exercise_n not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n but_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n as_o soldier_n exercise_v their_o arm_n before_o they_o come_v to_o encounter_v their_o enemy_n it_o be_v record_v of_o that_o great_a commander_n philopaemon_n that_o as_o he_o walk_v either_o alone_a or_o with_o his_o friend_n he_o use_v to_o view_v and_o consider_v the_o ground_n through_o which_o he_o pass_v what_o advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n it_o may_v minister_v to_o he_o or_o his_o enemy_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v there_o sudden_o assail_v so_o that_o have_v consider_v before_o how_o he_o may_v best_a either_o free_a himself_o or_o annoy_v the_o assailant_n he_o be_v easy_o able_a to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n when_o it_o come_v let_v we_o learn_v in_o this_o point_n wisdom_n of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n our_o enemy_n be_v more_o subtle_a more_o powerful_a more_o vigilant_a their_o surprise_v more_o sudden_a and_o more_o dangerous_a be_v sober_a be_v vigilant_a because_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n as_o a_o roar_a lion_n walk_v about_o seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v who_o resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 5.8.9_o the_o mean_n which_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v against_o this_o powerful_a and_o dangerous_a enemy_n be_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o we_o must_v not_o only_o have_v but_o have_v always_o about_o we_o lay_v up_o the_o promise_n always_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o by_o meditation_n suppose_v danger_n and_o temptation_n before_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v and_o make_v use_v of_o as_o the_o several_a emergent_a occasion_n shall_v require_v the_o want_n of_o this_o providence_n in_o st._n peter_n leave_v he_o naked_a so_o that_o he_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v and_o shameful_o foil_v by_o satan_n before_o he_o can_v prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o encounter_n as_o be_v record_v luk._n 22.57_o 58_o 60._o which_o he_o may_v have_v prevent_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v so_o secure_o and_o careless_o confident_a ver_fw-la 33._o but_o take_v our_o saviour_n warning_n beforehand_o ver_fw-la 31.34_o i'faith_o thus_o ground_v and_o exercise_v must_v be_v hold_v out_o as_o a_o shield_n against_o satan_n fiery_a dart_n in_o time_n of_o trial_n david_n be_v sore_o shake_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o wicked_a man_n prosperous_a estate_n and_o his_o own_o affliction_n have_v recourse_n to_o the_o sanctuary_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o see_v how_o quiet_o he_o settle_v his_o heart_n thereby_o psal_n 73.12.14.17.25.28_o and_o psal_n 77._o the_o psalmist_n be_v tempt_v to_o question_v not_o only_a god_n mercy_n but_o his_o promise_n too_o vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n work_n ver_fw-la 11_o 12._o the_o supporter_n as_o i_o may_v term_v they_o of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n for_o the_o quiet_v of_o his_o distemper_a thought_n this_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o our_o wrestle_n with_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n lest_o faith_n take_v hold_v on_o the_o word_n if_o yet_o it_o seem_v to_o waver_v add_v unto_o it_o experiment_n either_o in_o ourselves_o as_o david_n do_v of_o his_o deliverance_n from_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_n 1_o sam._n 17.37_o when_o he_o be_v to_o sight_n with_o goliath_n or_o other_o as_o david_n comfort_v himself_o by_o remember_v god_n judgement_n of_o old_a psal_n 119.52_o this_o use_n of_o faith_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v so_o full_a of_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n call_v for_o at_o present_a whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a or_o our_o own_o in_o particular_a in_o general_n we_o see_v the_o prediction_n rev._n 12.17_o that_o the_o dragon_n shall_v make_v war_n with_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o remnant_n of_o her_o seed_n which_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n make_v good_a and_o fulfil_v before_o our_o eye_n as_o not_o only_o the_o long_a continue_a war_n in_o germany_n but_o the_o trouble_n over_o most_o part_n of_o europe_n evidence_n it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o which_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o incendiary_n thereof_o have_v so_o far_o prevail_v against_o the_o poor_a flock_n of_o christ_n that_o some_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o eminent_a state_n who_o have_v set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o have_v hardly_o leave_v unto_o they_o at_o this_o day_n the_o form_n or_o face_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o behold_n of_o such_o sad_a spectacle_n let_v we_o lay_v before_o we_o that_o prophetical_a promise_n dan._n 2.44_o that_o the_o kingdom_n which_o god_n shall_v set_v up_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v nor_o leave_v to_o other_o people_n and_o that_o faithful_a and_o full_a assurance_n out_o of_o our_o saviour_n own_o mouth_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o