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
to_o that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o they_o be_v lie_v spirit_n and_o i_o may_v just_o say_v to_o such_o as_o abraham_n say_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n luk._n 16.29_o thy_o friend_n have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o so_o we_o have_v the_o writing_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o holy_a prophet_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o therein_o there_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o we_o must_v give_v leave_n and_o like_n to_o they_o and_o not_o upon_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n that_o say_v such_o and_o such_o a_o day_n shall_v be_v great_a disaster_n oh_o but_o say_v some_o these_o thing_n sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o judgement_n they_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o man_n give_v ear_n unto_o they_o what_o say_v the_o lord_n by_o moses_n deut._n 13.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o if_o a_o lie_a prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n do_v tell_v you_o of_o strange_a thing_n and_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v believe_v he_o not_o for_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o to_o try_v you_o and_o it_o be_v the_o just_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v it_o upon_o you_o because_o we_o give_v ear_n and_o like_v to_o they_o again_o observe_v we_o the_o apostle_n bring_v these_o word_n of_o moses_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v not_o unjust_a in_o love_a jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n he_o have_v deny_v this_o with_o a_o god_n forbid_v he_o subjoin_v present_o as_o a_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o for_o he_o say_v to_o moses_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n a_o man_n will_v think_v this_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o clear_v god_n from_o injustice_n be_v not_o god_n therefore_o unjust_a when_o he_o love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n without_o cause_n because_o he_o say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n because_o i_o will_v have_v god_n no_o other_o reason_n to_o give_v but_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o his_o will_n must_v be_v reason_n enough_o to_o rest_v upon_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a obedience_n that_o be_v acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o his_o holy_a majesty_n doctr._n that_o god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n and_o his_o appointment_n touch_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n and_o touch_v the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o come_v of_o all_o thing_n to_o pass_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o it_o can_v be_v tax_v as_o unholy_a and_o unjust_a though_o we_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o do_v all_o thing_n reason_v 1_o most_o free_o and_o just_o as_o in_o ephes_n 1.5_o he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o be_v adopt_v through_o christ_n jesus_n in_o himself_o nothing_o out_o of_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n again_o second_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o square_a and_o rule_v of_o all_o goodness_n reason_n 2_o and_o righteousness_n whatsoever_o god_n will_v it_o be_v good_a because_o he_o will_v it_o but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o scripture_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o whatsoever_o dissent_v from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evil_a so_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o can_v be_v tax_v with_o evil_a because_o he_o will_v it_o how_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n just_a and_o holy_a in_o respect_n of_o sin_n for_o he_o do_v appoint_v it_o else_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o world_n object_n it_o be_v true_a sin_n can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o world_n unless_o god_n do_v appoint_v it_o answ_n and_o yet_o god_n appointment_n be_v good_a god_n will_v the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n not_o simple_o as_o it_o be_v peccatum_fw-la sin_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o pupishment_n for_o some_o evil_a forego_n and_o so_o he_o make_v it_o to_o serve_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o be_v of_o sin_n be_v good_a and_o so_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n good_a out_o of_o evil_a he_o do_v righteous_o and_o willing_o permit_v evil_a upon_o this_o ground_n we_o must_v learn_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n use_v against_o the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n touch_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v learn_v not_o only_o in_o our_o word_n but_o thought_n also_o to_o justify_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o holy_a and_o just_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o be_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o apply_v this_o a_o little_a near_o and_o to_o another_o purpose_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o as_o we_o must_v justify_v the_o work_a will_n of_o god_n so_o we_o must_v justify_v his_o signify_v will_v in_o his_o word_n whereby_o he_o do_v signify_v his_o mind_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o to_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a yea_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o esteem_v and_o to_o hold_v every_o commandment_n of_o god_n every_o denunciation_n threaten_v and_o every_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a book_n of_o god_n to_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a rom._n 7.12_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n of_o grace_n when_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o every_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a as_o when_o a_o man_n can_v justify_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o commandment_n against_o uncleanness_n usury_n or_o any_o commandment_n that_o do_v cross_a and_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v our_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o we_o can_v say_v lord_n thou_o be_v just_a and_o upright_o in_o thy_o commandment_n howsoever_o i_o be_o sinful_a this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n whereas_o every_o worldling_n will_v be_v dispute_v against_o every_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o will_v pick_v a_o quarrel_n with_o they_o