it_o be_v needless_a for_o the_o man_n be_v good_a already_o else_o the_o work_n can_v not_o have_v be_v good_a we_o may_v therefore_o say_v work_n be_v rather_o justify_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o man_n than_o his_o person_n by_o the_o work_n and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a thing_n to_o look_v for_o justification_n from_o that_o which_o thou_o thyself_o must_v first_o justify_v afore_o it_o be_v just_a if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n against_o justification_n by_o work_n but_o this_o this_o be_v sufficient_a second_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o till_o a_o man_n be_v call_v and_o his_o person_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v all_o that_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v sin_n 1._o his_o common_a action_n his_o eat_n drink_v sleep_a walk_a talk_a be_v all_o sin_n yea_o 2._o the_o work_n of_o his_o call_n &_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o same_o though_o never_o so_o just_a equal_a and_o upright_o 3._o further_o his_o civil_a action_n namely_o the_o practice_n of_o civil_a virtue_n his_o 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and_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o sin_n in_o he_o that_o be_v the_o doer_n of_o it_o as_o clear_a water_n pure_a in_o the_o fountain_n be_v corrupt_v or_o poison_v by_o run_v through_o a_o filthy_a and_o pollute_a channel_n so_o be_v even_o the_o best_a action_n sin_n as_o even_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o a_o minister_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o cleanse_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o person_n accept_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o repent_v not_o shall_v be_v his_o condemnation_n cain_n sin_v not_o only_o in_o hate_v and_o murder_v his_o brother_n in_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v with_o god_n but_o cain_n sin_v also_o even_o in_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o abel_n sacrifice_n have_v be_v a_o damnable_a sin_n but_o that_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o in_o the_o work_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o action_n acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o 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all_o thy_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a deprive_v thy_o flesh_n of_o all_o delight_n build_v church_n college_n bridge_n highway_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o may_v come_v a_o poor_a shepherd_n and_o for_o his_o keep_n of_o his_o sheep_n be_v accept_v when_o thou_o with_o all_o this_o pomp_n of_o outward_a holiness_n may_v be_v reject_v and_o why_o this_o only_o because_o he_o have_v faith_n &_o thou_o have_v none_o his_o person_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v not_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v my_o counsel_n from_o abel_n labour_v not_o so_o much_o to_o work_v glorious_a work_n as_o that_o which_o thou_o do_v do_v it_o in_o faith_n faith_n make_v the_o mean_a work_n accept_v and_o want_v of_o faith_n make_v the_o most_o glorious_a work_v reject_v for_o so_o faith_n the_o text._n abel_n must_v be_v accept_v else_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o thus_o we_o see_v abel_n be_v just_a and_o god_n so_o account_v he_o the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o god_n give_v testimony_n he_o be_v so_o in_o these_o word_n god_n give_v testimony_n what_o testimony_n it_o be_v that_o god_n give_v of_o abel_n and_o his_o gift_n it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o when_o he_o &_o cain_n offer_v god_n in_o special_a mercy_n send_v fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o burn_v up_o abel_n sacrifice_n but_o not_o cain_n for_o so_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n often_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v show_v that_o he_o accept_v any_o man_n or_o his_o work_n he_o answer_v they_o by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n so_o he_o burn_v up_o the_o first_o sacrifice_n that_o aaron_n offer_v levit._n 9.24_o so_o he_o answer_v solomon_n 2._o chron._n 7.1_o and_o so_o elias_n 2._o king_n 18.28_o and_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o accept_v abel_n and_o his_o offering_n this_o be_v a_o great_a prerogative_n that_o abel_n and_o the_o father_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v we_o have_v not_o this_o but_o we_o have_v a_o great_a for_o we_o have_v that_o that_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o truth_n and_o body_n of_o this_o for_o we_o have_v also_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o spirit_n come_v down_o into_o our_o heart_n every_o day_n not_o visible_o but_o spiritual_o and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o believer_n his_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o light_v the_o light_n of_o true_a faith_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v put_v out_o the_o use_n hereof_o be_v this_o as_o no_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o old_a law_n please_v god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v burn_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n send_v down_o either_o then_o or_o afore_o so_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v our_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n our_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n our_o duty_n of_o religion_n our_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n never_o please_v god_n unless_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n purge_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v from_o a_o believe_v and_o repentant_a heart_n both_o which_o be_v kindle_v and_o light_v and_o daily_o continue_v by_o that_o fire_n of_o god_n spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n say_v 1._o tim._n 1.4_o that_o love_n must_v come_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o work_n of_o love_n come_v from_o this_o purge_a heart_n ascend_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o smoke_n of_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n and_o be_v as_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o of_o what_o do_v god_n thus_o testify_v of_o his_o gift_n it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v at_o the_o first_o how_o can_v abel_n give_v a_o gift_n to_o god_n have_v the_o lord_n need_v of_o any_o thing_n and_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n his_o i_o answer_v god_n be_v sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o creature_n yet_o have_v he_o so_o give_v his_o creature_n unto_o man_n to_o use_v as_o that_o they_o become_v man_n own_o and_o so_o he_o may_v esteem_v &_o use_v they_o and_o be_v man_n a_o man_n may_v in_o token_n of_o his_o thankfulness_n return_v they_o again_o to_o god_n especial_o see_v god_n accept_v they_o be_v so_o offer_v as_o most_o free_a gift_n this_o show_v we_o first_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v a_o gift_n offer_v of_o his_o own_o even_o as_o though_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o to_o offer_v 2._o see_v here_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o old_a and_o
at_o the_o punishment_n belong_v unto_o they_o how_o can_v this_o be_v but_o that_o howsoever_o he_o grant_n there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o revenge_v the_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n &_o therefore_o he_o never_o fear_v nor_o shrink_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o nor_o fly_v at_o all_o from_o his_o revenge_a hand_n but_o plod_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o fear_n three_o man_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n justice_n for_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v to_o wink_v at_o sin_n in_o no_o man_n but_o to_o condemn_v and_o punish_v it_o wheresoever_o he_o find_v it_o by_o inflict_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o it_o but_o man_n deny_v this_o justice_n for_o though_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n law_n and_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o of_o it_o yet_o he_o persuade_v himself_o there_o be_v no_o curse_n nor_o punishment_n due_a for_o it_o at_o least_o that_o he_o shall_v escape_v it_o nay_o though_o he_o see_v never_o so_o many_o before_o he_o punish_v for_o the_o same_o sin_n yet_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o blind_a and_o so_o corrupt_a he_o think_v for_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o light_v on_o he_o and_o it_o be_v lamentable_a yet_o most_o true_a that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o ignorant_a man_n be_v a_o mere_a idol_n a_o god_n make_v all_o of_o mercy_n and_o which_o have_v no_o justice_n in_o he_o at_o all_o &_o their_o sin_n they_o careless_o lay_v all_o on_o christ_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o in_o this_o conceit_n they_o care_v not_o how_o ignorant_o how_o loose_o how_o profane_o they_o live_v and_o their_o heart_n never_o have_v a_o reverend_a and_o awful_a thought_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o pitiful_a imagination_n that_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n have_v of_o god_n all_o these_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o evident_a scripture_n the_o first_o in_o the_o psalm_n where_o david_n bring_v in_o the_o wicked_a say_v to_o themselves_o god_n have_v forget_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n 13._o he_o will_v not_o see_v he_o will_v not_o regard_v the_o second_o by_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o rabsakeh_n who_o utter_v with_o his_o tongue_n that_o which_o all_o man_n heart_n think_v by_o nature_n etc._n what_o god_n can_v deliver_v you_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n the_o three_o isaiah_n prove_v apparent_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o wicked_a say_v we_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o death_n 28.15_o and_o with_o hell_n be_v we_o at_o agreement_n though_o a_o scourge_n run_v over_o and_o pass_v through_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v at_o us._n thus_o both_o scripture_n and_o plain_a demonstration_n prove_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n deny_v god_n presence_n power_n and_o justice_n and_o therefore_o be_v by_o nature_n a_o plain_a atheist_n not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v god_n indâ—ede_o now_o furthermore_o there_o be_v 4._o sort_n of_o people_n that_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o atheism_n first_o suâ—h_o as_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v open_o be_v there_o a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o dare_v dispute_v the_o question_n and_o at_o last_o avouch_v there_o be_v none_o but_o that_o all_o matter_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v nothing_o but_o device_n of_o politic_a man_n to_o keep_v simple_a man_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o make_v fool_n fain_o but_o these_o themselves_o be_v fool_n of_o all_o fool_n and_o the_o devil_n devise_v that_o impious_a conceit_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o miserable_a blindness_n there_o have_v be_v such_o fool_n in_o all_o age_n yet_o in_o old_a time_n as_o david_n say_v these_o fool_n do_v