we_o labour_v to_o understand_v it_o aright_o and_o to_o make_v a_o right_a application_n of_o it_o and_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o wrong_v and_o pervert_v of_o it_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v our_o fantasy_n as_o the_o usurer_n will_v seek_v out_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o defend_v his_o usury_n a_o foul_a and_o a_o fearful_a sin_n to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v according_a to_o our_o fantasy_n and_o conceit_n for_o this_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o all_o heresy_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n aright_o but_o here_o may_v some_o object_n object_n and_o say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v i_o to_o do_v that_o be_o a_o poor_a and_o unlearned_a man_n alas_o how_o shall_v i_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o come_v to_o make_v a_o right_a application_n of_o it_o many_o scholar_n and_o many_o divine_n be_v not_o able_a to_o reach_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o can_v i_o then_o that_o be_o a_o simple_a and_o unlettered_a man_n or_o woman_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n be_v thou_o careful_a thou_o that_o thus_o plead_v for_o thyself_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o open_n and_o unfolding_n of_o his_o word_n and_o for_o thy_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o love_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n be_v careful_a in_o these_o mean_n that_o be_v be_v careful_a in_o frequent_v and_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ministry_n that_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o church_n for_o thy_o direction_n prov._n 8.33_o be_v thou_o careful_a to_o attend_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n be_v frequent_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n open_v and_o expound_v and_o be_v sure_a to_o come_v to_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o humble_a heart_n that_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o lift_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o thy_o own_o understanding_n but_o be_v empty_v of_o all_o self-conceit_n and_o pride_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o pregnancy_n of_o thy_o own_o wit_n and_o to_o this_o join_v earnest_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n be_v attentive_a to_o the_o mean_n that_o serve_v to_o open_v the_o word_n come_v to_o the_o hear_n and_o read_v of_o it_o with_o a_o humble_a heart_n and_o also_o be_v instant_a in_o invocation_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v open_v thy_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o give_v thou_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n of_o understanding_n do_v as_o david_n do_v psal_n 119.18_o lord_n open_a my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v the_o wonder_n of_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v a_o worthy_a say_n of_o a_o ancient_a divine_a say_v he_o though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v difficult_a to_o reach_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o they_o yet_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a and_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v to_o salvation_n it_o be_v plain_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v to_o they_o that_o will_v read_v diligent_o mark_v attentive_o pray_v hearty_o and_o judge_v humble_o come_v without_o any_o self-conceit_n of_o thy_o own_o wit_n come_v even_o as_o a_o fool_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o it_o and_o then_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o right_a application_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o effectual_o understand_v and_o apply_v it_o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o apostle_n reason_n all_o they_o be_v not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n that_o be_v all_o they_o be_v not_o the_o true_a israelite_n and_o elect_v and_o choose_a seed_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v descend_v of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n hence_o we_o be_v plain_o teach_v thus_o much_o doctrine_n that_o indeed_o all_o be_v not_o true_a israelite_n that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o israelite_n or_o thus_o all_o they_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n that_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n or_o thus_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o further_a manifestation_n of_o this_o if_o we_o look_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o beginning_n there_o have_v be_v some_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v not_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o when_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v in_o one_o family_n in_o abraham_n in_o isaac_n and_o in_o jacob_n family_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v a_o ishmael_n as_o well_o as_o a_o isaac_n in_o isaac_n family_n a_o esau_n as_o well_o as_o a_o jacob_n and_o so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n compare_v the_o church_n to_o a_o field_n that_o have_v not_o only_o good_a wheat_n but_o tare_n matth._n 13.26_o and_o in_o the_o 47._o and_o 48._o verse_n christ_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o they_o be_v jew_n by_o birth_n and_o nation_n but_o they_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o in_o revel_n 3.9_o he_o say_v some_o call_v themselves_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o they_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n reason_n because_o all_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o all_o such_o as_o god_n have_v set_v apart_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n though_o they_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o make_v the_o same_o profession_n yet_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o where_o john_n say_v they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o they_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o because_o they_o have_v make_v a_o disjunction_n from_o we_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o use_v first_o of_o all_o this_o truth_n now_o deliver_v bear_v witness_v strong_o against_o the_o foolish_a conceit_n of_o the_o separatist_n and_o what_o be_v their_o opinion_n