they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o daily_a food_n watch_v over_o their_o soul_n and_o therefore_o their_o title_n of_o shepherd_n and_o the_o people_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o ministry_n not_o only_o at_o first_o as_o miracle_n be_v but_o perpetual_o even_o to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n three_o there_o be_v in_o the_o description_n the_o formal_a cause_n to_o which_o also_o may_v be_v communion_n reduce_v the_o final_a cause_n the_o formal_a cause_n be_v in_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a observation_n of_o that_o church-communion_n which_o god_n have_v require_v i_o shall_v only_o mention_v that_o formal_a and_o external_a communion_n wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o that_o be_v 1._o in_o the_o solemn_a assemble_v and_o meet_v of_o themselves_o together_o heb._n 10._o 25._o the_o apostle_n do_v there_o reprove_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o seminary_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o holiness_n while_o the_o coal_n lie_v together_o they_o keep_v their_o heat_n and_o inflame_v one_o another_o thus_o it_o be_v our_o communion_n in_o the_o assembly_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o keep_v up_o grace_n and_o holiness_n how_o much_o do_v david_n bewail_v his_o banishment_n from_o the_o ordinance_n as_o you_o hear_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o high_a censure_n and_o most_o dreadful_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v for_o a_o christian_a upon_o just_a ground_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o this_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o he_o now_o then_o if_o it_o be_v next_o to_o hell_n itself_o thus_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o church-communion_n and_o the_o public_a ordinance_n why_o do_v thou_o wilful_o bring_v this_o upon_o thyself_o thy_o own_o slothful_a and_o profane_a careless_a heart_n make_v thou_o neglect_v the_o public_a assembly_n this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o thou_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o god_n be_v present_a in_o church_n assembly_n you_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n then_o pour_v forth_o the_o ordinance_n be_v of_o enlighten_v and_o quicken_a efficacy_n now_o for_o thou_o voluntary_o to_o deprive_v thyself_o of_o this_o spiritual_a advantage_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o high_a degree_n indeed_o when_o want_n of_o health_n or_o other_o just_a impediment_n keep_v we_o from_o the_o assembly_n god_n can_v then_o make_v up_o the_o public_a benefit_n in_o private_a but_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o voluntary_a wilful_a omission_n of_o such_o public_a communion_n oh_o little_a do_v such_o man_n consider_v that_o they_o have_v but_o a_o day_n their_o life_n be_v but_o a_o day_n and_o the_o season_n of_o grace_n be_v but_o a_o day_n and_o do_v thou_o neglect_v that_o day_n when_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o shall_v never_o have_v such_o a_o day_n again_o never_o have_v a_o sabbath_n any_o more_o that_o carnal_a plea_n also_o of_o get_v as_o much_o good_a at_o home_n and_o they_o can_v edify_v themselves_o as_o well_o with_o read_v book_n in_o private_a unless_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n as_o i_o say_v be_v ungodly_a and_o unjustifiable_a excuse_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v church-communion_n and_o holy_a assembly_n to_o be_v of_o no_o necessity_n and_o so_o whole_o to_o overthrow_v they_o 2._o in_o this_o solemn_a meeting_n there_o be_v these_o public_a duty_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v to_o employ_v herself_o 1._o public_a prayer_n to_o god_n this_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v do_v so_o servent_o and_o zealous_o that_o they_o do_v even_o seem_v to_o besiege_v heaven_n and_o to_o take_v it_o by_o force_n oh_o what_o prevail_a power_n must_v the_o church_n have_v with_o god_n when_o they_o be_v so_o many_o wrestle_a jacob_n if_o the_o effectual_a servant_n prayer_n of_o one_o righteous_a man_n prevail_v much_o how_o much_o mâ—…_n join_v together_o if_o it_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o joâ—…s_n how_o mighty_o shall_v we_o prevail_v with_o god_n but_o we_o mâ—…_n chrysostome_n how_o be_v all_o the_o grave_n and_o holy_a thing_n of_o goâ—…_n formality_n and_o a_o show_n how_o many_o in_o our_o congregatioâ—…end_n to_o this_o public_a duty_n of_o prayer_n they_o fear_v not_o lest_o â—…any_n aâ—…_n in_o the_o congregation_n so_o that_o for_o thy_o deadnâ—…_n the_o sin_n â—…est_v in_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o our_o assembly_n and_o â—…t_v be_v gracious_o â—…ent_v with_o we_o thou_o be_v a_o dead_a fly_n in_o this_o box_n of_o ointment_n the_o profane_a man_n little_o think_v what_o obstruction_n he_o make_v in_o our_o public_a petition_n by_o his_o wickedness_n unrepented_a of_o 2._o there_o be_v the_o public_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o this_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o form_v and_o state_v church_n wherein_o be_v governor_n and_o govern_v those_o who_o by_o office_n preach_v and_o those_o who_o by_o duty_n hear_v this_o public_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o for_o convenience_n or_o good_a order_n mere_o but_o it_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v several_a effect_n attribute_v to_o it_o as_o conversion_n of_o such_o who_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a condition_n the_o edify_n of_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v for_o instruction_n that_o man_n be_v not_o lead_v aside_o with_o error_n and_o strange_a doctrine_n for_o rebuke_n and_o reproof_n of_o such_o who_o walk_v disorderly_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o because_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o those_o who_o have_v commission_n to_o do_v it_o have_v manifold_a direction_n about_o it_o to_o preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n and_o the_o reason_n seem_v strange_a because_o there_o be_v many_o who_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o yea_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v negligent_a herein_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o and_o in_o all_o this_o they_o be_v to_o be_v instant_a and_o industrious_a it_o be_v a_o curse_a thing_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lordnegligent_o the_o matter_n they_o preach_v must_v be_v holy_a savoury_a and_o nourish_a compare_v therefore_o to_o food_n you_o be_v to_o come_v to_o a_o sermon_n with_o a_o hungry_a stomach_n yea_o as_o new_o bear_v child_n you_o be_v to_o swallow_v down_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o to_o preach_v froth_n and_o mere_a fancifull_a thing_n be_v as_o absurd_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v invite_v another_o to_o a_o dinner_n and_o provide_v he_o nothing_o but_o the_o picture_n of_o some_o meat_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o seed_n the_o husbandman_n will_v not_o sow_v his_o ground_n with_o chaff_n yea_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n that_o be_v quick_a and_o pierce_a into_o the_o very_a secret_a thought_n of_o man_n heart_n it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o such_o soul-piercing_a and_o soulsaving_a preach_n that_o people_n be_v lull_v or_o sleep_v in_o their_o sin_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o formality_n and_o customariness_n in_o most_o man_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o flash_v in_o your_o face_n like_v so_o much_o lightning_n and_o to_o make_v even_o the_o proud_a and_o the_o most_o scornful_a to_o tremble_v within_o they_o they_o must_v speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n what_o be_v that_o but_o as_o man_n fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n break_v out_o like_o fire_n from_o they_o and_o with_o such_o proportionable_a affection_n be_v you_o to_o hear_v this_o be_v to_o meet_v as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n no_o man_n sleep_v no_o man_n drowsy_a or_o wander_v and_o rove_a in_o his_o mind_n but_o to_o say_v with_o the_o centurion_n we_o be_v all_o here_o to_o hear_v what_o god_n will_v say_v to_o we_o 3._o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n according_a to_o god_n order_n and_o such_o holy_a way_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v the_o sacrament_n be_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o when_o people_n through_o their_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n make_v themselves_o unfit_a subject_n they_o be_v enemy_n to_o their_o soul_n for_o though_o god_n be_v present_a in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n yet_o his_o sacramental_a presence_n be_v in_o a_o more_o endear_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n last_o there_o be_v that_o godly_a discipline_n and_o holy_a order_n in_o church-communion_n which_o be_v as_o the_o hedge_n to_o the_o field_n of_o corn_n take_v away_o this_o holy_a order_n the_o church_n will_v become_v a_o gangren_a body_n either_o with_o heresy_n or_o profaneness_n hence_o be_v that_o bind_n and_o lose_v of_o sinner_n hence_o be_v that_o command_n of_o cast_v out_o wicked_a obstinate_a person_n of_o pirge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n because_o a_o little_a leaven_n will_v quick_o sour_a all_o 1_o cor._n 5._o hence_o also_o be_v those_o duty_n of_o admonish_a and_o note_v such_o
concern_v i_o we_o may_v very_o well_o take_v in_o both_o together_o for_o the_o latter_a do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o former_a they_o can_v not_o continue_v in_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o integrity_n unless_o paul_n also_o do_v persist_v in_o his_o uprightness_n now_o in_o that_o paul_n say_v he_o trust_v viz._n in_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v thus_o preserve_v you_o see_v the_o humble_a and_o holy_a frame_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o do_v not_o put_v confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n in_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n but_o alone_o in_o god_n which_o may_v teach_v we_o that_o though_o never_o so_o godly_a yet_o we_o be_v to_o depend_v upon_o god_n alone_o for_o our_o perseverance_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o this_o in_o the_o general_n that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v therefore_o pitch_v upon_o another_o which_o flow_v from_o both_o the_o interpretation_n join_v together_o viz._n that_o hopeful_a beginning_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o enough_o without_o perseverance_n a_o faithful_a perseverance_n therein_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n that_o run_v a_o race_n to_o set_v out_o at_o first_o with_o all_o speed_n and_o swiftness_n unless_o also_o he_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n neither_o do_v it_o avail_v a_o traveller_n to_o get_v up_o betimes_o and_o to_o begin_v his_o journey_n with_o all_o haste_n if_o afterward_o he_o loiter_v or_o come_v back_o again_o now_o this_o fall_v out_o too_o often_o very_o sad_o in_o our_o course_n of_o christianity_n many_o that_o be_v once_o first_o be_v now_o last_o yea_o be_v now_o nothing_o at_o all_o but_o turn_v clear_a out_o of_o the_o narrow_a way_n into_o the_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o hell_n and_o destruction_n thus_o the_o apostle_n upbraid_v the_o galatian_n galat._n 3._o 3._o for_o ginning_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o end_v in_o â—he_n flesh_n be_v you_o so_o foolish_a say_v he_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n that_o can_v be_v for_o hereby_o all_o our_o former_a zeal_n all_o our_o bypass_a activity_n for_o god_n be_v forget_v all_o be_v in_o vain_a have_v you_o suffer_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o again_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n because_o we_o part_v with_o god_n for_o sin_n with_o heaven_n for_o hell_n with_o honey_n for_o gall_n we_o lose_v our_o sweetness_n and_o fatness_n to_o become_v brier_n and_o bramble_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v burn_v to_o enlarge_v this_o consider_v first_o that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v first_o set_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n who_o will_v foundation_n become_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n must_v above_o all_o thing_n look_v to_o his_o foundation_n well_o he_o must_v have_v a_o special_a care_n that_o he_o lay_v a_o good_a beginning_n otherwise_o though_o he_o may_v make_v a_o glorious_a show_n for_o a_o while_n his_o fall_n at_o last_o will_v be_v very_o great_a and_o terrible_a therefore_o our_o saviour_n know_v the_o hypocrisy_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o man_n heart_n do_v much_o press_n this_o point_n and_o that_o to_o such_o hearer_n who_o do_v show_v exceed_v great_a zeal_n and_o forwardness_n in_o follow_v after_o he_o witness_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o ground_n that_o receive_v the_o good_a seed_n matth._n 13._o and_o luke_n 8._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a lay_n in_o this_o that_o one_o have_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n wherein_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v deep_a root_n the_o other_o have_v only_o a_o superficial_a work_n and_o therefore_o when_o hardship_n come_v can_v not_o endure_v so_o likewise_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o wise_a builder_n luke_n 6._o 47._o be_v express_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o none_o shall_v please_v themselves_o in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n in_o public_a duty_n and_o profession_n but_o look_v to_o their_o foundation_n to_o observe_v what_o all_o their_o duty_n and_o expression_n be_v build_v upon_o for_o what_o be_v build_v only_o upon_o a_o rock_n will_v endure_v when_o storm_n and_o tempest_n shall_v arise_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o instance_n in_o some_o of_o those_o particular_n that_o will_v thus_o qualify_v our_o beginning_n for_o as_o in_o disease_n yea_o and_o in_o sin_n the_o rule_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o beginning_n so_o in_o another_o sense_n it_o be_v good_a counsel_n to_o observe_v what_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n that_o ever_o bring_v you_o into_o the_o way_n of_o god_n how_o come_v you_o to_o leave_v off_o what_o be_v former_o do_v by_o you_o and_o to_o appear_v in_o a_o contrary_a way_n for_o in_o some_o sense_n we_o may_v say_v here_o not_o dimidium_fw-la but_o principium_fw-la est_fw-la plus_fw-la toto_fw-la and_o first_o we_o be_v to_o look_v to_o our_o motive_n whether_o they_o be_v temporal_a external_a upon_o some_o outward_a advantage_n or_o whether_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a christ_n have_v many_o follower_n because_o of_o the_o loaf_n there_o be_v many_o that_o know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n that_o come_v with_o the_o petition_n of_o zebedee_n child_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v sit_v in_o thy_o kingdom_n one_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o another_o on_o the_o left_a think_v christ_n kingdom_n will_v be_v outward_a and_o glorious_a now_o such_o as_o these_o will_v never_o continue_v it_o be_v but_o paint_v and_o near_o the_o fire_n it_o will_v melt_v it_o be_v but_o the_o morning-dew_n when_o the_o sun_n arise_v it_o will_v vanish_v away_o oh_o then_o above_o all_o thing_n look_v to_o thy_o motive_n consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o bring_v thou_o off_o from_o thy_o former_a way_n be_v it_o from_o behold_v a_o spiritual_a excellency_n in_o christ_n and_o holy_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o godliness_n sake_n then_o because_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o and_o godliness_n be_v the_o same_o thou_o will_v also_o be_v the_o same_o but_o if_o to_o get_v the_o favour_n of_o man_n to_o get_v wealth_n to_o obtain_v pace_n of_o credit_n and_o profit_n than_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o meteor_n compound_v of_o terrestrial_a material_n and_o so_o will_v be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o as_o any_o wind_n drive_v thou_o a_o second_o thing_n necessary_a to_o look_v to_o in_o thy_o beginning_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n make_v impression_n deep_a enough_o that_o it_o have_v full_a root_n for_o matth._n 13._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n we_o read_v of_o many_o common_a gift_n of_o god_n spirit_n bestow_v upon_o man_n whereby_o they_o may_v make_v very_o hopeful_a beginning_n they_o may_v be_v furnish_v with_o excellent_a gift_n and_o ability_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n they_o may_v taste_v of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v believe_v they_o may_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o be_v not_o these_o great_a and_o rare_a thing_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o attain_v to_o thus_o much_o they_o have_v not_o that_o common_a illumination_n nor_o those_o transitory_a affection_n whereby_o we_o may_v say_v they_o do_v for_o a_o season_n rejoice_v in_o the_o light_n when_o therefore_o we_o begin_v to_o take_v the_o first_o step_n to_o heaven_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o we_o have_v any_o more_o than_o the_o common_a breathe_n and_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n whether_o we_o have_v more_o than_o gift_n or_o ability_n more_o than_o some_o bodily_a ravishment_n or_o ecstasy_n for_o all_o these_o do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v the_o new_a creature_n oâ—_n a_o divine_a nature_n within_o we_o indeed_o we_o can_v not_o have_v these_o thing_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o when_o carnal_a and_o natural_a man_n be_v partaker_n of_o these_o they_o admire_v they_o they_o take_v these_o for_o grace_n they_o never_o have_v such_o work_n upon_o their_o soul_n before_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n in_o themselves_o as_o they_o find_v between_o what_o they_o be_v once_o and_o what_o they_o now_o feel_v and_o this_o make_v they_o very_o secure_a and_o confident_a but_o because_o a_o good_a foundation_n be_v not_o at_o first_o lay_v therefore_o many_o of_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n go_v no_o further_o do_v great_o apostatise_v and_o be_v more_o take_v with_o their_o opinion_n experience_n and_o apprehension_n than_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o they_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o and_o not_o renounce_v all_o go_v out_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o christ_n may_v be_v exalt_v and_o they_o debase_v three_o and_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o no_o more_o it_o behove_v those_o who_o be_v
in_o christ_n and_o submission_n unto_o his_o will_n for_o a_o church_n be_v a_o visible_a society_n there_o must_v be_v some_o external_a and_o visible_a sign_n whereby_o we_o may_v demonstrate_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n hence_o rom._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v to_o salvation_n there_o may_v be_v many_o secret_a and_o hide_a atheist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v external_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a state_n of_o it_o thus_o simon_n magus_n and_o other_o while_o they_o do_v profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o be_v under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o believer_n and_o so_o of_o saint_n 4._o there_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a degree_n in_o this_o church-saintship_a and_o that_o be_v when_o beside_o this_o sacramental_a and_o external_a holiness_n there_o be_v some_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v some_o kind_n of_o influence_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v not_o only_o titular_a saint_n but_o they_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o inchoate_n and_o imperfect_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o godliness_n or_o at_o least_o a_o resemblance_n and_o show_v of_o it_o so_o that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o and_o many_o time_n in_o their_o own_o persuasion_n likewise_o they_o be_v true_a saint_n now_o these_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v style_v saint_n because_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o they_o such_o act_n as_o have_v the_o name_n of_o holiness_n so_o mat._n 13._o the_o temporary_a believer_n liken_v to_o the_o thorny_a ground_n be_v say_v to_o have_v faith_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n some_o be_v say_v in_o 2_o pet._n 2._o to_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o heb._n 6._o some_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enlighten_v to_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o such_o be_v never_o true_a saint_n for_o such_o that_o be_v so_o can_v no_o more_o final_o apostatise_v than_o true_a star_n can_v fall_v from_o the_o heaven_n comet_n and_o blaze_a star_n may_v have_v a_o great_a lustre_n for_o a_o while_n but_o be_v compose_v of_o terrestrial_a exhalation_n at_o last_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o womb_n of_o that_o earth_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v thus_o those_o who_o have_v only_o some_o imperfect_a common_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n abound_v in_o gift_n and_o many_o admirable_a ability_n these_o may_v seem_v in_o saintship_n to_o exceed_v many_o that_o be_v true_o so_o but_o because_o there_o be_v never_o true_a and_o deep_a root_n when_o the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n shall_v arise_v this_o glorious_a building_n will_v not_o have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o stone_n leave_v upon_o a_o stone_n those_o uncomfortable_a teacher_n injurious_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o do_v so_o peremptory_o dogmatise_v the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v yet_o never_o bring_v such_o text_n of_o scripture_n or_o instance_n that_o do_v necessary_o prove_v those_o to_o be_v true_a saint_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o saul_n be_v never_o a_o true_a saint_n judas_n be_v never_o a_o true_a saint_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n of_o hopeful_a beginning_n degenerate_v into_o such_o tragical_a and_o horrid_a beginning_n now_o whereas_o the_o former_a mention_v viz._n those_o that_o be_v only_o baptize_v that_o give_v a_o external_a submission_n to_o christ_n law_n especial_o if_o as_o too_o many_o do_v wallow_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o carnal_a excess_n if_o these_o i_o say_v may_v by_o all_o be_v proclaim_v to_o be_v no_o real_a but_o nominal_a saint_n all_o the_o world_n see_v they_o be_v christian_n in_o name_n but_o beast_n and_o devil_n in_o respect_n of_o real_a saintship_n yet_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o constant_a wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v exercise_v about_o the_o discern_a this_o late_a holiness_n from_o that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o know_v when_o i_o be_o go_v further_o than_o any_o hypocrite_n or_o reprobate_n can_v attain_v unto_o this_o as_o we_o be_v great_o to_o study_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o in_o so_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o worldly_a matter_n than_o in_o this_o last_o the_o ultimate_a and_o most_o complete_a step_n of_o church-saintship_a in_o this_o life_n be_v when_o we_o go_v beyond_o all_o the_o former_a and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o powerful_a renovation_n of_o we_o so_o that_o from_o that_o holy_a and_o new_a creature_n within_o we_o our_o life_n and_o action_n be_v make_v real_o and_o solid_o holy_a and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a saintship_n to_o which_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o justification_n and_o glorification_n be_v make_v so_o that_o if_o thou_o do_v enjoy_v the_o great_a church-priviledge_n yea_o and_o the_o most_o admirable_a gift_n therein_o yet_o if_o destitute_a of_o this_o saintship_n thou_o be_v but_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o the_o hot_a place_n in_o hell_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o such_o seem_a saint_n serm_n xx._n external_n