to_o a_o fact_n every_o man_n be_v a_o debtor_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v bind_v as_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n christ_n tell_v pilate_n john_n 18.37_o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n but_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o testimony_n that_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v i_o understand_v it_o not_o thus_o large_o for_o though_o it_o be_v that_o every_o good_a man_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n in_o any_o cause_n yet_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v under_o a_o more_o special_a obligation_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n and_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n that_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v that_o the_o text_n call_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n 1._o either_o for_o that_o testimony_n which_o our_o lord_n bare_a of_o himself_o 2._o or_o the_o testimony_n which_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n christ_n bear_v a_o testimony_n of_o himself_o he_o testify_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o zion_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o yet_o large_a every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o relate_v to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o bear_v to_o those_o proposition_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o gospel_n contain_v and_o relate_v concern_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v considerable_a in_o a_o testimony_n be_v the_o way_n of_o give_v it_o the_o proper_a give_v a_o testimony_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n either_o with_o a_o oath_n or_o without_o a_o oath_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v a_o proposition_n and_o another_o thing_n for_o he_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o a_o proposition_n he_o believe_v a_o proposition_n that_o hear_v it_o do_v in_o heart_n consent_n and_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o the_o predicate_v be_v well_o fit_v to_o the_o subject_a whether_o he_o speak_v a_o word_n yea_o or_o no_o but_o he_o testify_v that_o with_o his_o word_n ow_v and_o declare_v his_o faith_n rom._n 10.10_o for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o christian_a secret_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n if_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v you_o may_v observe_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n make_v necessary_a to_o to_o salvation_n 1._o a_o heart_n believe_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o a_o external_a confession_n or_o profession_n there_o be_v a_o double_a confession_n a_o christian_n duty_n 1._o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n 2._o a_o confession_n of_o truth_n either_o confession_n be_v a_o open_a acknowledgement_n with_o our_o lip_n thus_o you_o read_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o of_o confess_v of_o christ_n only_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o testimony_n and_o confession_n any_o open_a assert_v vindicate_a and_o defend_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v give_v a_o testimony_n but_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o face_n of_o enemy_n in_o despite_n of_o opposition_n this_o be_v confession_n matth._n 10.32_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n luke_n 12.8_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n thus_o john_n 12.42_o many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o because_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o so_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n signify_v that_o open_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n relate_v to_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n qu._n 2._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o original_a do_v something_o differ_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d suffer_v thou_o evil_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o person_n by_o a_o figure_n a_o person_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o evil_n timothy_n be_v exhort_v to_o suffer_v evil_a with_o the_o gospel_n this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n what_o those_o affliction_n be_v what_o those_o evil_n be_v to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v there_o be_v several_a evil_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v subject_v or_o rather_o evil_n from_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o own_o christ_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n 2._o from_o the_o false_a and_o seem_a professor_n of_o it_o 3._o from_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o affliction_n which_o man_n be_v subject_v to_o from_o their_o own_n and_o profess_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o i_o say_v be_v from_o 3_o sort_n of_o person_n 1._o from_o such_o as_o be_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o they_o may_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o be_v thorn_n and_o goad_n in_o one_o another_o side_n these_o common_o be_v so_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o from_o a_o overheat_v zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n 2._o from_o such_o corruption_n as_o do_v attend_v god_n people_n consider_v as_o man_n make_v up_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n 1._o from_o a_o immoderate_a zeal_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o truth_n truth_n be_v a_o uniform_a thing_n and_o be_v but_o one_o two_o contradictory_n proposition_n can_v be_v true_a but_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n none_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n concern_v truth_n it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o guide_v we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o promise_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o that_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guide_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v misapprehension_n in_o a_o proposition_n of_o truth_n they_o shall_v be_v guide_v into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n they_o shall_v not_o miscarry_v in_o any_o apprehension_n of_o truth_n upon_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n depend_v but_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v as_o to_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a proposition_n one_o may_v judge_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o another_o thing_n yet_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o may_v have_v very_o different_a apprehension_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a truth_n now_o through_o a_o overweening_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o apprehension_n there_o be_v very_o great_a difference_n and_o also_o hard_a censuring_n and_o condemning_n of_o one_o another_o and_o these_o be_v great_a affliction_n but_o such_o as_o have_v attend_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n they_o be_v such_o different_a apprehension_n that_o cause_v the_o first_o christian_a synod_n act_n 15.1_o some_o come_v and_o teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n such_o difference_n there_o be_v rom._n 14.2_o for_o one_o believe_v he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n hence_o they_o judge_v despise_v condemn_a and_o censure_v one_o another_o and_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v to_o a_o friendly_a carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o in_o these_o different_a apprehension_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n of_o a_o light_a nature_n mens_fw-la immoderate_a zeal_n for_o their_o own_o opinion_n have_v in_o all_o time_n beget_v great_a heat_n and_o have_v cause_v great_a affliction_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o have_v be_v a_o great_a root_n of_o bitterness_n among_o god_n own_o people_n we_o have_v see_v enough_o of_o it_o in_o the_o age_n
