place_n in_o their_o memory_n the_o punishment_n threaten_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o sin_n namely_o that_o god_n likewise_o will_v forget_v their_o child_n the_o which_o be_v speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o fit_v himself_o to_o their_o capacity_n for_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o forget_v or_o remember_v see_v all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v be_v present_a before_o he_o in_o one_o perfect_a view_n but_o hereby_o he_o will_v signify_v unto_o they_o that_o as_o they_o have_v so_o neglect_v his_o law_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o remember_v it_o so_o he_o will_v utter_o neglect_v they_o and_o withdraw_v from_o they_o all_o sign_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n as_o if_o he_o have_v utter_o forget_v they_o and_o his_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o now_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v forget_v their_o child_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v destroy_v the_o priesthood_n for_o ordinary_o the_o child_n succeed_v the_o parent_n in_o the_o priest_n office_n but_o now_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o strip_v they_o of_o this_o honour_n but_o their_o posterity_n also_o and_o so_o make_v the_o priesthood_n to_o cease_v for_o whereas_o he_o threaten_v the_o child_n he_o much_o more_o include_v the_o parent_n for_o if_o the_o heat_n of_o god_n wrath_n extend_v to_o the_o child_n for_o their_o father_n sin_n much_o more_o shall_v it_o be_v inflame_v against_o the_o father_n themselves_o last_o whereas_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o priest_n sin_n say_v that_o they_o have_v forget_v his_o law_n and_o of_o his_o own_o punishment_n that_o he_o will_v forget_v their_o child_n hereby_o be_v imply_v god_n merciful_a justice_n and_o man_n impiety_n in_o that_o god_n do_v not_o forget_v they_o before_o they_o have_v forget_v he_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n at_o any_o time_n neglect_n and_o forget_v his_o people_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v neglect_v and_o forget_v he_o first_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n the_o doctrine_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o they_o be_v diverse_a the_o first_o thing_n people_n that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o the_o people_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o if_o a_o people_n live_v in_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n for_o want_v of_o teach_v and_o instruction_n the_o lord_n condemn_v it_o as_o a_o great_a sin_n both_o in_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o the_o minister_n in_o that_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o either_o through_o their_o insufficiency_n or_o idleness_n suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o darkness_n to_o their_o perdition_n whereby_o they_o become_v accessary_a yea_o principal_a cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o and_o in_o the_o people_n in_o that_o they_o be_v content_a to_o live_v in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o such_o blind_a guide_v as_o can_v inform_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n though_o other_o neglect_v it_o they_o shall_v count_v this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o their_o worldly_a affair_n they_o shall_v want_v this_o precious_a pearl_n of_o god_n word_n rather_o sell_v all_o they_o have_v to_o purchase_v it_o then_o content_v themselves_o to_o be_v without_o it_o they_o shall_v themselves_o read_v study_n and_o meditate_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n especial_o when_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v but_o this_o sin_n be_v much_o more_o heinous_a in_o the_o people_n if_o they_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n when_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v they_o liberal_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n if_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n when_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n clear_o shine_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o continue_v blind_a because_o they_o will_v not_o see_v if_o they_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v or_o neglect_n and_o despise_v it_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o as_o not_o worth_a the_o know_n or_o remember_v if_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v under_o blind_a guide_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o hear_v and_o learning_n or_o with_o admonition_n and_o reprehension_n whereas_o they_o rather_o desire_v to_o live_v quiet_o and_o secure_o in_o their_o sin_n then_o under_o faithful_a and_o painful_a minister_n who_o will_v disturb_v their_o ease_n and_o awake_v their_o conscience_n out_o of_o the_o sleep_n of_o sin_n for_o such_o live_n in_o ignorance_n be_v without_o excuse_n and_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n shall_v most_o certain_o be_v destroy_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o where_o the_o people_n knowledge_n the_o people_n shall_v be_v destroy_v which_o want_n knowledge_n be_v destitute_a of_o knowledge_n for_o want_n of_o instruction_n there_o the_o people_n &_o minister_n shall_v be_v destroy_v the_o people_n first_o because_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o such_o blind_a guide_v and_o willing_o remain_v in_o their_o ignorance_n second_o because_o