reason_n for_o that_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v signify_v by_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o analogy_n and_o correspondency_n and_o near_a agreement_n which_o be_v betwixt_o truth_n itself_o and_o holiness_n betwixt_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o such_o there_o be_v all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o serve_v not_o only_o to_o inform_v the_o judgement_n but_o likewise_o to_o better_v the_o whole_a man_n therefore_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o every_o divine_a truth_n it_o have_v some_o grace_n whereunto_o it_o refer_v in_o the_o use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n to_o humility_n and_o self-abasement_n the_o passion_n of_o christ_n to_o mortification_n and_o crucify_a of_o lust_n the_o resurrection_n to_o spiritual_a quicken_n and_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n the_o ascension_n to_o heavenly-mindedness_a and_o the_o affect_v of_o thing_n above_o and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n now_o because_o it_o do_v so_o therefore_o be_v the_o one_o well_o denominate_v from_o the_o other_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o as_o close_v and_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o as_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o it_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v christian_a conversation_n it_o be_v consonant_a to_o christian_a knowledge_n second_o religion_n be_v call_v the_o truth_n not_o only_o as_o agree_v with_o it_o but_o likewise_o as_o issue_v from_o it_o and_o produce_v by_o it_o for_o so_o also_o it_o be_v all_o which_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o they_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v of_o truth_n as_o the_o conveyance_n hereof_o unto_o they_o jam._n 1.18_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o first_o fruit_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n and_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o still_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o spiritual_a birth_n and_o regeneration_n whence_o believer_n be_v also_o say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o joh._n 3.19_o three_o it_o be_v call_v the_o truth_n emphatical_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o false_a and_o formal_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v other_o religion_n abroad_o but_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o christianity_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n so_o as_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n joh._n 4.24_o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n to_o be_v find_v anywhere_o but_o in_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v oecumenius_n upon_o the_o place_n he_o call_v godliness_n truth_n ungodliness_n be_v a_o spurious_a business_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v christianity_n express_v by_o the_o truth_n as_o most_o significant_a of_o it_o this_o therefore_o still_o teach_v we_o to_o hold_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o keep_v close_o unto_o it_o for_o so_o much_o truth_n so_o much_o religion_n and_o so_o much_o truth_n of_o religion_n look_v how_o far_o we_o keep_v close_o to_o our_o principle_n so_o far_o forth_o shall_v we_o regulate_v our_o practice_n and_o have_v ourlive_n in_o all_o probability_n to_o be_v that_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n will_v have_v either_o a_o scandalous_a or_o a_o hypocritical_a life_n annex_v unto_o it_o and_o follow_v upon_o it_o either_o profaneness_n or_o at_o the_o best_a formality_n be_v the_o consequent_a of_o unsoundness_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o so_o we_o may_v take_v heed_n of_o it_o and_o have_v a_o care_n to_o keep_v our_o judgement_n clear_a and_o right_o in_o we_o and_o not_o taint_v and_o defile_v with_o any_o stain_n in_o this_o particular_a especial_o as_o to_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v our_o mind_n clear_a here_o and_o not_o swerve_v or_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o so_o we_o can_v possible_o serve_v god_n a_o right_n we_o may_v it_o may_v be_v abound_v in_o outward_a duty_n and_o do_v somewhat_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o 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when_o he_o mean_v that_o he_o say_v this_o and_o so_o much_o brief_o for_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n now_o to_o come_v further_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o to_o take_v it_o now_o in_o its_o proper_a meaning_n and_o the_o spiritual_a drift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o religion_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n this_o as_o christian_n and_o especial_o as_o christian_a minister_n we_o can_v do_v we_o can_v do_v nothing_o whereby_o piety_n and_o godliness_n may_v suffer_v any_o wrong_n by_o we_o or_o any_o prejudice_n and_o disadvantage_n from_o we_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o bent_n and_o scope_n and_o principle_n of_o any_o who_o themselves_o be_v religious_a or_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o godliness_n in_o they_o there_o be_v two_o way_n especial_o whereby_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v against_o religion_n the_o one_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o discouragement_n and_o the_o other_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o disparagement_n in_o a_o way_n of_o discouragement_n and_o dishearten_v of_o those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o in_o a_o way_n of_o disparagement_n and_o scandal_n towards_o those_o which_o be_v evil_a now_o those_o which_o be_v good_a christian_n will_v be_v shy_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o religion_n in_o either_o respect_n first_o in_o a_o way_n of_o discouragement_n so_o as_o to_o dishearten_v those_o which_o be_v good_a they_o will_v be_v shy_a and_o wary_a of_o this_o and_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v whatever_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n against_o christian_n it_o be_v do_v against_o christ_n and_o whatever_o be_v do_v against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v against_o the_o truth_n itself_o we_o must_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoking-flax_n nor_o discourage_v the_o beginning_n of_o goodness_n in_o any_o in_o who_o they_o seem_v to_o appear_v but_o nourish_v they_o and_o cherish_v they_o and_o promote_v they_o all_o we_o can_v the_o contrary_a hereunto_o be_v that_o which_o be_v discernible_a in_o too_o many_o person_n who_o many_o time_n by_o their_o overliness_n and_o harshness_n and_o rigidness_n which_o be_v express_v by_o they_o do_v drive_v away_o those_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o who_o make_v fair_a proffer_n towards_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n second_o in_o a_o way_n of_o disparagement_n and_o scandal_n as_o there_o be_v many_o which_o prejudice_n religion_n so_o likewise_o such_o as_o profess_v but_o live_v not_o up_o to_o it_o such_o as_o bring_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o christianity_n and_o the_o way_n of_o
as_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o the_o more_o excellent_a way_n before_o the_o better_a gift_n and_o so_o likewise_o shall_v we_o upon_o all_o occasion_n do_v ourselves_o labour_n for_o those_o gift_n most_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o edification_n and_o labour_v more_o to_o edify_v with_o our_o gift_n than_o to_o glory_n and_o boast_v of_o they_o more_o to_o profit_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o church_n than_o to_o promote_v and_o set_v out_o ourselves_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v give_v ourselves_o to_o but_o so_o much_o my_o suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o particular_a in_o this_o second_o general_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v propound_v to_o wit_n the_o more_o excellent_a may_v the_o second_o be_v the_o proposition_n of_o it_o that_o we_o have_v in_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o show_v it_o how_o do_v he_o show_v it_o two_o way_n as_o we_o may_v conceive_v more_o especial_o first_o he_o show_v it_o in_o thesi_fw-la and_o second_o he_o show_v it_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la first_o he_o show_v it_o in_o the_o proposition_n and_o second_o he_o show_v it_o in_o the_o practice_n in_o the_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o example_n he_o show_v it_o in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o ministry_n declare_v as_o much_o unto_o they_o and_o he_o show_v it_o also_o in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n as_o give_v they_o a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o for_o his_o own_o particular_a he_o give_v it_o they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o he_o give_v it_o they_o likewise_o in_o the_o pattern_n for_o the_o better_a enforce_v of_o the_o rule_n upon_o they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v no_o way_n want_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o instruction_n and_o direction_n herein_o each_o of_o these_o way_n he_o show_v this_o way_n unto_o they_o first_o he_o show_v it_o they_o in_o his_o dictrine_n and_o by_o way_n of_o simple_a proposition_n he_o publish_v it_o and_o declare_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o that_o at_o large_a here_o in_o this_o epistle_n in_o the_o chapter_n immediate_o follow_v he_o show_v it_o they_o by_o rhetorical_a inlargement_n and_o amplification_n though_o i_o shall_v speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o if_o we_o please_v we_o may_v understand_v that_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o in_o the_o text_n not_o only_o as_o refer_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o also_o to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o the_o way_n only_o but_o to_o the_o show_v of_o it_o according_a as_o st._n basil_n of_o caesarea_n seem_v to_o carry_v it_o in_o his_o epistle_n ad_fw-la neocaesarienses_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o do_v in_o a_o hyperbolical_a manner_n show_v this_o unto_o you_o which_o he_o do_v indeed_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n that_o follow_v etsi_fw-la linguis_fw-la etc._n etc._n here_o i_o may_v by_o the_o way_n show_v you_o which_o i_o have_v also_o observe_v late_o elsewhere_o a_o use_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o hyperbole_n in_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o be_v so_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a manner_n without_o ridiculousness_n and_o affectation_n there_o be_v good_a warrant_n and_o authority_n for_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n pass_v over_o that_o the_o apostle_n show_v unto_o these_o corinthian_n the_o most_o excellent_a way_n and_o he_o show_v it_o first_o of_o all_o in_o his_o doctrine_n here_o be_v divers_a thing_n which_o from_o hence_o i_o may_v very_o pertinent_o insist_v upon_o as_o first_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o piety_n and_o religion_n say_v here_o demonstro_fw-la vobis_fw-la we_o see_v here_o that_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o demonstration_n it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v clear_o evidence_v and_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v good_a to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v peeâ—_n wish_fw-mi and_o refractory_a and_o perverse_a a_o good_a and_o sound_a christian_a he_o do_v not_o go_v upon_o conjecture_n only_o and_o mere_a guessing_n and_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n but_o have_v firm_a foot_n for_o his_o tread_n he_o be_v sure_a and_o very_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o walk_v and_o be_v able_a to_o show_v it_o to_o other_o if_o man_n will_v mot_n be_v peremptory_a and_o obstinate_a there_o be_v such_o a_o autopistie_a and_o authority_n in_o religion_n as_o do_v command_v their_o assent_n unto_o it_o so_o as_o they_o may_v as_o well_o deny_v a_o demonstration_n as_o they_o may_v deny_v that_o here_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n speak_v word_n and_o reason_n that_o do_v compel_v yieldance_n to_o they_o again_o second_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o his_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o ministerial_a dispensation_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o we_o see_v here_o in_o what_o kind_n of_o way_n preach_v and_o teach_v be_v to_o be_v carry_v namely_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v also_o express_v it_o in_o another_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o simple_o to_o propound_v truth_n but_o as_o near_o as_o we_o ean_v to_o evidence_n they_o and_o demonstrate_v they_o and_o make_v they_o clear_a and_o to_o deliver_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o whereby_o we_o may_v convince_v the_o gainsayer_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o i_o show_v it_o unto_o you_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o especial_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v any_o hindrance_n or_o prejudice_n hereunto_o and_o that_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n have_v note_v a_o affectation_n of_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n this_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o place_n before_o mention_v do_v oppose_v to_o this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o 17_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o make_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v of_o none_o effect_n as_o too_o many_o flourish_n about_o a_o letter_n keep_v the_o letter_n itself_o from_o be_v discern_v or_o as_o chrysostom_n make_v the_o comparison_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n look_v as_o fair_a and_o beautiful_a body_n when_o they_o be_v set_v out_o with_o paint_n and_o colour_n they_o do_v lose_v of_o their_o native_a beauty_n and_o comeliness_n so_o likewise_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v too_o much_o trick_v up_o with_o humane_a illustration_n it_o lose_v of_o that_o demonstrative_a power_n and_o efficacy_n which_o be_v indeed_o in_o it_o and_o become_v no_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a discourse_n three_o here_o be_v a_o further_a rule_n likewise_o for_o minister_n in_o order_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o whatever_o they_o teach_v man_n beside_o especial_o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o grace_n and_o to_o press_v such_o point_n home_o upon_o they_o as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o further_a and_o promote_a of_o a_o godly_a and_o holy_a conversation_n st._n paul_n will_v stir_v up_o these_o corinthian_n to_o the_o covet_v of_o the_o best_a gift_n they_o can_v oh_o but_o he_o woule_v be_v sure_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o to_o forget_v to_o propound_v unto_o they_o the_o most_o excellent_a way_n yet_o i_o show_v unto_o you_o or_o moreover_o the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o who_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o do_v with_o you_o i_o have_v somewhat_o more_o to_o say_v to_o you_o than_o so_o and_o thus_o he_o show_v it_o first_o of_o all_o in_o thesi_fw-la in_o the_o bare_a and_o simple_a proposition_n second_o he_o show_v it_o also_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la in_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o example_n this_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o next_o chapter_n though_o i_o shall_v speak_v etc._n etc._n without_o charity_n etc._n etc._n though_o i_o shall_v be_v here_o as_o much_o as_o i_o do_v not_o and_o i_o be_v not_o only_a persona_fw-la supponens_fw-la but_o persona_fw-la proponens_fw-la and_o this_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o show_v which_o do_v belong_v to_o all_o minister_n else_o whosoever_o they_o be_v without_o which_o the_o other_o show_v will_v do_v little_a or_o no_o good_a at_o all_o the_o apostle_n paul_n as_o he_o be_v a_o sound_a teacher_n so_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o follower_n of_o that_o which_o himself_o do_v teach_v this_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v thereby_o to_o make_v our_o doctrine_n more_o effectual_a and_o full_a of_o success_n who_o will_v believe_v our_o report_n when_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o ourselves_o as_o we_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v when_o we_o report_v that_o which_o
such_o a_o employment_n at_o such_o a_o feast_n at_o such_o a_o meeting_n when_o such_o a_o one_o follow_v thou_o or_o cross_v thou_o or_o talk_v to_o thou_o or_o go_v away_o with_o thou_o when_o the_o coach_n tarry_v for_o thou_o and_o the_o man_n turn_v again_o out_o of_o his_o chariot_n to_o meet_v thou_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o this_o question_n together_o with_o this_o circumstance_n and_o that_o which_o we_o learn_v from_o it_o be_v this_o how_o necessary_a conviction_n be_v for_o any_o person_n that_o at_o any_o time_n offend_v this_o be_v a_o main_a and_o principal_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v with_o they_o to_o evidence_n their_o sin_n unto_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o guilt_n the_o prophet_n elisha_n here_o because_o he_o mean_v to_o inflict_v a_o punishment_n upon_o gehazi_n as_o we_o find_v he_o afterward_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n the_o leprosy_n of_o naaman_n therefore_o he_o will_v first_o of_o all_o convince_v he_o and_o demonstrate_v his_o miscarriage_n to_o he_o which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a course_n to_o be_v take_v by_o all_o other_o in_o the_o like_a case_n there_o be_v divers_a thing_n very_o observable_a in_o this_o carriage_n of_o the_o prophet_n first_o his_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o present_o fall_v soul_n upon_o he_o before_o he_o hear_v he_o and_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n but_o he_o do_v fair_o and_o casual_o treat_v with_o he_o and_o argue_v the_o case_n with_o he_o in_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a manner_n this_o be_v one_o thing_n considerable_a second_o his_o justice_n and_o equal_a proceed_n that_o before_o he_o condemn_v he_o he_o will_v discover_v he_o and_o manifest_v he_o and_o make_v he_o know_v to_o himself_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n also_o very_o requisite_a in_o such_o person_n as_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o offender_n etc._n etc._n three_o his_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n in_o manage_v of_o the_o whole_a affair_n so_o tell_v gehazi_n of_o somewhat_o as_o that_o he_o may_v accuse_v himself_o for_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o do_v not_o here_o instance_n in_o his_o sin_n but_o only_o in_o a_o appurtenance_n to_o it_o the_o man_n turn_v back_o in_o his_o chariot_n to_o meet_v thou_o why_o there_o be_v no_o hurt_n in_o that_o simple_o consider_v in_o itself_o so_o he_o may_v do_v and_o yet_o all_o well_o enough_o for_o all_o that_o he_o may_v have_v come_v back_o to_o meet_v he_o as_o have_v a_o further_a errand_n to_o his_o master_n and_o to_o have_v ask_v he_o or_o to_o have_v tell_v he_o somewhat_o which_o he_o have_v forget_v about_o himself_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o naaman_n return_n as_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o which_o he_o will_v hereby_o mind_v he_o of_o he_o come_v back_o to_o meet_v thou_o because_o thou_o first_o call_v after_o he_o and_o pursue_v he_o and_o for_o these_o reason_n and_o end_n and_o intention_n this_o be_v be_v that_o which_o be_v considerable_a in_o it_o yet_o elisha_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o as_o leave_v the_o conscience_n of_o gehazi_n to_o itself_o for_o the_o make_n up_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o be_v another_o good_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o governor_n and_o keeper_n and_o the_o like_a as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v so_o to_o order_v admonition_n as_o that_o those_o who_o be_v the_o offender_n may_v themselves_o be_v their_o own_o accuser_n condemn_v in_o themselves_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o mouth_n i_o will_v judge_v thou_o thou_o evil_a servant_n as_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v have_v i_o dispatch_v this_o present_a passage_n before_o we_o such_o point_n as_o these_o sometime_o be_v very_o requisite_a to_o be_v handle_v by_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o there_o be_v very_o great_a use_n to_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o these_o moral_a discourse_n which_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o a_o spiritual_a purpose_n especial_o by_o a_o spiritual_a heart_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o main_a work_n of_o our_o ministry_n be_v to_o acquaint_v man_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o he_o and_o to_o lay_v forth_o his_o riches_n and_o excellency_n in_o all_o the_o several_a consideration_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v need_v likewise_o in_o their_o place_n even_o for_o other_o truth_n which_o we_o which_o be_v minister_n be_v to_o open_v and_o press_v upon_o you_o as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v mix_v and_o do_v consist_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o so_o our_o ministry_n be_v to_o be_v so_o likewise_o as_o to_o the_o handle_n of_o scripture_n therefore_o let_v none_o be_v prejudice_v against_o such_o text_n and_o point_n as_o these_o before_o we_o which_o some_o sometime_o weak_o be_v for_o as_o there_o be_v much_o benefit_n by_o they_o so_o there_o be_v also_o great_a necessity_n of_o they_o and_o never_o be_v more_o than_o in_o these_o day_n and_o time_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v now_o fall_v upon_o we_o wherein_o there_o be_v so_o much_o looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o lawlessness_n and_o secret_a wickedness_n which_o be_v cherish_v and_o nourish_v by_o many_o people_n which_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o who_o therefore_o have_v very_o great_a need_n of_o such_o search_a point_n as_o these_o be_v that_o hereby_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o those_o actual_a iniquity_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o they_o may_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o look_v into_o the_o general_n corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o those_o corrupt_a stream_n which_o issue_n from_o they_o and_o so_o be_v convince_v of_o both_o together_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o close_v with_o he_o upon_o his_o gospel_n condition_n of_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o and_o take_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n which_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o our_o ministry_n and_o of_o such_o discourse_n as_o these_o be_v which_o we_o have_v now_o make_v at_o this_o present_a time_n sermon_n v._n 1_o chron._n 4.10_o and_o jabez_n call_v on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n say_v oh_o that_o thou_o will_v bless_v i_o indeed_o and_o enlarge_v my_o coast_n and_o that_o thy_o hand_n may_v be_v with_o i_o and_o that_o thou_o will_v keep_v i_o from_o evil_a that_o it_o may_v not_o grieve_v i_o and_o god_n grant_v he_o that_o which_o he_o request_v we_o be_v here_o meet_v together_o this_o day_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o blessing_n to_o call_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o ourselves_o for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o brethren_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o whole_a land_n and_o nation_n in_o general_n whereunto_o we_o belong_v for_o blessing_n negative_a in_o the_o removal_n and_o prevention_n of_o evil_n and_o calamity_n from_o we_o and_o for_o blessing_n positive_a in_o the_o bestow_n and_o promote_a 〈◊〉_d comfort_n and_o good_a thing_n unto_o we_o and_o according_o i_o have_v here_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o text_n at_o this_o present_a to_o treat_v off_o as_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o such_o a_o occasion_n it_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o road_n and_o path_n of_o ordinary_a read_n as_o be_v within_o the_o vein_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o be_v especial_o make_v up_o of_o genealogye_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o proper_a name_n like_o some_o fair_a and_o sumptuous_a piece_n of_o building_n that_o be_v shadow_v with_o a_o company_n of_o tree_n which_o encompass_v it_o and_o stand_v before_o it_o and_o thereby_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o sight_n and_o view_v and_o observation_n of_o those_o which_o pass_v by_o it_o thus_o it_o fare_v as_o we_o may_v conceive_v with_o this_o text_n and_o portion_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v here_o now_o before_o we_o man_n be_v apt_a in_o this_o regard_n not_o so_o much_o perhaps_o to_o observe_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o otherwise_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o thence_o specialty_n of_o some_o to_o this_o purpose_n when_o they_o fall_v upon_o such_o chapter_n as_o these_o but_o certain_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v it_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o special_a intent_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v insert_v this_o passage_n here_o in_o this_o place_n in_o this_o verse_n before_o we_o there_o be_v two_o general_n part_v especial_o observable_a of_o we_o first_o of_o all_o a_o vow_n or_o prayer_n second_o a_o account_n of_o the_o answer_n or_o return_v which_o be_v
