not_o christ_n or_o know_v he_o acknowledge_v he_o not_o their_o only_a saviour_n or_o acknowledge_v he_o do_v not_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o purify_v their_o heart_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o as_o the_o father_n call_v they_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la gild_v and_o glitter_a dross_n and_o beautiful_a deformity_n and_o however_o this_o seem_v harsh_a yet_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a see_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o here_o also_o the_o vanity_n of_o some_o popish_a writer_n appear_v who_o presumptuous_o make_v some_o philosopher_n saint_n whereas_o they_o shall_v first_o have_v show_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o then_o we_o will_v believe_v and_o teach_v it_o as_o willing_o as_o they_o but_o else_o if_o they_o have_v have_v all_o the_o learning_n and_o all_o the_o moral_a virtue_n in_o the_o world_n this_o must_v stand_v for_o a_o truth_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n last_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n register_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v contain_v in_o it_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o all_o the_o action_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o man_n life_n for_o without_o faith_n no_o man_n can_v please_v god_n and_o if_o no_o man_n than_o no_o man_n action_n can_v please_v god_n which_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n roman_n chapter_n 14._o verse_n 23._o if_o therefore_o man_n action_n must_v proceed_v from_o faith_n then_o consequent_o must_v they_o have_v their_o ground_n &_o warrant_v from_o the_o word_n for_o faith_n and_o the_o word_n be_v relative_n and_o the_o one_o depend_v upon_o the_o other_o no_o faith_n no_o word_n to_o bind_v no_o word_n no_o faith_n to_o believe_v but_o all_o action_n that_o please_v god_n must_v be_v do_v in_o faith_n therefore_o all_o action_n that_o please_v god_n have_v some_o ground_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o which_o word_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o holy_a action_n but_o even_o in_o the_o common_a action_n of_o man_n life_n and_o lawful_a calling_n this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o we_o must_v firm_o believe_v and_o receive_v and_o beside_o this_o argument_n here_o it_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o the_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3.16.17_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v improve_v correct_v and_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v absolute_a and_o make_v perfect_a unto_o all_o good_a work_n how_o can_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n be_v more_o sufficient_o in_o word_n express_v again_o every_o creature_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n 4.4.5_o be_v good_a etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n now_o if_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o christian_a perfect_a in_o all_o good_a work_n how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o it_o give_v he_o sufficient_a direction_n for_o all_o his_o work_n and_o if_o every_o action_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n how_o can_v that_o be_v but_o the_o word_n have_v warranty_n and_o direction_n for_o every_o action_n and_o duty_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o upon_o these_o ground_n we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v resolve_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o now_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v how_o this_o can_v be_v for_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v long_o ago_o and_o the_o story_n be_v of_o particular_a man_n nation_n and_o time_n and_o the_o commandment_n be_v know_v to_o be_v but_o ten_o how_o then_o can_v the_o scripture_n yield_v sufficient_a direction_n for_o every_o man_n particular_a action_n i_o answer_v the_o scripture_n give_v direction_n for_o all_o action_n 2._o way_n either_o by_o rule_n or_o by_o example_n rule_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n general_n or_o particular_a particular_a rule_n for_o particular_a calling_n be_v many_o for_o king_n they_o must_v read_v god_n book_n and_o not_o have_v many_o wife_n 2._o nor_o gather_v too_o much_o silver_n and_o gold_n they_o must_v be_v wise_a and_o learned_a and_o kiss_v the_o son_n of_o god_n christ_n jesus_n and_o many_o other_o for_o minister_n they_o must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v watch_v sober_a not_o young_a scholar_n and_o many_o other_o and_o so_o consequent_o the_o most_o of_o the_o calling_n that_o be_v in_o the_o common_a wealth_n etc._n have_v their_o particular_a direction_n in_o plain_a rule_n 20._o general_n rule_n be_v first_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v direction_n for_o all_o sort_n and_o calling_n of_o man_n in_o all_o time_n what_o to_o be_v do_v what_o not_o to_o be_v do_v in_o all_o action_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o beside_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v some_o few_o rule_n which_o be_v general_a direction_n for_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n as_o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o do_v you_o the_o same_o unto_o they_o again_o 7.12_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 10.31_o again_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o without_o offence_n of_o thy_o brother_n again_o let_v all_o your_o work_n be_v do_v in_o love_n 14.26_o last_o let_v no_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o alone_o but_o every_o man_n another_o wealth_n now_o there_o be_v no_o action_n in_o the_o world_n 10.24_o nor_o any_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v of_o a_o christian_a man_n be_v he_o a_o public_a or_o private_a person_n be_v it_o a_o public_a or_o a_o private_a action_n be_v it_o towards_o god_n or_o man_n but_o if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o particular_a direction_n yet_o it_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o some_o of_o these_o rule_n and_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o some_o of_o these_o he_o may_v frame_v his_o work_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o comfortable_a to_o himself_o second_o beside_o rule_n there_o be_v example_n which_o be_v special_a direction_n and_o they_o be_v either_o of_o god_n or_o good_a man_n extraordinary_a example_n of_o god_n namely_o such_o as_o he_o do_v in_o extraordinary_a time_n or_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o concern_v we_o not_o for_o these_o he_o do_v by_o the_o power_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o godhead_n as_o bid_v of_o abraham_n sacrifice_v his_o son_n bid_v the_o israelite_n spoil_v the_o egyptian_n 22._o and_o such_o like_a 11.2_o but_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o his_o creature_n of_o his_o justice_n towards_o sinner_n of_o his_o mercy_n towards_o his_o child_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n towards_o all_o be_v excellent_a rule_n of_o direction_n for_o us._n hence_o we_o have_v these_o rule_n be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a luke_n 6.36_o so_o for_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n the_o miraculous_a action_n of_o his_o power_n which_o argue_v his_o godhead_n as_o his_o walk_n upon_o the_o water_n and_o such_o like_a be_v no_o direction_n for_o us._n nor_o again_o his_o action_n and_o work_n â—lone_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n as_o his_o fast_v forty_o day_n his_o passion_n and_o his_o merit_n these_o be_v no_o direction_n for_o we_o to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o as_o the_o first_o give_v we_o instruction_n so_o these_o procure_v we_o justification_n but_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o his_o action_n do_v by_o he_o as_o a_o man_n or_o as_o a_o jew_n bear_v they_o be_v both_o our_o instruction_n and_o imitation_n and_o they_o be_v good_a direction_n for_o our_o action_n as_o his_o obedience_n his_o zeal_n his_o patience_n his_o humility_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n concern_v all_o which_o he_o say_v himself_o to_o we_o learn_v of_o i_o 11.29_o for_o i_o be_o humble_a and_o low_o and_o again_o when_o he_o have_v wash_v his_o apostle_n foot_n he_o bid_v they_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 15._o for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v give_v you_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v even_o as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o these_o his_o example_n be_v rule_n of_o direction_n to_o all_o man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n now_o as_o for_o the_o example_n of_o man_n as_o the_o example_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v every_o way_n to_o be_v eschew_v so_o good_a man_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n rom._n 15.4_o and_o for_o they_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o their_o example_n or_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o word_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v
god_n 1._o sam._n 2.31_o therefore_o the_o lord_n threaten_v the_o destruction_n both_o of_o he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o according_a as_o the_o lord_n have_v threaten_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o when_o the_o israelite_n fight_v with_o the_o philistines_n chap._n 4.11_o his_o two_o son_n be_v slay_v and_o hear_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o news_n fall_v down_o and_o break_v his_o neck_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o our_o own_o nation_n and_o people_n among_o who_o it_o be_v as_o common_a to_o dishonour_n god_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v among_o the_o papist_n or_o pagan_n partly_o by_o light_n use_v of_o his_o holy_a title_n and_o take_v his_o name_n in_o vain_a and_o partly_o by_o swear_v and_o open_a blasphemy_n and_o sometime_o even_o by_o abominable_a perjury_n nay_o it_o be_v many_o man_n rule_n that_o they_o may_v swear_v dissemble_v lie_v &_o forswear_v for_o advantage_n these_o sin_n be_v some_o of_o they_o rise_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o hardly_o shall_v you_o talk_v with_o a_o man_n that_o do_v not_o by_o vain_a oath_n dishonour_n god_n yea_o it_o be_v so_o common_a that_o child_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v crawl_v or_o lisp_v out_o a_o word_n the_o first_o thing_n they_o can_v speak_v be_v to_o curse_v or_o swear_v and_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a whereby_o god_n be_v dishonour_v every_o way_n so_o as_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o open_a &_o swallow_v up_o many_o man_n quick_a for_o their_o swear_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o whereas_o god_n judgement_n be_v often_o grievous_o inflict_v upon_o we_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o land_n we_o may_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o among_o other_o sin_n it_o be_v for_o our_o blasphemy_n and_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o speedy_o redress_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v lest_o god_n will_v rain_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o in_o his_o wrath_n sweep_v we_o all_o away_o and_o take_v away_o the_o father_n with_o the_o child_n the_o good_a with_o the_o bad_a because_o there_o be_v no_o reformation_n of_o so_o vile_a and_o yet_o so_o needless_a a_o sin_n to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n observe_v here_o further_o that_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n can_v all_o of_o they_o say_v god_n be_v my_o god_n now_o that_o which_o these_o worthy_a patriarch_n can_v say_v of_o themselves_o we_o must_v every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o our_o own_o person_n labour_v for_o for_o their_o example_n be_v &_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v we_o therefore_o must_v labour_v for_o this_o assurance_n by_o god_n grace_n to_o say_v as_o these_o holy_a patriarch_n do_v say_v the_o true_a jehova_n be_v my_o god_n and_o of_o this_o i_o be_o resolve_v &_o undoubted_o assure_v in_o my_o own_o conscience_n qu._n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o say_v unfeigned_o god_n be_v my_o god_n ans._n by_o become_v his_o servant_n and_o people_n in_o deed_n &_o truth_n for_o to_o he_o who_o be_v one_o of_o god_n people_n god_n be_v always_o his_o god_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o become_v god_n true_a servant_n answ._n by_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o the_o true_a god_n and_o give_v they_o whole_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o his_o service_n and_o restrain_v ourselves_o from_o all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n because_o sin_n displease_v he_o quest._n but_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n set_v his_o heart_n whole_o on_o god_n answ._n this_o he_o do_v when_o he_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o fear_v he_o above_o all_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n be_v zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n when_o he_o have_v full_a confidence_n in_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n and_o be_v more_o grieve_a for_o displease_v god_n than_o for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o or_o more_o plain_o thus_o then_o a_o man_n do_v set_v his_o heart_n on_o god_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v so_o affect_v that_o when_o god_n command_v he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o obey_v so_o the_o lord_n say_v hos._n 2.23_o i_o will_v say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o my_o people_n thou_o be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n the_o lord_n say_v psalm_n 27.8_o seek_v you_o my_o face_n then_o the_o holy_a man_n heart_n as_o a_o echo_n give_v answer_v i_o seek_v thy_o face_n o_o god_n and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o servant_n and_o child_n of_o god_n &_o one_o of_o god_n people_n for_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n these_o word_n be_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a prove_v that_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n because_o he_o prepare_v a_o city_n for_o they_o and_o indeed_o this_o show_v evident_o that_o god_n be_v great_o delight_v with_o they_o rather_o than_o ashamed_a of_o they_o for_o have_v he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o he_o will_v have_v shut_v they_o out_o of_o his_o presence_n herein_o therefore_o he_o declare_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n that_o by_o prepare_v this_o city_n he_o procure_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v in_o his_o sight_n for_o evermore_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o he_o which_o have_v god_n for_o his_o god_n have_v all_o thing_n