want_v knowledge_n they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o all_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o those_o who_o god_n have_v elect_v to_o salvation_n as_o to_o the_o end_n he_o have_v also_o ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o salvation_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v effectual_o call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v but_o none_o can_v attain_v to_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n for_o whosoever_o god_n effectual_o call_v those_o with_o his_o word_n and_o holy_a spirit_n he_o illuminate_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n their_o own_o misery_n the_o work_n of_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o with_o other_o principle_n and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n without_o then_o this_o knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o effectual_a call_n so_o likewise_o no_o justification_n for_o whosoever_o be_v justify_v they_o be_v also_o endue_v with_o a_o lively_a faith_n whereby_o they_o apply_v unto_o themselves_o the_o merit_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n but_o without_o knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o faith_n for_o we_o can_v believe_v and_o be_v certain_o persuade_v of_o that_o whereof_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o consequent_o no_o justifycation_n in_o a_o word_n without_o knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o sanctifycation_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n without_o which_o we_o can_v neither_o choose_v the_o good_a nor_o refuse_v the_o evil_n now_o without_o these_o mean_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o save_v but_o those_o who_o be_v effectual_o call_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v and_o therefore_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o want_v knowledge_n be_v destroy_v this_o may_v be_v prove_v more_o particular_o whether_o we_o respect_v the_o temporary_a destruction_n of_o the_o body_n and_o state_n or_o the_o eternal_a destruction_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o that_o i_o have_v already_o handle_v this_o point_n before_o entreat_v of_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o if_o this_o want_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o people_n proceed_v from_o the_o insufficiency_n or_o idleness_n of_o their_o minister_n then_o do_v it_o bring_v destruction_n to_o they_o also_o as_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o ruin_n this_o the_o lord_n threaten_v ezech._n 3._o 18._o and_o 33._o 8._o 8._o ezech._n 3._o 18._o &_o 33._o 8._o when_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o wicked_a o_o wicked_a man_n thou_o shall_v die_v the_o the_o death_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v and_o admonish_v the_o wicked_a man_n of_o his_o way_n that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v for_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n to_o which_o paul_n seem_v to_o allude_v act._n 20._o 26._o where_o approve_v his_o pain_n in_o his_o ministry_n 26._o act._n 20._o 26._o he_o say_v he_o be_v pure_a from_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o man_n from_o which_o place_n gregory_n thus_o conclude_v tot_fw-la occidimus_fw-la quot_fw-la ad_fw-la mortem_fw-la ire_n tepidi_fw-la &_o tacentes_fw-la videmus_fw-la we_o murder_n say_v he_o so_o many_o as_o we_o see_v go_v the_o way_n to_o destruction_n and_o careless_o hold_v our_o peace_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n serve_v to_o teach_v we_o in_o what_o a_o miserable_a estate_n such_o a_o people_n be_v who_o content_n themselves_o to_o live_v in_o ignorance_n whether_o they_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n or_o have_v they_o do_v neglect_n and_o contemn_v they_o see_v
hear_v their_o sin_n reprehend_v four_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o this_o our_o prophet_n be_v send_v as_o god_n ambassador_n when_o he_o be_v but_o young_a and_o continue_v service_n no_o age_n exempt_v from_o god_n service_n it_o until_o his_o old_a age_n whence_o we_o learn_v that_o no_o age_n be_v exempt_v from_o god_n service_n nor_o any_o time_n so_o unfit_a but_o that_o if_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o grant_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n a_o man_n may_v in_o it_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o benefit_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o excuse_v ourselves_o by_o our_o youth_n as_o though_o it_o be_v not_o time_n for_o we_o to_o begin_v to_o serve_v god_n nor_o by_o our_o age_n as_o though_o that_o shall_v exempt_v we_o from_o god_n service_n as_o be_v too_o painful_a and_o laborious_a but_o as_o we_o be_v to_o begin_v betimes_o so_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n see_v nothing_o be_v more_o honourable_a than_o a_o gray_a head_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n pro._n 16._o 30._o 30._o prou._n 16._o 30._o more_o especial_o the_o people_n may_v here_o learn_v not_o less_o to_o despise_v the_o youth_n of_o god_n minister_n not_o to_o be_v despise_v esteem_v god_n ambassage_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o youth_n of_o the_o ambassador_n see_v the_o lord_n have_v call_v both_o young_a and_o old_a and_o fit_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o this_o service_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n but_o upon_o his_o own_o ordinance_n