they_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n sure_o then_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v god_n child_n and_o heir_n of_o salvation_n yea_o then_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n and_o saul_n and_o judas_n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o have_v obtain_v salvation_n if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o all_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o heir_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v that_o these_o man_n be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o reason_n be_v save_v but_o how_o false_a it_o be_v to_o think_v that_o these_o man_n have_v obtain_v salvation_n any_o man_n that_o have_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o truth_n may_v easy_o see_v it_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o tenent_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o error_n be_v this_o whatsoever_o they_o find_v in_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a church_n the_o catholic_a church_n see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n they_o apply_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a priesthood_n they_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o their_o definition_n be_v a_o hoch_fw-ge poch_fw-ge a_o mingle_n of_o the_o property_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n and_o the_o visible_a church_n together_o and_o a_o appropriate_a of_o they_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n this_o be_v common_a both_o in_o their_o write_n and_o conference_n but_o come_v we_o now_o to_o lay_v the_o truth_n deliver_v a_o
be_v allege_v though_o the_o book_n the_o chapter_n or_o verse_n be_v not_o cite_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o be_v scripture_n and_o not_o to_o think_v as_o some_o ignorant_a person_n do_v that_o when_o a_o poet_n be_v cite_v that_o it_o be_v scripture_n but_o this_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o eight_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 36._o but_o only_o one_o thing_n further_o you_o see_v the_o apostle_n here_o who_o authority_n be_v divine_a apostolical_a and_o infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o can_v not_o err_v in_o what_o he_o teach_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o divine_a and_o apostolical_a and_o infallible_a assistance_n he_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v testimony_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v his_o doctrine_n this_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n read_v act_n 26.22_o 23._o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v that_o he_o witness_v to_o small_a and_o great_a say_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o those_o that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v say_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o be_v the_o first_o that_o shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o show_v light_a to_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 1.2_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o amplify_v the_o point_n the_o scripture_n be_v of_o sacred_a and_o divine_a authority_n as_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n yea_o such_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n but_o only_o unto_o god_n who_o will_n and_o counsel_n it_o be_v touch_v thing_n that_o concern_v the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o choose_v this_o for_o the_o use_n of_o it_o serve_v to_o discover_v unto_o we_o the_o shameless_a impudence_n use_v 1_o of_o that_o shameless_a strumpet_n the_o antichristian_a synagogue_n of_o rome_n in_o that_o that_o synagogue_n take_v upon_o it_o a_o absolute_a power_n to_o judge_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o to_o define_v of_o it_o and_o that_o without_o and_o beside_o scripture_n yea_o it_o take_v upon_o it_o a_o power_n to_o judge_v of_o scripture_n itself_o and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o scripture_n to_o fasten_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o say_v this_o be_v the_o sense_n though_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n nor_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o god_n beside_o and_o that_o forsooth_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n oh_o say_v the_o papist_n our_o church_n and_o our_o teacher_n be_v infallible_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o will_v ground_v themselves_o upon_o that_o text_n in_o john_n 16.13_o where_o christ_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n shall_v come_v which_o he_o will_v send_v it_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n oh_o say_v they_o see_v christ_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n so_o that_o they_o can_v err_v in_o that_o which_o they_o teach_v but_o the_o papist_n be_v mistake_v if_o so_o be_v we_o consider_v the_o place_n due_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o examine_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o will_v bear_v no_o such_o conclusion_n that_o the_o church_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o lead_v that_o they_o can_v err_v in_o whatsoever_o they_o teach_v and_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n power_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o help_n of_o it_o for_o that_o place_n in_o john_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v with_o a_o restraint_n when_o he_o say_v it_o shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n it_o have_v a_o limitation_n and_o restraint_n to_o that_o subject_a of_o which_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o all_o that_o truth_n for_o why_o i_o hope_v the_o papist_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o easy_o confess_v and_o yield_v unto_o it_o that_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n his_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n of_o god_n god_n have_v appoint_v and_o set_v it_o down_o in_o act._n 17.31_o a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n unto_o judgement_n be_v not_o reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n or_o teacher_n of_o it_o nay_o we_o be_v not_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n christ_n forbid_v it_o so_o that_o speech_n of_o truth_n must_v admit_v of_o a_o limitation_n not_o of_o all_o truth_n for_o here_o be_v a_o particular_a truth_n not_o