with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o common_a proverb_n have_v god_n &_o have_v all_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a lack_v god_n and_o lack_n all_o and_o therefore_o david_n say_v psal._n 145.15_o bless_v be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n other_o thing_n which_o here_o may_v be_v add_v have_v be_v handle_v before_o abraham_n faith_n verse_n 17._o by_o faith_n abraham_n offer_v up_o isaac_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n 18._o to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v 19_o for_o he_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o he_o receive_v he_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n we_o hear_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jaacob_n commend_v joint_o together_o now_o the_o holy_a ghost_n return_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o their_o faith_n several_o and_o first_o he_o begin_v with_o abraham_n faith_n whereof_o he_o have_v former_o propound_v two_o work_n or_o action_n 1_o his_o go_v out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n 2_o his_o abode_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n now_o here_o follow_v the_o three_o which_o be_v the_o most_o notable_a work_n of_o all_o wherein_o his_o faith_n shine_v most_o glorious_o and_o his_o example_n herein_o be_v unmatchable_a the_o particular_a point_n herein_o be_v these_o 1_o the_o work_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o his_o offer_v up_o of_o isaac_n 2_o the_o same_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v notable_o commend_v by_o three_o special_a argument_n to_o wit_n 1_o by_o three_o great_a impediment_n that_o may_v have_v hinder_v this_o work_n of_o faith_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o their_o place_n v_o 17_o 18._o 2_o by_o his_o victory_n over_o these_o impediment_n v_o 19_o 3_o by_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o temptation_n and_o his_o work_n of_o faith_n therein_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 19_o verse_n for_o the_o first_o the_o fact_n of_o abraham_n faith_n here_o commend_v be_v this_o that_o he_o offer_v up_o isaac_n his_o son_n it_o may_v first_o of_o all_o be_v demand_v how_o abraham_n can_v offer_v up_o his_o son_n by_o faith_n consider_v it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n &_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o kill_v his_o own_o son_n which_o abraham_n must_v do_v if_o he_o do_v offer_v he_o up_o in_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o story_n gen._n 22._o where_o we_o may_v see_v he_o have_v a_o ground_n for_o his_o faith_n for_o though_o the_o general_a commandment_n be_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v yet_o he_o have_v a_o special_a commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n &_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o he_o do_v it_o &_o do_v it_o in_o &_o by_o faith_n but_o if_o that_o be_v so_o then_o thereupon_o rise_v another_o &_o a_o great_a doubt_n namely_o how_o can_v these_o 2._o commandment_n stand_v together_o one_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o ans._n here_o a_o special_a point_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v namely_o that_o whensoever_o two_o commandment_n be_v so_o join_v that_o a_o man_n can_v practise_v both_o but_o do_v the_o one_o the_o other_o be_v break_v then_o one_o of_o they_o must_v give_v place_n to_o the_o other_o for_o howsoever_o all_o god_n commandment_n bind_v the_o conscience_n yet_o some_o bind_v it_o more_o
offer_v he_o for_o though_o the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o he_o be_v but_o 13._o year_n old_a yet_o the_o more_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o best_a writer_n be_v that_o isaac_n be_v 25._o or_o 27._o year_n old_a how_o then_o can_v abraham_n be_v a_o old_a man_n of_o more_o than_o 120._o year_n be_v able_a to_o bind_v isaac_n be_v a_o young_a and_o lusty_a man_n and_o lay_v he_o on_o the_o altar_n to_o kill_v he_o for_o though_o abraham_n have_v a_o commandment_n to_o kill_v isaac_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o that_o god_n command_v isaac_n to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v kill_v now_o nature_n move_v every_o one_o to_o seek_v to_o save_v his_o own_o life_n and_o to_o resist_v such_o as_o will_v kill_v us._n how_o then_o be_v isaac_n bring_v to_o yield_v thus_o far_o to_o his_o father_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o abraham_n be_v no_o ordinary_a man_n but_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o a_o excellent_a and_o extraordinary_a prophet_n so_o god_n himself_o testify_v of_o he_o to_o abimelech_n he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o thou_o 20.7_o yea_o he_o be_v esteem_v and_o reverence_v as_o a_o prophet_n &_o a_o honourable_a man_n even_o of_o the_o heathen_a the_o hittite_n tell_v he_o thou_o be_v a_o prince_n of_o god_n among_o us._n genesis_n 23.6_o now_o be_v a_o man_n of_o so_o high_a place_n and_o so_o great_a regard_n even_o in_o the_o world_n doubtless_o he_o be_v of_o much_o more_o authority_n in_o his_o own_o house_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o likely_a that_o he_o tell_v isaac_n his_o son_n that_o he_o have_v a_o special_a commandment_n from_o god_n to_o kill_v he_o in_o sacrifice_n now_o isaac_n be_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o well_o bring_v up_o hear_v this_o be_v content_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v and_o obey_v his_o father_n herein_o this_o i_o speak_v not_o as_o certain_a but_o as_o most_o probable_a and_o it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o best_a learned_a who_o have_v have_v good_a experience_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o circumstance_n well_o observe_v serve_v great_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o they_o both_o of_o abraham_n the_o father_n that_o have_v so_o religious_o bring_v up_o his_o only_a son_n that_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o resist_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o he_o though_o it_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n oh_o that_o parent_n will_v follow_v abraham_n in_o so_o do_v to_o their_o child_n then_o will_v it_o go_v well_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god._n again_o isaac_n behaviour_n be_v here_o admirable_a that_o he_o will_v not_o resist_v his_o weak_a and_o age_a father_n but_o suffer_v he_o to_o bind_v he_o and_o to_o lay_v he_o on_o the_o altar_n yield_v himself_o unto_o death_n when_o his_o father_n tell_v he_o my_o son_n god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o this_o example_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n of_o obedience_n not_o only_o for_o child_n towards_o their_o parent_n but_o for_o we_o all_o towards_o god_n minister_n when_o they_o shall_v tell_v we_o what_o god_n will_v have_v we_o do_v we_o must_v submit_v ourselves_o and_o yield_v though_o it_o turn_v to_o our_o bodily_a pain_n and_o grief_n for_o isaac_n yield_v though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o life_n but_o alas_o who_o will_v follow_v isaac_n for_o let_v the_o minister_n speak_v against_o our_o carnal_a pleasure_n and_o unlawful_a gain_n let_v he_o cross_v our_o humour_n and_o affection_n than_o we_o refuse_v to_o hear_v and_o will_v not_o obey_v nay_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o the_o lord_n priest_n come_v with_o the_o sacrifice_a knife_n of_o god_n word_n to_o the_o throat_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o kill_v the_o same_o in_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v pure_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n do_v we_o not_o resist_v he_o and_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o will_v none_o of_o this_o doctrine_n or_o if_o he_o like_o a_o prophet_n of_o god_n come_v and_o offer_v to_o bind_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o cord_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o lay_v our_o affection_n on_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o law_n then_o we_o resist_v and_o be_v either_o too_o young_a or_o too_o old_a too_o rich_a or_o too_o learned_a or_o too_o great_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o bind_v to_o obedience_n but_o let_v we_o know_v that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v true_a isaac_n even_o the_o son_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o abraham_n faith_n as_o we_o will_v bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n then_o as_o he_o do_v submit_v himself_o to_o be_v bind_v of_o his_o father_n so_o must_v we_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o word_n and_o suffer_v the_o same_o word_n to_o be_v in_o we_o the_o two_o edge_a sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o cut_v down_o sin_n and_o corruption_n in_o we_o and_o to_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n that_o so_o both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n we_o may_v become_v pure_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o our_o god_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o fact_n itself_o wherein_o abraham_n faith_n be_v set_v forth_o now_o follow_v the_o argument_n or_o reason_n whereby_o the_o same_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o us._n the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a impediment_n which_o may_v hinder_v his_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n three_o first_o that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o work_n not_o by_o ordinary_a command_n but_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a course_n in_o temptation_n be_v tempt_v second_o that_o he_o be_v to_o offer_v his_o own_o child_n yea_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n three_o that_o he_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n must_v offer_v he_o and_o kill_v he_o in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v for_o the_o first_o impediment_n in_o the_o ordinary_a translation_n it_o be_v read_v thus_o when_o he_o be_v try_v but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a be_v rather_o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o meaning_n than_o a_o translation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o very_a word_n signify_v to_o be_v tempt_v and_o the_o meaning_n be_v when_o he_o be_v try_v i_o will_v therefore_o rather_o read_v it_o thus_o when_o he_o be_v tempt_v or_o be_v tempt_v as_o the_o word_n signify_v in_o the_o handle_n hereof_o first_o we_o will_v entreat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o temptation_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o temptation_n as_o it_o be_v here_o use_v may_v be_v thus_o describe_v it_o be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o prove_v and_o make_v experience_n of_o the_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o action_n of_o god_n this_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n in_o genesis_n gen._n 22.1_o where_o if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n do_v prove_v abraham_n object_n but_o against_o this_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o saint_n james_n say_v james_n 1.13_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o temptation_n be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n answ._n that_o place_n in_o james_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v god_n tempt_v no_o man_n that_o be_v god_n do_v not_o stir_v up_o or_o move_v any_o man_n heart_n to_o sin_n yet_o further_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o temptation_n be_v a_o action_n of_o satan_n for_o so_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v read_v mat._n 4.3_o that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o tempter_n answ._n some_o temptation_n be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n and_o some_o the_o action_n of_o satan_n god_n tempt_v and_o satan_n tempt_v but_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o their_o temptation_n first_o in_o the_o manner_n for_o satan_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v some_o evil_n god_n tempt_v a_o man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o shall_v be_v only_o against_o his_o own_o affection_n or_o his_o reason_n second_o god_n tempt_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o servant_n but_o satan_n tempt_v for_o the_o destruction_n both_o of_o their_o body_n and_o soul_n again_o i_o say_v whereby_o he_o make_v trial_n etc._n etc._n here_o some_o will_v say_v god_n know_v every_o man_n heart_n and_o what_o be_v in_o they_o and_o what_o they_o will_v do_v long_v before_o and_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o any_o man_n answ._n god_n make_v trial_n of_o his_o servant_n not_o because_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o he_o understandeth_v their_o thought_n long_o before_o but_o because_o he_o will_v have_v their_o obedience_n make_v know_v partly_o to_o themselves_o and_o partly_o to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o he_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o servant_n