holiness_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n without_o the_o inward_a renovation_n of_o the_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o with_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o all_o achaia_n we_o have_v hear_v what_o be_v the_o last_o and_o ultimate_a step_n in_o church-saintship_a without_o which_o all_o the_o former_a though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o great_a mercy_n yet_o because_o we_o take_v they_o in_o vain_a do_v become_v in_o some_o respect_n in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v guiltless_a they_o be_v i_o say_v man_n in_o themselves_o great_a mercy_n for_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o call_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o external_a mean_n of_o holiness_n there_o be_v some_o hope_n and_o a_o possible_a way_n for_o salvation_n whereas_o without_o this_o there_o be_v necessary_a destruction_n it_o be_v here_o as_o in_o blind_a bartimeus_n his_o case_n mark_v 10._o 49._o for_o when_o christ_n command_v he_o to_o be_v call_v to_o he_o present_o some_o say_v to_o the_o blind_a man_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n he_o call_v thou_o that_o be_v a_o good_a encouragement_n christ_n call_v he_o so_o whereas_o there_o be_v many_o thousand_o in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v leave_v alone_o in_o their_o state_n of_o darkness_n but_o he_o vouchsafe_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o thou_o we_o may_v say_v be_v of_o good_a comfort_n there_o be_v some_o hope_n christ_n call_v thou_o yet_o because_o many_o be_v call_v and_o of_o those_o many_o call_v few_o be_v choose_v therefore_o this_o external_a holiness_n and_o saintship_n be_v not_o enough_o unless_o there_o be_v the_o inward_a renovation_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n unless_o thou_o be_v holy_a inward_o as_o well_o as_o outward_o this_o will_v make_v to_o thy_o great_a condemnation_n that_o therefore_o which_o be_v the_o essential_a form_n and_o give_v a_o constrtutive_a be_v to_o church-saintship_a be_v regeneration_n or_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o a_o man_n heart_n indeed_o to_o a_o external_a state_n and_o visible_a condition_n of_o church-holiness_n a_o profession_n of_o faith_n with_o submission_n unto_o christ_n way_n be_v enough_o but_o that_o which_o make_v we_o indeed_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o invest_v we_o with_o right_a to_o all_o save_a benefit_n that_o be_v only_o this_o inward_a real_a saintship_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o more_o you_o must_v take_v notice_n first_o that_o even_o in_o real_a saintship_n there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n and_o difference_n saintship_n all_o be_v not_o saint_n alike_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o babe_n of_o young_a man_n of_o old_a man_n it_o speak_v of_o some_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o perfect_a other_o be_v imperfect_a and_o even_o carnal_a 1_o cor._n 3._o comparative_o so_o that_o we_o must_v always_o distinguish_v between_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o a_o saint_n be_v a_o saint_n though_o but_o a_o bruise_a reed_n and_o a_o smoke_a flax_n this_o be_v good_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o we_o may_v not_o judge_v of_o saintship_n by_o such_o degree_n and_o high_a attainment_n but_o by_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n no_o there_o will_v be_v always_o difference_n both_o in_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n and_o that_o among_o the_o saint_n themselves_o and_o this_o shall_v teach_v a_o mutual_a bear_n and_o forbear_v of_o one_o another_o let_v not_o he_o that_o be_v strong_a who_o do_v far_o surpass_v other_o though_o
the_o rage_n of_o the_o fire_n so_o that_o the_o very_a garment_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o smell_v of_o any_o burn_a thus_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n hach_n so_o wonderful_o ravish_v and_o refresh_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o afficted_a afflict_a saint_n that_o he_o have_v almost_o forget_v his_o affliction_n and_o discover_v not_o the_o least_o soil_n from_o it_o 3._o another_o scripture_n discovery_n for_o comfort_n be_v to_o press_v and_o command_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n upon_o god_n promise_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o world_n and_o sense_n do_v suggest_v yet_o faith_n rectify_v all_o that_o find_v honey_n to_o come_v out_o of_o a_o dead_a lion_n that_o can_v suck_v honey_n from_o a_o bitter_a herb_n when_o fleshly_a wisdom_n and_o humane_a reason_n can_v go_v no_o further_o yet_o even_o then_o faith_n can_v gather_v sure_a and_o firm_a argument_n of_o comfort_n david_n in_o that_o great_a distress_n at_o ziklag_n yet_o be_v say_v to_o encourage_v himself_o in_o his_o god_n paul_n make_v this_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o christian_n magnanimity_n support_n and_o joy_n vude_o all_o tribulation_n heb._n 11._o 1._o because_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v god_n thought_n and_o our_o thought_n be_v whole_o different_a only_a faith_n enable_v we_o to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o where_o flesh_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v god_n be_v cast_v off_o and_o utter_o forsake_v there_o faith_n see_v he_o draw_v near_o the_o disciple_n in_o a_o tempest_n think_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n and_o be_v affright_v but_o it_o be_v christ_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n apply_v it_o do_v bear_v up_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o rejoice_v in_o trouble_n heb._n 6._o 18._o we_o have_v there_o god_n promise_n and_o god_n oath_n also_o to_o confirm_v it_o and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o have_v those_o two_o immutable_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n see_v there_o because_o of_o god_n promise_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n we_o have_v a_o consolation_n and_o a_o strong_a consolation_n strong_a because_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v strong_a god_n word_n so_o that_o it_o be_v strong_a than_o mountain_n it_o be_v strong_a than_o heaven_n and_o earth_n every_o creature_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n rather_o than_o the_o promise_v not_o be_v make_v good_a to_o thou_o again_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a consolation_n because_o neither_o the_o devil_n nor_o his_o instrument_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o overcome_v it_o though_o therefore_o thy_o enemy_n be_v strong_a enemy_n though_o thy_o trouble_n be_v strong_a trouble_n yet_o remember_v here_o be_v a_o strong_a consolation_n death_n itself_o can_v deprive_v thou_o of_o it_o if_o then_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n if_o we_o live_v upon_o these_o breast_n of_o consolation_n as_o the_o infant_n do_v sure_o we_o may_v then_o swallow_v down_o even_o deadly_a and_o poisonous_a thing_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v any_o hurt_n because_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o same_o thy_o heart_n will_v always_o be_v the_o fame_n as_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o thy_o heart_n in_o respect_n of_o obedience_n so_o let_v the_o promise_n in_o respect_n of_o faith_n faith_n from_o the_o word_n do_v show_v carnal_a reason_n all_o the_o mistake_n and_o false_a principle_n it_o proceed_v upon_o discover_v light_n in_o darkness_n love_v in_o affliction_n and_o life_n even_o in_o death_n itself_o last_o for_o these_o bunch_n of_o grape_n may_v serve_v to_o acquaint_v you_o what_o the_o land_n be_v eternal_a glory_n to_o be_v possess_v after_o the_o trouble_n vexation_n and_o exercise_n here_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v exceed_o glad_a under_o all_o our_o trouble_n thus_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16_o 17._o we_o faint_v not_o for_o this_o light_a affliction_n work_v for_o we_o a_o more_o exceed_o and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o be_v by_o look_v not_o on_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v at_o another_o time_n the_o godly_a be_v command_v to_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n draw_v nigh_o because_o their_o redemption_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o 1_o thess_n 4._o 18._o after_o a_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n come_v and_o that_o the_o godly_a shall_v be_v ever_o with_o he_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o comfort_v one_o another_o with_o these_o thing_n that_o incomprehensible_a glory_n which_o be_v provide_v for_o we_o to_o receive_v after_o our_o suffering_n here_o make_v the_o heart_n rejoice_v while_o it_o be_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o tear_n this_o haven_n after_o our_o storm_n this_o rest_n after_o our_o trouble_n this_o crown_n after_o our_o warfare_n be_v that_o which_o revive_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o a_o naomi_n while_o it_o be_v a_o marah_n serm._n xl._o how_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o comfort_v his_o child_n in_o all_o their_o tribulation_n though_o many_o of_o they_o may_v live_v very_o disconsolate_a 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o who_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o tribulation_n we_o be_v discuss_v this_o three_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n but_o that_o one_o main_a doubt_n may_v present_v itself_o the_o discuss_v whereof_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o a_o practical_a way_n it_o be_v this_o see_v paul_n speak_v thus_o general_o god_n comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o tribulation_n do_v not_o this_o necessary_o infer_v that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o all_o strait_n be_v full_a of_o comfort_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o either_o we_o must_v condemn_v many_o who_o in_o all_o appearance_n be_v the_o dear_a child_n of_o god_n for_o hypocrite_n and_o unsound_a because_o they_o have_v no_o comfort_n yea_o all_o divine_a mean_n have_v be_v use_v and_o yet_o they_o can_v be_v comfort_v or_o else_o we_o must_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o scripture_n this_o text_n say_v god_n comfort_v he_o in_o all_o their_o tribulation_n experience_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o of_o god_n child_n be_v sad_o disconsolate_a or_o else_o if_o their_o want_n of_o comfort_n be_v a_o argument_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o god_n we_o shall_v then_o pass_v a_o uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v every_o way_n to_o be_v account_v of_o as_o precious_a saint_n and_o that_o of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n let_v we_o therefore_o remove_v this_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o case_n not_o only_o of_o a_o godly_a person_n but_o even_o a_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v without_o all_o comfort_n that_o nothing_o but_o sorrow_n and_o disconsolate_a trouble_n do_v even_o devour_v they_o all_o the_o day_n long_o see_v this_o true_a in_o jeremiahs_n lamentation_n chap._n 1._o 2._o chap._n 2._o 20_o 21._o the_o church_n there_o sit_v in_o mourning_n with_o tear_n on_o her_o cheek_n and_o she_o have_v none_o to_o comfort_v she_o neither_o god_n or_o man_n and_o for_o a_o particular_a person_n what_o be_v clear_a than_o job_n who_o soul_n be_v as_o full_a of_o spiritual_a botch_n and_o sore_n by_o sad_a thought_n as_o his_o body_n be_v of_o corporal_a one_o job_n 17._o 13._o when_o i_o say_v my_o bed_n shall_v comfort_v thou_o skare_v i_o with_o dream_n etc._n etc._n job_n not_o in_o his_o bed_n a_o place_n of_o rest_n nor_o in_o the_o night_n a_o time_n of_o rest_n can_v be_v free_v from_o terror_n and_o fear_n yea_o chap._n 9_o 27._o when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v leave_v off_o my_o heaviness_n i_o will_v comfort_v myself_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o with_o all_o holy_a endeavour_n to_o cast_v off_o this_o viper_n of_o sorrow_n yet_o they_o do_v rather_o increase_v upon_o he_o yea_o when_o he_o himself_o can_v remove_v those_o mountain_n of_o his_o heart_n it_o may_v be_v his_o godly_a friend_n may_v and_o indeed_o such_o spiritual_a physician_n god_n do_v sometime_o bless_v for_o that_o end_n but_o chap._n 21._o 34._o he_o tell_v they_o they_o comfort_v he_o in_o vain_a none_o then_o can_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n at_o least_o when_o god_n do_v not_o comfort_n job_n in_o his_o tribulation_n we_o read_v also_o of_o heman_n psal_n 88_o 15._o who_o complain_v that_o he_o be_v distract_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o his_o youth_n up_o he_o complain_v god_n wrath_n lie_v hard_o upon_o he_o that_o god_n do_v afflict_v he_o with_o all_o his_o way_n yea_o he_o pray_v he_o cry_v and_o god_n do_v hide_v his_o face_n from_o he_o so_o that_o in_o all_o the_o psalm_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o comfort_n no_o nor_o of_o hope_n or_o of_o confidence_n
it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o art_n of_o art_n and_o much_o heavenly_a wisdom_n be_v require_v to_o administer_v the_o proper_a comfort_n for_o such_o a_o grief_n this_o make_v casuistical_a divinity_n which_o be_v apply_v whole_o to_o rectify_v and_o comfort_v a_o wound_a conscience_n more_o difficult_a than_o polemical_a be_v the_o afflict_a soul_n have_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d its_o deep_n and_o satan_n also_o in_o their_o temptation_n have_v his_o deep_n likewise_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v choice_a prudence_n to_o give_v the_o proper_a cordial_a and_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a way_n of_o comfort_v such_o yet_o though_o there_o be_v special_a comfort_n in_o special_a case_n yet_o all_o the_o godly_a that_o be_v in_o like_a temptation_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v the_o like_a comfort_n that_o which_o have_v do_v any_o godly_a man_n good_a under_o such_o a_o exercise_n may_v do_v thou_o also_o good_a if_o thou_o be_v not_o froward_a and_o unbelieving_a in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v why_o those_o argument_n which_o some_o godly_a point_n man_n have_v find_v powerful_a to_o comfort_v they_o shall_v also_o be_v very_o conducible_a to_o other_o and_o first_o because_o all_o the_o godly_a they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v ejusdem_fw-la speciei_fw-la nature_n they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o substantial_a sundamentall_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o as_o you_o see_v all_o man_n have_v the_o same_o specifical_a humane_a nature_n though_o there_o be_v many_o individual_a property_n and_o difference_n thus_o all_o the_o godly_a do_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n they_o be_v all_o bear_v of_o god_n they_o be_v all_o become_v new_a creature_n although_o indeed_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n as_o also_o experience_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o love_n in_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v much_o variation_n yet_o in_o the_o main_a as_o they_o all_o have_v the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v like_o he_o so_o they_o be_v also_o like_o one_o another_o it_o be_v the_o common_a faith_n it_o be_v the_o common_a love_n it_o be_v the_o common_a image_n of_o god_n which_o they_o all_o do_v partake_v of_o so_o that_o godly_a man_n though_o they_o may_v differ_v in_o their_o gift_n in_o degree_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n yet_o because_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v stamp_v on_o they_o all_o there_o be_v a_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n between_o one_o another_o what_o one_o feel_v the_o other_o feel_v how_o one_o be_v affect_v the_o other_o be_v affect_v they_o understand_v one_o another_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v see_v themselves_o in_o one_o another_o we_o have_v a_o expression_n prov._n 27._o 19_o as_o face_n answer_v face_n in_o water_n so_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o man_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a exposition_n of_o this_o place_n and_o that_o contrary_a some_o say_v it_o be_v bring_v to_o show_v the_o falsehood_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n that_o as_o in_o water_n there_o be_v not_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o face_n so_o one_o man_n heart_n be_v not_o true_o know_v to_o another_o other_o they_o go_v on_o the_o contrary_a as_o say_v they_o the_o face_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o reflection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o water_n be_v alike_o so_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o man_n that_o be_v of_o one_o friend_n to_o another_o therefore_o a_o friend_n be_v alter_fw-la ego_fw-la they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a one_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v and_o one_o heart_n now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o moral_a friendship_n that_o their_o heart_n be_v for_n alike_o how_o much_o more_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o be_v all_o make_v one_o in_o the_o lord_n cis_fw-la not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n 3._o 21._o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o person_n their_o heart_n must_v needs_o answer_v one_o another_o let_v a_o godly_a man_n read_v david_n psalm_n wherein_o he_o do_v experimental_o declare_v what_o the_o work_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v will_v not_o a_o godly_a man_n say_v he_o speak_v his_o heart_n his_o doubt_n his_o complaint_n see_v then_o there_o be_v the_o same_o fundamental_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o no_o wonder_n if_o what_o be_v suitable_a to_o one_o be_v also_o to_o another_o second_o another_o ground_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v from_o the_o sameness_n and_o spirit_n identity_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o enliven_v all_o and_o work_v in_o all_o for_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o body_n though_o it_o have_v different_a part_n yet_o all_o those_o be_v inform_v and_o animate_v by_o the_o same_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o one_o soul_n that_o inform_v the_o arm_n another_o the_o foot_n but_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n that_o inform_v all_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o with_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o may_v differ_v much_o in_o external_o their_o condition_n their_o estate_n yea_o in_o internal_o also_o in_o illumination_n and_o sanctification_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o live_v and_o work_v in_o they_o all_o if_o therefore_o the_o same_o root_n give_v nourishment_n to_o all_o of_o they_o they_o all_o grow_v upon_o the_o same_o stock_n if_o the_o same_o spirit_n diffuse_v itself_o through_o all_o no_o wonder_n if_o what_o comfort_n one_o may_v also_o comfort_v another_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o same_o promise_n revive_v one_o that_o do_v another_o he_o say_v homo_fw-la sum_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la humani_fw-la alienum_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o so_o nothing_o of_o a_o man_n be_v strange_a to_o he_o thus_o thou_o be_v a_o believer_n a_o new_a creature_n and_o so_o nothing_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o such_o shall_v be_v strange_a to_o thou_o if_o you_o say_v see_v they_o be_v all_o animate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o comforter_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v they_o be_v all_o comfort_v alike_o all_o have_v joy_n alike_o but_o experience_n confute_v that_o two_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o one_o be_v comfort_v the_o other_o be_v deject_v walk_v in_o darkness_n so_o that_o you_o will_v say_v certain_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v not_o in_o both_o the_o answer_n be_v though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o comforter_n be_v in_o all_o the_o godly_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n he_o dispense_v this_o voluntary_o as_o he_o please_v and_o again_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o godly_a incline_v to_o comfort_v yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o order_a and_o appoint_a way_n if_o thou_o be_v unbelieving_a froward_a than_o thou_o resiste_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n within_o thou_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o proverb_n super_fw-la maestum_fw-la non_fw-la cadit_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n which_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n may_v be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o respect_n of_o consolation_n all_o the_o godly_a have_v the_o same_o spirit_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o lead_v into_o truth_n yet_o what_o wonderful_a difference_n in_o judgement_n may_v be_v among_o they_o that_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o foundation_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v communicate_v itself_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o measure_n to_o one_o more_o to_o another_o less_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o respect_n of_o consolation_n though_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o comfort_n yet_o the_o out-going_n of_o this_o be_v in_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o and_o why_o shall_v it_o seem_v a_o strange_a thing_n for_o all_o the_o godly_a under_o the_o gospel_n to_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n see_v the_o holy_a one_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o under_o the_o new_a be_v lead_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n whatsoever_o marcionites_n of_o old_a and_o socinian_o of_o late_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o appear_v notable_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 13._o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v so_o we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o rejoice_v three_o another_o ground_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v because_o the_o main_a argument_n all_o of_o comfort_n promise_v in_o the_o word_n be_v not_o upon_o personal_a consideration_n neither_o be_v particular_a privilege_n but_o from_o that_o common_a reason_n which_o belong_v to_o every_o believer_n paul_n be_v comfort_v not_o because_o paul_n not_o because_o a_o apostle_n so_o david_n find_v god_n put_v gladness_n into_o his_o heart_n not_o because_o a_o king_n not_o because_o a_o prophet_n but_o because_o godly_a if_o therefore_o comfort_n fundamental_a i_o mean_v be_v give_v upon_o a_o