at_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o sabbath_n that_o require_v we_o shall_v not_o think_v our_o own_o thought_n speak_v our_o own_o word_n nor_o do_v our_o own_o work_n on_o that_o day_n esay_n 58.13_o oh_o say_v the_o carnal_a man_n may_v i_o not_o walk_v to_o tavern_n and_o alehouse_n and_o talk_v of_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v too_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a and_o so_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o apparel_n whereas_o the_o lord_n require_v our_o apparel_n shall_v be_v modest_a befit_v such_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n oh_o say_v they_o this_o be_v too_o strict_a if_o i_o shall_v not_o follow_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v be_v account_v as_o a_o owl_n and_o as_o no_o body_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o they_o wrangle_v and_o cavil_v against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o they_o that_o do_v justify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o holy_a and_o true_a though_o it_o meet_v with_o our_o dear_a lust_n yet_o we_o subscribe_v unto_o god_n commandment_n this_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o our_o heart_n oh_o therefore_o labour_n to_o subscribe_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v be_v assure_v of_o grace_n for_o he_o say_v to_o moses_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n object_n upon_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n a_o blasphemous_a heretic_n do_v hold_v that_o mercy_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a property_n in_o god_n but_o a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o that_o moses_n bring_v in_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o who_o i_o will_n and_o thus_o he_o reason_v god_n do_v always_o suse_v his_o natural_a property_n such_o as_o be_v essential_a in_o god_n they_o be_v in_o exercise_n and_o he_o use_v they_o continual_o but_o say_v he_o mercy_n whereby_o god_n do_v offer_v grace_n unto_o sinner_n and_o pardon_v of_o sin_n unto_o man_n be_v not_o always_o exercise_v and_o show_v forth_o as_o namely_o to_o all_o sinner_n impenitent_a and_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n upon_o who_o he_o will_v and_o so_o the_o apostle_n
be_v plain_a and_o bold_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n for_o application_n how_o far_o short_a then_o be_v those_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n use_v 1_o that_o do_v flatter_v and_o soothe_v up_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o lull_v they_o asleep_o in_o their_o carnal_a security_n and_o will_v never_o come_v near_o they_o to_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o a_o general_a manner_n all_o along_o and_o never_o come_v to_o instance_n in_o particular_a sin_n no_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o offend_v and_o of_o anger_v their_o hearer_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v just_o to_o be_v tax_v that_o do_v not_o only_o lull_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n but_o do_v encourage_v man_n in_o a_o course_n of_o evil_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a jer._n 23.19_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v return_v as_o for_o example_n do_v not_o not_o some_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n tell_v man_n they_o need_v not_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o observe_v and_o keep_v the_o sabbath_n as_o from_o morning_n to_o evening_n and_o after_o that_o repetition_n what_o need_v all_o this_o ado_n to_o be_v so_o strict_a and_o so_o nice_a in_o their_o ordinary_a communication_n as_o not_o to_o swear_v by_o faith_n and_o troth_n what_o these_o be_v nice_a thing_n they_o themselves_o will_v do_v this_o and_o say_v they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n as_o these_o foolish_a fantastical_a and_o puritanical_a preacher_n will_v make_v you_o believe_v they_o will_v tell_v you_o you_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell_n fire_n for_o break_v the_o sabbath_n and_o swear_v by_o faith_n and_o troth_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n these_o be_v they_o who_o the_o lord_n complain_v of_o in_o jer._n 6.15_o they_o lead_v the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n with_o sweet_a word_n and_o say_v peace_n peace_n all_o be_v well_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o as_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v in_o jer._n 14.13_o when_o the_o true_a prophet_n do_v come_v and_o threaten_v sword_n and_o famine_n upon_o the_o people_n the_o false_a prophet_n come_v and_o tell_v they_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o such_o thing_n such_o minister_n and_o preacher_n be_v odious_a and_o hateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n jer._n 23.14_o these_o daub_v and_o soothe_v preacher_n the_o lord_n say_v he_o will_v feed_v they_o with_o wormwood_n and_o they_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o gall_n yea_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o give_v they_o repentance_n they_o shall_v one_o day_n drink_v of_o the_o deep_a cup_n of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n in_o hell_n but_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o if_o we_o that_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n must_v thus_o tell_v our_o people_n of_o their_o sin_n then_o our_o hearer_n must_v be_v content_a to_o be_v plain_o deal_v withal_o and_o to_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o danger_n they_o must_v have_v their_o life_n rip_v up_o and_o their_o sin_n display_v and_o their_o conscience_n ransack_v and_o rifle_v and_o their_o danger_n lay_v open_a and_o man_n must_v not_o rage_n nor_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o minister_n drunkard_n whoremonger_n uncivil_a shaghaired_a and_o civil_a honest_a person_n they_o must_v be_v tell_v of_o their_o estate_n and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v therein_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell_n and_o destruction_n and_o unless_o they_o repent_v the_o lord_n will_v one_o day_n come_v against_o they_o in_o vengeance_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o thorn_n bind_v up_o in_o a_o bundle_n and_z as_o drunkard_n in_o their_o drunkenness_n and_o as_o stubble_n ready_o dry_v for_o the_o fire_n nahum_n 1.10_o for_o while_o they_o be_v folden_a together_o as_o thorn_n and_o while_o they_o be_v drunken_a as_o drunkard_n they_o shall_v be_v devour_v as_o stubble_n full_o dry_a and_o thou_o must_v not_o be_v offend_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v