o intimate_v when_o there_o be_v special_a cause_n to_o look_v about_o and_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o suspect_v the_o worst_a as_o touch_v the_o loss_n and_o damage_n of_o your_o precious_a faith_n §._o 3._o 3._o first_o that_o tenet_n or_o opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v assault_v and_o we_o persuade_v to_o let_v go_v under_o pretence_n of_o be_v a_o error_n contrary_a to_o our_o faith_n if_o it_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o man_n that_o have_v be_v sober_a mind_v holy_a religious_a and_o no_o sinister_a cause_n know_v or_o suspect_v which_o will_v entangle_v their_o judgement_n but_o probable_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o corrupt_a of_o their_o judgement_n by_o who_o it_o be_v oppose_v as_o time_n serve_v covetousness_n ambition_n superstition_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o such_o a_o tenet_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v before_o we_o give_v it_o up_o or_o take_v exchange_n for_o it_o i_o only_o go_v so_o far_o in_o this_o rule_n as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n of_o truth_n because_o i_o know_v its_o possible_a that_o godly_a man_n eye_n may_v be_v hold_v in_o respect_n of_o some_o particular_a truth_n and_o other_o man_n may_v be_v open_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n of_o faith_n simple_o to_o be_v embrace_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n one_o or_o other_o nor_o simple_o to_o be_v reject_v upon_o the_o prejudice_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o difference_n both_o reason_n and_o religion_n will_v countenance_v as_o meet_v to_o be_v put_v between_o the_o judgement_n of_o holy_a and_o humble_a mind_a man_n and_o of_o man_n sensual_a or_o sinful_o addict_v namely_o not_o to_o reject_v the_o judgement_n of_o holy_a man_n without_o very_a apparent_a cause_n against_o they_o nor_o to_o receive_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o other_o without_o apparent_a reason_n and_o ground_n for_o they_o §._o 4._o 4._o the_o equity_n or_o strength_n of_o the_o rule_n lie_v in_o this_o natural_a axiom_n that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o more_o cause_n and_o these_o equal_o efficacious_a tend_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n great_a likelihood_n there_o be_v that_o the_o effect_n shall_v be_v produce_v then_o where_o the_o causalitie_n be_v weak_a as_o for_o example_n in_o go_v a_o journey_n where_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o right_a way_n the_o
§._o 7._o 7._o three_o consider_v if_o we_o will_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o truth_n as_o we_o have_v be_v direct_v we_o shall_v have_v assure_v success_n our_o enemy_n shall_v never_o say_v in_o triumph_n against_o we_o behold_v we_o have_v prevail_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o rescue_v the_o truth_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o gainsayer_n and_o of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n if_o we_o will_v buy_v the_o truth_n at_o god_n price_n no_o man_n shall_v have_v it_o out_o of_o our_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o cleave_v to_o it_o and_o live_v with_o it_o god_n will_v never_o put_v we_o asunder_o by_o a_o strong_a hand_n hold_v fast_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n lest_o another_o take_v thy_o crown_n imply_v that_o hold_v fast_o will_v prevent_v it_o thy_o crown_n shall_v always_o stand_v upon_o thy_o own_o head_n if_o thou_o will_v keep_v thy_o own_o as_o we_o say_v if_o thou_o will_v set_v thy_o foot_n to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o adversary_n and_o not_o let_v he_o carry_v away_o the_o truth_n except_o he_o carry_v away_o thou_o too_o or_o something_o of_o thou_o with_o he_o §._o 8._o 8._o continue_v say_v st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o or_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o nothing_o fear_v your_o adversary_n philip._n 1._o 27._o 28._o if_o we_o will_v not_o contend_v if_o we_o will_v make_v no_o resistance_n against_o satan_n then_o will_v he_o tyrannize_v over_o we_o and_o impoverish_v we_o of_o our_o great_a treasure_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n he_o will_v triumph_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o oursoule_n together_o but_o if_o we_o will_v resist_v he_o in_o this_o case_n we_o know_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n promise_n who_o know_v satan_n depth_n and_o tell_v all_o his_o secret_n that_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o james_n 4._o 7._o if_o he_o find_v resistance_n so_o that_o he_o can_v speed_v present_o or_o sudden_o as_o he_o desire_v he_o stand_v upon_o thorn_n as_o we_o say_v he_o must_v not_o lose_v time_n he_o have_v but_o a_o little_a leave_v he_o will_v away_o to_o other_o where_o he_o hope_v to_o bestow_v his_o time_n and_o temptation_n to_o better_a purpose_n §._o 9_o 9_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o show_v ourselves_o man_n in_o this_o conflict_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o partake_v in_o this_o most_o noble_a and_o honourable_a quarrel_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v share_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o glory_n and_o triumph_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o great_a victory_n against_o antichrist_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o follower_n yea_o that_o which_o i_o think_v shall_v be_v the_o most_o suitable_a encouragement_n under_o heaven_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a right_o breed_v the_o success_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o great_a victory_n of_o the_o lamb_n over_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v divide_v between_o the_o captain_n and_o the_o soldier_n and_o be_v in_o part_n ascribe_v to_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o battle_n rev._n 17._o 14._o these_o shall_v fight_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v overcome_v they_o for_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v call_v and_o choose_v and_o faithful_a cast_v but_o a_o eye_n upon_o this_o glory_n and_o it_o can_v but_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o high_a courage_n and_o resolution_n for_o this_o service_n that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o hold_v fast_o till_o i_o come_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2._o 25._o 26._o for_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o nation_n the_o world_n be_v at_o his_o foot_n who_o heart_n will_v but_o serve_v he_o to_o look_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o terrible_a one_o in_o the_o face_n when_o they_o go_v forth_o to_o battle_n against_o the_o truth_n §._o 10._o 10._o five_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o will_v therefore_o decline_v this_o warfare_n because_o it_o must_v be_v undertake_v at_o our_o own_o cost_n and_o charge_n we_o may_v sustain_v loss_n in_o our_o estate_n loss_n of_o friend_n credit_n in_o the_o world_n our_o liberty_n our_o life_n etc._n etc._n consider_v i_o say_v and_o consider_v it_o again_o it_o be_v a_o weighty_a and_o most_o important_a truth_n that_o all_o these_o may_n may_z yea_o must_n lose_v and_o part_n with_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o hard_a and_o worse_a term_n a_o thousand-fold_n upon_o better_a and_o more_o honourable_a and_o with_o more_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o then_o in_o this_o warfare_n impossible_a it_o be_v that_o ever_o we_o shall_v i_o think_v this_o motive_n shall_v cut_v off_o all_o reason_n and_o gain_n say_n of_o the_o flesh_n if_o the_o flesh_n in_o any_o kind_n shall_v plead_v to_o be_v spare_v or_o excuse_v from_o this_o warfare_n it_o shall_v not_o only_o plead_v against_o the_o spirit_n but_o against_o itself_o also_o therefore_o for_o such_o stuff_n as_o this_o regard_v it_o not_o lo_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v before_o we_o and_o be_v we_o §._o 11._o 11._o suppose_v that_o god_n at_o any_o time_n shall_v call_v for_o thy_o service_n herein_o &_o thou_o see_v thou_o can_v not_o serve_v without_o expense_n of_o thy_o estate_n abridgement_n of_o thy_o liberty_n it_o may_v be_v danger_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o thou_o make_v answer_v no_o thou_o will_v see_v what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o truth_n otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v the_o very_a next_o day_n for_o aught_o thou_o know_v within_o a_o short_a space_n god_n will_v suffer_v that_o great_a extortioner_n death_n to_o spoil_v thou_o of_o thy_o life_n and_o then_o as_o god_n say_v to_o the_o fool_n luke_n 12._o 20._o who_o shall_v all_o these_o be_v where_o be_v thy_o estate_n where_o liberty_n where_o credit_n where_o friend_n where_o life_n all_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o whereas_o if_o thou_o have_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v make_v over_o these_o thing_n by_o such_o a_o deed_n of_o gift_n as_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n they_o have_v be_v safe_a for_o thou_o for_o eternity_n there_o be_v no_o way_n else_o in_o the_o world_n for_o these_o mortal_a comfort_n to_o put_v on_o immortality_n the_o outward_a and_o corruptible_a good_a thing_n to_o put_v on_o incorruption_n but_o only_o to_o make_v a_o consecration_n of_o they_o to_o he_o that_o be_v immortal_a as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o teach_v if_o thy_o good_n be_v otherwise_o spoil_v thy_o liberty_n restrain_v life_n take_v from_o thou_o god_n will_v not_o regard_v thou_o nor_o take_v compassion_n on_o thou_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v value_v thou_o and_o thy_o life_n at_o as_o little_a as_o thou_o do_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n he_o will_v sell_v thou_o for_o nought_o and_o take_v no_o money_n for_o thou_o as_o david_n speak_v that_o be_v he_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o punish_v or_o show_v any_o judgement_n upon_o those_o that_o shall_v oppress_v thou_o or_o destroy_v thou_o §._o 12._o 12._o a_o father_n that_o have_v give_v a_o estate_n to_o a_o son_n that_o be_v improvident_a and_o waste_v it_o with_o riotous_a live_n as_o the_o prodigal_n do_v regard_v he_o not_o cast_v he_o off_o and_o suffer_v he_o to_o taste_v of_o want_n and_o all_o extremity_n but_o if_o he_o so_o lay_v out_o his_o stock_n to_o make_v still_o a_o return_n and_o increase_v the_o father_n delight_v in_o he_o so_o do_v god_n with_o man_n those_o that_o will_v wise_o and_o provident_o dispose_v of_o such_o mercy_n as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v out_o of_o hand_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o return_v and_o come_v in_o again_o such_o be_v his_o delight_n and_o man_n of_o his_o affection_n but_o for_o those_o that_o so_o order_n and_o manage_v their_o present_a estate_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o whole_o perish_v at_o last_o and_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o more_o nor_o see_v in_o any_o return_n of_o good_a his_o soul_n abhor_v he_o love_v to_o see_v his_o child_n wise_a in_o their_o generation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o conceive_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v understand_v john_n 10._o 17._o therefore_o do_v my_o father_n love_v i_o because_o i_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n that_o i_o may_v take_v it_o again_o that_o be_v because_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o so_o in_o such_o a_o way_n upon_o such_o term_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n that_o i_o may_v in_o equity_n and_o justice_n receive_v it_o again_o we_o can_v