son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n now_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v fast_o this_o promise_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v abraham_n practice_n for_o in_o this_o temptation_n god_n meaning_n be_v to_o try_v abraham_n and_o to_o see_v what_o he_o will_v do_v now_o abraham_n he_o hold_v fast_o the_o promise_n and_o yet_o obey_v god_n though_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o earth_n can_v tell_v how_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o commandment_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o this_o be_v abraham_n faith_n though_o i_o know_v not_o nor_o reason_n know_v not_o yet_o god_n know_v and_o therefore_o see_v i_o have_v his_o commandment_n i_o will_v obey_v it_o and_o see_v i_o have_v his_o word_n and_o promise_n i_o will_v believe_v that_o also_o and_o never_o forsake_v it_o and_o even_o thus_o must_v we_o strive_v to_o do_v in_o all_o temptation_n whatsoever_o yea_o even_o in_o those_o that_o come_v from_o satan_n which_o be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o all_o violence_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n we_o must_v still_o hold_v and_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v ever_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o satan_n to_o hold_v that_o god_n promise_n shall_v be_v perform_v though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o but_o rather_o see_v the_o contrary_n and_o though_o in_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o note_n of_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o stick_v always_o to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o question_n yet_o in_o spiritual_a temptation_n and_o trial_n this_o be_v sound_a divinity_n always_o to_o hold_v god_n promise_n and_o to_o stick_v fast_o to_o that_o conclusion_n and_o not_o to_o follow_v satan_n in_o his_o argument_n neither_o suffer_v he_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o drive_v we_o from_o it_o further_o in_o that_o this_o fact_n of_o offer_v up_o isaac_n be_v only_a abraham_n trial_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v he_o just_a before_o god_n but_o only_o serve_v to_o prove_v his_o faith_n and_o to_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v iust._n and_o therefore_o whereas_o saint_n james_n say_v jam._n 2.21_o that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v through_o work_n when_o he_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n upon_o the_o altar_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o abraham_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v just_a before_o god_n by_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n and_o not_o that_o by_o this_o fact_n abraham_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v make_v just_a or_o of_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v make_v more_o just_a for_o indeed_o good_a work_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n just_a but_o only_o do_v prove_v and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v just_a three_o god_n give_v abraham_n this_o commandment_n abraham_n kill_v thy_o son_n but_o yet_o he_o conceal_v from_o he_o what_o be_v his_o purpose_n and_o intent_n herein_o for_o god_n mean_v not_o that_o abraham_n shall_v kill_v his_o son_n indeed_o but_o only_o to_o try_v what_o he_o will_v do_v whether_o he_o will_v still_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o or_o not_o where_o we_o see_v that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o reveal_v to_o abraham_n his_o will_n but_o not_o his_o whole_a will_n whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n according_a to_o this_o example_n of_o god_n when_o he_o tell_v a_o thing_n to_o another_o to_o conceal_v his_o meaning_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n for_o answer_v hereunto_o we_o must_v know_v there_o be_v two_o extremity_n both_o which_o must_v be_v avoid_v in_o this_o case_n 1_o that_o a_o man_n must_v always_o express_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n 2_o that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v speak_v one_o thing_n and_o think_v another_o speak_v contrary_a to_o his_o meaning_n but_o this_o late_a be_v no_o way_n lawful_a and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a we_o therefore_o must_v hold_v a_o mean_a between_o both_o to_o wit_n that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o man_n may_v conceal_v his_o whole_a meaning_n say_v nothing_o though_o they_o be_v examine_v namely_o when_o the_o conceal_n thereof_o do_v direct_o stand_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brother_n thus_o godly_a martyr_n have_v do_v for_o be_v examine_v before_o tyrant_n where_o and_o with_o who_o they_o worship_v god_n they_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o disclose_v their_o brethren_n and_o this_o conceal_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v lawful_a because_o it_o touch_v immediate_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n second_o a_o man_n may_v conceal_v part_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o must_v be_v also_o with_o these_o two_o caveat_n first_o that_o it_o serve_v for_o god_n glory_n second_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o gods_n church_n thus_o do_v jonas_n conceal_v the_o condition_n of_o mercy_n from_o the_o ninivites_fw-la when_o he_o preach_v destruction_n unto_o they_o say_v within_o forty_o day_n and_o niniveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o event_n that_o it_o be_v god_n will_v they_o shall_v be_v spare_v if_o they_o do_v repent_v but_o that_o condition_n god_n will_v have_v conceal_v because_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o ninivites_fw-la to_o have_v know_v it_o since_o the_o conceal_n of_o it_o cause_v they_o more_o speedy_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v but_o out_o of_o these_o case_n a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o speak_v must_v declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n or_o else_o he_o sin_n great_o against_o god_n commandment_n forsake_v the_o property_n of_o the_o godly_a psal._n 15.2_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n the_o second_o impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n offer_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n we_o know_v that_o the_o love_n of_o parent_n descend_v to_o every_o child_n natural_o but_o especial_o to_o the_o only_o beget_v upon_o who_o be_v but_o one_o all_o that_o be_v bestow_v which_o when_o there_o be_v many_o be_v divide_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n this_o may_v great_o hinder_v abraham_n obedience_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o offer_v his_o son_n yea_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n but_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o temptation_n break_v through_o this_o impediment_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n where_o we_o note_v that_o true_a faith_n will_v make_v a_o man_n overcome_v his_o own_o nature_n love_n be_v the_o strong_a affection_n in_o the_o heart_n especial_o from_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n even_o his_o only_a child_n and_o a_o man_n will_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o overcome_v this_o love_n in_o the_o parent_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o death_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o child_n but_o yet_o behold_v abraham_n by_o faith_n subdue_v this_o special_a love_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o only_a child_n god_n himself_o testify_v of_o abraham_n that_o his_o love_n to_o isaac_n be_v great_a gen._n 22.2_o and_o yet_o by_o faith_n he_o overcom_v this_o his_o love_n this_o point_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v as_o declare_v the_o great_a power_n of_o true_a save_a faith_n for_o if_o faith_n can_v overcome_v create_v and_o sanctify_a nature_n then_o undoubted_o the_o power_n thereof_o will_v enable_v man_n to_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o overcome_v our_o nature_n which_o we_o have_v by_o creation_n than_o to_o subdue_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o which_o come_v in_o by_o transgression_n and_o hence_o such_o excellent_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n it_o be_v call_v the_o victory_n that_o overcom_v the_o world_n 1._o john_n 5.4_o and_o god_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o purify_v the_o heart_n faith_n strengthen_v the_o heart_n act_v 15.9_o and_o through_o faith_n we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 1._o pet._n 1.5_o be_v this_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v nature_n and_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o then_o howsoever_o religion_n be_v receive_v and_o faith_n profess_v general_o among_o we_o yet_o undoubted_o there_o be_v little_a true_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n for_o even_o among_o the_o professor_n thereof_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o subdue_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n and_o suppress_v the_o work_n of_o their_o wicked_a nature_n sure_o very_o few_o now_o where_o corruption_n bear_v sway_v and_o sin_n reign_v there_o sound_a faith_n can_v be_v for_o if_o faith_n be_v sound_a in_o man_n it_o will_v purify_v
their_o heart_n and_o cleanse_v the_o corruption_n thereof_o and_o bring_v forth_o obedience_n in_o life_n second_o this_o power_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o man_n heart_n must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o general_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o go_v further_o and_o to_o get_v a_o sound_a faith_n that_o may_v purify_v the_o heart_n at_o least_o in_o some_o true_a measure_n for_o save_v faith_n will_v cleanse_v a_o man_n in_o every_o part_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n &_o strengthen_v his_o soul_n in_o temptation_n quest._n here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o isaac_n be_v abraham_n only_o beget_v son_n see_v ishmael_n be_v also_o his_o son_n and_o be_v bear_v before_o isaac_n as_o be_v evident_a gen._n 16_o i_o answer_v two_o way_n first_o that_o ishmael_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v put_v out_o of_o abraham_n house_n for_o it_o be_v the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n to_o put_v forth_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o son_n gen._n 21.10_o and_o so_o be_v make_v no_o child_n of_o abraham_n second_o ishmael_n be_v his_o child_n indeed_o yet_o not_o by_o sarah_n but_o by_o agar_n a_o bond_n woman_n and_o so_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v base_a bear_v whereupon_o he_o be_v repute_v for_o no_o son_n but_o isaac_n be_v the_o only_o beget_v lawful_o which_o may_v be_v a_o item_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o bed_n defile_v see_v such_o offspring_n be_v so_o debase_v with_o the_o lord_n now_o follow_v the_o three_o impediment_n of_o abraham_n faith_n which_o be_v also_o a_o notable_a circumstance_n whereby_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v commend_v and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n in_o these_o word_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n who_o this_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o person_n of_o abraham_n of_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o speak_v receive_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n for_o when_o god_n make_v his_o promise_n unto_o abraham_n he_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v they_o but_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n of_o all_o he_o believe_v they_o and_o apply_v the_o same_o effectual_o unto_o his_o own_o soul_n so_o much_o do_v the_o word_n receive_v import_n now_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o receive_v not_o one_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_v plural_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o god_n have_v make_v one_o main_a promise_n unto_o he_o touch_v christ_n do_v repeat_v and_o renew_v the_o same_o diverse_a time_n second_o because_o god_n have_v make_v diverse_a particular_a promise_n unto_o he_o as_o first_o that_o he_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o second_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o child_n in_o his_o old_a age_n gen._n 17.16_o three_o that_o unto_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n he_o will_v give_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o ever_o gen._n 13.15_o four_o that_o in_o isaac_n he_o will_v bless_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n genesis_n 21.12_o and_o because_o the_o receive_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o general_n can_v seem_v no_o great_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n work_n of_o faith_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n annex_v his_o receive_n of_o a_o particular_a promise_n in_o isaac_n in_o the_o 18._o verse_n to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v which_o may_v seem_v impossible_a to_o stand_v with_o the_o do_v of_o this_o work_n in_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o therefore_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o in_o abraham_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o he_o in_o this_o work_n for_o he_o go_v about_o to_o kill_v isaac_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n in_o who_o life_n he_o believe_v to_o receive_v the_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n here_o then_o observe_v a_o most_o wonderful_a impediment_n to_o abraham_n faith_n which_o above_o all_o may_v have_v hinder_v he_o from_o obey_v god_n for_o how_o can_v he_o choose_v but_o reason_n thus_o with_o himself_o god_n have_v make_v unto_o i_o many_o gracious_a promise_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o he_o have_v say_v that_o in_o my_o son_n isaac_n the_o same_o must_v he_o accomplish_v and_o in_o he_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n must_v be_v bless_v now_o then_o if_o i_o shall_v kill_v and_o sacrifice_v my_o son_n how_o shall_v these_o promise_n be_v accomplish_v and_o reason_n in_o this_o case_n will_v say_v i_o see_v no_o way_n but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v go_v and_o all_o hope_v lose_v but_o what_o do_v abraham_n in_o this_o case_n for_o all_o this_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v his_o son_n and_o that_o by_o faith_n still_o believe_v and_o hold_v assure_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o slay_v yet_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v here_o than_o we_o note_v this_o special_a point_n wherein_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n do_v notable_o appear_v that_o when_o abraham_n case_n in_o respect_n of_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v seem_v desperate_a and_o void_a of_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n than_o he_o believe_v for_o when_o isaac_n be_v dead_a in_o all_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplish_n of_o god_n promise_n unto_o he_o because_o they_o be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o isaac_n isaac_n be_v the_o man_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v and_o yet_o when_o all_o hope_n be_v pass_v in_o man_n reason_n then_o good_a abraham_n set_v his_o heart_n to_o believe_v this_o practice_n of_o abraham_n must_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o to_o observe_v and_o follow_v all_o our_o life_n long_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o our_o salvation_n and_o feel_v many_o thing_n in_o we_o that_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o despair_v when_o we_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o feel_v no_o comfort_n then_o let_v we_o call_v to_o mind_n abraham_n practice_n who_o believe_v god_n promise_n when_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o be_v take_v away_o even_o so_o let_v we_o do_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n when_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v frustrate_a and_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o than_o we_o must_v cast_v our_o soul_n upon_o it_o for_o we_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v when_o we_o feel_v comfort_n in_o our_o conscience_n concern_v god_n mercy_n but_o even_o then_o when_o god_n seem_v to_o stand_v against_o we_o and_o when_o we_o feel_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o very_a gall_n of_o hell_n then_o i_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v in_o paul_n dangerous_a voyage_n towards_o rome_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n with_o the_o mariner_n and_o centurion_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n and_o neither_o sun_n nor_o star_n appear_v for_o many_o day_n so_o that_o as_o the_o text_n say_v all_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v take_v away_o act_n 27.20_o now_o what_o say_v paul_n in_o this_o extremity_n of_o danger_n now_o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o loss_n of_o any_o man_n life_n save_v of_o the_o ship_n only_o verse_n 22._o and_o so_o persuade_v they_o to_o take_v bread_n even_o so_o when_o our_o case_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v this_o that_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n or_o else_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o outward_a calamity_n and_o trouble_n we_o feel_v our_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sorrow_n and_o even_o enter_v into_o destruction_n and_o can_v neither_o see_v as_o it_o be_v light_n of_o sun_n or_o star_n then_o we_o must_v set_v before_o we_o god_n promise_n and_o labour_n to_o believe_v the_o same_o so_o david_n be_v in_o great_a affliction_n and_o grievous_a temptation_n say_v thus_o of_o himself_o psal._n 77.2_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n i_o seek_v the_o lord_n my_o sore_n run_v and_o cease_v not_o in_o the_o night_n my_o soul_n refuse_v comfort_n yet_o at_o the_o very_a same_o instant_n he_o pray_v when_o his_o spirit_n be_v full_a of_o anguish_n and_o though_o he_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o despair_v when_o he_o say_v will_v the_o lord_n absent_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o will_v he_o show_v no_o more_o favour_n be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o and_o have_v god_n forget_v to_o be_v merciful_a etc._n etc._n yet_o he_o check_n himself_o and_o say_v this_o be_v my_o death_n and_o my_o weakness_n even_o so_o every_o true_a member_n of_o god_n church_n in_o the_o extremity_n of_o all_o temptation_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o desperation_n be_v bind_v