math._n 16.18_o that_o rather_o than_o fail_v the_o woman_n the_o church_n he_o mean_v shall_v have_v wing_n to_o carry_v she_o out_o of_o the_o dragon_n reach_n revel_v 12.13_o 14._o that_o the_o wilderness_n shall_v nourish_v she_o for_o a_o time_n and_o time_n and_o half_o a_o time_n that_o if_o the_o serpent_n cast_v out_o flood_n of_o water_n after_o she_o to_o carry_v she_o away_o the_o earth_n shall_v swallow_v up_o the_o flood_n vers_fw-la 15.16_o in_o brief_a that_o god_n will_v arm_v and_o raise_v all_o the_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o church_n add_v unto_o these_o the_o decree_n pronounce_v against_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n that_o deceive_v they_o that_o receive_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n they_o shall_v be_v take_v and_o be_v cast_v alive_a into_o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n burn_v with_o brimstone_n revel_v 19.20_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o decree_v but_o do_v with_o god_n though_o not_o yet_o execute_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n for_o the_o angel_n cry_v mighty_o with_o a_o strong_a voice_n babylon_n the_o great_a be_v fall_v be_v fall_v revel_v 18.2_o the_o word_n be_v double_v like_a pharaoh_n dream_n because_o the_o thing_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n and_o god_n will_v short_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v as_o joseph_n speak_v to_o pharaoh_n gen._n 41.32_o yea_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o these_o present_a trouble_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o to_o purge_v out_o the_o iniquity_n of_o jacob_n and_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n isa_n 27.9_o be_v but_o preparation_n to_o that_o great_a work_n and_o these_o be_v no_o vain_a dream_n but_o the_o true_a say_n of_o god_n as_o the_o angel_n tell_v john_n rev._n 19.9_o yea_o but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o promise_n have_v we_o concern_v this_o nation_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therein_o what_o may_v we_o believe_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o trouble_n shall_v be_v at_o last_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_a two_o thing_n first_o whatsoever_o our_o condition_n shall_v be_v suppose_v it_o to_o the_o worst_a that_o we_o fear_v yet_o if_o we_o have_v any_o zeal_n for_o god_n honour_n or_o any_o true_a love_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o member_n of_o that_o body_n we_o shall_v put_v on_o st._n paul_n resolution_n none_o of_o these_o move_v i_o say_v he_o neither_o count_n i_o my_o life_n dear_a unto_o myself_o so_o that_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n etc._n etc._n act._n 20.24_o it_o be_v resolute_o answer_v by_o the_o roman_a consul_n when_o they_o stand_v stiff_o against_o the_o law_n call_v agraria_n which_o cause_v so_o many_o commotion_n at_o sundry_a time_n in_o the_o roman_a state_n for_o the_o oppose_v whereof_o their_o predecessor_n the_o consul_n of_o the_o former_a year_n after_o the_o extirpation_n of_o their_o office_n have_v be_v most_o unjust_o fine_v by_o the_o people_n se_fw-la quoque_fw-la damnari_fw-la posse_fw-la &_o ipsos_fw-la legem_fw-la per_fw-la far_o non_fw-la posse_fw-la not_o regard_v what_o become_v of_o themselves_o so_o they_o may_v secure_v the_o state_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o prophet_n think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o support_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n under_o the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o the_o church_n in_o time_n to_o come_v although_o few_o of_o they_o live_v to_o see_v that_o happy_a day_n second_o although_o particular_a person_n and_o state_n be_v not_o name_v yet_o they_o be_v include_v in_o those_o promise_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o general_a or_o to_o the_o jew_n in_o particular_a consider_v as_o a_o church_n if_o we_o answer_v the_o condition_n under_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v if_o we_o harken_v to_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n we_o have_v
the_o trouble_n of_o jerusalem_n restauration_n or_o the_o church_n reformation_n represent_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a house_n of_o lord_n in_o the_o abbey_n church_n westminster_n novemb_n 26._o 1645._o by_o john_n white_a master_n of_o art_n and_o rector_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o dorchester_n in_o the_o county_n of_o dorset_n zach._n 14.6.7_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o that_o day_n that_o the_o light_n shall_v not_o be_v clear_a nor_o dark_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o day_n which_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n nor_o day_n nor_o night_n but_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o at_o evening_n time_n it_o shall_v be_v light_a publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v by_o m._n simmons_n for_o john_n rothwel_n and_o luke_n fawn_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o their_o shop_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1646._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o house_n of_o peer_n assemble_v in_o parliament_n in_o obedience_n to_o your_o command_n right_a honourable_a i_o make_v