think_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n shall_v be_v that_o therefore_o god_n shall_v love_v he_o for_o a_o simple_a and_o bare_a intent_n of_o resume_v his_o life_n again_o upon_o death_n for_o who_o will_v not_o desire_v to_o live_v again_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v die_v that_o be_v rather_o nature_n than_o commendation_n or_o matter_n of_o love_n but_o this_o be_v that_o that_o god_n do_v love_v he_o for_o that_o he_o be_v careful_a and_o willing_a to_o die_v with_o that_o abundance_n of_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o abundance_n of_o love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o choose_v that_o his_o life_n by_o no_o law_n of_o justice_n or_o equity_n can_v be_v keep_v from_o he_o but_o must_v be_v restore_v to_o he_o again_o §._o 13._o 13._o so_o for_o we_o to_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o we_o can_v take_v it_o again_o which_o be_v proper_o to_o play_v the_o prodigal_n and_o to_o waste_v what_o we_o have_v to_o part_v with_o our_o money_n liberty_n life_n grudge_o unwilling_o to_o serve_v our_o own_o turn_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n regard_v it_o not_o but_o if_o we_o part_v with_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v take_v they_o again_o that_o god_n may_v with_o justice_n equity_n and_o truth_n restore_v these_o unto_o we_o in_o due_a time_n with_o advantage_n this_o be_v that_o that_o he_o love_v and_o for_o which_o he_o take_v a_o holy_a delight_n and_o contentment_n in_o we_o §._o 14._o 14._o beside_o oft_o time_n when_o a_o man_n have_v deal_v base_o and_o unworthy_o in_o this_o kind_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o have_v love_v the_o wage_n of_o unfaithfulnesse_n as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n god_n himself_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o a_o man_n person_n so_o be_v it_o a_o just_a judgement_n of_o he_o upon_o the_o man_n himself_o that_o he_o shall_v take_v little_a pleasure_n in_o himself_o afterward_o nor_o in_o what_o he_o save_v by_o this_o unfaithfulnesse_n unto_o the_o lord_n §._o 15._o 15._o six_o and_o last_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o will_v contend_v for_o the_o truth_n as_o we_o ought_v while_o the_o brunt_n be_v not_o so_o sharp_a while_o the_o duty_n of_o contend_v be_v upon_o easy_a term_n than_o blood_n we_o may_v be_v excuse_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o more_o fiery_a contention_n our_o estate_n our_o liberty_n our_o prayer_n seasonable_o bestow_v in_o this_o service_n may_v possible_o excuse_v our_o life_n i_o conceive_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n rev._n 3._o 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 the_o whole_a world_n to_o try_v they_o that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n philadelphia_n it_o seem_v have_v be_v faithful_a and_o stand_v close_o to_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v oppose_v but_o not_o with_o so_o high_a or_o bloody_a a_o hand_n of_o opposition_n as_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v afterward_o general_o and_o therefore_o christ_n promise_v she_o in_o consideration_n hereof_o that_o when_o the_o sharp_a and_o fiery_a storm_n and_o tempest_n of_o trial_n shall_v fall_v round_o about_o she_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n she_o shall_v find_v covert_a and_o shelter_n from_o it_o cap._n xiii_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o with_o what_o weapon_n the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v for_o §._o 1._o if_o you_o desire_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o know_v and_o to_o be_v direct_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o with_o what_o weapon_n this_o holy_a war_n be_v to_o be_v under-taken_a and_o truth_n contend_v for_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v six_o thing_n especial_o beside_o other_o of_o more_o obvious_a consideration_n to_o be_v do_v in_o it_o as_o time_n and_o occasion_n shall_v require_v first_o man_n must_v contend_v for_o truth_n by_o teach_v and_o propagate_a it_o in_o the_o world_n the_o more_o copy_n we_o write_v of_o it_o the_o like-lier_n it_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v if_o one_o or_o some_o be_v lose_v other_o may_v remain_v therefore_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o call_n must_v be_v diligent_a this_o way_n to_o stamp_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n §._o 2._o 2._o a_o child_n or_o a_o servant_n well_o ground_v may_v be_v instrumental_a in_o spread_v the_o truth_n far_o into_o the_o world_n abraham_n have_v but_o one_o son_n according_a to_o promise_n and_o yet_o by_o he_o his_o seed_n be_v multiply_v as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o heaven_n for_o multitude_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea_n shore_n innumerable_a what_o though_o thou_o have_v no_o absolute_a promise_n no_o certainty_n of_o so_o gracious_a and_o full_a a_o success_n yet_o a_o possibility_n in_o this_o kind_n especial_o quicken_v with_o some_o degree_n of_o probability_n and_o hope_n shall_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n and_o resolution_n to_o do_v it_o true_a we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o but_o we_o may_v and_o must_v do_v good_a the_o rather_o when_o more_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o §._o 3._o 3._o we_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n enforce_v many_o exhortation_n to_o many_o duty_n upon_o this_o ground_n of_o possibility_n especial_o when_o it_o draw_v one_o to_o a_o probability_n or_o likelihood_n god_n will_v have_v we_o in_o some_o case_n to_o live_v by_o charity_n as_o it_o be_v as_o well_o as_o by_o faith_n and_o have_v we_o to_o expect_v and_o hope_v the_o best_a as_o well_o as_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a heb._n 13._o 2._o 1._o cor._n 7._o 16._o therefore_o let_v not_o this_o mean_n of_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n be_v neglect_v at_o any_o hand_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o scripture_n cite_v heb._n 13._o 2._o persuade_v man_n to_o hospitality_n or_o entertainment_n of_o stranger_n upon_o this_o ground_n because_o some_o man_n unaware_o have_v receive_v angel_n so_o it_o be_v good_a still_o to_o be_v season_v of_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o great_a appearance_n for_o the_o present_a child_n servant_n etc._n etc._n with_o the_o principle_n of_o gospel_n knowledge_n though_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o consideration_n alone_o that_o we_o may_v unaware_o have_v our_o hand_n in_o furnish_v the_o truth_n and_o church_n of_o god_n with_o such_o who_o may_v prove_v like_o angel_n in_o their_o ministry_n and_o service_n about_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n afterward_o §._o 4._o 4._o second_o man_n that_o be_v of_o ability_n for_o it_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n suitable_a to_o such_o action_n and_o endeavour_n must_v vindicate_v the_o truth_n as_o paul_n do_v among_o the_o galatian_n gal._n 2._o 5._o they_o must_v not_o give_v place_n or_o way_n to_o such_o as_o oppose_v it_o or_o will_v stand_v up_o to_o plead_v for_o baal_n if_o man_n of_o erroneous_a spirit_n find_v mouth_n to_o open_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o light_n must_v find_v mouth_n to_o open_v for_o the_o truth_n as_o one_o say_v if_o thief_n will_v rise_v at_o midnight_n to_o murder_v man_n shall_v not_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v awaken_v to_o save_v their_o life_n that_o promise_n be_v make_v long_o since_o to_o the_o church_n that_o every_o tongue_n that_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o it_o it_o shall_v condemn_v or_o as_o the_o original_a have_v it_o shall_v make_v wicked_a isaiah_n 54._o 17._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v that_o god_n people_n who_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n give_v that_o their_o enemy_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v but_o they_o shall_v confute_v and_o confound_v they_o we_o shall_v therefore_o here_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o gather_v strength_n from_o such_o promise_n and_o do_v as_o cyrus_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v when_o the_o propchsy_n of_o isaiah_n contain_v in_o the_o 44._o and_o 45._o chapter_n be_v read_v unto_o he_o he_o go_v with_o great_a courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o egypt_n therefore_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o so_o many_o apollo_n mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o gird_v on_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o dwell_v rich_o in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o grapple_v with_o a_o adversary_n when_o he_o come_v in_o our_o way_n and_o not_o suffer_v he_o to_o make_v havoc_n and_o spoil_n of_o the_o truth_n without_o contradiction_n §._o 5._o 5._o three_o we_o must_v shine_v as_o
to_o the_o worshipful_a and_o much_o honour_a john_n pymme_a esquire_n sir_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o design_n in_o this_o dedication_n by_o the_o reflection_n of_o smooth_a language_n to_o show_v you_o yourself_o in_o your_o glory_n or_o to_o take_v the_o work_n of_o admire_v your_o worth_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o the_o world_n who_o be_v now_o very_a intent_n and_o busy_a at_o it_o if_o honour_n and_o approbation_n will_v pay_v debt_n the_o nation_n i_o conceive_v be_v not_o much_o behind_o with_o you_o for_o all_o the_o service_n you_o have_v do_v it_o for_o as_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v you_o have_v scarce_o enemy_n enough_o to_o deliver_v you_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o curse_n of_o our_o saviour_n woe_n be_v to_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o luk._n 6._o 26._o i_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o question_v the_o singleness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o your_o heart_n in_o those_o notable_a and_o noble_a engagement_n that_o be_v upon_o you_o yet_o if_o you_o will_v plead_v yourself_o to_o do_v it_o the_o security_n attend_v thereon_o will_v bear_v the_o charge_n when_o credit_n and_o conscience_n be_v yoke_v and_o draw_v the_o chariot_n together_o conscience_n ofttimes_o prove_v dull_a and_o heavy_a in_o the_o work_n and_o if_o not_o sometime_o remember_v with_o the_o goad_n and_o put_v on_o will_v suffer_v credit_n to_o draw_v all_o on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o so_o lay_v her_o fellow_n on_o the_o wheel_n it_o argue_v a_o high_a and_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n where_o a_o man_n can_v follow_v with_o intensnesse_n of_o mind_n thing_n that_o be_v of_o good_a report_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v overacted_n with_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o report_n but_o fetch_v the_o strength_n of_o that_o inspiration_n by_o which_o he_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o his_o motion_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o he_o that_o have_v command_v it_o the_o more_o god_n be_v interest_v in_o our_o intention_n the_o more_o he_o be_v like_a to_o interest_n himself_o in_o our_o execution_n if_o we_o make_v he_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o proposition_n of_o our_o end_n he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n to_o