but_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n 14.1_o but_o now_o the_o fool_n of_o these_o last_o &_o rot_a age_n be_v ripe_a in_o their_o folly_n and_o they_o dare_v say_v with_o their_o mouth_n there_o be_v no_o god_n these_o be_v monster_n in_o nature_n and_o devil_n incarnate_a worse_o than_o the_o devil_n himself_o for_o he_o in_o judgement_n never_o be_v a_o atheist_n these_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v &_o hate_v worse_o than_o toad_n &_o adder_n and_o if_o such_o a_o one_o can_v be_v convict_v by_o any_o lawful_a evidence_n if_o ever_o heretic_n or_o traitor_n deserve_a death_n such_o a_o one_o deserve_v ten_o death_n as_o be_v a_o traitor_n to_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o nature_n herself_o and_o though_o these_o wretch_n say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o make_v they_o a_o god_n of_o themselves_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o affection_n to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o their_o profit_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v a_o god_n but_o a_o false_a god_n these_o have_v be_v in_o all_o country_n and_o in_o most_o age_n as_o history_n do_v show_v some_o worship_v the_o sun_n some_o the_o moon_n some_o star_n some_o beast_n bird_n fish_n some_o dead_a idol_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n or_o metal_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n &_o no_o better_o be_v some_o in_o these_o church_n where_o the_o true_a god_n be_v worship_v for_o the_o apostle_n say_v covetousness_n be_v idolatry_n for_o if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v set_v whole_o on_o riches_n than_o the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n be_v his_o god_n and_o to_o other_o who_o affection_n be_v all_o on_o pleasure_n their_o belly_n be_v their_o god_n let_v these_o man_n hold_v in_o judgement_n as_o they_o can_v their_o practice_n i_o be_o sure_a proclaim_v atheism_n the_o three_o sort_n be_v such_o as_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n but_o in_o a_o false_a manner_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v 3._o principal_a sort_n first_o turk_n second_o jew_n who_o hold_v the_o true_a god_n but_o deny_v the_o trinity_n of_o person_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o christ._n three_o the_o true_a papist_n hold_v in_o word_n one_o god_n &_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n as_o we_o do_v but_o look_v at_o their_o doctrine_n and_o if_o their_o word_n have_v any_o natural_a meaning_n they_o deny_v it_o for_o if_o the_o second_o person_n be_v true_a christ_n then_o have_v he_o two_o nature_n godhead_n and_o manhood_n but_o by_o their_o feign_a transubstantiation_n they_o quite_o take_v away_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o manhood_n and_o again_o christ_n have_v three_o office_n he_o be_v the_o true_a king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o his_o church_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o he_o be_v not_o christ_n but_o the_o papist_n doctrine_n in_o plain_a word_n and_o necessary_a consequence_n deny_v they_o all_o as_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v unto_o their_o shame_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o they_o never_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n can_v or_o dare_v answer_v it_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o shall_v soon_o either_o hear_v of_o we_o again_o or_o else_o we_o will_v recant_v it_o but_o till_o then_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o god_n be_v by_o their_o doctrine_n not_o the_o true_a god_n but_o a_o idol_n for_o he_o that_o deny_v the_o son_n deny_v the_o father_n also_o 2.23_o as_o say_v s._n john_n the_o four_o sort_n of_o atheist_n be_v such_o as_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o worship_v he_o in_o true_a manner_n for_o the_o outward_a worship_n but_o in_o their_o life_n and_o deed_n deny_v he_o and_o these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o turkey_n or_o jury_n or_o italy_n for_o all_o church_n be_v full_a of_o such_o protestant_a atheist_n italy_n may_v have_v more_o atheist_n in_o judgement_n than_o we_o but_o these_o hypocrite_n and_o atheist_n in_o life_n be_v here_o also_o those_o tare_n we_o have_v among_o our_o corn_n of_o these_o speak_v the_o apostle_n that_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n but_o deny_v he_o in_o their_o work_n let_v this_o seem_v no_o wonder_n 1.16_o that_o such_o man_n be_v call_v atheist_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v plain_o he_o that_o care_v not_o for_o his_o family_n 5.8_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n whereby_o it_o appear_v a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o a_o christian_a in_o profession_n and_o a_o infidel_n or_o atheist_n in_o his_o practice_n &_o it_o be_v certain_a let_v any_o man_n profess_v what_o he_o will_v if_o his_o life_n be_v nought_o his_o religion_n be_v a_o false_a religion_n in_o he_o now_o then_o to_o shut_v up_o this_o point_n with_o the_o use_n thereof_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o sort_n of_o atheist_n that_o almost_o the_o world_n be_v full_a and_o that_o we_o be_v all_o so_o by_o nature_n then_o first_o let_v we_o see_v how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n aright_o and_o if_o no_o man_n come_v to_o god_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v god_n aright_o than_o we_o see_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_v though_o so_o few_o come_v to_o god_n let_v we_o
god_n 1._o sam._n 2.31_o therefore_o the_o lord_n threaten_v the_o destruction_n both_o of_o he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n have_v threaten_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o when_o the_o israelite_n fight_v with_o the_o philistines_n chap._n 4.11_o his_o two_o son_n be_v slay_v and_o hear_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o news_n fall_v down_o and_o break_v his_o neck_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o our_o own_o nation_n and_o people_n among_o who_o it_o be_v as_o common_a to_o dishonour_n god_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n or_o pagan_n partly_o by_o light_n use_v of_o his_o holy_a title_n and_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o partly_o by_o swear_v and_o open_a blasphemy_n and_o sometime_o even_o by_o abominable_a perjury_n nay_o it_o be_v many_o man_n rule_n that_o they_o may_v swear_v dissemble_v lie_v &_o forswear_v for_o advantage_n these_o sin_n be_v some_o of_o they_o rise_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o hardly_o shall_v you_o talk_v with_o a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o by_o vain_a oath_n dishonour_n god_n yea_o it_o be_v so_o common_a that_o child_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v crawl_v or_o lisp_v out_o a_o word_n the_o first_o thing_n they_o can_v speak_v be_v to_o curse_v or_o swear_v and_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a whereby_o god_n be_v dishonour_v every_o way_n so_o as_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o open_a &_o swallow_v up_o many_o man_n quick_a for_o their_o swear_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o whereas_o god_n judgement_n be_v often_o grievous_o inflict_v upon_o we_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o land_n we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o among_o other_o sin_n it_o be_v for_o our_o blasphemy_n and_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o speedy_o redress_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v lest_o god_n will_v rain_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o in_o his_o wrath_n sweep_v we_o all_o away_o and_o take_v away_o the_o father_n with_o the_o child_n the_o good_a with_o the_o bad_a because_o there_o be_v no_o reformation_n of_o so_o vile_a and_o yet_o so_o needless_a a_o sin_n to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n observe_v here_o further_o that_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n can_v all_o of_o they_o say_v god_n be_v my_o god_n now_o that_o which_o these_o worthy_a patriarch_n can_v say_v of_o themselves_o we_o must_v every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o own_o person_n labour_v for_o for_o their_o example_n be_v &_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v we_o therefore_o must_v labour_v for_o this_o assurance_n by_o god_n grace_n to_o say_v as_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n do_v say_v the_o true_a jehova_n be_v my_o god_n and_o of_o this_o i_o be_o resolve_v &_o undoubted_o assure_v in_o my_o own_o conscience_n qu._n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o say_v unfeigned_o god_n be_v my_o god_n ans._n by_o become_v his_o servant_n and_o people_n in_o deed_n &_o truth_n for_o to_o he_o who_o be_v one_o of_o god_n people_n god_n be_v always_o his_o god_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o become_v god_n true_a servant_n answ._n by_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o the_o true_a god_n and_o give_v they_o whole_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o his_o service_n and_o restrain_v ourselves_o from_o all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n because_o sin_n displease_v he_o quest._n but_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n set_v his_o heart_n whole_o on_o god_n answ._n this_o he_o do_v when_o he_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o fear_v he_o above_o all_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n be_v zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n when_o he_o have_v full_a confidence_n in_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n and_o be_v more_o grieve_a for_o displease_v god_n than_o for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o or_o more_o plain_o thus_o then_o a_o man_n do_v set_v his_o heart_n on_o god_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v so_o affect_v that_o when_o god_n command_v he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o obey_v so_o the_o lord_n say_v hos._n 2.23_o i_o will_v say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o my_o people_n thou_o be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n the_o lord_n say_v psalm_n 27.8_o seek_v you_o my_o face_n then_o the_o holy_a man_n heart_n as_o a_o echo_n give_v answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o god_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o servant_n and_o child_n of_o god_n &_o one_o of_o god_n people_n for_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n these_o word_n be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a prove_v that_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n because_o he_o prepare_v a_o city_n for_o they_o and_o indeed_o this_o show_v evident_o that_o god_n be_v great_o delight_v with_o they_o rather_o than_o ashamed_a of_o they_o for_o have_v he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o he_o will_v have_v shut_v they_o out_o of_o his_o presence_n herein_o therefore_o he_o declare_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n that_o by_o prepare_v this_o city_n he_o procure_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n for_o evermore_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o he_o which_o have_v god_n for_o his_o god_n have_v all_o thing_n with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o