very_o powerful_a for_o their_o salvation_n they_o be_v like_o the_o saw_n and_o hammer_n that_o do_v prepare_v and_o polish_v the_o stone_n to_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o build_n so_o that_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o these_o to_o be_v deny_v these_o be_v even_o to_o be_v deprive_v or_o deny_v salvation_n itself_o only_o when_o we_o say_v they_o be_v mean_v institute_v to_o procure_v salvation_n you_o must_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o intrinsical_a virtue_n in_o these_o as_o the_o lutheran_n speak_v about_o the_o word_n preach_v or_o as_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o sacrament_n work_v salvation_n as_o physic_n do_v health_n by_o a_o natural_a causality_n no_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o some_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o life_n but_o of_o death_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o it_o be_v to_o some_o people_n as_o the_o ark_n to_o the_o philistines_n because_o not_o use_v aright_o it_o become_v their_o further_a damnation_n 2._o there_o be_v occasional_a mean_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o but_o occasional_o promote_v as_o the_o salvation_n of_o believer_n and_o they_o be_v 1._o their_o very_a sin_n these_o be_v occasiones_fw-la passivae_fw-la passive_a occasion_n mere_o sin_n because_o sin_n of_o itself_o have_v such_o a_o deadly_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o ordinable_a to_o salvation_n only_o the_o omnipotency_n the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v the_o former_a sin_n the_o godly_a have_n commitred_a to_o be_v admirable_a antidote_n and_o preservative_n against_o future_a sin_n thus_o paul_n blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n be_v overpowr_v to_o promote_v his_o salvation_n by_o make_v he_o more_o active_a even_o as_o one_o grief_n do_v cure_v another_o sometime_o or_o the_o burn_n of_o fire_n be_v take_v out_o by_o fire_n which_o make_v one_o not_o afraid_a to_o say_v that_o he_o get_v good_a by_o his_o sin_n more_o than_o by_o his_o grace_n hence_o rom._n 8._o many_o learned_a man_n do_v not_o exclude_v sin_n themselves_o from_o that_o comfortable_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o their_o good_a the_o second_o occasional_a mean_n be_v affliction_n and_o these_o may_v be_v call_v active_a affliction_n occasion_n because_o in_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v ordinable_a and_o actual_o by_o god_n be_v ordain_v to_o help_v forward_o our_o salvation_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o be_v from_o god_n predestination_n and_o election_n of_o such_o to_o salvation_n and_o because_o so_o elect_v every_o thing_n become_v instrumental_a to_o that_o end_n so_o that_o god_n govern_v and_o rule_v in_o all_o thing_n thereby_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a blessedness_n for_o election_n will_v obtain_v and_o can_v be_v frustrate_v so_o that_o the_o use_n may_v be_v to_o inform_v the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o their_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o the_o goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o this_o particular_a if_o grace_n do_v fall_v asleep_o as_o it_o be_v but_o a_o moment_n thy_o salvation_n may_v be_v for_o ever_o lose_v but_o this_o grace_n that_o keep_v thou_o do_v neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n what_o joy_n and_o gladness_n may_v it_o fill_v the_o godly_a heart_n with_o when_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o say_v with_o paul_n i_o know_v this_o shall_v turn_v to_o my_o salvation_n if_o i_o be_v afflict_v if_o i_o be_v comfort_v if_o i_o have_v mercy_n if_o i_o be_v without_o they_o if_o i_o live_v if_o i_o die_v i_o know_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v carry_v on_o my_o salvation_n serm._n lvi_o of_o paul_n hope_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o corinthian_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 7._o and_o our_o hope_n of_o you_o be_v steadfast_a know_v that_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o suffering_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v also_o of_o the_o consolation_n these_o word_n bring_v in_o as_o some_o say_v be_v a_o parenthesis_n be_v by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n and_o mollify_a the_o mind_n of_o the_o corinthian_n for_o paul_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n have_v severe_o reprove_v they_o it_o obtain_v good_a success_n and_o procure_v some_o spiritual_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v make_v sorrowful_a thereby_o and_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o although_o the_o false_a apostle_n have_v too_o much_o prevail_v with_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o sound_a temper_n than_o former_o neither_o be_v paul_n affliction_n such_o matter_n of_o contempt_n as_o former_o yea_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o suffering_n with_o he_o these_o thing_n lay_v together_o make_v paul_n use_v these_o encourage_n and_o soften_a passage_n to_o rebuke_n we_o must_v join_v meekness_n and_o love_n together_o the_o artificer_n can_v build_v his_o house_n with_o hard_a brick_n or_o stone_n he_o must_v have_v his_o soft_a mortar_n to_o cement_v they_o together_o rigidness_n to_o rigidness_n will_v neuer_o unite_v there_o must_v be_v yield_v as_o well_o as_o severity_n else_o the_o edification_n of_o god_n church_n can_v proceed_v the_o word_n be_v a_o profession_n of_o paul_n charitable_a esteem_n and_o love_a apprehension_n of_o they_o though_o sometime_o he_o do_v rebuke_v they_o very_o sharp_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o you_o no_o epistle_n or_o writing_n will_v do_v you_o any_o good_a this_o may_v have_v more_o harden_v they_o in_o obstinacy_n yea_o as_o chrysostom_n well_o observe_v on_o this_o place_n he_o speak_v more_o hopeful_o and_o confident_o of_o these_o corinthian_n than_o he_o do_v of_o the_o thessalonian_n for_o 1_o thess_n 2._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o he_o there_o discover_v the_o holy_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n he_o have_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v oot_n much_o move_v with_o the_o affliction_n that_o do_v accompany_v the_o gospel_n when_o i_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v say_v he_o i_o send_v timotheus_n to_o establish_v you_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v move_v by_o these_o affliction_n again_o he_o repeat_v it_o when_o i_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v i_o send_v to_o know_v your_o faith_n lest_o by_o some_o mean_v the_o tempter_n shall_v tempt_v you_o by_o these_o vehement_a and_o double_a affectionate_a expression_n you_o see_v with_o what_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n he_o be_v possess_v concern_v they_o but_o he_o speak_v far_o more_o confident_o about_o these_o corinthian_n our_o hope_n of_o you_o be_v steadfast_a that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v his_o hope_n he_o do_v often_o in_o other_o place_n name_v his_o persuasion_n heb._n 6._o 9_o we_o be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 5._o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o same_o faith_n dwell_v in_o thou_o also_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 12._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o sylvanus_n call_v he_o a_o faithful_a brother_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 12._o as_o i_o suppose_v the_o word_n do_v not_o there_o denote_v any_o doubt_n or_o fear_v about_o he_o for_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n scope_n who_o intend_v to_o commend_v he_o but_o it_o signify_v a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a judgement_n concern_v his_o faithfulness_n now_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v that_o hope_n and_o persuasion_n or_o knowledge_n moral_a which_o paul_n have_v concern_v other_o man_n to_o understand_v this_o you_o must_v know_v paul_n have_v a_o twofold_a hope_n a_o divine_a hope_n and_o a_o charitable_a or_o prudential_n hope_v which_o we_o may_v call_v a_o moral_a hope_n divine_a hope_n be_v a_o supernatural_a grace_n wrought_v by_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o paul_n and_o so_o in_o every_o believer_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o put_v his_o confidence_n in_o god_n expect_v from_o he_o only_o what_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o so_o that_o of_o divine_a hope_n god_n be_v the_o efficient_a and_o god_n also_o be_v the_o object_n on_o which_o it_o be_v determine_v and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o god_n so_o nether_a hope_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o god_n of_o this_o divine_a be_v hope_n paul_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v he_o do_v not_o say_v our_o hope_n in_o you_o be_v steadfast_a but_o of_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o those_o preposition_n be_v often_o change_v therefore_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a hope_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o principle_n of_o prudence_n and_o charity_n by_o which_o paul_n be_v bind_v to_o judge_v thus_o favourable_o of_o they_o paul_n can_v not_o tell_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o he_o write_v to_o he_o can_v not_o infallible_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n or_o sincere_a only_o he_o judge_v the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n yet_o you_o must_v not_o understand_v this_o as_o speak_v oâ—_n every_o particular_a and_o individual_a but_o collective_o for_o he_o write_v to_o they_o as_o a_o body_n and_o a_o
manner_n how_o thou_o bear_v it_o three_o these_o truth_n about_o suffer_v for_o christ_n be_v useful_a even_o to_o such_o who_o enjoy_v all_o freedom_n and_o abundance_n because_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a martyrdom_n martyrium_fw-la 3._o cordis_fw-la and_o martyrium_fw-la corporis_fw-la a_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o body_n if_o therefore_o thou_o be_v not_o call_v to_o suffer_v bodily_a it_o be_v certain_a thou_o must_v suffer_v spiritual_o habes_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o te_fw-la occidas_fw-la if_o other_o do_v not_o martyr_v thou_o thou_o be_v to_o martyr_v thyself_o hence_o be_v that_o duty_n of_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v we_o be_v command_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n to_o pull_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n to_o cut_v off_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n insomuch_o that_o the_o ancient_a writer_n do_v frequent_o compare_v this_o soul-mortification_n to_o the_o bodily_a martyrdom_n he_o that_o do_v abstain_v from_o the_o seem_a pleasure_n and_o profy_v of_o slay_v this_o man_n be_v a_o spiritual_a martyr_n he_o that_o do_v crucify_v his_o will_n that_o do_v subdue_v and_o conquer_v his_o corruption_n it_o be_v as_o much_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o he_o that_o be_v enable_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o christ_n sake_n all_o these_o come_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n there_o be_v require_v a_o insuperable_a divine_a and_o efficacious_a power_n of_o grace_n to_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o any_o holy_a duty_n to_o avoid_v any_o sin_n from_o pure_a and_o holy_a motive_n it_o be_v therefore_o of_o consequence_n to_o hear_v of_o the_o consolation_n which_o god_n give_v in_o suffering_n for_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o corporal_a suffering_n thou_o have_v spiritual_a one_o and_o therefore_o god_n he_o will_v proportion_v thy_o comfort_n to_o thy_o exercise_n four_o it_o be_v good_a to_o understand_v and_o possess_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o affliction_n of_o other_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o if_o he_o 4._o give_v we_o sunshine_n day_n when_o other_o have_v live_v in_o trouble_n some_o time_n say_v not_o then_o what_o be_v these_o sermon_n of_o suffer_v to_o we_o who_o be_v not_o exercise_v for_o they_o great_o concern_v thou_o see_v that_o hereby_o thy_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v raise_v up_o to_o more_o thankfulness_n to_o more_o joy_n in_o blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o a_o mercy_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o live_v in_o queen_n mary_n day_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o wander_v in_o sheepskin_n and_o goatskin_n who_o have_v no_o settle_a abode_n or_o quietness_n in_o any_o place_n they_o do_v eat_v their_o bread_n with_o tremble_a and_o drink_v with_o fear_n and_o astonishment_n fly_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o parent_n bereave_v of_o child_n husband_n of_o wife_n now_o when_o thou_o shall_v consider_v what_o sad_a time_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v live_v in_o and_o thou_o have_v day_n of_o peace_n and_o abundance_n be_v not_o this_o like_a fire_n in_o thy_o bosom_n to_o inflame_v thou_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o constant_o to_o bless_v he_o five_o it_o be_v good_a to_o know_v the_o suffering_n of_o other_o though_o thou_o be_v free_v 5._o because_o none_o know_v when_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o trial_n may_v come_v the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o of_o her_o trouble_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o these_o time_n be_v only_o know_v to_o himself_o thou_o know_v not_o what_o heavy_a suffering_n thou_o may_v be_v put_v upon_o ere_o thou_o die_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v provide_v the_o whole_a armour_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o day_n of_o fight_v do_v approach_v the_o mariner_n have_v not_o his_o instrument_n to_o provide_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o storm_n but_o he_o do_v prepare_v for_o it_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o soldier_n then_o to_o furnish_v himself_o with_o weapon_n when_o the_o enemy_n be_v approach_v to_o he_o do_v thou_o therefore_o hear_v much_o know_v much_o and_o be_v instruct_v much_o about_o the_o patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o when_o god_n shall_v call_v thou_o to_o it_o it_o may_v not_o seem_v a_o strange_a and_o a_o new_a thing_n to_o thou_o use_v of_o instruction_n not_o to_o be_v afraid_a to_o hear_v of_o and_o know_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o calamity_n which_o will_v accompany_v the_o powerful_a way_n of_o own_v christ_n how_o carnal_a and_o self-seeking_a be_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o disciple_n to_o flee_v from_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o cross_n we_o will_v receive_v good_a from_o christ_n but_o not_o evil_a whereas_o if_o thou_o do_v consider_v it_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o earthly_a and_o the_o worldly_a man_n be_v more_o afflict_a and_o trouble_v in_o get_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n than_o thou_o in_o obtain_v of_o heaven_n and_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o patient_a and_o endure_a for_o these_o worldly_a good_n than_o thou_o be_v for_o heavenly_a do_v not_o the_o earthly_a man_n say_v to_o his_o gold_n what_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o it_o do_v he_o not_o say_v for_o the_o love_n of_o thou_o i_o be_o kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o be_v the_o golden_a image_n that_o every_o one_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n oh_o than_o shame_n thyself_o say_v how_o much_o can_v these_o suffer_v how_o much_o can_v these_o bear_v and_o for_o that_o which_o will_v damn_v they_o at_o last_o but_o my_o carnal_a fearful_a heart_n be_v afraid_a to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n who_o will_v give_v i_o eternal_a glory_n shall_v the_o devil_n have_v his_o martyr_n the_o world_n its_o sufferer_n and_o shall_v not_o christ_n have_v such_o as_o will_v leave_v all_o to_o have_v all_o by_o he_o again_o serm._n lix_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n find_v much_o opposition_n from_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a professor_n who_o be_v these_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a professor_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 8._o of_o our_o trouble_n which_o come_v to_o we_o in_o asia_n the_o next_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o description_n of_o that_o tribulation_n which_o do_v fall_v upon_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o which_o we_o have_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o exercise_n express_v in_o the_o name_n it_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o there_o be_v the_o place_n where_o in_o afia_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o of_o which_o in_o its_o time_n the_o exercise_n itself_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beza_n in_o annotat._n in_o cor._n cap._n 13._o say_v this_o word_n be_v proper_o render_v affliction_n not_o tribulation_n for_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rather_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hence_o he_o show_v out_o of_o tully_n that_o affligo_n be_v proper_o to_o throw_v a_o thing_n to_o the_o ground_n so_o as_o to_o press_v it_o down_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n than_o signify_v not_o a_o ordinary_a trouble_n but_o such_o as_o do_v most_o strict_o constringe_v and_o bind_v press_v a_o man_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o this_o he_o say_v do_v come_v upon_o he_o in_o asia_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o that_o it_o come_v by_o chance_n or_o fortune_n or_o by_o the_o mere_a malice_n and_o power_n of_o man_n no_o it_o come_v by_o the_o special_a appointment_n of_o god_n in_o much_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n thereby_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n for_o affliction_n be_v so_o many_o arrow_n deliver_v out_o of_o god_n quiver_n which_o be_v sure_a to_o hit_v the_o mark_n they_o be_v destine_v unto_o here_o be_v no_o more_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n only_a expositor_n question_v what_o this_o trouble_n be_v he_o meet_v with_o in_o asia_n where_o may_v we_o find_v any_o thing_n about_o the_o particular_n of_o it_o cajetan_n on_o the_o place_n acknowledge_v that_o concern_v this_o trouble_n in_o asia_n he_o can_v read_v nothing_o in_o any_o book_n that_o be_v authentic_a yet_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o refer_v general_o to_o all_o the_o trouble_v he_o meet_v with_o in_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o some_o eminent_a singular_a one_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v the_o trouble_n not_o trouble_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n some_o learned_a man_n therefore_o refer_v this_o to_o those_o passage_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n
enlighten_v our_o mind_n to_o give_v we_o tenderness_n and_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v not_o lead_v aside_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o error_n and_o heresy_n will_v break_v out_o into_o enmity_n and_o make_v man_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n while_o they_o destroy_v you_o three_o then_o we_o regard_v religion_n after_o a_o carnal_a manner_n when_o we_o make_v church_n party_n in_o it_o when_o we_o promote_v faction_n and_o division_n and_o such_o as_o do_v so_o be_v fill_v with_o much_o spite_n and_o malice_n against_o those_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v prone_a to_o and_o nothing_o incline_v more_o to_o opposition_n and_o contention_n than_o such_o a_o frame_n upon_o man_n spirit_n the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o clear_o to_o this_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 3_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n one_o be_v for_o paul_n another_o for_o apollo_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o vers_fw-la 4._o again_o be_v you_o not_o carnal_a so_o that_o this_o do_v plain_o discover_v man_n not_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o divine_a and_o holy_a principle_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o foment_n difference_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o set_v up_o one_o minister_n against_o another_o to_o admire_v the_o gift_n and_o ability_n of_o one_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o other_o this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o these_o corinthian_n that_o as_o they_o discover_v much_o pride_n and_o ambition_n in_o the_o name_n which_o they_o give_v person_n capellus_fw-la histor_n a._n m._n 3168._o sometime_o delight_v in_o word_n which_o signify_v power_n and_o principality_n as_o hegemon_n etc._n etc._n or_o such_o as_o denote_v victory_n as_o nicolaus_n etc._n etc._n or_o such_o as_o declare_v glory_n as_o polycletus_n etc._n etc._n thus_o such_o a_o carnal_a ambition_n do_v still_o remain_v in_o they_o though_o make_v christian_n set_v up_o and_o admire_a man_n person_n look_v after_o gift_n which_o bring_v applause_n more_o than_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n now_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o carnal_o affect_v they_o do_v continual_o throw_v ball_n of_o fire_n into_o the_o church_n and_o make_v it_o a_o babylon_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o jerusalem_n judas_n speak_v vers_fw-la 16._o of_o have_v man_n person_n in_o admiration_n because_o of_o advantage_n it_o be_v some_o carnal_a advantage_n or_o other_o that_o make_v they_o advance_v this_o and_o that_o man_n against_o other_o what_o the_o issue_n of_o such_o divisionsis_fw-la appear_v jam._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16._o viz._n to_o bring_v in_o all_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n as_o also_o he_o show_v the_o nature_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o it_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a though_o man_n may_v judge_v it_o zeal_n and_o think_v they_o be_v active_a for_o god_n glory_n yet_o it_o be_v sensual_a and_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o observe_v how_o large_o the_o apostle_n expatiate_v about_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o tongue_n that_o a_o world_n of_o evil_n be_v in_o it_o and_o from_o that_o exhortation_n be_v not_o many_o master_n that_o be_v do_v not_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o be_v teacher_n and_o so_o to_o reprove_v and_o censure_v other_o in_o a_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a way_n it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v not_o only_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o pen_n also_o to_o be_v full_a of_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n it_o make_v the_o pen_n to_o be_v a_o unruly_a evil_n that_o none_o can_v tame_v take_v we_o heed_n then_o of_o mind_v religion_n only_o to_o make_v party_n and_o different_a way_n therein_o for_o this_o will_n at_o last_o break_v into_o a_o open_a enmity_n against_o the_o true_o godly_a four_o then_o we_o look_v after_o religion_n in_o a_o carnal_a way_n when_o we_o make_v use_v learning_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o only_o to_o show_v our_o part_n or_o learning_n when_o we_o earnest_o contend_v about_o it_o as_o it_o be_v our_o opinion_n not_o as_o it_o be_v god_n truth_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o apostle_n do_v so_o frequent_o exhort_v timothy_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o dispute_n and_o vain_a jangle_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 6._o where_o the_o end_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n with_o faith_n unfeigned_a but_o from_o these_o some_o do_v swerve_v by_o turn_v aside_o unto_o vain_a jangle_n here_o you_o see_v that_o those_o who_o have_v not_o pure_a and_o unfeigned_a heart_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o fall_v into_o vain_a dispute_n and_o quarrel_n so_o 2_o tim._n 6._o 4._o it_o be_v call_v dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_n rail_n and_o evil_a surmise_n and_o he_o add_v their_o character_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n here_o you_o see_v that_o in_o all_o these_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n there_o be_v no_o pure_a heart_n no_o good_a conscience_n all_o be_v to_o advantage_n themselves_o by_o it_o yea_o if_o this_o be_v not_o discover_v in_o any_o sordid_a or_o worldly_a manner_n yet_o if_o thy_o pride_n the_o loftiness_n of_o thy_o spirit_n be_v hereby_o advance_v and_o thou_o do_v not_o mind_n religion_n to_o exercise_v thyself_o to_o godliness_n but_o to_o have_v man_n admire_v thy_o gift_n and_o to_o wonder_v at_o thy_o ability_n thy_o heart_n be_v a_o corrupt_a heart_n and_o thou_o will_v manifest_v thy_o enmity_n against_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n when_o oppose_v therein_o thy_o wit_n thy_o part_n thy_o applause_n thou_o may_v make_v thy_o great_a diana_n and_o oppose_v all_o that_o will_v destroy_v this_o goddess_n last_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v all_o and_o leave_v nothing_o out_o whosoever_o do_v motive_n not_o own_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o divine_a principle_n and_o holy_a pure_a motive_n this_o man_n be_v but_o a_o titular_a and_o a_o false_a christian_a and_o so_o can_v but_o when_o occasion_n serve_v manifest_v his_o opposition_n to_o christ_n way_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o as_o among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a division_n between_o israel_n and_o judah_n and_o a_o great_a opposition_n between_o david_n house_n and_o saul_n though_o all_o pretend_v to_o the_o only_a true_a god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n come_v to_o the_o same_o ordinance_n together_o yet_o because_o one_o have_v not_o a_o supernatural_a life_n of_o grace_n within_o have_v no_o experimental_a feel_n of_o the_o power_n of_o sanctification_n upon_o his_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o antipathy_n and_o contrariety_n to_o those_o who_o be_v indeed_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o way_n of_o mortification_n so_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v whosoever_o be_v not_o regenerate_v regard_v religion_n no_o further_o than_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a respect_n let_v his_o pretence_n be_v never_o so_o high_a and_o plausible_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o unconverted_a man_n though_o he_o have_v never_o so_o high_a a_o office_n never_o so_o great_a repute_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o he_o serve_v christ_n for_o loaf_n some_o insincere_a and_o insufficient_a motive_n or_o other_o work_v upon_o he_o he_o have_v his_o shrine_n that_o he_o live_v by_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v with_o that_o rich_a man_n who_o boast_v he_o have_v keep_v all_o god_n commandment_n from_o the_o youth_n when_o he_o be_v try_v in_o one_o instance_n where_o his_o heart_n be_v great_o affect_v viz._n to_o part_n with_o all_o and_o follow_v christ_n it_o be_v say_v he_o go_v away_o exceed_o sorrowful_a thus_o when_o any_o such_o empty_a nominal_a christian_n be_v put_v upon_o such_o duty_n and_o way_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v go_v away_o not_o it_o may_v be_v exceed_o grieve_v but_o great_o enrage_v and_o disquiet_v this_o will_v be_v like_o the_o jealousie-water_n to_o discover_v the_o adulteress_n to_o pull_v out_o their_o right_a eye_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o their_o right_a hand_n will_v be_v like_o the_o pronounce_v of_o shibboleth_n to_o discover_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o whole_a truth_n be_v from_o the_o exceed_a great_a purity_n and_o exactness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o preach_v it_o come_v to_o new_a mould_n and_o change_v the_o whole_a man_n all_o old_a thing_n must_v pass_v away_o this_o will_v not_o abide_v either_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n or_o a_o carnal_a heart_n and_o therefore_o one_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o as_o light_v to_o darkness_n and_o fire_n to_o water_n no_o wonder_n if_o then_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v