make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o in_o our_o prosecution_n except_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o opposition_n and_o rise_v up_o against_o we_o the_o royal_a method_n in_o great_a action_n to_o break_v all_o difficulty_n and_o bar_v off_o discouragement_n in_o sunder_o as_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n be_v to_o dig_v out_o of_o ourselves_o as_o much_o of_o our_o earth_n that_o be_v as_o much_o of_o ourselves_o as_o we_o can_v come_v at_o and_o fill_v up_o the_o pit_n or_o empty_a place_n with_o god_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o consecration_n of_o a_o enterprise_n be_v sovereign_a against_o abortion_n whereas_o to_o work_v for_o a_o man_n self_n alone_o be_v little_o less_o be_v interpret_v than_o to_o betray_v his_o action_n and_o to_o give_v security_n to_o his_o enemy_n that_o god_n shall_v not_o build_v with_o he_o nor_o prosper_v he_o in_o his_o way_n and_o consequent_o that_o his_o labour_n in_o building_n shall_v be_v in_o vain_a the_o least_o offensive_a i_o be_o sure_a and_o yet_o withal_o with_o serious_a and_o inside_n man_n as_o weighty_a a_o testimony_n as_o i_o conceive_v as_o can_v be_v give_v to_o your_o wisdom_n be_v to_o speak_v thus_o in_o the_o plain_a dialect_n of_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n unto_o you_o and_o not_o to_o spare_v you_o as_o far_o as_o the_o truth_n may_v do_v you_o good_a neither_o do_v i_o conceive_v wherein_o any_o man_n worth_n or_o wisdom_n can_v do_v he_o better_o service_n than_o by_o strengthen_v other_o to_o lay_v on_o himself_o to_o bear_v great_a weight_n of_o this_o treasure_n than_o man_n of_o a_o under-sufficiencie_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v under_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o be_v great_a loser_n for_o the_o time_n by_o their_o weakness_n in_o this_o kind_n they_o want_v the_o sweet_a company_n and_o converse_v of_o many_o high_a and_o important_a apprehension_n which_o doubtless_o have_v be_v equal_a too_o if_o not_o much_o better_a then_o the_o society_n of_o so_o many_o angel_n because_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o present_a infirmity_n of_o their_o spirit_n they_o be_v as_o unable_a to_o bear_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o influence_n and_o work_n as_o the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v to_o abide_v the_o glory_n and_o presence_n of_o those_o ambassador_n of_o heaven_n their_o gracious_a and_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n himself_o plain_o profess_v this_o unto_o they_o i_o have_v many_o thing_n say_v he_o to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o joh._n 16._o 12._o and_o have_v they_o not_o out_o grow_v this_o weakness_n afterward_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o golden_a shower_n from_o heaven_n wherein_o they_o be_v rain_v upon_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n they_o have_v be_v keep_v fast_v from_o the_o feast_n of_o those_o fat_a thing_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o world_n so_o general_o drink_v old_a wine_n in_o our_o saviour_n metaphor_n which_o be_v of_o a_o low_a and_o flatter_v taste_n be_v because_o their_o vessel_n be_v not_o new_a and_o strong_a and_o therefore_o not_o fit_a to_o have_v new_a wine_n which_o be_v of_o a_o strong_a and_o more_o lively_a of_o a_o more_o stir_v work_a and_o provoke_a spirit_n put_v into_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o break_v we_o have_v but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n instead_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o at_o most_o but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n instead_o of_o the_o sevenfold_a light_n of_o seven_o day_n promise_v esa_n 30._o 26._o shine_v to_o we_o because_o we_o be_v tender_v eye_v and_o inconsiderate_o afraid_a lest_o a_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v undo_v we_o not_o to_o wrong_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n the_o right_n of_o heaven_n in_o point_n of_o thankfulness_n due_a from_o we_o nor_o to_o quench_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o congratulation_n for_o the_o blessing_n of_o knowledge_n pour_v out_o unto_o we_o so_o abundant_o above_o the_o line_n and_o measure_n of_o former_a age_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o truth_n of_o high_a importance_n and_o which_o shall_v join_v heaven_n and_o earth_n near_o together_o and_o heal_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o deplorable_a distance_n which_o yet_o lie_v between_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o so_o advance_v and_o quicken_v the_o spiritual_a intercourse_n and_o commerce_n between_o the_o two_o world_n be_v little_o stir_v in_o the_o world_n one_o main_a reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o as_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v their_o dear_a lord_n &_o master_n come_v towards_o they_o upon_o the_o water_n be_v sore_o afraid_a and_o cry_v out_o suppose_v he_o have_v be_v a_o spirit_n that_o have_v appear_v as_o a_o executioner_n of_o present_a death_n upon_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o crown_n of_o their_o security_n so_o many_o in_o the_o world_n no_o worse_o affect_v neither_o to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_a than_o they_o be_v to_o christ_n cry_v out_o as_o man_n out_o of_o measure_n trouble_v at_o the_o first_o glimmer_n and_o appear_v of_o some_o truth_n unto_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o devil_n come_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o spoil_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o precious_a soul_n of_o man_n whereas_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o their_o inspiration_n and_o either_o do_v or_o be_v but_o inward_o willing_a to_o know_v of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v they_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o dear_a and_o deep_a and_o sweet_a confederacy_n with_o heaven_n it_o be_v austin_n complaint_n long_o since_o nonnulli_fw-la intelligentes_fw-la citius_fw-la volunt_fw-la exagitare_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la intelligunt_fw-la quam_fw-la quaerere_fw-la ut_fw-la intelligant_fw-la &_o non_fw-la fiunt_fw-la humiles_fw-la inquisitores_fw-la sed_fw-la superbi_fw-la calumniatores_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr temp._n serm._n 72._o i_o forbear_v to_o make_v english_a of_o this_o latin_a because_o the_o party_n chief_o interest_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n of_o the_o language_n but_o sir_n i_o consider_v the_o weight_n and_o importunity_n of_o your_o present_a employment_n i_o know_v you_o be_v with_o your_o worthy_a assistant_n about_o a_o great_a and_o laborious_a cure_n the_o lord_n prosper_v it_o under_o your_o hand_n and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o desire_v that_o this_o shall_v suffer_v in_o the_o least_o through_o any_o occasion_n of_o i_o i_o have_v not_o presume_v thus_o far_o but_o that_o this_o little_a piece_n have_v stick_v in_o the_o birth_n some_o year_n together_o and_o be_v well_o near_o stifle_v find_v
trample_v under_o foot_n the_o base_a and_o unworthy_a end_n and_o design_n of_o man_n therefore_o those_o man_n that_o be_v much_o intent_n upon_o such_o end_n as_o these_o which_o be_v so_o incommensurable_a with_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v be_v content_a with_o god_n alone_o for_o their_o portion_n must_v needs_o seek_v to_o turn_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n another_o way_n that_o they_o may_v suffer_v no_o loss_n or_o prejudice_n by_o it_o in_o their_o particular_a end_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a if_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o understanding_n authority_n and_o interest_n in_o other_o will_v reach_v to_o it_o they_o will_v hail_v and_o bring_v over_o the_o gospel_n to_o themselves_o they_o will_v force_v it_o and_o compel_v it_o to_o plead_v for_o they_o and_o their_o way_n they_o will_v take_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o dispossess_v they_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o live_v and_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o will_v inform_v and_o animate_v they_o with_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o give_v such_o sense_n and_o meaning_n unto_o they_o as_o if_o god_n himself_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n be_v of_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n and_o worldly_a end_n §._o 3._o 3._o thus_o man_n do_v labour_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o honour_n and_o preferment_n be_v godliness_n that_o time-serving_a and_o please_a man_n be_v godliness_n that_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v godliness_n that_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o be_v godliness_n and_o every_o carnal_a end_n and_o way_n every_o carnal_a man_n make_v godliness_n that_o be_v to_o make_v it_o seem_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o do_v well_o stand_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o true_a rule_n and_o perfection_n of_o true_a godliness_n as_o augustine_n saying_n be_v quicquid_fw-la amant_fw-fr volunt_fw-la esse_fw-la veritatem_fw-la whatsoever_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o that_o they_o resolve_v to_o make_v truth_n thus_o merchandise_n be_v make_v first_o of_o the_o truth_n as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v next_o of_o the_o precious_a soul_n of_o man_n as_o saint_n peter_n clear_o affirm_v speak_v of_o covetous_a man_n in_o this_o case_n 2._o peter_n 2._o 3._o and_o through_o covetousness_n shall_v they_o with_o feighn_v word_n make_v merchandise_n or_o with_o frame_a word_n as_o the_o word_n bear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d frame_v for_o their_o purpose_n that_o be_v they_o will_v gloze_v over_o the_o truth_n with_o such_o cunning_a and_o fair_a colourable_a meaning_n and_o interpretation_n so_o well_o please_v and_o suitable_a to_o we_o that_o except_o we_o be_v very_o wary_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o what_o they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v they_o will_v sell_v we_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n and_o eternal_a death_n only_o for_o a_o little_a money_n w_o ch_n they_o shall_v gain_v by_o that_o which_o will_v be_v our_o destruction_n namely_o the_o corrupt_a the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v in_o those_o damnable_a heresy_n ver_fw-la 1._o if_o a_o man_n profession_n be_v to_o make_v bow_n or_o hoop_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o wood_n or_o timber_n whereof_o he_o be_v to_o make_v they_o be_v straight_o there_o must_v be_v violence_n offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o be_v straight_o must_v be_v make_v crooked_a or_o bend_v or_o else_o the_o artificer_n can_v follow_v his_o trade_n nor_o make_v a_o live_n of_o his_o art_n so_o man_n have_v carnal_a and_o unworthy_a end_n if_o they_o will_v seek_v to_o justify_v or_o advance_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o in_o their_o natural_a posture_n lie_v a_o cross_n to_o they_o must_v bow_v and_o wind_v they_o this_o way_n and_o that_o and_o carry_v they_o quite_o beside_o their_o own_o intent_n and_o meaning_n cap._n iu._n contain_v a_o more_o full_a and_o particular_a discovery_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n §._o 1._o if_o we_o desire_v more_o particular_o to_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n these_o be_v that_o be_v so_o