bold_a to_o present_v unto_o your_o view_n these_o meditation_n which_o in_o part_n i_o do_v and_o intend_v full_o to_o have_v deliver_v in_o your_o ear_n the_o day_n whereâ—n_n by_o your_o appointment_n i_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o service_n i_o may_v true_o say_v i_o intend_v it_o rather_o than_o perform_v it_o for_o the_o meditation_n themselves_o be_v conceive_v as_o woman_n child_n be_v gen._n 3.16_o in_o sorrow_n and_o pain_n upon_o the_o bed_n of_o languish_a weakness_n when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o the_o birth_n want_v the_o help_n of_o strength_n to_o bring_v they_o forth_o i_o feel_v indeed_o so_o much_o i_o will_v not_o say_v sorrow_n but_o extremity_n of_o pain_n while_o i_o stand_v that_o day_n before_o you_o that_o i_o be_v enforce_v to_o present_v you_o only_o the_o head_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o what_o i_o intend_v to_o have_v deliver_v then_o unto_o you_o if_o the_o infirmity_n then_o upon_o i_o have_v not_o hinder_v it_o you_o well_o know_v right_a honourable_a that_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o i_o assure_v myself_o you_o will_v not_o expect_v that_o from_o a_o mind_n distemper_a and_o distract_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o pain_n and_o grief_n which_o may_v be_v require_v of_o a_o free_a and_o enlarge_v spirit_n i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o some_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o pass_v that_o censure_n upon_o this_o message_n of_o i_o unto_o you_o which_o old_a cato_n give_v once_o upon_o a_o embassage_n send_v by_o the_o roman_a senate_n wherein_o of_o the_o three_o ambassador_n one_o have_v his_o head_n full_a of_o scar_n by_o wound_n receive_v in_o the_o war_n the_o second_o be_v lame_a in_o his_o foot_n the_o three_o defective_a in_o his_o intellectual_n eam_fw-la legationem_fw-la neque_fw-la caput_fw-la neque_fw-la pedes_fw-la neque_fw-la cor_fw-la habere_fw-la that_o embassage_n say_v he_o have_v neither_o head_n nor_o foot_n nor_o heart_n i_o pass_v not_o for_o such_o censure_n i_o only_o desire_v that_o although_o these_o meditation_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o infirm_a head_n and_o body_n they_o may_v not_o be_v take_v to_o be_v aegri_fw-la somnia_fw-la a_o sick_a man_n dream_n nor_o the_o illusion_n of_o a_o deceive_a prophet_n that_o cry_v out_o i_o have_v dream_v i_o have_v dream_v jer._n 23.25_o the_o word_n which_o i_o set_v before_o you_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o esteem_v by_o you_o and_o all_o that_o love_v the_o truth_n i_o have_v my_o desire_n and_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o glory_n the_o chief_a subject_n handle_v be_v the_o trouble_n which_o accompany_v the_o church_n reformation_n in_o that_o particular_a god_n have_v make_v my_o work_n suitable_a to_o his_o own_o both_o the_o restore_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o my_o meditation_n thereupon_o be_v cast_v into_o time_n of_o trouble_n if_o pain_n and_o infirmity_n may_v be_v so_o account_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o sermon_n you_o shall_v find_v a_o humble_a petition_n for_o the_o cherish_n of_o poor_a student_n which_o if_o you_o be_v please_v to_o entertain_v with_o favour_n as_o the_o last_o request_n of_o a_o die_a man_n nay_o as_o a_o intimation_n from_o the_o man_n christ_n who_o die_v for_o we_o i_o know_v not_o whereby_o you_o may_v more_o engage_v not_o man_n but_o the_o lord_n himself_o to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o you_o mal._n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o to_o open_a the_o window_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o pour_v upon_o you_o and_o the_o land_n blessing_n more_o than_o you_o can_v receive_v and_o to_o rebuke_v the_o devourer_n for_o your_o sake_n so_o that_o all_o nation_n shall_v call_v you_o bless_v that_o your_o care_n and_o endeavour_n may_v be_v both_o in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o service_n for_o the_o church_n to_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v your_o reward_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o your_o honour_n humble_a servant_n in_o the_o lord_n christ_n john_n white_a the_o trouble_n of_o jerusalem_n restauration_n or_o the_o church_n reformation_n dan_n 9.15_o the_o street_n shall_v be_v build_v again_o and_o the_o wall_n even_o in_o the_o troublous_a time_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforehand_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 15.4_o the_o law_n for_o our_o direction_n the_o prophecy_n for_o observation_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n in_o answerable_a event_n the_o promise_n for_o our_o comfort_n and_o conso_fw-la ation_n the_o example_n of_o evil_n for_o caution_n of_o good_a for_o imitation_n and_o last_o the_o event_n order_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n represent_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n either_o what_o it_o be_v at_o present_a and_o why_o so_o or_o what_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v it_o may_v be_v hereafter_o upon_o this_o ground_n it_o be_v right_a honourable_a that_o i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n then_o a_o prophecy_n of_o that_o which_o be_v short_o to_o be_v fulfil_v but_o to_o we_o