wilderness_n they_o grant_v he_o provide_v water_n for_o they_o even_o out_o of_o the_o rock_n the_o stream_n overflow_v but_o can_v he_o give_v bread_n can_v he_o give_v flesh_n also_o oh_o blind_a and_o foolish_a unbelief_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_a for_o god_n to_o provide_v bread_n as_o water_n in_o a_o dry_a wilderness_n but_o they_o limit_v god_n to_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o way_n now_o this_o sin_n of_o limit_v god_n to_o such_o humane_a help_n and_o way_n as_o we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o do_v insinuate_v very_o much_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o those_o that_o be_v godly_a what_o be_v that_o expression_n of_o david_n i_o shall_v one_o day_n perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n but_o bitter_a fruit_n from_o that_o bitter_a root_n oh_o how_o often_o do_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o their_o extremity_n say_v can_v god_n furnish_v a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n those_o million_o of_o thought_n which_o eat_v thou_o up_o in_o a_o divide_n distrust_v way_n how_o shall_v this_o difficulty_n be_v overcome_v how_o shall_v that_o want_n be_v supply_v what_o if_o god_n suffer_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v then_o where_o be_o i_o be_v not_o all_o this_o to_o say_v cen_n god_n prepare_v bread_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o this_o way_n paul_n despond_v think_v in_o this_o trouble_n the_o extremity_n be_v great_a death_n be_v at_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v it_o but_o that_o which_o deceive_v he_o be_v because_o he_o look_v only_o to_o sensible_a help_n he_o consider_v the_o instrument_n not_o the_o hand_n in_o which_o they_o be_v this_o be_v a_o very_a secret_a insinuate_a sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o godly_a be_v more_o diligent_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v against_o it_o that_o it_o do_v not_o at_o any_o time_n overcome_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o live_v by_o sense_n the_o apostle_n disclaim_v such_o a_o life_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o godly_a 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n do_v faith_n make_v we_o overlook_v instrument_n second_o cause_n and_o all_o creature_n how_o certain_a and_o constant_a will_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v the_o sun_n will_v always_o go_v down_o upon_o a_o peaceable_a fix_v serene_a frame_n of_o heat_n but_o when_o faith_n prevail_v and_o for_o that_o compose_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o like_o the_o rock_n which_o though_o one_o wave_n after_o another_o fierce_o assault_n yet_o that_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o place_n still_o so_o though_o condition_n alter_v though_o unheard_a cause_n and_o help_n be_v mutable_a yet_o because_o god_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o same_o he_o therefore_o continue_v the_o same_o let_v then_o the_o child_n of_o god_n examine_v and_o search_v their_o heart_n more_o in_o this_o particular_a see_v if_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o thy_o disquietness_n of_o all_o thy_o trouble_n and_o fear_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o this_o that_o thou_o be_v deceive_v that_o thou_o pass_v false_a judgement_n upon_o thyself_o certain_o the_o devil_n be_v enemy_n enough_o to_o thy_o comfort_n he_o endeavour_v to_o seduce_v thou_o and_o deceive_v thou_o do_v not_o thou_o join_v with_o he_o against_o thy_o own_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n but_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v because_o the_o godly_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v hasty_a and_o too_o quick_a in_o judgeing_a judge_n these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v and_o well_o weigh_v all_o thing_n together_o they_o do_v not_o compare_v god_n promise_n and_o his_o providence_n together_o they_o do_v not_o set_v god_n word_n and_o his_o work_n together_o insipientis_fw-la est_fw-la aspicere_fw-la ad_fw-la pauca_fw-la they_o cast_v their_o eye_n only_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v discourage_v they_o look_v upon_o the_o dead_a womb_n and_o not_o on_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o this_o inconsiderateness_n make_v they_o pass_v false_a judgement_n psal_n 31._o 22._o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o before_o thy_o eye_n and_o again_o psal_n 116._o 11._o i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n you_o see_v what_o hasty_a and_o sudden_a thought_n and_o word_n may_v come_v from_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n oh_o do_v not_o judge_v in_o thy_o rashness_n do_v not_o conclude_v this_o or_o that_o in_o thy_o haste_n but_o consider_v debate_n and_o compare_v all_o thing_n together_o moses_n though_o so_o meek_a a_o man_n and_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o in_o a_o sudden_a haste_n speak_v unadvised_o with_o his_o lip_n examine_v then_o whether_o most_o of_o those_o thought_n whereby_o thou_o have_v wrong_v god_n and_o wrong_a thyself_o have_v not_o rise_v from_o unadvised_a hastiness_n thou_o say_v in_o thy_o haste_n god_n forsake_v thou_o thou_o say_v in_o thy_o haste_n thou_o shall_v be_v undo_v 2._o another_o reason_n why_o the_o godly_a be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o god_n administration_n transport_v be_v because_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v passionate_o transport_v with_o anger_n and_o fear_n and_o these_o be_v like_o a_o misty_a foggy_a vapour_n to_o the_o sun_n that_o do_v obnubilate_v it_o and_o obscure_v the_o light_n when_o david_n do_v conclude_v he_o be_v cast_v off_o and_o cut_v off_o he_o do_v not_o only_o this_o in_o his_o haste_n but_o in_o his_o passion_n also_o it_o be_v anger_n make_v he_o say_v so_o it_o be_v grief_n make_v he_o say_v so_o his_o spirit_n be_v often_o trouble_v leaven_a and_o overwhelm_v within_o so_o that_o as_o when_o the_o water_n be_v bemuddy_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o see_v those_o little_a stone_n in_o the_o bottom_n which_o when_o clear_a we_o may_v do_v thus_o it_o be_v here_o when_o the_o heart_n be_v move_v with_o fear_n and_o grief_n when_o it_o be_v in_o sad_a commotion_n than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o it_o judge_v erroneous_o anima_fw-la sedendo_fw-la &_o quiescendo_fw-la sit_fw-la sapiens_fw-la let_v reason_n and_o wisdom_n or_o faith_n rather_o meet_v thy_o passionate_a heart_n as_o abigal_n do_v david_n and_o this_o may_v prevent_v many_o sad_a thing_n which_o prove_v a_o trouble_n to_o thou_o afterward_o let_v it_o therefore_o be_v thy_o wisdom_n when_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v this_o censure_n and_o pass_v that_o sentence_n about_o thy_o affair_n or_o god_n deal_n with_o thou_o to_o stay_v till_o the_o heat_n and_o commotion_n of_o thy_o soul_n be_v over_o fear_v and_o anger_n and_o grief_n these_o be_v ill_a counselor_n erect_v such_o a_o tribunal_n in_o thyself_o as_o they_o say_v that_o of_o the_o areopagite_n be_v no_o man_n be_v to_o move_v the_o affection_n by_o any_o rhetorical_a endeavour_n lest_o thereby_o the_o judgement_n may_v be_v pervert_v 3._o therefore_o the_o godly_a may_v misjudge_v and_o conclude_v contrary_a to_o what_o god_n wisdom_n intend_v because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o that_o spiritual_a skill_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v requisite_a when_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v or_o determine_v about_o god_n proceed_n cloud_n and_o darkness_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 29._o 7._o be_v round_o about_o his_o pavilion_n and_o as_o his_o essence_n be_v a_o light_n that_o none_o can_v draw_v nigh_o unto_o so_o also_o his_o administration_n do_v far_o exceed_v our_o natural_a capacity_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v his_o counsel_n and_o way_n now_o although_o this_o be_v so_o yet_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o directory_n to_o we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o his_o nature_n so_o it_o do_v also_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v his_o action_n the_o scripture_n be_v a_o key_n that_o do_v in_o some_o particular_n even_o open_a the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o as_o samson_n out_o of_o love_n do_v disclose_v to_o dalilah_n such_o secret_a thing_n that_o none_o else_o do_v or_o can_v know_v so_o set_v aside_o many_o imperfection_n in_o the_o comparison_n do_v god_n out_o of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n reveal_v to_o they_o wherein_o his_o strength_n lie_v how_o she_o may_v prevail_v with_o he_o which_o way_n if_o she_o take_v she_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v good_a acceptance_n with_o he_o but_o to_o receive_v this_o there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o skill_n require_v when_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 14_o 15_o 16._o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o a_o spiritual_a as_o to_o their_o judgement_n and_o discern_a for_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v be_v mean_v a_o weak_a christian_a as_o a_o late_a writer_n will_v have_v it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n because_o those_o of_o his_o way_n i_o mean_v the_o arminian_n think_v they_o strong_o conclude_v paul_n do_v not_o speak_v rom._n 7._o in_o
above_o other_o private_a christian_n yet_o remember_v thou_o want_v their_o prayer_n they_o that_o can_v help_v thou_o by_o counsel_n and_o advice_n they_o that_o can_v help_v thou_o by_o direction_n yet_o may_v by_o prayer_n therefore_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v abate_v their_o zeal_n and_o love_n in_o prayer_n for_o thou_o it_o may_v also_o teach_v thou_o humility_n in_o this_o respect_n when_o thou_o find_v great_a inlargement_n good_a success_n in_o thy_o ministry_n be_v not_o lift_v up_o as_o if_o god_n do_v this_o for_o any_o righteousness_n it_o may_v be_v in_o thou_o but_o because_o of_o other_o man_n prayer_n attribute_v such_o thing_n to_o their_o prayer_n rather_o than_o thy_o grace_n but_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o doctrine_n which_o be_v second_o that_o people_n do_v owe_v unto_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n as_o a_o debt_n of_o guide_n service_n their_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o they_o thus_o much_o you_o hear_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o greek_a word_n those_o that_o sow_v unto_o you_o spiritual_n be_v not_o only_o to_o reap_v of_o your_o carnal_o but_o also_o of_o your_o spiritual_n you_o be_v not_o to_o communicate_v only_o with_o he_o that_o teach_v you_o in_o your_o temporal_a good_a thing_n but_o your_o spiritual_a also_o thus_o the_o church_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o make_v supplication_n for_o peter_n when_o he_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o certain_o the_o spiritual_a labourer_n be_v not_o only_o worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n but_o of_o your_o hearty_a and_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o those_o people_n who_o do_v neglect_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o they_o never_o get_v good_a by_o the_o ministry_n nor_o be_v it_o their_o desire_n to_o do_v so_o hence_o so_o much_o labour_v and_o preach_v become_v so_o ineffectual_a to_o thou_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a man_n as_o thou_o be_v many_o year_n ago_o be_v not_o this_o because_o thou_o never_o right_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v bless_v to_o thou_o but_o to_o enlarge_v on_o this_o consider_v 1_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wild_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n of_o the_o socinian_o who_o hold_v that_o testament_n prayer_n be_v only_o command_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o christ_n make_v it_o a_o new_a precept_n to_o pray_v so_o that_o although_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v pray_v yet_o they_o say_v they_o have_v no_o command_n for_o it_o this_o they_o make_v one_o of_o the_o new_a evangelicall_n precept_n christ_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n but_o this_o do_v open_o contradict_v scripture_n do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n do_v not_o the_o old_a testament_n say_v seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v be_v not_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n call_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o solomon_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o his_o temple_n suppose_v that_o its_o a_o people_n duty_n under_o judgement_n to_o pray_v and_o humble_v themselves_o under_o god_n hand_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v from_o off_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o always_o a_o duty_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n 2._o though_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n accomplish_v great_a thing_n prayer_n for_o his_o people_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o put_v any_o merit_n or_o confidence_n in_o our_o prayer_n to_o be_v proud_a of_o thy_o prayer_n be_v a_o great_a absurdity_n for_o thy_o prayer_n to_o god_n do_v testify_v that_o thou_o be_v nothing_o that_o thou_o can_v do_v nothing_o for_o if_o thou_o can_v do_v thing_n of_o thyself_o why_o need_v thou_o pray_v that_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o socinian_o give_v why_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o need_v no_o precept_n of_o prayer_n because_o there_o be_v then_o nothing_o promise_v but_o they_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n thereof_o by_o their_o own_o power_n but_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o be_v rot_v for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spiritual_a thing_n promise_v only_o more_o obscure_o that_o we_o have_v and_o be_v no_o way_n of_o themselves_o to_o perform_v their_o condition_n otherwise_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o what_o a_o man_n can_v do_v of_o his_o own_o power_n independent_o upon_o god_n he_o need_v not_o pray_v for_o it_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o man_n do_v not_o need_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n whether_o for_o temporal_a or_o necessary_a thing_n and_o see_v the_o way_n to_o have_v it_o be_v only_o by_o prayer_n this_o exalt_v god_n and_o debase_v man_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n when_o we_o rest_v upon_o our_o prayer_n as_o if_o the_o beggar_n shall_v be_v proud_a from_o his_o ask_n of_o alm_n 3._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v reciprocal_a minister_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o people_n minister_n and_o people_n for_o their_o minister_n this_o paul_n who_o so_o often_o desire_v the_o church_n prayer_n do_v as_o often_o demonstrate_v his_o continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o they_o yea_o though_o a_o people_n be_v never_o so_o unworthy_a so_o wretched_a and_o malicious_a yet_o they_o will_v say_v with_o samuel_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o so_o that_o thy_o prayer_n for_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a they_o be_v recompense_v with_o prayer_n again_o and_o never_o be_v people_n a_o blessing_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o minister_n nor_o be_v a_o minister_n a_o blessing_n to_o they_o till_o there_o be_v this_o mutual_a pray_n for_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o man_n do_v prevail_v much_o how_o much_o then_o will_v the_o prayer_n of_o many_o righteous_a person_n for_o each_o other_o so_o that_o we_o see_v why_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v so_o busy_a in_o sow_v of_o discord_n and_o contention_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n why_o instead_o of_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o there_o be_v slander_n detractition_n and_o malicious_a opposition_n of_o one_o another_o for_o by_o this_o discord_n the_o devil_n kingdom_n be_v promote_v and_o their_o prayer_n for_o one_o another_o be_v hinder_v 4._o when_o we_o say_v that_o its_o a_o debt_n which_o people_n owe_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o spiritual_a gracious_a guide_n this_o suppose_v that_o the_o people_n who_o he_o watch_v over_o shall_v be_v both_o a_o gift_a and_o a_o gracious_a people_n gift_a such_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v their_o request_n know_v to_o god_n and_o that_o with_o other_o as_o well_o as_o alone_o for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o who_o can_v pray_v for_o himself_o will_v ever_o pray_v for_o the_o minister_n will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a to_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o many_o who_o live_v under_o our_o continual_a teach_n pray_v alas_o they_o never_o pray_v in_o their_o life_n they_o never_o pray_v for_o themselves_o or_o for_o other_o but_o gift_n without_o grace_n be_v like_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n therefore_o our_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v gracious_a as_o well_o as_o gift_v they_o must_v have_v pure_a heart_n and_o pure_a hand_n how_o uncomely_o be_v holy_a prayer_n in_o a_o unholy_a mouth_n there_o must_v be_v no_o dead_a fly_n in_o this_o precious_a box_n of_o ointment_n oh_o than_o that_o our_o congregation_n be_v awake_v to_o be_v such_o a_o people_n that_o can_v discharge_v spiritual_a duty_n to_o a_o spiritual_a overseer_n do_v you_o by_o your_o prayer_n help_v on_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o our_o preach_a alone_o without_o your_o effectual_a pray_v will_v not_o have_v its_o bless_a effect_n 5._o there_o be_v many_o particular_n in_o which_o your_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v empty_v in_o suceesfull_a prayer_n for_o they_o for_o their_o preservation_n and_o safety_n as_o here_o paul_n pray_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o hatred_n and_o rage_n of_o man_n if_o the_o shepherd_n be_v scatter_v the_o sheep_n will_v quick_o fly_v now_o because_o their_o call_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o sin_n of_o people_n to_o set_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v therefore_o none_o meet_v with_o more_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a adversary_n than_o they_o do_v for_o this_o paul_n desire_v their_o prayer_n 2_o thes_n 3._o 2._o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o unreasonable_a man_n 2._o you_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o this_o particular_a also_o that_o their_o ministry_n may_v be_v successful_a that_o the_o word_n they_o preach_v may_v find_v room_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n duty_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o study_v and_o to_o