the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n 26._o esteem_v the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n for_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o moses_n faith_n and_o in_o these_o three_o verse_n propound_v a_o most_o notable_a example_n hereof_o by_o moses_n faith_n in_o this_o place_n we_o must_v understand_v save_v faith_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o gift_n of_o god_n whereby_o moses_n receive_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n touch_v salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o of_o the_o promise_a land_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o and_o apply_v the_o same_o unto_o himself_o particular_o now_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n of_o this_o example_n the_o holy_a ghost_n set_v down_o a_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o moses_n namely_o that_o moses_n have_v faith_n and_o by_o it_o do_v this_o great_a work_n this_o i_o say_v be_v strange_a because_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o by_o pharaoh_n daughter_n in_o the_o court_n of_o pharaoh_n where_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o idolatry_n wantonness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o yet_o here_o it_o be_v testify_v of_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o can_v lie_v that_o he_o have_v faith_n which_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n and_o the_o like_a be_v record_v of_o other_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o in_o ahab_n court_n who_o be_v a_o king_n that_o have_v sell_v himself_o to_o work_v wickedness_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v that_o even_o there_o be_v good_a obadiah_n a_o man_n that_o fear_v god_n great_o 8.3_o and_o herod_n be_v a_o most_o deadly_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o joanna_n the_o wife_n of_o chuza_n herod_n friend_n minister_v of_o her_o good_n unto_o christ._n and_o paul_n say_v the_o saint_n which_o be_v of_o caesar_n household_n salute_v you_o where_o by_o caesar_n house_n be_v mean_v the_o court_n of_o nero_n who_o be_v a_o most_o bloody_a man_n and_o a_o wicked_a persecuter_n and_o yet_o in_o his_o house_n be_v the_o professor_n of_o christ_n gospel_n by_o these_o example_n we_o learn_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o middle_n among_o his_o enemy_n for_o these_o 3._o court_n of_o pharaoh_n herod_n and_o nero_n may_v be_v call_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n &_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o of_o god_n servant_n in_o they_o all_o which_o show_v we_o clear_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n which_o say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o reign_v in_o the_o middle_n among_o his_o enemy_n 110.2_o howsoever_o they_o rage_n and_o seek_v to_o blot_v out_o his_o name_n and_o to_o root_v out_o his_o kingdom_n yet_o maugre_o their_o throat_n he_o will_v rule_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o their_o kingdom_n &_o there_o have_v those_o which_o true_o serve_v he_o &_o fear_v his_o name_n revel_v 2.13_o god_n have_v his_o church_n in_o pergamus_n where_o satan_n throne_n be_v again_o this_o faith_n of_o moses_n serve_v to_o check_v many_o a_o man_n in_o this_o age_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o under_o godly_a parent_n &_o governor_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o hater_n and_o mocker_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o christ._n sure_o moses_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v stand_v up_o against_o all_o such_o and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o have_v faith_n though_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o most_o profane_a place_n and_o they_o be_v void_a of_o faith_n nay_o enemy_n unto_o it_o though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o strange_a fact_n which_o moses_n do_v for_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v so_o commend_v the_o text_n say_v of_o he_o first_o of_o all_o that_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o age_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n how_o moses_n become_v her_o son_n we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a exod._n 2_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o she_o have_v find_v moses_n in_o the_o basket_n preserve_v he_o alive_a and_o bring_v he_o up_o as_o her_o own_o child_n purpose_v to_o make_v he_o her_o own_o son_n &_o heir_n but_o this_o honour_n of_o she_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v this_o he_o refuse_v by_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v that_o notable_a and_o famous_a act_n for_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v here_o commend_v unto_o us._n but_o some_o will_v say_v this_o fact_n of_o moses_n may_v seem_v rather_o worthy_a of_o blame_n then_o praise_n as_o be_v a_o practice_n of_o great_a rudeness_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o she_o preserve_v his_o life_n from_o death_n and_o bring_v he_o up_o as_o her_o own_o child_n and_o vouchsafe_v he_o this_o special_a favour_n to_o make_v he_o her_o heir_n and_o therefore_o moses_n shall_v not_o thus_o have_v contemn_v her_o favour_n answer_n indeed_o it_o have_v be_v moses_n part_v to_o have_v show_v himself_o thankful_a in_o accept_v this_o favour_n at_o her_o hand_n and_o also_o in_o enjoy_v the_o same_o if_o he_o may_v have_v do_v it_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v for_o if_o he_o have_v dwell_v still_o with_o she_o and_o be_v her_o son_n and_o heir_n he_o shall_v have_v be_v undutiful_a unto_o god._n now_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o be_v remember_v and_o practise_v always_o that_o in_o duty_n of_o like_a nature_n 〈◊〉_d the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n do_v bind_v we_o no_o further_o than_o our_o obedience_n thereto_o may_v stand_v with_o obedience_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o when_o these_o two_o can_v stand_v together_o than_o we_o be_v free_v from_o obedience_n unto_o the_o second_o table_n as_o from_o perform_v honour_n and_o thankfulness_n unto_o man_n when_o we_o can_v therewithal_o perform_v obedience_n and_o service_n unto_o god_n and_o this_o be_v moses_n case_n because_o he_o can_v not_o both_o serve_v god_n and_o continue_v his_o thankfulness_n to_o pharaoh_n daughter_n for_o in_o stay_v with_o she_o he_o shall_v have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o true_a religion_n therefore_o he_o forsake_v her_o favour_n and_o honour_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v here_o commend_v unto_o us._n the_o like_a do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o when_o the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o refuse_v it_o and_o flee_v from_o among_o they_o john_n 6.15_o because_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o that_o call_n for_o which_o he_o be_v sanctify_v and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n therefore_o moses_n fact_n be_v commendable_a and_o do_v great_o set_v forth_o unto_o we_o his_o holy_a faith_n in_o this_o fact_n of_o moses_n thus_o general_o consider_v observe_v a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n it_o make_v a_o man_n to_o esteem_v more_o of_o the_o state_n of_o adoption_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n then_o to_o be_v the_o child_n or_o heir_n of_o any_o earthly_a prince_n this_o be_v plain_a in_o moses_n in_o this_o place_n and_o the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v in_o david_n for_o though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n yet_o he_o set_v all_o his_o royalty_n and_o majesty_n at_o nought_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n blessing_n of_o adoption_n &_o therefore_o say_v the_o lord_n not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n be_v my_o portion_n 16._o and_o again_o when_o he_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o lord_n tabernacle_n &_o the_o company_n of_o god_n saint_n through_o persecution_n he_o say_v the_o sparrow_n and_o swallow_n be_v more_o happy_a than_o he_o psalm_n 84_o because_o they_o have_v nest_n where_o they_o may_v keep_v their_o young_a and_o sit_v and_o sing_v but_o he_o can_v not_o come_v near_o the_o lord_n altar_n and_o yet_o more_o full_o to_o express_v the_o earnestness_n of_o his_o affection_n this_o way_n he_o say_v he_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o base_a office_n even_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o a_o man_n of_o renown_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n but_o howsoever_o these_o man_n be_v of_o one_o mind_n herein_o yet_o come_v to_o our_o age_n and_o seek_v in_o town_n country_n and_o people_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v this_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v rare_a to_o be_v find_v for_o general_o though_o i_o will_v not_o say_v all_o the_o most_o of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o good_a parentage_n as_o the_o son_n of_o knight_n or_o squire_n and_o especial_o of_o noble_n be_v so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o earthly_a parentage_n that_o they_o have_v scarce_o a_o thought_n after_o adoption_n in_o christ._n god_n heavenly_a grace_n will_v take_v no_o place_n in_o their_o heart_n
whereof_o we_o must_v all_o labour_n diligent_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o get_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v approbation_n at_o god_n hand_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o second_o here_o also_o learn_v the_o right_a way_n to_o get_v testimony_n approbation_n and_o credit_n with_o man_n a_o thing_n whereof_o many_o be_v exceed_v glad_a and_o which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o contemn_v now_o the_o way_n be_v this_o he_o must_v first_o labour_n to_o get_v approbation_n at_o gods_n hand_n which_o indeed_o he_o can_v do_v any_o other_o way_n save_v only_o by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v before_o now_o the_o lord_n god_n approve_v of_o he_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n incline_v they_o whither_o he_o will_v and_o if_o it_o do_v stand_v with_o his_o glory_n he_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o like_v and_o to_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o that_o do_v believe_v many_o indeed_o get_v great_a applause_n in_o the_o world_n which_o little_a regard_n true_a faith_n but_o in_o the_o end_n this_o their_o glory_n and_o applause_n will_v be_v their_o shame_n for_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o will_v i_o honour_v say_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v despise_v 1._o sam._n 2.30_o last_o whereas_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o all_o these_o worthy_a man_n obtain_v testimony_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n we_o be_v hereby_o teach_v that_o we_o which_o now_o live_v in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o more_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o believe_v than_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n they_o receive_v it_o not_o and_o yet_o believe_v wherefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v we_o labour_v for_o true_a faith_n but_o some_o will_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o faith_n we_o do_v all_o believe_v answ._n indeed_o we_o say_v so_o much_o with_o our_o mouth_n but_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o find_v true_a and_o sound_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o grosâ—e_n and_o palpable_a ignorance_n abound_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o man_n will_v needs_o be_v good_a believer_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o how_o shall_v faith_n be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o as_o man_n be_v ignorant_a so_o they_o have_v no_o care_n to_o learn_v nor_o to_o get_v knowledge_n that_o so_o they_o may_v come_v by_o true_a faith_n their_o heart_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o world_n for_o matter_n of_o profit_n and_o delight_n that_o they_o can_v spare_v no_o time_n to_o seek_v for_o this_o precious_a gift_n of_o faith_n again_o many_o have_v knowledge_n with_o who_o true_a faith_n be_v rare_a for_o faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o show_v itself_o by_o obedience_n through_o love_n now_o to_o leave_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n where_o almost_o be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v answerable_a to_o his_o knowledge_n may_v we_o not_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o as_o the_o word_n come_v in_o at_o the_o one_o ear_n it_o go_v out_o at_o the_o other_o and_o among_o those_o which_o learn_v and_o bear_v away_o something_o there_o be_v little_a care_n to_o practise_v it_o in_o life_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v now_o so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v ignorant_a or_o else_o have_v knowledge_n do_v not_o join_v practice_n therewith_o in_o obedience_n from_o a_o good_a conscience_n undoubted_o