there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o second_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o this_o propostion_n or_o the_o check_n as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o which_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o in_o these_o word_n nevertheless_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v wherein_o again_o two_o branch_n more_o first_o the_o simple_a assertion_n second_o the_o additional_a opposition_n the_o simple_a assertion_n that_o be_v in_o these_o word_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v the_o additional_a opposition_n or_o correction_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n nevertheless_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o simple_a assertion_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o before_o the_o device_n of_o man_n do_v admit_v of_o a_o double_a acception_n and_o interpretation_n in_o which_o it_o be_v take_v either_o first_o for_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o second_o for_o the_o purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n now_o according_a to_o either_o of_o these_o notion_n do_v it_o hold_v good_a that_o god_n counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o that_o also_o as_o pertinent_a to_o this_o scripture_n first_o for_o god_n word_n and_o truth_n this_o be_v sometime_o call_v his_o counsel_n act._n 20.27_o i_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o you_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n say_v st._n paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o luk._n 7.30_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o where_o the_o same_o word_n also_o be_v use_v and_o that_o likewise_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n as_o apply_v to_o god_n word_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v call_v his_o counsel_n as_o depend_v much_o upon_o his_o counsel_n for_o the_o discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o it_o as_o ephes_n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o speak_v concern_v the_o gospel_n the_o mystery_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n but_o now_o make_v know_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n which_o he_o purpose_a in_o himself_o this_o counsel_n of_o god_n take_v for_o his_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n it_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o stand_v and_o that_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o fancy_n and_o device_n of_o man_n which_o labour_n to_o obscure_v and_o pervert_v it_o veritas_fw-la magna_fw-la est_fw-la &_o prevalebit_fw-la the_o truth_n be_v great_a and_o so_o shall_v prevail_v as_o it_o be_v common_o declare_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o not_o one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o god_n word_n shall_v pass_v away_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o emanation_n of_o himself_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v so_o be_v his_o word_n all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n thereof_o be_v as_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fade_v away_o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o 2_o pet._n 1.24_o 25._o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n 2_o cor._n 1.18_o as_o god_n be_v true_a our_o word_n towards_o you_o be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o in_o he_o be_v yea_o for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o he_o i.e._n in_o christ_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o let_v we_o stand_v for_o this_o truth_n and_o hold_v to_o it_o all_o that_o may_v be_v which_o the_o more_o we_o stand_v by_o it_o the_o more_o it_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o yea_o and_o make_v we_o ourselves_o to_o stand_v at_o another_o day_n humane_a error_n it_o shall_v fall_v before_o divine_a truth_n as_o dagan_n sometime_o before_o the_o ark._n and_o so_o it_o needs_o must_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o different_a basis_n and_o foundation_n on_o which_o each_o of_o they_o stand_v look_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v betwixt_o god_n himself_o and_o man_n the_o same_o difference_n be_v there_o also_o betwixt_o man_n conceit_n and_o device_n and_o betwixt_o god_n own_o counsel_n and_o discovery_n which_o shall_v teach_v we_o therefore_o to_o hearken_v unto_o these_o rather_o than_o unto_o they_o and_o so_o for_o god_n doctrinal_a counsel_n and_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o propound_v to_o be_v believe_v so_o for_o his_o praeceptive_a counsel_n likewise_o and_o that_o law_n which_o he_o propound_v to_o be_v obey_v this_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o this_o head_n also_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o word_n and_o have_v the_o name_n give_v unto_o it_o as_o prov._n 1.25_o you_o have_v set_v at_o naught_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n and_o so_o jer._n 23.22_o if_o they_o have_v stand_v in_o my_o counsel_n in_o his_o counsel_n that_o be_v in_o his_o commandment_n as_o god_n will_v make_v good_a the_o counsel_n of_o his_o truth_n against_o man_n error_n and_o corrupt_a device_n so_o he_o will_v make_v good_a also_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o command_n against_o man_n lust_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o his_o counsel_n in_o the_o first_o notion_n as_o it_o may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o word_n either_o in_o its_o proposition_n or_o injunction_n either_o of_o which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v his_o counsel_n and_o say_v also_o to_o stand_v the_o next_o and_o which_o i_o conceive_v be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n which_o therefore_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o though_o the_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v be_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o which_o most_o usual_o and_o common_o be_v express_v by_o this_o appellation_n the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o eph._n 1.11_o this_o especial_o be_v sure_a to_o stand_v indeed_o and_o so_o the_o scripture_n do_v signify_v to_o we_o in_o sundry_a place_n of_o it_o as_o to_o instance_n in_o one_o or_o two_o among_o the_o rest_n thus_o psal_n 33.12_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n stand_v for_o ever_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o all_o generation_n esai_n 46.10_o 11._o my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v fulfil_v all_o my_o pleasure_n i_o have_v speak_v it_o i_o will_v also_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v i_o have_v purpose_v it_o i_o will_v also_o do_v it_o in_o job_n 23.13_o he_o be_v in_o one_o mind_n who_o can_v turn_v he_o and_o what_o his_o soul_n desire_v even_o that_o he_o do_v and_o psal_n 115.3_o our_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n he_o have_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v and_o again_o in_o psal_n 135.6_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n please_v that_o he_o have_v do_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o all_o deep_a place_n thus_o be_v the_o scripture_n sufficient_o pregnant_a in_o the_o assertion_n of_o this_o point_n before_o we_o this_o be_v a_o general_n truth_n and_o may_v be_v extend_v to_o two_o particular_a head_n either_o first_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o predestination_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v or_o else_o second_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o transaction_n of_o this_o life_n present_a if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o either_o of_o these_o reference_n the_o point_n hold_v good_a as_o a_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v first_o in_o matter_n of_o predestination_n god_n counsel_n it_o shall_v stand_v here_o in_o rom._n 9.11_o that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n may_v stand_v and_o 2_o tim._n 1.19_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o lord_n stand_v sure_o have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o ephes_n 2.11_o in_o who_o also_o we_o have_v obtain_v a_o inheritance_n be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o that_o work_v all_o thing_n after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will._n in_o rom._n 11.7_o the_o election_n have_v obtain_v it_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v long_o upon_o at_o this_o time_n as_o be_v not_o the_o main_a drift_n of_o the_o text_n although_o it_o be_v not_o exclude_v neither_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o and_o keep_v close_o to_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o device_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o frustrate_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o to_o nothing_o we_o shall_v cherish_v it_o as_o our_o great_a comfort_n and_o support_v in_o spiritual_a desertion_n and_o the_o many_o fayling_n which_o be_v in_o ourselves_o whilst_o bewail_v and_o strive_v against_o our_o uncertainty_n and_o infirmity_n and_o
these_o be_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o lie_v before_o we_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o general_n viz._n the_o specification_n of_o the_o person_n the_o prudent_a and_o the_o simple_a that_o be_v indeed_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a for_o these_o be_v the_o title_n which_o be_v frequent_o give_v they_o in_o scripture_n not_o only_o here_o but_o in_o dive_v other_o place_n where_o godly_a man_n be_v describe_v by_o wise_a man_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v by_o fool_n it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o frequent_o meet_v withal_o but_o never_o more_o than_o in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o proverb_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o make_v a_o distinct_a handle_n of_o these_o two_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o text_n but_o invole_fw-mi one_o in_o the_o other_o as_o mutual_o consequent_a and_o dependent_a for_o if_o godly_a man_n be_v eminent_o wise_a man_n then_o wicked_a man_n be_v consequent_o fool_n who_o be_v so_o far_o opposite_a to_o they_o and_o if_o wicked_a man_n be_v transcendent_o foolish_a man_n then_o godly_a man_n be_v consequent_o wise_a one_o who_o do_v so_o far_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o do_v set_v themselves_o in_o way_n against_o they_o now_o that_o this_o be_v so_o indeed_o that_o the_o godly_a be_v true_o wise_a and_o none_o proper_o so_o but_o they_o will_v appear_v and_o may_v be_v make_v good_a unto_o we_o in_o sundry_a respect_n not_o only_o in_o that_o they_o be_v so_o often_o call_v so_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o wisdom_n itself_o but_o likewise_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o those_o quality_n and_o action_n and_o principle_n and_o property_n which_o do_v belong_v unto_o they_o whatsoever_o be_v true_o considerable_a as_o concur_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o good_a christian_a and_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o again_o whatsoever_o be_v observable_a and_o remarkable_a in_o a_o fool_n the_o same_o be_v in_o a_o wicked_a person_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v devoid_a of_o grace_n nay_o to_o join_v they_o and_o put_v they_o both_o together_o the_o weak_a and_o simple_a christian_n be_v wise_a than_o the_o wise_a and_o subtle_a worldling_n take_v a_o godly_a man_n but_o of_o low_a and_o mean_a part_n as_o to_o natural_a or_o acquisite_a qualification_n and_o he_o have_v more_o true_a wisdom_n in_o he_o than_o a_o wicked_a man_n of_o the_o choice_a ability_n and_o accomplishment_n either_o of_o art_n or_o nature_n that_o this_o be_v no_o empty_a flourish_n but_o a_o truth_n may_v be_v evidence_v to_o we_o upon_o these_o consideration_n first_o a_o godly_a man_n have_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o wisdom_n in_o he_o wisdom_n be_v not_o a_o fit_a but_o a_o habit_n and_o do_v imply_v a_o spring_n and_o principle_n for_o the_o nourish_a of_o it_o no_o this_o be_v that_o which_o a_o godly_a man_n have_v and_o none_o but_o he_o what_o be_v the_o right_a principle_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o savoury_a spirit_n the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o we_o in_o a_o word_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n as_o it_o be_v signify_v both_o by_o david_n and_o solomon_n this_o a_o godly_a man_n have_v he_o have_v that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o jam._n 3.17_o which_o be_v also_o in_o other_o place_n call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n whereas_o wicked_a man_n have_v only_o in_o they_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v opposite_a and_o contrary_a to_o god_n yea_o indeed_o to_o true_a wisdom_n itself_o foolish_a wisdom_n be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a as_o the_o same_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o place_n before_o allege_v second_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o principle_n so_o likewise_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o end_n and_o the_o aim_n which_o he_o do_v propound_v to_o he_o this_o as_o much_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v a_o stroke_n and_o influence_n upon_o wisdom_n what_o it_o be_v that_o one_o propound_v to_o one_o self_n now_o for_o this_o a_o godly_a man_n carry_v it_o above_o any_o one_o else_o as_o who_o aim_n be_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o good_a of_o other_o these_o be_v a_o christian_n end_n and_o proposal_n which_o be_v all_o very_a good_a and_o warrantable_a and_o such_o as_o do_v justify_v and_o approve_v he_o for_o true_a wisdom_n in_o that_o which_o he_o undertake_v three_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o rule_n whereby_o he_o be_v lead_v that_o be_v a_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o have_v good_a rule_n whereby_o he_o be_v square_v now_o a_o christian_a have_v here_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o wisdom_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n to_o the_o philippian_n let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n philip._n 3.16_o and_o to_o the_o galatian_n as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n gal._n 6.16_o last_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o object_n whereabout_o he_o be_v conversant_a which_o be_v the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n of_o wisdom_n we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o those_o which_o be_v present_a 1_o cor._n 2.7_o as_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n so_o that_o doctrine_n which_o treat_v of_o he_o and_o lead_v to_o he_o be_v a_o dostrine_n of_o wisdom_n and_o they_o themselves_o wise_n which_o be_v employ_v and_o occupy_v in_o it_o thus_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v a_o good_a christian_a the_o only_a wise_a man_n this_o then_o serve_v to_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o opinion_n in_o this_o particular_a the_o world_n account_v none_o wise_a but_o such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o their_o sense_n wise_a to_o get_v great_a estate_n to_o set_v up_o themselves_o to_o advance_v their_o own_o lust_n to_o become_v great_a in_o the_o world_n wise_a to_o circumvent_v other_o to_o do_v evil_a yea_o but_o see_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o censure_n which_o his_o word_n pass_v upon_o it_o account_v those_o the_o wise_a indeed_o that_o be_v wise_a to_o god_n that_o be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n that_o be_v wise_a to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o eternal_a life_n these_o be_v the_o wise_a one_o indeed_o whatever_o contrary_a conceit_n man_n of_o the_o world_n may_v have_v of_o they_o the_o godly_a be_v the_o only_a wise_a man_n and_o the_o wicked_a be_v the_o only_a fool_n and_o simplician_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o may_v suffice_v of_o the_o first_o general_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o person_n specify_v the_o prudent_a and_o simple_a the_o second_o be_v the_o different_a account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o each_o consist_v also_o of_o two_o part_n first_o the_o account_n of_o the_o prudent_a that_o be_v of_o the_o godly_a in_o these_o word_n he_o forsee_v the_o evil_a and_o hide_v himself_o second_o the_o account_n of_o the_o simple_a that_o be_v of_o the_o wicked_a in_o these_o word_n they_o pass_v on_o and_o be_v punish_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o account_n of_o the_o prudent_a or_o godly_a man._n which_o be_v again_o lay_v forth_o unto_o we_o in_o two_o particular_n more_o as_o the_o discovery_n of_o wisdom_n in_o he_o the_o one_o be_v in_o point_n of_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n he_o forsee_v the_o evil_a as_o the_o antecedent_n and_o the_o other_o be_v in_o point_n of_o practice_n and_o activity_n as_o the_o consequent_a and_o hide_v himself_o first_o here_o be_v a_o godly_a man_n wisdom_n discover_v as_o to_o his_o spiritual_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n and_o spirit_n of_o discern_v he_o forsee_v the_o evil_a it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o wisdom_n to_o do_v this_o and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o special_a the_o property_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n he_o do_v not_o only_o see_v the_o evil_a when_o it_o be_v upon_o he_o which_o be_v that_o which_o many_o do_v not_o neither_o but_o even_o then_o before_o it_o come_v at_o he_o he_o do_v not_o only_o see_v it_o but_o foresee_v it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v to_o we_o in_o he_o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o so_o here_o in_o this_o place_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v so_o certain_a a_o truth_n it_o be_v signify_v to_o we_o likewise_o in_o another_o and_o that_o here_o in_o this_o book_n prov._n 27.12_o we_o have_v this_o verse_n repeat_v again_o in_o so_o many_o term_n which_o do_v serve_v so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o certify_v and_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o so_o prov._n 14.16_o a_o wise_a man_n fear_v and_o depart_v from_o evil_n but_o a_o fool_n rage_v