reveal_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o that_o truth_n how_o may_v it_o appear_v why_o read_v the_o place_n itself_o john_n 16.13_o 14._o howbeit_o when_o he_o be_v come_v which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o will_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n there_o they_o stay_v but_o mark_v what_o follow_v he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v shall_v he_o speak_v and_o he_o will_v show_v unto_o you_o the_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o shall_v glorify_v i_o now_o a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n what_o be_v it_o but_o this_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reveal_v unto_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o secret_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o thing_n that_o eye_n of_o man_n can_v see_v nor_o heart_n conceive_v do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o god_n child_n and_o do_v teach_v what_o christ_n be_v in_o himself_o in_o his_o nature_n in_o his_o office_n and_o in_o his_o person_n only_o these_o thing_n he_o shall_v reveal_v no_o new_a coin_a doctrine_n or_o new_a device_n of_o man_n brrain_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o such_o as_o christ_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n have_v teach_v these_o thing_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n choose_v therefore_o it_o be_v monstrous_a and_o shameless_a impudency_n for_o the_o papist_n thus_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v power_n without_o and_o beside_o scripture_n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o without_o they_o can_v say_v scriptum_n est_fw-la it_o be_v write_v it_o be_v the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o god_n ground_v on_o divine_a authority_n thus_o must_v all_o minister_n do_v ground_n their_o doctrine_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o have_v love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n itself_o i_o have_v love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n these_o word_n we_o find_v in_o malachy_n mal._n 1.2_o 3._o and_o they_o be_v here_o bring_v to_o manifest_v and_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v between_o the_o two_o brethren_n jacob_n and_o esau_n jacob_n advance_v over_o esau_n because_o god_n love_v jacob_n esau_n bring_v in_o subjection_n unto_o jacob_n because_o god_n hate_v esau_n now_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o testimony_n some_o there_o be_v that_o say_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o have_v love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n concern_v only_a thing_n appertain_v to_o this_o life_n thing_n outward_a and_o temporal_a and_o not_o thing_n eternal_a the_o prophet_n say_v they_o show_v wherein_o god_n love_v do_v consist_v unto_o jacob_n and_o wherein_o his_o hatred_n unto_o esau_n do_v consist_v he_o say_v god_n love_n do_v consist_v in_o this_o in_o give_v unto_o jacob_n a_o fruitful_a land_n flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n and_o his_o hatred_n unto_o esau_n in_o make_v esau_n mountain_n waste_v and_o in_o give_v unto_o esau_n posterity_n the_o idumean_n a_o barren_a and_o a_o dry_a country_n and_o a_o wilderness_n for_o dragon_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v therefore_o say_v they_o the_o prophet_n thus_o speak_v of_o thing_n appertain_v to_o this_o life_n outward_a and_o temporal_a it_o can_v hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o our_o bless_a apostle_n treat_v of_o eternal_a election_n and_o reprobation_n as_o you_o will_v make_v it_o that_o this_o whole_a chapter_n concern_v predestination_n now_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v easy_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o place_n allege_v
the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n open_v be_v a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o whole_a nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o romans_z by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mr._n edward_n elton_n bachelor_n in_o divinity_n and_o sometime_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o mary_n magdalen_n bermondsey_n near_o london_n jacob_n have_v i_o love_v but_o esau_n have_v i_o hate_v rom._n 9.13_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rom._n 11.33_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o license_v enter_v print_v and_o publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_a by_o j._n l._n for_o christopher_n meredith_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o crane_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o to_o the_o courteous_a and_o christian_a reader_n good_a reader_n this_o book_n which_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v put_v into_o thy_o hand_n to_o read_v be_v such_o of_o which_o thou_o may_v just_o say_v as_o jacob_n do_v of_o his_o pretend_a venison_n 20._o venison_n gen._n 27.19_o 20._o the_o lord_n have_v bring_v it_o to_o thy_o hand_n rise_v up_o therefore_o and_o eat_v of_o this_o savoury_a meat_n such_o as_o thy_o soul_n love_v or_o shall_v do_v at_o least_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o most_o pious_a and_o skilful_a scribe_n excellent_o instruct_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 13.52_o god_n matth._n 13.52_o he_o be_v a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_a light_n 5.35_o light_n joh._n 5.35_o burn_v with_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o shine_v as_o a_o light_n in_o that_o crooked_a generation_n wherein_o he_o live_v 2.15_o live_v phil._n 2.15_o but_o he_o be_v now_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n either_o of_o thy_o prayer_n or_o my_o praise_n who_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v 11.4_o speak_v heb._n 11.4_o so_o that_o his_o own_o work_n may_v just_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o gate_n 31.31_o gate_n prov._n 31.31_o leave_v therefore_o the_o author_n who_o be_v now_o at_o rest_n with_o the_o lord_n i_o come_v to_o the_o book_n itself_o wherein_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o new_a truth_n yet_o thou_o shall_v find_v old_a truth_n confute_v old_a and_o new_a error_n sin_v sharp_o rebuke_v holy_a duty_n earnest_o and_o seasonable_o press_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n advance_v and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n sweet_o open_v