dangerous_a enemy_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v great_a spoil_n and_o loss_n of_o truth_n i_o answer_v they_o be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a as_o both_o scripture_n and_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n clear_o show_v among_o the_o divers_a kind_n of_o the_o principal_a and_o those_o that_o still_o have_v be_v most_o frequent_a in_o undermine_v the_o truth_n be_v §._o 2._o 2._o first_o man_n that_o be_v of_o ambitious_a aspire_a disposition_n that_o love_v to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n as_o we_o see_v in_o diotrephes_n though_o not_o always_o they_o that_o have_v preeminence_n man_n that_o love_v to_o mount_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o see_v other_o sit_v below_o at_o their_o foot_n that_o can_v go_v on_o foot_n but_o they_o must_v ride_v on_o horse_n back_o as_o solomon_n speak_v that_o can_v frame_v to_o the_o humility_n of_o elias_n spirit_n and_o gird_v up_o their_o loin_n to_o run_v by_o ahab_n chariot_n but_o must_v ride_v in_o chariot_n as_o well_o as_o he_o especial_o if_o with_o all_o they_o have_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o desire_n to_o seem_v but_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o moderate_a man_n these_o man_n must_v attempt_v to_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o speak_v for_o they_o at_o least_o to_o connive_v at_o they_o and_o to_o say_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a of_o they_o as_o baalack_n will_v have_v indent_v with_o balam_n because_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v permit_v to_o speak_v its_o mind_n free_o it_o will_v fill_v the_o ear_n of_o man_n and_o perhaps_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o delinquent_n themselves_o with_o out-cry_n and_o clamour_n from_o heaven_n against_o the_o ambitious_a distemper_n or_o such_o man_n therefore_o they_o must_v beat_v their_o brain_n and_o set_v all_o their_o learning_n and_o book_n to_o work_v to_o find_v out_o some_o other_o sin_n that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v condemn_v that_o so_o their_o sin_n may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o be_v arraign_v and_o sentence_n give_v against_o it_o by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o the_o papist_n they_o find_v out_o one_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n which_o they_o confess_v the_o scripture_n condemn_v but_o as_o for_o their_o idolatry_n that_o be_v none_o of_o it_o the_o scripture_n speak_v not_o against_o that_o we_o know_v the_o example_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la to_o set_v up_o and_o maintain_v the_o kingdom_n to_o himself_o he_o stick_v not_o to_o maintain_v idolatry_n too_o §._o 3._o 3._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o some_o affinity_n with_o the_o former_a and_o many_o time_n material_o the_o same_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v to_o serve_v time_n and_o please_v man_n that_o set_v down_o with_o themselves_o that_o what_o man_n soever_o or_o what_o humour_n or_o opinion_n of_o man_n soever_o reign_v where_o they_o live_v they_o will_v reign_v with_o they_o as_o paul_n speak_v they_o will_v have_v a_o share_n in_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n these_o man_n be_v very_o obnoxious_a to_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o will_v hardly_o forbear_v we_o know_v the_o scripture_n bear_v hard_a upon_o the_o upper_a form_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o speak_v as_o if_o few_o of_o they_o be_v likely_a ever_o to_o rise_v high_a than_o they_o be_v few_o that_o now_o ride_v on_o horse_n but_o be_v likely_a to_o go_v a_o foot_n for_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n not_o many_o wise_a not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a 1._o cor._n 1._o 26._o therefore_o these_o be_v for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n the_o refuse_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o james_n speak_v of_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n of_o the_o world_n james_n 2._o 6._o those_o that_o will_v strike_v in_o with_o these_o and_o give_v contentment_n to_o they_o and_o gain_v endearment_n with_o they_o must_v make_v they_o glad_a with_o lie_n hosea_n 7._o 3._o as_o the_o false_a prophet_n do_v with_o the_o prince_n of_o israel_n for_o with_o the_o truth_n they_o with_o never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o they_o that_o will_v know_v man_n after_o the_o flesh_n themselves_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n do_v as_o they_o do_v that_o be_v know_v man_n after_o the_o flesh_n too_o which_o we_o know_v they_o will_v never_o do_v except_o they_o be_v mighty_o wrest_v or_o pervert_v and_o so_o be_v not_o themselves_o §._o 4._o 4._o three_o another_o sort_n like_o to_o prove_v enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o be_v man_n lead_v
that_o will_v needs_o be_v spiritual_a benefactor_n to_o religion_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v superstitious_o addict_v and_o will_v needs_o undertake_v to_o relieve_v the_o weakness_n of_o god_n with_o their_o strength_n and_o supply_v the_o foolishness_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o wisdom_n that_o will_v add_v tradition_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n to_o make_v the_o precept_n and_o commandment_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o hold_v full_a weight_n and_o measure_n that_o god_n may_v have_v his_o due_a full_a allowance_n &_o heap_a measure_n in_o his_o worship_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v and_o those_o that_o be_v lean_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o devotion_n or_o in_o a_o word_n to_o express_v they_o as_o paul_n language_n be_v that_o can_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o have_v the_o prime_n at_o least_o of_o their_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n phil._n 3._o 3._o man_n that_o find_v more_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o conscience_n in_o what_o they_o do_v then_o in_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v more_o in_o do_v what_o themselves_o or_o other_o man_n have_v command_v then_o in_o do_v what_o the_o great_a god_n himself_o have_v command_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o preach_v another_o jesus_n who_o paul_n never_o preach_v 2._o cor._n 11._o 4._o and_o to_o set_v up_o new_a way_n of_o please_a god_n be_v to_o set_v up_o new_a saviour_n and_o to_o set_v up_o new_a saviour_n be_v to_o exauthorize_v and_o discharge_v the_o great_a saviour_n indeed_o for_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o that_o power_n of_o save_v which_o reside_v in_o he_o to_o save_v alone_o or_o to_o work_v by_o himself_o alone_o in_o the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n therefore_o if_o we_o offer_v to_o join_v any_o help_n to_o he_o we_o whole_o destroy_v his_o power_n of_o save_v as_o paul_n in_o very_o express_v and_o peremptory_a term_n tell_v the_o galatian_n that_o if_o yet_o they_o be_v circumcise_v namely_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o any_o holiness_n in_o it_o to_o help_v they_o to_o heaven_n or_o to_o accomplish_v their_o justification_n christ_n shall_v profit_v or_o will_v profit_v they_o nothing_o gal._n 5._o 2._o these_o several_a kind_n of_o man_n be_v like_a to_o prove_v very_o dangerous_a enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o respect_n of_o who_o opposition_n there_o lie_v a_o great_a necessity_n upon_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o remain_v with_o they_o as_o paul_n speak_v to_o contend_v for_o it_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n exhort_v in_o the_o text_n cap._n v._n contain_v scripture_n demonstration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propound_v §._o 1._o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o labour_n and_o strive_v to_o bestir_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v and_o make_v good_a their_o faith_n to_o preserve_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o simplicity_n purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o it_o the_o text_n be_v so_o pregnant_a we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o call_v in_o much_o aid_n for_o confirmation_n yet_o since_o they_o be_v at_o hand_n let_v we_o have_v the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n from_o the_o word_n philip._n 1._o 27._o paul_n entreat_v they_o that_o he_o may_v hear_v that_o of_o they_o that_o they_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o or_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o he_o muster_v their_o force_n together_o and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o put_v themselves_o in_o battle_n array_n and_o how_o to_o march_v in_o this_o warfare_n he_o will_v have_v they_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o then_o with_o one_o mind_n or_o soul_n to_o strive_v or_o wrestle_v for_o the_o truth_n in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n that_o be_v he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v the_o perfect_a union_n among_o themselves_o that_o may_v be_v which_o union_n will_v hardly_o stand_v long_o or_o live_v among_o they_o except_o it_o be_v much_o make_v on_o and_o careful_o and_o tender_o feed_v and_o nourish_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o they_o will_v have_v but_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o act_v they_o all_o that_o be_v a_o public_a spirit_n which_o incline_v and_o move_v particular_a man_n to_o seek_v public_a good_a and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o then_o but_o one_o mind_n that_o be_v but_o one_o judgement_n he_o will_v have_v they_o not_o only_o at_o unity_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o proceed_v thereunto_o not_o distract_v among_o themselves_o this_o way_n and_o in_o this_o way_n he_o will_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o struggle_v and_o wrestle_v with_o their_o adversary_n for_o the_o truth_n or_o as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v and_o before_o now_o observe_v will_v have_v they_o assist_v the_o truth_n in_o its_o own_o cause_n against_o the_o adversary_n it_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o will_v have_v they_o make_v a_o labour_n and_o a_o work_n of_o it_o and_o not_o any_o man_n to_o favour_n himself_o or_o to_o keep_v back_o any_o part_n of_o that_o power_n strength_n or_o skill_n he_o have_v to_o do_v service_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o so_o wrestler_n in_o their_o game_n and_o exercise_n be_v wont_a to_o put_v forth_o themselves_o to_o the_o uttermost_a §._o 2._o 2._o so_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3._o 3._o be_v charge_v to_o remember_v how_o she_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o to_o hold_v fast_o and_o to_o repent_v have_v namely_o that_o she_o hold_v so_o weak_o and_o loose_o till_o now_o sardis_n must_v remember_v that_o be_v look_v back_o and_o call_v to_o mind_n with_o what_o purity_n and_o soundness_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v unto_o she_o and_o she_o must_v hold_v fast_o which_o be_v speak_v as_o if_o some_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v pull_v hard_o against_o she_o and_o tug_v to_o get_v that_o out_o of_o her_o hand_n and_o to_o put_v something_o else_o into_o her_o hand_n instead_o of_o it_o and_o she_o must_v repent_v namely_o that_o she_o have_v already_o let_v something_o go_v and_o do_v not_o watch_v when_o and_o how_o it_o go_v that_o she_o may_v