but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o equal_a import_n the_o nature_n of_o proposition_n do_v very_o much_o differ_v 1._o according_a to_o what_o do_v depend_v upon_o they_o 2._o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v in_o scripture_n 1._o according_a to_o what_o depend_v upon_o they_o some_o proposition_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o foundation_n look_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n take_v it_o away_o and_o the_o whole_a building_n tumble_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o gospel_n truth_n lie_v upon_o they_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o truth_n be_v build_v upon_o they_o here_o now_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o testimony_n lie_v high_a and_o rise_v high_a and_o further_o but_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n that_o we_o be_v not_o debtor_n unto_o 2._o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n concern_v truth_n for_o although_o the_o gospel_n have_v reveal_v all_o truth_n yet_o not_o all_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n so_o that_o christian_n have_v differ_v concern_v truth_n and_o every_o man_n as_o he_o believe_v so_o he_o ought_v to_o speak_v so_o he_o ought_v to_o live_v but_o the_o apprehension_n that_o some_o man_n have_v have_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o every_o proposition_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v in_o heart_n embrace_v have_v beget_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o stir_n the_o apostle_n give_v another_o rule_n when_o he_o say_v have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n there_o be_v some_o proposition_n of_o which_o a_o christian_a may_v have_v a_o particular_a persuasion_n and_o of_o which_o he_o may_v be_v very_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o a_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o regulate_v his_o testimony_n according_o qu._n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n be_v that_o which_o a_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v open_v this_o to_o you_o in_o seven_o or_o eight_o particular_n 1._o he_o ought_v to_o give_v a_o know_v believe_a testimony_n there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n that_o man_n give_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n that_o do_v in_o his_o heart_n believe_v what_o he_o with_o his_o mouth_n confess_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v as_o he_o believe_v so_o he_o speak_v so_o in_o this_o case_n a_o christian_a must_v speak_v as_o he_o believe_v and_o when_o he_o speak_v and_o ow_v and_o defend_v a_o truth_n because_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n when_o a_o man_n run_v with_o a_o multitude_n to_o attest_v a_o truth_n and_o cry_v for_o it_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o believe_v not_o what_o he_o profess_v i_o will_v have_v every_o christian_a not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o will_v have_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o give_v not_o a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n for_o a_o man_n to_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v in_o faction_n it_o be_v abomination_n to_o god_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n the_o word_n not_o mingle_v with_o faith_n profit_v not_o and_o a_o testimony_n not_o give_v in_o faith_n signify_v nothing_o oh_o christian_n beware_v of_o this_o that_o none_o of_o you_o in_o this_o day_n be_v factious_a professor_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o your_o lord_n but_o first_o see_v that_o you_o understand_v it_o see_v that_o yourselves_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a testimony_n a_o man_n or_o woman_n will_v have_v very_o little_a peace_n or_o comfort_n in_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o that_o which_o either_o he_o know_v not_o or_o in_o heart_n believe_v not_o when_o a_o man_n believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v he_o speak_v that_o with_o his_o lip_n which_o his_o soul_n have_v first_o examine_v and_o he_o see_v bottom_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o heart_n agree_v and_o assent_v to_o this_o be_v his_o testimony_n take_v this_o note_n with_o you_o in_o every_o testimony_n let_v it_o be_v vocal_a or_o real_a let_v it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o faith_n not_o a_o testimony_n of_o faction_n and_o a_o mere_a run_v along_o with_o a_o cry_n like_o the_o rout_n of_o ephesus_n when_o act_n 19.32_o some_o cry_v one_o thing_n some_o another_o for_o the_o assembly_n be_v confuse_v and_o the_o more_o part_n know_v not_o wherefore_o they_o be_v come_v together_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v a_o love_a testimony_n or_o it_o be_v not_o accept_v faith_n and_o love_n mâ—st_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o those_o action_n that_o do_v or_o can_v speak_v any_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n receive_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o it_o be_v of_o no_o effect_n as_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n so_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v and_o not_o out_o of_o love_n be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n love_n be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o sweet_a savour_n to_o all_o our_o do_n and_o to_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o god_n if_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o give_v all_o my_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v if_o i_o have_v not_o love_n it_o be_v all_o nothing_o let_v a_o man_n give_v never_o so_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v not_o this_o out_o of_o love_n it_o be_v out_o of_o some_o evil_a principle_n of_o contradiction_n or_o faction_n or_o some_o stubbornness_n of_o spirit_n and_o god_n accept_v it_o not_o it_o be_v not_o a_o christian_n say_v i_o be_o for_o the_o true_a doctrine_n i_o be_o for_o pure_a worship_n and_o i_o be_o for_o the_o kingly_a government_n of_o christ_n but_o his_o do_v this_o out_o of_o a_o true_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o i_o fear_v in_o a_o crowd_n that_o give_v testimony_n in_o a_o evil_a time_n as_o that_o some_o testify_v they_o know_v not_o what_o so_o that_o other_o testify_v rather_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o contradiction_n or_o fullenness_n than_o out_o of_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o love_n to_o ordinance_n and_o truth_n hence_o you_o shall_v observe_v that_o as_o in_o a_o serene_a and_o fair_a time_n there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o professor_n that_o be_v like_o swallow_n that_o will_v stay_v with_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o summer_n time_n so_o you_o shall_v observe_v there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o that_o in_o a_o time_n of_o opposition_n especial_o when_o the_o persecution_n reach_v not_o high_a busy_a to_o give_v their_o testimony_n to_o truth_n which_o when_o they_o may_v embrace_v free_o they_o never_o regard_v and_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o you_o have_v a_o example_n of_o both_o these_o at_o home_n on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o have_v a_o