be_v long_o ago_o accomplish_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o history_n or_o relation_n of_o what_o god_n do_v then_o for_o his_o people_n and_o how_o and_o when_o set_v before_o we_o as_o in_o a_o type_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o church_n at_o present_a both_o what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o god_n be_v about_o to_o do_v among_o we_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o parallel_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o for_o first_o that_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o and_o have_v full_a seventy_o year_n be_v hold_v in_o captivity_n and_o bondage_n under_o the_o babylonian_a monarchy_n our_o church_n have_v be_v far_o long_o oppress_v under_o a_o more_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o the_o spiritual_a babylon_n the_o mother_n of_o fornication_n second_o during_o that_o bondage_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v deprive_v of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n as_o with_o much_o bitterness_n themselves_o complain_v psal_n 74.9_o we_o see_v not_o our_o sign_n there_o be_v no_o more_o any_o prophet_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o among_o we_o that_o know_v how_o long_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v every_o way_n as_o sad_a and_o miserable_a as_o they_o we_o have_v indeed_o among_o those_o that_o occupy_v the_o room_n of_o seer_n but_o those_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v our_o watchman_n be_v all_o blind_a sleep_a and_o love_v to_o slumber_n shepherd_n that_o can_v not_o understand_v look_v all_o to_o their_o own_o way_n every_o one_o to_o his_o gain_n from_o his_o quarter_n as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n complain_v of_o the_o priest_n of_o his_o time_n isa_n 56.10.11_o three_o that_o yoke_n of_o the_o babylonish-captivity_n be_v sudden_o and_o unexpected_o break_v and_o take_v off_o from_o the_o neck_n of_o god_n people_n insomuch_o that_o those_o who_o be_v restore_v to_o liberty_n scarce_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o enjoy_v but_o seem_v to_o themselves_o like_o man_n that_o dream_v psal_n 126.1_o our_o deliverance_n from_o the_o romish_a bondage_n be_v no_o less_o sudden_a no_o less_o unexpected_a then_o they_o even_o in_o a_o moment_n that_o yoke_n be_v break_v and_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o liberty_n to_o the_o admiration_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n who_o say_v as_o the_o heathen_a do_v of_o the_o jew_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o they_o psal_n 126.2_o four_o that_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a change_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o change_n of_o the_o prince_n god_n sudden_o cut_v off_o
shall_v be_v no_o more_o say_v the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north._n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o work_n so_o far_o above_o all_o possibility_n in_o man_n eye_n that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o conclude_v our_o bone_n be_v dry_v up_o our_o hope_n be_v lose_v we_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o our_o part_n ezech._n 37.1_o a_o work_n in_o itself_o wonderful_a to_o admiration_n but_o make_v more_o wonderful_a by_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrought_v a_o troublous_a time_n sufficient_a to_o hinder_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o likely_a work_n much_o more_o to_o make_v a_o work_n in_o itself_o so_o difficult_a and_o improbable_a altogether_o impossible_a in_o man_n judgement_n to_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o near_a examination_n of_o these_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o three_o particular_n worthy_a our_o serious_a consideration_n first_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n imply_v a_o infallibility_n know_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v that_o be_v be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n certain_a that_o shall_v not_o fail_v and_o afterward_o the_o street_n shall_v be_v build_v again_o and_o the_o wall_n in_o the_o time_n express_v after_o 7_o week_n that_o be_v account_v every_o day_n for_o a_o year_n after_o 49_o year_n from_o the_o go_v out_o of_o the_o decree_n second_o we_o have_v represent_v unto_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v build_v a_o troublous_a time_n for_o the_o exact_a period_n of_o the_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v after_o 49_o year_n it_o make_v not_o much_o to_o our_o present_a occasion_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o give_v far_a assurance_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophecy_n that_o god_n limit_n it_o to_o a_o precise_a number_n of_o year_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o he_o which_o have_v the_o time_n and_o season_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o purpose_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o troublous_a time_n three_o we_o have_v the_o work_n promise_v to_o be_v perform_v the_o build_n of_o the_o street_n and_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o have_v relate_v especial_o to_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n of_o these_o three_o particular_n