have_v lay_v sure_a hold_n and_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v deposit_v or_o commit_v in_o trust_n to_o she_o so_o you_o see_v plain_o to_o heap_v up_o no_o more_o testimony_n from_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o his_o people_n shall_v be_v earnest_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o all_o adversary_n cap._n vi_o wherein_o four_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v open_v §._o 1._o to_o pass_v from_o scripture_n confirmation_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n among_o many_o that_o may_v be_v give_v i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o these_o four_o first_o the_o enemy_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v very_o many_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n mighty_a too_o and_o bear_v a_o tyrannous_a hate_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n or_o possibility_n of_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o without_o contend_v it_o have_v be_v show_v already_o how_o satan_n rage_v against_o it_o and_o bend_v himself_o and_o his_o whole_a might_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o and_o for_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o life_n if_o they_o have_v but_o the_o least_o power_n to_o make_v opposition_n we_o can_v expect_v but_o to_o hear_v of_o war_n and_o rumour_n of_o war_n against_o the_o truth_n from_o they_o we_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v not_o for_o their_o purpose_n he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 3._o and_o you_o know_v whereunto_o hatred_n incline_v every_o man_n wish_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n who_o he_o hate_v §._o 2._o 2._o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v work_n or_o deed_n of_o darkness_n as_o rom._n 13._o 12._o and_o elsewhere_o not_o so_o much_o i_o conceive_v either_o because_o they_o 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more_o way_n there_o be_v to_o distract_v he_o the_o likely_a he_o be_v to_o mistake_v they_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n only_o to_o mislead_v he_o the_o reason_n give_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a heat_n of_o that_o season_n of_o the_o year_n which_o we_o call_v the_o dog-day_n be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o second_o cause_n the_o star_n so_o call_v that_o join_v influence_n of_o heat_n with_o the_o sun_n so_o in_o godly_a man_n there_o be_v but_o one_o cause_n of_o mistake_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n natural_a darkness_n upon_o their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n which_o yet_o in_o part_n be_v heal_v whereas_o in_o other_o man_n there_o be_v that_o cause_n in_o the_o full_a strength_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o turn_v man_n aside_o from_o the_o truth_n too_o §._o 5._o 5._o second_o the_o opinion_n which_o be_v call_v for_o out_o of_o your_o hand_n or_o that_o you_o be_v press_v any_o way_n to_o take_v exchange_n for_o under_o pretence_n of_o your_o spiritual_a advantage_n if_o it_o be_v a_o opinion_n as_o paul_n speak_v according_a to_o godliness_n that_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o direct_o and_o without_o any_o circuit_n of_o reason_v and_o dispute_n tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o have_v no_o degree_n of_o aspect_n upon_o any_o unlawful_a or_o sinful_a way_n or_o end_n of_o man_n but_o the_o opinion_n proffer_v instead_o of_o it_o stand_v in_o full_a conjunction_n with_o carnal_a end_n or_o sensual_a desire_n or_o disposition_n that_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v &_o stand_v for_o as_o for_o a_o piece_n of_o your_o faith_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a character_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o paul_n use_v it_o more_o than_o once_o for_o a_o description_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 3._o that_o be_v a_o frame_n or_o systeime_n of_o such_o rule_n 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the_o psalm_n as_o one_o translation_n read_v it_o of_o wicked_a man_n all_o their_o delight_n be_v to_o put_v down_o he_o who_o god_n will_v exalt_v and_o as_o true_a it_o be_v in_o the_o contrary_a toexalt_v he_o who_o god_n will_v pull_v down_o in_o this_o case_n the_o opinion_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o the_o gospel_n labour_v as_o it_o be_v and_o travel_n only_o with_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o exaltation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o uttermost_a and_o lay_v all_o other_o excellency_n low_a in_o the_o dust_n before_o he_o §._o 7._o 7._o a_o four_o and_o last_o rule_n which_o may_v be_v term_v the_o rule_n of_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n to_o direct_v man_n what_o be_v truth_n and_o to_o be_v contend_v for_o and_o that_o which_o contain_v the_o virtue_n and_o strength_n of_o many_o rule_n be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 7._o 17._o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n that_o be_v god_n will_n he_o shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o and_o so_o concern_v any_o man_n beside_o whether_o they_o speak_v of_o themselves_o or_o from_o god_n if_o a_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o a_o man_n spirit_n be_v clear_a and_o perfect_a with_o god_n that_o he_o pitch_v upon_o a_o right_a end_n and_o labour_n with_o all_o his_o might_n for_o do_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o glorify_v of_o god_n for_o that_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o his_o will_n and_o suffer_v no_o by_o or_o base_a end_n to_o defile_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o heart_n or_o intention_n this_o way_n but_o compel_v all_o other_o end_n whatsoever_o to_o do_v homage_n and_o service_n unto_o this_o such_o a_o man_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o doctrine_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o discern_v what_o close_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o what_o stand_v off_o from_o it_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o taste_v by_o the_o spiritual_a ear_n the_o word_n of_o man_n as_o the_o palate_n do_v meat_n for_o itself_o that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o or_o no._n job._n 12._o 11._o §._o 8._o 8._o this_o ability_n stand_v not_o so_o much_o in_o any_o depth_n or_o reach_n of_o judgement_n or_o sharpness_n of_o understanding_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o sist_z out_o truth_n by_o subtle_a or_o exquisite_a disput_n or_o argumentation_n but_o rather_o in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n or_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o paul_n call_v it_o by_o which_o a_o man_n inward_o taste_v and_o relish_v both_o truth_n and_o error_n as_o many_o man_n that_o use_v to_o taste_v wine_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o so_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v with_o the_o taste_n of_o both_o can_v give_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o though_o they_o be_v no_o philosopher_n nor_o able_a to_o dispute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o taste_n nor_o of_o the_o four_o first_o quality_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v temper_v and_o compound_v to_o make_v either_o the_o one_o taste_n or_o the_o other_o so_o a_o man_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a disposition_n will_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o inward_a sensibleness_n whether_o a_o opinion_n please_v or_o suit_n his_o spirit_n or_o whether_o not_o according_a to_o that_o speech_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o martyr_n that_o answer_v she_o can_v die_v for_o the_o truth_n but_o can_v not_o dispute_v for_o it_o she_o be_v as_o confident_a of_o truth_n upon_o her_o taste_n as_o any_o man_n can_v be_v upon_o his_o judgement_n and_o depth_n of_o understanding_n and_o willing_a to_o lay_v as_o great_a a_o wager_n upon_o it_o §._o 9_o 9_o and_o yet_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v take_v nor_o understand_v as_o if_o a_o regenerate_a or_o sanctify_a judgement_n be_v a_o infallible_a judicatory_a of_o all_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a truth_n no_o it_o be_v say_v by_o one_o that_o have_v a_o preeminence_n this_o way_n above_o all_o his_o fellow_n i_o conceive_v and_o next_o to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n himself_o as_o well_o concern_v himself_o as_o other_o we_o know_v in_o part_n and_o we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n 1._o cor._n 13._o 9_o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v also_o as_o include_v in_o they_o we_o judge_v but_o in_o part_n neither_o and_o many_o daily_a and_o sad_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o saint_n on_o earth_n be_v not_o angel_n in_o heaven_n this_o way_n able_a to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o all_o light_n and_o darkness_n between_o all_o error_n and_o truth_n for_o then_o the_o whole_a generation_n shall_v be_v knit_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whereas_o now_o they_o be_v little_a other_o then_o divide_v and_o scatter_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n about_o they_o but_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o simplicity_n singleness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o the_o heart_n before_o god_n propound_v to_o itself_o no_o other_o end_n whatsoever_o but_o such_o as_o have_v a_o perfect_a consistence_n with_o the_o will_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v a_o rich_a and_o bless_a advantage_n where_o ever_o they_o be_v find_v to_o to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o see_v and_o to_o discern_v the_o small_a line_n of_o partition_n that_o run_v between_o error_n and_o truth_n to_o divide_v they_o and_o that_o especial_o upon_o this_o ground_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o such_o a_o man_n have_v no_o need_n of_o have_v no_o