company_n of_o professor_n that_o have_v now_o forsake_v we_o and_o flee_v and_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n in_o a_o time_n of_o temptation_n they_o be_v go_v away_o and_o you_o shall_v observe_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o that_o cry_v out_o late_o for_o sacrament_n and_o against_o rob_v christian_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n the_o great_a pledge_n of_o christ_n love_n now_o that_o none_o hinder_v their_o come_n to_o they_o they_o regard_v not_o the_o sacrament_n both_o these_o be_v sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n they_o give_v or_o think_v they_o give_v some_o testimony_n to_o their_o lord_n but_o their_o testimony_n be_v equal_o acceptable_a to_o god_n neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o be_v out_o of_o a_o love_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n but_o mere_o out_o of_o faction_n and_o turbulence_n of_o spirit_n or_o for_o some_o base_a worldly_a end_n i_o will_v have_v you_o own_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v have_v you_o fear_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o as_o you_o will_v fear_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o you_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i_o will_v have_v you_o confess_v he_o as_o you_o will_v have_v he_o to_o confess_v you_o as_o you_o will_v expect_v he_o shall_v confess_v you_o but_o be_v sure_a you_o give_v your_o testimony_n out_o of_o love_n as_o what_o you_o know_v and_o in_o heart_n true_o believe_v
and_o agree_v to_o so_o out_o of_o a_o burn_a love_n and_o zeal_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 3._o our_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o judicious_a testimony_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o god_n require_v when_o we_o swear_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n swear_v be_v a_o attestation_n a_o solemn_a attestation_n of_o a_o truth_n the_o testimony_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v to_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o oath_n though_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v if_o call_v to_o that_o but_o as_o it_o must_v be_v to_o the_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o judgement_n the_o judgement_n that_o i_o will_v have_v attend_v the_o testimony_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v be_v not_o a_o judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a the_o truth_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o will_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n too_o as_o it_o must_v bear_v if_o it_o bear_v any_o for_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o though_o truth_n all_o truth_n be_v a_o very_a sacred_a pin_n yet_o every_o such_o pin_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o will_v not_o bear_v a_o like_a weight_n i_o be_o afraid_a we_o have_v too_o loud_a a_o testimony_n to_o some_o truth_n which_o though_o they_o may_v have_v speak_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o love_n yet_o have_v not_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o christian_n such_o testimony_n be_v those_o the_o christian_n give_v rom._n 14._o for_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o yet_o christian_n on_o either_o side_n be_v too_o warm_a any_o christian_a be_v thus_o far_o bind_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o every_o truth_n as_o not_o to_o deny_v it_o 2._o in_o his_o own_o particular_a practice_n to_o own_o it_o but_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v a_o party_n for_o every_o truth_n now_o this_o depend_v upon_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o own_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o to_o practise_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o to_o which_o god_n will_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v contentious_a for_o god_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o latitude_n in_o they_o without_o hazard_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v give_v our_o testimony_n to_o truth_n with_o prudence_n a_o prudential_a judge_v of_o the_o weight_n and_o value_n of_o a_o truth_n before_o we_o give_v a_o zealous_a testimony_n to_o it_o 4._o our_o testimony_n must_v be_v with_o prudence_n prov._n 8.12_o i_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o prudence_n wisdom_n do_v often_o signify_v grace_n and_o true_o all_o true_a grace_n in_o a_o soul_n shall_v dwell_v with_o prudence_n we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n 10.16_o matth._n 10.16_o but_o as_o wise_a there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o prudence_n to_o be_v use_v in_o give_v our_o testimony_n to_o our_o lord_n our_o lord_n himself_o if_o you_o observe_v he_o do_v it_o with_o prudence_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o let_v our_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o prudence_n this_o prudence_n must_v not_o be_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deny_v any_o necessary_a truth_n or_o to_o dissemble_v so_o as_o to_o declare_v ourselves_o against_o it_o or_o not_o to_o own_v it_o for_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o prudencâ—_n as_o be_v oppose_v to_o impiety_n if_o there_o be_v a_o failure_n in_o piety_n there_o can_v be_v no_o prudence_n prudence_n do_v not_o so_o much_o respect_v the_o do_v or_o the_o not_o do_v of_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o do_v of_o it_o in_o general_n we_o then_o give_v our_o testimony_n with_o prudence_n when_o we_o give_v it_o without_o any_o just_a offence_n to_o jew_n gentile_n or_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n may_v be_v spoil_v by_o the_o height_n of_o our_o spirit_n through_o pride_n show_v in_o judge_v contemn_v and_o despise_v of_o other_o or_o through_o the_o boisterousness_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o spirit_n or_o by_o our_o noise_n and_o clamour_n so_o that_o to_o the_o prudence_n of_o a_o testimony_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v 1._o humility_n in_o opposition_n to_o pride_n pride_n be_v a_o coloquintida_n that_o make_v all_o our_o mess_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o god_n bitter_a god_n abhor_v the_o proud_a he_o abhor_v a_o haughty_a and_o contentious_a spirit_n he_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o he_o accept_v his_o testimony_n paul_n say_v act_v 20.19_o he_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o humility_n of_o mind_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v on_o humility_n of_o mind_n col._n 3.12_o and_o 1_o pet._n 5.5_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n humility_n be_v our_o garment_n a_o christian_a must_v do_v nothing_o but_o in_o humility_n in_o what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o vein_n of_o humility_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o our_o service_n to_o god_n where_o humility_n be_v want_v in_o that_o part_n a_o christian_a always_o walk_v naked_a and_o man_n see_v his_o shame_n a_o fastidious_a scornful_a contemn_v sufferer_n be_v no_o christian_a sufferer_n â—_o another_o thing_n be_v meekness_n with_o respect_n to_o passion_n this_o be_v often_o call_v for_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o put_v it_o on_o col._n 3.12_o and_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o instruct_v in_o meekness_n those_o that_o be_v without_o the_o apostle_n beseech_v you_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o christ_n meekness_n be_v oppose_v to_o frowardness_n and_o passion_n a_o passionate_a testimony_n to_o a_o truth_n be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o