common_a proverb_n have_v god_n &_o have_v all_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a lack_v god_n and_o lack_n all_o and_o therefore_o david_n say_v psal._n 145.15_o bless_v be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n other_o thing_n which_o here_o may_v be_v add_v have_v be_v handle_v before_o abraham_n faith_n verse_n 17._o by_o faith_n abraham_n offer_v up_o isaac_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n 18._o to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v 19_o for_o he_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o he_o receive_v he_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n we_o hear_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n commend_v joint_o together_o now_o the_o holy_a ghost_n return_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o their_o faith_n several_o and_o first_o he_o begin_v with_o abraham_n faith_n whereof_o he_o have_v former_o propound_v two_o work_n or_o action_n 1_o his_o go_v out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n 2_o his_o abode_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n now_o here_o follow_v the_o three_o which_o be_v the_o most_o notable_a work_n of_o all_o wherein_o his_o faith_n shine_v most_o glorious_o and_o his_o example_n herein_o be_v unmatchable_a the_o particular_a point_n herein_o be_v these_o 1_o the_o work_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o his_o offer_v up_o of_o isaac_n 2_o the_o same_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v notable_o commend_v by_o three_o special_a argument_n to_o wit_n 1_o by_o three_o great_a impediment_n that_o may_v have_v hinder_v this_o work_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o their_o place_n v_o 17_o 18._o 2_o by_o his_o victory_n over_o these_o impediment_n v_o 19_o 3_o by_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o temptation_n and_o his_o work_n of_o faith_n therein_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 19_o verse_n for_o the_o first_o the_o fact_n of_o abraham_n faith_n here_o commend_v be_v this_o that_o he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n his_o son_n it_o may_v first_o of_o all_o be_v demand_v how_o abraham_n can_v offer_v up_o his_o son_n by_o faith_n consider_v it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n &_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o kill_v his_o own_o son_n which_o abraham_n must_v do_v if_o he_o do_v offer_v he_o up_o in_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o story_n gen._n 22._o where_o we_o may_v see_v he_o have_v a_o ground_n for_o his_o faith_n for_o though_o the_o general_a commandment_n be_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v yet_o he_o have_v a_o special_a commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n &_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o he_o do_v it_o &_o do_v it_o in_o &_o by_o faith_n but_o if_o that_o be_v so_o then_o thereupon_o rise_v another_o &_o a_o great_a doubt_n namely_o how_o can_v these_o 2._o commandment_n stand_v together_o one_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o ans._n here_o a_o special_a point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v namely_o that_o whensoever_o two_o commandment_n be_v so_o join_v that_o a_o man_n can_v practise_v both_o but_o do_v the_o one_o the_o other_o be_v break_v then_o one_o of_o they_o must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o other_o for_o howsoever_o all_o god_n commandment_n bind_v the_o conscience_n yet_o some_o bind_v it_o more_o
we_o must_v follow_v moses_n example_n choose_v religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o let_v honour_n and_o preferment_n go_v this_o be_v moses_n practice_n &_o we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o that_o if_o he_o may_v have_v enjoy_v they_o together_o he_o will_v have_v refuse_v neither_o but_o because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v they_o both_o therefore_o he_o prefer_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o the_o honour_n and_o wealth_n of_o egypt_n three_o note_v this_o moses_n do_v not_o only_o refuse_v the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o egypt_n when_o they_o will_v become_v unto_o he_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n but_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v enjoy_v they_o he_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v great_a misery_n and_o adversity_n with_o gods_n people_n where_o behold_v a_o singular_a virtue_n in_o moses_n he_o judge_v it_o too_o be_v the_o great_a misery_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v any_o adversity_n and_o reproach_n in_o this_o world_n than_o live_v and_o lie_v in_o sin_n because_o thereby_o he_o shall_v displease_v god_n his_o most_o love_a father_n in_o christ._n a_o most_o notable_a virtue_n in_o this_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a mind_n bear_v all_o those_o that_o have_v the_o same_o grace_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n that_o moses_n have_v s._n paul_n esteem_v the_o temptation_n unto_o sin_n which_o satan_n suggest_v into_o his_o mind_n to_o be_v as_o beat_n and_o buffet_n and_o as_o prick_v and_o thorn_n in_o his_o flesh_n 2._o cor._n 12.7_o and_o david_n say_v psal._n 119.136_o his_o eye_n gush_v out_o with_o river_n of_o water_n because_o man_n break_v god_n commandment_n be_v david_n thus_o grieve_v for_o other_o man_n sin_n oh_o than_o what_o a_o grief_n do_v he_o suffer_v when_o he_o himself_o break_v god_n commandment_n and_o thereby_o displease_v god_n now_o look_v how_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v affect_v so_o must_v every_o one_o of_o we_o that_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o religion_n of_o christ_n labour_v to_o be_v affect_v towards_o sin_n we_o must_v judge_v it_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o torment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v displease_v god_n but_o alas_o come_v to_o our_o day_n and_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o to_o most_o man_n it_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_v unto_o they_o to_o commit_v sin_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o count_v it_o a_o misery_n yea_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ordinary_o addict_v to_o some_o special_a sin_n you_o then_o may_v as_o soon_o take_v away_o his_o life_n as_o bereave_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v adventure_v the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n for_o ever_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o time_n but_o all_o such_o be_v far_o unlike_o these_o holy_a servant_n of_o god_n for_o they_o count_v it_o the_o great_a cross_n and_o misery_n that_o can_v be_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o displease_v god_n and_o do_v check_v and_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o if_o we_o look_v to_o enjoy_v like_o peace_n and_o comfort_n with_o they_o we_o must_v strive_v against_o our_o own_o corrupt_a disposition_n and_o labour_n to_o find_v sin_n to_o be_v our_o great_a sorrow_n worldly_n misery_n may_v affect_v we_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n all_o worldly_a grief_n shall_v be_v light_n unto_o us._n indeed_o we_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v natural_o but_o herein_o we_o must_v show_v the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n that_o to_o displease_v god_n by_o any_o sin_n be_v our_o great_a grief_n the_o second_o reason_n that_o move_v moses_n to_o refuse_v the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o pharaoh_n court_n be_v because_o he_o shall_v have_v enjoy_v they_o but_o for_o a_o time_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o natural_a life_n be_v the_o long_a that_o possible_o he_o can_v have_v enjoy_v they_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n must_v move_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o use_v this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n herein_o even_o all_o temporal_a benefit_n as_o though_o we_o use_v they_o not_o be_v always_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o leave_v they_o whensoever_o god_n shall_v call_v this_o same_o reason_n do_v paul_n render_v when_o he_o persuade_v the_o corinthian_n to_o the_o same_o duty_n 1._o cor._n 7.31_o use_v this_o world_n say_v he_o as_o though_o you_o use_v it_o noâ—_n for_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n go_v away_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n last_o but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o if_o a_o man_n will_v never_o so_o fain_o he_o can_v but_o enjoy_v they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o use_v they_o as_o though_o you_o use_v they_o not_o but_o pity_v it_o be_v to_o see_v how_o far_o man_n be_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o they_o set_v their_o whole_a heart_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o to_o get_v riches_n be_v their_o delight_n and_o their_o god_n this_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v god_n have_v not_o lay_v down_o these_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o vain_a undoubted_o if_o they_o draw_v we_o not_o to_o the_o like_a practice_n they_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o moses_n choice_n and_o refusal_n verse_n 26._o esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n moses_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v refuse_v the_o honour_n &_o wealth_n of_o egypt_n and_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o affliction_n with_o god_n people_n now_o because_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o strange_a choice_n and_o a_o natural_a man_n will_v soon_o condemn_v he_o of_o folly_n for_o his_o labour_n therefore_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v down_o a_o reason_n that_o move_v moses_n thus_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n moses_n choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o god_n people_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n of_o egypt_n because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o reproach_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n be_v great_a riches_n than_o all_o the_o wealth_n in_o egypt_n so_o that_o he_o refuse_v not_o absolute_o riches_n honour_n and_o other_o comfort_n but_o choose_v the_o best_a riches_n and_o honour_n and_o leave_v the_o worse_a upon_o a_o sound_a judgement_n between_o thing_n that_o do_v differ_v hereby_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o general_a how_o needful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o every_o christian_a to_o have_v sound_a knowledge_n &_o understanding_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o will_v walk_v upright_o and_o approve_v of_o god_n must_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v not_o only_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o between_o good_a and_o good_a which_o be_v the_o better_a and_o so_o of_o evil_n which_o be_v the_o worse_a which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v but_o he_o that_o have_v a_o sound_n and_o right_a judgement_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o therein_o be_v attain_v the_o spirit_n of_o discern_v many_o there_o be_v that_o by_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n choose_v hell_n and_o refuse_v