evidence_n of_o election_n clear_o discover_v here_o thou_o may_v know_v whether_o thy_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n 10.20_o heaven_n luk._n 10.20_o only_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o follow_v the_o author_n method_n who_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o complaint_n of_o a_o sinner_n combat_v and_o conflict_v then_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a triumph_v and_o so_o come_v to_o open_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n so_o do_v thou_o read_v the_o first_o treatise_n to_o learn_v to_o complain_v of_o thy_o corruption_n and_o then_o thou_o may_v be_v sure_a at_o last_o to_o triumph_v with_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o so_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o look_v into_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n for_o to_o such_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o to_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 13.11_o heaven_n matth._n 13.11_o and_o again_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o doer_n of_o god_n will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n 7.17_o god_n joh._n 7.17_o so_o that_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o be_v daily_o conversant_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o get_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o store_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n add_v to_o thy_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o thy_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o that_o patience_n and_o to_o that_o godliness_n and_o to_o that_o brotherly_a kindness_n etc._n etc._n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o thou_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 11._o christ_n 2_o pet._n 1_o 5â—_n etc._n etc._n 11._o beside_o let_v i_o recommend_v unto_o thou_o a_o fit_a treasure_n for_o a_o christian_a to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n where_o the_o rust_n and_o moth_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o thief_n break_v through_o nor_o steal_v 6.20_o steal_v matth._n 6.20_o in_o a_o word_n let_v i_o advise_v thou_o to_o store_v up_o in_o thy_o heart_n soundness_n of_o knowledge_n strength_n of_o faith_n purity_n of_o heart_n clearness_n of_o conscience_n holiness_n of_o life_n assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n many_o sanctify_a sabbath_n fervent_a prayer_n holy_a conference_n heavenly_a meditation_n day_n of_o humiliation_n sincere_a love_n of_o the_o saint_n righteous_a deal_n with_o the_o brethren_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6.24_o christ_n ephes_n 6.24_o a_o universal_a hatred_n of_o every_o know_a sin_n and_o of_o all_o alse_a way_n 119.104_o way_n psal_n 119.104_o the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 3.5_o godliness_n 2_o tim._n 3.5_o this_o counsel_n observe_v and_o follow_v will_v enable_v thou_o to_o live_v christianly_o and_o to_o die_v comfortable_o with_o full_a assurance_n that_o when_o the_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v thou_o shall_v have_v a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 5.17_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o where_o you_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o lord_n q_o who_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n where_o there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n that_o last_o for_o evermore_o ult_n evermore_o psai_n 16._o ult_n such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n have_v hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o joy_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o 29._o he_o 1_o cor._n 29._o let_v i_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o and_o affectionate_o beseech_v thou_o good_a reader_n speedy_o to_o fall_v to_o work_v and_o first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n 6.33_o righteousness_n matth._n 6.33_o for_o herein_o delay_n be_v most_o dangerous_a for_o the_o long_o thou_o stay_v thou_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n grow_v more_o angry_a satan_n more_o strong_a thyself_o more_o unable_a to_o repent_v sin_n more_o unconquerable_a thy_o conversion_n more_o difficult_a and_o thy_o salvation_n more_o impossible_a a_o ruinous_a house_n the_o long_o delay_v the_o more_o costly_a will_v the_o repair_n be_v the_o nail_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o stroke_n be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o frequent_a act_n the_o more_o difficult_a to_o get_v out_o of_o that_o precious_a soul_n of_o thou_o oh_o than_o begin_v speedy_o because_o delay_n be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o continue_v constant_o have_v once_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o make_v a_o end_n in_o the_o flesh_n lest_o you_o labour_n and_o suffer_v all_o in_o vain_a 4._o vain_a gal._n 3_o 3_o 4._o give_v i_o leave_v therefore_o to_o press_v thou_o effectual_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n and_o so_o many_o precious_a promise_n 1.4_o promise_n 2_o cor._n 1.4_o endeavour_v to_o cleanse_v thyself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 7.1_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v assure_v thou_o that_o thy_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 15.58_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o only_o be_v sure_a to_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o keep_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n till_o thou_o finish_v thy_o course_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v thou_o of_o a_o immortal_a crown_n which_o jesus_n christ_n that_o righteous_a judge_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o such_o as_o love_v his_o appear_v 9_o appear_v 2_o tim._n 47_o 8_o 9_o against_o who_o glorious_a come_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v let_v i_o advise_v thou_o once_o more_o to_o a_o serious_a perusal_n of_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a treatise_n in_o the_o read_n whereof_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n shall_v be_v with_o and_o for_o thou_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o hereby_o thy_o judgement_n may_v be_v right_o inform_v
thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n thorough_o reform_v thy_o corruption_n mortify_v thy_o grace_n increase_v thy_o love_n and_o zeal_n inflame_v and_o thy_o soul_n at_o last_o eternal_o save_v let_v i_o beg_v thy_o prayer_n for_o myself_o in_o requital_n of_o my_o pain_n and_o thy_o best_a wish_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o stationer_n for_o his_o labour_n and_o his_o honest_a care_n and_o cost_v bestow_v herein_o and_o herein_o forget_v not_o to_o go_v to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o thy_o read_v this_o work_n and_o all_o our_o endeavour_n herein_o that_o all_o may_v tend_v to_o his_o glory_n in_o hope_v whereof_o i_o commend_v thou_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o book_n once_o more_o to_o thy_o serious_a read_n and_o practice_n hearty_o take_v leave_n i_o hasten_v to_o write_v myself_o albourn_n this_o present_a march_n 12_o h._n 1652._o thou_o in_o christ_n jesus_n william_n harrison_n there_o be_v late_o print_a god_n holy_a mind_n touch_v matter_n moral_a which_o himself_o utter_v in_o ten_o word_n or_o ten_o commandment_n also_o christ_n holy_a mind_n touch_v prayer_n which_o himself_n teach_v unto_o his_o disciple_n discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a writ_n and_o deliver_v by_o question_n and_o answer_n by_o the_o late_a learned_a and_o faithful_a preacher_n of_o god_n word_n mr_n edward_n elton_n b._n d._n and_o pastor_n of_o st._n mary_n magdalen_n bar_n monsey_n near_o london_n a_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o murder_n commit_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o clunne_n in_o the_o county_n of_o salop_n by_o enoch_n ap_fw-mi evan_n upon_o the_o body_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o brother_n with_o the_o cause_n move_v he_o thereunto_o by_o richard_n more_o esquire_n print_a by_o order_n of_o a_o committee_n of_o parliament_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n open_v or_o a_o exposition_n upon_o the_o nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o romans_z romans_z 9_o verse_n 1._o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n also_o bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 2._o that_o i_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n this_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n write_v by_o that_o famous_a apostle_n paul_n the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n consist_v of_o these_o 3_o part_n in_o general_n 1._o a_o proemium_fw-la or_o introduction_n 2._o a_o institution_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n 3._o a_o percration_n or_o conclusion_n again_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o apostle_n proceed_v in_o this_o manner_n 1._o he_o handle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n in_o the_o 5_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n 2._o he_o insi_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sanctification_n in_o the_o 6._o and_o 7_o the_o chapter_n 3._o matter_n of_o sweet_a consolation_n flow_v from_o the_o two_o former_a in_o chapter_n the_o 8_o the_o 4._o he_o propound_v and_o prosecute_v the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n in_o the_o 9_o the_o 10_o the_o and_z 11_o the_o chapter_n 5._o he_o proceed_v to_o matter_n of_o christian_a exhortation_n to_o sundry_a duty_n general_a and_o special_a chapter_n 12.13_o etc._n etc._n now_o in_o this_o nine_o chapter_n he_o begin_v the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n and_o open_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n concern_v the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n and_o herein_o we_o have_v 3_o part_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o insinuation_n of_o the_o apostle_n dear_a and_o deep_a affection_n and_o a_o solemn_a and_o serious_a protestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o also_o a_o singular_a manifestation_n of_o his_o most_o admirable_a love_n to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o the_o doctrine_n he_o be_v now_o about_o to_o deliver_v and_o this_o be_v amplify_v by_o sundry_a circumstance_n as_o 1._o by_o the_o particular_a passion_n or_o affection_n wherein_o he_o manifest_v his_o dear_a love_n to_o they_o and_o that_o be_v his_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o cast_v off_o 2._o the_o grief_n he_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v further_a amplify_v by_o two_o further_a circumstance_n or_o adjunct_n viz._n 1._o the_o constancy_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o 3._o this_o love_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o they_o be_v further_a illustrate_v by_o the_o great_a measure_n or_o extent_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o he_o can_v wish_v himself_o accurse_v and_o separate_v from_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o procure_v their_o salvation_n 4._o last_o by_o the_o affectionate_a and_o honourable_a mention_n that_o he_o make_v of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n describe_v both_o full_o and_o affectionate_o all_o their_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n show_v what_o great_a cause_n he_o have_v to_o be_v so_o deep_o affect_v with_o their_o rejection_n and_o thus_o he_o do_v in_o the_o 5_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v touch_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o stabilility_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o lord_n promise_n though_o the_o jew_n be_v reject_v and_o the_o defend_n of_o that_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o the_o stability_n of_o it_o against_o all_o cavil_n and_o all_o err_a spirit_n and_o all_o humane_a reason_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o from_o the_o 6._o verse_n to_o the_o 24._o the_o three_o part_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o that_o wonderful_a and_o deep_a mystery_n hold_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n foretell_v though_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v it_o before_o paul_n reveal_v it_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n so_o lay_v down_o from_o the_o 24._o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n so_o you_o have_v the_o chief_a material_n general_a in_o the_o chapter_n of_o these_o in_o order_n and_o first_o of_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o to_o propound_v that_o which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v take_v very_o harsh_a and_o hard_o and_o marvellous_a displease_v and_o offensive_a to_o the_o