imprudent_a and_o indiscreet_a testimony_n the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o three_o thing_n that_o commend_v a_o testimony_n be_v courtesy_n in_o opposition_n to_o morosity_n and_o soureness_n when_o festus_n tell_v paul_n that_o much_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o mad_a he_o answer_v i_o be_o not_o mad_a most_o noble_a festus_n observe_v with_o how_o much_o compliment_n paul_n speak_v to_o festus_n and_o other_o while_o he_o be_v bear_v testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o soureness_n and_o morosity_n of_o a_o christian_n behaviour_n in_o bear_v his_o testimony_n make_v his_o testimony_n more_o unlovely_a and_o not_o so_o prudent_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v 4._o a_o four_o thing_n be_v peaceableness_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n must_v not_o strive_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o asperse_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o than_o the_o imprudence_n of_o a_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o the_o managery_n of_o his_o business_n 5._o your_o testimony_n unto_o god_n must_v be_v uniform_a and_o sincere_a it_o can_v be_v uniform_a if_o it_o be_v not_o sincere_a the_o testimony_n of_o the_o life_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lip_n you_o know_v a_o witness_n that_o contradict_v his_o testimony_n do_v by_o it_o make_v his_o testimony_n invalid_a he_o that_o live_v contrary_a to_o his_o profession_n give_v himself_o the_o lie_n he_o testify_v with_o his_o lip_n but_o he_o deni_v in_o his_o life_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o titus_n 1.16_o they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a you_o shall_v observe_v therefore_o that_o when_o the_o devil_n at_o any_o time_n give_v a_o testimony_n to_o a_o truth_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n they_o constant_o refuse_v and_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o speak_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v rather_o a_o dishonour_n and_o weaken_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o any_o strengthen_n and_o credit_n and_o confirmation_n a_o man_n that_o be_v holy_a in_o his_o life_n bear_v testimony_n with_o his_o lip_n be_v a_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n he_o by_o his_o mouth_n declare_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o by_o his_o life_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o do_v indeed_o not_o mock_v and_o dissemble_v with_o the_o world_n but_o he_o believe_v what_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v you_o shall_v see_v in_o some_o case_n some_o foolish_a witness_n do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a so_o a_o christian_a may_v do_v more_o mischief_n than_o good_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o own_n of_o it_o and_o profess_v to_o it_o 6._o let_v it_o be_v a_o bold_a and_o undaunted_a testimony_n he_o be_v a_o good_a witness_n in_o a_o cause_n who_o speak_v modest_o and_o with_o all_o
and_o become_v medicinal_a instead_o of_o be_v venomous_a our_o natural_a passion_n be_v correct_v either_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o grace_n the_o first_o work_v to_o its_o due_a height_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n towards_o it_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o give_v you_o a_o multitude_n of_o instance_n of_o heathen_n in_o this_o case_n from_o the_o operation_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n but_o alas_o what_o be_v the_o force_n of_o that_o operation_n compare_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n powerful_o command_v and_o bow_v of_o our_o soul_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o commend_v to_o we_o the_o infinite_a divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n o_o the_o felicity_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o my_o text_n give_v a_o true_a account_n of_o he_o he_o swim_v like_o cork_n upon_o the_o water_n of_o all_o affliction_n all_o trouble_n you_o can_v sink_v he_o he_o lie_v like_o flint_n in_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n and_o be_v only_o purge_v and_o make_v more_o clean_a and_o bright_a by_o it_o evil_n come_v to_o he_o as_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v to_o his_o lord_n but_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o he_o because_o they_o meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o he_o to_o make_v they_o bitter_a and_o heavy_a 2._o nay_o here_o be_v not_o all_o affliction_n do_v not_o only_o not_o hurt_v he_o but_o they_o prove_v of_o exceed_v great_a &_o high_a advantage_n to_o he_o he_o be_v not_o only_o not_o distress_v but_o he_o be_v refine_v purge_v and_o make_v more_o white_a they_o be_v to_o he_o as_o the_o refine_n pot_n for_o the_o silver_n and_o the_o furnace_n for_o the_o gold_n he_o be_v not_o only_o not_o in_o despair_n but_o his_o tribulation_n work_v patience_n and_o patience_n experience_n and_o experience_n hope_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o will_v not_o make_v his_o soul_n ashamed_a he_o be_v not_o only_o not_o forsake_v but_o he_o ordinary_o never_a more_o experience_v the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o the_o most_o high_a god_n he_o be_v not_o only_o not_o destroy_v but_o through_o much_o tribulation_n he_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n his_o light_n and_o momentany_a affliction_n work_v for_o he_o a_o far_o more_o eternal_a and_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o turn_v unto_o he_o for_o a_o testimony_n luke_n 21._o v._o 13._o but_o of_o this_o argument_n i_o may_v possible_o speak_v more_o hereafter_o use_v four_o four_o this_o discourse_n show_v the_o vanity_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o trouble_v the_o people_n of_o god_n on_o every_o side_n perplex_v persecute_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o down_o they_o only_o satisfy_v their_o malice_n treasure_v up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n that_o be_v all_o it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a fruit_n of_o a_o enemy_n malice_n if_o he_o can_v break_v one_o spirit_n distress_n he_o put_v he_o into_o despair_n destroy_v he_o what_o do_v julian_n get_v by_o all_o his_o rage_n when_o he_o be_v at_o last_o but_o put_v to_o it_o in_o a_o rage_n to_o throw_v his_o dagger_n up_o to_o heaven_n and_o cry_n vicisti_fw-la galilaee_n o_o thou_o galilean_a thou_o have_v overcome_v when_o wicked_a man_n have_v do_v their_o worst_a if_o they_o can_v put_v christian_n into_o distress_n into_o despair_n etc._n etc._n they_o must_v at_o last_o cry_v their_o enemy_n be_v conqueror_n yea_o they_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o christ_n that_o love_v they_o what_o do_v that_o bloody_a bishop_n bonner_n get_v by_o all_o his_o rage_n when_o he_o be_v force_v at_o last_o to_o cry_v out_o a_o vengeance_n on_o they_o i_o think_v they_o love_v to_o burn_v nay_o their_o vanity_n appear_v yet_o further_o in_o this_o they_o can_v only_o not_o break_v their_o spirit_n or_o spoil_v their_o joy_n or_o hope_n but_o they_o common_o add_v to_o they_o christian_n ordinary_o never_o find_v more_o peace_n more_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n more_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o own_o spirit_n more_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v many_o that_o can_v say_v before_o we_o be_v hunt_v and_o persecute_v we_o have_v more_o doubt_n more_o fear_n of_o our_o eternal_a state_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o spiritual_a habit_n since_o we_o be_v