occasion_n to_o use_v the_o help_n or_o furtherance_n of_o a_o error_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o truth_n itself_o be_v abundant_o serviceable_a and_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v maintain_v and_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o all_o his_o end_n and_o purpose_n whereas_o man_n that_o have_v sinister_a and_o unsanctified_a end_n in_o their_o eye_n want_v support_n and_o strength_n err_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o have_v a_o strong_a temptation_n and_o engagement_n upon_o they_o acheronta_fw-la movere_fw-la to_o seek_v shelter_n and_o sanctuary_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o error_n and_o so_o to_o pervert_v and_o accommodate_v the_o truth_n as_o ahab_n servant_n will_v have_v do_v by_o the_o prophet_n michaiah_n 1._o king_n 22._o 13._o that_o so_o it_o may_v go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o desire_n and_o not_o prophesy_v evil_a against_o they_o §._o 10._o 10._o beside_o this_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o such_o man_n as_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o man_n that_o be_v most_o sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a in_o their_o end_n have_v a_o special_a prerogative_n this_o way_n give_v they_o by_o god_n viz._n of_o see_v god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o truth_n with_o more_o fullness_n and_o clearness_n of_o manifestation_n than_o other_o man_n matthew_n 5._o 8._o psal_n 119._o 125._o thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o direction_n and_o advice_n to_o know_v when_o there_o be_v special_a occasion_n to_o look_v about_o and_o consider_v whether_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o danger_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o help_n to_o defend_v it_o cap._n viii_o a_o brief_a confutation_n of_o that_o opinion_n which_o teach_v that_o god_n may_v be_v true_o serve_v and_o man_n save_v in_o any_o religion_n §._o 1._o to_o come_v to_o application_n the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n be_v four_o fold_n first_o for_o confutation_n if_o this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n to_o stand_v out_o &_o to_o contend_v so_o zealous_o so_o earnest_o for_o their_o faith_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o then_o doubtless_o this_o tread_v down_o the_o strength_n and_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o that_o opinion_n which_o some_o have_v maintain_v that_o god_n may_v be_v true_o serve_v and_o man_n save_v in_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o maintain_v or_o profess_v in_o all_o the_o world_n such_o man_n charity_n be_v as_o irreligious_a and_o unsavoury_a as_o be_v that_o of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n that_o challenge_v moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a even_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n among_o they_o so_o say_v these_o all_o the_o world_n be_v holy_a even_o every_o nation_n and_o every_o religion_n profess_v in_o it_o let_v i_o say_v this_o one_o thing_n that_o this_o spirit_n of_o confusion_n that_o labour_v to_o shuffle_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o to_o destroy_v the_o excellency_n of_o thing_n that_o differ_v be_v that_o spirit_n which_o the_o god_n of_o judgement_n most_o hate_v and_o abhor_v §._o 2._o 2._o what_o necessity_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o strive_n such_o wrestle_a such_o contend_a such_o lay_v hold_n such_o engage_v man_n self_n for_o one_o kind_n of_o faith_n if_o all_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o world_n over_o will_v serve_v man_n trun_v as_o well_o man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o trouble_v themselves_o or_o put_v themselves_o to_o straits_n and_o difficulty_n for_o obtain_v any_o thing_n when_o they_o may_v have_v their_o turn_n serve_v with_o ease_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n that_o phaaroh_n use_v to_o josephs_n family_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o trouble_v or_o cumber_v themselves_o in_o their_o remove_n with_o their_o stuff_n because_o all_o the_o good_a of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n be_v before_o they_o and_o be_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o there_o without_o further_a charge_n or_o trouble_v so_o who_o need_v trouble_v himself_o or_o endanger_v himself_o or_o to_o contend_v for_o one_o religion_n if_o all_o the_o world_n before_o he_o or_o any_o religion_n he_o can_v fall_v upon_o in_o it_o have_v the_o like_a certain_a safety_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o paul_n likewise_o use_v to_o dissuade_v christian_n from_o eat_v that_o which_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n or_o likelihood_n of_o offence_n because_o say_v he_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v meat_n enough_o for_o they_o beside_o all_o the_o world_n over_o that_o will_v nourish_v and_o preserve_v their_o natural_a life_n and_o health_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o press_v upon_o the_o eat_n of_o that_o it_o have_v be_v more_o tolerable_a if_o the_o lord_n provision_n for_o his_o family_n have_v be_v all_o spend_v beside_o so_o say_v i_o to_o set_v up_o any_o such_o opinion_n in_o the_o church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v safety_n and_o salvation_n as_o well_o in_o any_o other_o as_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o contend_v for_o this_o faith_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v the_o throw_v down_o of_o every_o such_o imagination_n whether_o man_n of_o this_o opinion_n by_o run_v or_o contend_v with_o god_n have_v wrest_v from_o he_o any_o more_o name_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v so_o it_o be_v sure_o we_o be_v that_o there_o be_v give_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o to_o be_v save_v but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n act_n 4._o 12._o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v many_o name_n give_v by_o satan_n for_o man_n to_o perish_v by_o eternal_o but_o to_o be_v save_v by_o there_o be_v only_o one_o give_v and_o that_o by_o god_n as_o peter_n affirm_v cap._n ix_o the_o resolution_n and_o practice_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a justify_v in_o a_o use_n of_o instruction_n from_o the_o doctrine_n §._o 1._o second_o for_o instruction_n if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n to_o contend_v thus_o earnest_o for_o their_o faith_n then_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v receive_v full_a satisfaction_n concern_v the_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n both_o of_o ancient_a and_o late_a time_n in_o suffer_v thing_n grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v in_o all_o kind_n loss_n of_o good_n friend_n credit_n liberty_n life_n and_o all_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o service_n of_o this_o their_o faith_n many_o may_v please_v themselves_o with_o conceit_n of_o folly_n and_o unadvisednesse_n in_o such_o man_n as_o it_o be_v a_o speech_n full_a of_o unsavoury_a profaneness_n that_o the_o martyr_n who_o suffer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n mary_n die_v like_o fool_n whereas_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v command_v and_o the_o hard_a any_o commandment_n be_v and_o the_o more_o contrariety_n it_o have_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n so_o much_o the_o great_a wisdom_n it_o be_v to_o obey_v §._o 2._o it_o be_v not_o any_o distemper_n in_o the_o judgement_n or_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n to_o savour_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n certain_o our_o saviour_n promise_v wage_n in_o full_a proportion_n to_o the_o work_n yea_o good_a measure_n heap_v up_o press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o folly_n in_o accept_v his_o condition_n but_o a_o excellency_n and_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n to_o part_v with_o man_n life_n for_o nothing_o to_o make_v no_o friend_n with_o they_o when_o they_o go_v to_o die_v coward_n this_o in_o scripture_n language_n be_v to_o die_v like_o fool_n as_o in_o that_o of_o david_n concern_v abner_n 2._o sam._n 3._o 33._o die_v abner_n as_o a_o fool_n die_v that_o be_v base_o and_o cowardly_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o he_o that_o will_v save_v it_o that_o be_v he_o that_o will_v set_v it_o down_o with_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o part_v with_o it_o as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v keep_v it_o let_v the_o occasion_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o gospel_n stand_v in_o never_o so_o much_o need_v of_o it_o and_o call_v never_o so_o
can_v not_o have_v be_v cast_v forth_o but_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o serpent_n himself_o immediate_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o high_a language_n the_o imputation_n stick_v close_o to_o they_o and_o be_v and_o so_o prove_v itself_o in_o time_n most_o true_a and_o so_o may_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n such_o as_o be_v most_o zealous_a in_o their_o purgation_n may_v be_v deep_a in_o the_o condemnation_n notwithstanding_o §._o 7._o 7._o second_o if_o man_n desire_v to_o stand_v upon_o such_o term_n of_o innocence_n and_o integriry_n this_o way_n if_o the_o judge_n protest_v he_o never_o have_v nor_o ever_o mean_v to_o corrupt_v judgement_n then_o why_o be_v bribe_n take_v and_o what_o become_v of_o the_o causalitie_n or_o efficiency_n of_o these_o for_o these_o have_v their_o effect_n upon_o man_n yea_o upon_o man_n that_o most_o indispose_n otherwise_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o perfect_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o all_o thing_n testify_v deut._n 16._o 19_o a_o reward_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o pervert_v the_o word_n of_o the_o just_a it_o blind_v not_o only_o such_o eye_n as_o be_v half_o blind_a already_o and_o so_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v blind_a altogether_o neirhe_a do_v it_o pervert_v only_o the_o word_n of_o such_o as_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o injustice_n &_o do_v of_o wrong_n but_o even_o of_o the_o just_a themselves_o now_o suppose_v the_o blind_a man_n be_v never_o so_o confident_a of_o his_o way_n that_o he_o be_v right_a the_o word_n of_o his_o confidence_n be_v scarce_o worth_a the_o weigh_v when_o man_n have_v suffer_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o be_v blind_v with_o honour_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o preferment_n covetousness_n envy_n contention_n and_o the_o like_a confidence_n and_o peremptorinesse_n in_o such_o man_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v suspect_v we_o say_v of_o blind_a man_n that_o they_o do_v fortius_fw-la impingere_fw-la stumble_v more_o strong_o §._o 8._o 8._o man_n that_o resolve_v thus_o and_o say_v thus_o with_o themselves_o i_o will_v run_v a_o course_n of_o preferment_n i_o will_v seek_v to_o raise_v myself_o in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o will_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n too_o i_o will_v not_o suffer_v my_o judgement_n to_o be_v pervert_v do_v as_o if_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v awake_a shall_v promise_v himself_o what_o his_o dream_n shall_v be_v when_o he_o be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n many_o like_a jonathan_n follow_v the_o chase_n close_o till_o they_o come_v where_o honey_n be_v and_o there_o they_o break_v their_o rank_n and_o give_v over_o §._o 9_o 9_o three_o and_o last_o the_o complaint_n and_o tear_n and_o sorrow_n of_o godly_a man_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n or_o corruption_n at_o any_o time_n bring_v in_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n these_o may_v determine_v whether_o such_o man_n be_v depraver_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o not_o but_o you_o will_v say_v such_o may_v complain_v without_o cause_n many_o man_n fear_n yea_o and_o grief_n too_o may_v be_v superstitious_a and_o worse_o than_o either_o the_o harm_n or_o danger_n that_o occasion_n they_o i_o answer_v to_o do_v so_o to_o complain_v without_o cause_n be_v worse_o then_o that_o which_o the_o beast_n do_v as_o job_n 6._o 5._o do_v the_o wild_a assebray_n when_o he_o have_v grass_n or_o do_v the_o ox_n low_a over_o his_o fodder_n if_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a as_o david_n call_v they_o consent_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o do_v not_o say_v if_o some_o particular_n of_o they_o but_o if_o the_o generation_n that_o be_v of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o such_o man_n do_v consent_n in_o any_o thing_n their_o unanimous_a and_o joint_a carriage_n or_o behaviour_n be_v sufficient_a ordinary_o to_o determine_v matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o david_n more_o than_o once_o resolve_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o spirit_n into_o their_o judgement_n then_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o righteous_a