to_o come_v but_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o be_v also_o to_o be_v scatter_v let_v the_o unrighteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o thought_n namely_o first_o of_o all_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o opinion_n in_o particular_a about_o sin_n about_o grace_n about_o god_n second_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o contemplation_n he_o must_v forsake_v his_o thought_n here_o also_o take_v a_o natural_a and_o carnal_a man_n and_o where_o be_v all_o his_o thought_n what_o be_v that_o which_o his_o mind_n do_v most_o run_v on_o and_o be_v most_o employ_v and_o exercise_v about_o yea_o even_o then_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v best_o employ_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o such_o time_n as_o these_o why_o sure_o it_o be_v all_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o psal_n 10.4_o seldom_o ever_o think_v of_o religion_n and_o eternity_n and_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o vain_a and_o foolish_a thought_n do_v possess_v he_o and_o take_v up_o his_o mind_n and_o dwell_v with_o he_o now_o such_o as_o these_o if_o ever_o he_o be_v right_a must_v be_v leave_v and_o forsake_v by_o he_o as_o in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v jer._n 4.14_o three_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o contrivance_n and_o design_n he_o must_v forsake_v his_o thought_n here_o also_o wicked_a man_n as_o they_o be_v full_a of_o vain_a meditation_n so_o they_o be_v common_o full_a of_o sinful_a device_n and_o they_o be_v still_o lay_v a_o train_n for_o future_a wickedness_n in_o themselves_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o study_v to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n that_o possible_a they_o can_v they_o shut_v their_o eye_n to_o devise_v froward_a thing_n prov._n 16.30_o they_o sleep_v not_o except_o they_o do_v mischief_n and_o their_o sleep_n be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o except_o they_o cause_v some_o to_o fall_v prov._n 4.16_o now_o such_o as_o these_o in_o conversion_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v forsake_v by_o they_o when_o a_o man_n come_v once_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o have_v other_o plot_n and_o design_n than_o he_o have_v before_o which_o be_v to_o honour_n god_n in_o that_o place_n wherein_o he_o have_v set_v he_o to_o save_v his_o own_o soul_n to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o other_o to_o advance_v and_o promote_v religion_n and_o the_o church_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n whereby_o his_o other_o evil_a design_n be_v disperse_v and_o drive_v away_o from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n here_o require_v of_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o course_n to_o forsake_v his_o way_n so_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o mind_n to_o forsake_v his_o thought_n and_o this_o for_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o counsel_n as_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o act_n of_o conversion_n the_o second_o be_v the_o act_n of_o conversion_n in_o these_o word_n and_o let_v he_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v a_o turn_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o exhibit_v to_o we_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n brief_o which_o be_v here_o considerable_a of_o we_o in_o this_o expression_n first_o the_o motion_n and_o second_o the_o term_n of_o the_o motion_n the_o motion_n that_o be_v return_v the_o term_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n first_o for_o the_o motion_n itself_o that_o be_v return_v sin_n it_o put_v we_o out_o of_o our_o way_n it_o be_v a_o deviation_n and_o depart_n from_o god_n and_o repentance_n that_o reduce_v we_o and_o bring_v we_o into_o our_o way_n again_o which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v endeavour_v by_o we_o this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v natural_o and_o necessary_o follow_v hereupon_o that_o upon_o discovery_n of_o our_o wander_n and_o mistake_n we_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o return_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n at_o once_o in_o it_o first_o that_o we_o go_v no_o far_o in_o this_o present_a way_n and_o second_o that_o we_o enter_v upon_o another_o way_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o former_a in_o we_o first_o we_o must_v go_v no_o far_o in_o this_o in_o the_o present_a evil_a way_n that_o be_v imply_v in_o return_v as_o paul_n when_o he_o be_v pass_v to_o damascus_n with_o letter_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n his_o journey_n be_v stop_v when_o christ_n meet_v he_o by_o the_o way_n so_o it_o must_v be_v with_o every_o sinner_n that_o will_v repent_v of_o his_o course_n of_o sin_n he_o must_v make_v no_o far_o progress_n in_o it_o but_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o himself_o true_a repentance_n be_v whole_o inconsistent_a with_o any_o purpose_n of_o far_o sin_v against_o god_n but_o second_o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o come_n back_o into_o another_o way_n repentance_n it_o do_v not_o only_o put_v a_o man_n to_o a_o stand_n but_o it_o set_v he_o in_o his_o right_a way_n as_o a_o man_n in_o a_o journey_n that_o see_v himself_o mistake_v he_o do_v not_o only_o stay_v in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v and_o go_v no_o far_a on_o but_o he_o come_v back_o all_o the_o way_n he_o have_v go_v hitherto_o and_o set_v himself_o in_o the_o right_a path_n even_o so_o it_o be_v here_o in_o these_o spiritual_a aberration_n as_o paul_n upon_o his_o conversion_n he_o do_v not_o only_o give_v over_o persecute_v the_o gospel_n but_o he_o fall_v to_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o and_o express_v himself_o actual_o for_o it_o thus_o for_o the_o motion_n itself_o which_o be_v here_o require_v of_o we_o and_o that_o be_v returning_z now_o the_o second_o be_v the_o term_n of_o the_o motion_n and_o that_o we_o have_v express_v here_o unto_o we_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o in_o the_o simple_a proposition_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n second_o in_o the_o emphatical_a reduplication_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n first_o take_v it_o simple_o to_o the_o lord_n the_o returning_n of_o our_o repentance_n must_v be_v to_o he_o i_o will_v return_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n say_v the_o prodigal_a child_n and_o so_o god_n himself_o seem_v to_o call_v for_o it_o from_o we_o jer._n 4.2_o if_o thou_o will_v return_v o_o israel_n say_v the_o lord_n return_v unto_o i_o there_o be_v many_o people_n sometime_o who_o turn_v out_o of_o one_o false_a way_n into_o another_o who_o will_v not_o leave_v their_o sin_n or_o vanity_n which_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o but_o only_o exchange_v they_o they_o think_v to_o reform_v and_o to_o amend_v extreme_n by_o extreme_n prodigality_n by_o covetuousness_n profaneness_n by_o superstition_n oppression_n by_o licentiousness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n but_o to_o turn_v to_o satan_n who_o from_o hence_o make_v a_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a have_v his_o will_n and_o end_n upon_o they_o but_o second_o take_v it_o in_o the_o emphatical_a reduplication_n so_o it_o be_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n this_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n with_o it_o our_o god_n that_o be_v our_o god_n who_o we_o have_v own_v and_o take_v for_o we_o our_o god_n in_o covenant_n i_o will_v return_v to_o my_o former_a husband_n say_v the_o church_n there_o in_o hos_n 2.7_o so_o here_o our_o god_n that_o be_v so_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o hitherto_o for_o we_o and_o then_o also_o we_o may_v take_v it_o as_o speak_v upon_o the_o prophet_n own_o experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n so_o much_o also_o for_o the_o act_n of_o conversion_n let_v he_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o our_o god_n and_o so_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o general_n part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o counsel_n or_o precept_n or_o invitation_n which_o be_v here_o make_v to_o repentance_n and_o turn_n to_o god_n in_o both_o the_o branch_n it_o it_o let_v the_o wicked_a etc._n etc._n the_o second_o be_v the_o promise_n or_o argument_n to_o enforce_v this_o counsel_n and_o invitation_n and_o that_o be_v take_v from_o god_n readiness_n to_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n upon_o that_o condition_n which_o be_v here_o again_o lay_v down_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o in_o the_o absolute_a proposition_n and_o second_o in_o the_o additional_a amplication_n the_o absolute_a proposition_n be_v in_o these_o word_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o the_o additional_a amplification_n be_v in_o these_o and_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v first_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o absolute_a proposition_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o so_o there_o be_v this_o in_o it_o as_o observable_a from_o it_o
of_o the_o admonition_n itself_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o now_o this_o in_o a_o suitableness_n and_o correspondency_n to_o what_o go_v before_o may_v be_v take_v three_o manner_n of_o way_n and_o may_v seem_v to_o carry_v a_o threefold_a impression_n upon_o it_o first_o as_o a_o word_n of_o correction_n and_o reformation_n in_o case_n of_o miscarriage_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o fit_o say_v to_o those_o which_o wander_v and_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o reduce_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o again_o into_o it_o second_o as_o a_o word_n of_o direction_n and_o instruction_n in_o case_n of_o ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o proper_o say_v to_o those_o which_o be_v to_o seek_v and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o nor_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v they_o to_o show_v it_o and_o to_o chalk_v it_o out_o to_o they_o three_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o strengthen_v and_o confirmation_n in_o case_n of_o unsettledness_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o suitable_o say_v to_o those_o who_o be_v doubtful_a and_o waver_v and_o uncertain_a in_o themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v right_a in_o the_o way_n or_o no_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o persevere_v and_o go_v on_o in_o those_o good_a way_n which_o they_o have_v make_v entrance_n upon_o all_o these_o emphasis_n be_v in_o this_o expression_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o correction_n and_o reformation_n in_o case_n of_o miscarriage_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o fit_o say_v to_o those_o which_o wander_v and_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o reduce_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o way_n again_o and_o to_o they_o it_o be_v say_v god_n do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o word_n but_o by_o his_o spirit_n admonish_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a course_n which_o they_o be_v in_o and_o turn_v they_o from_o they_o that_o way_n which_o you_o be_v in_o be_v not_o that_o wherein_o you_o shall_v walk_v no_o it_o be_v this_o and_o therefore_o walk_v you_o in_o it_o thus_o we_o have_v it_o in_o ezek._n 33.11_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n the_o lord_n call_v upon_o man_n daily_o to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n not_o only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n as_o ground_n and_o motive_n to_o they_o for_o it_o but_o likewise_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o stir_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o enforce_v those_o occasion_n upon_o they_o this_o he_o do_v as_o we_o may_v conceive_v especial_o upon_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n first_o out_o of_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n he_o may_v at_o last_o recover_v they_o god_n delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o he_o have_v say_v and_o swear_v about_o it_o it_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o he_o that_o man_n shall_v sin_v and_o live_v wicked_o and_o damn_v their_o soul_n he_o desire_v rather_o their_o amendment_n and_o salvation_n and_o because_o indeed_o he_o do_v so_o therefore_o as_o a_o mean_n tend_v hereunto_o do_v he_o admonish_v they_o and_o check_v they_o upon_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o go_n astray_o second_o in_o judgement_n and_o aggravation_n against_o they_o that_o so_o hereby_o he_o may_v leave_v they_o inexcusable_a and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o plead_v they_o want_v memory_n that_o they_o have_v no_o body_n to_o rectify_v they_o and_o set_v they_o right_n he_o himself_o do_v therefore_o undertake_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o they_o shall_v hear_v a_o word_n behind_o they_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o correction_n and_o reformation_n to_o they_o in_o case_n of_o miscarriage_n and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o emphasis_n or_o impression_n which_o be_v upon_o it_o wherein_o we_o may_v consider_v it_o second_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o direction_n and_o instruction_n in_o case_n of_o ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o it_o be_v very_o proper_o say_v to_o those_o which_o be_v to_o seek_v and_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o and_o to_o they_o also_o be_v it_o say_v especial_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n seek_v unto_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o those_o which_o desire_v direction_n from_o god_n in_o those_o way_n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o they_o they_o shall_v receive_v direction_n from_o he_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n psal_n 25.9_o this_o be_v true_a and_o may_v be_v make_v good_a unto_o we_o according_a to_o a_o double_a explication_n whether_o we_o take_v it_o in_o reference_n to_o civil_a thing_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o present_a life_n or_o whether_o we_o take_v it_o in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_n and_o thing_n of_o a_o better_a first_o take_v it_o in_o reference_n to_o civil_a thing_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o present_a life_n so_o there_o be_v very_o gracious_a hint_n which_o be_v sometime_o give_v to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o their_o direction_n in_o this_o particular_a in_o business_n of_o any_o great_a concernment_n and_o moment_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o where_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v it_o please_v he_o to_o advise_v they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o and_o they_o may_v very_o well_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o respect_n when_o it_o be_v so_o with_o they_o though_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o chief_o intend_v here_o in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o exclude_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v very_o seasonable_o observe_v it_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o second_o in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o a_o better_a life_n here_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o he_o shall_v not_o want_v direction_n from_o he_o but_o he_o will_v advise_v they_o and_o by_o counsel_v to_o they_o for_o which_o purpose_n they_o do_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o confidence_n betake_v themselves_o to_o he_o as_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v in_o sundry_a place_n thus_o in_o psal_n 25.4_o 5._o show_v i_o thy_o way_n o_o lord_n and_o teach_v i_o thy_o path_n lead_v i_o in_o thy_o truth_n and_o teach_v i_o for_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n on_o thou_o do_v i_o wait_v all_o the_o day_n so_o again_o psal_n 86.11_o teach_v i_o thy_o way_n o_o lord_n i_o will_v walk_v in_o thy_o truth_n make_v my_o heart_n to_o fear_v thy_o name_n so_o again_o psal_n 143.8_o cause_v i_o to_o hear_v thy_o lovingkindness_n in_o the_o morning_n for_o in_o thou_o do_v i_o put_v my_o trust_n cause_v i_o to_o know_v the_o way_n wherein_o i_o shall_v walk_v for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o soul_n unto_o thou_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o such_o prayer_n and_o request_n as_o these_o be_v do_v the_o lord_n according_o very_o gracious_o instruct_v they_o and_o give_v direction_n to_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v hear_v a_o word_n behind_o they_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o that_o be_v second_o a_o word_n of_o direction_n and_o instruction_n in_o case_n of_o ignorance_n three_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o confirmation_n in_o case_n of_o unsettledness_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v you_o in_o it_o it_o be_v speak_v very_o suitable_a to_o those_o which_o be_v somewhat_o doubtful_a whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n or_o no_o by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n god_n will_v gracious_o provide_v for_o the_o settlement_n and_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o may_v not_o depart_v of_o start_n aside_o from_o he_o and_o this_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o word_n which_o be_v as_o useful_a and_o necessary_a as_o the_o other_o we_o have_v not_o more_o need_n to_o be_v divert_v from_o those_o way_n which_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o be_v direct_v to_o those_o which_o be_v good_a then_o when_o we_o be_v in_o good_a way_n already_o to_o be_v settle_v and_o confirm_v in_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o forsake_v and_o leave_v they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v in_o this_o supplication_n lest_o that_o which_o be_v lame_a be_v not_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o that_o it_o rather_o be_v heal_v as_o it_o be_v in_o heb._n 12.13_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o can_v be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o
lord_n behold_v i_o be_o against_o thou_o and_o will_v draw_v forth_o my_o sword_n out_o of_o his_o sheath_n and_o will_v cut_v off_o from_o thou_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a these_o time_n in_o which_o we_o now_o live_v be_v time_n of_o war_n and_o rumour_n of_o war_n which_o do_v abound_v and_o prevail_v in_o they_o in_o which_o respect_n a_o text_n of_o war_n will_v not_o be_v unfit_a or_o unsuitable_a to_o we_o especial_o of_o such_o a_o war_n which_o if_o it_o be_v due_o and_o right_o consider_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o other_o war_n beside_o which_o be_v that_o of_o god_n himself_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v propound_v unto_o we_o here_o in_o this_o scripture_n god_n controversy_n with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o publish_n and_o declare_v of_o it_o to_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n who_o in_o these_o two_o verse_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v first_o of_o all_o qualify_a and_o prepare_v for_o the_o delivery_n of_o such_o a_o message_n as_o this_o and_o then_o have_v the_o message_n itself_o commit_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v publish_v by_o he_o the_o first_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n and_o the_o second_o in_o the_o three_o of_o this_o chapter_n our_o business_n at_o this_o present_a time_n will_v be_v only_o with_o the_o first_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n be_v preparation_n to_o his_o emhassage_n in_o this_o second_o verse_n which_o i_o have_v now_o read_v son_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o present_a verse_n before_o we_o we_o have_v two_o general_n part_v considerable_a of_o we_o first_o the_o prophet_n compellation_n or_o title_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o second_o the_o prophet_n injunction_n or_o command_v which_o be_v lay_v upon_o he_o his_o compellation_n that_o you_o have_v in_o these_o word_n son_n of_o man_n his_o injunction_n that_o you_o have_v in_o these_o set_v thy_o face_n etc._n etc._n we_o begin_v in_o order_n with_o the_o first_o viz._n his_o compellation_n son_n of_o man_n there_o be_v but_o two_o person_n in_o scripture_n which_o have_v eminent_o this_o name_n put_v upon_o they_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o one_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o other_o be_v this_o prophet_n ezekiel_n here_o in_o the_o old_a for_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v the_o name_n put_v upon_o he_o in_o sundry_a place_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o instance_n in_o any_o particular_n they_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o very_o good_a reason_n namely_o as_o hereby_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o humanity_n to_o we_o that_o among_o those_o many_o miracle_n and_o wonderful_a work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o from_o whence_o he_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v god_n he_o may_v have_v somewhat_o also_o fasten_v upon_o he_o declare_v he_o likewise_o to_o be_v man_n beside_o as_o suitable_a to_o his_o present_a state_n of_o abasement_n and_o humiliation_n and_o future_a passion_n that_o he_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o according_a to_o that_o view_n wherein_o he_o tender_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o those_o which_o be_v about_o he_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o what_o shall_v happen_v unto_o he_o he_o think_v it_o fit_v thus_o to_o be_v call_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n likewise_o encourage_v they_o upon_o these_o term_n to_o close_o with_o he_o as_o who_o have_v take_v their_o nature_n upon_o he_o be_v not_o now_o ashamed_a to_o call_v they_o brethren_n this_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o now_o as_o for_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n why_o this_o name_n shall_v be_v put_v upon_o he_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n further_o considerable_a especial_o why_o upon_o he_o rather_o than_o upon_o any_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n beside_o as_o we_o do_v indeed_o find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o prophet_n daniel_n only_o except_v who_o once_o and_o no_o more_o but_o once_o be_v distinguish_v by_o this_o compellation_n dan._n 8.17_o understand_v o_o son_n of_o man_n it_o be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o divine_n that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n especial_o namely_o to_o humble_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o many_o divine_a vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o he_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o though_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o work_n and_o employment_n he_o be_v a_o companion_n of_o angel_n yet_o for_o his_o condition_n he_o be_v number_v among_o man_n and_o so_o in_o that_o respect_n have_v a_o double_a disparagement_n upon_o he_o which_o serve_v to_o abase_v he_o both_o of_o mortality_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o mortality_n son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v one_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o other_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n again_o of_o sinfulness_n son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o prophet_n elias_n a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n with_o other_o man_n look_v as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o have_v be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o hear_v such_o word_n as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o utter_v he_o be_v buffet_v with_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n thereby_o to_o debase_v he_o and_o have_v a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n send_v he_o thereby_o to_o keep_v he_o from_o be_v exalt_v with_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o revelation_n even_o so_o be_v it_o likewise_o here_o with_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n in_o this_o his_o present_n employ_v which_o that_o he_o may_v consider_v what_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o great_a favour_n which_o god_n do_v now_o vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o in_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o these_o heavenly_a apparition_n he_o be_v qualify_v by_o this_o title_n which_o be_v give_v he_o son_n of_o man_n but_o we_o may_v add_v also_o another_o reason_n here_o in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o matter_n in_o hand_n for_o the_o give_v of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o breed_v in_o he_o a_o humble_a spirit_n but_o likewise_o a_o pitiful_a and_o compassionate_a the_o business_n which_o he_o be_v now_o employ_v in_o and_o the_o message_n which_o he_o be_v now_o send_v about_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o judgement_n and_o terror_n it_o be_v a_o threaten_a and_o foretell_v of_o god_n wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o his_o people_n now_o this_o it_o do_v require_v some_o bowel_n and_o tenderness_n in_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o son_n of_o man_n be_v a_o very_a fit_a and_o proper_a compellation_n that_o so_o be_v a_o man_n himself_o he_o may_v the_o more_o commiserate_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n remember_v those_o which_o be_v in_o bond_n as_o bind_v with_o they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o adversity_n as_o be_v yourselves_o in_o the_o body_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 13.3_o those_o who_o be_v themselves_o in_o the_o body_n have_v cause_n to_o tender_v other_o in_o adversity_n as_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n subject_n to_o the_o same_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n themselves_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o behove_v he_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o ezekiel_n be_v here_o admonish_v of_o his_o humane_a condition_n that_o so_o he_o may_v with_o the_o more_o tenderness_n of_o affection_n denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o man_n as_o himself_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o too_o insult_o triumph_v over_o they_o but_o carry_v himself_o with_o meekness_n and_o lenity_n towards_o they_o as_o be_v one_o in_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o and_o so_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o general_n part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o prophet_n title_n or_o compellation_n son_n of_o man_n the_o second_o be_v the_o prophet_n injunction_n or_o command_v which_o be_v lay_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o be_v how_o to_o carry_v himself_o in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o his_o people_n this_o be_v express_v and_o lay_v forth_o in_o three_o clause_n first_o to_o set_v his_o face_n towards_o jerusalem_n second_o to_o drop_v his_o word_n towards_o the_o holy_a place_n three_o to_o prophesy_v against_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n where_o you_o have_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a enumeration_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o place_n and_o condition_n and_o person_n as_o the_o object_n of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o be_v threaten_v