thus_o hunt_v god_n have_v not_o so_o fill_v we_o with_o his_o terror_n we_o have_v not_o so_o many_o doubt_n or_o fear_n we_o live_v in_o a_o clear_a view_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n and_o we_o have_v learn_v less_o to_o go_v astray_o use_v 5_o five_o this_o discourse_n ought_v to_o quicken_v every_o one_o to_o inquire_v whether_o he_o or_o she_o be_v of_o those_o who_o if_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o meet_v with_o the_o trouble_v mention_v in_o in_o this_o text_n yet_o may_v hope_v to_o meet_v with_o the_o relief_n and_o support_v of_o the_o text._n you_o will_v say_v to_o i_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o i_o answer_v if_o we_o wist_o look_v upon_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v after_o in_o this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o conclude_v what_o we_o may_v hope_v for_o in_o a_o day_n of_o trouble_n of_o this_o nature_n 1._o see_v v._o 6._o these_o that_o saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o that_o god_n who_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v into_o their_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n god_n make_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o shine_v into_o man_n heart_n for_o a_o double_a end_n to_o show_v they_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n to_o everlasting_a life_n that_o their_o own_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n hence_o enlighten_v regenerate_v soul_n who_o be_v once_o darkness_n be_v say_v to_o become_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n eph._n 5.8_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v communicate_v this_o light_n unto_o other_o either_o by_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n and_o conversation_n upon_o which_o account_n as_o well_o other_o as_o minister_n be_v compare_v matth._n 5._o to_o a_o light_n light_v up_o in_o a_o house_n and_o command_v that_o their_o light_n shall_v shine_v unto_o man_n that_o man_n may_v see_v their_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v not_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o latter_a only_o but_o of_o the_o former_a also_o person_n into_o who_o soul_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v receive_v christ_n as_o their_o saviour_n believe_v in_o he_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o psal_n 91._o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a shall_v abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a such_o as_o have_v choose_v god_n for_o their_o god_n christ_n for_o their_o saviour_n as_o have_v say_v of_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v my_o refuge_n and_o my_o fortress_n my_o god_n in_o he_o i_o will_v trust_v these_o be_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v from_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o foul_a etc._n etc._n and_o of_o who_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o 2._o second_o they_o be_v such_o as_o suffer_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o call_n to_o which_o god_n have_v call_v they_o paul_n here_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v a_o ministry_n v._o 1._o and_o discharge_v it_o faithful_o not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o v._o 2._o such_o as_o preach_v not_o themselves_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 5._o god_n be_v present_a with_o man_n in_o their_o calling_n not_o in_o their_o extravagance_n if_o good_a man_n will_v go_v out_o of_o their_o road_n they_o must_v not_o expect_v god_n company_n or_o christ_n presence_n with_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n in_o which_o god_n have_v set_v they_o in_o the_o station_n wherein_o god_n have_v fix_v they_o and_o meet_v with_o trouble_n on_o every_o side_n they_o may_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v distress_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o despair_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v forsake_v 3._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o have_v renounce_v the_o thing_n of_o dishonesty_n and_o commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n v._o 2._o such_o as_o the_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v manifest_a in_o their_o mortal_a flesh_n v._o 11._o a_o good_a man_n may_v find_v himself_o distress_v in_o a_o day_n when_o trouble_n be_v on_o every_o
as_o to_o this_o which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v to_o they_o who_o love_v his_o appearance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o guilt_n it_o be_v not_o pay_v for_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n appearance_n shall_v be_v judge_v a_o proportionable_a price_n to_o a_o crown_n a_o crown_n be_v a_o thing_n above_o a_o purchase_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v call_v so_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o his_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o 8.30_o isa_n 53.11_o rom._n 8.30_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v say_v the_o apostle_n the_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v sprinkle_a with_o his_o blood_n before_o we_o can_v have_v any_o entrance_n into_o they_o he_o die_v as_o well_o as_o ascend_v that_o he_o may_v prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o in_o those_o bless_a mansion_n the_o saint_n crown_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n 3._o three_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v with_o reference_n to_o god_n righteousness_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o take_v righteousness_n as_o signify_v justice_n or_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n if_o we_o take_v righteousness_n as_o signify_v justice_n if_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a 1.9_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n god_n be_v just_a to_o give_v his_o son_n the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o fruit_n of_o his_o purchase_n if_o we_o take_v it_o as_o signify_v truth_n or_o faithfulness_n so_o also_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v a_o promise_a reward_n what_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o many_o promise_n stand_v engage_v for_o 4._o last_o it_o be_v also_o a_o crown_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o ample_a reward_n of_o our_o righteousness_n the_o reward_n not_o of_o debt_n but_o of_o grace_n estius_n will_v have_v it_o call_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n because_o purchase_v or_o merit_v by_o our_o work_n or_o our_o righteousness_n but_o that_o place_n psal_n 103.4_o much_o trouble_v he_o 103.4_o psal_n 103.4_o who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n he_o pretend_v some_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o that_o be_v the_o least_o we_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n god_n use_v not_o to_o crown_v menstruous_a clothes_n or_o filthy_a rag_n he_o use_v not_o to_o crown_v our_o work_n but_o his_o own_o work_n in_o we_o yea_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o his_o people_n isaiah_n 28.5_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o a_o diadem_n of_o beauty_n for_o the_o residue_n of_o his_o people_n 3._o qu._n how_o be_v this_o crown_n say_v to_o be_v lay_v up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n colos_n 1.5_o for_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o you_o in_o heaven_n critic_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o a_o lay_v aside_o or_o lay_v up_o as_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o a_o future_a use_n or_o a_o future_a provision_n as_o when_o man_n lay_v up_o for_o