and_o tell_v thou_o that_o fire_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o unless_o thou_o make_v speed_n to_o quench_v it_o it_o will_v burn_v thy_o house_n to_o the_o ground_n will_v thou_o be_v angry_a with_o he_o and_o shall_v the_o minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o god_n word_n stand_v and_o cry_v fire_n fire_n fire_n yea_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o be_v kindle_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o river_n of_o brimstone_n shall_v he_o i_o say_v thus_o cry_v out_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n be_v ready_a to_o burn_v thy_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o will_v thou_o be_v angry_a with_o he_o oh_o consider_v with_o who_o be_v thou_o offend_v sure_o with_o god_n for_o god_n speak_v it_o and_o be_v thou_o offend_v and_o angry_a with_o god_n whence_o come_v it_o it_o come_v from_o thy_o own_o vile_a corruption_n help_v forward_o by_o the_o devil_n oh_o then_o to_o conclude_v learn_v then_o whatsoever_o thou_o be_v with_o patience_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o just_a reproof_n and_o to_o hear_v thy_o fault_n reprehend_v for_o it_o be_v the_o best_a good_a that_o a_o preacher_n can_v do_v to_o thy_o soul_n to_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n unto_o amendment_n of_o life_n that_o thy_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v eternal_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n esayas_n also_o cry_v concern_v israel_n though_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v as_o the_o sand_n on_o the_o sea_n a_o remnant_n shall_v be_v save_v for_o he_o will_v finish_v the_o work_n and_o cut_v it_o short_a in_o righteousness_n because_o a_o short_a work_n will_v the_o lord_n make_v upon_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n the_o next_o thing_n here_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o prophet_n cry_v and_o the_o thing_n he_o cry_v the_o person_n be_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o though_o their_o number_n be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o sand_n on_o the_o sea_n yet_o but_o a_o remnant_n shall_v be_v save_v now_o what_o be_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n descend_v of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n a_o very_a honourable_a people_n yea_o they_o be_v god_n people_n his_o peculiar_a people_n they_o have_v the_o law_n the_o temple_n the_o sacrifice_n the_o service_n of_o god_n among_o they_o yet_o the_o prophet_n tell_v these_o people_n that_o though_o their_o number_n be_v as_o the_o sand_n on_o the_o seashore_n yet_o a_o remnant_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o this_o the_o prophet_n do_v to_o shake_v the_o hypocrite_n among_o they_o who_o go_v on_o in_o exceed_v great_a impenitency_n boast_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o that_o god_n have_v fulfil_v his_o promise_n in_o they_o in_o make_v they_o a_o great_a multitude_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n love_v they_o now_o the_o prophet_n he_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a brag_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o great_a number_n this_o will_v not_o help_v they_o nor_o avail_v they_o in_o the_o case_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o general_a thing_n intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n now_o from_o hence_o arise_v two_o proposition_n to_o be_v observe_v the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o people_n may_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o god_n people_n doctrine_n and_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o of_o they_o have_v true_a repentance_n or_o put_v it_o down_o positive_o that_o multitude_n of_o people_n may_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o god_n people_n and_o have_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o ordinary_o and_o common_o and_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o of_o those_o be_v true_a repentant_a sinner_n and_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n this_o proposition_n have_v ground_n and_o foot_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n gen._n 6.1_o 2._o when_o man_n begin_v to_o multiply_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o the_o text_n say_v they_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o multiplication_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n upon_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o multiplication_n of_o evil_n and_o sin_n a_o great_a number_n of_o sin_n yea_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o godly_a and_o righteous_a seed_n such_o as_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n they_o begin_v to_o degenerate_v and_o to_o run_v on_o in_o sin_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v in_o his_o first_o epistle_n second_o chapter_n and_o five_o verse_n that_o there_o be_v only_a noah_n and_o seven_o other_o with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n be_v save_v and_o the_o world_n of_o ungodly_a have_v the_o deluge_n bring_v upon_o they_o and_o in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o
god_n presence_n among_o they_o and_o be_v their_o glory_n who_o have_v also_o the_o moral_a law_n write_v in_o two_o table_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o call_v the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o judicial_a law_n metaphrase_n the_o metaphrase_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o common_a wealth_n which_o be_v a_o excellent_a law_n have_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o full_a of_o equity_n and_o likewise_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n touch_v the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v also_o a_o excellent_a law_n distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v also_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n touch_v god_n favour_n and_o touch_v good_a thing_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a and_o the_o promise_n legal_a and_o the_o promise_v evangelical_n many_o sweet_a gracious_a and_o comfortable_a promise_n now_o thus_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n come_v we_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v hence_o offer_v for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o a_o further_a ground_n of_o his_o wish_n to_o be_v separate_v or_o accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o be_v the_o israelite_n the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n i_o may_v stand_v to_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v