jew_n to_o hear_v of_o he_o use_v a_o very_a pathetical_a insinuation_n of_o his_o love_n unto_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o love_n express_v that_o love_n by_o his_o inward_a and_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o their_o present_a estate_n and_o the_o care_n that_o he_o have_v for_o their_o good_a thereby_o to_o gain_v their_o good_a will_n and_o not_o exasperate_v they_o against_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o rejection_n use_v a_o preface_n unto_o it_o that_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v be_v the_o truth_n and_o for_o the_o more_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o he_o put_v down_o the_o contrary_a and_o i_o lie_v not_o and_o he_o confirm_v it_o further_o by_o a_o oath_n he_o call_v christ_n to_o witness_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o and_o second_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o witness_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n his_o own_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n with_o he_o and_o this_o conscience_n renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n my_o own_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n with_o i_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n he_o deliver_v and_o put_v down_o his_o sorrow_n and_o his_o grief_n and_o his_o heaviness_n of_o heart_n and_o thus_o he_o set_v out_o by_o the_o continuance_n and_o greatness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sorrow_n and_o a_o continual_a sorrow_n and_o that_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o not_o a_o dissemble_a feign_a or_o outside_n sorrow_n but_o in_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n there_o he_o put_v down_o the_o desire_n of_o their_o good_a in_o the_o three_o verse_n and_o he_o do_v express_v that_o by_o a_o wonderful_a strange_a speech_n even_o by_o a_o wish_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a their_o call_n and_o conversion_n thereby_o imply_v their_o rejection_n and_o not_o propound_v it_o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o wish_n to_o be_v wish_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n for_o their_o sake_n if_o they_o be_v not_o reject_v and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v anathemate_v and_o accurse_a from_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a and_o then_o he_o set_v down_o reason_n why_o he_o so_o wish_v himself_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n first_o of_o all_o because_o they_o be_v his_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n second_o a_o more_o weighty_a reason_n than_o this_o because_o they_o be_v the_o israelite_n of_o god_n and_o god_n people_n and_o that_o he_o make_v further_o manifest_a and_o plain_a unto_o
my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o i_o have_v continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v give_v you_o the_o annalysis_n of_o these_o word_n already_o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o general_a meaning_n of_o they_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n the_o greek_a proposition_n be_v here_o a_o note_n of_o a_o oath_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n or_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o christ_n i_o call_v christ_n to_o witness_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o lie_v not_o these_o word_n the_o apostle_n add_v both_o to_o signify_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n simple_o and_o plain_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a heart_n without_o either_o mental_a reservation_n or_o equivocation_n not_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o mean_v another_o and_o second_o to_o add_v weight_n to_o his_o speech_n to_o make_v it_o more_o ponderous_a more_o weighty_a more_o powerful_a and_o more_o prevail_a to_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o hebrew_n who_o for_o more_o weight_n and_o certainty_n of_o speech_n put_v down_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o affirmative_a and_o then_o deny_v the_o contrary_a in_o the_o negative_a as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 1_o sam._n 3.18_o when_o eli_n bid_v samuel_n tell_v he_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v say_v he_o speak_v every_o word_n and_o he_o hide_v nothing_o so_o in_o john_n 1.20_o it_o be_v say_v of_o john_n that_o he_o confess_v and_o deny_v not_o but_o say_v plain_o he_o be_v not_o the_o christ_n so_o this_o be_v add_v for_o more_o weight_n and_o ponderousnesse_n of_o speech_n as_o first_o he_o speak_v it_o without_o any_o collogue_a or_o equivocation_n and_o second_o for_o the_o weightinesse_n of_o his_o speech_n my_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n here_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o swear_v by_o his_o conscience_n as_o some_o will_v think_v but_o show_v that_o his_o conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o speak_v without_o collogue_v or_o dissemble_v or_o that_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o smite_v he_o nor_o touch_v he_o for_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v my_o conscience_n renew_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v i_o speak_v the_o truth_n my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v simple_o and_o plain_o and_o that_o conscience_n rectify_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o order_v and_o guide_v it_o witness_v holy_o and_o true_o that_o i_o have_v great_a heaviness_n and_o continual_a sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n as_o they_o lie_v only_o the_o word_n sorrow_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a and_o be_v take_v from_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v in_o travel_n with_o child_n such_o sorrow_n as_o she_o have_v that_o travel_v in_o childbearing_n such_o be_v the_o sorrow_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o for_o what_o his_o sorrow_n be_v he_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v but_o it_o may_v be_v add_v namely_o for_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o than_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v thus_o plain_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n even_o by_o christ_n jesus_n i_o speak_v it_o simple_o and_o plain_o and_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o double_v or_o dissemble_v