we_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o us._n we_o may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n we_o believe_v but_o certain_o this_o will_v prove_v a_o very_a dead_a faith_n and_o in_o the_o end_n and_o finish_v of_o all_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bare_a lip-faith_n and_o mere_a presumption_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o must_v know_v that_o unless_o we_o get_v true_a faith_n as_o these_o believer_n have_v which_o we_o must_v show_v by_o good_a fruit_n as_o they_o do_v even_o they_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o to_o condemn_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o they_o believe_v though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n so_o lay_v before_o they_o as_o we_o have_v wherefore_o let_v they_o that_o want_v knowledge_n labour_n for_o it_o and_o they_o which_o have_v it_o let_v they_o join_v obedience_n with_o their_o knowledge_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o life_n for_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v hide_v but_o will_v break_v out_o in_o good_a work_n verse_n 40._o god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a because_o some_o man_n may_v much_o marvel_v that_o such_o man_n as_o receive_a testimony_n of_o god_n for_o their_o faith_n shall_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o promise_n therefore_o here_o the_o holy_a ghost_n render_v a_o reason_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n appoint_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o perfect_a consummation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n consist_v of_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n for_o though_o these_o ancient_a believer_n be_v in_o time_n long_o before_o we_o yet_o god_n provide_v christ_n incarnation_n so_o fit_o for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v perfect_a consummation_n in_o glory_n the_o exposition_n god_n provide_v a_o better_a thing_n for_o us._n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n translate_v provide_v signify_v proper_o foreseeing_a wherein_o be_v likewise_o include_v god_n decree_n and_o ordination_n now_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a god_n alone_o to_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o that_o many_o thousand_o year_n before_o no_o creature_n of_o himself_o can_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o property_n to_o foresee_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n not_o proper_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o capacity_n for_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n proper_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o foresee_v any_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v present_a to_o he_o whether_o past_a or_o to_o come_v this_o prescience_n or_o foreknowledge_n in_o god_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o false_a god_n yea_o between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o all_o creature_n for_o the_o true_a god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v so_o can_v no_o creature_n do_v indeed_o some_o creature_n foresee_v and_o foretell_v some_o thing_n yet_o herein_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o divine_a property_n for_o god_n foresee_v all_o thing_n by_o himself_o without_o sign_n or_o cause_n or_o outward_a 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bare_o foresee_v they_o but_o decree_v the_o be_v of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v they_o after_o a_o sort_n though_o not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o yet_o by_o other_o when_o judas_n betray_v christ_n and_o pilate_n with_o the_o wicked_a jew_n condemn_v and_o revile_v he_o they_o sin_v grievous_o &_o yet_o herein_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o god_n hand_n and_o counsel_n have_v determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v this_o point_n well_o consider_v confute_v their_o opinion_n who_o indeed_o enlarge_v god_n prescience_n or_o before_o knowledge_n over_o all_o thing_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o yet_o exclude_v sin_n from_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o decree_n and_o ordination_n but_o here_o we_o see_v god_n foresight_n include_v his_o decree_n and_o nothing_o
for_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o that_o wicked_a age_n wherein_o all_o the_o world_n welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o walk_v before_o god_n in_o great_a holiness_n when_o no_o man_n care_v for_o religion_n he_o have_v this_o special_a favour_n from_o god_n that_o when_o he_o purpose_v to_o destroy_v the_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o first_o of_o all_o reveal_v to_o righteous_a noah_n that_o purpose_n of_o he_o so_o that_o these_o word_n have_v reference_n to_o the_o revelation_n which_o noah_n have_v from_o god_n in_o the_o 6._o of_o genesis_n for_o this_o message_n come_v not_o from_o god_n by_o any_o prophet_n for_o we_o know_v none_o in_o those_o evil_a day_n except_o noah_n himself_o but_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o else_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o favour_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n not_o for_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v diverse_a excellent_a instruction_n first_o whereas_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o noah_n to_o reveal_v unto_o he_o his_o counsel_n and_o his_o judgement_n to_o come_v we_o learn_v that_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o he_o reveal_v his_o counsel_n to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n whether_o they_o be_v purpose_n of_o judgement_n upon_o his_o enemy_n or_o of_o mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n thus_o deal_v he_o with_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o shall_v i_o say_v god_n hide_v from_o abraham_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v do_v which_o thing_n be_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o her_o sister_n and_o so_o when_o the_o sodomite_n live_v in_o wanton_a carelessness_n and_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n than_o abraham_n know_v from_o god_n their_o destruction_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o as_o in_o that_o for_o be_v it_o general_o true_a in_o all_o his_o great_a work_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v do_v nothing_o but_o he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n amos_n 3.7_o now_o this_o be_v not_o a_o prerogative_n of_o prophet_n alone_o or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a man_n as_o abraham_n be_v but_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v among_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o psalm_n 25.14_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n be_v god_n friend_n and_o of_o his_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o not_o abraham_n only_o be_v call_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n james_n 2.23_o but_o of_o all_o true_a believer_n say_v christ_n john_n 15.14.15_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v what_o i_o command_v you_o henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n but_o friend_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o master_n do_v but_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n have_v i_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v communicate_v and_o impart_v my_o secret_n unto_o you_o as_o one_o friend_n do_v unto_o another_o as_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o know_v and_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1._o corinth_n 2.15_o a_o faithful_a and_o a_o holy_a man_n discern_v into_o the_o deep_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o sometime_o more_o as_o here_o unto_o noah_n who_o be_v forewarn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n then_o not_o see_v this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n child_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o caution_n first_o that_o this_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o prophet_n and_o holy_a minister_n of_o god_n then_o to_o ordinary_a christian_n second_o that_o it_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o object_n then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o it_o be_v now_o under_o christ_n i_o answer_v not_o so_o for_o first_o we_o be_v recompense_v by_o have_v the_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o complete_a which_o they_o have_v not_o and_o by_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o their_o shadow_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o promise_n in_o which_o respect_v our_o state_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o they_o and_o second_o for_o this_o particular_a i_o answer_v they_o indeed_o have_v more_o ordinary_a revelation_n of_o matter_n personal_a and_o private_a and_o not_o direct_o touch_v salvation_n but_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v general_a and_o do_v necessary_o concern_v salvation_n we_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v more_o evident_a demonstration_n and_o more_o full_a revelation_n than_o they_o have_v afore_o christ._n for_o exsample_n particular_a mercy_n to_o some_o faithful_a man_n or_o particular_a judgement_n on_o god_n enemy_n whether_o particular_a man_n or_o whole_a kingdom_n be_v after_o reveal_v to_o godly_a man_n in_o those_o day_n as_o here_o to_o noah_n but_o salvation_n by_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o messiah_n shall_v save_v his_o church_n be_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o reveal_v now_o then_o in_o those_o day_n out_o of_o which_o consideration_n arise_v the_o three_o caution_n which_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o be_v expect_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v ordinary_o nothing_o else_o but_o these_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n &_o a_o discern_a of_o true_a scripture_n from_o forge_a of_o true_a sacrament_n from_o suppose_a of_o true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a of_o true_a pastor_n from_o false_a prophet_n these_o &_o such_o like_a as_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n all_o true_a and_o faithful_a believer_n which_o out_o of_o a_o humble_a heart_n by_o devoute_a prayer_n do_v seek_v it_o at_o god_n hand_n be_v sure_a to_o have_v reveal_v unto_o they_o from_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o purpose_n of_o god_n of_o personal_a and_o particular_a matter_n or_o what_o shall_v be_v his_o blessing_n or_o what_o his_o judgement_n to_o these_o and_o these_o man_n family_n city_n or_o kingdom_n or_o when_o or_o how_o he_o will_v change_v state_n or_o translate_v kingdom_n or_o by_o what_o extraordinary_a mean_n he_o will_v have_v his_o gospel_n propagate_v or_o a_o decline_a church_n or_o state_n uphold_v these_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v nor_o easy_o to_o believe_v any_o that_o shall_v say_v such_o thing_n be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o tie_v not_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o straight_a bond_n but_o that_o he_o may_v sometime_o extraordinary_o reveal_v his_o purpose_n therein_o to_o some_o his_o select_a servant_n yet_o provide_v that_o that_o revelation_n be_v examine_v and_o allow_v of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v immediate_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n spirit_n do_v most_o comfortable_o reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o in_o our_o prayer_n in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o sacrament_n of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n be_v among_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v double_a for_o instruction_n and_o for_o exhortation_n for_o our_o instruction_n here_o we_o learn_v how_o to_o answer_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o ask_v we_o how_o do_v we_o know_v true_a religion_n from_o erroneous_a or_o true_a scripture_n or_o sacrament_n from_o forge_a we_o answer_v first_o by_o itself_o by_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o as_o we_o know_v gold_n from_o brass_n or_o silver_n from_o lead_n but_o what_o if_o the_o brass_n or_o tin_n be_v gild_v over_o i_o then_o answer_v second_o we_o can_v know_v gold_n from_o brass_n and_o silver_n from_o tin_n by_o the_o sound_n and_o smell_v and_o hardness_n to_o endure_v and_o by_o the_o operation_n so_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a sound_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o taste_v in_o true_a religion_n a_o spiritual_a operation_n in_o holy_a man_n heart_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n but_o what_o if_o false_a prophet_n come_v in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o by_o lie_a wonder_n seem_v to_o give_v the_o same_o sound_n taste_n smell_v virtue_n and_o operation_n unto_o their_o forgery_n or_o at_o least_o challenge_v it_o and_o say_v that_o they_o be_v true_a i_o answer_v last_o then_o we_o know_v true_a religion_n true_a scripture_n true_a sacrament_n true_a prophet_n true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a by_o a_o holy_a and_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n spirit_n which_o by_o evident_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n assure_v we_o what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o in_o true_a humility_n do_v seek_v it_o in_o holy_a prayer_n and_o in_o a_o