respect_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o wish_v they_o good_a spiritual_a good_a even_o because_o they_o be_v the_o ancient_a people_n of_o god_n but_o of_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o fit_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o verse_n we_o see_v the_o jew_n be_v here_o set_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o most_o honourable_a people_n endow_v with_o many_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a privilege_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o all_o their_o privilege_n do_v nothing_o avail_v they_o they_o do_v they_o no_o good_a at_o all_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n favour_n towards_o they_o and_o of_o god_n acceptance_n of_o they_o because_o they_o do_v not_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o reject_v christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o their_o excellent_a privilege_n do_v nothing_o profit_v they_o to_o commend_v they_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o please_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n here_o wish_v himself_o to_o be_v separate_v or_o accurse_v from_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v convert_v and_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a privilege_n hence_o than_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v thus_o much_o doctrine_n that_o no_o privilege_n whatsoever_o be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a or_o excellent_a be_v available_a to_o make_v a_o people_n or_o a_o person_n want_v faith_n and_o save_a grace_n accept_v of_o and_o please_v to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a privilege_n or_o excellency_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v of_o any_o force_n or_o worth_n to_o commend_v either_o people_n or_o person_n want_v faith_n in_o god_n sight_n to_o make_v they_o accept_v with_o god_n rom._n 2.25_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o great_a folly_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v breaker_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o hold_v themselves_o acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o they_o be_v circumcise_v they_o stand_v on_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o circumcision_n who_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n thou_o be_v no_o more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o the_o gentile_a without_o question_n it_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n to_o be_v of_o christ_n his_o kindred_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v more_o than_o to_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a of_o the_o great_a monarch_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o mark_v what_o the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o speak_v of_o it_o matth._n 12.48_o who_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o who_o be_v my_o brethren_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v of_o my_o kindred_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v any_o one_o more_o please_v to_o god_n no_o no_o say_v he_o behold_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n point_v to_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n alliance_n in_o faith_n be_v near_a and_o dear_a to_o i_o then_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n who_o ever_o have_v great_a honour_n than_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o as_o one_o say_v well_o have_v not_o mary_n herself_o carry_v he_o in_o her_o heart_n by_o faith_n her_o conceive_n and_o carry_v he_o in_o her_o womb_n have_v nothing_o avail_v she_o nor_o make_v she_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o please_a in_o god_n sight_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o reason_n because_o the_o best_a good_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n without_o faith_n be_v but_o vanish_v and_o transitory_a thing_n thing_n common_a to_o the_o reprobate_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o choose_v child_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o thing_n come_v from_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n thing_n that_o be_v of_o esteem_n with_o god_n be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a even_a thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n use_v 1_o now_o then_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o truth_n first_o it_o meet_v with_o a_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n who_o hold_v and_o teach_v that_o some_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n be_v of_o force_n to_o commend_v man_n in_o god_n sight_n and_o to_o make_v they_o please_v to_o god_n as_o single_a life_n and_o voluntary_a poverty_n yea_o they_o say_v that_o virginity_n and_o single_a life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n far_o excel_v marriage_n and_o of_o such_o worth_n in_o itself_o as_o it_o commend_v a_o person_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n and_o deserve_v god_n grace_n and_o life_n eternal_a a_o position_n blasphemous_a and_o full_a of_o contumely_n and_o derogatory_n from_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o this_o truth_n i_o leave_v it_o and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o point_n to_o ourselves_o use_v 2_o be_v it_o so_o that_o no_o privilege_n or_o excellency_n whatsoever_o be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a or_o excellent_a be_v available_a to_o make_v a_o people_n or_o person_n want_v faith_n acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n oh_o then_o learn_v we_o not_o to_o bear_v ourselves_o on_o any_o excellency_n any_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v whatsoever_o nor_o to_o trust_v to_o it_o as_o able_a to_o commend_v we_o in_o god_n sight_n and_o to_o make_v we_o accept_v with_o god_n we_o want_v faith_n no_o not_o on_o the_o word_n and_o gospel_n and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n nor_o on_o our_o profession_n of_o religion_n nor_o on_o our_o good_a gift_n and_o qualification_n as_o wit_n memory_n learning_n and_o such_o like_a it_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n favour_n because_o they_o have_v god_n temple_n and_o his_o outward_a worship_n among_o they_o jer._n 7.4_o they_o cry_v out_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o conceit_n of_o too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n do_v not_o many_o bless_v themselves_o and_o think_v that_o they_o be_v high_o in_o god_n favour_n only_o because_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o they_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o