that_o be_v not_o probable_a it_o be_v then_o for_o that_o deliverance_n vouchsafe_v to_o paul_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v thankful_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v clear_a because_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o paul_n be_v their_o mercy_n also_o from_o whence_o observe_v that_o the_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mercy_n to_o be_v account_v the_o church_n mercy_n what_o advantage_n come_v to_o the_o shepherd_n it_o redound_v to_o the_o sheep_n the_o rain_n that_o fall_v upon_o the_o mountain_n descend_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o valley_n your_o life_n your_o comfort_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o they_o paul_n indeed_o say_v we_o live_v if_o you_o stand_v fast_o it_o be_v his_o comfort_n his_o life_n to_o see_v they_o preserve_v from_o apostasy_n by_o persecution_n 1_o thess_n 3._o 8._o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o church_n may_v say_v of_o her_o guide_n we_o stand_v fast_o if_o you_o live_v as_o mercy_n to_o the_o public_a magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o people_n mercy_n so_o the_o mercy_n of_o church-officer_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v the_o church_n if_o the_o pilot_n be_v in_o danger_n it_o can_v never_o be_v well_o with_o the_o ship_n when_o elijah_n be_v take_v away_o the_o cry_n be_v the_o chariot_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o horseman_n thereof_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n be_v one_o prophet_n account_v to_o be_v we_o have_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o the_o holy_a care_n of_o the_o philippian_n about_o their_o pastor_n epaphroditus_n phil._n 2._o 26_o 27._o when_o he_o be_v sick_a unto_o death_n how_o heavy_o do_v they_o lie_v it_o to_o heart_n insomuch_o that_o epaphroditus_n be_v exceed_o grieve_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o be_v sick_a he_o know_v it_o will_v so_o great_o afflict_v they_o yea_o paul_n account_v it_o a_o mercy_n to_o he_o also_o that_o god_n do_v heal_v he_o for_o though_o paul_n do_v recover_v many_o out_o of_o their_o disease_n yet_o this_o gift_n be_v not_o when_o they_o please_v and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o extend_a to_o those_o that_o be_v of_o their_o intimate_a acquaintance_n but_o rather_o to_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n may_v be_v more_o manifest_v use_v of_o instruction_n how_o happy_a and_o bless_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o people_n be_v able_a to_o do_v their_o duty_n herein_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o favour_n and_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o their_o own_o mercy_n their_o health_n encouragement_n preservation_n as_o their_o own_o but_o how_o bitter_o do_v satan_n fill_v the_o heart_n of_o some_o man_n who_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o their_o error_n look_v upon_o their_o godly_a guide_n as_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o will_v hearty_o rejoice_v in_o any_o evil_n that_o shall_v befall_v they_o this_o be_v clean_a contrary_n to_o those_o gracious_a love_a and_o endear_a affection_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o people_n to_o their_o spiritual_a shepherd_n serm._n lxxxiv_o of_o our_o glory_v and_o rejoice_v in_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n why_o and_o how_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o how_o not_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o for_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o abundant_o to_o youward_n this_o verse_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o raciocinative_a particular_a or_o note_n of_o inference_n for_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o reason_n of_o something_o which_o go_v before_o but_o interpreter_n do_v differ_v about_o the_o coherence_n thereof_o some_o make_v this_o to_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o that_o hope_n and_o trust_v he_o former_o speak_v of_o which_o he_o have_v in_o god_n though_o he_o do_v trust_v in_o god_n mercy_n yet_o not_o in_o they_o alone_o but_o in_o his_o own_o endeavour_n also_o hence_o aquinas_n from_o this_o say_v that_o hope_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o man_n merit_n but_o this_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o scripture_n other_o do_v make_v it_o part_n of_o his_o apologetical_a narration_n defend_v himself_o as_o against_o that_o crime_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o levity_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o he_o because_o of_o his_o promise_n to_o come_v to_o they_o which_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o they_o think_v these_o word_n look_v backward_o and_o not_o forward_o calvin_n and_o other_o which_o be_v most_o probable_a refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v viz._n their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o his_o behalf_n this_o be_v give_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o tender_a about_o he_o because_o he_o have_v obtain_v grace_n to_o be_v faithful_a he_o have_v not_o seek_v himself_o or_o his_o own_o glory_n he_o have_v not_o walk_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o fraud_n but_o have_v be_v keep_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o all_o sincerity_n in_o his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o at_o corinth_n but_o every_o where_o else_o now_o it_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o pray_v for_o such_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o argument_n heb._n 13._o 18._o pray_v for_o we_o for_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o connexion_n then_o be_v thus_o discover_v we_o come_v to_o the_o text_n absolute_o consider_v and_o therein_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n itself_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v affirm_v and_o predicate_v of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o forepart_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v begin_v with_o it_o the_o word_n be_v this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v render_v by_o most_o our_o glory_n or_o our_o boast_n the_o apostle_n do_v very_o often_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o seem_v to_o come_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o neck_n and_o so_o be_v a_o metaphor_n signify_v for_o the_o most_o part_n pride_n and_o loftiness_n take_v from_o horse_n who_o pride_n will_v be_v discover_v by_o their_o neck_n and_o therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o as_o homer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o ill_a sense_n hence_o hesychius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o with_o budaeus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o proud_a boaster_n and_o bragger_n but_o with_o paul_n it_o be_v use_v sometime_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n as_o here_o for_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o threefold_a sense_n gradual_a to_o one_o another_o 1._o to_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o a_o thing_n 2._o from_o thence_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o be_v glad_a in_o it_o 3._o from_o thence_o to_o declare_v and_o publish_v this_o with_o boast_v now_o though_o paul_n do_v not_o put_v confidence_n and_o trust_n in_o his_o good_a and_o sincere_a conscience_n yet_o from_o the_o perceive_v of_o that_o he_o do_v rejoice_v whereas_o then_o we_o see_v paul_n rejoice_v and_o glory_v from_o the_o testimony_n and_o evidence_n of_o that_o grace_n he_o have_v in_o he_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o a_o holy_a glory_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o perceive_v in_o we_o lawful_a be_v allow_v and_o lawful_a i_o say_v a_o holy_a glory_v for_o the_o heart_n may_v quick_o degenerate_v into_o a_o proud_a sinful_a boast_n therefore_o this_o truth_n must_v be_v wary_o bound_v so_o that_o the_o deject_a and_o tempt_v soul_n may_v be_v quicken_v to_o its_o duty_n of_o comfort_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o may_v feel_v and_o the_o proud_a pharisaical_a spirit_n may_v be_v debase_v the_o valley_n must_v be_v exalt_v and_o the_o mountain_n make_v low_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n say_v let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o the_o lord_n let_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 31_o and_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o wherewith_o to_o glory_v who_o can_v have_v yea_o the_o apostle_n say_v express_o rom._n 3._o 27._o that_o glory_v be_v exclude_v by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v will_v appear_v when_o we_o come_v to_o manifest_v how_o many_o way_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o glory_n or_o to_o rejoice_v no_o not_o in_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n only_o this_o text_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o in_o some_o sense_n our_o grace_n may_v be_v matter_n
we_o second_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o they_o so_o far_o as_o thereby_o to_o bear_v up_o our_o heart_n internal_a against_o all_o accusation_n whether_o internal_o from_o satan_n or_o external_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n be_v there_o any_o great_a temptation_n in_o the_o world_n then_o that_o when_o satan_n accuse_v the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o from_o a_o right_a principle_n but_o selâ—seeking_a even_o as_o he_o accuse_v job_n to_o god_n that_o he_o serve_v god_n for_o carnal_a end_n because_o god_n have_v hedge_v he_o about_o but_o if_o he_o be_v touch_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o strip_v of_o they_o than_o he_o will_v betray_v his_o hypocrisy_n now_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o defy_v these_o accusation_n of_o satan_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o uprigtness_n though_o the_o devil_n rage_n at_o it_o while_o he_o roar_v do_v thou_o be_v glad_a and_o praise_v god_n oh_o how_o often_o be_v believer_n shake_v in_o this_o very_a particular_a they_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o they_o they_o think_v it_o their_o humility_n and_o lowliness_n thus_o to_o be_v in_o doubt_n and_o to_o be_v perplex_v with_o fear_n not_o remember_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v thankful_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o to_o walk_v with_o joy_n triumph_v over_o all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o satan_n it_o be_v the_o great_a blame_n of_o christ_n disciple_n that_o they_o do_v not_o more_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o then_o 2._o this_o rejoice_v be_v lawful_a when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o malicious_a enemy_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o charge_v we_o with_o hypocrisy_n and_o self-seeking_a that_o for_o all_o our_o religious_a pretence_n we_o have_v rot_v and_o earthly_a heart_n then_o be_v a_o time_n for_o thou_o to_o make_v use_n of_o rejoice_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n the_o false_a apostle_n they_o calumniate_v he_o they_o make_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n to_o be_v his_o evil_a life_n and_o god_n displeasure_n upon_o he_o now_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o brazen_a wall_n within_o as_o the_o heathen_a call_v it_o he_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o austin_n to_o secundinus_n senti_n de_fw-fr augustino_n quid_fw-la velis_fw-la etc._n etc._n think_v of_o austin_n what_o you_o will_v so_o that_o my_o own_o conscience_n do_v not_o condemn_v i_o this_o rejoice_v therefore_o be_v necessary_o see_v in_o this_o particular_a in_o the_o three_o place_n let_v we_o see_v wherein_o this_o rejoice_v in_o our_o grace_n may_v be_v unlawful_a perfect_a and_o 1._o it_o be_v when_o we_o dare_v rejoice_v and_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o blemish_n or_o damnable_a matter_n in_o they_o to_o rejoice_v as_o perfectionist_n do_v in_o their_o holiness_n dare_v to_o hold_v it_o up_o to_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o strict_a justice_n this_o be_v high_o provoke_a god_n hence_o this_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o though_o he_o regard_v not_o man_n judgement_n concern_v he_o because_o he_o know_v nothing_o by_o himself_o yet_o he_o say_v he_o be_v not_o thereby_o justify_v because_o it_o be_v god_n that_o judge_v god_n that_o know_v more_o evil_a and_o see_v more_o sin_n in_o he_o than_o he_o can_v do_v in_o himself_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o they_o yet_o take_v heed_n of_o oppose_v they_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o paul_n rom._n 3._o say_v all_o boast_n be_v exclude_v and_o that_o abraham_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n have_v not_o wherewith_o to_o boast_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o rejoice_v in_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v any_o inherent_a dignity_n or_o worth_n to_o rest_v upon_o when_o we_o approach_v to_o god_n we_o must_v rest_v alone_o upon_o they_o god_n grace_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o christ_n as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n these_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n we_o can_v build_v upon_o when_o therefore_o we_o have_v give_v god_n grace_n and_o christ_n merit_n their_o full_a due_n then_o may_v we_o rejoice_v in_o our_o holiness_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v of_o hezekiah_n david_n nehemiah_n and_o paul_n here_o as_o also_o in_o other_o place_n plead_v even_o in_o prayer_n their_o righteousness_n and_o desire_v god_n to_o remember_v they_o and_o not_o wipe_v out_o their_o good_a deed_n but_o these_o instance_n be_v partly_o in_o some_o particular_a wherein_o they_o be_v innocent_a as_o in_o david_n or_o else_o they_o only_o plead_v these_o as_o the_o qualification_n in_o they_o to_o which_o god_n promise_n be_v make_v they_o be_v such_o to_o who_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v his_o promise_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v plead_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n in_o this_o sense_n otherwise_o to_o urge_v they_o as_o have_v dignity_n they_o can_v not_o for_o at_o that_o very_a time_n nehemiah_n pray_v god_n will_v spare_v he_o and_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o 3._o we_o must_v not_o rejoice_v in_o these_o grace_n as_o if_o we_o have_v they_o of_o ourselves_o as_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o chrysostom_n note_n upon_o the_o place_n be_v dangerous_a say_v the_o reason_n why_o this_o good_a conscience_n be_v call_v glory_v be_v because_o we_o obtain_v it_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o be_v our_o glory_v but_o the_o apostle_n direct_o oppose_v this_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v but_o you_o may_v then_o say_v the_o papist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o in_o their_o rejoice_v in_o their_o good_a work_n for_o they_o make_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o presuppose_v christ_n merit_n but_o this_o will_v not_o acquit_v they_o for_o the_o apostle_n make_v that_o a_o contradiction_n if_o of_o grace_n than_o not_o of_o work_n it_o can_v be_v of_o grace_n and_o work_n together_o beside_o they_o make_v grace_n only_o a_o universal_a cause_n and_o our_o own_o will_n to_o be_v the_o particular_a determine_a cause_n and_o thereby_o give_v much_o more_o to_o that_o than_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o then_o we_o take_v heed_n of_o these_o three_o rock_n we_o be_v allow_v to_o rejoice_v in_o our_o grace_n use_v 1_o of_o severe_a and_o sharp_a reproof_n to_o such_o who_o do_v indeed_o rejoice_v but_o it_o be_v in_o their_o lust_n in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o their_o shame_n and_o that_o which_o will_v be_v terror_n and_o torment_n to_o they_o what_o can_v these_o wretch_n say_v but_o our_o rejoice_v be_v a_o evil_a and_o a_o sear_a conscience_n that_o we_o have_v live_v in_o all_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n oh_o remember_v into_o what_o howl_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n these_o short_a pleasure_n will_v at_o last_o be_v change_v use_v 2._o of_o admonition_n to_o the_o godly_a to_o take_v this_o rejoice_v which_o god_n do_v allow_v they_o why_o do_v they_o stand_v aloof_o off_o and_o tremble_v why_o do_v they_o nourish_v doubt_n and_o fear_n why_o will_v you_o not_o own_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o you_o take_v a_o holy_a boldness_n call_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v grace_n let_v not_o the_o devil_n and_o thy_o fear_n dispute_v thou_o out_o of_o what_o thou_o be_v be_v not_o so_o easy_o baffle_v and_o drive_v out_o of_o thy_o integrity_n because_o hypocrite_n do_v deceive_v themselves_o do_v the_o sincere_a also_o because_o copper_n may_v appear_v splendid_o be_v there_o therefore_o no_o gold_n because_o a_o dreamer_n deceive_v himself_o shall_v he_o that_o be_v awaken_v serm._n lxxxv_o what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o good_a and_o well_o order_v conscience_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n the_o second_o particular_a which_o be_v also_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o rejoice_v which_o paul_n have_v do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n come_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o and_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n the_o object_n matter_n whereof_o be_v afterward_o declare_v let_v we_o consider_v this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o general_n set_v down_o concern_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d also_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o conscience_n what_o it_o be_v i_o have_v elsewhere_o at_o large_a show_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o re-mind_n you_o of_o thus_o much_o that_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v general_o call_v the_o heart_n
through_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v more_o obdurate_a in_o their_o evil_a way_n this_o be_v beside_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o word_n as_o when_o the_o sun_n blind_v a_o man_n eye_n through_o the_o dazel_n thereof_o this_o be_v accidental_a the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n be_v to_o illuminate_v all_o spiritual_a authority_n be_v for_o edification_n and_o in_o the_o other_o text_n you_o have_v the_o power_n of_o grace_n upon_o paul_n heart_n so_o affect_v of_o he_o that_o he_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n neither_o doctrinal_o or_o practical_o will_v he_o indulge_v to_o any_o evil_a way_n but_o thereby_o the_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n shall_v be_v frustrate_v now_o this_o be_v a_o special_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n so_o to_o sanctify_v and_o keep_v tender_a our_o heart_n that_o we_o take_v heed_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v obstruct_v the_o happy_a course_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereas_o the_o jesuitical_a party_n will_v wander_v out_o into_o many_o by_o and_o extravagant_a way_n to_o accomplish_v their_o design_n jansenius_n a_o learned_a papist_n jansen_n sanctus_n augustinus_n libre_fw-la proaemialis_fw-la pag._n 9_o speak_v of_o one_o man_n who_o not_o dare_v to_o do_v something_o out_o of_o favour_n to_o another_o which_o he_o know_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n neither_o affirm_v by_o any_o author_n as_o probable_a have_v this_o answer_n from_o a_o jesuited_a doctor_n aude_n &_o nos_fw-la efficiemus_fw-la probabile_fw-la be_v bold_a to_o do_v it_o and_o we_o will_v make_v it_o probable_a here_o we_o see_v their_o power_n be_v many_o time_n against_o the_o truth_n but_o paul_n be_v so_o keep_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o not_o only_o deliberate_o he_o do_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v retard_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o by_o infirmity_n or_o any_o sudden_a surprisal_n as_o we_o see_v peter_n do_v and_o therefore_o paul_n do_v withstand_v he_o to_o the_o face_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o bless_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n when_o a_o minister_n be_v keep_v so_o faithful_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o office_n that_o neither_o in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n will_v he_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v contrary_a to_o it_o second_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n extend_v itself_o merciful_o to_o paul_n in_o that_o he_o be_v keep_v low_a and_o humble_a under_o all_o those_o signal_n favour_n and_o prerogative_n that_o humility_n god_n have_v bestow_v upoh_o he_o be_v not_o every_o thing_n in_o paal_n almost_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a and_o yet_o who_o be_v keep_v low_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n who_o be_v more_o empty_v of_o himself_o look_v upon_o what_o he_o have_v be_v more_o than_o what_o he_o be_v so_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n grace_n to_o paul_n to_o make_v he_o acknowledge_v god_n grace_n not_o to_o trust_v in_o himself_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n one_o special_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o it_o to_o give_v all_o to_o it_o to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o and_o thus_o god_n fullness_n be_v most_o see_v in_o our_o emptiness_n we_o see_v the_o jew_n go_v about_o whole_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n the_o stoic_a philosopher_n who_o do_v so_o admire_v virtue_n be_v thereby_o advancer_n of_o themselves_o they_o look_v upon_o virtue_n as_o their_o own_o work_n that_o they_o be_v not_o behold_v to_o god_n for_o it_o therefore_o seneca_n make_v this_o the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o happiness_n fidere_fw-la sibiipsi_fw-la to_o trust_v in_o himself_o and_o the_o pelagian_a though_o christian_a yet_o his_o doctrine_n drive_v whole_o to_o self-advancement_n so_o that_o though_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o that_o prayer_n forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n yet_o so_o as_o when_o we_o have_v sin_v otherwise_o they_o plead_v perfection_n and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v without_o sin_n yet_o for_o the_o ensue_a petition_n lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n etc._n etc._n they_o will_v not_o understand_v it_o of_o spiritual_a temptation_n and_o occasion_n to_o sin_n as_o if_o we_o need_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o grace_n to_o prevent_v future_a sin_n our_o own_o will_n and_o strength_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o but_o of_o external_a misery_n such_o as_o not_o to_o fall_v off_o a_o horse_n or_o to_o be_v kill_v by_o a_o thief_n these_o be_v the_o temptation_n only_o we_o pray_v against_o in_o this_o petition_n but_o where_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v effectual_o work_v there_o it_o make_v a_o man_n apprehensive_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o to_o every_o action_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o true_o this_o be_v from_o god_n when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o all_o part_n learning_n and_o study_n whatsoever_o acknowledge_v its_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o enable_v he_o in_o his_o work_n happy_o this_o will_v make_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n more_o powerful_a with_o we_o if_o we_o do_v own_o his_o grace_n more_o three_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o paul_n in_o his_o ministerial_a employment_n be_v meditation_n the_o direct_n of_o he_o in_o meditation_n and_o guide_v of_o he_o to_o such_o thought_n and_o word_n as_o might_n most_o prevail_v upon_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o for_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o where_o god_n presence_n be_v with_o a_o minister_n there_o he_o be_v direct_v to_o preach_v on_o such_o subject_a matter_n rather_o than_o other_o which_o god_n will_v bless_v to_o a_o most_o happy_a and_o effectual_a issue_n this_o make_v paul_n say_v excellent_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 6._o not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a to_o think_v any_o thing_n of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n here_o you_o see_v paul_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o think_v one_o thought_n in_o our_o ministerial_a way_n advantageous_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o in_o prayer_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v or_o how_o to_o pray_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v so_o neither_o in_o preach_v we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o preach_v or_o how_o to_o preach_v unless_o the_o lord_n guide_v we_o that_o be_v observable_a eccles_n 12._o 9_o 10._o because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a he_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n he_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v out_o and_o set_v in_o order_n many_o proverb_n the_o preacher_n seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v special_a wisdom_n to_o search_v out_o fit_a matter_n and_o fit_a word_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n so_o that_o herein_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n be_v to_o exercise_v himself_o daily_o in_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v he_o how_o to_o preach_v and_o what_o to_o preach_v that_o he_o may_v not_o sow_v chaff_n in_o stead_n of_o wheat_n and_o cockle_n in_o stead_n of_o barley_n that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o direct_v as_o to_o pitch_v upon_o those_o argument_n those_o expression_n which_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_o work_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o do_v hear_v four_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v wonderful_o manifest_a in_o paul_n by_o the_o spirit_n courage_n of_o self-denial_n patience_n zeal_n and_o courage_n which_o be_v in_o he_o while_o accomplish_v his_o work_n indeed_o paul_n be_v like_o a_o pleasant_a and_o choice_a garden_n wherein_o be_v so_o many_o precious_a flower_n that_o we_o know_v not_o which_o to_o pluck_v first_o thus_o paul_n be_v so_o eminent_o bespangle_v with_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o we_o know_v not_o which_o to_o commend_v first_o his_o self-denial_n be_v admirable_a when_o he_o complain_v all_o seek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o argue_v how_o much_o he_o do_v abhor_v such_o course_n phil._n 3._o 21._o when_o he_o be_v so_o solicitous_a to_o bring_v off_o delude_v soul_n from_o the_o false_a apostle_n who_o reign_v over_o they_o it_o be_v not_o his_o honour_n or_o glory_n that_o he_o look_v at_o if_o so_o be_v they_o will_v own_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n in_o truth_n let_v he_o be_v reject_v he_o matter_v it_o not_o this_o he_o plain_o profess_v 2_o cor._n 13._o 7._o i_o pray_v god_n you_o do_v no_o evil_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v approve_v but_o that_o you_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v honest_a though_o we_o be_v account_v as_o reprobate_n it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o it_o be_v their_o good_a their_o salvation_n