very_o considerable_a in_o any_o law_n according_a as_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v execute_v and_o require_v of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o with_o this_o law_n of_o obedience_n christ_n that_o will_v one_o day_n call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o the_o perform_n or_o not_o perform_v of_o it_o do_v here_o carry_v it_o high_o than_o a_o outward_a and_o external_a compliance_n and_o according_o be_v it_o to_o be_v carry_v high_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v well_o if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n which_o christ_n himself_o put_v upon_o this_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v here_o declare_v let_v we_o according_o bring_v all_o doctrine_n and_o teacher_n and_o instructor_n of_o other_o to_o this_o note_n of_o difficulty_n and_o examine_v how_o far_o they_o bear_v a_o conformity_n to_o this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o teacher_n sometime_o in_o the_o world_n of_o these_o pharisaical_a humour_n who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a business_n to_o nestle_v man_n in_o a_o way_n of_o formality_n and_o morality_n and_o civility_n and_o bare_a conformity_n to_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n without_o any_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o the_o pure_a life_n of_o religion_n and_o spirituality_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v as_o good_a divinity_n sometime_o to_o be_v find_v in_o seneca_n or_o epictetus_n or_o autonius_n or_o aristotle_n ethic_n &_o the_o rest_n of_o such_o heathen_a writer_n as_o in_o most_o of_o these_o dissenter_n who_o as_o for_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v reduce_v it_o all_o to_o natural_a reason_n and_o thereby_o destroy_v faith_n so_o for_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v consine_n it_o all_o to_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o thereby_o diminish_v obedience_n but_o such_o as_o these_o need_n no_o other_o than_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v a_o counsellor_n of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v enough_o in_o this_o business_n i_o say_v it_o and_o no_o man_n beside_o in_o the_o world_n have_v so_o much_o efficacy_n or_o authority_n with_o it_o man_n may_v contradict_v one_o another_o and_o their_o say_n may_v be_v of_o equal_a validity_n and_o so_o not_o prevail_v one_o above_o the_o other_o but_o when_o christ_n interpose_v and_o put_v in_o his_o say_n as_o he_o do_v here_o in_o the_o text_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o stop_v all_o nothing_o to_o prevail_v that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n here_o considerable_a of_o we_o to_o wit_n the_o person_n speak_v and_o that_o be_v i._n the_o second_o be_v the_o form_n of_o speech_n say_v and_o this_o likewise_o have_v its_o various_a signification_n with_o it_o first_o as_o a_o word_n of_o intimation_n i_o say_v that_o be_v i_o inform_v you_o second_o as_o a_o word_n of_o asseveration_n i_o say_v that_o be_v i_o assure_v you_o three_o as_o a_o word_n of_o comination_n i_o say_v i._n e._n i_o threaten_v you_o first_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o intimation_n i_o say_v that_o be_v i_o inform_v you_o christ_n will_v not_o hide_v or_o conceal_v such_o a_o necessary_a truth_n from_o they_o as_o this_o be_v but_o will_v discover_v it_o and_o reveal_v it_o to_o they_o for_o their_o great_a good_a he_o will_v not_o let_v they_o go_v away_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o moral_a righteousness_n &_o outward_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n so_o as_o to_o rest_v themselves_o satisfy_v in_o that_o but_o will_v teach_v they_o and_o instruct_v they_o better_o wherein_o he_o set_v also_o a_o pattern_n to_o all_o other_o teacher_n beside_o who_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n even_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v as_o do_v tend_v to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o all_o divine_a truth_n in_o its_o place_n be_v to_o be_v reveal_v &_o make_v know_v by_o we_o so_o such_o truth_n more_o especial_o above_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o concernment_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o be_v this_o at_o present_a which_o we_o now_o mention_v i_o say_v it_o and_o i_o say_v it_o peremptory_o you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v etc._n etc._n second_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o asseveration_n i_o assure_v you_o of_o it_o as_o christ_n be_v faithful_a so_o he_o be_v also_o infallible_a as_o faithful_a to_o reveal_v to_o the_o people_n that_o he_o reveal_v he_o say_v it_o as_o know_v what_o he_o say_v other_o man_n they_o speak_v sometime_o by_o rote_n and_o by_o guess_n and_o by_o conjecture_n out_o of_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n and_o imagination_n but_o christ_n he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o his_o say_n be_v certain_a truth_n and_o according_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o they_o he_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o substantial_a word_n whatever_o word_n come_v from_o he_o it_o have_v weight_n with_o it_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o as_o he_o tell_v n_n even_o here_o in_o this_o chapter_n matth._n 5.18_o and_o luke_n 16.17_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o it_o three_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o commination_n it_o be_v a_o threaten_a word_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o tenor_n and_o carriage_n which_o be_v by_o signify_v the_o danger_n which_o follow_v upon_o this_o imperfect_a righteousness_n so_o as_o exclude_v all_o those_o from_o heaven_n which_o have_v no_o more_o in_o they_o and_o so_o it_o have_v a_o quicken_a and_o awaken_n efficacy_n with_o it_o to_o rouse_v man_n out_o of_o that_o carnal_a security_n and_o presumption_n under_o which_o they_o be_v and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n the_o form_n of_o speech_n i_o say_v the_o three_o and_o last_o be_v the_o person_n speak_v to_o and_o that_o be_v you_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o and_o this_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o twofold_a explication_n first_o you_o which_o be_v my_o member_n and_o second_o you_o which_o be_v my_o minister_n you_o my_o disciple_n and_o you_o my_o apostle_n you_o believer_n and_o you_o preacher_n i_o say_v it_o to_o you._n first_o you_o which_o be_v my_o member_n i_o say_v it_o to_o you_o christian_n and_o believer_n to_o you_o who_o understand_v such_o say_n as_o these_o be_v and_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o say_v it_o to_o they_o who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o it_o the_o pharisee_n that_o be_v covetous_a hear_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o deride_v he_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o another_o place_n luke_n 16.14_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o trouble_v himself_o with_o they_o but_o to_o his_o disciple_n he_o declare_v it_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v matth._n 13.11_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o my_o friend_n luke_n 12.4_o such_o as_o these_o be_v most_o capable_a of_o his_o instruction_n yea_o and_o they_o be_v capable_a also_o of_o his_o threaten_n and_o commination_n if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n where_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o condition_n of_o their_o go_n no_o further_o than_o the_o outside_n of_o obedience_n this_o be_v a_o place_n even_o for_o severe_a truth_n as_o well_o as_o comfortable_a and_o these_o also_o he_o administer_v to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v one_o notion_n of_o this_o you_o wherein_o it_o may_v be_v take_v you_o that_o be_v you_o which_o be_v my_o member_n the_o second_o be_v you_o that_o be_v you_o which_o be_v my_o minister_n my_o disciple_n and_o also_o my_o apostle_n i_o say_v it_o to_o you_o as_o to_o you_o believer_n for_o your_o own_o sake_n so_o to_o you_o preacher_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o who_o you_o have_v to_o deal_v and_o converse_v withal_o this_o be_v main_o desirable_a in_o minister_n above_o all_o other_o beside_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o practical_a truth_n and_o such_o point_n as_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v both_o to_o save_v themselves_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o to_o conclude_v come_v to_o this_o to_o teach_v we_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n especial_o to_o mind_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v both_o for_o the_o teach_n and_o learn_v of_o they_o we_o do_v not_o absolute_o speak_v against_o civility_n and_o morality_n or_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o they_o nay_o we_o think_v there_o be_v never_o more_o
deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n rev._n 21.8_o the_o abominable_a be_v say_v to_o have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o rev._n 22.15_o without_o be_v dog_n dog_n what_o be_v they_o namely_o filthy_a beastly_a people_n who_o have_v impudence_n join_v with_o their_o uncleanness_n what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n and_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n st._n paul_n make_v the_o question_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o and_o we_o may_v answer_v it_o in_o the_o negative_a even_o none_o at_o all_o such_o as_o these_o they_o be_v at_o a_o very_a great_a distance_n from_o grace_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o absolute_a repugnancy_n and_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o may_v just_o tremble_v at_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o be_v howsoever_o they_o may_v otherwise_o be_v persuade_v and_o flatter_v themselves_o second_o all_o hypocrite_n or_o secret_a enemy_n and_o hater_n of_o goodness_n which_o though_o perhaps_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o open_o and_o notorious_o scandalous_a as_o some_o other_o be_v yet_o have_v bitter_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n and_o affection_n in_o they_o against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n such_o as_o these_o be_v of_o a_o devilish_a nature_n and_o the_o spirit_n that_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n rule_v in_o they_o they_o be_v therefore_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o other_o person_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n and_o herodian_o they_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o malicious_a affection_n to_o entangle_v he_o and_o ensnare_v he_o in_o his_o speech_n and_o thereby_o to_o betray_v he_o who_o therefore_o be_v say_v here_o implicit_o to_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o this_o honest_a scribe_n be_v not_o and_o so_o in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n do_v in_o special_a manner_n strike_v at_o the_o pharisee_n for_o thus_o their_o malicious_a oppose_a and_o contradict_v of_o the_o know_a truth_n which_o do_v set_v man_n in_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o nothing_o more_o even_o there_o where_o it_o be_v veil_v with_o the_o fair_a pretence_n that_o may_v be_v three_o all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v mere_o civil_a or_o formal_a which_o have_v no_o more_o but_o common_a and_o moral_a honesty_n in_o they_o though_o this_o in_o itself_o and_o simple_o consider_v be_v very_o good_a we_o do_v not_o speak_v against_o it_o nor_o have_v not_o need_v in_o these_o time_n yet_o such_o i_o say_v who_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n betwixt_o civility_n and_o piety_n betwixt_o god_n nature_n and_o grace_n betwixt_o formality_n and_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n those_o which_o go_v no_o far_o than_o that_o they_o come_v far_o short_a of_o this_o and_o so_o in_o conclusion_n if_o they_o go_v no_o far_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o it_o eternal_a life_n thus_o our_o saviour_n himself_o tell_v we_o matt._n 5.20_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o except_o your_o righteousness_n exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n you_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n they_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o exact_a person_n in_o many_o respect_n their_o conversation_n to_o the_o world_n be_v very_o fair_a and_o free_a from_o offence_n they_o be_v punctual_a in_o their_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o people_n who_o he_o there_o speak_v to_o that_o except_o they_o take_v care_n to_o go_v beyond_o they_o there_o be_v no_o come_n for_o they_o to_o heaven_n no_o more_o there_o be_v not_o they_o must_v have_v somewhat_o more_o in_o they_o than_o this_o or_o no_o salvation_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v likewise_o be_v apprehend_v by_o those_o who_o god_n have_v please_v to_o enlighten_v and_o to_o work_v a_o further_a work_n in_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_n we_o can_v have_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o this_o point_n than_o in_o his_o epistle_n by_o consider_v he_o what_o he_o be_v before_o conversion_n and_o consider_v he_o what_o he_o be_v after_o take_v it_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n gal._n 1.14_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o what_o he_o have_v be_v before_o how_o he_o he_o have_v profit_v in_o the_o jew_n religion_n above_o many_o of_o his_o equal_n and_o have_v be_v exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n so_o phil._n 3.6_o he_o say_v that_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n he_o be_v blameless_a and_o if_o any_o other_o have_v whereof_o he_o may_v trust_v in_o the_o flesh_n he_o have_v more_o well_o but_o now_o at_o last_o he_o dare_v not_o trust_v to_o it_o for_o all_o this_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v in_o ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v unto_o i_o those_o i_o count_v loss_n for_o christ_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v but_o loss_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o judgement_n which_o st._n paul_n pass_v upon_o himself_o before_o conversion_n to_o be_v but_o in_o a_o lose_a condition_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o exactness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o civil_a conversation_n his_o outside_n and_o formality_n in_o religion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v likewise_o with_o any_o other_o person_n beside_o who_o be_v no_o more_o but_o so_o they_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o short_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o double_a defect_n or_o insufficiency_n in_o mere_a civility_n to_o this_o purpose_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o object_n or_o matter_n which_o it_o be_v exercise_v about_o which_o be_v considerable_a chief_o in_o the_o inferior_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n and_o such_o as_o do_v regulate_v and_o reform_v the_o outward_a conversation_n as_o justice_z and_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o such_o as_o these_o but_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o weighty_a and_o more_o substantial_a matter_n as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n here_o it_o be_v more_o lax_n and_o remiss_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o second_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o spring_n whence_o these_o action_n proceed_v which_o be_v not_o a_o heart_n any_o thing_n change_v or_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o its_o mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v but_o still_o remain_v in_o its_o natural_a condition_n and_o original_a corruption_n and_o defilement_n which_o it_o have_v contract_v to_o itself_o in_o each_o of_o these_o respect_n do_v civility_n shall_v short_v of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o let_v none_o of_o we_o rest_n satisfy_v or_o content_v with_o it_o let_v this_o be_v the_o use_n and_o improvement_n which_o we_o make_v of_o this_o observation_n to_o labour_v to_o find_v a_o further_a work_n than_o this_o come_v to_o upon_o our_o heart_n a_o sight_n of_o our_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a condition_n by_o nature_n and_o mourn_v under_o it_o a_o new_a bias_n and_o inclination_n put_v upon_o we_o carry_v we_o out_o to_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n a_o close_n with_o christ_n upon_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o forsake_v our_o dear_a lust_n to_o forego_v our_o strong_a corruption_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v whatsoever_o he_o shall_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o perfect_o for_o he_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o sceptre_n and_o government_n to_o take_v place_n in_o we_o to_o have_v a_o special_a savour_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n especial_o as_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o pertinent_a to_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o love_v the_o child_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v his_o child_n and_o have_v his_o image_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v somewhat_o further_o than_o mere_a civility_n and_o the_o common_a honesty_n of_o the_o world_n which_o whosoever_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o more_o or_o less_o and_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o measure_n and_o degree_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o in_o this_o distance_n and_o remoteness_n
our_o heart_n do_v thereby_o bring_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o upon_o the_o point_n one_o and_o the_o same_o and_z according_o have_v the_o name_n of_o one_o thing_n put_v here_o upon_o they_o as_o the_o several_a link_n of_o a_o chain_n make_v up_o but_o one_o chain_n even_o so_o be_v it_o here_o in_o this_o particular_a but_o second_o how_o be_v this_o alone_z say_v to_o be_v needful_a we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o beside_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o employment_n and_o thing_n conduce_v to_o these_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n in_o another_o place_n your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o matth._n 6.32_o how_o then_o do_v we_o confine_v it_o to_o religion_n as_o if_o nothing_o be_v needful_a but_o only_o that_o to_o this_o again_o we_o answer_v that_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v his_o speech_n of_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n other_o thing_n be_v necessary_a in_o their_o place_n as_o conduce_v to_o such_o and_o such_o end_n but_o nothing_o be_v simple_o indispensible_o necessary_a but_o this_o it_o be_v the_o only_a that_o be_v the_o chief_o needful_a the_o word_n be_v thus_o explain_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o which_o be_v exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o they_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a business_n which_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o look_v after_o while_o they_o live_v here_o in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o endeavour_v god_n glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n or_o if_o you_o will_v more_o brief_o thus_o that_o religion_n be_v the_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a this_o be_v abundant_o confirm_v unto_o we_o out_o of_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n thus_o eccl._n 12.13_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n it_o be_v col_n adham_n as_o the_o word_n run_v in_o the_o text_n the_o whole_a duty_n and_o the_o whole_a dignity_n and_o the_o whole_a happiness_n of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o so_o matth._n 6.33_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o and_o joh._n 6.27_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v but_o for_o the_o meat_n endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n etc._n etc._n in_o prov._n 4.7_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n by_o wisdom_n there_o he_o mean_v grace_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a as_o it_o be_v call_v prov._n 30.3_o isa_n 55.1_o 2._o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v unto_o the_o water_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o do_v you_o spend_v your_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o harken_v unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v the_o voice_n and_o invitation_n of_o christ_n call_v man_n to_o look_v after_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o mean_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o they_o this_o it_o may_v be_v further_o amplify_v and_o confirm_v from_o these_o follow_a illustration_n first_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v main_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o look_v after_o by_o we_o which_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a consider_v in_o itself_o now_o this_o be_v the_o present_a business_n in_o hand_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v there_o be_v no_o such_o sweet_a and_o bless_a condition_n as_o the_o state_n of_o god_n child_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o who_o be_v perfect_v with_o glory_n in_o another_o it_o be_v that_o which_o do_v indeed_o excel_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o contentment_n of_o this_o world_n they_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o emptiness_n and_o a_o defectiveness_n in_o they_o and_o such_o as_o will_v be_v unable_a to_o satisfy_v at_o another_o day_n whereas_o this_o it_o make_v a_o man_n full_o and_o complete_o happy_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v for_o ever_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a that_o be_v certain_o and_o undoubted_o the_o main_a thing_n to_o be_v mind_v without_o which_o a_o man_n can_v least_o subsist_v now_o this_o be_v this_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o text._n it_o can_v be_v least_o spare_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n beside_o honour_n and_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v able_a to_o spare_v they_o and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o enough_o without_o they_o but_o grace_n it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v spare_v and_o to_o purpose_n be_v without_o it_o so_o essential_a be_v it_o to_o true_a happiness_n second_o it_o be_v of_o the_o great_a influence_n and_o extent_n and_o usefulness_n to_o we_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o compass_v of_o our_o life_n and_o we_o can_v proper_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o it_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o general_a and_o universal_a qualification_n it_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n which_o he_o be_v subject_a unto_o for_o want_n and_o for_o abundance_n for_o prosperity_n and_o for_o adversity_n for_o life_n and_o for_o death_n it_o manage_n all_o calling_n and_o all_o providence_n and_o all_o affair_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v and_o a_o man_n can_v carry_v himself_o in_o they_o so_o decent_o and_o as_o become_v he_o that_o want_v it_o that_o man_n that_o neglect_v his_o soul_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o which_o can_v be_v well_o mind_v by_o he_o three_o it_o be_v of_o the_o great_a continuance_n and_o duration_n all_o that_o man_n look_v after_o in_o the_o world_n it_o last_v no_o long_a than_o the_o world_n itself_o when_o that_o be_v but_o once_o at_o a_o end_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v pursue_v in_o it_o but_o now_o this_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o it_o last_v to_o eternity_n and_o so_o the_o scripture_n express_v itself_o about_o it_o a_o endure_a substance_n a_o inheritance_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o such_o phrase_n as_o these_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v also_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o verse_n that_o this_o good_a part_n which_o mary_n have_v choose_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o it_o be_v eternal_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o consequent_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o of_o the_o fruit_n and_o reward_n of_o it_o which_o abide_v and_o continue_v for_o ever_o grace_n it_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o be_v which_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v beside_o four_o and_o last_o this_o be_v also_o the_o main_a purpose_n for_o which_o every_o man_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n therefore_o it_o be_v main_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o look_v after_o by_o he_o every_o wise_a man_n look_v after_o his_o end_n and_o that_o scope_n whereunto_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v most_o of_o all_o fit_v for_o that_o now_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o come_n into_o the_o world_n its_o all_o and_o only_o for_o this_o one_o thing_n we_o come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o to_o sleep_v and_o to_o take_v our_o pleasure_n to_o live_v a_o natural_a or_o a_o secular_a life_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n but_o we_o come_v into_o this_o world_n as_o a_o opportunity_n to_o prepare_v for_o a_o better_a we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o profitable_a in_o it_o to_o employ_v our_o talent_n and_o to_o improve_v our_o mercy_n and_o to_o serve_v our_o generation_n to_o do_v all_o that_o possible_o we_o can_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n to_o get_v a_o stock_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n to_o lay_v up_o in_o store_n to_o ourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n say_v of_o himself_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