as_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o out_o before_o you_o in_o their_o order_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o expression_n consider_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n the_o most_o difficult_a of_o all_o work_n and_o the_o time_n the_o unfit_a of_o all_o time_n iâ—_n worthy_a our_o careful_a observation_n notwithstanding_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o work_n in_o man_n judgement_n and_o the_o impediment_n by_o the_o trouble_v of_o the_o time_n the_o street_n and_o wall_n shall_v be_v build_v yea_o they_o shall_v be_v build_v by_o such_o a_o time_n doubt_v not_o of_o it_o say_v god_n but_o know_v this_o be_v assure_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o god_n may_v speak_v and_o thus_o he_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o express_v himself_o so_o that_o upon_o this_o particular_a instance_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o general_a that_o god_n promise_n even_o concern_v thing_n most_o difficult_a and_o impossible_a thing_n in_o man_n eye_n be_v notwithstanding_o certain_a and_o infallible_a they_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n all_o of_o they_o yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o yea_o and_o not_o nay_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o vers_n 18._o that_o be_v true_a in_o the_o event_n and_o real_a performance_n and_o amen_o that_o be_v stable_a and_o firm_a as_o that_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v this_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o instance_n the_o great_a of_o all_o god_n promise_n be_v that_o of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o to_o be_v make_v immanuel_n true_o man_n and_o so_o god_n with_o we_o this_o when_o god_n promise_v isa_n 7.14_o he_o prefix_v a_o behold_v before_o it_o behold_v a_o vigin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n which_o be_v a_o note_n not_o only_o of_o admiration_n but_o confirmation_n too_o as_o if_o god_n will_v represent_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n present_v to_o be_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n so_o peremptory_o do_v he_o promise_v that_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n which_o be_v as_o real_o perform_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n gal._n 4.4_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o unlikely_a thing_n that_o israel_n after_o so_o long_a and_o heavy_a a_o bondage_n under_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v be_v wrest_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a nation_n that_o keep_v they_o under_o as_o their_o slave_n yet_o god_n not_o only_o promise_v it_o but_o bid_v abraham_n to_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o certain_a thing_n know_v say_v he_o of_o a_o surety_n that_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o 400_o year_n and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n gen._n 15.13_o 14._o it_o be_v not_o more_o serioussy_n promise_v then_o real_o perform_v and_o that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o time_n limit_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o self_n same_o day_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n say_v moses_n exod._n 12.41_o it_o seem_v so_o impossible_a at_o hang_v that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n by_o his_o wife_n sarah_n who_o have_v be_v all_o her_o life_n barren_a and_o be_v now_o 90_o year_n old_a and_o her_o husband_n a_o hundred_o and_o both_o their_o body_n dead_a as_o to_o the_o have_v of_o child_n that_o sarah_n laugh_v at_o the_o promise_n gen._n 18.12_o and_o yet_o see_v how_o peremptory_o god_n promise_v it_o i_o will_v certain_o return_v unto_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o life_n and_o lo_o sarah_n thy_o wife_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o we_o know_v the_o lord_n make_v it_o good_a god_n promise_v to_o provide_v flesh_n for_o his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v their_o fill_n of_o it_o for_o a_o month_n long_o numb_a 11.19_o 20._o the_o people_n think_v it_o be_v more_o than_o god_n can_v do_v as_o they_o speak_v psal_n 78.19_o 20._o and_o moses_n be_v almost_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o his_o objection_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o feed_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n in_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n that_o yield_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o sustain_n of_o man_n life_n yet_o we_o see_v it_o make_v good_a in_o the_o event_n by_o the_o send_n of_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o quail_n the_o most_o dainty_a of_o all_o flesh_n numb_a 11.31_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o evidence_n this_o truth_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a let_v we_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v for_o it_o in_o reason_n first_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o speak_v peremp_n tory_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v will_v be_v evident_a unto_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o hinder_v man_n that_o they_o can_v speak_v in_o that_o manner_n or_o with_o like_a certainty_n concern_v their_o own_o purpose_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o