enjoy_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o they_o have_v good_a preach_v among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n and_o they_o partake_v in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o 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ignorant_a person_n but_o thou_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o seal_v up_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n thou_o be_v sanctify_v true_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n thou_o be_v not_o a_o formal_a professor_n then_o thou_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o all_o the_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o god_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o here_o come_v thy_o comfort_n these_o promise_n be_v most_o firm_a and_o stable_a they_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_o thou_o shall_v certain_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o in_o health_n and_o sickness_n in_o life_n and_o in_o death_n be_v will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n and_o bless_v thou_o with_o all_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o thou_o shall_v certain_o attain_v to_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n if_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v uncertain_a and_o changeable_a than_o thy_o comfort_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o but_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v call_v to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o thou_o be_v yea_o and_o amen_n and_o be_v as_o unchangeable_a as_o god_n himself_o oh_o what_o comfort_n be_v this_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v so_o unchangeable_a as_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v titus_n 1.2_o james_n 1.17_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o change_v or_o alteration_n and_o it_o can_v be_v that_o either_o thy_o own_o sin_n thy_o own_o fail_n no_o nor_o yet_o satan_n nor_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n this_o will_v be_v a_o special_a comfort_n to_o thou_o thou_o be_v one_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n belong_v look_v unto_o that_o that_o thou_o be_v one_o to_o who_o this_o promise_n belong_v lay_v not_o foul_a hand_n upon_o it_o yea_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o the_o think_v and_o meditate_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v firm_a and_o stable_a be_v lay_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n it_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o the_o surge_n of_o the_o deep_a trial_n and_o temptation_n even_o then_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o satan_n to_o diffidence_n or_o distrust_n consider_v the_o lord_n have_v promise_v in_o his_o gospel_n joh._n 3.16_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v firm_a and_o stable_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v able_a to_o uphold_v we_o from_o faint_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a trial_n and_o affliction_n for_o they_o be_v firm_a and_o stable_a and_o can_v be_v shake_v a_o ground_n of_o excellent_a comfort_n notwithstanding_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o shall_v take_v none_o effect_v for_o all_o they_o be_v not_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n observe_v we_o here_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o bare_o affirm_v thus_o much_o that_o though_o the_o jew_n may_v object_v that_o if_o they_o be_v reject_v than_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v frustrate_v and_o void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n he_o do_v not_o only_o affirm_v it_o that_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v but_o he_o do_v further_a strengthen_v it_o with_o a_o reason_n why_o it_o can_v so_o be_v namely_o thus_o because_o all_o they_o be_v not_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n because_o all_o they_o which_o come_v of_o abraham_n of_o jacob_n and_o of_o israel_n by_o natural_a generation_n all_o they_o be_v not_o god_n israel_n the_o israel_n of_o god_n abraham_n choose_a seed_n unto_o who_o alone_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v firm_a and_o stable_a so_o than_o you_o see_v it_o be_v from_o a_o misconceive_a and_o misapply_v of_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o jew_n think_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v void_a which_o be_v make_v unto_o abraham_n if_o they_o be_v reject_v the_o jew_n apply_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o carnal_a 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that_o so_o misunderstand_v it_o and_o misapply_v it_o in_o 2_o tim._n 2._o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v timothy_n to_o a_o constant_a undergo_n of_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o a_o patient_a bear_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o come_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n then_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n he_o conclude_v consider_v what_o i_o say_v and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v consider_v due_o what_o i_o stir_v and_o exhort_v thou_o unto_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v thou_o that_o thou_o may_v both_o right_o understand_v and_o right_o apply_v it_o and_o so_o in_o 2_o pet._n 3.16_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v wrest_v and_o pervert_v and_o misapplyed_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v comfortable_a that_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o they_o that_o mis-understand_a and_o misapply_v they_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v comfortable_a when_o man_n do_v pervert_v they_o and_o turn_v they_o which_o way_n they_o listen_v that_o they_o tend_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o indeed_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o and_o by_o the_o same_o yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n misunderstand_a and_o misapplyed_n it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v god_n speak_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o one_o say_v well_o the_o word_n of_o god_n foolish_o pervert_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o he_o that_o so_o understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v true_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a unto_o he_o for_o the_o application_n it_o concern_v we_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o be_v minister_n and_o messenger_n use_v 1_o of_o god_n that_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o