heaven_n which_o undoubted_o come_v from_o their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o word_n but_o ignorance_n will_v excuse_v none_o he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n must_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v good_a from_o evil_n and_o according_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o to_o refuse_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o without_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n no_o man_n can_v do_v and_o therefore_o all_o ignorant_a person_n and_o all_o such_o as_o be_v blind_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n must_v shake_v off_o their_o security_n and_o get_v sound_a knowledge_n in_o scripture_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o when_o thing_n which_o do_v differ_v be_v set_v before_o they_o they_o may_v with_o moses_n choose_v the_o better_a but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o moses_n judgement_n more_o particular_o he_o esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v he_o be_v firm_o resolve_v that_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n be_v great_a riches_n unto_o he_o than_o the_o treasure_n of_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n but_o some_o will_v say_v this_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a judgement_n can_v it_o possible_o be_v true_a and_o good_a ans._n yes_o undoubted_o it_o be_v most_o sound_a judgement_n and_o worthy_a eternal_a remembrance_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o that_o to_o suffer_v reproach_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n be_v great_a riches_n than_o all_o worldly_a wealth_n the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v prove_v by_o many_o reason_n out_o of_o god_n word_n 1_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n to_o those_o which_o
therefore_o she_o come_v to_o the_o spy_n who_o she_o have_v receive_v and_o hide_v upon_o the_o roof_n of_o her_o house_n &_o there_o confess_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n in_o heaven_n above_o 11._o and_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o here_o we_o may_v note_v that_o when_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v for_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n then_o god_n can_v work_v faith_n extraordinary_o even_o by_o report_n and_o rumour_n for_o thus_o rahab_n and_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a come_v to_o believe_v we_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o that_o their_o religion_n can_v save_v a_o man_n hereupon_o many_o that_o savour_v that_o way_n reply_n and_o say_v will_v you_o therefore_o condemn_v all_o your_o forefather_n that_o live_v and_o die_v in_o time_n of_o popery_n we_o answer_v no_o we_o dare_v not_o give_v such_o censure_n upon_o they_o but_o rather_o judge_v charitable_o of_o they_o yea_o we_o have_v great_a hope_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v save_v for_o though_o they_o want_v preach_v &_o read_v yet_o god_n may_v work_v faith_n in_o they_o extraordinary_o and_o bless_v even_o good_a report_n and_o speech_n unto_o they_o with_o the_o read_n of_o other_o godly_a book_n beside_o god_n word_n which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v we_o need_v not_o then_o give_v so_o hard_a a_o censure_n of_o they_o because_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o ordinary_a mean_n but_o can_v save_v extraordinary_o when_o mean_n fail_v further_o concern_v rahabs_n faith_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o it_o be_v weak_a or_o strong_a because_o before_o she_o have_v do_v this_o fact_n of_o faith_n her_o whole_a abode_n be_v among_o the_o heathen_a answ._n we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o certain_a seed_n or_o beginning_n or_o preparation_n to_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v honour_n with_o the_o title_n of_o a_o true_a &_o lively_a faith_n as_o when_o a_o man_n know_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n have_v withal_o a_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o profit_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o join_v practice_n therewith_o in_o his_o life_n and_o calling_n example_n hereof_o we_o have_v many_o in_o god_n word_n a_o certain_a ruler_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o go_v down_o &_o heal_v his_o son_n joh._n 4.49_o 50._o etc._n etc._n jesus_n but_o say_v unto_o he_o go_v thy_o way_n thy_o son_n live_v and_o the_o ruler_n believe_v the_o word_n that_o jesus_n speak_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o son_n live_v now_o inquire_v of_o the_o hour_n and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o same_o time_n when_o jesus_n say_v thy_o son_n live_v the_o text_n say_v he_o believe_v and_o all_o his_o household_n now_o what_o be_v this_o man_n faith_n sure_o he_o only_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o withal_o resign_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n to_o be_v instruct_v further_o therein_o and_o though_o they_o know_v nothing_o particular_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o saviour_n yet_o for_o this_o willingness_n in_o embrace_v christ_n and_o readiness_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v they_o do_v believe_v so_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 29_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n be_v convict_v in_o her_o conscience_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o christ_n tell_v she_o run_v into_o the_o town_n and_o say_v come_v see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v tell_v i_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v not_o he_o the_o christ_n then_o the_o text_n say_v many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v because_o of_o the_o say_n of_o the_o woman_n now_o what_o faith_n have_v these_o samaritan_n sure_o they_o do_v only_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v further_o instruct_v in_o his_o doctrine_n which_o they_o testify_v by_o go_v to_o hear_v he_o in_o their_o own_o person_n so_o likewise_o christ_n give_v a_o notable_a testimony_n to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o apostle_n faith_n math._n 16.17_o 18_o in_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v upon_o this_o your_o faith_n which_o thou_o confess_v will_n i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o main_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o little_a after_o when_o christ_n tell_v they_o of_o his_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o his_o passion_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o elect_a peter_n persuade_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a say_v master_n spare_v thyself_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o peter_n do_v not_o know_v how_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o saviour_n neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n particular_o know_v christ_n his_o resurrection_n till_o he_o be_v rise_v again_o yea_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o ascension_n they_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o therefore_o they_o ask_v he_o lord_n will_v thou_o now_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n 1.6_o dream_v still_o of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n for_o which_o christ_n rebuke_n they_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o want_n christ_n say_v they_o have_v true_a faith_n yea_o such_o faith_n as_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o this_o then_o be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a truth_n that_o if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o further_a knowledge_n do_v hold_v christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yield_v himself_o willing_a to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o withal_o join_v obedience_n to_o his_o knowledge_n the_o lord_n be_v willing_a for_o a_o time_n to_o accept_v of_o this_o as_o of_o true_a faith_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o rahabs_n faith_n her_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a faith_n or_o rather_o the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n afterward_o for_o as_o we_o may_v read_v all_o that_o she_o know_v be_v this_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o deliver_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o the_o israelite_n hand_n 2.11_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a persuasion_n wrought_v by_o a_o report_n and_o according_o she_o join_v herself_o to_o god_n people_n and_o resign_v herself_o to_o obey_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o whether_o she_o know_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n by_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o here_o set_v down_o and_o it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o as_o yet_o she_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o it_o for_o here_o be_v all_o thing_n set_v down_o that_o tend_v to_o her_o commendation_n so_o that_o her_o faith_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o only_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o yet_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v commend_v she_o for_o her_o faith_n among_o the_o most_o renown_a believer_n that_o ever_o be_v hence_o we_o may_v learn_v many_o good_a instruction_n first_o that_o god_n make_v much_o account_n of_o a_o little_a grace_n if_o he_o see_v in_o a_o man_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n he_o do_v high_o esteem_v thereof_o when_o the_o young_a man_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o ask_v he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v 10.17_o christ_n tell_v he_o he_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o young_a man_n answer_v that_o he_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o his_o youth_n at_o which_o answer_n it_o be_v say_v christ_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o this_o he_o he_o do_v for_o the_o show_n of_o grace_n which_o appear_v in_o his_o answer_n much_o more_o than_o will_v he_o like_v of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a grace_n indeed_o so_o likewise_o christ_n reason_v with_o the_o scribe_n concern_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o perceive_v that_o he_o have_v answer_v discreet_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 12.34_o show_v hereby_o how_o deep_o he_o tender_v the_o spark_n and_o seed_n of_o true_a grace_n nay_o he_o make_v much_o of_o a_o very_a show_n of_o grace_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o any_o of_o we_o but_o one_o spark_n of_o true_a grace_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o tender_v it_o and_o cherish_v it_o and_o to_o rejoice_v therein_o with_o all_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o it_o yea_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o increase_v the_o same_o for_o according_a to_o our_o grace_n be_v our_o acceptance_n and_o respect_n with_o god_n in_o christ._n second_o whereas_o