their_o child_n so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o use_v in_o mat._n 25._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n to_o express_v the_o action_n of_o he_o who_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n lay_v it_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n once_o in_o scripture_n i_o find_v it_o use_v in_o another_o sense_n heb._n 9.27_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o that_o by_o the_o way_n give_v some_o further_a light_n into_o this_o text_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o they_o matth._n 25.34_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o word_n import_v 1._o the_o preparation_n or_o designation_n of_o something_o for_o the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n 2._o the_o reservation_n of_o it_o or_o the_o safe_a keep_n of_o it_o for_o those_o person_n for_o who_o it_o be_v so_o design_v and_o prepare_v there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n design_v by_o god_n for_o some_o lay_v up_o in_o god_n decree_n and_o eternal_a thought_n for_o they_o from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o that_o be_v safe_o reserve_v and_o keep_v for_o they_o secure_v by_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n will_v and_o counsel_n for_o he_o be_v not_o as_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o proposition_n i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o prop._n 2._o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v this_o crown_n must_v be_v such_o who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o who_o love_n the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o q._n 1._o what_o be_v this_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o good_a fight_n 2._o what_o fight_v be_v here_o mean_v 1._o the_o call_n of_o it_o the_o good_a fight_n import_v that_o there_o be_v some_o bad_a fight_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o fight_v against_o god_n this_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n in_o all_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o rebellion_n which_o samuel_n say_v be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n it_o be_v the_o rebellion_n of_o the_o creature_n against_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o clay_n against_o the_o potter_n of_o the_o child_n against_o the_o father_n it_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v always_o bad_a in_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o brier_n and_o thorn_n against_o god_n in_o battle_n a_o kick_n against_o the_o prick_n as_o our_o lord_n tell_v paul_n act_v 9_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v always_o full_a of_o hector_n hardy_a enough_o to_o engage_v in_o this_o fight_n there_o be_v such_o as_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o indeed_o all_o sinner_n be_v such_o in_o heart_n though_o they_o some_o of_o they_o keep_v their_o hand_n in_o their_o pocket_n but_o such_o persecutor_n and_o such_o as_o set_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n such_o as_o set_v themselves_o against_o a_o gospel-ministry_n and_o against_o holiness_n these_o be_v all_o fighter_n against_o god_n this_o now_o be_v the_o bad_a fight_n material_o bad_a and_o what_o will_v be_v find_v so_o eventual_o 2._o there_o be_v also_o a_o fight_v against_o man_n on_o civil_a account_n which_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n indeed_o most_o war_n be_v so_o at_o least_o on_o one_o side_n war_n be_v state_n physic_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o use_v and_o make_v they_o be_v good_a otherwise_o they_o be_v bad_a in_o all_o war_n one_o army_n be_v make_v up_o of_o murderer_n both_o side_n can_v be_v right_o we_o be_v command_v to_o seek_v peace_n and_o ensue_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n war_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v as_o sport_n the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o translate_v good_a signify_v fair_a wholesome_a noble_a excellent_a thus_o you_o read_v of_o the_o tree_n that_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 7.17_o and_o christ_n say_v that_o the_o woman_n which_o have_v spend_v her_o box_n of_o ointment_n upon_o he_o have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a work_n mat._n 26.10_o that_o be_v a_o excellent_a noble_a praiseworthy_a work_n as_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o next_o word_n expound_v himself_o say_v that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v that_o which_o she_o have_v do_v shall_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o but_o what_o be_v this_o good_a fight_n which_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v fight_v he_o expound_v himself_o 1_o tim._n 6.12_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o combatant_n grace_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o get_v the_o victory_n but_o who_o be_v the_o enemy_n with_o which_o this_o good_a fight_n be_v to_o be_v fight_v who_o can_v they_o be_v but_o the_o three_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n paul_n fight_v they_o all_o and_o so_o must_v every_o one_o fight_v they_o all_o who_o will_v put_v in_o his_o claim_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o
and_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v our_o lot_n 2._o another_o root_n of_o this_o bitterness_n have_v be_v those_o passion_n that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v be_v subject_a to_o elijah_n be_v a_o great_a man_n of_o god_n yet_o jam_fw-la 5.17_o elias_n be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n tell_v they_o 1_o cor._n 3.3_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o jam._n 4.5_o that_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o lu_v to_o envy_v envy_n be_v a_o peevish_a passion_n it_o make_v we_o to_o repine_v at_o the_o good_a of_o another_o and_o though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v root_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n and_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n yet_o something_o of_o it_o remain_v and_o it_o be_v very_o often_o see_v that_o when_o some_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n excel_v other_o in_o part_n or_o in_o grace_n or_o private_a christian_n so_o exceed_v through_o this_o lust_n of_o envy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o censure_n and_o to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o other_o grudge_v at_o they_o which_o be_v all_o fruit_n of_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v in_o we_o strife_n and_o contention_n act_v 15.39_o and_o the_o contention_n be_v so_o sharp_a betwixt_o they_o that_o they_o depart_v asunder_o one_o from_o the_o other_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v so_o very_o small_a that_o it_o be_v only_a whether_o they_o shall_v carry_v john_n with_o they_o yea_o or_o no_o but_o it_o wax_v so_o hot_a that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n upon_o it_o leave_v one_o another_o paul_n go_v one_o way_n and_o barnabas_n go_v another_o way_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o cause_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o incident_a to_o they_o who_o promote_v the_o gospel_n 2._o but_o a_o second_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o raise_v up_o affliction_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v false_a brethren_n man_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o who_o from_o some_o lust_n will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o become_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o and_o that_o chief_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o