discovery_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o he_o declare_v unto_o we_o and_o who_o he_o declare_v also_o still_o with_o advantage_n as_o reconcile_v in_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v also_o pertinent_a to_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o discovery_n of_o he_o to_o declare_v god_n absolute_o consider_v that_o have_v but_o little_a contentment_n in_o it_o but_o to_o declare_v he_o to_o purpose_n be_v to_o declare_v he_o as_o pacify_v in_o his_o son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v here_o do_v even_o by_o the_o son_n himself_o which_o shall_v according_o engage_v we_o in_o all_o acknowledgement_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o second_o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o also_o to_o yield_v all_o honour_n and_o service_n and_o worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v who_o be_v thus_o manifest_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o we_o can_v now_o plead_v ignorance_n for_o a_o excuse_n or_o defence_n of_o ourselves_o for_o he_o be_v now_o here_o declare_v and_o that_o also_o by_o such_o a_o person_n as_o be_v able_a to_o declare_v he_o unto_o we_o if_o the_o gentile_n be_v so_o liable_a to_o condemnation_n for_o not_o live_v answerable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v by_o nature_n what_o shall_v be_v their_o condemnation_n that_o improve_v not_o that_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o he_o by_o such_o special_a and_o particular_a revelation_n as_o be_v impart_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n three_o we_o see_v here_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n above_o all_o other_o art_n and_o mystery_n whatsoever_o beside_o in_o the_o world_n wherein_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o excellent_a point_n and_o truth_n communicate_v to_o we_o as_o we_o have_v here_o now_o before_o we_o and_o those_o be_v concern_v god_n himself_o who_o herein_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o who_o to_o know_v and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n be_v even_o eternal_a life_n itself_o as_o himself_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o joh._n 17.3_o if_o there_o be_v any_o felicity_n or_o contentment_n in_o speculation_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o like_a here_o be_v that_o which_o transcend_v and_o carry_v it_o above_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatsoever_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o general_n part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o supply_n of_o the_o defect_n premise_v and_o so_o with_o this_o whole_a verse_n in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v now_o handle_v and_o finish_v no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v reveal_v he_o sermon_n xxi_o joh_n 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o make_v we_o more_o willing_a to_o part_v at_o any_o time_n with_o our_o friend_n upon_o any_o journey_n to_o be_v take_v by_o they_o than_o first_o of_o all_o to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o come_v to_o we_o again_o and_o then_o to_o consider_v that_o our_o part_n with_o they_o for_o a_o time_n make_v for_o our_o own_o great_a advantage_n when-as_a we_o know_v whither_o they_o go_v and_o when-as_a we_o know_v how_o ourselves_o be_v to_o go_v after_o they_o and_o to_o they_o each_o of_o which_o consideration_n be_v propound_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o his_o belove_a disciple_n to_o satisfy_v they_o and_o comfort_v they_o in_o his_o own_o departure_n from_o they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o go_v say_v he_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o and_o if_o i_o go_v and_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o i_o will_v come_v again_o and_o receive_v you_o unto_o myself_o that_o where_o i_o be_o there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o and_o whither_o i_o go_v you_o know_v and_o the_o way_n you_o know_v now_o thomas_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o make_v a_o little_a pause_n and_o exception_n in_o part_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n lord_n say_v he_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o thou_o go_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o way_n but_o our_o saviour_n do_v sufficient_o answer_v he_o in_o this_o verse_n which_o i_o have_v now_o read_v unto_o you_o by_o assure_v he_o that_o himself_o be_v not_o only_o the_o traveller_n but_o the_o way_n and_o only_a mean_n of_o conveyance_n to_o heaven_n i_o be_o the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v etc._n etc._n in_o the_o text_n itself_o there_o be_v two_o general_n part_v considerable_a first_o the_o simple_z proposition_n second_o the_o additional_a amplification_n the_o proposition_n that_o we_o have_v in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n the_o amplification_n in_o these_o no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o we_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o part_n viz._n the_o simple_a proposition_n wherein_o we_o have_v a_o description_n to_o we_o of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o a_o threefold_a distinct_a notion_n of_o he_o wherein_o he_o be_v considerable_a first_o as_o the_o way_n second_o as_o the_o truth_n and_o three_o as_o the_o life_n where_o every_o particular_a word_n have_v its_o particular_a article_n prefix_v unto_o it_o to_o make_v it_o more_o emphatical_a we_o will_v take_v each_o of_o they_o in_o that_o order_n in_o which_o they_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o the_o text_n and_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o i_o be_o the_o way_n this_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o declare_v of_o he_o and_o attribute_v to_o he_o we_o be_v to_o take_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o what_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o where_o christ_n have_v speak_v of_o his_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o that_o place_n now_o here_o he_o signify_v that_o himself_o be_v that_o way_n christ_n be_v the_o proper_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n and_o so_o if_o we_o take_v the_o word_n in_o their_o conjunction_n we_o may_v interpret_v they_o thus_o he_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o rise_v that_o be_v he_o be_v the_o true_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n but_o we_o will_v take_v it_o rather_o as_o it_o be_v here_o render_v distinct_o though_o still_o with_o this_o reference_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o point_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o we_o have_v it_o out_o of_o his_o own_o mouth_n who_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o so_o therefore_o we_o may_v believe_v it_o a_o way_n in_o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v that_o space_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o one_o pass_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o this_o be_v christ_n to_o believer_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n or_o from_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n to_o happiness_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o take_v heaven_n for_o a_o house_n so_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o door_n or_o entrance_n into_o it_o joh._n 10.7_o if_o we_o take_v heaven_n for_o a_o journey_n end_n so_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o way_n or_o passage_n towards_o it_o and_o thus_o here_o in_o this_o place_n this_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o threefold_a office_n as_o a_o priest_n as_o a_o prophet_n and_o as_o a_o king_n in_o each_o of_o these_o respect_n he_o be_v very_o fit_o and_o proper_o denominate_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n first_o he_o be_v so_o as_o a_o priest_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o death_n and_o passion_n he_o do_v not_o hereby_o make_v way_n for_o himself_o but_o he_o make_v way_n for_o we_o as_o for_o christ_n himself_o heaven_n be_v due_a unto_o he_o from_o the_o very_a first_o moment_n of_o his_o incarnation_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n with_o the_o divine_a but_o he_o have_v need_n to_o make_v way_n for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o do_v by_o his_o blood_n take_v he_o consider_v as_o our_o surety_n and_o as_o carry_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n so_o he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o come_v to_o glory_n but_o by_o suffer_v and_o so_o the_o scripture_n still_o set_v it_o thus_o heb._n 9.12_o by_o his_o own_o blood_n he_o enter_v in_o once_o into_o the_o holy_a place_n have_v obtain_v redemption_n for_o we_o luke_n 24.26_o ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o then_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n phil._n 2.8_o 9_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n wherefore_o god_n have_v high_o exalt_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o heb._n 2.10_o it_o please_v he_o etc._n etc._n
this_o that_o we_o shall_v preach_v of_o no_o other_o subject_n but_o only_o of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v many_o other_o point_n beside_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o minister_n to_o speak_v of_o and_o for_o a_o christian_a likewise_o to_o hear_v of_o but_o when_o we_o be_v command_v to_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v and_o to_o make_v this_o the_o object_n of_o our_o ministry_n there_o be_v these_o thing_n include_v and_o involve_v in_o this_o expression_n as_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o first_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o preach_a as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o we_o be_v to_o preach_v this_o principal_o and_o to_o make_v people_n sensible_a of_o this_o point_n more_o especial_o above_o any_o other_o because_o the_o hinge_n of_o the_o gospel_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o we_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o to_o beat_v more_o upon_o this_o than_o any_o other_o second_o for_o the_o order_n of_o our_o preach_v to_o do_v all_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o then_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v not_o only_a when_o we_o discourse_v of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o particular_a subject_n of_o it_o but_o likewise_o when_o we_o preach_v of_o such_o point_n as_o be_v introductive_a and_o preparatory_a hereunto_o or_o which_o be_v superstruct_v and_o found_v hereupon_o when_o we_o show_v man_n their_o own_o corruption_n by_o nature_n and_o the_o necessity_n which_o they_o have_v of_o a_o saviour_n and_o when_o we_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n and_o to_o be_v crucify_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o lust_n than_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v as_o well_o as_o when_o we_o discourse_v of_o the_o thing_n three_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o preach_v we_o then_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v when_o we_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a fashion_n this_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_o there_o set_v 1_o cor._n 2.2_o where_o he_o set_v this_o preach_a of_o christ_n crucify_v as_o opposite_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o humane_a speech_n i_o come_v not_o with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o of_o wisdom_n declare_v unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n for_o i_o de_fw-fr termine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v as_o who_o shall_v say_v the_o one_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o other_o they_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v preacher_n of_o christ_n crucify_v they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o looseness_n and_o affectation_n and_o flaunt_v in_o their_o preach_v as_o a_o manner_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o matter_n suppose_v now_o that_o any_o one_o be_v to_o paint_v a_o die_a or_o crucify_a man_n will_v he_o paint_v he_o in_o a_o garment_n of_o colour_n or_o in_o a_o garment_n of_o black_a sure_o in_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o solemn_a attire_n that_o can_v be_v even_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v likewise_o with_o we_o while_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o set_v he_o out_o after_o a_o crucify_a manner_n not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n lest_o we_o make_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n but_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v have_v conviction_n and_o power_n with_o it_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v again_o further_o here_o be_v that_o which_o may_v satisfy_v minister_n as_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v subject_a unto_o and_o that_o scorn_n and_o ignominy_n which_o be_v many_o time_n cast_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v but_o futable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o which_o they_o teach_v namely_o christ_n crucify_v and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o in_o it_o and_o make_v they_o more_o willing_a to_o endure_v and_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o while_o they_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v crucify_v and_o to_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o entertainment_n which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n the_o disciple_n be_v not_o above_o his_o master_n nor_o the_o servant_n above_o his_o lord_n beside_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v odious_a a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o gentile_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v god_n will_v hereafter_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v needs_o odious_a that_o bring_v it_o and_o so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n profess_v of_o himself_o 1_o cor._n 4.9_o etc._n etc._n but_o than_o second_o here_o be_v somewhat_o not_o only_o for_o minister_n but_o people_n and_o not_o only_o for_o preacher_n but_o hearer_n as_o first_o to_o teach_v they_o what_o point_n and_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v chief_o affect_v and_o look_v afer_fw-la we_o live_v in_o such_o a_o age_n at_o this_o present_a as_o than_z the_o wholesome_a and_o savoury_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o no_o esteem_n with_o we_o but_o we_o loathe_v they_o and_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o but_o we_o must_v have_v every_o day_n some_o new-nothing_a to_o be_v bring_v unto_o we_o we_o do_v not_o like_o this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_v but_o must_v have_v somewhat_o else_o give_v we_o for_o our_o lust_n as_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o bodily_a food_n now_o here_o we_o be_v better_o instruct_v in_o this_o present_a passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a object_n of_o the_o minister_n preach_v be_v the_o main_a of_o our_o hear_n also_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o same_o itch_n which_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o kind_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o here_o in_o this_o place_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o only_o this_o in_o a_o word_n first_o this_o be_v a_o cause_n why_o many_o people_n be_v so_o formal_a in_o religion_n and_o have_v so_o little_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o they_o because_o they_o look_v rather_o after_o notion_n and_o speculation_n than_o solid_a truth_n their_o strength_n be_v according_a to_o their_o sustenance_n second_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o many_o error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n among_o we_o man_n first_o turn_v their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o then_o be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n as_o it_o be_v in_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o 4._o three_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o strife_n and_o division_n among_o we_o because_o every_o one_o stand_v more_o for_o the_o device_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n than_o they_o do_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n now_o there_o be_v this_o use_n which_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o point_n to_o all_o christian_n namely_o that_o see_v christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o chief_a argument_n of_o a_o minister_n preach_v it_o shall_v be_v also_o according_o the_o chief_a rule_n of_o a_o christian_n practice_n the_o preach_v of_o christ_n crucify_v shall_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v crucify_v with_o christ_n that_o so_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o minister_n may_v be_v digest_v into_o our_o life_n when_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v it_o be_v not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o narration_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v but_o it_o be_v rather_o by_o way_n of_o information_n to_o persuade_v and_o work_v upon_o you_o for_o live_v answerable_o hereunto_o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_a to_o work_v upon_o man_n fancy_n and_o to_o stir_v their_o passion_n a_o little_a for_o a_o while_n in_o a_o friar-like_a manner_n but_o to_o mollify_v and_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o to_o bring_v their_o spirit_n into_o a_o temper_n suitable_a hereunto_o this_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n crucify_v it_o shall_v crucify_v we_o more_o to_o sin_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o our_o own_o self_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n hereafter_o to_o show_v and_o as_o this_o point_n shall_v always_o take_v with_o we_o so_o especial_o shall_v we_o now_o more_o meditate_v and_o think_v upon_o it_o as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v especial_o tender_v and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o we_o have_v so_o often_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o great_a love_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o in_o this_o particular_a this_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v think_v of_o we_o at_o the_o very_a instant_n and_o time_n of_o receive_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o be_v to_o regulate_v and_o to_o frame_v hereunto_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n itself_o christ_n crucify_v how_o far_a this_o