do_v it_o not_o so_o much_o as_o burn_v their_o garment_n or_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n to_o cause_v the_o same_o to_o smell_v and_o the_o like_a be_v his_o goodness_n towards_o all_o his_o servant_n david_n say_v 21.3_o the_o lord_n prevent_v he_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n that_o be_v when_o david_n never_o ask_v such_o blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n even_o than_o do_v the_o lord_n bestow_v his_o liberal_a blessing_n upon_o he_o as_o namely_o this_o when_o david_n be_v follow_v his_o father_n sheep_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o call_n he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o kingdom_n yet_o thence_o the_o lord_n take_v he_o to_o be_v king_n over_o his_o people_n israel_n so_o the_o israelite_n have_v be_v 70._o year_n in_o captivity_n never_o think_v of_o return_n and_o yet_o then_o be_v they_o deliver_v and_o their_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a that_o they_o be_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal._n 126.1_o when_o peter_n be_v cast_v into_o prison_n by_o herod_n and_o commit_v to_o four_o quaternion_n of_o soldier_n to_o be_v keep_v 12.4_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o awake_v he_o as_o he_o sleep_v and_o lead_v he_o out_o of_o prison_n past_o the_o watch_n and_o through_o the_o iron_n gate_n and_o then_o leave_v he_o now_o this_o deliverance_n be_v so_o strange_a unto_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a but_o think_v he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o gracious_a promise_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o answer_v before_o they_o call_v and_o to_o hear_v while_o they_o speak_v isaiah_n 65.24_o so_o endless_a be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o goodness_n so_o unspeakable_a towards_o his_o servant_n that_o if_o they_o cleave_v unto_o he_o unfeigned_o they_o shall_v find_v his_o bounty_n far_o surpass_v all_o that_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o serve_v to_o stir_v up_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o place_n to_o cleave_v unfeigned_o unto_o the_o true_a god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n in_o due_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n if_o a_o servant_n be_v to_o choose_v his_o master_n and_o among_o a_o hundred_o shall_v hear_v of_o one_o that_o beside_o his_o wage_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o servant_n gift_n which_o they_o will_v not_o think_v of_o this_o servant_n will_v forsake_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o come_v unto_o this_o one_o behold_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v this_o bountiful_a master_n who_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v covenant_n with_o his_o servant_n in_o a_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o be_v exceed_o gracious_a prevent_v they_o with_o liberal_a blessing_n above_o all_o that_o they_o can_v wish_v for_o themselves_o wherefore_o let_v we_o forsake_v all_o our_o bad_a master_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o resign_v ourselves_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o serve_v this_o our_o good_a god_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n there_o be_v no_o man_n live_v that_o can_v have_v such_o cause_n of_o true_a joy_n in_o heart_n as_o god_n servant_n have_v for_o god_n show_v more_o kindness_n unto_o they_o than_o they_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v of_o and_o take_v this_o for_o truth_n also_o there_o be_v none_o that_o thus_o give_v themselves_o to_o serve_v god_n faithful_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o before_o they_o die_v they_o shall_v find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o merciful_a god_n and_o his_o goodness_n endless_a towards_o they_o above_o their_o desert_n second_o this_o endless_a mercy_n of_o god_n must_v move_v we_o all_o to_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o or_o heinous_a for_o they_o can_v never_o reach_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o mercy_n though_o they_o be_v in_o number_n like_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n they_o must_v not_o dismay_v we_o from_o come_v to_o he_o but_o consider_v that_o his_o goodness_n be_v endless_a and_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n we_o must_v come_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o perform_v his_o promise_n yea_o and_o beyond_o his_o promise_n to_o do_v for_o we_o more_o than_o we_o can_v think_v of_o many_o indeed_o abuse_v this_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o presume_v thereon_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n but_o such_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o deut._n 29.20_o it_o be_v the_o penitent_a person_n that_o shall_v find_v mercy_n the_o six_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v in_o these_o word_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v thus_o escape_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n phrase_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o here_o follow_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o before_o where_o he_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o two_o mouth_a sword_n heb._n 4.12_o hereby_o meaning_n as_o it_o be_v translate_v a_o two_o edge_a sword_n this_o effect_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o two_o worthy_a prophet_n elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la for_o elias_n we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o have_v slay_v baal_n priest_n 1._o king_n 19.1_o jezabel_n the_o queen_n threaten_v to_o kill_v he_o which_o he_o hear_v flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o thence_o be_v lead_v to_o mount_n horeb_n and_o there_o escape_v by_o mean_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o for_o elizeus_fw-la we_o may_v read_v that_o when_o he_o disclose_v the_o king_n of_o syriah_n his_o counsel_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2._o king_n 6._o he_o be_v compass_v about_o in_o dothan_n the_o city_n where_o he_o lay_v with_o a_o huge_a host_n of_o assyrian_n but_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n smite_v the_o host_n with_o blindness_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n lead_v they_o in_o safety_n to_o samaria_n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o effect_n be_v that_o when_o these_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v in_o distress_n &_o danger_n of_o death_n they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o help_n &_o by_o faith_n rely_v upon_o god_n unfeigned_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n &_o so_o find_v deliverance_n with_o god_n from_o the_o peril_n of_o death_n first_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n provide_v for_o the_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o peril_n and_o danger_n when_o both_o might_n and_o multitude_n be_v against_o they_o this_o point_n we_o have_v touch_v in_o diverse_a example_n before_o and_o therefore_o do_v here_o only_a name_n it_o second_o in_o that_o these_o man_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o danger_n believe_v and_o so_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n we_o learn_v that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n so_o as_o we_o see_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v even_o than_o we_o must_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o he_o will_v save_v us._n this_o we_o must_v do_v not_o only_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o body_n but_o more_o especial_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n put_v the_o case_n a_o man_n be_v in_o despair_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o see_v legion_n of_o devil_n compass_v he_o about_o to_o take_v he_o away_o what_o must_v this_o man_n do_v in_o this_o case_n answ._n look_v what_o elias_n and_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o same_o thing_n must_v he_o do_v he_o must_v not_o lie_v dead_a in_o desperation_n yield_v thereto_o but_o at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o such_o terror_n oppress_v he_o he_o must_v by_o faith_n lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o put_v all_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o through_o christ._n and_o if_o he_o can_v this_o do_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v as_o certain_o escape_v these_o fearful_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n as_o elias_n &_o elizeus_fw-la do_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o let_v a_o man_n put_v his_o whole_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o his_o trouble_n be_v god_n will_v deliver_v he_o great_a be_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o they_o all_o psal._n 34.19_o indeed_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v god_n for_o time_n or_o manner_n of_o deliverance_n but_o wait_v on_o god_n by_o faith_n account_v his_o grace_n sufficient_a till_o deliverance_n come_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o six_o effect_n the_o seven_o effect_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v this_o of_o weak_a be_v make_v strong_a or_o thus_o of_o weak_a be_v restore_v to_o health_n this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o hezekias_n a_o worthy_a king_n of_o
many_o parent_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o whereas_o they_o shall_v first_o seek_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o come_v to_o his_o prophet_n they_o either_o run_v first_o to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o physic_n or_o be_v worse_o dispose_v seek_v help_n of_o wizard_n &_o blesser_n by_o their_o charm_n and_o sorcery_n forsake_v god_n and_o run_v to_o the_o devil_n indeed_o the_o use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discommend_v simple_o but_o this_o preposterous_a course_n be_v blame-worthy_a and_o deprive_v many_o of_o god_n blessing_n in_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o seek_v help_v of_o physic_n before_o they_o have_v seek_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o holy_a practice_n of_o faith_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v the_o parent_n faith_n benefit_n the_o child_n answ._n it_o can_v procure_v unto_o it_o eternal_a life_n for_o every_o one_o must_v be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o yet_o the_o child_n receive_v many_o a_o good_a blessing_n at_o god_n hand_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o parent_n faith_n as_o namely_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o seal_v thereof_o beside_o the_o fruition_n of_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o life_n itself_o in_o this_o place_n the_o consideration_n hereof_o must_v move_v all_o parent_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o by_o the_o practice_n hereof_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o great_a blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n and_o upon_o the_o lawful_a mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v for_o their_o good_a say_v the_o lord_n shall_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o a_o family_n what_o must_v parent_n and_o master_n do_v sure_o the_o best_a way_n for_o help_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o faith_n in_o true_a humiliation_n for_o sin_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o mercy_n and_o for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n which_o they_o shall_v use_v in_o all_o society_n this_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o governor_n many_o curse_n be_v