handle_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o deliver_v it_o unto_o god_n people_n to_o be_v careful_a of_o it_o that_o we_o right_o understand_v and_o right_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o deliver_v unto_o our_o hearer_n god_n word_n and_o out_o of_o god_n word_n god_n mind_n and_o meaning_n that_o they_o may_v say_v god_n speak_v in_o the_o preacher_n 1_o cor._n 14.25_o so_o must_v we_o deliver_v the_o mind_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o only_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o word_n we_o handle_v and_o then_o we_o shall_v draw_v man_n to_o a_o holy_a course_n of_o life_n or_o at_o least_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n if_o we_o deliver_v it_o so_o as_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o speak_v in_o we_o or_o by_o we_o than_o we_o may_v look_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o to_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o right_o ground_v either_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o derive_v thence_o sure_o take_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o god_n word_n though_o it_o be_v a_o sound_a orthodox_n and_o a_o true_a point_n of_o divinity_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o handle_v or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o be_v man_n word_n and_o not_o god_n word_n again_o this_o be_v so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o true_a profitable_a use_v 2_o and_o comfortable_a word_n of_o god_n be_v misunderstand_v and_o misapplyed_n it_o then_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o all_o that_o be_v hearer_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o look_v unto_o it_o that_o in_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n
lord_n at_o the_o last_o open_v my_o ear_n and_o eye_n and_o enlighten_v my_o mind_n give_v i_o understanding_n and_o make_v i_o see_v what_o i_o will_v not_o see_v he_o touch_v my_o heart_n with_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o change_v my_o affection_n whereas_o before_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n of_o heaven_n no_o desire_n of_o salvation_n until_o he_o make_v i_o see_v what_o i_o have_v not_o he_o have_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o all_o many_o thousand_o there_o be_v that_o go_v on_o without_o this_o touch_n of_o heart_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n without_o this_o powerful_a work_n of_o grace_n they_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n from_o sabbath_n to_o sabbath_n what_o be_v i_o better_a than_o they_o sure_o nothing_o at_o all_o by_o nature_n oh_o then_o how_o be_o i_o bind_v unto_o god_n nothing_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o show_v mercy_n unto_o i_o but_o only_o his_o mere_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n how_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o magnify_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v that_o glory_n of_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o yield_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o yield_v unto_o he_o this_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o how_o please_v this_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o the_o lord_n esteem_v of_o this_o magnify_n of_o his_o mercy_n may_v appear_v by_o that_o description_n exod._n 34_o 6_o 7._o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n strong_a merciful_a gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n reserve_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o lord_n do_v proclaim_v himself_o for_o this_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o lord_n do_v take_v delight_n to_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a mercy_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o name_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v be_v know_v to_o his_o elect_n and_o choose_v in_o all_o age_n i_o be_o a_o merciful_a god_n this_o be_v the_o name_n by_o which_o i_o will_v be_v magnify_v and_o in_o which_o he_o delight_v that_o we_o shall_v give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o mercy_n that_o we_o can_v say_v when_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v mercy_n unto_o we_o that_o it_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o lord_n free_a will_n and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o vile_a pride_n in_o a_o beggar_n to_o attribute_v the_o alm_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o unto_o his_o own_o desert_n than_o it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o ascribe_v any_o the_o least_o mercy_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o to_o our_o own_o worthiness_n it_o be_v monstrous_a pride_n in_o a_o beggar_n to_o ascribe_v the_o alm_n that_o be_v give_v he_o to_o his_o own_o deserve_n but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o for_o thou_o to_o ascribe_v and_o attribute_v that_o to_o thyself_o which_o be_v free_o give_v of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o consider_v that_o every_o rag_n we_o have_v it_o be_v of_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n oh_o do_v proud_a person_n consider_v this_o they_o will_v not_o so_o gorgeous_o adorn_v themselves_o and_o disgrace_v the_o holy_a profession_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v consider_v they_o have_v nothing_o but_o from_o the_o free_a fountain_n of_o god_n mercy_n nothing_o move_v he_o they_o will_v not_o be_v such_o careless_a fellow_n in_o their_o careless_a band_n which_o show_v their_o carelessness_n as_o they_o be_v use_v 3_o again_o be_v god_n mercy_n reach_v out_o unto_o his_o choose_a most_o free_a and_o depend_v upon_o nothing_o out_o of_o god_n himself_o sure_o then_o a_o child_n of_o god_n one_o to_o who_o god_n have_v reach_v out_o save_v mercy_n may_v conclude_v and_o gather_v to_o his_o comfort_n that_o god_n save_v mercy_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o but_o abide_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o for_o why_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v unchangeable_a even_o as_o god_n himself_o and_o i_o may_v say_v as_o pilate_n say_v in_o joh._n 19.32_o when_o he_o have_v write_v a_o superscription_n over_o christ_n and_o they_o demand_v why_o he_o write_v so_o he_o answer_v quod_fw-la scripsi_fw-la scripsi_fw-la what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v so_o may_v the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n mal._n 3.16_o i_o be_o jehovah_n i_o change_v not_o mercy_n be_v i_o and_o who_o shall_v take_v it_o from_o i_o shall_v the_o devil_n no_o nor_o all_o the_o power_n