broach_v and_o publish_v some_o doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n experience_v some_o of_o these_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o gospel_n preach_v in_o galatia_n but_o there_o arise_v some_o that_o trouble_v they_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n call_v the_o jew_n those_o of_o the_o concision_n st._n john_n tell_v you_o of_o many_o antichrist_n that_o arise_v in_o his_o time_n so_o as_o you_o read_v something_o of_o this_o in_o almost_o every_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o thing_n have_v constant_o give_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n to_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o also_o they_o who_o have_v be_v the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o asperse_v the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o lessen_v their_o reputation_n and_o make_v they_o odious_a unto_o people_n sometime_o affix_v crime_n to_o they_o that_o they_o never_o design_v in_o their_o heart_n sometime_o by_o asperse_v they_o as_o weak_a &_o unlearned_a man_n you_o shall_v see_v this_o be_v a_o great_a be_v they_o use_v against_o st._n paul_n as_o you_o will_v observe_v by_o read_v over_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n and_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n this_o make_v he_o speak_v so_o much_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o in_o the_o commendation_n and_o magnify_v of_o his_o office_n nay_o they_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o reprobate_n they_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o which_o cause_v he_o to_o say_v since_o you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o which_o to_o you-ward_o be_v not_o weak_a &_o v._o 4._o for_o we_o also_o be_v weak_a in_o he_o but_o we_o shall_v live_v with_o he_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o say_v v._o 6._o but_o i_o trust_v you_o shall_v know_v we_o be_v not_o reprobate_n v._o 7._o i_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o you_o do_v no_o evil_a but_o that_o you_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v honest_a though_o we_o be_v as_o reprobate_n these_o be_v a_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o affliction_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o it_o now_o the_o root_n of_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o wrath_n and_o malice_n and_o envy_n lust_n live_v and_o reign_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o who_o though_o they_o have_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o they_o never_o receive_v it_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v those_o affliction_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o their_o profession_n from_o the_o open_a and_o profess_v enemy_n of_o it_o now_o these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o in_o their_o cause_n in_o their_o kind_n in_o short_a they_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o external_a affliction_n man_n can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o hurt_v the_o outward_a man_n but_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v they_o will_v go_v reproach_n and_o calumny_n respect_v man_n in_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n rifle_v their_o estate_n cast_v they_o into_o prison_n take_v away_o their_o life_n in_o short_a whatsoever_o can_v be_v afflictive_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o external_a affliction_n but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o true_a and_o sincere_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v meet_v with_o james_n be_v kill_v with_o the_o sword_n stephen_n be_v stone_v to_o death_n the_o apostle_n be_v often_o imprison_v other_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v have_v trial_n of_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n yea_o of_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n they_o be_v stone_v they_o be_v saw_v asunder_o they_o be_v tempt_v they_o be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n they_o wander_v about_o in_o sheepskin_n and_o in_o goatskin_n be_v torment_v of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a the_o story_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o story_n of_o the_o several_a martyr_n do_v sufficient_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o why_o the_o gospel_n shall_v suffer_v such_o thing_n or_o man_n shall_v suffer_v such_o thing_n for_o the_o publish_n own_v and_o profess_v the_o gospel_n may_v seem_v a_o little_a wonderful_a and_o deserve_v a_o further_a enquiry_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o very_a import_n of_o the_o word_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o good_a message_n or_o good_a tiding_n the_o angel_n give_v the_o gospel_n its_o true_a name_n when_o he_o proclaim_v luke_n 2.10_o behold_v i_o bring_v you_o good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n so_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a system_a of_o the_o gospel_n that_o can_v deserve_v any_o hatred_n of_o it_o the_o gospel_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o good_a say_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v have_v everlasting_a life_n what_o have_v christ_n do_v or_o what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o shall_v provoke_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n to_o give_v any_o opposition_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o affliction_n entail_v to_o the_o gospel_n 1._o i_o answer_v the_o true_a root_n of_o this_o lie_v in_o that_o enmity_n which_o god_n have_v set_v betwixt_o the_o woman_n and_o her_o seed_n and_o the_o serpent_n and_o his_o seed_n you_o have_v it_o gen._n 3.15_o and_o i_o will_v put_v enmity_n betwixt_o thou_o and_o the_o woman_n and_o betwixt_o thy_o seed_n and_o her_o seed_n the_o woman_n seed_n be_v christ_n the_o serpent_n seed_n be_v vile_a wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n there_o be_v a_o enmity_n a_o implacable_a enmity_n betwixt_o these_o two_o and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o world_n endure_v this_o enmity_n will_v abide_v and_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v manage_v a_o design_n to_o drive_v christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n
as_o much_o discredit_n so_o as_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o strict_a professor_n of_o it_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o gospel_n at_o first_o act_v 28.22_o for_o as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o every_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v against_o now_o be_v the_o time_n for_o a_o man_n to_o try_v himself_o whether_o he_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v see_v it_o in_o the_o very_a time_n that_o we_o have_v live_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o have_v be_v a_o credit_n unto_o man_n it_o have_v be_v man_n great_a honour_n to_o profess_v the_o gospel_n with_o the_o great_a strictness_n god_n have_v turn_v the_o table_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o now_o live_v in_o a_o time_n when_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v isa_n 59.14_o 15._o judgement_n be_v turn_v away_o backward_o and_o justice_n stand_v afar_o off_o for_o truth_n be_v fall_v in_o the_o street_n and_o equity_n will_v not_o enter_v and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_n make_v himself_o a_o prey_n when_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n now_o if_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o a_o man_n think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o truth_n or_o