remove_v and_o many_o blessing_n procure_v god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o daily_o and_o we_o know_v not_o when_o other_o more_o shall_v befall_v we_o but_o for_o the_o removeall_n and_o prevent_v of_o they_o we_o must_v give_v ourselves_o to_o true_a humiliation_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o lord_n mercy_n towards_o we_o as_o these_o two_o woman_n do_v and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o ten_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o they_o all_o several_o now_o from_o they_o all_o joint_o together_o observe_v this_o special_a point_n that_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o do_v bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o every_o believer_n all_o god_n blessing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o who_o be_v he_o that_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o gods_n blessing_n needful_a for_o he_o both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n well_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n hereto_o be_v to_o get_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n shall_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n the_o worthy_a man_n before_o name_v obtain_v all_o the_o former_a most_o wonderful_a blessing_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o it_o they_o escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n they_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n wax_v mighty_a in_o battle_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o have_v hear_v now_o if_o faith_n be_v such_o a_o notable_a grace_n of_o god_n then_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o it_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o lip-faith_n and_o so_o presume_v upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v for_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n which_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o our_o life_n here_o be_v strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o for_o what_o do_v we_o desire_v riches_n honour_n or_o favour_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o world_n will_v we_o have_v health_n and_o strength_n nay_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o in_o all_o then_o look_v to_o get_v true_a faith_n for_o in_o the_o practice_n thereof_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v of_o god_n all_o needful_a blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a many_o toil_n themselves_o exceed_o by_o worldly_a mean_n to_o get_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o health_n wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o never_o attain_v thereto_o because_o they_o seek_v they_o not_o by_o faith_n i_o confess_v natural_a man_n get_v many_o good_a thing_n but_o to_o they_o they_o be_v no_o blessing_n because_o they_o want_v faith_n both_o in_o get_v and_o keep_v of_o they_o for_o they_o lay_v all_o religion_n aside_o and_o toil_v themselves_o whole_o in_o worldly_a mean_n this_o course_n the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v beware_v of_o say_v that_o a_o prince_n bid_v one_o of_o his_o servant_n go_v to_o his_o treasury_n and_o there_o enrich_v himself_o with_o jewel_n with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o with_o whatsoever_o he_o lack_v what_o will_v this_o man_n do_v sure_o first_o he_o will_v call_v for_o the_o key_n whereby_o he_o may_v unlock_v the_o door_n and_o chest_n for_o else_o he_o can_v get_v nothing_o behold_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n god_n show_v we_o his_o full_a treasury_n wherein_o we_o may_v enrich_v ourselves_o with_o all_o his_o blessing_n now_o we_o must_v not_o with_o the_o fool_n run_v without_o the_o key_n but_o labour_n first_o for_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v that_o key_n whereby_o god_n heavenly_a treasure_n be_v open_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o sound_a key_n that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o sound_a faith_n which_o may_v strong_o turn_v about_o the_o lock_n of_o god_n treasury_n for_o this_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o that_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v shall_v never_o want_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o have_v every_o one_o will_v say_v he_o believe_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o purify_v nor_o their_o life_n change_v but_o they_o remain_v as_o sinful_a as_o ever_o they_o be_v which_o cause_v god_n judgement_n to_o be_v rife_o among_o us._n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v our_o own_o good_a both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n and_o show_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o our_o life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o these_o judge_n and_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n believer_n under_o the_o maccabee_n verse_n 35._o other_o also_o be_v rack_v and_o will_v not_o be_v deliver_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v a_o better_a resurrection_n in_o these_o word_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n proceed_v to_o the_o four_o order_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o as_o in_o the_o former_a last_o handle_v he_o proceed_v brief_o heap_v up_o in_o few_o word_n many_o worthy_a example_n of_o faith_n conceal_v the_o name_n of_o the_o party_n &_o only_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o this_o four_o and_o last_o order_n of_o example_n comprehend_v such_o believer_n as_o live_v under_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o afterward_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o of_o believer_n in_o former_a time_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v because_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n put_v between_o these_o believer_n and_o the_o former_a judge_n king_n and_o prophet_n in_o these_o word_n other_o also_o whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o here_o he_o propound_v example_n of_o believer_n different_a from_o those_o which_o he_o mention_v before_o and_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a that_o these_o believer_n live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n for_o howsoever_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v rack_v scourge_v and_o torment_v after_o this_o sort_n yet_o of_o they_o this_o place_n can_v be_v understand_v because_o they_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o these_o here_o mention_v enjoy_v not_o that_o promise_n in_o their_o day_n but_o wait_v for_o it_o by_o faith_n and_o therein_o die_v verse_n 39_o and_o indeed_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wonderful_o persecute_v by_o antiochus_n about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o we_o may_v see_v 2._o maccabee_n 4._o and_o 6._o chapter_n question_n where_o have_v the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n this_o large_a narration_n of_o these_o strange_a persecution_n see_v they_o be_v not_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o he_o
five_o foolish_a virgin_n do_v but_o get_v the_o oil_n of_o grace_n into_o the_o vessel_n of_o our_o heart_n knowledge_n in_o the_o word_n be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n but_o not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n we_o therefore_o must_v labour_v for_o true_a save_a grace_n especial_o for_o this_o to_o have_v our_o heart_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v our_o father_n in_o christ_n and_o jesus_n christ_n our_o redeemer_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o comforter_n and_o sanctifier_n this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n will_v establish_v our_o heart_n in_o all_o estate_n come_v life_n come_v death_n we_o need_v not_o fear_v for_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o this_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o coherence_n of_o this_o verse_n with_o the_o former_a now_o to_o the_o word_n other_o also_o be_v rack_v etc._n etc._n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o propound_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o this_o last_o rank_n of_o believer_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n and_o they_o be_v not_o such_o famous_a exploit_n as_o the_o former_a but_o nine_o several_a kind_n of_o suffering_n unto_o all_o which_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o apply_v this_o clause_n by_o faith_n from_o the_o 33_o verse_n as_o thus_o through_o faith_n they_o endure_v rack_a mock_a and_o so_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n out_o of_o these_o effect_n in_o general_n we_o may_v learn_v two_o thing_n first_o a_o singular_a fruit_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o it_o be_v here_o so_o high_o commend_v in_o this_o last_o rank_n of_o example_n to_o wit_n that_o by_o it_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v enable_v to_o bear_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n shall_v lay_v upon_o he_o the_o torment_n wherewith_o man_n body_n may_v be_v afflict_v be_v many_o and_o terrible_a and_o yet_o be_v they_o never_o so_o many_o nor_o so_o terrible_a true_a save_a faith_n will_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o all_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ._n the_o effect_n of_o faith_n before_o set_v down_o be_v many_o and_o singular_a but_o undoubted_o this_o strength_n of_o patience_n which_o it_o give_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a this_o paul_n do_v notable_o testify_v in_o this_o profession_n roman_n chapter_n 8._o verse_n 38_o 39_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n oh_o singular_a power_n of_o faith_n which_o so_o firm_o unite_v the_o believer_n unto_o christ_n that_o no_o torment_n in_o the_o world_n no_o not_o all_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o angel_n can_v separate_v they_o asunder_o question_n how_o do_v faith_n work_v this_o indissoluble_a power_n in_o cleave_v unto_o christ_n answer_n after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o faith_n to_o persuade_v the_o conscience_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n in_o christ_n and_o upon_o this_o persuasion_n the_o heart_n begin_v to_o love_n god_n again_o now_o by_o this_o love_n do_v faith_n work_n and_o make_v a_o man_n able_a to_o bear_v all_o torment_n that_o can_v be_v inflict_v for_o religion_n sake_n for_o love_n suffer_v all_o thing_n 1._o cor._n 13.7_o even_o that_o love_n wherewith_o one_o man_n love_v another_o how_o much_o more_o than_o shall_v this_o love_n wherewith_o we_o love_v god_n in_o christ_n make_v we_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o love_n be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a as_o death_n and_o the_o coal_n thereof_o be_v fiery_a coal_n and_o a_o vehement_a flame_n 8.6_o yea_o much_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o that_o be_v grievous_a persecution_n and_o torment_n can_v extinguish_v the_o same_o nay_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o love_n to_o god_n when_o it_o be_v fervent_a that_o it_o make_v a_o man_n so_o zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o glorify_v god_n than_o by_o suffering_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v rather_o yield_v himself_o to_o endure_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a