or_o as_o the_o last_o translation_n have_v it_o behold_v i_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o thy_o child_n 15._o imply_v that_o no_o carriage_n of_o he_o no_o apprehension_n be_v like_a to_o be_v sound_a and_o justifiable_a wherein_o he_o shall_v oppose_v or_o gainsay_v the_o general_a vote_n of_o the_o righteous_a though_o vox_fw-la populi_fw-la the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o always_o vox_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o voice_n of_o god_n yet_o vox_fw-la populi_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o voice_n of_o god_n cap._n xi_o contain_v a_o brief_a exhortation_n to_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o the_o truth_n that_o man_n may_v know_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o §._o 1._o a_o four_o and_o last_o use_n be_v of_o exhortation_n and_o that_o to_o two_o duty_n the_o former_a to_o make_v way_n and_o to_o prepare_v for_o the_o late_a the_o first_o duty_n be_v that_o we_o will_v inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o will_v take_v pain_n and_o use_v diligence_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v not_o contend_v for_o error_n nor_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n as_o many_o do_v the_o second_o that_o we_o will_v earnest_o contend_v for_o it_o and_o seek_v to_o uphold_v it_o when_o we_o clear_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v in_o few_o word_n acquaint_v we_o ourselves_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o labour_n to_o know_v the_o straight_a way_n and_o path_n of_o it_o imitate_v the_o angel_n 1._o pet._n 1._o 12._o that_o be_v bend_v and_o bow_v yourselves_o towards_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o may_v lay_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o understanding_n close_o to_o the_o secret_a vein_n and_o spiritual_a conveyance_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o so_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v when_o the_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a wisdom_n of_o god_n therein_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n blemish_v or_o misfigure_v by_o any_o offer_n or_o attempt_v make_v to_o incorporate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n with_o it_o think_v we_o thus_o with_o ourselves_o that_o those_o ability_n of_o reason_n judgement_n understanding_n which_o be_v give_v we_o above_o other_o creature_n be_v chief_o give_v for_o this_o end_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o this_o truth_n be_v earnest_n with_o god_n to_o get_v the_o fleshly_a tabl_n of_o our_o heart_n write_v with_o that_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n thereof_o which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o his_o spirit_n §._o 2._o 2._o they_o that_o will_v show_v themselves_o man_n in_o this_o conflict_n have_v not_o need_n be_v child_n in_o understanding_n it_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n that_o be_v here_o require_v of_o we_o god_n will_v have_v we_o know_v both_o what_o it_o be_v we_o contend_v for_o and_o what_o it_o be_v we_o oppose_v the_o goodness_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o drossinesse_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o other_o why_o call_v thou_o i_o good_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o ruler_n in_o the_o gospel_n luke_n 18._o 18._o not_o that_o he_o do_v reject_v the_o term_n or_o title_n or_o refuse_v to_o own_o it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o his_o due_n for_o he_o be_v god_n to_o who_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v due_a but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o by_o way_n of_o compliment_n he_o know_v the_o man_n do_v not_o yet_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v god_n indeed_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o care_n to_o be_v honour_v by_o he_o as_o god_n so_o god_n will_v have_v we_o first_o know_v what_o truth_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o brightness_n of_o it_o and_o then_o our_o contend_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v high_o accept_v §._o 3._o 3._o to_o honour_v his_o truth_n with_o that_o honour_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o not_o to_o know_v that_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o a_o man_n so_o honour_v this_o be_v but_o like_o the_o athenian_a inscription_n to_o the_o know_a god_n therefore_o labour_v we_o to_o make_v ourselves_o so_o many_o apollo_n mighty_a in_o the_o seripture_n act_n 18._o 24._o for_o so_o we_o shall_v both_o know_v what_o to_o contend_v for_o and_o be_v able_a also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o quit_v ourselves_o like_o man_n able_a to_o confute_v the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n mighty_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o apollo_n do_v the_o jew_n he_o carry_v the_o truth_n clear_v away_o before_o he_o with_o great_a evidence_n and_o power_n but_o i_o leave_v this_o and_o come_v to_o the_o latter_a duty_n to_o
the_o urge_n and_o press_v whereof_o the_o text_n more_o direct_o lead_v unto_o cap._n xii_o a_o exhortation_n to_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n with_o six_o several_a motive_n or_o consideration_n provoke_v thereunto_o §._o 1._o we_o see_v and_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o express_v will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v all_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o suffer_v this_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o take_v place_n in_o we_o let_v we_o take_v the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o valiant_a man_n upon_o we_o and_o be_v entreat_v to_o become_v good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v receive_v let_v we_o not_o be_v remiss_a and_o loose_a in_o a_o duty_n of_o that_o high_a importance_n as_o we_o will_v answer_v to_o our_o captain_n at_o the_o peril_n of_o our_o salvation_n at_o the_o great_a day_n if_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n averse_a from_o this_o service_n dull_a and_o heavy_a within_o we_o use_v mean_n of_o provocation_n and_o let_v not_o the_o motion_n die_v in_o our_o breast_n to_o quicken_v ourselves_o in_o this_o case_n we_o may_v use_v these_o and_o the_o like_a motive_n §._o 2._o 2._o first_o consider_v that_o except_o we_o contend_v in_o this_o case_n and_o show_v ourselves_o man_n yea_o and_o more_o than_o man_n this_o faith_n of_o we_o will_v be_v lay_v waste_n and_o utter_o destroy_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o our_o gospel_n will_v soon_o become_v another_o gospel_n that_o jesus_n which_o hitherto_o have_v and_o yet_o be_v bless_a be_v god_n and_o long_o may_v be_v preach_v among_o we_o will_v be_v exchange_v for_o another_o jesus_n that_o can_v save_v we_o and_o let_v i_o say_v this_o unto_o you_o the_o change_n be_v soon_o make_v then_o man_n be_v aware_a of_o saint_n paul_n be_v jealous_a of_o the_o corinthian_n lest_o this_o sore_a and_o heavy_a judgement_n have_v befall_v they_o 2._o cor._n 11._o 3._o lest_o their_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o that_o simplicity_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o such_o a_o property_n in_o it_o it_o be_v fearful_o obnoxious_a to_o corruption_n from_o man_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o remain_v and_o abide_v with_o we_o except_o it_o be_v contend_v for_o satan_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o possess_v so_o rich_a a_o treasure_n except_o we_o set_v the_o house_n of_o our_o defence_n somewhat_o high_a except_o we_o hold_v fast_o our_o crown_n it_o will_v be_v take_v from_o we_o §._o 3._o 3._o saint_n paul_n give_v this_o reason_n to_o the_o galatian_n why_o he_o so_o stout_o stand_v it_o out_o against_o those_o false_a brethren_n that_o be_v crafty_o send_v in_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n and_o will_v not_o give_v place_n to_o they_o no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n namely_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v continue_v with_o they_o gal._n 2._o 5._o imply_v that_o all_o have_v be_v go_v all_o lose_v in_o a_o moment_n have_v not_o paul_n rise_v up_o as_o a_o man_n of_o war_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o our_o saviour_n will_v the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n rev._n 3._o 11._o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o she_o have_v lest_o another_o take_v her_o crown_n that_o be_v if_o she_o do_v not_o contend_v for_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o for_o the_o present_a be_v teach_v and_o establish_v in_o that_o church_n which_o be_v her_o crown_n or_o will_v be_v her_o crown_n if_o she_o keep_v it_o it_o will_v fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o some_o other_o church_n or_o people_n for_o common_o when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v from_o one_o place_n it_o be_v give_v to_o another_o because_o god_n will_v show_v his_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n this_o way_n or_o that_o he_o can_v better_o accord_v with_o mere_a stranger_n then_o with_o old_a friend_n that_o be_v decline_v and_o fall_v in_o their_o affection_n §._o 4._o 4._o second_o consider_v that_o if_o we_o lose_v our_o faith_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n miscarry_v with_o we_o we_o lose_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o forsake_v his_o former_a habitation_n among_o we_o for_o god_n and_o his_o gospel_n go_v together_o and_o make_v their_o abode_n together_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o know_v the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o nation_n or_o people_n that_o be_v without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n eph._n 2._o 12._o that_o be_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o can_v reckon_v he_o inter_fw-la bona_fw-la sua_fw-la as_o any_o part_n of_o their_o good_n or_o possession_n god_n be_v to_o they_o no_o god_n except_o it_o be_v to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v so_o zachary_n 8._o 23._o prophesi_v that_o man_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o skirt_n of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o shall_v desire_v to_o go_v with_o he_o because_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o god_n be_v with_o you_o say_v they_o now_o how_o or_o why_o shall_v god_n be_v with_o they_o namely_o because_o they_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o word_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a 2._o cron._n 15._o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o israel_n be_v without_o the_o true_a god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o want_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o god_n dwell_v only_o where_o he_o be_v know_v §._o 5._o now_o then_o consider_v what_o a_o invaluable_a loss_n we_o shall_v gain_v to_o suffer_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v always_o be_v shield_n &_o buckler_n unto_o we_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o our_o land_n woe_n unto_o they_o say_v god_n himself_o by_o his_o prophet_n concern_v israel_n woe_n unto_o they_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o they_o hosea_n 9_o 12._o what_o will_v we_o do_v in_o the_o day_n when_o our_o wall_n of_o fire_n shall_v be_v remove_v from_o be_v round_o about_o we_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o all_o misery_n judgement_n and_o calamity_n may_v not_o all_o the_o world_n serve_v their_o turn_n out_o of_o we_o §._o 6._o 6._o what_o be_v a_o city_n