in_o hell_n can_v hinder_v or_o frustrate_v the_o will_n of_o god_n oh_o then_o consider_v to_o thy_o comfort_n god_n have_v reach_v out_o his_o mercy_n to_o thou_o and_o he_o will_v never_o take_v it_o from_o thou_o for_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_n verse_n 16._o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v but_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n the_o apostle_n in_o this_o verse_n determine_v the_o point_n touch_v god_n justice_n in_o his_o free_a choice_n of_o some_o particular_n among_o man_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o verse_n forego_v he_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o speech_n of_o god_n unto_o moses_n that_o god_n have_v free_a liberty_n and_o absolute_a power_n to_o show_v mercy_n unto_o who_o he_o will_v and_o compassion_n to_o who_o he_o will_v without_o respect_n have_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o describe_v his_o show_v of_o mercy_n mere_o to_o depend_v upon_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n hereupon_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o 16._o verse_n do_v bring_v in_o a_o consectarie_n and_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n that_o therefore_o god_n eternal_a election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o will_n or_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o any_o man_n but_o unto_o god_n free_a grace_n in_o show_v of_o mercy_n so_o than_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n in_o this_o 16._o verse_n the_o general_a thing_n be_v two_o first_o a_o removal_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n eternal_a election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o what_o be_v that_o man_n willing_a and_o man_n run_v it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v second_o the_o describe_v and_o the_o assign_v of_o the_o only_a true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o god_n choose_v of_o some_o to_o salvation_n and_o that_o be_v god_n show_v of_o mercy_n but_o in_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n now_o i_o will_v lay_v forth_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n so_o then_o or_o so_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n original_a these_o word_n it_o be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v but_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v supply_v so_o than_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v what_o be_v that_o that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v sure_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v of_o god_n eternal_a election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o run_v some_o do_v here_o understand_v jacob_n willing_a and_o run_v particular_o but_o by_o their_o favour_n that_o be_v too_o narrow_a and_o too_o strict_a for_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v more_o large_a and_o general_a these_o word_n be_v a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o verse_n forego_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o he_o on_o who_o i_o will_n and_o this_o word_n he_o must_v have_v as_o large_a a_o sense_n as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o verse_n forego_v yet_o jacob_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o rather_o include_v and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v not_o in_o jacob_n or_o in_o any_o other_o man_n that_o will_v or_o run_v in_o he_o that_o will_v that_o be_v in_o he_o that_o will_v and_o desire_v good_a and_o endeavour_v after_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n or_o any_o part_n or_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v as_o some_o do_v esau_n run_v only_a no_o nor_o yet_o jacob_n run_v to_o the_o fold_n to_o fetch_v a_o kid_n for_o his_o father_n gen._n 27._o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o work_v as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o
to_o the_o ground_n and_o not_o be_v accomplish_v to_o who_o it_o belong_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v and_o make_v good_a unto_o those_o that_o have_v title_n to_o they_o whatsoever_o stand_v in_o opposition_n against_o they_o or_o gainsay_v they_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n read_v matth._n 5.18_o the_o lord_n jesus_n speak_v of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o mean_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n he_o make_v it_o more_o firm_a and_o stable_a than_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o they_o shall_v perish_v but_o not_o one_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v escape_v unfulfil_v every_o tittle_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whether_o promise_n mercy_n threaten_v or_o judgement_n and_o especial_o the_o promise_n it_o shall_v not_o escape_v unfulfil_v and_o in_o 2_o sam._n 2.28_o we_o read_v the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o david_n to_o build_v he_o a_o house_n david_n do_v assure_o rest_n upon_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o and_o he_o ground_v his_o assurance_n thus_o for_o why_o thou_o be_v god_n and_o thou_o can_v not_o change_v thou_o be_v most_o true_a and_o rom._n 3.3_o 4._o the_o apostle_n speak_v thus_o of_o the_o jew_n though_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v god_n forbid_v let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n god_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o in_o josh_n 23.15_o say_v joshua_n now_o all_o thing_n be_v come_v unto_o you_o which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v promise_v so_o in_o act._n 13.32_o 33._o paul_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o father_n god_n have_v fulfil_v unto_o we_o their_o child_n evidence_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v plentiful_o bring_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n touch_v good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n or_o that_o to_o come_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v frustrate_a but_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o god_n appoint_a time_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v these_o two_o reason_n 1_o first_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n because_o god_n himself_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o therefore_o this_o word_n be_v proportionable_a and_o answerable_a to_o himself_o yea_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o alsufficient_a and_o able_a to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n and_o to_o make_v it_o good_a in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o whether_o it_o