than_o suffer_v god_n to_o lose_v his_o glory_n this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o paul_n rom._n 9.3_o i_o will_v wish_v myself_o say_v he_o to_o be_v separate_a from_o christ_n for_o my_o brethren_n that_o be_v my_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o israelite_n meaning_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n in_o their_o call_n and_o salvation_n such_o zeal_n likewise_o we_o may_v see_v in_o moses_n for_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v lose_v his_o glory_n if_o the_o israelite_n be_v destroy_v he_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o pardon_v their_o sin_n but_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o then_o say_v he_o raze_v i_o out_o of_o the_o book_n which_o thou_o have_v write_v 32.32_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v a_o man_n able_a and_o willing_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o must_v hereby_o be_v move_v to_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n for_o tribulation_n may_v come_v nay_o some_o affliction_n will_v come_v on_o every_o child_n of_o god_n more_o or_o less_o now_o without_o faith_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o glorify_v god_n under_o the_o cross_n the_o just_a must_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o estate_n heb._n 10.38_o as_o here_o they_o endure_v rack_a burn_a hew_v asunder_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o by_o faith_n second_o out_o of_o all_o these_o suffering_n here_o endure_v by_o faith_n note_v the_o mind_n and_o disposition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n towards_o god_n church_n and_o people_n they_o be_v most_o bitter_o &_o bloody_o bend_v against_o they_o for_o here_o they_o put_v in_o execution_n upon_o god_n child_n whatsoever_o cruelty_n the_o devil_n can_v suggest_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o this_o have_v be_v their_o disposition_n and_o behaviour_n not_o only_o before_o christ_n incarnation_n but_o also_o ever_o since_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o manifold_a strange_a torture_n devise_v against_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o both_o then_o and_o since_o inflict_v upon_o they_o behold_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o in_o their_o late_a inquisition_n whereby_o beside_o the_o cruel_a rack_a of_o the_o conscience_n by_o unjust_a inquiry_n they_o put_v the_o protestant_n to_o most_o cruel_a torment_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o cruel_a disposition_n in_o the_o wicked_a against_o the_o godly_a be_v of_o special_a use_n first_o it_o prove_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o by_o god_n mercy_n we_o profess_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v no_o politic_a device_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n it_o will_v so_o fit_v their_o humour_n and_o accord_n with_o their_o nature_n that_o general_o it_o will_v be_v love_v and_o embrace_v and_o not_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o will_v mislike_v it_o but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v general_o detest_v this_o sect_n be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o act_v 28.22_o natural_a man_n reject_v it_o and_o persecute_v it_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o â—t_z unto_o the_o death_n this_o they_o do_v because_o true_a religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o nature_n as_o light_n be_v to_o darkness_n and_o condemn_v those_o way_n and_o course_n which_o they_o best_o like_v of_o this_o reason_n shall_v justify_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n even_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o worldly_a atheist_n his_o devilish_a malice_n against_o it_o prove_v god_n divine_a truth_n to_o be_v in_o it_o second_o do_v the_o wicked_a hate_n the_o godly_a because_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o profession_n then_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o must_v learn_v to_o love_v religion_n because_o it_o be_v religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o for_o their_o profession_n sake_n this_o be_v christ_n instruction_n to_o love_v a_o disciple_n because_o he_o be_v a_o disciple_n mat._n 10._o indeed_o we_o must_v love_v all_o man_n but_o especial_o those_o that_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n for_o all_o such_o be_v brethren_n have_v one_o father_n which_o be_v god_n and_o brethren_n ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o but_o alas_o this_o lesson_n be_v not_o learned_a for_o the_o world_n general_o be_v give_v to_o mock_v and_o scoff_v
peter_n exhort_v the_o christian_n to_o have_v their_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o which_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o as_o of_o evil_a doer_n may_v by_o their_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v see_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n 1._o pet._n 2.12_o and_o he_o bid_v godly_a wife_n so_o walk_v that_o their_o husband_n may_v be_v win_v without_o the_o word_n by_o behold_v their_o pure_a conversation_n which_o be_v with_o fear_n 1._o pet._n 3.1.2_o and_o paul_n bid_v the_o philippian_n to_o walk_v blameless_a in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o crooked_a nation_n as_o light_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o world_n phil._n 2.15_o that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v by_o their_o good_a conversation_n may_v be_v win_v to_o the_o truth_n god_n send_v a_o flood_n upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o greevousnesse_n of_o man_n sin_n now_o why_o do_v he_o not_o still_o send_v more_o flood_n be_v not_o man_n now_o as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v then_o yes_o undoubted_o man_n for_o his_o part_n deserve_v it_o now_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v then_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n so_o that_o every_o day_n we_o deserve_v a_o new_a flood_n but_o yet_o the_o lord_n stay_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n that_o his_o elect_a may_v be_v gather_v and_o convert_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o that_o be_v do_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v go_v together_o and_o god_n will_v not_o stay_v one_o moment_n for_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o so_o that_o every_o nation_n and_o people_n in_o the_o world_n have_v benefit_n by_o god_n child_n because_o for_o their_o sake_n do_v the_o lord_n stay_v his_o wrath_n and_o defer_v his_o judgement_n even_o the_o great_a judgement_n of_o fire_n wherewith_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v consume_v at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o thing_n the_o world_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o well_o to_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n of_o their_o sin_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v unworthy_a the_o presence_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n as_o also_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o better_a behaviour_n and_o carriage_n towards_o the_o godly_a by_o who_o they_o be_v so_o many_o way_n bless_v the_o holy_a ghost_n add_v that_o they_o wander_v in_o wilderness_n and_o mountain_n and_o donne_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n these_o be_v desolate_a place_n and_o not_o inhabit_v and_o yet_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n god_n will_v have_v these_o believer_n here_o to_o wander_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o betake_v themselves_o voluntary_o to_o this_o solitary_a life_n but_o only_o upon_o necessity_n be_v constrain_v by_o persecution_n to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n this_o serve_v to_o descry_v unto_o we_o the_o blind_a error_n of_o many_o age_n afore_o we_o wherein_o it_o have_v be_v think_v and_o be_v by_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n to_o live_v a_o monk_n or_o hermit_n out_o of_o all_o society_n in_o some_o desert_n place_n and_o there_o to_o spend_v the_o whole_a life_n in_o contemplation_n only_o &_o that_o voluntary_o and_o they_o magnify_v this_o estate_n so_o much_o that_o hereby_o they_o think_v to_o merit_v eternal_a life_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o these_o believer_n do_v neither_o voluntary_o nor_o with_o opinion_n of_o merit_n betake_v themselves_o to_o this_o solitary_a life_n but_o on_o necessity_n and_o indeed_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n have_v no_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n for_o every_o christian_a be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o that_o particular_a state_n where_o he_o dwell_v and_o by_o reason_n hereof_o have_v a_o twofold_a call_n a_o temporal_a and_o a_o spiritual_a call_n in_o both_o of_o which_o he_o must_v walk_v diligent_o so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v do_v the_o duty_n both_o of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o member_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n where_o he_o live_v now_o when_o a_o man_n go_v voluntary_o to_o lead_v a_o solitary_a life_n he_o forsake_v his_o temporal_a call_n altogether_o and_o perform_v the_o other_o but_o negligent_o for_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o many_o duty_n of_o piety_n whereby_o the_o people_n may_v be_v further_v to_o god-ward_o which_o none_o can_v do_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n further_o observe_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o wander_v to_o wit_n in_o wilderness_n cave_n and_o den_n place_n where_o wild_a beast_n have_v abode_n and_o recourse_n and_o yet_o here_o they_o live_v when_o as_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v among_o they_o where_o note_n that_o many_o time_n more_o mercy_n may_v be_v find_v among_o wild_a and_o savage_a beast_n than_o with_o some_o man_n so_o merciless_a be_v the_o wicked_a when_o god_n forsake_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o the_o lion_n entreat_v daniel_n better_a than_o darius_n courtier_n and_o servant_n do_v daniel_n chapter_n 6._o and_o lazarus_n find_v more_o kindness_n with_o the_o dog_n at_o dives_fw-la gate_n then_o with_o he_o and_o all_o his_o family_n beside_o luke_n chapter_n 16._o verse_n 21._o the_o consideration_n whereof_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o nip_n sin_n in_o the_o head_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o grow_v for_o if_o it_o get_v a_o head_n and_o reign_v in_o we_o it_o will_v make_v we_o worse_o than_o brute_n or_o savage_a beast_n and_o cruel_a as_o the_o devil_n himself_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o world_n usage_n of_o these_o believer_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o state_n of_o true_a believer_n under_o many_o and_o grievous_a misery_n which_o we_o must_v well_o observe_v to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n which_o god_n may_v send_v upon_o us._n we_o must_v not_o judge_v it_o a_o curse_a estate_n to_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n for_o here_o we_o see_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v commend_v for_o suffer_v nine_o several_a kind_n of_o misery_n if_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o these_o be_v but_o a_o few_o we_o must_v know_v that_o