it_o this_o sanctification_n be_v call_v inward_a righteousness_n now_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n say_v a_o man_n may_v be_v justify_v by_o this_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o this_o righteousness_n be_v in_o this_o life_n imperfect_a and_o that_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o say_v we_o do_v here_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o corinth_n 13.12_o therefore_o our_o understanding_n be_v but_o in_o part_n regenerate_v and_o as_o it_o so_o consequent_o all_o other_o part_n or_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o in_o part_n regenerate_v and_o in_o they_o all_o we_o be_v partly_o spirit_n and_o partly_o flesh_n galath_n 5.17_o therefore_o if_o our_o sanctification_n be_v imperfect_a it_o can_v justify_v us._n again_o this_o righteousness_n be_v mingle_v with_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n and_o from_o this_o mixture_n come_v the_o combat_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v of_o galath_n 8.17_o for_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v mingle_v with_o sin_n than_o it_o can_v make_v we_o righteous_a no_o nor_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n that_o come_v from_o it_o though_o god_n in_o mercy_n reward_v they_o and_o though_o as_o s._n james_n say_v they_o justify_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v we_o just_a before_o man_n james_n 2.21_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o justify_v we_o before_o god_n justice_n nor_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n will_v they_o pass_v for_o payment_n s._n paul_n say_v 1._o corinth_n 4.4_o i_o know_v nothing_o by_o myself_o yet_o be_o i_o not_o thereby_o justify_v that_o be_v i_o have_v so_o walk_v in_o my_o call_n since_o i_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o i_o be_o not_o privy_a nor_o guilty_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o negligence_n therein_o if_o he_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o that_o to_o be_v justify_v by_o iâ—_n who_o dare_v take_v hold_n when_o he_o refuse_v again_o no_o man_n can_v do_v any_o perfect_a good_a work_n unless_o he_o be_v perfect_o just_a for_o how_o can_v perfection_n come_v out_o of_o imperfection_n but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v perfect_o just_a in_o this_o sinful_a body_n as_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o reason_n therefore_o his_o work_n here_o in_o this_o life_n can_v be_v such_o as_o may_v make_v he_o righteous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v though_o our_o work_n have_v some_o defect_n in_o they_o yet_o god_n mercy_n accept_v they_o for_o righteous_a and_o just_a and_o therefore_o they_o may_v justify_v us._n i_o answer_v as_o god_n mercy_n accept_v they_o so_o must_v his_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v also_o but_o they_o be_v imperfect_a can_v satisfy_v his_o justice_n for_o god_n infinite_a justice_n require_v perfect_a satisfaction_n but_o as_o for_o our_o best_a work_n as_o they_o be_v do_v by_o we_o weigh_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o they_o be_v so_o light_a as_o they_o deserve_v damnation_n yet_o in_o god_n mercy_n in_o christ_n their_o defect_n be_v cover_v and_o they_o be_v repute_v good_a work_n and_o be_v reward_v but_o we_o encroach_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o abuse_v his_o justice_n if_o therefore_o we_o imagine_v they_o shall_v deserve_v god_n mercy_n or_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v we_o in_o his_o sight_n thus_o then_o see_v legal_a righteousness_n fail_v we_o let_v we_o come_v to_o evangelicall_a evangelicall_a righteousness_n be_v that_o that_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v reveal_v if_o that_o of_o the_o law_n can_v have_v save_v us._n but_o when_o it_o not_o by_o defect_n in_o it_o but_o default_n in_o ourselves_o can_v not_o than_o god_n in_o mercy_n afford_v we_o another_o in_o the_o gospel_n evangelicall_a righteousness_n be_v that_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n his_o it_o be_v that_o must_v make_v a_o man_n righteous_a before_o god_n but_o this_o christ_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n consist_v of_o two_o nature_n godhead_n manhood_n and_o according_o he_o have_v a_o double_a righteousness_n in_o his_o holy_a person_n first_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o have_v in_o his_o nature_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v uncreated_a and_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o incommunicable_a and_o so_o none_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v righteous_a by_o it_o second_o there_o be_v in_o christ_n a_o righteousness_n of_o his_o humanity_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o create_v yet_o be_v it_o beyond_o measure_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n so_o say_v s._n john_n 3_o god_n give_v not_o he_o the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n this_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n as_o man_n or_o mediator_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o obedience_n the_o first_o branch_n of_o our_o mediator_n righteousness_n be_v the_o holiness_n of_o his_o humanity_n which_o be_v perfect_o sanctify_v in_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o this_o be_v do_v at_o the_o first_o instant_n of_o his_o conception_n in_o the_o virgin_n womb_n from_o this_o purity_n of_o nature_n proceed_v his_o obedience_n which_o be_v as_o perfect_v as_o his_o nature_n be_v pure_a and_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n make_v a_o plain_a way_n to_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o therefore_o as_o his_o conception_n be_v free_a from_o sin_n original_a so_o be_v his_o whole_a life_n from_o the_o least_o sin_n actual_a now_o the_o mediator_n obedience_n be_v double_a active_a &_o passive_a and_o both_o these_o he_o perform_v in_o his_o own_o person_n his_o passive_a obedience_n be_v his_o passion_n or_o suffer_v of_o whatsoever_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v inflict_v on_o man_n for_o sin_n whether_o for_o soul_n or_o body_n the_o active_a obedience_n of_o the_o mediator_n person_n be_v his_o perfect_a fulfil_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o all_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n and_o all_o this_o for_o we_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o on_o our_o behalf_n and_o here_o be_v true_a righteousness_n for_o where_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o person_n be_v perfect_o pure_a and_o the_o obedience_n perfect_a the_o righteousness_n of_o that_o person_n be_v perfect_a and_o i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o he_o for_o we_o he_o suffer_v all_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v suffer_v and_o suffer_v not_o he_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o do_v not_o and_o this_o be_v that_o righteousness_n by_o which_o a_o sinner_n be_v make_v righteous_a before_o god_n for_o see_v legal_a can_v it_o be_v this_o that_o must_v and_o now_o we_o have_v find_v that_o righteousness_n by_o which_o noah_n and_o all_o holy_a man_n be_v make_v and_o count_v righteous_a namely_o that_o that_o be_v resident_a in_o the_o holy_a person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o all_o reason_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o another_o righteousness_n and_o the_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o ground_v never_o so_o strong_o on_o god_n word_n yet_o have_v it_o enemy_n and_o be_v mighty_o oppugn_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n therefore_o let_v we_o first_o prove_v it_o and_o then_o answer_v the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n we_o prove_v it_o thus_o first_o from_o plain_a scripture_n 1._o corinth_n 3.24_o he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o what_o can_v be_v say_v plain_a he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o we_o righteousness_n by_o he_o therefore_o as_o christ_n be_v no_o sinner_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o our_o sin_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o he_o be_v make_v a_o sinner_n by_o our_o sin_n so_o though_o we_o be_v not_o righteous_a in_o our_o own_o person_n yet_o have_v christ_n righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o we_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o his_o righteousness_n again_o the_o righteousness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o must_v be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n and_o god_n as_o in_o the_o aforenamed_a place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n but_o no_o man_n own_o righteousness_n can_v make_v he_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v god_n righteousness_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o only_a christ_n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o he_o that_o righteousness_n which_o may_v make_v a_o man_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n three_o the_o scripture_n say_v christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10.3_o the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v not_o the_o taker_n away_o
man_n to_o some_o particular_a estate_n and_o duty_n in_o family_n church_n or_o commonwealth_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o magistrate_n minister_n master_n of_o a_o family_n lawyer_n physician_n etc._n etc._n three_o god_n call_v some_o man_n to_o some_o private_a personal_a duty_n which_o he_o design_v not_o to_o other_o but_o to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o alone_o such_o a_o calling_n have_v he_o assign_v he_o matthew_n 19.21_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v perfect_a go_v sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v etc._n etc._n now_o the_o call_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o this_o three_o kind_n for_o it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o personal_a call_n to_o leave_v his_o country_n his_o kindred_n his_o land_n his_o possession_n and_o to_o go_v seek_v another_o and_o to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o receive_v the_o covenant_n and_o this_o duty_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o who_o shall_v personal_o &_o by_o name_n be_v call_v unto_o it_o yet_o all_o these_o three_o calling_n may_v concur_v in_o one_o as_o here_o in_o he_o for_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o the_o general_a and_o a_o governor_n of_o a_o great_a family_n for_o the_o particular_a calling_n but_o that_o that_o be_v in_o this_o place_n understand_v be_v this_o extraordinary_a and_o personal_a calling_n to_o leave_v his_o country_n and_o in_o it_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v three_o circumstance_n 1._o who_o be_v call_v 2._o when_o 3._o how_o he_o be_v call_v for_o the_o first_o abraham_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o terah_n but_o neither_o his_o father_n terah_n nor_o his_o brother_n nahor_n be_v call_v but_o abraham_n alone_o but_o it_o may_v worthy_o be_v demand_v why_o god_n shall_v not_o call_v his_o father_n and_o his_o kindred_n there_o can_v be_v no_o answer_n but_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v rom._n 9.18_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o withhold_v it_o from_o who_o he_o will_n he_o call_v isaak_n and_o refuse_v ishmael_n love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n take_v abel_n and_o leave_v cain_n even_o because_o he_o will_v and_o for_o no_o cause_n that_o we_o know_v but_o why_o then_o call_v he_o abraham_n and_o not_o his_o kindred_n be_v not_o that_o partiality_n i_o answer_v he_o be_v tie_v to_o none_o he_o may_v refuse_v all_o therefore_o the_o marvel_n be_v that_o he_o call_v any_o but_o why_o some_o and_o not_o other_o why_o abraham_n and_o not_o his_o kindred_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o god_n judgement_n be_v wonderful_a but_o as_o that_o that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n math._n 19.26_o so_o that_o that_o be_v injustice_n or_o partiality_n with_o man_n be_v justice_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_a folly_n and_o intolerable_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o weigh_v god_n action_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o our_o shallow_a reason_n for_o the_o second_o but_o when_o be_v abraham_n call_v for_o the_o time_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n worth_a the_o observation_n first_o abraham_n be_v call_v to_o this_o dignity_n when_o he_o live_v in_o idolatry_n with_o his_o father_n so_o say_v joshua_n 24.2_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n your_o father_n dwell_v beyond_o the_o flood_n in_o old_a time_n even_o terah_n the_o father_n of_o abraham_n and_o serve_v other_o god_n if_o abraham_n be_v call_v by_o god_n when_o he_o be_v a_o idolater_n than_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o have_v not_o purchase_v god_n favour_n by_o his_o work_n where_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o a_o man_n salvation_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n mere_a mercy_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o isaiah_n 65.1_o abraham_n never_o dream_v of_o the_o true_a god_n nor_o of_o any_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n when_o god_n call_v he_o and_o so_o when_o paul_n be_v go_v arm_v with_o bloody_a fury_n and_o his_o fury_n arm_v with_o commission_n and_o authority_n against_o the_o saint_n than_o god_n from_o heaven_n call_v he_o and_o of_o a_o persecuter_n make_v he_o the_o principal_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n act_v 9.2_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o if_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o the_o same_o grace_n and_o take_v we_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n of_o salvation_n with_o we_o which_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n we_o must_v learn_v here_o to_o see_v whence_o this_o favour_n be_v and_o therefore_o to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o ourselves_o but_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n unto_o god_n and_o particular_o for_o every_o one_o of_o we_o if_o god_n have_v be_v so_o merciful_a to_o any_o of_o we_o as_o when_o we_o be_v popish_a or_o superstitious_a with_o our_o parent_n or_o kindred_n to_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o bring_v we_o home_o to_o his_o holy_a truth_n or_o when_o we_o welter_v in_o wickedness_n and_o sensuality_n with_o the_o profane_a world_n to_o touch_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o call_v we_o to_o grace_n and_o sanctification_n let_v we_o often_o remember_v and_o free_o acknowledge_v this_o his_o undeserued_a mercy_n and_o say_v with_o the_o holy_a prophet_n unto_o thâ—e_n belong_v mercy_n but_o unto_o we_o open_a shame_n second_o for_o the_o time_n when_o abraham_n be_v call_v it_o be_v when_o he_o be_v 75._o year_n of_o age_n or_o thereabouts_o as_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o story_n genesis_n 12.4_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o god_n for_o a_o long_a time_n let_v he_o lie_v in_o his_o blindness_n and_o idolatry_n ere_o he_o call_v he_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o abraham_n in_o that_o mean_a time_n live_v civil_o &_o follow_v learning_n &_o other_o civil_a course_n and_o in_o that_o time_n it_o be_v likely_a he_o attain_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o astronomy_n and_o other_o learning_n for_o which_o he_o be_v renown_v in_o old_a writer_n but_o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o know_v and_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o true_a service_n here_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o a_o man_n persevere_v in_o his_o sin_n for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o pass_v his_o best_a year_n in_o vanity_n without_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o a_o grievous_a and_o fearful_a estate_n yet_o true_a believer_n and_o man_n penitent_a must_v not_o therefore_o judge_v they_o castaway_n for_o god_n mercy_n call_v a_o man_n in_o his_o old_a age_n and_o touch_v the_o heart_n when_o it_o please_v he_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n call_v some_o at_o the_o 11._o hour_n mat._n 20.6_o and_o so_o god_n call_v man_n to_o grace_n in_o their_o old_a age_n we_o must_v therefore_o spare_v these_o sharp_a &_o unsavourie_a censure_n which_o some_o unaduised_o cast_v upon_o such_o man_n for_o charity_n think_v not_o evil_a 1._o corinth_n 13_o where_o it_o may_v think_v or_o suppose_v any_o possibibility_n of_o good_a but_o contrariwise_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o hope_v of_o their_o conversion_n because_o we_o know_v that_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n god_n will_v forgive_v he_o ezek._n 18.27.28_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o man_n must_v not_o presume_v to_o live_v careless_o in_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v desperate_o to_o tempt_v god_n but_o must_v follow_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o solomon_n eccles._n 12.1_o to_o remember_v their_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n when_o they_o have_v mean_n lest_o god_n take_v away_o the_o mean_n and_o with_o the_o mean_n his_o favour_n from_o they_o abraham_n be_v not_o call_v till_o he_o be_v old_a but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v he_o hearken_v and_o obey_v so_o must_v thou_o when_o god_n call_v thou_o by_o affliction_n or_o by_o his_o word_n than_o answer_n and_o obey_v as_o abraham_n do_v or_o else_o abraham_n calling_n in_o his_o old_a age_n will_v be_v little_a comfort_n to_o thou_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o time_n three_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o call_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o story_n of_o genesis_n to_o be_v in_o a_o earnest_a kind_n of_o counsel_n go_v out_o say_v god_n from_o thy_o kindred_n and_o from_o thy_o father_n house_n unto_o the_o land_n that_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v he_o say_v not_o bare_o go_v or_o come_v forth_o but_o he_o amplifi_v and_o urge_v it_o with_o many_o word_n and_o circumstance_n if_o any_o ask_v why_o god_n do_v so_o when_o he_o may_v have_v give_v the_o commandment_n in_o one_o word_n i_o answer_v the_o reason_n be_v that_o abraham_n may_v have_v cause_n more_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o god_n calling_n and_o to_o