or_o lie_v or_o any_o manner_n of_o untruth_n in_o my_o speech_n christ_n be_v my_o witness_n i_o lie_v not_o and_o my_o own_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v also_o and_o that_o conscience_n of_o my_o rectify_a and_o right_o order_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n and_o that_o holy_o after_o a_o holy_a manner_n that_o i_o be_o possess_v with_o continual_a sorrow_n and_o that_o in_o my_o heart_n and_o soul_n for_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o as_o the_o sorrow_n of_o a_o woman_n travel_v with_o child_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o instruction_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o the_o apostle_n show_v his_o sorrow_n do_v not_o here_o only_o say_v that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o lie_v not_o but_o swear_v by_o christ_n jesus_n that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o his_o particular_a sorrow_n the_o point_n be_v thus_o that_o a_o christian_a man_n sometime_o may_v lawful_o swear_v and_o take_v a_o oath_n doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o public_a and_o before_o a_o magistrate_n but_o in_o private_a matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n as_o this_o be_v concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o a_o private_a man_n or_o woman_n may_v take_v a_o private_a oath_n between_o themselves_o so_o as_o it_o be_v with_o reverence_n and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o other_o example_n in_o scripture_n as_o gen._n 24.3_o abraham_n servant_n swear_v unto_o his_o master_n that_o he_o will_v take_v a_o wife_n for_o his_o son_n isaac_n of_o his_o own_o seed_n and_o in_o josh_n 2.12_o the_o spy_n that_o come_v to_o see_v the_o land_n take_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o harlot_n and_o jonathan_n and_o david_n 1_o sam._n 26.42_o make_v a_o covenant_n the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o and_o in_o gen._n 50.22_o joseph_n take_v a_o oath_n with_o his_o brethren_n to_o carry_v his_o bone_n with_o they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o many_o other_o example_n we_o have_v to_o this_o purpose_n clear_v and_o confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o take_v a_o oath_n in_o private_a so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o great_a importance_n namely_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o concern_v great_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n our_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o other_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v doubtful_a be_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n in_o private_a so_o as_o it_o be_v with_o reverence_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o reason_n reason_n be_v because_o that_o to_o this_o end_n a_o oath_n be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n in_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o controversy_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v heb._n 6.16_o that_o a_o oath_n among_o man_n for_o confirmation_n put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o strife_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o consequence_n not_o in_o every_o trivial_a trifle_a occasion_n no_o it_o must_v be_v with_o rariety_n and_o reservedness_n first_o of_o all_o this_o meet_v with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o deny_v use_v 1_o the_o use_n of_o all_o oath_n and_o hold_v it_o altogether_o unlawful_a to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o either_o in_o public_a or_o in_o private_a their_o opinion_n be_v false_a object_n they_o allege_v for_o themselves_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o matth._n 5.34_o 35._o swear_v not_o at_o all_o but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v else_o come_v of_o evil_a of_o the_o devil_n answer_v answ_n indeed_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o may_v not_o swear_v false_o therein_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o not_o in_o our_o familiar_a talk_n and_o conference_n between_o man_n and_o man_n for_o whatsoever_o therein_o be_v more_o come_v of_o evil_a of_o the_o devil_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o this_o truth_n serve_v for_o the_o just_a reproof_n of_o those_o that_o do_v take_v rash_a use_v 2_o oath_n for_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v in_o a_o just_a manner_n and_o not_o upon_o a_o ordinary_a occasion_n in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n as_o such_o as_o use_v common_a and_o customary_a swear_n in_o their_o ordinary_a communication_n they_o can_v speak_v a_o word_n but_o a_o oath_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o fearful_a height_n in_o this_o land_n of_o we_o yea_o it_o be_v rife_a and_o common_a both_o in_o the_o city_n and_o country_n to_o swear_v and_o to_o rap_v out_o a_o oath_n at_o every_o word_n to_o toss_v the_o name_n of_o god_n a_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o land_n groan_v and_o mourn_v even_o because_o of_o oath_n jer._n 23.10_o oh_o consider_v it_o how_o the_o land_n mourn_v and_o weep_v for_o this_o sin_n you_o see_v summer_n be_v turn_v to_o winter_n and_o why_o because_o of_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o land_n the_o earth_n do_v not_o yield_v her_o fruit_n as_o she_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o what_o be_v more_o common_a then_o for_o man_n and_o woto_fw-la rap_v out_o a_o oath_n at_o every_o word_n and_o if_o they_o be_v reprove_v will_v