in_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o the_o state_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o ensample_n unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o if_o calamity_n come_v and_o such_o misery_n befall_v we_o as_o do_v drive_v ur_fw-la towards_o distrust_n as_o though_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n do_v not_o forsake_v these_o his_o child_n in_o their_o calamity_n and_o therefore_o also_o will_v not_o forsake_v us._n and_o thus_o much_o for_o this_o last_o example_n verse_n 39_o and_o these_o all_o through_o faith_n obtain_v good_a report_n and_o recei-not_a the_o promise_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v down_o at_o large_a a_o worthy_a and_o notable_a catalogue_n of_o example_n of_o faith_n in_o sundry_a believer_n that_o live_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n do_v now_o for_o a_o further_a commendation_n of_o their_o faith_n rehearse_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o before_o he_o have_v say_v in_o the_o 2._o and_o 13._o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o say_v that_o by_o faith_n they_o all_o receive_v good_a report_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o look_v for_o salvation_n in_o he_o alone_o whereupon_o they_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n himself_o who_o give_v testimony_n hereof_o partly_o by_o his_o word_n and_o partly_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o partly_o by_o his_o church_n by_o all_o which_o they_o be_v commend_v and_o assure_v to_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o good_a report_n they_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n in_o their_o day_n they_o receive_v christ_n true_o by_o faith_n and_o so_o see_v his_o day_n but_o his_o actual_a incarnation_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o live_v not_o to_o see_v whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o faith_n they_o obtain_v testimony_n here_o first_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o man_n that_o make_v he_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o faith_n only_o god_n regard_v no_o man_n person_n he_o accept_v not_o of_o a_o man_n because_o he_o be_v a_o king_n or_o because_o he_o be_v wise_a or_o rich_a or_o strong_a etc._n etc._n but_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v than_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v testimony_n of_o he_o that_o he_o like_v well_o of_o he_o in_o regard_v
ourselves_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o then_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o power_n able_a to_o reform_v both_o the_o misdemeanour_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o error_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o to_o the_o reason_n more_o particular_o we_o must_v be_v constant_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n here_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o for_o their_o faith_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n and_o then_o to_o a_o cloud_n compass_v us._n last_o to_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n they_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n as_o i_o take_v it_o by_o allusion_n to_o the_o cloud_n which_o direct_v and_o lead_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o when_o they_o come_v from_o egypt_n and_o be_v 40._o year_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o arabia_n all_o that_o while_n they_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n by_o day_n exod._n 13.21_o now_o look_v as_o this_o cloud_n guide_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o do_v this_o company_n of_o famous_a believer_n direct_v all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o right_a way_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o these_o worthy_a believer_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o cloud_n mark_v further_o they_o be_v call_v a_o cloud_n but_o what_o a_o cloud_n namely_o compass_v us._n a_o compass_v cloud_n they_o be_v call_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a company_n of_o believer_n so_o as_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v he_o he_o shall_v see_v believer_n on_o every_o side_n and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o compass_v we_o because_o they_o give_v we_o direction_n in_o the_o course_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o cloud_n do_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o here_o be_v answer_v a_o common_a objection_n of_o temporizer_n which_o argue_v thus_o against_o religion_n there_o be_v so_o many_o kind_n of_o religion_n now_o aday_n that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v which_o to_o be_v of_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n till_o we_o be_v certify_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o carnal_a reason_n be_v here_o answer_v for_o howsoever_o in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o god_n church_n yet_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n all_o agree_v in_o one_o for_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o world_n resemble_v a_o cloud_n that_o go_v before_o we_o show_v we_o the_o right_a way_n which_o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o in_o that_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v call_v a_o cloud_n compass_v we_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o as_o the_o israelites_n do_v follow_v the_o cloud_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n to_o canaan_n so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o these_o ancient_a believe_a father_n &_o prophet_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o the_o israelite_n follow_v that_o cloud_n they_o never_o go_v till_o it_o go_v before_o they_o and_o when_o it_o stand_v still_o they_o stand_v still_o also_o though_o it_o be_v 2._o year_n together_o and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o move_v they_o move_v with_o it_o so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n must_v we_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n for_o a_o pattern_n of_o life_n the_o worthy_a example_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n 15.4_o we_o must_v therefore_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o in_o faith_n obedience_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v direct_v to_o life_n everlasting_a in_o the_o spiritual_a canaan_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v they_o absolute_o for_o all_o of_o they_o have_v their_o infirmity_n &_o some_o of_o they_o have_v their_o grievous_a fault_n whereby_o they_o be_v taint_v &_o their_o commendation_n somewhat_o blemish_v but_o we_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o faith_n &_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o cloud_n that_o guide_v the_o israelite_n have_v two_o part_n 14.20_o a_o light_a part_n &_o a_o dark_a the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n people_n have_v not_o the_o light_a part_n before_o they_o but_o the_o dark_a part_n &_o so_o follow_v that_o they_o rush_v into_o the_o red_a sea_n &_o be_v drown_v when_o as_o the_o israelite_n follow_v the_o light_a part_n go_v through_o in_o safety_n even_o so_o these_o believer_n have_v in_o they_o two_o thing_n their_o sin_n which_o be_v their_o dark_a part_n which_o if_o we_o follow_v we_o cast_v our_o soul_n into_o great_a danger_n &_o destruction_n and_o faith_n with_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v their_o light_a part_n which_o we_o must_v follow_v as_o our_o light_n which_o if_o we_o do_v careful_o it_o will_v bring_v we_o safe_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o paul_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n be_v follower_n of_o he_o yet_o not_o absolute_o in_o every_o thing_n but_o as_o he_o follow_v christ_n and_o so_o must_v we_o follow_v the_o father_n as_o they_o go_v on_o in_o faith_n in_o christ._n further_o they_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n that_o be_v a_o huge_a multitude_n of_o witness_n and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v first_o because_o by_o their_o own_o blood_n they_o confirm_v the_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o because_o they_o do_v all_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n whereof_o they_o be_v witness_n partly_o by_o speech_n and_o partly_o by_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o so_o be_v every_o member_n of_o christ_n a_o witness_n as_o the_o lord_n often_o call_v the_o believe_a israelite_n 12_o his_o witness_n quest._n how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v that_o these_o believer_n shall_v be_v god_n witness_n answer_n sure_o because_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n holy_a religion_n both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n now_o see_v these_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v christ_n witness_n first_o hereby_o all_o ignorant_a person_n must_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o get_v faith_n and_o to_o learn_v true_a religion_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v move_v a_o man_n to_o become_v religious_a this_o will_n for_o out_o of_o all_o the_o world_n god_n will_v choose_v faithful_a man_n to_o be_v his_o witness_n to_o testify_v of_o his_o religion_n unto_o other_o if_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o some_o worthy_a mighty_a prince_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n he_o will_v be_v wonderful_a glad_a thereof_o and_o take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o labour_n for_o knowledge_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o true_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v become_v witness_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o it_o be_v a_o dignity_n to_o be_v witness_n to_o a_o earthly_a prince_n oh_o then_o what_o a_o great_a prerogative_n be_v this_o for_o a_o silly_a sinful_a man_n to_o become_v a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n &_o who_o word_n need_v no_o confirmation_n this_o must_v make_v we_o all_o to_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n &_o for_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o will_v remain_v still_o in_o our_o ignorance_n and_o never_o labour_v for_o knowledge_n then_o shall_v these_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o believe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n stand_v up_o and_o witness_v against_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o they_o have_v not_o such_o mean_n as_o we_o have_v and_o yet_o they_o become_v most_o faithful_a witness_n second_o this_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a that_o as_o in_o word_n we_o profess_v christ_n so_o indeed_o we_o may_v confess_v he_o express_v the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o us._n for_o by_o this_o true_a confession_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v make_v his_o witness_n but_o when_o we_o confess_v christ_n in_o word_n only_o and_o yet_o in_o life_n &_o practice_n deny_v he_o than_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a witness_n for_o we_o say_v &_o unsay_v in_o a_o earthly_a court_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v one_o while_o say_v one_o thing_n &_o another_o while_o another_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v for_o a_o