people_n or_o nation_n forsake_v of_o their_o god_n but_o as_o a_o dead_a carcase_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n be_v depart_v and_o present_o begin_v to_o corrupt_v and_o putrify_v and_o cast_v forth_o a_o smell_n and_o so_o call_v all_o the_o bird_n of_o prey_n even_o from_o a_o far_a to_o tear_v and_o to_o devour_v this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o carcase_n be_v there_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o mat._n 24._o 28._o compare_v with_o luke_n 17._o 37._o it_o be_v clear_o speak_v concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n upon_o god_n depart_v and_o forsake_v that_o nation_n who_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o be_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o life_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o long_o their_o enemy_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o seek_v their_o destruction_n or_o to_o prey_n upon_o they_o as_o the_o eagle_n vulture_n and_o other_o bird_n of_o prey_n have_v no_o thought_n or_o desire_n of_o seize_v upon_o wild_a beast_n whilst_o they_o live_v in_o their_o strength_n neither_o do_v their_o body_n send_v forth_o any_o ill_a favour_n to_o invite_v and_o call_v they_o to_o the_o prey_n till_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o begin_v to_o putrify_v so_o whilst_o god_n be_v present_a with_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o grace_n her_o enemy_n have_v no_o heart_n to_o think_v of_o make_v prey_n or_o spoil_v of_o she_o but_o when_o he_o who_o be_v her_o life_n god_n i_o mean_v depart_v out_o of_o she_o she_o present_o begin_v to_o putrify_v and_o the_o roman_n her_o enemy_n significant_o intimate_v by_o the_o eagle_n which_o be_v their_o ensign_n or_o colour_n in_o the_o war_n soon_o scent_v her_o putrify_a carcase_n and_o be_v gather_v together_o against_o she_o and_o devour_v she_o but_o as_o well_o for_o further_a illustration_n of_o this_o exposition_n of_o the_o last_o cite_v scripture_n as_o for_o strengthen_v the_o motive_n in_o hand_n i_o desire_v that_o these_o passage_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o and_o diligent_o consider_v and_o compare_v together_o numb_a 14._o 9_o deut._n 1._o 42._o deut._n 7._o 21._o deut._n 13._o 17._o judg._n 16._o 20._o 21._o psal_n 46._o 5._o psal_n 71._o 11._o esa_n 27._o 11._o ezech._n 19_o 4._o ezech._n 35._o 10._o and_o last_o the_o geneva_n note_n on_o gen._n 2._o 17._o
light_n in_o the_o world_n by_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o make_v ourselves_o pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o other_o in_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o every_o grace_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o special_a importance_n for_o uphold_v the_o truth_n that_o doctrine_n which_o make_v man_n like_a unto_o god_n can_v light_o be_v think_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v no_o mortal_a seed_n out_o of_o which_o child_n like_v unto_o god_n himself_o shall_v be_v bear_v our_o innocent_a and_o pure_a conversation_n will_v be_v shield_n and_o buckler_n to_o defend_v thou_o the_o truth_n and_o religion_n be_v seldom_o wound_v but_o through_o the_o side_n of_o the_o sinful_a life_n of_o the_o professor_n thereof_o §._o 6._o 6._o if_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o religion_n we_o profess_v be_v fruitful_a in_o this_o kind_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o many_o good_a work_n it_o be_v a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o in_o such_o a_o respect_n as_o david_n esteem_v that_o man_n bless_v that_o have_v many_o child_n psal_n 127._o 4._o 5._o such_o a_o man_n say_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a of_o his_o enemy_n in_o the_o gate_n because_o he_o have_v many_o second_o to_o take_v his_o part_n and_o to_o make_v good_a his_o quarrel_n child_n of_o youth_n say_v he_o be_v like_o arrow_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o giant_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o arm_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o reach_v a_o mark_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n so_o will_v the_o good_a life_n &_o unreprovable_a conversation_n in_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n wound_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n even_o a_o far_o off_o and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v never_o near_o we_o nor_o never_o know_v our_o face_n the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n will_v be_v instead_o of_o miracle_n man_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o say_v of_o our_o religion_n as_o nicodemus_n say_v of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 3._o 2._o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o no_o religion_n can_v produce_v such_o gracious_a and_o lovely_a way_n except_o god_n be_v in_o it_o do_v we_o but_o manifest_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o life_n we_o sufficient_o manifest_v the_o doctrine_n of_o godliness_n in_o our_o judgement_n these_o can_v be_v part_v if_o we_o do_v well_o say_v peter_n 1._o pet._n 3._o 13._o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v harm_v you_o yea_o if_o we_o do_v well_o who_o will_n or_o can_v harm_v we_o or_o our_o religion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v it_o with_o their_o tongue_n yet_o will_v they_o honour_v both_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n take_v heed_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o man_n can_v likely_o blame_v we_o for_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a §._o 7._o 7._o four_o man_n must_v countenance_v the_o truth_n the_o teacher_n abettor_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o this_o chief_o concern_v the_o magistrate_n and_o man_n in_o place_n and_o man_n of_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o debt_n which_o such_o man_n owe_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o place_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o speak_v for_o either_o and_o to_o stand_v up_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o both_o and_o to_o show_v respect_n of_o honour_n unto_o they_o when_o time_n require_v as_o jehoshaphat_n do_v to_o michaiah_n 2._o cron._n 18._o 6._o 7._o do_v well_o say_v paul_n rom._n 13._o 3._o so_o shall_v thou_o have_v praise_n of_o the_o same_o that_o be_v of_o the_o power_n or_o man_n in_o authority_n so_o god_n undertake_v for_o those_o that_o be_v his_o minister_n in_o those_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o man_n that_o do_v well_o shall_v have_v praise_n from_o they_o and_o be_v countenance_v by_o they_o they_o shall_v hearten_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o other_o star_n be_v ordain_v in_o nature_n to_o give_v vigour_n and_o life_n to_o tree_n plant_n and_o other_o sublunary_a creature_n so_o be_v the_o face_n and_o countenance_n of_o authority_n sanctify_v by_o god_n for_o the_o cherish_n and_o quicken_n of_o every_o good_a and_o virtuous_a way_n among_o those_o that_o live_v under_o they_o for_o strengthen_v and_o refresh_v all_o seed_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v see_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a their_o anger_n and_o the_o cloud_n of_o the_o face_n of_o such_o man_n be_v a_o proper_a mean_n to_o dash_v and_o break_v the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o ungodliness_n as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o king_n the_o chief_a of_o that_o rank_n pro._n 20._o 8._o the_o king_n that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n that_o be_v that_o execute_v that_o great_a place_n faithful_o scatter_v away_o all_o evil_a with_o his_o eye_n his_o very_a look_n will_v break_v the_o brood_n of_o evil_a doer_n §._o 8._o 8._o therefore_o man_n that_o resemble_v god_n in_o power_n shall_v remember_v to_o imitate_v he_o also_o in_o that_o gracious_a rule_n of_o government_n psal_n 138._o 6._o though_o the_o lord_n be_v high_a yet_o have_v he_o respect_n unto_o the_o lowly_a but_o the_o proud_a he_o know_v far_o off_o a_o magistrate_n that_o do_v otherwise_o that_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o proud_a and_o wicked_a and_o behold_v the_o righteous_a and_o lowly_a a_o far_o off_o do_v in_o effect_n that_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v he_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o cast_v it_o to_o the_o dog_n §._o 9_o 9_o five_o man_n must_v confess_v the_o truth_n when_o they_o be_v examine_v or_o call_v to_o it_o whatsoever_o it_o cost_v they_o this_o be_v that_o will_v preserve_v the_o honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o cause_n man_n to_o inquire_v more_o after_o it_o when_o they_o see_v man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n so_o constant_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v such_o round_a sum_n lay_v down_o for_o it_o as_o man_n estate_n preferment_n liberty_n and_o life_n etc._n etc._n willing_o and_o free_o as_o if_o they_o that_o so_o buy_v it_o boast_v of_o their_o pennyworth_n this_o can_v but_o raise_v the_o estimation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v make_v it_o a_o commodity_n in_o request_n in_o the_o world_n when_o man_n will_v not_o sell_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n but_o will_v buy_v it_o §._o 10._o 10._o this_o confess_v of_o truth_n and_o suffering_n for_o it_o this_o seal_n of_o it_o sometime_o with_o blood_n be_v that_o that_o have_v preserve_v it_o safe_a and_o sound_a from_o depravation_n and_o corruption_n to_o this_o day_n as_o god_n honour_v the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n with_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a and_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o he_o isaiah_n 53._o 11._o so_o have_v he_o honour_v and_o recompense_v the_o life_n and_o all_o other_o loss_n his_o child_n and_o faithful_a servant_n have_v sustain_v in_o this_o world_n with_o the_o life_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o fire_n from_o heaven_n which_o our_o saviour_n kindle_v &_o will_v never_o out_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o fuel_n to_o maintain_v it_o man_n may_v triumph_v beforehand_o in_o a_o rich_a &_o bless_a security_n that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o feed_v and_o maintain_v will_v be_v a_o long_a life_n even_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o david_n will_v not_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o the_o well_o of_o bethlehem_n because_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o man_n that_o go_v in_o jeopardie_n of_o their_o life_n but_o pour_v it_o out_o unto_o the_o lord_n 2._o sam._n 23._o 16._o 17._o so_o man_n can_v though_o they_o will_v despise_v or_o make_v common_a that_o truth_n which_o have_v cost_v the_o life_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o to_o maintain_v it_o §._o 11._o 11._o six_o and_o last_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o must_v be_v do_v by_o all_o and_o that_o constant_o and_o continual_o man_n must_v pray_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o continuance_n and_o enlargement_n of_o it_o man_n must_v quicken_v their_o heart_n this_o way_n and_o deal_v effectual_o with_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n for_o his_o support_n and_o help_a hand_n that_o he_o will_v still_o from_o time_n to_o time_n discover_v the_o madness_n of_o man_n that_o resist_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o reprobate_a as_o concern_v the_o faith_n that_o the_o will_v make_v it_o evident_a and_o manifest_a to_o