all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n for_o that_o be_v to_o save_v one_o not_o to_o save_v but_o rather_o destroy_v other_o he_o do_v not_o sinful_o comply_v with_o man_n sin_n but_o he_o do_v prudent_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o man_n weakness_n not_o defile_v himself_o thereby_o that_o to_o he_o may_v 〈◊〉_d they_o out_o of_o their_o weakness_n last_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v by_o paul_n be_v the_o success_n he_o have_v ministry_n in_o his_o ministerial_a labour_n for_o though_o paul_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v many_o miracle_n to_o cure_v many_o disease_a body_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o open_v the_o eye_n or_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o one_o man_n whensoever_o therefore_o a_o effectual_a door_n be_v open_v to_o he_o in_o any_o place_n this_o be_v god_n work_v not_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 3._o for_o though_o paul_n plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v yet_o it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n alas_o it_o be_v not_o for_o a_o minister_n to_o think_v his_o part_n his_o gift_n his_o learning_n his_o diligent_a and_o zealous_a preach_n shall_v bring_v man_n off_o from_o their_o wicked_a way_n for_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n yet_o his_o success_n be_v of_o god_n grace_n only_o and_o therefore_o wonder_v not_o if_o paul_n triumph_n over_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o potent_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o paul_n contemptiblenesse_n overcome_v the_o grecian_n wisdom_n and_o excellency_n for_o it_o be_v not_o paul_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o he_o that_o do_v these_o wondrous_a thing_n use_v of_o admonition_n to_o we_o who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o we_o will_v have_v our_o study_n our_o labour_n our_o ministerial_a employment_n have_v success_n to_o go_v out_o of_o our_o part_n and_o study_n and_o to_o importune_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n more_o thou_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v such_o expression_n such_o move_a compassionate_a exhortation_n such_o quick_a and_o penetrate_a argument_n will_v make_v man_n leave_v all_o their_o sin_n and_o follow_v christ_n but_o look_v up_o to_o god_n grace_n more_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v provoke_v god_n to_o withwithdraw_v his_o gracious_a presence_n from_o thy_o study_n and_o ministerial_a labour_n use_v 2._o of_o instruction_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o god_n have_v be_v uphold_v in_o all_o age_n when_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v frown_v on_o they_o when_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o root_v it_o out_o as_o a_o bitter_a plant_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v when_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v poor_a and_o weak_a have_v neither_o outward_a greatness_n or_o earthly_a policy_n to_o maintain_v they_o this_o be_v whole_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o overwhelm_v in_o the_o water_n though_o it_o have_v no_o pilot_n to_o guide_v it_o because_o god_n take_v care_n of_o it_o serm._n xcvii_o of_o a_o good_a and_o godly_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v come_v now_o to_o the_o thing_n testify_v itself_o which_o be_v this_o we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o herein_o be_v express_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o comfort_n and_o that_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v his_o conversation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o word_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o way_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o or_o the_o life_n and_o constant_a customary_a practice_n of_o man_n sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v to_o it_o not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v our_o conversation_n unless_o it_o be_v universal_a and_o every_o where_o so_o but_o for_o further_a aggravation_n as_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o but_o as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n if_o a_o man_n be_v holy_a at_o some_o time_n or_o in_o some_o fit_n but_o not_o constant_o he_o do_v not_o resemble_v god_n for_o god_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o way_n in_o every_o action_n and_o all_o time_n god_n do_v manifest_v his_o holiness_n he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o change_v not_o be_v always_o like_o himself_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o the_o godly_a no_o company_n no_o condition_n no_o temptation_n shall_v make_v they_o change_v that_o holy_a way_n of_o life_n they_o be_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o hence_o also_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 11._o we_o have_v it_o render_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o godly_a conversation_n signify_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n powerful_o believe_v will_v have_v a_o strong_a influence_n upon_o every_o thought_n word_n or_o action_n that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o kind_n of_o godliness_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o varinus_n make_v the_o synonimous_a word_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v our_o perpetual_a exercise_n and_o life_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o there_o be_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d render_v conversation_n phil._n 3._o 20._o and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v act._n 23._o 1._o as_o also_o philip._n 1._o 27._o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o philip._n 3._o 20._o be_v observe_v to_o signify_v rather_o our_o freedom_n and_o prerogative_n which_o we_o have_v as_o citizen_n of_o jerusalem_n our_o privilege_n be_v in_o that_o spiritual_a corporation_n which_o indeed_o do_v also_o by_o consequence_n denote_v that_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o such_o glorious_a advantage_n the_o second_o word_n expressive_a be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o at_o one_o place_n or_o in_o some_o company_n only_o that_o paul_n do_v thus_o sincere_o behave_v himself_o but_o in_o the_o world_n every_o where_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o come_v locum_fw-la non_fw-la animum_fw-la he_o may_v change_v his_o place_n and_o his_o company_n but_o never_o his_o godly_a life_n whereas_o then_o we_o see_v paul_n gather_v his_o comfort_n not_o from_o some_o particular_a action_n do_v at_o some_o time_n or_o in_o some_o place_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a carriage_n and_o constant_a deportment_n of_o himself_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o some_o good_a action_n do_v at_o some_o time_n as_o the_o comfort_n universal_a carriage_n of_o ourselves_o in_o holy_a thing_n that_o do_v bring_v solid_a comfort_n this_o doctrine_n be_v of_o special_a use_n for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v godly_a who_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o you_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o some_o fit_n while_o under_o some_o danger_n while_o some_o sudden_a pang_n be_v upon_o they_o but_o god_n will_v judge_v thou_o not_o according_a to_o these_o particular_n but_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o thy_o life_n it_o be_v true_a sometime_o thou_o have_v pray_v sometime_o thy_o heart_n have_v be_v smite_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o thy_o sin_n but_o how_o quick_o have_v these_o pass_v over_o again_o these_o be_v not_o thy_o daily_a exercise_n the_o harmony_n of_o thy_o life_n be_v not_o holy_a and_o godly_a there_o be_v innumerable_a instance_n of_o man_n who_o in_o some_o straits_n and_o imminent_a danger_n have_v appear_v penitent_a and_o reform_a but_o all_o have_v be_v force_v and_o compel_v as_o it_o be_v their_o constant_a habitual_a inclination_n be_v otherwise_o do_v not_o pharaoh_n in_o some_o extremity_n cry_v out_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o desire_v moses_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o do_v not_o ahab_n under_o god_n judgement_n humble_a himself_o in_o sackcloth_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o the_o israel_n that_o in_o their_o tribulation_n they_o do_v call_v upon_o god_n but_o then_o afterward_o will_v return_v to_o their_o proper_a course_n again_o psalm_n 78._o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o they_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n these_o word_n declare_v much_o activity_n and_o solicitude_n in_o they_o for_o a_o while_n at_o least_o to_o become_v reconcile_v with_o god_n but_o than_o what_o follow_v they_o do_v flatter_v with_o their_o mouth_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n and_o before_o at_o vers_n 8._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o generation_n that_o set_v not_o their_o heart_n aright_o and_o who_o spirit_n be_v not_o steadfast_a
22._o how_o miserable_a be_v such_o a_o people_n who_o rejoice_v in_o the_o great_a judgement_n that_o can_v befall_v they_o rejoice_v not_o in_o this_o but_o weep_v and_o mourn_v rather_o when_o those_o who_o shall_v deal_v faithful_o with_o thou_o do_v flatter_v and_o seduce_v thou_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n for_o god_n will_v destroy_v both_o such_o prophet_n and_o such_o a_o people_n three_o we_o be_v to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o spiritual_a success_n and_o prosperity_n of_o their_o work_n minister_n it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o hear_v those_o complaint_n in_o the_o scripture_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v we_o stretch_v out_o our_o hand_n unto_o a_o rebellious_a people_n to_o have_v much_o rain_n fall_v upon_o the_o ground_n and_o nothing_o but_o briar_n and_o thorn_n come_v up_o thereupon_o when_o therefore_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n make_v the_o ministry_n a_o savour_n of_o life_n and_o not_o of_o death_n unto_o many_o this_o aught_o great_o to_o rejoice_v we_o when_o thou_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mighty_a word_n upon_o thy_o own_o heart_n or_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o be_v there_o any_o great_a mercy_n can_v befall_v thou_o than_o to_o have_v the_o word_n thus_o a_o convert_n and_o save_v word_n to_o thou_o thou_o may_v admire_v thy_o pleasure_n thy_o profit_n thy_o lust_n and_o judge_v they_o sweet_a but_o know_v that_o the_o save_v efficacy_n of_o the_o ministry_n upon_o thy_o soul_n will_v be_v the_o blessedness_n indeed_o that_o shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o hear_v man_n praise_v a_o ministry_n admire_v that_o examine_v what_o be_v the_o spiritual_a good_a they_o have_v find_v thereby_o what_o reformation_n what_o a_o change_n have_v it_o make_v the_o apostle_n tell_v these_o very_a corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o that_o their_o glory_v be_v not_o good_a why_o so_o because_o they_o do_v not_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n they_o do_v not_o cast_v out_o that_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o they_o now_o all_o this_o while_n they_o glory_v in_o their_o able_a teacher_n they_o magnify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o eloquence_n of_o many_o that_o preach_v among_o they_o but_o say_v he_o your_o glory_v be_v not_o good_a where_o be_v the_o holy_a order_n the_o godly_a discipline_n the_o spiritual_a reformation_n that_o you_o shall_v have_v attain_v unto_o by_o the_o gift_n and_o ministry_n of_o your_o teacher_n this_o alone_a will_v cause_v we_o true_o and_o solid_o to_o rejoice_v use_v of_o instruction_n how_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n upon_o true_a and_o spiritual_a ground_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o ministry_n unless_o they_o have_v feel_v some_o special_a efficacy_n upon_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o may_v glory_v in_o the_o part_n in_o the_o eloquence_n in_o the_o ability_n of_o man_n but_o not_o for_o the_o spiritual_a success_n of_o the_o work_n in_o popery_n they_o will_v have_v their_o people_n glory_n in_o their_o church-officer_n because_o of_o the_o external_a pomp_n and_o stateliness_n they_o live_v in_o and_o so_o they_o become_v reverence_v for_o their_o outward_a glory_n but_o this_o be_v whole_o unsuitable_a with_o the_o scripture-glory_n and_o the_o scripture-rejoycing_a for_o this_o alone_a will_v make_v thou_o praise_n god_n if_o thou_o have_v find_v his_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o thy_o soul_n serm._n ciii_o of_o the_o rejoice_v a_o faithful_a minister_n have_v in_o a_o obedient_a people_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 14._o that_o we_o be_v your_o rejoye_v as_o you_o also_o be_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n there_o remain_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v dispatch_v which_o be_v the_o minister_n rejoice_v upon_o good_a ground_n in_o his_o people_n for_o you_o hear_v how_o happy_a and_o bless_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v when_o there_o be_v cause_n for_o a_o mutual_a and_o reciprocal_a rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o between_o minister_n and_o people_n for_o god_n many_o time_n upon_o wise_a end_n do_v divide_v those_o who_o shall_v be_v conjoin_v sometime_o he_o send_v faithful_a ambassador_n to_o a_o froward_a and_o rebellious_a people_n as_o god_n in_o ezekiel_n that_o the_o people_n be_v briar_n and_o thorn_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o do_v dwell_v among_o scorpion_n yet_o he_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a or_o dismay_v at_o their_o look_n though_o they_o be_v a_o rebellious_a house_n chap._n 2._o 6._o now_o what_o comefort_n can_v ezekiel_n have_v from_o such_o a_o people_n they_o be_v so_o many_o briar_n and_o thorn_n scratch_v and_o tear_v of_o he_o so_o many_o scorpion_n that_o have_v sting_n and_o what_o danger_n be_v it_o to_o dwell_v with_o such_o sometime_o again_o there_o may_v be_v a_o godly_a and_o holy_a people_n high_o prise_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o god_n set_v over_o they_o dumb_a or_o wicked_a pastor_n that_o be_v idol_n and_o no_o shepherd_n now_o when_o this_o be_v so_o their_o be_v little_o rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o and_o if_o jehoash_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n 2_o king_n 13._o 9_o compare_v a_o unequal_a war_n to_o a_o unequal_a and_o unfit_a marriage_n the_o thistle_n in_o lebanon_n with_o the_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n which_o prove_v destructive_a immediate_o for_o the_o wild_a beast_n in_o lebanon_n come_v and_o tread_v down_o the_o thistle_n how_o much_o more_o now_o be_v this_o true_a in_o this_o spiritual_a relation_n when_o a_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a minister_n be_v over_o a_o gracious_a people_n than_o the_o thistle_n be_v marry_v to_o the_o cedar_n but_o but_o this_o can_v hold_v long_o for_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v like_o the_o wild_a beast_n the_o roar_a lion_n he_o will_v come_v and_o devour_v all_o so_o that_o what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 14._o may_v well_o be_v apply_v here_o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n it_o be_v then_o very_a uncomfortable_a when_o a_o godly_a people_n have_v a_o unfaithful_a minister_n or_o a_o faithful_a minister_n a_o ungodly_a and_o a_o froward_a people_n this_o will_v make_v he_o sad_o to_o bewail_v his_o condition_n cry_v out_o with_o isaiah_n woe_n unto_o i_o for_o i_o dwell_v among_o man_n of_o pollute_a lip_n isaiah_n chap._n 6._o 12._o this_o make_v he_o like_o lot_n to_o torment_v his_o righteous_a soul_n by_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o he_o dwell_v among_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 8._o this_o be_v a_o bitter_a and_o sad_a persecution_n as_o it_o be_v thou_o do_v not_o only_o persecute_v a_o minister_n by_o the_o malicious_a opposition_n and_o violent_a course_n against_o he_o but_o even_o thy_o ungodly_a life_n that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o humble_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o make_v they_o grieve_v and_o weary_v in_o their_o work_n this_o be_v a_o perfecution_n of_o their_o righteous_a soul_n as_o jeremy_n say_v chap._n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o will_v not_o here_o it_o my_o soul_n shall_v weep_v in_o secret_a place_n for_o your_o pride_n thus_o the_o wickedness_n and_o ungodly_a way_n of_o a_o stubborn_a people_n be_v the_o very_a heart-breaking_n of_o a_o godly_a minister_n while_o they_o deride_v and_o scorn_v his_o soul_n mourn_v for_o they_o while_o they_o revile_v and_o reproach_v he_o malicious_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o prayer_n for_o they_o even_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o tender_a father_n who_o have_v a_o son_n grievous_o distract_v and_o bereave_v of_o his_o wit_n while_o he_o rage_v and_o rave_v at_o his_o father_n while_o he_o miscal_v he_o and_o strike_v at_o he_o the_o father_n stand_v by_o sad_o affect_v weep_v and_o pray_v for_o his_o child_n that_o he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o his_o sound_a mind_n again_o thus_o do_v a_o godly_a tender_a pastor_n mourn_v over_o a_o wicked_a scornful_a and_o rebellious_a people_n but_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o show_v wherein_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n have_v cause_n teachable_a to_o rejoice_v over_o his_o people_n and_o first_o when_o they_o be_v a_o teachable_a and_o learn_a people_n very_o tractable_a and_o ready_a to_o receive_v instruction_n this_o be_v a_o great_a joy_n and_o encouragement_n there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o they_o be_v sottish_o ignorant_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o they_o will_v continue_v obstinate_o therein_o they_o be_v not_o desirous_a and_o harken_v after_o knowledge_n that_o say_v with_o those_o in_o job_n 21._o 14._o unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n now_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o iniquity_n and_o profaneness_n do_v abound_v every_o where_o
thy_o faith_n that_o do_v not_o make_v thou_o watch_v and_o pray_v against_o this_o day_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o with_o hierome_n think_v that_o every_o moment_n thou_o hear_v that_o trumpet_n sound_v in_o thy_o ear_n arise_v and_o come_v to_o judgement_n oh_o be_v diligent_a in_o do_v the_o lord_n for_o bless_a be_v that_o sarvant_n who_o his_o master_n shall_v find_v he_o so_o do_v whereas_o if_o thou_o be_v do_v the_o devil_n work_n he_o will_v at_o that_o day_n come_v and_o demand_v thou_o he_o be_v i_o i_o challenge_v he_o for_o my_o own_o though_o i_o never_o die_v for_o he_o though_o i_o be_v never_o crucify_v for_o he_o yet_o he_o obey_v i_o rather_o than_o christ_n therefore_o i_o require_v my_o own_o call_v then_o to_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o thy_o friend_n and_o see_v if_o they_o can_v help_v thou_o when_o god_n shall_v say_v depart_v you_o curse_v will_v any_o say_v lord_n he_o shall_v not_o go_v i_o will_v deliver_v he_o i_o will_v rescue_v he_o i_o will_v make_v a_o atonement_n for_o he_o no_o but_o he_o must_v for_o ever_o perish_v and_o none_o can_v help_v he_o serm._n cvi_o of_o the_o encouragement_n a_o minister_n have_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o do_v good_a to_o a_o people_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 15._o and_o in_o this_o confidence_n i_o be_v mind_v to_o come_v unto_o you_o before_o that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o second_o benefit_n at_o this_o verse_n the_o apostle_n take_v a_o happy_a occasion_n for_o a_o transition_n to_o his_o apology_n or_o defence_n against_o that_o crime_n charge_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o false_a teacher_n non_fw-la saltat_fw-la say_v cajetan_n he_o do_v not_o leap_v fall_v upon_o this_o matter_n abrupt_o but_o the_o transition_n be_v very_o genuine_a paul_n it_o seem_v have_v promise_v to_o come_v to_o those_o corinthian_n but_o for_o weighty_a reason_n he_o defer_v his_o come_n hitherto_o the_o false_a teacher_n they_o wait_v for_o all_o advantage_n to_o calumniate_v he_o do_v upon_o this_o accuse_v he_o with_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n that_o with_o he_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o that_o he_o do_v purpose_n according_a to_o carnal_a respect_n accommodate_v himself_o to_o time_n and_o outward_a advantage_n now_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o zealous_a and_o vehement_a in_o vindicate_v of_o himself_o herein_o it_o be_v true_a piscator_fw-la do_v begin_v this_o apologetical_a discourse_n at_o the_o 12_o ver._n but_o it_o seem_v more_o genuine_a to_o make_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o at_o this_o verse_n estius_n do_v well_o observe_v that_o while_n paul_n be_v speak_v in_o the_o commendation_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o conversation_n he_o do_v use_v the_o plural_a number_n join_v other_o with_o he_o to_o avoid_v envy_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o this_o apologetical_a part_n be_v charge_v with_o a_o heinous_a crime_n he_o use_v the_o singular_a number_n and_o speak_v of_o himself_o only_o in_o the_o word_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n first_o of_o paul_n resolution_n 2._o the_o motive_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o time_n 4._o the_o end_n and_o 5._o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o verse_n follow_v his_o resolution_n be_v set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_v mind_v to_o come_v unto_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o signify_v such_o a_o resolution_n and_o purpose_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o good_a advice_n and_o deliberation_n it_o be_v not_o a_o rash_a sudden_a or_o presumptuous_a decree_n but_o make_v upon_o good_a ground_n though_o afterward_o he_o have_v cause_n to_o change_v his_o mind_n from_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o say_v the_o word_n bulla_n be_v derive_v as_o be_v his_o wise_a decree_n and_o purpose_n but_o seldom_o be_v there_o either_o wisdom_n or_o righteousness_n therein_o 2._o there_o be_v the_o motive_n in_o this_o confidence_n viz._n which_o be_v mention_v before_o of_o their_o mutual_a rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o whereby_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o may_v do_v much_o good_a among_o they_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o word_n already_o this_o he_o speak_v to_o show_v that_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o come_n to_o they_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o love_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v they_o good_a 3._o the_o time_n when_o and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o some_o make_v it_o a_o trajection_n as_o if_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o purpose_n he_o have_v before_o determine_v other_o to_o his_o come_n to_o he_o as_o if_o this_o come_n shall_v have_v be_v long_o before_o but_o there_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n in_o either_o construction_n though_o beza_n and_o grotius_n go_v the_o former_a way_n if_o you_o say_v do_v the_o apostle_n then_o change_v his_o mind_n do_v he_o alter_v his_o purpose_n if_o so_o will_v not_o this_o call_n in_o question_n all_o his_o apostolical_a doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o be_v to_o answer_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o his_o apology_n at_o the_o 23_o verse_n he_o there_o plain_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o make_v he_o forbear_v his_o come_n not_o any_o levity_n or_o inconstancy_n in_o he_o but_o their_o sinfulness_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o execute_v that_o apostolical_a severity_n among_o they_o as_o they_o deserve_v of_o which_o in_o its_o time_n last_o there_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v whole_o spiritual_a that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o second_o benefit_n it_o be_v for_o their_o good_a not_o his_o own_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o motive_n in_o this_o confidence_n of_o your_o kindness_n and_o love_n as_o also_o of_o my_o do_v good_a to_o you_o i_o purpose_v to_o come_v to_o you_o observe_v that_o where_o a_o faithful_a minister_n have_v good_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o do_v good_a remain_v to_o a_o people_n there_o be_v great_a encouragement_n of_o abide_v with_o such_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o these_o very_a corinthian_n god_n in_o a_o vision_n to_o paul_n act._n 18._o 10._o command_v he_o to_o stay_v at_o corinth_n and_o not_o be_v afraid_a which_o he_o do_v a_o year_n and_o half_a long_o than_o usual_o he_o do_v any_o where_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v much_o people_n in_o that_o city_n to_o be_v gather_v to_o god_n oh_o how_o rejoice_v be_v it_o to_o a_o faithful_a minister_n when_o he_o see_v god_n have_v convert_v work_n edify_v work_n for_o he_o to_o do_v among_o such_o a_o people_n thus_o you_o have_v also_o paul_n resolve_v upon_o his_o tarry_n at_o ephesus_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 9_o and_o why_o so_o a_o great_a and_o effectual_a door_n be_v open_v to_o i_o he_o do_v see_v a_o likelihood_n of_o much_o spiritual_a good_a to_o be_v do_v and_o this_o make_v he_o willing_a to_o abide_v there_o to_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o this_o truth_n consider_v first_o that_o all_o people_n both_o by_o nature_n and_o custom_n have_v a_o door_n fast_o bolt_v against_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miracle_n for_o christ_n by_o the_o christ_n preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o hearer_n as_o it_o be_v when_o he_o come_v in_o to_o his_o disciple_n the_o door_n be_v shut_v yea_o here_o be_v a_o door_n upon_o a_o door_n a_o bolt_n upon_o a_o bolt_n there_o be_v first_o their_o native_a corruption_n and_o by_o this_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o preach_a be_v like_o hoot_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n shall_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n change_n and_o prepare_v the_o heart_n of_o hearer_n this_o be_v the_o inward_a door_n and_o then_o there_o be_v a_o outward_a door_n which_o be_v custom_n and_o continuance_n in_o sin_v and_o this_o also_o harden_v against_o the_o ministry_n therefore_o people_n be_v to_o tremble_v under_o this_o contrariety_n to_o their_o own_o spiritual_a good_a remember_v that_o as_o you_o have_v a_o door_n shut_v now_o against_o the_o gospel_n so_o god_n will_v one_o day_n have_v a_o door_n shut_v against_o you_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o that_o although_o you_o shall_v cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v grant_v you_o luke_n 13_o 25._o as_o much_o entreat_v as_o we_o make_v to_o you_o now_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n so_o much_o will_v you_o one_o day_n use_v that_o christ_n will_v receive_v you_o now_o we_o knock_v and_o cry_v and_o importune_v that_o you_o open_v the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o than_o you_o shall_v howl_v and_o cry_v to_o christ_n to_o open_v the_o door_n and_o gate_n of_o heaven_n second_o because_o man_n be_v thus_o shut_v up_o against_o the_o word_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o neither_o any_o tractableness_n or_o suppose_a probity_n in_o any_o people_n nor_o