reprobate_n for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o word_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v word_n which_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n so_o there_o be_v a_o double_a end_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o they_o there_o be_v finis_fw-la operis_fw-la and_o finis_fw-la operantis_fw-la both_z and_o so_o we_o must_v here_o take_v it_o the_o end_n both_o of_o the_o work_n and_o worker_n truth_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o god_n people_n it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n itself_o in_o its_o own_o institution_n and_o it_o be_v the_o end_n likewise_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o discharge_n and_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n he_o have_v a_o arm_n and_o eye_n to_o those_o gracious_a end_n and_o purpose_n whereunto_o his_o ministry_n and_o apostleship_n look_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o these_o two_o they_o be_v two_o thing_n and_o be_v sometime_o separate_v one_o from_o the_o other_o there_o be_v many_o which_o the_o office_n they_o sustain_v and_o the_o ministry_n wherein_o they_o be_v employ_v that_o be_v not_o against_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o end_n themselves_o in_o their_o exercise_n and_o discharge_v of_o they_o now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a and_o mindful_a of_o whoever_o he_o be_v that_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o employ_v in_o any_o public_a service_n he_o shall_v labour_v to_o have_v affection_n answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o place_n which_o he_o sustain_v or_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v undertake_v by_o he_o even_o to_o have_v such_o end_n in_o undertake_v of_o it_o as_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n respect_n otherwise_o we_o may_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o for_o it_o nay_o we_o may_v do_v much_o for_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o manage_n of_o it_o yea_o may_v fulfil_v our_o lust_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o we_o perform_v our_o duty_n the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v not_o here_o who_o in_o the_o word_n here_o before_o we_o express_v not_o only_o to_o we_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o his_o ministry_n but_o also_o the_o gracious_a frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v two_o motive_n or_o reason_n especial_o which_o do_v make_v for_o our_o activity_n for_o truth_n the_o one_o be_v because_o it_o need_v it_o and_o the_o other_o be_v because_o it_o deserve_v it_o the_o text_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o account_n of_o the_o apostle_n integrity_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o it_o be_v here_o propound_v to_o we_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o make_v up_o to_o we_o the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o text._n first_o in_o the_o negative_a how_o it_o be_v not_o in_o these_o word_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o second_o in_o the_o affirmative_a how_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n we_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o negative_a proposition_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n he_o speak_v it_o of_o himself_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o be_v true_a both_o of_o all_o other_o minister_n and_o christian_n beside_o it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n and_o condition_n which_o they_o be_v in_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o various_a interpretation_n according_a to_o the_o several_a force_n of_o the_o word_n first_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o may_v not_o there_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o command_n secon_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o will_v not_o it_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o principle_n three_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o shall_v not_o it_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o power_n first_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o may_v not_o it_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o command_n or_o prohibition_n from_o god_n himself_o a_o christian_n may-not_a and_o he_o can_v be_v all_o one_o id_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la jure_fw-la potest_fw-la that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o a_o gracious_a heart_n and_o so_o this_o among_o other_o thing_n of_o resist_v and_o act_v against_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o which_o he_o can_v do_v because_o he_o be_v forbid_v to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o he_o be_v god_n allow_v no_o man_n in_o this_o and_o least_o of_o all_o those_o who_o by_o special_a service_n draw_v near_o unto_o he_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v prejudice_v religion_n or_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n in_o any_o respect_n it_o be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o be_v do_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v his_o own_o natural_a and_o genuine_a offspring_n so_o that_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o that_o be_v consequent_o to_o do_v somewhat_o against_o he_o which_o be_v that_o which_o he_o can_v approve_v of_o as_o even_o gamaliel_n himself_o say_v of_o it_o act._n 5.39_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o happy_o you_o be_v find_v even_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n god_n he_o be_v the_o first_o truth_n and_o so_o all_o truth_n it_o issue_v from_o he_o and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o he_o therefore_o let_v none_o take_v liberty_n to_o themselves_o in_o it_o as_o too_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v who_o make_v nothing_o of_o truth_n nor_o of_o injure_v and_o oppose_v of_o it_o think_v they_o may_v do_v with_o it_o as_o they_o please_v without_o control_v no_o they_o may_v not_o do_v so_o god_n take_v a_o special_a care_n of_o his_o truth_n above_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o likewise_o that_o we_o do_v nothing_o offensive_a to_o it_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v we_o may_v not_o there_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o command_n second_o we_o can_v i_o e._n we_o will_v not_o there_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o principle_n it_o be_v against_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o can_v do_v it_o i._n e._n and_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o what_o we_o profess_v and_o pretend_v ourselves_o to_o be_v christian_n consider_v as_o christian_n under_o that_o notion_n and_o reduplication_n be_v uncapable_a of_o oppose_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v altogether_o incompatible_a to_o they_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o christian_a condition_n and_o that_o in_o sundry_a particular_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o as_o first_o from_o the_o clearness_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o that_o fullness_n of_o conviction_n in_o their_o undershanding_n there_o be_v a_o restraint_n upon_o they_o from_o thence_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o oppose_v truth_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v they_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o 2_o pet._n 2.12_o but_o those_o which_o do_v know_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v much_o engage_v for_o it_o as_o paul_n while_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n he_o be_v then_o in_o a_o state_n of_o opposition_n but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o son_n in_o he_o than_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o he_o this_o now_o be_v the_o case_n of_o true_a believer_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v open_v and_o they_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o if_o they_o shall_v go_v against_o the_o truth_n they_o shall_v contradict_v their_o own_o light_n which_o they_o can_v so_o well_o do_v light_n it_o have_v a_o restrain_v power_n with_o it_o and_o do_v keep_v man_n from_o many_o strange_a practice_n which_o they_o will_v otherwise_o fall_v into_o second_o as_o from_o the_o clearness_n of_o their_o judgement_n so_o also_o from_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o gracious_a savour_n and_o tincture_n in_o their_o affection_n this_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o keep_v they_o in_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v pretty_a good_a judgement_n and_o their_o understanding_n be_v indifferent_o well_o enlighten_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o free_a from_o oppose_v the_o truth_n because_o they_o have_v rot_v and_o corrupt_a heart_n and_o their_o spirit_n be_v unsound_a in_o they_o from_o whence_o they_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o extinguish_v that_o light_n which_o be_v in_o they_o but_o
shall_v be_v rather_o translate_v we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n this_o make_v the_o impotency_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o do_v serve_v as_o a_o amplification_n of_o it_o even_o this_o word_n of_o restriction_n here_o before_o we_o there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o their_o power_n be_v restrain_v so_o their_o impotency_n be_v limit_v they_o be_v impotent_a in_o some_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o impotent_a in_o all_o as_o satan_n in_o his_o attempt_n against_o job_n can_v not_o meddle_v with_o his_o life_n but_o he_o can_v meddle_v with_o his_o good_n can_v not_o hurt_v his_o soul_n but_o he_o can_v afflict_v his_o body_n and_o outward_a man_n yea_o but_o this_o impotency_n here_o against_o truth_n it_o be_v general_a and_o universal_a and_o indefinitive_a we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n whatever_o it_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o least_o thing_n that_o be_v this_o we_o can_v this_o we_o may_v not_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o meet_v with_o the_o reservation_n of_o a_o false_a heart_n which_o though_o perhaps_o in_o some_o thing_n will_v be_v somewhat_o tender_a of_o act_v against_o the_o truth_n yet_o in_o other_o thing_n will_v take_v more_o liberty_n to_o itself_o in_o the_o hinder_v of_o it_o no_o say_v he_o not_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o not_o speak_v against_o it_o not_o write_v against_o it_o not_o preach_v against_o it_o not_o argue_v against_o it_o not_o live_v against_o it_o not_o think_v against_o it_o whatever_o otherwise_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o sense_n we_o can_v do_v against_o it_o this_o proceed_v from_o god_n jealousy_n and_o affection_n god_n be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o of_o nothing_o more_o than_o of_o his_o truth_n now_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o jealousy_n that_o it_o provide_v against_o the_o least_o appearance_n and_o shadow_n of_o disrespect_n any_o unbeseeming_a carriage_n any_o uncomely_a glance_n it_o be_v displease_v unto_o it_o as_o in_o god_n care_n of_o jacob_n in_o regard_n of_o laban_n take_v heed_n thou_o speak_v not_o to_o jacob_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a that_o be_v see_v thou_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o he_o gen._n 31.24_o do_v not_o hurt_v he_o in_o the_o least_o kind_n that_o be_v the_o same_o care_n do_v god_n take_v of_o his_o truth_n that_o not_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v against_o it_o any_o wry_a or_o oblique_a look_n any_o discourage_a or_o discountenance_v of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o grievous_a and_o offensive_a to_o he_o he_o can_v endure_v it_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o god_n be_v tender_a of_o his_o people_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o he_o that_o touch_v either_o he_o touch_v the_o very_a apple_n of_o his_o eye_n this_o may_v therefore_o according_o regulate_v and_o order_v our_o carriage_n in_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v be_v jealous_a of_o ourselves_o there_o where_o god_n be_v jealous_a of_o we_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a to_o truth_n not_o only_o direct_o and_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o remote_o and_o in_o the_o preparation_n to_o it_o there_o be_v many_o who_o sometime_o have_v prove_v adversary_n and_o enemy_n to_o truth_n before_o they_o have_v be_v aware_a begin_v with_o some_o slight_a and_o easy_a opposition_n of_o it_o at_o first_o perhaps_o out_o of_o curiosity_n only_o to_o show_v the_o nimbleness_n of_o their_o wit_n or_o perhaps_o out_o of_o a_o love_n of_o contradiction_n and_o gainsay_n of_o other_o who_o have_v afterward_o fall_v foul_o upon_o it_o and_o prove_v both_o hater_n and_o persecutor_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o say_v we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o watchful_a over_o ourselves_o in_o this_o respect_n especial_o take_v heed_n of_o dispute_n against_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v ill_o jest_n with_o these_o edge_n tool_n though_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n necessary_a to_o argue_v and_o dispute_v against_o truth_n for_o the_o further_o clear_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o draw_v it_o forth_o yet_o even_o in_o so_o do_v there_o be_v a_o special_a care_n to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o one_o spirit_n that_o we_o do_v not_o any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o word_n here_o to_o be_v explain_v the_o three_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o which_o may_v be_v take_v either_o indefinite_o or_o emphatical_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v any_o truth_n at_o large_a express_v no_o particular_a or_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o main_a truth_n of_o all_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n more_o especial_o first_o it_o may_v be_v take_v indefinite_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o truth_n consider_v at_o large_a as_o not_o any_o thing_n so_o not_o against_o any_o truth_n that_o be_v divine_a and_o theological_a truth_n there_o be_v a_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v even_o to_o other_o truth_n in_o their_o place_n as_o natural_a and_o philosophical_a but_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o so_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a there_o be_v not_o any_o truth_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o whatever_o it_o be_v those_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v less_o material_a yet_o be_v fence_n and_o hedge_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o beside_o proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n they_o be_v according_o to_o be_v nourish_v by_o we_o and_o preserve_v inviolable_a we_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o diminish_v the_o least_o truth_n that_o be_v nor_o to_o deny_v it_o or_o to_o part_v willing_o with_o it_o even_o for_o the_o great_a good_a all_o truth_n be_v precious_a and_o sacred_a and_o inflexible_a it_o may_v not_o be_v oppose_v indeed_o there_o be_v some_o season_n more_o than_o other_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o according_a as_o it_o may_v be_v there_o may_v be_v sometime_o a_o forbear_n and_o withhold_v of_o some_o truth_n from_o some_o people_n till_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o carriage_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a as_o yet_o to_o bear_v they_o and_o therefore_o for_o a_o time_n be_v keep_v from_o they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n but_o rather_o promote_a it_o where_o the_o concealment_n or_o suppression_n of_o any_o truth_n tend_v to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o it_o or_o of_o those_o person_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v there_o it_o may_v in_o no_o case_n be_v conceal_v or_o suppress_v by_o we_o let_v the_o truth_n be_v what_o it_o will_v be_v thus_o we_o may_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n i.e._n against_o any_o truth_n whatsoever_o take_v it_o indefinite_o but_o than_o second_o take_v it_o emphatical_o the_o truth_n i.e._n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o may_v do_v nothing_o against_o that_o more_o especial_o this_o be_v the_o main_a truth_n of_o all_o and_o which_o be_v of_o high_a concernment_n to_o we_o to_o be_v know_v and_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o and_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o in_o opposition_n or_o contrariety_n to_o it_o or_o to_o any_o branch_n or_o particle_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o sundry_a consideration_n first_o because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a truth_n in_o itself_o and_o consider_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n this_o the_o gospel_n be_v for_o it_o treat_v of_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n it_o contain_v admirable_a point_n and_o mystery_n and_o speculation_n in_o it_o which_o no_o other_o doctrine_n do_v beside_o now_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o such_o truth_n as_o this_o be_v be_v very_o dishonourable_a second_o it_o be_v of_o the_o great_a interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o for_o our_o particular_n christian_n shall_v by_o all_o mean_n be_v shy_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o be_v indeed_o their_o proper_a charter_n the_o reward_n of_o they_o and_o chief_a privilege_n entitle_v they_o even_o to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n itself_o and_o minister_n of_o all_o other_o more_o especial_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o a_o tenderness_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o be_v their_o special_a employment_n who_o be_v say_v by_o a_o special_a denomination_n to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o have_v the_o word_n and_o ministry_n of_o
reconciliation_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o they_o therefore_o at_o any_o time_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o this_o truth_n it_o be_v very_o irregular_a and_o unnatural_a three_o this_o evangelical_n truth_n it_o be_v that_o also_o which_o be_v most_o in_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o affection_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n which_o he_o desire_v more_o to_o extol_v or_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n or_o which_o he_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o careful_a of_o as_o he_o be_v of_o this_o and_o therefore_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o high_a indignity_n and_o prosumption_n so_o that_o it_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o particular_n now_o that_o as_o we_o must_v do_v nothing_o against_o any_o truth_n indefinite_o so_o not_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o especial_o we_o may_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n either_o against_o this_o truth_n at_o all_o but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v haply_o demand_v as_o pertinent_a to_o this_o present_a discourse_n when_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n be_v we_o say_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v or_o may_v be_v do_v divers_a manner_n of_o way_n by_o we_o first_o more_o gross_o and_o direct_o by_o the_o teach_n and_o spread_v of_o error_n when_o any_o do_v deliver_v such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v therein_o propound_v they_o do_v then_o act_v against_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n as_o it_o be_v in_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 5._o such_o a_o one_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o which_o be_v destitute_a of_o truth_n and_o as_o destitute_a of_o truth_n and_o as_o opposire_v to_o it_o to_o set_v up_o error_n be_v to_o deject_v and_o pull_v down_o truth_n second_o we_o act_n against_o the_o truth_n when_o we_o do_v any_o way_n hinder_v or_o retard_v the_o progress_n and_o propagation_n of_o it_o when_o we_o suffer_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o run_v or_o to_o have_v free_a course_n and_o be_v glorify_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a man_n 2_o thes_n 3.12_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n guilty_a in_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v herein_o be_v guilty_a of_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o stop_v it_o as_o to_o other_o or_o else_o to_o ourselves_o three_o by_o pervert_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o abuse_v it_o to_o a_o contrary_a purpose_n and_o intent_n as_o when_o man_n shall_v make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o a_o wrest_n and_o strain_v of_o they_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o own_o lust_n they_o do_v thus_o far_o act_v against_o the_o truth_n thus_o the_o apostle_n peter_n complain_v of_o some_o in_o his_o time_n who_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n and_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n even_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o and_o what_o he_o complain_v of_o then_o be_v that_o also_o which_o may_v still_o be_v find_v frequent_a in_o many_o person_n even_o to_o this_o present_a day_n in_o these_o way_n and_o such_o as_o these_o which_o may_v be_v refer_v and_o reduce_v unto_o they_o may_v we_o be_v say_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n now_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o do_v any_o way_n profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o especial_o which_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v wary_a how_o they_o be_v any_o way_n faulty_a in_o this_o regard_n to_o have_v this_o sentence_n here_o of_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o often_o and_o frequent_o in_o their_o mouth_n but_o real_o and_o deep_o in_o their_o heart_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o especial_o consider_v the_o great_a hazard_n and_o danger_n of_o do_v so_o there_o be_v none_o which_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o least_o kind_n that_o be_v but_o they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n for_o such_o a_o miscarriage_n as_o namely_o first_o of_o all_o the_o have_v of_o truth_n itself_o take_v away_o from_o they_o god_n infatuate_v and_o blind_v they_o more_o and_o take_v away_o those_o remainder_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v yet_o abide_v in_o they_o when_o as_o they_o presume_v to_o act_v against_o it_o those_o that_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v god_n send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v that_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o it_o be_v in_o 2_o thes_n 2.11_o 12._o second_o the_o give_v up_o to_o strange_a and_o enormous_a practice_n when_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v destructive_a of_o truth_n god_n do_v many_o time_n withdraw_v his_o restrain_v grace_n from_o they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o very_o vile_a and_o fearful_a lust_n as_o it_o be_v note_v of_o the_o gentile_n that_o because_o they_o retain_v not_o god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n nor_o like_v not_o to_o do_v so_o therefore_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a be_v fill_v with_o all_o unrighteousness_n fornication_n wickedness_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o rom._n 1.28_o 29._o three_o the_o follow_v with_o many_o outward_a and_o temporal_a calamity_n this_o be_v a_o consequent_a of_o the_o depart_n from_o truth_n and_o of_o oppose_v and_o act_v against_o it_o the_o truth_n it_o do_v very_o much_o secure_v those_o place_n and_o person_n which_o maintain_v it_o and_o be_v faithful_a to_o it_o but_o those_o which_o prove_v opposer_n of_o it_o and_o adversary_n to_o it_o they_o do_v oftentimes_o find_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n go_v out_o in_o revenge_n upon_o they_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o be_v guilty_a in_o this_o particular_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o which_o cause_n we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o do_v it_o but_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o as_o i_o conceive_v attain_v to_o the_o full_a sense_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o expression_n here_o before_o we_o there_o be_v somewhat_o yet_o further_o intend_v in_o it_o than_o as_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v unto_o when_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o be_v by_o take_v truth_n not_o only_o notional_o and_o as_o limit_v to_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n but_o also_o moreover_o as_o take_v practical_o and_o as_o extend_v to_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o truth_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n do_v seem_v to_o denote_v the_o whole_a business_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o it_o as_o to_o instance_n in_o one_o or_o two_o place_n thus_o 1_o joh._n 3.19_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o shall_v assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o so_o 2_o joh._n 4._o i_o rejoice_v great_o that_o i_o find_v of_o thy_o child_n walk_v in_o truth_n and_o 3_o joh._n 12._o demetrius_n have_v good_a report_n of_o all_o man_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o in_o all_o which_o place_n and_o the_o like_a the_o word_n truth_n be_v take_v not_o only_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o for_o the_o whole_a tenor_n and_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a conversation_n and_o so_o also_o here_o in_o the_o text_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v we_o can_v do_v nothing_o which_o may_v be_v offensive_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o we_o shall_v here_o brief_o do_v with_o god_n assistance_n first_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o second_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o first_o for_o the_o phrase_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n we_o may_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o christianity_n be_v express_v by_o truth_n when_o the_o apostle_n will_v signify_v that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o that_o he_o say_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o this_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n i.e._n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o one_o express_v the_o other_o this_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o