either_o fly_v in_o your_o face_n and_o blot_n or_o blemish_v you_o and_o say_v you_o will_v not_o swear_v but_o you_o will_v do_v worse_o i_o warrant_v you_o or_o else_o they_o will_v say_v i_o swear_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o man_n will_v never_o believe_v i_o unless_o i_o swear_v oh_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n consider_v it_o that_o it_o be_v credit_v dear_o buy_v that_o be_v get_v with_o the_o pawn_n of_o thy_o soul_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o so_o thou_o do_v in_o rap_v out_o thy_o rash_a oath_n and_o though_o thou_o swear_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n yet_o every_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n no_o it_o must_v be_v a_o truth_n of_o special_a weight_n and_o consequence_n the_o preservation_n of_o thy_o life_n or_o such_o like_a great_a and_o weighty_a cause_n and_o then_o it_o must_v be_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o therefore_o thy_o swear_n in_o thy_o buy_n and_o sell_v as_o to_o swear_v by_o god_n it_o cost_v i_o so_o much_o thou_o sin_v against_o god_n fearful_o and_o thou_o take_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o this_o thy_o ordinary_a swear_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o graceless_a wretch_n that_o thou_o have_v no_o dram_n of_o grace_n in_o thy_o heart_n that_o thy_o tongue_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n james_n 3.6_o and_o know_v withal_o that_o as_o thy_o ordinary_a swear_n have_v the_o devil_n for_o the_o father_n of_o it_o so_o without_o repentance_n hell_n shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o of_o thou_o also_o thou_o shall_v be_v plunge_v body_n and_o soul_n into_o hell_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o consequence_n we_o may_v take_v a_o oath_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n the_o reduce_n of_o man_n from_o popery_n all_o other_o oath_n as_o to_o swear_v rash_o that_o be_v a_o fearful_a provoke_v of_o god_n against_o thy_o soul_n and_o remember_v that_o connexion_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v put_v to_o the_o commandment_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a that_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n let_v we_o make_v conscience_n of_o swear_v and_o fly_v from_o a_o oath_n as_o from_o a_o serpent_n for_o thy_o tongue_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o the_o devil_n if_o thou_o swear_v ordinary_o in_o thy_o common_a conference_n and_o those_o that_o use_v it_o labour_v to_o repent_v of_o that_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a impiety_n and_o a_o declaration_n that_o thou_o have_v no_o grace_n in_o thy_o heart_n but_o be_v a_o very_a miscreant_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v thy_o communication_n in_o thy_o usual_a speech_n be_v yea_o yea_o or_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o 35._o matth._n 5.34_o 35._o come_v of_o evil_a of_o the_o devil_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n i_o lie_v not_o my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o that_o the_o apostle_n call_v christ_n to_o witness_v and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o hence_o i_o may_v stand_v to_o prove_v the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n that_o none_o can_v know_v the_o heart_n but_o god_n but_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o cause_n to_o speak_v of_o this_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o context_n doctr._n but_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o such_o as_o be_v lawful_o call_v to_o swear_v they_o must_v swear_v only_o by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n when_o a_o necessary_a and_o a_o weighty_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n and_o that_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v call_v to_o swear_v they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n they_o must_v call_v god_n to_o witness_v that_o truth_n and_o must_v only_o swear_v by_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n so_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v command_v deut._n 6.13_o thou_o shall_v swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o repeat_v the_o same_o again_o deut._n 10.20_o thou_o shall_v swear_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o in_o esay_n 45.23_o every_o tongue_n shall_v swear_v by_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n howsoever_o swear_v there_o may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o that_o every_o one_o that_o swear_v must_v swear_v by_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o a_o oath_n lawful_o take_v be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o two_o place_n in_o deuteronomy_n before_o allege_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n yea_o swear_v upon_o a_o lawful_a call_n and_o lawful_o in_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o reverend_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o dishonour_v god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o reverend_a use_n and_o a_o glorify_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o searcher_n and_o knower_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o of_o their_o secret_a thought_n and_o that_o god_n be_v a_o witness_n even_o unto_o those_o that_o swear_v false_o and_o perjurious_o and_o a_o revenger_n on_o those_o that_o forswear_v themselves_o and_o that_o he_o testify_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o lie_v hide_v and_o dark_a in_o our_o secret_n from_o man_n and_o therefore_o god_n must_v be_v call_v to_o witness_v the_o truth_n when_o any_o truth_n be_v witness_v by_o a_o oath_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o speech_n use_v in_o the_o scripture_n viz._n as_o thy_o soul_n live_v 2_o king_n 2.4_o and_o very_o very_o use_v by_o christ_n in_o john_n 3.5_o they_o be_v earnest_a asseveration_n and_o they_o do_v strong_o and_o vehement_o affirm_v truth_n and_o a_o oath_n or_o oath_n take_v and_o use_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n in_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o judgement_n before_o a_o magistrate_n or_o in_o private_a with_o reverence_n it_o be_v a_o worship_v of_o god_n hereby_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n use_v of_o a_o foul_a sin_n that_o many_o of_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o make_v light_a reckon_v and_o account_n of_o for_o what_o be_v more_o usual_a with_o many_o among_o we_o then_o to_o swear_v even_o in_o their_o ordinary_a speech_n by_o the_o blood_n and_o wound_n of_o his_o bless_a body_n namely_o by_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o bless_a body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yea_o some_o by_o the_o bread_n the_o drink_n the_o light_n the_o fire_n the_o money_n the_o cross_n of_o the_o coin_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o troth_n and_o they_o that_o so_o swear_v think_v they_o swear_v no_o great_a oath_n and_o some_o swear_v superstitious_a oath_n by_o st._n mary_n by_o s._n anne_n and_o by_o the_o abominable_a idol_n the_o mass_n and_o some_o that_o swear_v by_o mince_v &_o detract_n oath_n as_o by_o mass_n by_o 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