mutable_a and_o inconstant_a principle_n he_o can_v never_o be_v serviceable_a to_o god_n for_o this_o debase_v he_o before_o man_n this_o make_v he_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a and_o thereby_o like_o a_o break_a vessel_n that_o be_v of_o no_o use_n four_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o be_v thus_o inconstant_a in_o our_o word_n because_o it_o be_v a_o tongue_n abuse_n of_o our_o tongue_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o man_n glory_n though_o some_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o soul_n now_o for_o thy_o glory_n to_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o have_v thy_o tongue_n account_v a_o lie_a tongue_n a_o double_a tongue_n a_o false_a tongue_n this_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o thy_o wickedness_n last_o as_o god_n do_v threaten_v to_o punish_v lie_v and_o deceitful_a tongue_n so_o he_o do_v sincerity_n gracious_o encourage_v all_o such_o as_o be_v of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o work_n a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o abomination_n which_o god_n hate_v prov._n 6._o 17._o as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o merciful_o do_v god_n encourage_v some_o isa_n 63._o 8._o for_o he_o say_v sure_o they_o be_v my_o people_n child_n that_o will_v not_o lie_v so_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n so_o that_o if_o all_o these_o particular_n be_v lay_v together_o we_o may_v see_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o add_v righteousness_n to_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v as_o christ_n who_o lip_n be_v without_o guile_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o man_n oh_o this_o will_v afford_v thou_o great_a comfort_n this_o will_v assure_v thou_o that_o thy_o religion_n be_v not_o hypocrisy_n it_o be_v easy_a perform_n multitude_n of_o duty_n then_o to_o walk_v thus_o upright_o towards_o man_n they_o may_v be_v do_v with_o more_o ease_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yea_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fuel_n to_o thy_o hearts-pride_n and_o self-applause_n but_o this_o tend_v real_o to_o mortify_v sin_n within_o thou_o and_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n serm._n cxi_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o lightness_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 17._o when_o i_o therefore_o be_v thus_o mind_v do_v i_o use_v lightness_n we_o have_v treat_v of_o lightness_n and_o inconstarcy_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o civil_a thing_n whether_o in_o our_o word_n promise_n or_o deal_n between_o man_n and_o man_n this_o you_o hear_v be_v both_o a_o sin_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o religion_n yea_o unrighteousness_n and_o falsehood_n in_o these_o outward_a affair_n be_v so_o great_a sin_n that_o many_o time_n they_o make_v the_o great_a wound_n in_o our_o conscience_n and_o experience_n confirm_v it_o that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v to_o god_n and_o make_v sensible_a of_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o his_o unrighteousness_n do_v most_o trouble_n his_o conscience_n it_o be_v long_a ever_o he_o get_v the_o pardon_n of_o these_o in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o such_o unfaithfulness_n in_o word_n and_o deal_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o our_o conscience_n even_o heathen_n have_v be_v able_a to_o judge_n such_o thing_n great_a sin_n now_o what_o be_v do_v against_o natural_a light_n that_o make_v a_o great_a gash_n in_o the_o conscience_n hence_o the_o omission_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v mere_o know_v by_o supernatural_a light_n be_v not_o so_o grievous_a to_o we_o as_o when_o a_o humble_a brokenhearted_a sinner_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n to_o rest_v his_o soul_n upon_o he_o for_o justification_n how_o hardly_o be_v such_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n bring_v to_o judge_v that_o unbelief_n herein_o be_v a_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n that_o god_n be_v provoke_v hereby_o that_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o we_o make_v christ_n of_o none_o effect_v so_o that_o when_o such_o a_o wound_a conscience_n can_v complain_v of_o its_o former_a unrighteous_a unjust_a and_o sinful_a way_n it_o once_o live_v in_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n bewail_v that_o great_a sin_n of_o unbelief_n its_o frowardness_n and_o slavishness_n that_o it_o do_v not_o receive_v christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n yea_o it_o rather_o judge_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o keep_v off_o from_o a_o promise_n and_o to_o question_v whether_o christ_n will_v receive_v such_o a_o wretched_a sinner_n as_o he_o feel_v himself_o to_o be_v by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o cause_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o how_o hardly_o be_v they_o heal_v how_o long_o may_v it_o be_v ere_o thy_o conscience_n may_v be_v pacify_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o kind_n of_o inconstancy_n which_o be_v of_o a_o great_a guilt_n faith_n because_o express_v in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o relation_n even_o to_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o off_o and_o on_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o proclaim_v our_o wretchedness_n and_o first_o there_o be_v a_o inconstancy_n in_o our_o faith_n when_o we_o do_v light_o and_o uncertain_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a for_o one_o faith_n one_o week_n and_o another_o faith_n another_o week_n this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a frame_n of_o soul_n when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n neither_o have_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n in_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v ephes_n 4._o 4._o be_v like_o a_o child_n toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n such_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 16._o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a in_o the_o number_n of_o these_o light_n and_o inconstant_a person_n we_o may_v reckon_v the_o galatian_n when_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o their_o sudden_a apostasy_n gal._n 1._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o unto_o another_o gospel_n they_o be_v ready_a for_o another_o gospel_n for_o other_o teacher_n who_o former_o have_v receive_v the_o apostle_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n yea_o as_o jesus_n christ_n this_o lightness_n also_o be_v manifest_v in_o some_o of_o christ_n disciple_n john_n 6._o 60_o 61._o who_o upon_o their_o misunderstanding_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n judge_v they_o hard_o and_o absurd_a from_o that_o time_n go_v back_o from_o he_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o and_o true_o be_v not_o these_o time_n a_o sad_a instance_n of_o the_o lightness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o many_o man_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o how_o many_o man_n religion_n may_v you_o find_v yea_o and_o nay_o how_o many_o be_v destroy_v that_o which_o once_o they_o do_v build_v now_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o inconstancy_n for_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o do_v so_o autoritative_o bring_v the_o understanding_n into_o obedience_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o dare_v not_o give_v way_n to_o doubt_n and_o plausible_a objection_n of_o deceitful_a man_n any_o more_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 11._o 1._o give_v we_o a_o full_a description_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o quiet_v and_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n for_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o ehe_fw-ge evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o have_v but_o a_o mere_a apearancy_n as_o meteor_n or_o rather_o as_o colour_n in_o the_o rainbow_n and_o true_o many_o man_n faith_n have_v no_o subsistency_n at_o all_o it_o be_v only_o in_o their_o fancy_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o scepticism_n introduce_v into_o religion_n as_o be_v once_o into_o philosophy_n but_o faith_n do_v consolidate_v the_o soul_n and_o establish_v it_o upon_o scripture-ground_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o unmoveable_a the_o other_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o demonstration_n that_o do_v even_o necessitate_v the_o understanding_n to_o give_v assent_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o refuse_v it_o thus_o also_o it_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n believe_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n through_o the_o word_n so_o convince_v the_o heart_n that_o no_o demonstration_n in_o science_n nor_o object_n to_o sense_n can_v be_v more_o potent_a to_o persuade_v oh_o then_o take_v heed_n of_o inconstancy_n in_o principle_n of_o faith_n this_o will_v argue_v thou_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n that_o thou_o do_v believe_v such_o doctrine_n only_o upon_o humane_a motive_n and_o deceitful_a ground_n
hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n even_o in_o those_o point_n that_o be_v more_o controversal_a and_o disputeable_a rom._n 14._o 5._o how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v we_o to_o be_v persuade_v full_o in_o our_o mind_n concern_v those_o truth_n that_o be_v fundamental_a and_o do_v so_o immediate_o concern_v our_o salvation_n this_o uncertainty_n then_o this_o yea_o and_o nay_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n arise_v from_o a_o mere_a humane_a faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v carry_v out_o to_o believe_v these_o thing_n upon_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v his_o alcoran_n education_n custom_n and_o universality_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n whereas_o a_o divine_a faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a it_o be_v that_o which_o lift_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n as_o god_n word_n though_o man_n have_v never_o such_o part_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o can_v believe_v it_o unless_o enable_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o again_o divine_a faith_n have_v also_o a_o divine_a motive_n the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o man_n say_v so_o but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v thus_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n 2_o 13._o be_v commend_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o then_o when_o a_o man_n faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o establish_v upon_o divine_a authority_n than_o it_o become_v more_o immovable_a than_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o as_o god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o his_o word_n be_v always_o the_o same_o so_o be_v divine_a faith_n this_o then_o all_o be_v to_o labour_v for_o be_v even_o a_o full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o instability_n herein_o we_o see_v the_o martyr_n can_v not_o by_o any_o terrible_a menace_n or_o fair_a promise_n be_v draw_v of_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n they_o have_v embrace_v and_o be_v it_o not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o powerful_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o divine_a motive_n such_o as_o can_v not_o fail_v 2._o in_o matter_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n for_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v very_o sad_a repentance_n and_o dreadful_a to_o show_v inconstancy_n to_o be_v yea_o and_o nay_o in_o this_o respect_n sometime_o to_o mourn_v and_o complain_v of_o they_o and_o at_o another_o time_n to_o wallow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o mire_n again_o how_o terrible_a be_v this_o but_o yet_o how_o frequent_o do_v it_o fall_v out_o so_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o mock_v god_n and_o dally_v with_o our_o soul_n in_o time_n of_o affliction_n or_o under_o quick_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v then_o afraid_a of_o sin_n then_o to_o bewail_v sin_n then_o to_o resolve_v against_o sin_n but_o when_o this_o fear_n be_v over_o then_o to_o embrace_v our_o dalilah_n again_o there_o be_v few_o sinner_n but_o they_o come_v under_o this_o crime_n of_o inconstancy_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o many_o do_v not_o always_o continue_v in_o a_o obstinate_a senseless_a way_n they_o find_v some_o thawing_n and_o melt_n of_o heart_n with_o pharaoh_n and_o therefore_o cry_v out_o that_o god_n be_v righteous_a and_o they_o be_v sinner_n and_o they_o resolve_v to_o let_v their_o lust_n go_v as_o pharaoh_n do_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n but_o they_o quick_o change_v their_o resolution_n again_o such_o therefore_o as_o find_v these_o yea_o and_o nay_o these_o ebbing_n and_o flow_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v what_o a_o high_a provocation_n this_o inconstancy_n be_v of_o god_n against_o their_o soul_n this_o unsteadfastness_n be_v often_o complain_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o grasshopper_n that_o leap_v up_o on_o high_a from_o the_o ground_n but_o then_o settle_v on_o it_o present_o again_o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o idol_n they_o call_v upon_o god_n but_o then_o prove_v like_o a_o deceitful_a bow_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o epidemical_a sin_n what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o be_v soul-sick_a to_o be_v conscience-smitten_a under_o some_o sermon_n or_o some_o sad_a affliction_n and_o fear_n but_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o have_v reubens_n curse_v upon_o their_o soul_n unstable_a like_o water_n upon_o which_o you_o make_v any_o impression_n but_o it_o receive_v none_o it_o be_v one_o of_o solomon_n wonderful_a thing_n that_o leave_v no_o footstep_n to_o be_v observe_v a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n none_o can_v tell_v which_o way_n it_o pass_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o they_o sin_n and_o they_o repent_v and_o they_o repent_v and_o sin_n insomuch_o that_o when_o you_o see_v they_o overcome_v with_o their_o old_a lust_n and_o passion_n will_v you_o think_v they_o be_v ever_o the_o man_n that_o pray_v so_o that_o resolve_v so_o you_o can_v see_v the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o repentance_n now_o that_o all_o may_v be_v afraid_a of_o such_o lightness_n sin_n and_o uncertainty_n it_o be_v good_a to_o consider_v these_o particular_n first_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n at_o any_o time_n for_o thou_o to_o look_v upon_o thy_o sin_n as_o bitter_a and_o terrible_a the_o same_o will_v hold_v at_o all_o time_n oh_o the_o time_n have_v be_v when_o in_o thy_o thought_n such_o sin_n thou_o have_v commit_v be_v intolerable_a the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v as_o gall_v and_o wormwood_n thou_o do_v cry_v out_o take_v they_o away_o or_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pardon_v they_o now_o do_v but_o consider_v be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n still_o to_o think_v so_o be_v sin_n grow_v any_o better_a be_v it_o less_o damn_v be_v it_o less_o sinful_a to_o god_n then_o it_o be_v former_o know_v then_o sin_n be_v not_o alter_v that_o be_v have_v as_o terrible_a guilt_n as_o ever_o but_o thou_o be_v change_v those_o conviction_n those_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o happy_o now_o upon_o thou_o they_o be_v witdraw_v and_o thou_o be_v leave_v to_o thy_o own_o natural_a corrupt_a self_n remember_v then_o thyself_o say_v the_o time_n be_v no_o serpent_n or_o toad_n be_v more_o odious_a to_o i_o than_o my_o sin_n the_o time_n be_v when_o night_n and_o day_n they_o be_v a_o burden_n and_o torment_v to_o i_o but_o now_o they_o grieve_v i_o not_o they_o trouble_v i_o not_o sin_n be_v not_o change_v but_o i_o be_o change_v 2._o consider_v this_o for_o thou_o to_o sin_n after_o such_o conviction_n and_o terror_n do_v admit_v great_a of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n because_o it_o be_v do_v against_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o bitterness_n thereof_o it_o be_v commit_v against_o more_o experimental_a and_o practical_a knowledge_n which_o make_v any_o sin_n to_o be_v exceed_o sinful_a those_o senseless_a wicked_a man_n who_o run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o impiety_n and_o have_v no_o trouble_n of_o heart_n they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o can_v tell_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o bitter_a and_o evil_a thing_n or_o no_o to_o depart_v from_o god_n they_o indeed_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n say_v that_o though_o sin_n be_v sweet_a yet_o at_o last_o it_o will_v bite_v like_o a_o adder_n and_o sting_v like_o a_o serpent_n they_o hear_v they_o say_v that_o the_o evil_n of_o sin_n be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o evil_n of_o any_o punishment_n and_o torment_n but_o they_o think_v they_o word_n only_o they_o never_o have_v any_o experience_n or_o taste_v of_o any_o sech_v bitterness_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o thou_o thou_o have_v have_v wound_n in_o thy_o heart_n the_o terror_n of_o god_n have_v fall_v upon_o thou_o the_o law_n have_v appear_v in_o its_o accuse_v and_o condemn_v power_n therefore_o thou_o be_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a who_o will_v run_v into_o this_o fire_n when_o thou_o have_v be_v burn_v with_o it_o yea_o with_o this_o taste_n there_o have_v be_v practical_a light_n and_o experimental_a knowleg_n and_o therefore_o thy_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v but_o confuse_a and_o weak_a in_o respect_n of_o a_o practical_a and_o experimental_a one_o hence_o wicked_a man_n be_v say_v not_o to_o know_v god_n because_o they_o have_v only_o a_o general_a knowledge_n they_o do_v not_o practical_o improve_v this_o so_o as_o to_o love_n god_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o if_o then_o thou_o have_v be_v in_o the_o