godliness_n by_o their_o scandalous_a live_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o these_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o they_o be_v not_o only_a enemy_n to_o religion_n who_o do_v in_o plain_a term_n and_o word_n revile_v it_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o but_o even_o those_o which_o silent_o walk_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o express_v not_o the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o improvement_n which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o all_o this_o be_v ourselves_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a in_o either_o of_o these_o particular_n or_o in_o any_o other_o way_n beside_o of_o act_v against_o religion_n for_o if_o we_o be_v we_o shall_v not_o escape_v unpunished_a what_o be_v say_v before_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o doctrinal_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v true_a likewise_o of_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v prove_v too_o hard_o for_o any_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o so_o they_o shall_v find_v whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o sione_n shall_v be_v break_v but_o on_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v fall_v it_o will_v grind_v he_o to_o powder_n as_o we_o find_v that_o expression_n use_v in_o matth._n 21.44_o but_o so_o much_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o general_n part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n proposition_n in_o the_o negative_a what_o he_o can_v not_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n the_o second_o be_v the_o affirmative_a but_o for_o the_o truth_n this_o it_o follow_v well_o upon_o the_o other_o and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v sever_v from_o it_o it_o be_v but_o small_a commendation_n for_o any_o not_o to_o be_v active_a against_o the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v well_o some_o be_v but_o so_o no_o but_o it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v active_a for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o true_a temper_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o especial_o of_o a_o minister_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o 3_o joh._n 8._o we_o ought_v to_o be_v fellow-helper_n to_o the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d co-worker_n and_o assistant_n to_o it_o helper_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o fellow-helper_n one_o to_o another_o in_o help_v of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o of_o negative_a christian_n which_o be_v as_o good_a as_o no_o christian_n at_o all_o and_o they_o please_v themselves_o wonderful_o in_o it_o and_o think_v to_o come_v off_o well_o enough_o with_o it_o that_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o and_o thus_o no_o they_o do_v not_o this_o and_o that_o but_o be_v that_o enough_o for_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o nay_o but_o what_o be_v they_o what_o good_a do_v they_o do_v how_o do_v they_o advance_v and_o promote_v religion_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v well_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o by_o they_o how_o far_o forth_o they_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n there_o be_v two_o things-considerable_a in_o this_o passage_n first_o that_o we_o may_v do_v somewhat_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o second_o that_o we_o must_v do_v somewhat_o for_o the_o truth_n here_o be_v our_o privilege_n and_o our_o duty_n the_o opportunity_n which_o be_v afford_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o engagement_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o as_o to_o the_o embracement_n of_o this_o opportunity_n first_o i_o say_v here_o be_v our_o opportunity_n we_o may_v do_v somewhat_o for_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v here_o suppose_v and_o imply_v in_o this_o opposition_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n god_n do_v put_v advantage_n into_o our_o hand_n very_o much_o for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o truth_n especial_o according_a to_o the_o several_a station_n and_o rank_n in_o which_o we_o be_v some_o have_v great_a advantage_n and_o some_o have_v less_o but_o all_o have_v some_o one_o way_n or_o other_o we_o that_o live_v under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o especial_o which_o be_v dispenser_n of_o it_o god_n have_v commit_v his_o truth_n to_o our_o care_n and_o have_v entrust_v we_o with_o it_o so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v we_o may_v do_v very_o much_o for_o the_o promote_a and_o advance_v of_o it_o and_o he_o take_v delight_n to_o use_v and_o improve_v we_o in_o such_o a_o business_n as_o this_o be_v though_o he_o need_v none_o of_o our_o help_n himself_o nor_o his_o truth_n neither_o yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o desire_v so_o much_o of_o we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o occasion_n for_o it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o a_o great_a honour_n and_o privilege_n to_o we_o and_o so_o to_o be_v account_v and_o esteem_v as_o what_o be_v do_v for_o our_o own_o good_a and_o advantage_n the_o reason_n why_o god_n call_v we_o to_o the_o help_a and_o assist_v of_o his_o truth_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o it_o as_o for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v honour_n by_o it_o and_o comfort_n from_o it_o and_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o far_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o bless_a account_n hereafter_o at_o another_o day_n second_o as_o here_o be_v our_o opportunity_n so_o likewise_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o one_o follow_v upon_o the_o other_o the_o more_o advantage_n god_n do_v afford_v we_o of_o helpfulness_n and_o assistance_n to_o his_o truth_n the_o more_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o improve_v they_o and_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o they_o and_o to_o do_v somewhat_o or_o other_o for_o it_o yea_o to_o do_v the_o most_o we_o can_v there_o be_v sundry_a way_n of_o do_v it_o which_o according_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o first_o and_o principal_o by_o our_o embrace_n and_o cherishing_n of_o it_o in_o our_o own_o heart_n we_o can_v do_v truth_n and_o religion_n any_o better_a service_n than_o by_o ourselves_o close_v with_o it_o and_o cleave_v to_o it_o and_o embrace_v of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o our_o profession_n of_o truth_n which_o make_v so_o much_o for_o it_o where_o it_o be_v single_a and_o go_v alone_o nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v make_v more_o against_o it_o where_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o a_o love_n of_o it_o and_o conformity_n to_o it_o no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o yield_n and_o comply_v with_o it_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n fashion_v and_o mould_v into_o it_o and_o better_v by_o it_o second_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n we_o promote_v it_o so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o 2_o thes_n 3.1_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v free_a course_n and_o be_v glorify_v we_o shall_v be_v very_o earnest_a with_o god_n for_o truth_n and_o religion_n that_o it_o may_v flourish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o free_a course_n and_o passage_n of_o it_o three_o by_o our_o counsel_n and_o direction_n as_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o it_o to_o speak_v a_o good_a word_n for_o truth_n and_o to_o advise_v other_o in_o order_n to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advancement_n of_o it_o which_o whenever_o we_o neglect_v to_o do_v we_o be_v very_o much_o want_v to_o it_o and_o to_o our_o duty_n about_o it_o who_o be_v require_v and_o call_v thus_o to_o do_v in_o a_o word_n whatever_o ability_n or_o talon_n god_n trust_v we_o withal_o whether_o of_o part_n or_o power_n or_o estate_n or_o whatever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o occasion_n which_o he_o put_v into_o our_o hand_n of_o do_v some_o good_a for_o his_o truth_n which_o according_o shall_v be_v follow_v by_o we_o and_o the_o great_a be_v our_o ability_n the_o more_o shall_v be_v our_o improvement_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o our_o self_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o other_o by_o those_o encouragement_n which_o we_o give_v to_o they_o also_o as_o in_o the_o place_n before_o cite_v 3_o john_n 8._o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v such_o that_o we_o may_v be_v fellow-helper_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o point_n come_v home_o very_o close_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o abundance_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v gross_o guilty_a in_o this_o regard_n to_o who_o truth_n be_v very_o little_a behold_v as_o to_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n for_o it_o there_o be_v some_o which_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o and_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o embrace_n of_o it_o as_o think_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o wisdom_n to_o conceal_v and_o reserve_v themselves_o that_o so_o according_a to_o a_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n they_o may_v be_v of_o what_o judgement_n they_o please_v and_o take_v such_o way_n as_o in_o prudence_n may_v be_v most_o accommodate_v and_o convenient_a for_o they_o but_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v
but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n what_o be_v that_o that_o be_v power_n over_o your_o conscience_n and_o authority_n to_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o you_o to_o be_v entertain_v by_o you_o as_o matter_n of_o faith_n upon_o our_o own_o account_n this_o be_v that_o we_o have_v not_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o limit_n and_o extent_n of_o our_o office_n we_o can_v do_v it_o much_o less_o therefore_o can_v any_o one_o else_o if_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o in_o all_o the_o world_n which_o may_v challenge_v this_o privilege_n to_o themselves_o there_o be_v none_o which_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o than_o st._n paul_n and_o his_o fellow-apostle_n but_o we_o see_v here_o how_o they_o disclaim_v both_o in_o one_o place_n and_o another_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o more_o than_o they_o can_v do_v god_n have_v commit_v no_o such_o power_n or_o authority_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o second_o as_o for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n so_o for_o matter_n of_o censure_n likewise_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n be_v bound_v and_o limit_v here_o likewise_o even_o to_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o truth_n and_o edification_n against_o which_o itis_fw-la lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v nothing_o even_o in_o this_o neither_o that_o power_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o for_o the_o restrain_v and_o curb_v of_o offender_n it_o be_v not_o a_o wild_a loose_a and_o arbitrary_a business_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o lust_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n and_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o person_n themselves_o to_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v this_o may_v therefore_o first_o of_o all_o serve_v as_o a_o good_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o ministry_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v true_o give_v of_o he_o then_o consider_v how_o far_o forth_o it_o keep_v close_o to_o this_o present_a rule_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o whether_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n it_o be_v the_o ministry_n only_o of_o truth_n or_o whether_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o censure_n it_o be_v the_o dispensation_n only_o of_o righteousness_n and_o christian_a benefit_n and_o edification_n if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v no_o such_o power_n as_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o bestow_v upon_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o here_o the_o papist_n among_o some_o other_o especial_o do_v fall_v most_o sad_o under_o this_o censure_n they_o talk_v very_o much_o of_o their_o authority_n and_o the_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o whichthey_v will_v make_v to_o be_v little_o less_o than_o apostolical_a both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o what_o be_v the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o be_v carry_v and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v dispense_v this_o be_v well_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o by_o they_o where_o they_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v very_o far_o short_a of_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o before_o we_o they_o have_v great_a word_n sometime_o in_o their_o mouth_n usurp_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o who_o be_v under_o they_o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o etc._n etc._n luk._n 10.16_o and_o again_o obey_v they_o thathave_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o etc._n etc._n heb._n 13.8_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n under_o this_o pretence_n exercise_v all_o kind_n of_o tyranny_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n be_v not_o for_o the_o truth_n but_o against_o it_o and_o profess_a and_o swear_v enemy_n to_o it_o and_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o what_o with_o their_o doctrine_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o blind_a obedience_n which_o they_o require_v and_o exact_v from_o those_o who_o they_o have_v enthral_v unto_o they_o there_o be_v little_a remainder_n or_o footstep_n of_o the_o true_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n apostle_n abide_v among_o they_o but_o be_v hereby_o very_o much_o discard_v and_o exclude_v from_o it_o second_o here_o be_v that_o also_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o draw_v and_o persuade_v man_n mind_n to_o yield_v and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o right_a exercise_n and_o administration_n of_o it_o we_o see_v what_o good_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o submit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o close_v with_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o consider_v in_o itself_o and_o according_a to_o god_n own_o institution_n however_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v abase_v and_o pervert_v by_o man_n it_o be_v for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n not_o for_o man_n hurt_n or_o prejudice_n but_o their_o advantage_n as_o the_o apostle_n will_v here_o insinuate_v to_o these_o corinthian_n for_o their_o great_a encouragement_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o yield_v hereunto_o that_o you_o may_v not_o say_v he_o be_v fright_v at_o it_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o interest_n but_o you_o not_o we_o who_o dispense_v it_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n what_o become_v of_o we_o as_o whether_o we_o shall_v appear_v approve_v or_o no_o but_o rather_o you_o towards_o who_o it_o be_v dispense_v 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 for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o first_o limitation_n of_o this_o power_n limitatio_fw-la potestatis_fw-la of_o the_o power_n as_o consider_v abstract_o in_o the_o office_n and_o ministry_n itself_o the_o second_o be_v limitatio_fw-la potentiae_fw-la of_o the_o power_n consider_v concrete_o in_o reference_n to_o himself_o and_o fellow-minister_n who_o be_v now_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o at_o this_o time_n reside_v in_o they_o and_o so_o these_o word_n we_o can_v be_v to_o be_v take_v not_o only_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la but_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la as_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o the_o contrary_a so_o neither_o have_v we_o any_o disposition_n we_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o principled_a in_o ourselves_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v already_o in_o part_n touch_v upon_o by_o we_o in_o the_o general_a handle_n of_o they_o but_o here_o further_o it_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o we_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a restriction_n and_o application_n a_o so_o there_o be_v this_o in_o it_o that_o good_a and_o faithful_a minister_n they_o can_v allow_v themselves_o no_o further_o in_o any_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a authority_n whether_o of_o doctrine_n or_o censure_n than_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o good_a of_o god_n people_n and_o religion_n and_o christianity_n itself_o this_o be_v likewise_o in_o this_o expression_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n express_v sometime_o in_o other_o place_n as_o 2_o cor._n 12.19_o we_o speak_v before_o god_n in_o christ_n but_o we_o do_v all_o thing_n dear_o belove_v for_o your_o edify_n so_o 1_o thes_n 2.6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n nor_o of_o man_n seek_v we_o glory_n neither_o of_o you_o nor_o yetof_o other_o when_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o use_v authority_n but_o we_o be_v gentle_a among_o you_o even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v her_o child_n and_o so_o 1_o cor._n 9.12_o nevertheless_o we_o have_v not_o use_v this_o power_n but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n lest_o we_o shall_v hinder_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lest_o we_o shall_v put_v any_o obstruction_n to_o it_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a care_n and_o business_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o have_v a_o command_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a pattern_n and_o example_n to_o we_o to_o be_v follow_v by_o we_o we_o see_v here_o also_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a of_o for_o our_o particular_n what_o shall_v move_v we_o and_o act_v we_o in_o our_o ministry_n and_o what_o shall_v curb_v and_o restrain_v we_o where_o any_o thing_n may_v further_o and_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n there_o we_o shall_v follow_v it_o a_o prosecute_v it_o all_o we_o can_v again_o on_o the_o other_o side_n whatever_o may_v prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o be_v a_o hindrance_n and_o impediment_n thereunto_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v shy_a and_o wary_a of_o we_o shall_v not_o stretch_v ourselves_o beyond_o our_o measure_n and_o rule_v and_o line_n in_o
think_v to_o escape_v neither_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v again_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v beside_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v but_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v the_o receiver_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o thief_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o curse_a thing_n to_o scatter_v error_n so_o it_o be_v as_o curse_v a_o thing_n to_o take_v it_o up_o and_o carry_v it_o home_o and_o keep_v it_o by_o we_o or_o nourish_v it_o with_o we_o which_o therefore_o we_o shall_v now_o all_o be_v persuade_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o avoid_v and_o shun_v what_o we_o can_v it_o be_v a_o caution_n and_o admonition_n which_o be_v not_o needless_a to_o we_o or_o superfluous_a but_o very_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a especial_o in_o these_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v wherein_o so_o many_o and_o never_o more_o error_n abound_v than_o now_o there_o do_v to_o take_v heed_n and_o look_v to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o seduce_v and_o lead_v away_o with_o they_o especial_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o conversion_n the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o like_a point_n which_o have_v again_o and_o again_o be_v inculcate_v to_o we_o and_o from_o time_n to_o time_n through_o several_a hand_n deliver_v unto_o we_o which_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o hold_v and_o keep_v ourselves_o to_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v especial_o you_o of_o this_o city_n that_o i_o may_v bring_v it_o a_o little_a near_o to_o you_o it_o behoove_v you_o especial_o above_o all_o other_o place_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v mindful_a of_o this_o admonition_n as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o more_o large_a and_o ample_a manner_n than_o any_o other_o else_o beside_o you_o can_v pretend_v the_o want_n of_o preacher_n as_o have_v have_v more_o in_o this_o kind_n than_o any_o other_o city_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o we_o but_o angel_n from_o heaven_n as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o which_o have_v come_v to_o you_o from_o all_o quarter_n and_o dispense_v the_o gospel_n unto_o you_o in_o the_o clearness_n and_o pureness_n of_o it_o yea_o and_o you_o have_v receive_v it_o too_o which_o be_v somewhat_o more_o that_o be_v welcome_v it_o and_o embrace_v it_o and_o give_v entertainment_n to_o it_o and_o express_v your_o affection_n to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o it_o both_o in_o former_a time_n and_o of_o late_a for_o which_o cause_n there_o be_v great_a engagement_n upon_o you_o to_o stick_v close_o unto_o it_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v yourselves_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v take_v off_o from_o it_o but_o earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o have_v be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n movere_fw-la terminos_fw-la to_o remove_v the_o bound_n whether_o in_o civil_a affair_n or_o in_o spiritual_a but_o in_o spiritual_a especial_o here_o the_o apostle_n rule_v elsewhere_o be_v seasonable_a for_o we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n etc._n etc._n to_o keep_v that_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o stand_v fast_o inone_o spirit_n with_o one_o mind_n and_o to_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n gregory_n nazianzene_n tell_v we_o of_o constantine_n that_o when_o he_o draw_v near_o