any_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v of_o god_n power_n and_o will_v to_o hear_v and_o help_v us._n he_o be_v our_o father_n therefore_o careful_a and_o willing_a he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o able_a to_o hear_v we_o and_o to_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n math._n 6.9_o and_o the_o same_o commendation_n here_o give_v to_o sarah_n be_v also_o give_v to_o abraham_n rom._n 4_o 21._o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o believe_v above_o hope_n etc._n etc._n be_v full_o assure_v that_o he_o which_o have_v promise_v be_v also_o able_a to_o do_v it_o the_o use_n hereof_o unto_o we_o be_v double_a first_o to_o advise_v and_o guide_v we_o for_o our_o promise_n not_o to_o be_v too_o reckless_a as_o some_o be_v what_o we_o promise_v but_o to_o consider_v aforehand_o and_o if_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o power_n not_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n for_o christian_a man_n word_n must_v not_o be_v vain_a and_o if_o we_o have_v promise_v any_o thing_n lawful_a and_o in_o our_o power_n to_o be_v careful_a to_o perform_v it_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a man_n and_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n of_o a_o holy_a man_n and_o god_n child_n provide_v this_o be_v so_o first_o of_o all_o towards_o god_n that_o we_o make_v conscience_n of_o perform_v the_o great_a vow_n we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o all_o other_o serious_a &_o holy_a purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n make_v to_o god_n for_o otherwise_o he_o that_o break_v his_o vow_n to_o god_n careless_o by_o live_v profane_o he_o may_v in_o worldly_a policy_n keep_v â—is_n word_n but_o he_o can_v do_v it_o in_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v foul_o faulty_a in_o this_o point_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o break_v promise_n and_o faith_n with_o we_o or_o any_o of_o our_o religion_n their_o nakedness_n herein_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o face_n of_o all_o christendom_n let_v they_o that_o be_v wiâ—e_o be_v warn_v of_o it_o they_o make_v great_a ostentation_n of_o their_o vow_n and_o of_o their_o care_n to_o perform_v they_o above_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o it_o appear_v hereby_o to_o be_v vile_a hypocrisy_n for_o if_o they_o be_v conscionable_o and_o not_o politic_o and_o formal_o careful_a of_o their_o vow_n of_o chastity_n poverty_n &_o other_o make_v to_o god_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v likewise_o careful_a of_o their_o promise_n make_v to_o man_n for_o the_o one_o of_o these_o be_v the_o fountain_n aâ—d_v root_v of_o the_o other_o but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o one_o show_v the_o formality_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o other_o let_v all_o that_o fear_n god_n learn_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o both_o these_o in_o their_o religion_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o world_n may_v judge_v we_o faithful_a man_n when_o we_o have_v promise_v second_o let_v we_o here_o learn_v how_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v our_o weak_a faith_n in_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v life_n everlasting_a of_o our_o resurrection_n dan._n 12._o they_o thaâ—_n sleep_n iâ—_n the_o dust_n shall_v rise_v again_o of_o our_o glorification_n philip._n 3.21_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v they_o like_v to_o his_o own_o glorious_a body_n of_o a_o new_a world_n 2._o pet_n 3.13_o we_o look_v for_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n these_o be_v as_o s._n peter_n call_v they_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n 2._o pet._n 1.4_o and_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a &_o precious_a faith_n that_o can_v constant_o believe_v these_o no_o better_a help_n of_o our_o faith_n can_v there_o be_v than_o often_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o power_n of_o he_o that_o make_v they_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o able_a what_o can_v let_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o let_v we_o therefore_o often_o say_v with_o holy_a paul_n faithful_n be_v he_o which_o have_v promise_v who_o will_v also_o do_v it_o 1._o thess._n 5_o and_o with_o sarah_n here_o we_o judge_v he_o faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v now_o follow_v the_o last_o effect_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o even_o of_o one_o which_o be_v as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n in_o multitude_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o seashore_n which_o be_v innumerable_a the_o three_o and_o last_o effect_n of_o sarahs_n effect_n be_v that_o by_o this_o son_n isaac_n who_o she_o conceive_v &_o bring_v forth_o by_o faith_n she_o have_v a_o wonderful_a great_a issue_n and_o a_o posterity_n almost_o without_o number_n this_o effect_n consist_v not_o of_o itself_o but_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a her_o faith_n give_v her_o strength_n to_o conceive_v isaac_n though_o she_o be_v barren_a and_o to_o bring_v he_o forth_o though_o she_o be_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o so_o her_o faith_n bring_v he_o out_o by_o who_o she_o be_v make_v the_o mother_n of_o many_o million_o of_o man_n the_o matter_n of_o this_o three_o effect_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o man_n that_o come_v of_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n by_o isaac_n this_o posterity_n or_o multitude_n be_v describe_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o by_o the_o beginning_n or_o root_n of_o it_o one_o that_o be_v as_o dead_a 2._o the_o quantity_n or_o greatness_n lay_v down_o 1._o general_o to_o be_v a_o multitude_n and_o innumerable_a 2._o particular_o by_o two_o comparison_n 1._o as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n in_o the_o sky_n 2._o as_o the_o sand_n by_o the_o seashore_n the_o first_o point_n be_v the_o root_n and_o beginning_n of_o this_o multitude_n in_o these_o word_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o even_o one_o that_o be_v as_o dead_a one_o that_o be_v one_o woman_n sarah_n or_o at_o the_o most_o one_o couple_n abraham_n and_o sarah_n and_o this_o one_o be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a not_o dead_a proper_o and_o full_o for_o none_o be_v so_o dead_a who_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o separate_v but_o as_o dead_a that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a or_o half_a dead_a meaning_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a for_o generation_n of_o child_n the_o strength_n of_o nature_n be_v decay_v in_o they_o abraham_n be_v 100_o and_o sarah_n 90._o year_n old_a and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a of_o abraham_n who_o be_v past_o age_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o of_o sarah_n who_o be_v both_o past_a age_n and_o be_v also_o barren_a in_o her_o best_a age_n here_o we_o be_v to_o note_v and_o learn_v many_o thing_n first_o multitude_n come_v of_o one_o see_v here_o the_o powerful_a and_o yet_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o god_n to_o rear_v up_o goodly_a &_o huge_a building_n upon_o small_a and_o weak_a foundation_n so_o do_v he_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o ever_o since_o indeed_o he_o make_v at_o the_o first_o thousand_o of_o star_n because_o they_o must_v be_v no_o more_o then_o at_o the_o first_o they_o be_v and_o million_o of_o angel_n intend_v they_o shall_v not_o multiply_v he_o can_v also_o have_v make_v million_o of_o man_n in_o a_o moment_n he_o will_v not_o but_o only_o one_o couple_n adam_n and_o eue._n and_o of_o they_o come_v the_o infinite_a race_n of_o mankind_n when_o sin_n have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o that_o world_n he_o found_v not_o the_o second_o that_o yet_o continue_v upon_o a_o thousand_o couple_n but_o by_o three_o man_n and_o their_o wife_n he_o multiply_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n which_o since_o have_v grow_v from_o three_o to_o million_o of_o million_o and_o so_o here_o of_o one_o old_a man_n and_o a_o barren_a old_a woman_n spring_v innumerable_a multitude_n this_o god_n do_v to_o magnify_v his_o own_o power_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o he_o do_v also_o in_o matter_n heavenly_a the_o number_n of_o christian_n since_o christ_n that_o have_v grow_v to_o million_o begin_v in_o a_o poor_a number_n at_o the_o first_o for_o when_o christ_n himself_o be_v ascend_v the_o number_n of_o know_v believer_n be_v but_o 120._o act_n 1.15_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o shall_v teach_v we_o all_o these_o duty_n first_o not_o to_o measure_n god_n by_o our_o lengthe_n nor_o to_o tie_v he_o to_o our_o rule_n but_o to_o esteem_v of_o his_o power_n and_o might_n as_o we_o see_v it_o deserve_v and_o to_o entertain_v high_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o he_o &_o his_o majesty_n who_o can_v rear_v up_o so_o great_a work_n upon_o so_o poor_a foundation_n second_o not_o to_o despair_v of_o ourselves_o or_o our_o estate_n though_o we_o think_v ourselves_o never_o so_o weak_a so_o poor_a so_o sick_a
that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n 3.16_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o be_v god_n promise_n and_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v change_v now_o therefore_o howsoever_o my_o case_n be_v heavy_a and_o desolate_a yet_o god_n be_v able_a to_o comfort_v i_o and_o to_o bring_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o hell_n and_o from_o this_o case_n of_o desperation_n therefore_o though_o he_o kill_v i_o i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o and_o i_o will_v use_v all_o holy_a mean_n whereby_o i_o may_v overcome_v this_o hard_a and_o grievous_a temptation_n so_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v we_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a profession_n flesh_n and_o blood_n we_o know_v be_v weak_a and_o nature_n will_v make_v this_o objection_n that_o life_n be_v sweet_a what_o course_n therefore_o shall_v we_o take_v we_o must_v do_v as_o abraham_n here_o do_v unto_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n promise_v we_o must_v adjoine_v his_o power_n and_o reason_n thus_o god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o that_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o i_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v i_o and_o though_o he_o will_v not_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v i_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o therefore_o i_o will_v patient_o suffer_v and_o abide_v whatsoever_o his_o holy_a hand_n shall_v lay_v upon_o i_o three_o be_v a_o man_n so_o trouble_v with_o some_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v get_v out_o nor_o overcome_v it_o then_o also_o let_v he_o set_v before_o he_o this_o fact_n of_o abraham_n and_o unfeigned_o endeavour_n to_o do_v hereafter_o for_o that_o which_o be_v past_a let_v he_o labour_n to_o believe_v this_o promise_n of_o god_n at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n do_v repent_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v put_v all_o his_o wickedness_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v first_o resolve_v that_o god_n can_v enable_v he_o to_o leave_v his_o sin_n let_v he_o strive_v by_o good_a mean_n to_o leave_v his_o sin_n avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o pray_v against_o it_o and_o this_o will_v be_v as_o a_o cable-rope_n to_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o the_o pit_n of_o sin_n this_o course_n we_o must_v take_v and_o this_o do_v in_o every_o hard_a case_n that_o shall_v befall_v us._n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o abraham_n induce_v himself_o to_o obey_v god_n the_o three_o and_o last_o reason_n whereby_o abraham_n faith_n be_v commend_v unto_o we_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o event_n thereof_o in_o these_o word_n from_o whence_o he_o receive_v he_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n from_o whence_o that_o be_v from_o death_n after_o a_o sort_n or_o as_o it_o may_v be_v read_v in_o some_o show_n this_o be_v say_v because_o isaac_n in_o the_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o abraham_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n for_o abraham_n be_v full_o resolve_v with_o himself_o upon_o god_n command_n to_o have_v sacrifice_v he_o yea_o he_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o put_v the_o sacrifice_a knife_n unto_o his_o son_n throat_n and_o have_v slay_v he_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n stay_v his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o angel_n say_v lay_v not_o thy_o hand_n upon_o the_o child_n