prepare_v themselves_o to_o be_v combustible_a matter_n in_o hell_n indeed_o a_o modest_a and_o humble_a enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n preach_v as_o the_o berean_o do_v about_o paul_n preach_v be_v allow_v and_o commendable_a but_o a_o froward_a cavil_v disposition_n indispose_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v like_o some_o fret_a humour_n in_o the_o eye_n which_o hinder_v the_o sight_n 2._o we_o then_o do_v sinful_o oppose_v the_o ministry_n when_o we_o strive_v and_o contend_v with_o they_o sin_n because_o of_o their_o zealous_a and_o faithful_a reprove_v and_o withstand_v the_o course_n of_o sin_n because_o a_o minister_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o sin_n to_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a humiliation_n because_o of_o they_o because_o he_o will_v recover_v thou_o out_o of_o those_o damnable_a way_n thou_o live_v in_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o thou_o cry_v down_o the_o ministry_n and_o their_o labour_n this_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o most_o man_n calumny_n and_o malice_n because_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o convince_a word_n a_o reprove_a word_n a_o discover_v word_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o wrethchedness_n which_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o thy_o soul_n can_v endure_v the_o messenger_n thereof_o this_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o be_v wicked_a but_o diabolica_o wicked_a and_o yet_o if_o many_o despiser_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v ask_v what_o be_v it_o that_o move_v they_o to_o such_o despite_n against_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v but_o for_o shame_n speak_v that_o which_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n viz._n that_o the_o ministry_n discover_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v that_o be_v speak_v only_o evil_a and_o damnation_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v abide_v it_o but_o woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n who_o strive_v with_o a_o minister_n do_v his_o duty_n that_o because_o he_o tell_v thou_o the_o truth_n he_o deal_v faithful_o with_o thy_o soul_n therefore_o thou_o do_v become_v a_o enemy_n to_o he_o consider_v that_o place_n hos_fw-la 4._o 4._o let_v no_o man_n reprove_v another_o for_o this_o people_n be_v as_o they_o that_o strive_v with_o the_o priest_n the_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o reprove_v the_o wicked_a man_n of_o israel_n any_o more_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o bring_v they_o balm_n or_o spiritual_a medicine_n for_o they_o be_v a_o incurable_a people_n why_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v in_o that_o they_o strive_v with_o the_o priest_n they_o will_v not_o et_fw-fr he_o do_v his_o duty_n if_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o sin_n if_o he_o set_v against_o their_o iniquity_n they_o rise_v up_o as_o proud_o against_o he_o as_o the_o sodomite_n do_v against_o lot_n their_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n by_o this_o you_o see_v it_o be_v a_o property_n of_o a_o desperate_a and_o incurable_a people_n when_o they_o strive_v with_o their_o church-officer_n in_o do_v of_o their_o duty_n indeed_o if_o minister_n shall_v pervert_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o heresy_n superstition_n and_o profaneness_n to_o exalt_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n than_o they_o be_v in_o all_o lawful_a and_o wise_a way_n to_o strive_v with_o they_o even_o as_o child_n may_v in_o some_o case_n reprove_v their_o parent_n who_o be_v desperate_o set_v to_o damn_v their_o soul_n provide_v they_o show_v that_o reverence_n and_o humility_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o text_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o papist_n who_o charge_v our_o reformer_n that_o they_o do_v strive_v with_o the_o pope_n and_o their_o bishop_n refuse_v submission_n to_o they_o for_o their_o canonist_n have_v a_o say_n that_o if_o the_o pope_n shall_v draw_v thousand_o of_o soul_n to_o hell_n none_o may_v say_v unto_o he_o why_o do_v thou_o so_o but_o this_o place_n will_v not_o be_v a_o sanctuary_n to_o they_o for_o if_o we_o take_v the_o ordinary_a exposition_n and_o common_a one_o which_o i_o have_v give_v there_o be_v another_o by-learned_n man_n who_o make_v direct_o against_o they_o it_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o people_n who_o do_v sinful_o strive_v with_o the_o messenger_n of_o god_n because_o they_o reprove_v sin_n and_o zealous_o do_v their_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o sinful_a opposition_n that_o can_v be_v no_o contest_v with_o the_o ministry_n be_v so_o heinous_a as_o when_o it_o come_v upon_o this_o account_n these_o be_v like_o frenetique_a man_n who_o fight_v with_o their_o physician_n in_o other_o disease_n common_o man_n send_v for_o physician_n they_o desire_v their_o help_n but_o the_o mad_a man_n he_o will_v ne_fw-mi re_fw-mi send_v for_o any_o and_o if_o any_o be_v bring_v to_o he_o he_o rage_v at_o they_o thus_o do_v such_o wicked_a man_n and_o so_o be_v like_o a_o ground_n historian_n speak_v of_o that_o be_v dry_a by_o the_o rain_n that_o fall_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o more_o drought_n the_o more_o moisture_n 3._o then_o we_o sinful_o reflect_v upon_o the_o ministry_n when_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o person_n we_o doctrine_n cast_v upon_o their_o office_n and_o doctrine_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v paul_n so_o di_o ligent_fw-la and_o zealous_a in_o this_o text_n have_v it_o be_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o name_n he_o will_v more_o patient_o have_v bear_v it_o but_o when_o they_o come_v hereby_o to_o disparage_v his_o doctrine_n to_o call_v that_o in_o question_n than_o he_o can_v no_o long_o bear_v it_o take_v heed_n then_o of_o this_o disposition_n upon_o any_o evil_n or_o failling_n in_o they_o present_o to_o fall_v upon_o the_o call_v immediate_o to_o dislike_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v for_o though_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o we_o be_v natural_o ready_a ex_fw-la personis_fw-la probare_fw-la fidem_fw-la not_o ex_fw-la fide_fw-la personas_fw-la we_o be_v ready_a to_o like_v and_o approve_v of_o faith_n as_o we_o approve_v of_o man_n person_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o fail_v or_o weakness_n be_v see_v in_o they_o we_o present_o charge_v their_o doctrine_n with_o it_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n have_v refuse_v all_o that_o peter_n say_v think_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o he_o preach_v because_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o temptation_n he_o deny_v christ_n what_o shall_v a_o man_n exclaim_v at_o paul_n and_o say_v we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o preach_v for_o he_o be_v once_o as_o hot_a and_o zealous_a for_o the_o contrary_a way_n oh_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o ungodly_a judgement_n the_o truth_n be_v christ_n truth_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n however_o man_n may_v fail_v 4._o this_o be_v still_o the_o more_o abominable_a when_o man_n take_v false_a rumour_n and_o slander_n surmise_n up_o or_o go_v upon_o their_o own_o surmise_n and_o conjecture_n and_o thereby_o refuse_v the_o ministry_n for_o this_o be_v paul_n case_n he_o have_v just_a ground_n as_o be_v in_o time_n to_o be_v show_v why_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o they_o as_o he_o promise_v it_o be_v to_o spare_v they_o as_o he_o say_v v_o 23._o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o yet_o how_o ready_o do_v they_o make_v a_o occasion_n to_o bring_v paul_n doctrine_n out_o of_o credit_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o this_o for_o man_n to_o feign_v reason_n and_o pretend_v many_o absurd_a argument_n to_o vilify_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o yet_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n if_o you_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o man_n be_v so_o apt_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o first_o wicked_a man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n they_o be_v act_v by_o he_o and_o his_o work_n they_o do_v now_o his_o great_a work_n be_v to_o destroy_v that_o which_o if_o suffer_v will_v destroy_v he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n we_o may_v read_v in_o paul_n commission_n act._n 26._o 18._o which_o be_v to_o open_a man_n eye_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o devil_n in_o all_o age_n tempt_v man_n to_o this_o sin_n rather_o than_o other_o for_o hereby_o his_o kingdom_n will_v be_v lift_v up_o so_o that_o as_o the_o physician_n be_v never_o quiet_a till_o they_o have_v deprive_v samson_n of_o that_o which_o be_v his_o strength_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n ever_o at_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v remove_v that_o strength_n christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o destroy_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 2._o man_n be_v carry_v
be_v apply_v to_o you_o how_o can_v you_o have_v comfort_n if_o you_o live_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v chase_v away_o this_o comfort_n if_o we_o preach_v never_o such_o comfortable_a truth_n if_o thou_o by_o thy_o negligence_n and_o unmortified_a walk_v do_v deprive_v thyself_o of_o consolation_n then_o know_v the_o blame_n lie_v in_o thyself_o and_o not_o in_o the_o ministry_n thou_o cry_v give_v i_o a_o word_n of_o comfort_n how_o can_v we_o comfort_v he_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v comfort_v serm._n cxlvii_o god_n only_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o for_o by_o faith_n you_o stand_v this_o last_o clause_n say_v calvin_n other_o interpreter_n either_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o or_o else_o do_v not_o clear_o instruct_v about_o it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o causal_n particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o something_o precede_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o reason_n those_o interpreter_n that_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v divide_v some_o do_v make_v it_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o word_n immediate_o forego_v paul_n be_v a_o helper_n of_o their_o joy_n because_o they_o stand_v firm_o in_o the_o faith_n for_o although_o there_o be_v some_o who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v it_o puhlike_o profess_v by_o they_o it_o be_v true_a many_o abuse_n there_o be_v in_o practice_n both_o civil_a and_o religious_a yet_o because_o they_o do_v firm_o retain_v the_o true_a faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o whole_o cast_v they_o off_o as_o no_o church_n their_o true_a doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v make_v he_o the_o more_o hopeful_a of_o they_o and_o certain_o the_o pure_a sound_a faith_n profess_v by_o a_o church_n though_o otherwise_o great_o corrupt_v make_v it_o to_o have_v the_o essence_n and_o life_n of_o a_o church_n and_o withal_o suggest_v hope_n that_o god_n in_o time_n will_v make_v they_o a_o holy_a practical_a church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sound_a orthodox_n one_o hence_o paul_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n c._n 3._o v._n 5_o 6_o 7._o do_v much_o rejoice_v in_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o stand_v steadfast_a therein_o when_o i_o can_v no_o long_o forbear_v i_o send_v to_o know_v your_o faith_n as_o also_o timotheus_n bring_v he_o glad_a tiding_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o again_o we_o be_v comfort_v in_o our_o affliction_n by_o your_o faith_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v very_o probable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v whole_o reject_v but_o then_o a_o second_o be_v more_o probable_a and_o that_o make_v it_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n we_o have_v not_o dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n for_o by_o faith_n you_o stand_v steadfast_a insomuch_o that_o if_o i_o paul_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v unto_o you_o another_o doctrine_n yet_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o god_n truth_n and_o not_o man_n truth_n so_o that_o god_n alone_o have_v the_o dominion_n over_o your_o heart_n in_o believe_v thus_o it_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a and_o proper_a reason_n hence_o heinsius_n think_v there_o be_v a_o transposition_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v usual_a with_o paul_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v before_o the_o late_a clause_n thus_o not_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n for_o by_o faith_n you_o stand_v whether_o we_o read_v it_o objective_o you_o stand_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o instrumental_o by_o faith_n you_o stand_v it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a neither_o be_v we_o to_o render_v it_o in_o the_o past_a signification_n you_o have_v stand_v because_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o greek_a as_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v imply_v they_o former_o have_v indeed_o stand_v in_o the_o faith_n though_o late_o they_o grow_v waver_v for_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o use_v the_o preterperfect_a for_o the_o present_a especial_o when_o a_o continuance_n or_o perseverance_n be_v intend_v as_o matth._n 20_o why_o stand_v you_o here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d idle_a all_o the_o day_n long_o both_o these_o interpretation_n may_v be_v conjoin_v but_o because_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o most_o considerable_a therefore_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o that_o and_o observe_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o do_v respect_n and_o relate_v god_n unto_o god_n only_o we_o believe_v not_o in_o man_n but_o in_o god_n whether_o we_o speak_v of_o dogmatical_a or_o fiducial_a faith_n they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o bottom_n to_o stand_v upon_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n thus_o it_o be_v write_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o truth_n deserve_v explication_n in_o some_o particular_a proposition_n as_o first_o there_o be_v a_o humane_a and_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n which_o only_o deserve_v faith_n the_o name_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o which_o only_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v a_o humane_a faith_n i_o call_v that_o when_o man_n do_v believe_v principle_n of_o religion_n mere_o upon_o humane_a motive_n that_o be_v the_o ultimate_a reason_n and_o motive_n into_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v resolve_v these_o humane_a motive_n be_v manifold_a as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o minister_n and_o pastor_n our_o education_n by_o parent_n custom_n and_o universality_n as_o also_o the_o law_n and_o edict_n of_o a_o magistrate_n command_v such_o a_o religion_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o no_o other_o now_o whosoever_o make_v this_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v upon_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o the_o turk_n be_v for_o their_o mahometan_a the_o papist_n for_o their_o popish_a faith_n insomuch_o that_o many_o protestant_n turk_n and_o papist_n though_o they_o exceed_o differ_v in_o the_o material_n of_o religion_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o formali_fw-la motivo_fw-la they_o believe_v so_o and_o so_o because_o bring_v up_o in_o it_o because_o command_v by_o their_o civil_a magistrate_n it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o papist_n upbraid_v we_o with_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o parliament-religion_n or_o a_o queen_n elizabeths-religion_n because_o when_o they_o establish_v it_o the_o land_n general_o receive_v it_o now_o to_o this_o we_o say_v that_o no_o doubt_n the_o generality_n of_o people_n except_o such_o as_o be_v enlighten_v by_o god_n spirit_n do_v receive_v even_o the_o christian_n or_o true_a religion_n but_o upon_o civil_a and_o humane_a respect_n and_o therefore_o when_o emperor_n have_v be_v arrian_n the_o people_n have_v be_v arrian_n when_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v idolater_n the_o inhabitant_n become_v idolater_n and_o thus_o when_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v papist_n the_o people_n have_v be_v papist_n also_o so_o that_o they_o can_v object_v any_o thing_n more_o against_o the_o protestant_a religion_n than_o we_o may_v against_o the_o papist_n only_o we_o add_v a_o further_a position_n which_o introduce_v a_o divirâ—e_a faith_n which_o they_o overthrow_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n teach_v no_o more_o than_o a_o lumane_a faith_n for_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o private_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o explicit_a faith_n of_o the_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o faith_n we_o say_v be_v knowledge_n the_o ground_n whereof_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o magistrate_n nor_o in_o minister_n nor_o in_o the_o church_n trust_v our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n upon_o they_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o whereas_o the_o papist_n do_v express_o affirm_v that_o a_o private_a christian_n faith_n be_v enough_o to_o salvation_n if_o he_o content_v himself_o with_o this_o that_o he_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v never_o trouble_v himself_o in_o read_v of_o book_n or_o search_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o valentia_n know_a instance_n of_o a_o merchant_n bring_v in_o by_o he_o dispute_v what_o religion_n he_o shall_v be_v of_o do_v evident_o declare_v so_o then_o a_o papist_n as_o a_o papist_n can_v reach_v any_o high_a than_o to_o a_o humane_a faith_n for_o though_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o humane_a authority_n yet_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n do_v full_o convince_v that_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o our_o own_o people_n and_o sad_o bewail_v the_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n of_o protestant_n in_o general_a who_o be_v not_o move_v by_o any_o divine_a motive_n or_o scripture-respect_n to_o embrace_v
for_o the_o future_a consideration_n clear_v the_o truth_n 1._o though_o we_o have_v oft_o have_v experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n yet_o every_o new_a trouble_n be_v ready_a to_o startle_v we_o 2._o though_o the_o promise_n be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o our_o trust_n yet_o experience_n do_v much_o promote_v faith_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n calm_a even_o to_o exercise_v trust_n in_o god_n for_o the_o future_a 4._o the_o future_a good_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o be_v both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a object_n answer_n 1._o there_o be_v motive_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n from_o both_o the_o personal_a and_o general_a privilege_n of_o believer_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o opposite_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n 1._o presumption_n sign_n of_o presumption_n 1._o when_o we_o walk_v not_o by_o scripture-light_n 2._o when_o we_o be_v confident_a without_o a_o promise_n 3._o when_o we_o separate_v the_o mean_n from_o the_o end_n 4._o when_o we_o use_v false_a mean_n 5._o when_o we_o think_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n to_o obtain_v grace_n and_o glory_n 2._o despair_n whence_o despair_n arise_v 1._o from_o low_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o 1._o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n 3._o of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n 2._o from_o wrong_a apprehension_n about_o our_o sin_n 3._o this_o grace_n of_o trust_v in_o god_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v perfect_a here_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o to_o separate_v god_n power_n and_o goodness_n from_o the_o mean_v require_v how_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n work_v together_o 1._o all_o god_n spiritual_a mercy_n have_v many_o thing_n concurrent_a before_o they_o be_v accomplish_v 2._o the_o oppose_v of_o these_o requisite_n one_o against_o another_o have_v breed_v much_o confusion_n and_o error_n how_o we_o shall_v rely_v whole_o upon_o christ_n and_o yet_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o how_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o we_o do_v or_o no._n 1._o when_o we_o acknowledge_v whatsoever_o we_o have_v to_o come_v from_o christ_n 2._o when_o we_o attribute_v no_o merit_n or_o causality_n to_o the_o mean_n 3._o when_o we_o rest_v upon_o christ_n only_o for_o our_o justification_n 4._o when_o we_o put_v no_o trust_n or_o confidence_n in_o the_o mean_n 5._o we_o dishonour_v god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n when_o we_o think_v we_o profit_v he_o thereby_o the_o most_o eminent_a in_o gift_n and_o grace_n need_v the_o prayer_n of_o their_o inferior_n reason_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o many_o then_o one_o 2._o because_o the_o church_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o body_n who_o part_n stand_v in_o need_n one_o of_o another_o use_v people_n ought_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n consideration_n explain_v the_o truth_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o error_n of_o the_o socinian_o to_o say_v god_n command_v prayer_n only_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2._o no_o merit_n or_o confidence_n to_o be_v put_v in_o our_o prayer_n 3._o minister_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o people_n and_o people_n for_o their_o minister_n 4._o this_o suppose_v the_o people_n to_o be_v both_o gift_a and_o gracious_a 5._o many_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o people_n be_v to_o desire_v of_o god_n for_o their_o ministor_n 1._o that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v 2._o that_o their_o word_n may_v be_v suceesfull_a 3._o that_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n may_v be_v quicken_v 4._o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v whensoever_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n we_o be_v by_o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o acknowledge_v then_o to_o he_o what_o be_v require_v to_o the_o praise_v of_o god_n 1._o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o our_o mercy_n 2._o both_o the_o general_a and_o particular_a act_n of_o faith_n 3._o love_n to_o god_n 4._o heavenly_a mindedness_n 5._o chearfulnes_n motive_n to_o praise_n god_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n in_o that_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o debt_n due_a to_o god_n 4._o the_o chief_a motive_n be_v thankfulness_n 5._o a_o thankful_a heart_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a disposition_n to_o gospel_n dispensation_n 6._o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o rot_a heart_n our_o ordinary_a temporal_a enjoyment_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n 1._o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n be_v still_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o comfort_n that_o flow_v from_o moral_a cause_n be_v still_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n 3._o what_o we_o receive_v from_o man_n it_o be_v still_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n 4._o whatsoever_o we_o have_v by_o the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o other_o 5._o such_o thing_n as_o come_v upon_o we_o without_o our_o care_n reason_n why_o these_o be_v all_o god_n gift_n 1._o god_n be_v not_o necessitate_v to_o give_v they_o 2._o we_o have_v oft_o forseit_v they_o by_o our_o sin_n 3._o we_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o they_o not_o only_o personal_a but_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n reason_n 1._o hereby_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v more_o promote_v 2._o hereby_o our_o love_n to_o one_o another_o be_v much_o quicken_v 3._o god_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n present_v there_o 4._o herein_o the_o lively_a may_v prevail_v for_o the_o dull_a and_o indispose_v mercy_n vouch_v save_v to_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o church_n mercy_n a_o holy_a rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a what_o be_v require_v to_o our_o glory_v in_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n 1._o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o our_o grace_n 2._o a_o certain_a persuasion_n that_o we_o have_v they_o 3._o good_a ground_n and_o scripture-demonstration_n thereof_o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o what_o respect_n it_o be_v lawful_a thus_o to_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n 1._o as_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o god_n favour_n 2._o as_o they_o bear_v up_o our_o heart_n against_o all_o accusation_n either_o external_a or_o internal_a wherein_o this_o rejoice_v be_v unlawful_a 1._o when_o we_o rejoice_v in_o our_o grace_n as_o if_o they_o be_v perfect_a 2._o when_o we_o so_o rejoice_v in_o they_o as_o so_o rest_n upon_o they_o 3._o when_o we_o rejoice_v in_o they_o as_o come_n from_o ourselves_o not_o god_n the_o witness_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v great_a ground_n of_o comfort_n what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o good_a conscience_n 1._o that_o it_o witness_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o pure_a aim_n and_o intention_n 4._o inward_a sanctification_n what_o else_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o well-regulated_n conscience_n 1._o the_o witness_v and_o seal_v power_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o our_o conscience_n how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o witness_v with_o our_o conscience_n how_o it_o do_v 1._o effective_o 2._o objective_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o our_o conscience_n be_v right_o guide_v in_o witness_v to_o we_o 1._o a_o purpose_n to_o leave_v all_o know_a sin_n 2._o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o holy_a confidence_n in_o our_o approaching_n unto_o god_n 4._o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n 5._o self-denial_n 6._o delight_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n distinction_n concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n 1._o it_o be_v either_o particular_a or_o general_a 2._o it_o witness_v either_o perfection_n or_o sincerity_n 3._o conscience_n be_v either_o habitual_o enable_v or_o actual_o prepare_v to_o testify_v 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v either_o alone_a or_o relate_v to_o christ_n a_o believer_n may_v be_v assure_v he_o perform_v duty_n with_o a_o upright_a heart_n what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n 1._o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o word_n 2._o a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o themselves_o what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o experimental_a discern_v of_o our_o grace_n 1._o a_o humble_a heart_n 2._o a_o regular_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n 3._o a_o holy_a fear_n 4._o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n what_o be_v the_o hindrance_n which_o keep_v man_n from_o look_v after_o a_o assurance_n of_o their_o sincerity_n 1._o self-fulness_n and_o presumptuous_a security_n 2._o a_o profane_a careless_a spirit_n 3._o cark_n carefulness_n 4._o despair_v and_o discourage_v thought_n of_o god_n command_n to_o get_v assurance_n the_o effect_n of_o our_o soul_n 1._o a_o quiet_a heart_n 2._o spiritual_a