to_o his_o end_n of_o the_o three_o thing_n which_o trouble_v his_o spirit_n this_o be_v one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o innovation_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o will_v likewise_o any_o other_o which_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o when_o they_o come_v due_o to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n which_o for_o a_o recompense_n will_v maintain_v we_o and_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o all_o such_o doctrine_n and_o way_n which_o be_v opposite_a and_o contrary_a hereunto_o especial_o which_o now_o in_o these_o day_n do_v so_o much_o prevail_v and_o take_v place_n among_o we_o socinianism_n pelagianism_n antinomianism_n libertinism_n and_o the_o like_a and_o especial_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o take_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n into_o it_o popery_n and_o the_o abomination_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o we_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o we_o may_v perhaps_o be_v secure_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o think_v we_o be_v now_o lest_o in_o danger_n of_o this_o of_o all_o other_o but_o we_o be_v not_o for_o all_o that_o and_o our_o danger_n be_v the_o great_a for_o our_o security_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v and_o work_v now_o and_o all_o other_o error_n beside_o they_o do_v but_o usher_v and_o lead_v on_o to_o this_o and_o make_v way_n for_o it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o the_o more_o wary_a and_o watchful_a over_o ourselves_o the_o devil_n know_v how_o to_o go_v backward_o that_o he_o may_v fetch_v the_o great_a leap_n and_o have_v we_o at_o the_o long_o run_v and_o it_o be_v wisdom_n for_o we_o not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o project_n which_o he_o do_v now_o lay_v to_o himself_o for_o the_o undermine_a of_o poor_a soul_n i_o shall_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o all_o other_o but_o refer_v you_o to_o what_o have_v be_v former_o deliver_v unto_o you_o which_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v and_o receive_v and_o have_v confirm_v among_o you_o from_o the_o mouth_n and_o pen_n of_o your_o forefather_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o conclude_v here_o as_o i_o begin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o this_o present_a text_n though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o than_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n xxxvii_o rom._n 2.4_o or_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n through_o his_o fall_n to_o make_v his_o remedy_n to_o be_v his_o poison_n and_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a restraint_n and_o prohibition_n to_o he_o from_o sin_n to_o make_v it_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o enconragement_n to_o he_o for_o it_o namely_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n and_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n meet_v withal_o and_o fall_v upon_o in_o this_o present_a scripture_n where_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n inveigh_v again_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o compliance_n of_o other_o with_o they_o occasional_o from_o god_n goodness_n to_o they_o doeshere_v in_o this_o particular_a text_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o set_v himself_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemency_n against_o this_o distemper_n and_o as_o it_o be_v take_v they_o out_o man_n by_o man_n do_v expostulate_v it_o and_o reason_n it_o with_o they_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o present_a chapter_n for_o divers_a and_o sundry_a verse_n together_o our_o business_n at_o present_a be_v with_o the_o four_o verse_n of_o it_o which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o close_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a etc._n etc._n in_o the_o text_n itself_o there_o be_v two_o general_n part_v considerable_a first_o the_o simple_a expostulation_n and_o second_o the_o aggravate_v amplification_n the_o simple_a expostulation_n that_o you_o have_v in_o these_o word_n despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n the_o aggravate_v amplification_n in_o those_o not_o know_v etc._n etc._n we_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o simple_a expostulation_n despise_v thou_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o again_o we_o have_v three_o particular_n more_o first_o the_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n of_o god_n towards_o wicked_a and_o worldly_a man_n and_o that_o be_v much_o patience_n and_o indulgence_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o the_o riches_n of_o etc._n etc._n second_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o unanswerable_a return_n of_o wicked_a man_n back_o again_o to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v in_o much_o frowardness_n and_o perverseness_n and_o contempt_n they_o despise_v this_o his_o goodness_n to_o they_o three_o the_o accountableness_n in_o which_o they_o stand_v to_o god_n for_o this_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o do_v thou_o despise_v
he_o walk_v 1_o john_n 2.6_o and_o how_o be_v that_o why_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v in_o he_o and_o act_v he_o all_o his_o whole_a life_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o david_n and_o peter_n and_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v sometime_o turn_v aside_o to_o these_o lust_n first_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n they_o do_v not_o fulfil_v they_o which_o be_v with_o delight_n and_o perseverance_n in_o they_o without_o repentance_n second_o that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o do_v any_o way_n fulfil_v their_o lust_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o do_v decline_v walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n but_o walk_v etc._n etc._n again_o yet_o further_o we_o may_v take_v these_o word_n not_o only_o simple_o and_o emphatical_o but_o if_o we_o will_v also_o exclusive_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n it_o do_v prevent_v and_o restrain_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o upon_o the_o point_n nothing_o else_o but_o that_o at_o least_o so_o effectual_o and_o powerful_o as_o that_o do_v there_o be_v nothing_o which_o do_v so_o infallible_o civilize_v man_n as_o grace_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n this_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o mortification_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v other_o mean_n which_o be_v also_o happy_o use_v now_o and_o then_o as_o good_a company_n and_o fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o avoid_v of_o occasion_n and_o the_o like_a but_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o this_o the_o live_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n this_o it_o make_v sure_a work_n and_o set_v our_o lust_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o that_o possible_o may_v be_v the_o best_a remedy_n against_o sin_n be_v duty_n and_o the_o best_a help_n against_o lust_n be_v grace_n every_o sin_n of_o commission_n it_o have_v common_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n go_v along_o with_o it_o or_o rather_o go_v before_o it_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o whereupon_o it_o be_v lay_v if_o we_o be_v but_o more_o in_o do_v what_o we_o shall_v do_v we_o shall_v be_v less_o in_o do_v what_o we_o shall_v not_o therefore_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n if_o ever_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o fulfil_v of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n again_o in_o the_o high_a and_o sublime_v notion_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n not_o in_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a consideration_n of_o it_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o that_o be_v his_o reason_n or_o ingenuity_n and_o good_a nature_n and_o the_o like_a though_o that_o be_v not_o exclude_v neither_o but_o in_o the_o spirit_n especial_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o supernatural_a consideration_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v his_o grace_n and_o his_o spirit_n endue_v with_o a_o principle_n come_v from_o above_o it_o be_v not_o part_n that_o will_v keep_v man_n from_o lust_n but_o gracious_a and_o holy_a affection_n it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o reason_n sanctify_v which_o will_v here_o serve_v the_o turn_n abstract_a it_o from_o this_o and_o it_o be_v too_o weak_a and_o feeble_a a_o principle_n for_o such_o a_o business_n as_o this_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o certain_a observation_n that_o man_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n have_v be_v sometime_o of_o the_o strong_a passion_n and_o none_o have_v be_v worse_o for_o their_o moral_n than_o those_o which_o have_v be_v most_o eminent_a and_o admire_v for_o their_o intellectual_n this_o i_o add_v that_o we_o may_v right_o understand_v it_o what_o spirit_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o here_o in_o this_o place_n when_o we_o be_v require_v to_o walk_v in_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o so_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o general_n part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o i_o propound_v in_o order_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n itself_o which_o be_v here_o deliver_v and_o propound_v unto_o we_o walk_v etc._n etc._n the_o second_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o method_n of_o the_o text_n be_v the_o preface_n or_o introduction_n to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o have_v in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o than_o i_o say_v this_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o door_n in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o which_o make_v entrance_n into_o it_o this_o be_v such_o a_o introduction_n as_o we_o oftentimes_o meet_v withal_o in_o scripture_n and_o where_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o it_o be_v common_o with_o some_o special_a force_n and_o impression_n upon_o it_o here_o in_o this_o present_a text_n we_o may_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o carry_v a_o fourfold_a emphasis_n in_o it_o first_o as_o a_o word_n of_o authority_n i_o say_v it_o that_o be_v i_o charge_v it_o upon_o you_o and_o require_v you_o to_o observe_v what_o i_o say_v i_o say_v it_o by_o special_a warrant_n and_o command_v man_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o know_v what_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o hoc_fw-la dico_fw-la ego_fw-la &_o non_fw-la dominus_fw-la this_o i_o say_v and_o not_o the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v sometime_o in_o another_o place_n 1_o cor._n 7.12_o but_o hoc_fw-la dico_fw-la ego_fw-la quia_fw-la dominus_fw-la this_o i_o say_v because_o the_o lord_n he_o have_v say_v it_o and_o i_o say_v it_o from_o he_o a_o minister_n while_o he_o speak_v from_o god_n he_o may_v speak_v bold_o that_o which_o he_o speak_v without_o difficulty_n or_o hesitation_n as_o paul_n to_o philemon_n i_o may_v be_v bold_a in_o christ_n to_o enjoin_v thou_o that_o which_o be_v convenient_a philem_n ver_fw-la 8._o when_o we_o speak_v pure_o from_o ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o fancy_n or_o passion_n or_o the_o like_a here_o our_o speech_n may_v be_v well_o intercept_v and_o hinder_v in_o we_o but_o we_o speak_v by_o direction_n from_o god_n here_o i_o say_v his_o authority_n and_o especial_o may_v this_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n further_o be_v use_v when-as_a the_o thing_n which_o we_o speak_v have_v some_o foot_n and_o foundation_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o we_o speak_v to_o it_o be_v great_a matter_n of_o confidence_n to_o a_o preacher_n when_o he_o have_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o hearer_n bear_v witness_n to_o that_o which_o he_o say_v and_o can_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v in_o another_o place_n concern_v his_o epistle_n we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o you_o read_v or_o acknowledge_v and_o i_o trust_v you_o shall_v acknowledge_v even_o to_o the_o end_n in_o 2_o cor._n 1.13_o and_o again_o chap._n 4.2_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o again_o chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 11._o we_o be_v manifest_a to_o god_n and_o i_o trust_v also_o be_v make_v manifest_a in_o your_o conscience_n thus_o be_v st._n paul_n also_o here_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o present_a text_n and_o therefore_o say_v i_o say_v that_o be_v bold_o as_o a_o word_n of_o authority_n and_o command_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o constancy_n i_o say_v it_o again_o and_o again_o and_o therefore_o confident_o prov._n 21.28_o he_o that_o hear_v speak_v constant_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v sure_a second_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o word_n of_o experience_n i_o say_v it_o sensible_o and_o i_o say_v it_o feel_o and_o i_o say_v it_o upon_o my_o own_o knowledge_n as_o find_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o truth_n upon_o my_o own_o heart_n from_o whence_o i_o may_v so_o much_o the_o more_o full_o and_o free_o commend_v it_o to_o you_o thus_o do_v st._n paul_n say_v it_o here_o and_o thus_o shall_v we_o also_o which_o be_v minister_n endeavour_v to_o say_v what_o we_o say_v upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o then_o indeed_o a_o preacher_n speak_v to_o purpose_n when_o he_o speak_v thus_o when_o we_o deliver_v spiritual_a truth_n out_o of_o raise_v and_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o more_o as_o the_o working_n of_o our_o heart_n than_o as_o the_o working_n and_o inlargement_n of_o our_o brain_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o man_n to_o speak_v out_o of_o book_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o other_o man_n or_o to_o speak_v out_o of_o themselves_o only_o out_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o part_n and_o wit_n and_o invention_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o ability_n to_o say_v what_o can_v be_v say_v of_o a_o text_n in_o a_o way_n of_o logical_a deduction_n and_o as_o fetch_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o rational_a distillation_n but_o to_o spin_v
our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v heb._n 10.23_o remember_v thy_o promise_n unto_o thy_o servant_n wherein_o thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o hope_n say_v the_o prophet_n david_n psal_n 119.49_o wherever_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o promise_n we_o have_v there_o ground_n of_o hope_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o namely_o because_o christ_n be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n from_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v receive_v their_o establishment_n and_o therefore_o according_o we_o shall_v rest_v and_o rely_v hereupon_o and_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n from_o it_o especial_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n and_o obstruction_n which_o we_o do_v at_o any_o time_n meet_v with_o we_o shall_v here_o make_v use_n of_o this_o property_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v above_o all_o impediment_n whatsoever_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o his_o truth_n shall_v be_v our_o shield_n and_o buckler_n as_o the_o psalmist_n make_v it_o psal_n 91.4_o this_o will_v hold_v when_o nothing_o else_o will_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o call_v it_o in_o question_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a for_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o a_o person_n as_o will_v make_v god_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o so_o second_o as_o for_o promise_n so_o for_o threaten_n he_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n here_o likewise_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v perhaps_o now_o and_o then_o willing_a to_o believe_v god_n in_o point_n of_o promise_n because_o they_o be_v comfortable_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o they_o desire_v et_fw-la facile_fw-la credimus_fw-la quod_fw-la volumus_fw-la we_o believe_v that_o easy_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v so_o but_o in_o point_n of_o threaten_v here_o they_o withdraw_v they_o think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a a_o punisher_n and_o revenger_n of_o sin_n as_o he_o have_v threaten_v yes_o but_o he_o will_v be_v this_o also_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o christ_n be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n in_o both_o and_o so_o at_o last_o he_o will_v prove_v thus_o joshua_n speak_v to_o the_o israelite_n in_o josh_n 23.14_o 15._o you_o know_v say_v he_o in_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o all_o your_o soul_n that_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n speak_v concern_v you_o all_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v unto_o you_o not_o one_o thing_n have_v fail_v therefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v come_v unto_o you_o which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v promise_v you_o so_o shall_v the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o you_o all_o evil_a thing_n etc._n etc._n namely_o because_o there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o both_o which_o be_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n a_o second_o use_v of_o this_o point_n may_v be_v to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o bless_a estate_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n those_o that_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v happy_a person_n because_o he_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n we_o judge_v of_o man_n common_o in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n and_o relation_n and_o the_o person_n that_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o take_v man_n that_o have_v but_o little_a by_o they_o as_o to_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o possession_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v the_o bond_n and_o engagement_n of_o such_o as_o be_v able_a and_o faithful_a we_o think_v they_o rich_a upon_o that_o account_n why_o this_o now_o be_v the_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o true_a christian_n whatever_o they_o have_v at_o present_a here_o below_o they_o have_v much_o in_o reversion_n and_o expectation_n and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n who_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o fail_v they_o therefore_o by_o the_o way_n it_o shall_v teach_v we_o especial_o to_o look_v to_o this_o for_o our_o particular_n there_o be_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o christ_n which_o we_o be_v any_o thing_n better_o for_o any_o further_a than_o we_o be_v member_n of_o he_o and_o such_o person_n as_o belong_v unto_o he_o and_o so_o as_o to_o his_o faithfulness_n among_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v that_o which_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a without_o this_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n take_v man_n that_o be_v as_o yet_o out_o of_o christ_n in_o a_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a condition_n and_o christ_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n for_o they_o as_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o they_o as_o he_o sometime_o threaten_v to_o be_v in_o mal._n 3.5_o but_o those_o that_o will_v have_v benefit_n by_o his_o faithfulness_n they_o must_v have_v first_o interest_n in_o his_o person_n three_o see_v christ_n be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n it_o shall_v teach_v we_o also_o conformity_n to_o christ_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o we_o may_v herein_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o whether_o minister_n or_o other_o christian_n for_o minister_n especial_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v witness_n by_o our_o place_n we_o shall_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v before_o we_o it_o be_v record_v in_o commendation_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n as_o a_o servant_n heb_fw-mi 3.5_o and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v likewise_o it_o be_v the_o charge_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o tim._n 2.2_o the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o among_o many_o witness_n the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a man_n who_o may_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o we_o shall_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o doctrine_n in_o the_o impartiality_n of_o it_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o in_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n about_o it_o and_o so_o for_o other_o christian_n likewise_o in_o their_o place_n and_o according_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o be_v faithful_a witness_n likewise_o they_o shall_v be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o they_o especial_o by_o a_o life_n and_o conversation_n suitable_a to_o they_o and_o savour_v of_o they_o this_o be_v to_o conform_v to_o christ_n himself_o in_o this_o property_n which_o be_v here_o fasten_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o general_n part_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v the_o description_n of_o christ_n take_v from_o his_o prophetical_a office_n in_o those_o word_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n the_o second_o be_v take_v from_o his_o priestly_a in_o these_o and_o the_o first-begotten_a of_o the_o dead_a the_o principal_a action_n of_o christ_n priesthood_n consist_v in_o two_o particular_n the_o one_o be_v in_o die_v for_o we_o and_o the_o other_o in_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v couch_v in_o this_o passage_n which_o we_o have_v here_o before_o we_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a point_n which_o be_v here_o observable_a of_o we_o though_o the_o last_o most_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n first_o that_o christ_n be_v once_o dead_a second_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a three_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first-begotten_a of_o the_o dead_a first_o christ_n be_v once_o dead_a this_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o imply_v thus_o 1_o cor._n 15.3_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o rom._n 5.6_o when_o we_o be_v without_o strength_n in_o due_a time_n christ_n die_v for_o the_o ungodly_a the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o special_a article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n this_o be_v requisite_a in_o sundry_a regard_n first_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n justice_n for_o our_o offence_n heb._n 9.22_o without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n christ_n by_o die_v do_v ratify_v that_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o we_o to_o this_o purpose_n heb._n 9.15_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v he_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o by_o mean_n of_o death_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o transgression_n they_o which_o be_v call_v may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o eternal_a inheritance_n etc._n etc._n again_o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o deliver_v they_o who_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n