man_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o which_o they_o intend_v 1._o the_o man_n may_v die_v and_o then_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o consequent_o his_o resolution_n and_o purpose_n perish_v with_o he_o psal_n 146.4_o now_o god_n we_o know_v life_n for_o ever_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a he_o be_v god_n psal_n 90.2_o the_o earth_n may_v fail_v and_o the_o heaven_n may_v be_v role_v up_o as_o a_o garment_n but_o god_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o his_o year_n fail_v not_o heb._n 1.11_o whence_o the_o apostle_n draw_v a_o strong_a ground_n of_o consolation_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n mediation_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v effectual_a to_o we_o because_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o uâ—_n hev_n 7.25_o 2._o though_o the_o man_n continue_v and_o live_v yet_o his_o mind_n and_o purpose_n may_v alter_v never_o have_v a_o man_n more_o full_a purpose_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o esau_n have_v to_o kill_v his_o brother_n jacob_n gen._n 27.41_o and_o this_o resolution_n continue_v with_o he_o 20_o year_n while_o jacob_n sojourn_v with_o laban_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o gather_n of_o four_o hundred_o man_n to_o come_v against_o he_o when_o he_o hear_v of_o jacobs_n return_n homeward_o gen._n 32.6_o questionless_a to_o do_v that_o which_o jacob_n fear_v with_o the_o sword_n to_o cut_v off_o he_o and_o his_o retinue_n and_o yet_o
which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10.27_o 4._o last_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o want_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n leave_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n full_a of_o distraction_n and_o unquietness_n thereby_o so_o that_o one_o become_v uneven_a in_o all_o his_o way_n unsettled_a in_o all_o his_o thought_n raise_v up_o and_o cast_v down_o with_o contrary_a hope_n and_o fear_n as_o the_o outward_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n subject_n to_o continual_a change_n ebb_n and_o flow_v from_o day_n to_o day_n whereof_o we_o have_v too_o many_o evidence_n in_o these_o time_n of_o trouble_n wherein_o man_n fall_v on_o and_o off_o as_o their_o vain_a hope_n and_o fear_n carry_v they_o on_o to_o one_o party_n or_o drive_v to_o the_o other_o to_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o betray_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o their_o shame_n discover_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v never_o yet_o settle_v upon_o any_o firm_a foundation_n whereas_o one_o that_o have_v build_v his_o faith_n upon_o god_n promise_n be_v like_o a_o ship_n moar_v by_o her_o anchor_n in_o a_o safe_a harbour_n from_o whence_o the_o ebb_n and_o flood_n of_o the_o sea_n can_v remove_v she_o 2._o use_v let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o right_a honourable_a and_o belove_a by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o strengthen_v faith_n have_v such_o a_o firm_a foundation_n to_o build_v it_o on_o not_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 2_o pet._n 12.16_o not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n who_o may_v deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o a_o faithful_a word_n tit._n 1.29_o a_o sure_a word_n 2._o pet._n 1.29_o the_o word_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v a_o word_n more_o firm_a than_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n settle_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n psal_n 119.89_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v earnest_a and_o serious_a in_o labour_v with_o all_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o firmness_n of_o faith_n not_o only_o because_o otherwise_o we_o despise_v this_o great_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o in_o condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n and_o abase_v himself_o to_o be_v engage_v to_o we_o by_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n and_o his_o seal_n but_o more_o especial_o upon_o these_o sore_a weighty_a and_o important_a consideration_n 1._o of_o all_o other_o grace_n faith_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o we_o every_o way_n 1._o we_o thereby_o bring_v unto_o god_n the_o great_a glory_n by_o it_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a joh._n 3.33_o as_o abraham_n be_v say_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n when_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n rom._n 4.20_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o more_o mention_v in_o that_o place_n but_o that_o he_o believe_v and_o thereby_o seal_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o he_o which_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o ver_fw-la 21._o but_o without_o believe_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n with_o all_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o sound_a comfort_n nor_o god_n his_o due_a honour_n by_o believe_v wherefore_o it_o express_o testify_v of_o sarah_n that_o she_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v heb._n 11.11_o 2._o ly_o to_o we_o be_v faith_n of_o such_o necessity_n that_o without_o it_o we_o be_v dead_a spiritual_o it_o be_v that_o which_o unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o who_o we_o live_v as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v of_o himself_o i_o live_v say_v he_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.20_o so_o that_o without_o faith_n we_o be_v without_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n col._n 3.4_o again_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o quicken_v all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o sweeten_v all_o our_o labour_n in_o god_n service_n know_v that_o in_o due_a season_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o gal_n 6.9_o three_o it_o be_v faith_n by_o which_o both_o our_o person_n and_o service_n be_v accept_v by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n by_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a heb._n 12.4_o four_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o hold_v up_o our_o spirit_n in_o affliction_n i_o have_v faint_v say_v david_n unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 27.13_o whence_o he_o profess_v that_o god_n word_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v all_o the_o comfort_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o affliction_n psal_n 119.50_o five_o faith_n only_o enable_v we_o to_o withstand_v all_o terror_n by_o faith_n moses_n his_o parent_n fear_v not_o the_o king_n commandment_n heb._n 11.23_o and_o by_o the_o same_o power_n of_o faith_n the_o three_o child_n fear_v neither_o king_n nebuchadnezar_n angry_a countenance_n nor_o his_o threaten_a word_n nor_o his_o preparation_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o fire_n to_o torment_v they_o no_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o to_o answer_v in_o so_o dangerous_a a_o case_n dan._n 3.17_o last_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o supply_v we_o with_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6.18_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n as_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n so_o we_o not_o only_o bear_v tribulation_n patient_o but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5.3_o second_o as_o faith_n of_o all_o grace_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o useful_a so_o be_v it_o of_o all_o other_o the_o hard_a to_o be_v obtain_v and_o that_o in_o divers_a respect_n for_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n that_o can_v help_v we_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o faith_n sense_n can_v help_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o that_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v above_o sense_n thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o spiritual_a 2._o cor._n 4.18_o whereas_o sense_n apprehend_v only_a thing_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o earthly_a and_o thing_n whereof_o many_o have_v no_o present_a be_v but_o be_v in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n only_o much_o less_o can_v reason_n help_v faith_n see_v that_o take_v all_o her_o ground_n from_o sense_n wherefore_o abraham_n that_o he_o may_v wax_v strong_a in_o faith_n silence_a reason_n which_o will_v have_v furnish_v he_o with_o argument_n against_o the_o promise_n of_o have_v a_o son_n by_o sarah_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o consider_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o so_o much_o admit_v into_o debate_n reason_n draw_v from_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o of_o sarah_n womb_n rom._n 4.19_o no_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_a faith_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o other_o mere_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o overthrow_v it_o where_o it_o be_v when_o david_n judge_v by_o sense_n of_o god_n way_n and_o dispensation_n which_o represent_v unto_o he_o the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o his_o own_o affliction_n every_o morning_n it_o so_o shake_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v almost_o slip_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o condemn_v his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o godly_a too_o as_o himself_o acknowledge_v psal_n 73.2.13.15_o and_o when_o sarah_n begin_v by_o reason_n to_o examine_v the_o promise_n of_o have_v a_o child_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a she_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v it_o that_o she_o laugh_v at_o it_o gen._n 18.11_o and_o as_o long_o as_o moses_n make_v use_v of_o his_o reason_n to_o weigh_v god_n promise_n of_o feed_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n with_o flesh_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o a_o month_n together_o we_o see_v how_o hardly_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v it_o num._n 11.21_o 22_o 23._o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o see_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n nor_o consequent_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n can_v bring_v any_o help_n to_o faith_n nay_o rather_o be_v the_o strong_a mean_n to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n as_o be_v both_o above_o and_o contrary_a to_o nature_n to_o obtain_v it_o a_o second_o difficulty_n in_o obtain_v faith_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o it_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v