be_v man_n or_o devil_n he_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o he_o be_v also_o infinite_a in_o power_n reason_n 2_o second_o because_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n they_o be_v make_v unto_o he_o in_o christ_n he_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a promise_n unto_o he_o in_o he_o they_o be_v make_v good_a unto_o his_o child_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 1.20_o in_o christ_n jesus_n all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o they_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o he_o now_o christ_n jesus_n be_v a_o most_o sure_a and_o firm_a foundation_n all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n can_v shake_v this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o upon_o this_o ground_n we_o may_v resolve_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v they_o be_v firm_a and_o stable_a and_o shall_v certain_o in_o god_n appoint_a time_n be_v fulfil_v object_n i_o but_o say_v some_o god_n promise_v many_o excellent_a temporal_a blessing_n unto_o his_o child_n we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n of_o abundance_n of_o promise_n that_o god_n do_v promise_n unto_o his_o child_n in_o this_o life_n which_o many_o of_o his_o child_n never_o come_v to_o see_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o but_o yet_o withal_o know_v thus_o much_o that_o even_o these_o temporal_a thing_n be_v fulfil_v as_o they_o be_v propound_v they_o be_v propound_v conditional_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o obedience_n and_o with_o the_o exception_n of_o a_o cross_n if_o his_o child_n do_v fear_n and_o obey_v he_o or_o if_o otherwise_o the_o lord_n see_v it_o good_a to_o exercise_v they_o with_o some_o cross_n or_o some_o affliction_n and_o therefore_o if_o that_o many_o of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v not_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n it_o be_v because_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o chastise_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o he_o be_v please_v so_o to_o do_v for_o their_o good_a because_o the_o lord_n see_v it_o better_o and_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o affliction_n and_o yet_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v fulfil_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n that_o it_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o so_o they_o be_v fulfil_v with_o condition_n of_o obedience_n and_o exception_n of_o the_o cross_n psal_n 34.10_o god_n child_n shall_v want_v nothing_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o see_v to_o be_v good_a concern_v their_o temporal_a estate_n or_o the_o good_a estate_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v thou_o shall_v want_v nothing_o now_o for_o the_o application_n of_o it_o first_o of_o all_o this_o truth_n that_o you_o have_v here_o deliver_v that_o the_o promise_n use_v 1_o of_o god_n shall_v certain_o be_v accomplish_v whatsoever_o seem_v contradictory_n unto_o they_o this_o discover_v unto_o we_o what_o a_o foul_a sin_n it_o be_v to_o be_v discourage_v and_o daunt_v to_o be_v deject_v and_o cast_v down_o and_o to_o walk_v uncomfortable_o heavy_o sad_o and_o unchearful_o either_o because_o they_o be_v under_o some_o great_a affliction_n already_o or_o because_o some_o great_a trial_n be_v like_a to_o come_v upon_o they_o and_o hereupon_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v sad_a whence_o come_v this_o unchearfulnesse_n in_o a_o child_n of_o god_n that_o he_o walk_v thus_o sad_o sure_o from_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o unbelief_n because_o god_n child_n consider_v not_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o the_o comfortable_a promise_n of_o god_n they_o trust_v not_o god_n bare_o on_o his_o promise_n where_o god_n have_v promise_v i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o when_o thou_o walk_v through_o the_o water_n and_o pass_v through_o the_o fire_n esay_n 43.2_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o great_a distress_n god_n will_v be_v with_o they_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o trust_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v they_o in_o all_o danger_n to_o uphold_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o he_o have_v make_v this_o promise_n and_o this_o they_o believe_v not_o but_o withdraw_v their_o trust_n and_o affiance_n from_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o so_o they_o great_o dishonour_v god_n for_o he_o that_o rest_v upon_o the_o bare_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o stable_a word_n of_o god_n when_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o rest_v upon_o he_o do_v assure_o honour_n god_n wonderful_o if_o we_o rest_v upon_o god_n when_o we_o see_v all_o thing_n opposite_a to_o we_o then_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o stable_a promise_n of_o god_n hereby_o we_o show_v our_o zeal_n unto_o god_n but_o he_o that_o withdraw_v his_o heart_n back_o from_o trust_v on_o god_n dishonour_v god_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o make_v god_n no_o better_a than_o a_o liar_n for_o if_o we_o trust_v not_o god_n when_o mean_n seem_v to_o be_v with_o we_o much_o less_o will_v we_o trust_v he_o when_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a unto_o we_o therefore_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o avoid_v this_o sin_n this_o truth_n in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o all_o god_n promise_n be_v certain_a use_v 2_o this_o truth_n due_o consider_v and_o think_v upon_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o strong_a comfort_n and_o great_a consolation_n to_o as_o many_o of_o we_o that_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v such_o that_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v none_o of_o those_o here_o be_v no_o comfort_n belong_v unto_o we_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a person_n that_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o evil_n howsoever_o the_o doctrine_n be_v most_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a thou_o that_o be_v a_o ignorant_a and_o a_o graceless_a person_n if_o so_o be_v thou_o find_v not_o thyself_o qualify_v aright_o thou_o have_v no_o right_a nor_o title_n to_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o god_n but_o if_o thou_o find_v thyself_o to_o be_v call_v to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n second_v with_o a_o holy_a and_o godly_a life_n and_o conversation_n thou_o find_v thyself_o now_o believe_v in_o christ_n thou_o be_v not_o a_o debauch_a wretch_n or_o