neither_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o even_o than_o do_v abraham_n in_o some_o show_n receive_v isaac_n from_o death_n here_o we_o learn_v diverse_a point_n 1_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v rest_v on_o god_n providence_n and_o good_a pleasure_n even_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n with_o himself_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o have_v a_o good_a issue_n this_o we_o see_v to_o be_v true_a by_o abraham_n example_n in_o this_o place_n as_o we_o say_v before_o he_o himself_o no_o doubt_n have_v rather_o have_v die_v ten_o thousand_o time_n than_o to_o have_v isaac_n slay_v in_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o yet_o believe_v god_n promise_n that_o that_o shall_v never_o change_v he_o rest_v himself_o on_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o providence_n and_o go_v on_o in_o obedience_n and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n receive_v a_o bless_a issue_n this_o be_v very_o clear_o set_v down_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o history_n record_v by_o moses_n for_o when_o abraham_n have_v go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n than_o isaac_n say_v unto_o abraham_n gen._n 22.7_o father_n here_o be_v the_o fire_n and_o the_o wood_n but_o where_o be_v the_o lamb_n for_o the_o burn_a offering_n then_o abraham_n say_v my_o son_n god_n will_v provide_v he_o a_o lamb_n for_o a_o burn_a offering_n vers._n 8._o and_o thus_o yield_v himself_o to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o providence_n he_o receive_v his_o son_n again_o as_o a_o dead_a child_n restore_v to_o life_n so_o when_o we_o be_v in_o case_n of_o extremity_n when_o all_o go_v against_o we_o and_o when_o we_o can_v see_v no_o hope_n of_o any_o good_a issue_n or_o end_n and_o all_o good_a mean_n seem_v to_o fail_v we_o if_o we_o can_v then_o cast_v ourselves_o on_o god_n providence_n and_o roll_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v comfort_n in_o the_o end_n and_o a_o good_a issue_n out_o of_o all_o we_o do_v all_o of_o we_o in_o word_n acknowledge_v god_n providence_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o pinch_n that_o we_o fall_v into_o case_n of_o extremity_n then_o we_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n and_o do_v not_o with_o abraham_n cast_v ourselves_o upon_o god_n but_o seek_v help_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n but_o all_o such_o person_n must_v look_v for_o a_o curse_a issue_n they_o therefore_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v put_v to_o any_o plunge_n or_o extremity_n must_v cast_v themselves_o upon_o god_n whole_o and_o wait_v for_o his_o good_a time_n and_o pleasure_n and_o then_o will_v the_o issue_n be_v both_o joyous_a and_o comfortable_a unto_o their_o soul_n here_o some_o circumstance_n of_o this_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v out_o of_o the_o large_a story_n the_o first_o be_v this_o what_o do_v god_n unto_o abraham_n at_o this_o time_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o kill_v his_o son_n answ._n god_n now_o give_v he_o a_o commandment_n to_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o not_o to_o slay_v his_o son_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o abraham_n stay_v his_o hand_n god_n before_o command_v he_o to_o go_v three_o day_n journey_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n hereupon_o abraham_n go_v but_o now_o be_v come_v to_o the_o place_n have_v bind_v his_o son_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o cut_v his_o throat_n god_n bid_v he_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o then_o also_o abraham_n obey_v god_n and_o do_v not_o kill_v his_o son_n here_o we_o see_v abraham_n be_v at_o god_n command_n and_o as_o we_o say_v at_o his_o beck_n he_o do_v not_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o when_o god_n call_v he_o be_v wonderful_a pliable_a to_o do_v god_n command_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o this_o practice_n of_o abraham_n must_v be_v a_o look_a glass_n for_o we_o wherein_o to_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v what_o god_n command_v we_o to_o do_v that_o we_o must_v do_v and_o what_o he_o forbid_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v but_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o day_n our_o practice_n general_o be_v contrary_a for_o in_o our_o life_n we_o follow_v our_o own_o humour_n and_o affection_n never_o regard_v what_o god_n do_v either_o will_n or_o will_v but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v abraham_n child_n we_o must_v follow_v abraham_n practice_n in_o this_o place_n for_o the_o son_n of_o abraham_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n john_n 8.39_o good_a servant_n will_v come_v and_o go_v 8.9_o do_v and_o undo_v at_o their_o lord_n pleasure_n and_o forget_v themselves_o to_o obey_v their_o master_n and_o so_o must_v it_o be_v with_o we_o if_o we_o call_v god_n our_o good_a lord_n and_o master_n luk._n 6.46_o the_o second_o circumstance_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o time_n when_o abraham_n receive_v his_o son_n from_o death_n to_o wit_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n when_o his_o knife_n be_v at_o his_o son_n throat_n and_o he_o himself_o ready_a to_o offer_v he_o up_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n at_o that_o same_o instant_a god_n speak_v unto_o he_o by_o his_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o say_v abraham_n stay_v thy_o hand_n gen._n 22.10_o this_o circumstance_n be_v worth_a the_o mark_v for_o god_n let_v
get_v his_o father_n blessing_n for_o so_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o yet_o she_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n quest._n but_o how_o can_v this_o work_n be_v good_a be_v faulty_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o ans._n it_o may_v for_o rebecca_n person_n stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n in_o christ._n now_o the_o worker_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o work_n must_v needs_o be_v good_a also_o and_o though_o the_o worker_n fail_v in_o the_o circumstance_n yet_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o work_n be_v cover_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o the_o fault_n thereof_o cover_v the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v twofold_a first_o it_o show_v that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n child_n be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o bad_a even_o the_o best_a work_n they_o do_v be_v imperfect_a second_o this_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o saint_n james_n when_o he_o say_v that_o rahab_n be_v justify_v by_o her_o work_n hereby_o he_o mean_v that_o by_o her_o work_n she_o declare_v herself_o to_o be_v just_a for_o that_o she_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o her_o work_n appear_v plain_a because_o the_o work_n which_o she_o do_v be_v faulty_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o not_o perfect_o good_a and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o perfect_a justice_n of_o god_n but_o some_o will_v further_o say_v that_o this_o conceal_n of_o the_o spy_n and_o lie_v to_o the_o king_n messenger_n be_v a_o work_n of_o treachery_n against_o her_o own_o country_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o notorious_a fault_n and_o so_o no_o work_n of_o faith_n answ._n treachery_n indeed_o be_v as_o great_a villainy_n as_o one_o man_n can_v practise_v against_o another_o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a of_o all_o man_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o rahab_n in_o this_o place_n be_v no_o traitor_n for_o she_o have_v a_o plain_a certificate_n in_o her_o conscience_n that_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o city_n jericho_n be_v give_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o right_a lord_n thereof_o and_o shall_v enjoy_v they_o so_o that_o she_o hide_v the_o spy_n not_o in_o treachery_n but_o in_o faith_n thus_o we_o see_v her_o fact_n the_o duty_n which_o we_o learn_v hence_o be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o harlot_n rahab_n be_v by_o call_v a_o hostess_n and_o a_o victualler_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o hence_o innkeeper_n be_v teach_v their_o duty_n first_o if_o they_o will_v show_v themselves_o faithful_a they_o must_v have_v special_a regard_n and_o respect_n unto_o such_o guest_n of_o they_o as_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o fear_v he_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o rahabs_n faith_n towards_o the_o spy_n of_o god_n people_n david_n make_v this_o the_o property_n of_o every_o godly_a man_n that_o in_o his_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v but_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n psalm_n 15._o verse_n 4_o and_o therefore_o if_o innkeeper_n will_v show_v themselves_o godly_a they_o must_v so_o do_v and_o to_o encourage_v each_o one_o hereto_o our_o saviour_n christ_n make_v this_o notable_a promise_n matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 41_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o prophet_n reward_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o just_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o just_a man_n shall_v receive_v a_o just_a man_n reward_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v give_v to_o one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o to_o drink_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v not_o lose_v his_o reward_n also_o stranger_n be_v here_o teach_v that_o in_o seek_v place_n for_o their_o abode_n they_o must_v make_v choice_n to_o be_v with_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n so_o god_n direct_v these_o spy_n to_o do_v and_o when_o christ_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v he_o bid_v they_o matthew_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 11_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o city_n to_o inquire_v who_o be_v worthy_a in_o that_o city_n and_o there_o to_o abide_v till_o they_o depart_v but_o alas_o these_o duty_n be_v little_o perform_v especial_o the_o first_o for_o innkeeper_n and_o such_o as_o entertain_v stranger_n do_v make_v most_o of_o those_o that_o give_v themselves_o to_o ryote_n and_o good_a fellowship_n they_o be_v best_a welcome_n that_o spend_v most_o in_o game_n drink_v and_o lasciviousness_n these_o may_v learn_v otherwise_o of_o rahab_n who_o do_v better_a though_o she_o have_v be_v a_o harlot_n three_o innkeeper_n must_v here_o learn_v that_o when_o a_o man_n come_v into_o their_o house_n if_o he_o be_v no_o malefactor_n they_o must_v give_v he_o protection_n thus_o rahab_n do_v here_o to_o the_o spy_n of_o the_o israelite_n even_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o her_o own_o life_n the_o like_a also_o we_o may_v read_v of_o lot_n for_o when_o two_o angel_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n come_v into_o his_o house_n and_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n will_v have_v have_v they_o out_o lot_z beseech_v they_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o gen._n 19.8_o and_o his_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o come_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o roof_n again_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v another_o general_a duty_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n &_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o discover_v his_o fellow_n brethren_n or_o to_o detect_v they_o but_o must_v rather_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n by_o conceal_v they_o for_o their_o preservation_n this_o be_v practise_v by_o good_a obadiah_n when_o jesabel_n kill_v the_o lord_n prophet_n he_o hide_v they_o by_o fifty_n in_o a_o cave_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v know_v will_v have_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o brethren_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o jew_n will_v have_v slay_v paul_n in_o damascus_n the_o brethren_n take_v he_o by_o night_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o wall_n in_o a_o basket_n to_o save_v his_o life_n act_v 9.25_o and_o since_o those_o time_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v find_v that_o when_o the_o christian_n be_v urge_v by_o persecuter_n to_o reveal_v their_o brethren_n they_o rather_o choose_v to_o lay_v down_o their_o own_o life_n then_o to_o betray_v their_o brethren_n into_o their_o enemy_n hand_n and_o this_o be_v true_a love_n indeed_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v when_o a_o man_n will_v give_v his_o life_n for_o his_o brother_n 1._o john_n 3.16_o last_o whereas_o rahab_n receive_v the_o spy_n peaceable_o we_o note_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v peaceable_a and_o kind_a the_o holy_a ghost_n repeat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n name_n peace_n and_o meekness_n among_o they_o 4.22_o now_o this_o peace_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a to_o all_o but_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o â—e_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n foretold_v shall_v be_v under_o the_o gospel_n isaiah_n 11.6_o that_o then_o the_o wolf_n shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n lie_v with_o the_o kid_n signify_v that_o howsoever_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v as_o savage_a as_o wolf_n yet_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v become_v gentle_a as_o lamb_n be_v kind_a and_o peaceable_a one_o to_o another_o this_o peaceablenesse_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v show_v in_o the_o place_n and_o call_v where_o a_o man_n live_v for_o there_o do_v rahab_n show_v forth_o she_o when_o the_o spy_n come_v unto_o she_o and_o where_o this_o be_v true_o in_o outward_a action_n there_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o good_a token_n that_o a_o man_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n when_o he_o live_v peaceable_o with_o man_n which_o be_v so_o we_o must_v learn_v not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o our_o heady_a affection_n but_o must_v rather_o bridle_v the_o rage_n of_o malice_n and_o anger_n and_o endeavour_n to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o especial_o with_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o god_n church_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o example_n the_o judge_n faith_n verse_n 32._o and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o for_o the_o time_n will_v be_v too_o short_a for_o i_o to_o tell_v of_o gedeon_n of_o barac_n and_o of_o samson_n and_o of_o jephte_n also_o of_o david_n and_o samuel_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o through_o faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v righteousness_n etc._n etc._n hitherto_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n have_v