christ_n to_o own_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o christ_n this_o maâ—_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d hint_v to_o you_o before_o there_o be_v a_o differenâ—â—_n betwixt_o be_v afraid_a and_o be_v ashamed_a 〈◊〉_d good_a christian_a may_v be_v sometime_o afraid_a 〈◊〉_d a_o day_n of_o great_a temptation_n but_o he_o be_v never_o ashamed_a but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o profess_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o own_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o this_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o if_o a_o christian_a at_o such_o a_o time_n findeâ—â—_n his_o heart_n cleave_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n though_o he_o may_v be_v under_o some_o temptation_n of_o fear_n and_o 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d so_o much_o as_o another_o it_o be_v a_o great_a infirmity_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n testimony_n 2._o when_o no_o temptation_n can_v prevail_v upon_o as_o to_o live_v a_o conversation_n contrary_n to_o the_o gospel_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o double_a testimony_n to_o the_o lord_n a_o vocal_a testimony_n and_o a_o real_a testimony_n we_o give_v a_o real_a testimony_n unto_o christ_n when_o we_o dare_v practical_o live_v up_o to_o the_o avow_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o vile_a and_o worst_a of_o time_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o vocal_a as_o well_o as_o a_o real_a testimony_n and_o a_o good_a christian_n do_v not_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o mere_a live_n up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o there_o be_v something_o more_o require_v of_o a_o christian_n than_o this_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o neither_o do_v a_o christian_a give_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o open_o profess_v and_o ow_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o its_o enemy_n unless_o he_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o nay_o indeed_o that_o man_n who_o talk_v for_o the_o gospel_n and_o live_v not_o up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o give_v a_o testimony_n against_o the_o lord_n instead_o of_o give_v a_o testimony_n for_o he_o what_o have_v any_o man_n to_o do_v to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o god_n into_o his_o mouth_n when_o he_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n behind_o his_o back_n but_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n who_o true_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o apostatise_v and_o decline_a time_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o his_o testimony_n though_o perhaps_o some_o fear_n of_o temptation_n may_v not_o make_v he_o so_o bold_a for_o god_n as_o another_o yea_o as_o some_o hypocritical_a and_o false_a professor_n 3._o when_o a_o man_n be_v true_o afflict_v for_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 11.29_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o when_o a_o good_a christian_a can_v say_v of_o himself_o and_o say_v it_o in_o truth_n what_o minister_n what_o good_a christian_n what_o companion_n of_o christ_n be_v afflict_v and_o persecute_v and_o i_o be_o not_o afflict_v for_o they_o i_o burn_v not_o in_o their_o fire_n now_o this_o sympathy_n with_o our_o fellow-member_n when_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n will_v discover_v itself_o many_o way_n 1._o it_o be_v first_o discernible_a a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n when_o no_o circumstance_n of_o a_o man_n felicity_n or_o prosperity_n can_v balance_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o you_o have_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o nehemiah_n chap._n 2._o v._n 1._o he_o be_v cupbearer_n to_o the_o king_n and_o have_v not_o use_v before_o to_o be_v sad_a in_o his_o presence_n v._o 2._o the_o king_n say_v unto_o i_o why_o be_v thy_o countenance_n sad_a see_v thou_o be_v not_o sick_a this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n he_o answer_v v._o 3._o why_o shall_v not_o my_o countenance_n be_v sad_a when_o the_o city_n the_o place_n of_o my_o father_n sepulcher_n lie_v waste_v and_o the_o gate_n thereof_o be_v consume_v with_o fire_n it_o be_v say_v esther_n 3.15_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n sit_v down_o to_o drink_v but_o the_o city_n shiâ—â—â—â—_n be_v perplex_v that_o man_n be_v not_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o can_v so_o down_o to_o drink_v that_o can_v be_v merry_a as_o at_o other_o time_n when_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v underfoot_n but_o that_o man_n be_v a_o true_a partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o heart_n burn_v for_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2._o our_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o be_v evident_a when_o we_o do_v what_o in_o 〈◊〉_d lie_v to_o relieve_v they_o communicate_v with_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o their_o affliction_n help_v to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6.2_o so_o than_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o christian_n to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n they_o shall_v bear_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o spirit_n have_v great_a sorrow_n of_o heart_n and_o affliction_n they_o shall_v bear_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n when_o ever_o we_o go_v to_o god_n as_o the_o highpriest_n carry_v upon_o his_o breast_n the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n so_o we_o shall_v carry_v the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o true_a professor_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o name_n of_o all_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o shall_v help_v and_o bear_v they_o with_o our_o hand_n too_o remember_v those_o who_o be_v bind_v as_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v with_o they_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n use_v 3_o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v i_o persuade_v with_o you_o a_o little_a for_o this_o duty_n of_o not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o his_o prisoner_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n now_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o branch_n of_o application_n i_o will_v inquire_v 1._o to_o what_o of_o christ_n this_o testimony_n be_v due_a whether_o to_o all_o proposition_n concern_v christ_n or_o to_o some_o only_o 2._o what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n it_o must_v be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v of_o the_o lord_n 3._o what_o argument_n ought_v to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n 4._o what_o direction_n may_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o case_n qu._n 1._o to_o what_o of_o christ_n be_v this_o testimony_n due_a the_o proper_a object_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v a_o proposition_n or_o a_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o one_o or_o the_o other_o now_o the_o proposition_n that_o relate_v unto_o christ_n be_v of_o several_a nature_n of_o different_a nature_n and_o of_o different_a moment_n some_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n some_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n some_o concern_v the_o kingly_a office_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n some_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n i_o know_v no_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o debtor_n to_o and_o aught_o to_o bear_v a_o testimony_n unto_o