the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o on_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o only_o it_o be_v make_v effectual_a for_o our_o salvation_n jeremy_n be_v but_o a_o child_n that_o be_v young_a in_o year_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n jer._n 1._o 6._o but_o yet_o he_o must_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o speak_v to_o 8._o jer._n 1._o 6._o 8._o the_o ancient_a and_o mighty_a because_o god_n be_v with_o he_o to_o deliver_v he_o vers_fw-la 8._o timothy_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o evangelist_n while_o he_o be_v young_a but_o yet_o no_o man_n may_v despise_v his_o youth_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 12._o 12._o 1._o tim._n 4_o 12._o hosea_n prophesy_v in_o his_o young_a day_n but_o they_o be_v not_o excuse_v hereby_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o nor_o exempt_v from_o feel_a god_n judgement_n five_o we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o he_o do_v prophesy_v the_o ruin_n flourish_v the_o ruin_n of_o israel_n foretell_v when_o it_o most_o flourish_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n not_o in_o the_o decline_a state_n thereof_o but_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la under_o who_o it_o most_o flourish_v when_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o such_o future_a calamity_n as_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n for_o jehoash_fw-mi his_o father_n have_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o amaziah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o have_v carry_v away_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o king_n house_n and_o jeroboam_fw-la himself_o have_v obtain_v many_o notable_a victory_n against_o his_o enemy_n enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o her_o ancient_a limit_n so_o that_o now_o the_o idolatry_n of_o those_o time_n may_v be_v defend_v in_o that_o it_o have_v more_o prosperous_a success_n than_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o juda_n but_o in_o these_o time_n god_n send_v his_o prophet_n be_v young_a of_o year_n to_o reprove_v king_n and_o people_n for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o to_o denounce_v and_o foretell_v the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o the_o kingdom_n where_o first_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n see_v he_o can_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n spirit_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o kingdom_n when_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o present_a flourish_a estate_n thereof_o there_o be_v nothing_o less_o fear_v or_o expect_v second_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v courage_n the_o prophet_n courage_n in_o the_o time_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o in_o that_o flourish_a estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n foretell_v the_o ruin_n thereof_o hence_o we_o observe_v that_o notable_a boldness_n and_o courageous_a fortitude_n of_o this_o prophet_n who_o dare_v undertake_v and_o go_v through_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n for_o see_v the_o victorious_a king_n and_o people_n be_v make_v drink_v with_o prosperity_n exceed_o lift_v up_o in_o pride_n in_o their_o good_a success_n and_o long_o harden_v with_o their_o customable_a live_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v guess_v with_o what_o scoff_n and_o taunt_n they_o entertain_v the_o prophet_n and_o unto_o how_o many_o danger_n he_o expose_v himself_o where_o he_o prophesy_v of_o their_o destruction_n which_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o fear_v the_o which_o serve_v to_o teach_v god_n minister_n in_o these_o time_n bold_o and_o courageous_o to_o deliver_v god_n embassage_n even_o before_o king_n and_o great_a potentate_n when_o they_o be_v call_v hereunto_o and_o not_o to_o be_v daunt_v with_o the_o face_n of_o man_n when_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o be_v discourage_v with_o scoff_n taunt_n and_o reproach_n difficulty_n and_o danger_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o perform_v their_o duty_n for_o he_o that_o have_v set_v they_o on_o work_n will_v give_v they_o their_o wage_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o suffer_v the_o least_o thing_n for_o his_o sake_n which_o he_o will_v not_o recompense_v a_o hundred_o foul_v three_o we_o observe_v god_n marvellous_a and_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o this_o his_o prophet_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o prophet_n god_n power_n in_o preserve_v his_o prophet_n danger_n for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n together_o so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o wicked_a man_n and_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n against_o who_o idolatry_n he_o inveigh_v yet_o god_n deliver_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o peril_n and_o bring_v he_o in_o peace_n in_o his_o very_a old_a age_n unto_o his_o grave_n as_o epiphanius_n write_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v encourage_v god_n minister_n to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n even_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n see_v the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o they_o and_o will_v preserve_v they_o in_o their_o way_n though_o it_o seem_v never_o so_o impossible_a so_o far_o forth_o as_o god_n thereby_o may_v be_v glorify_v and_o their_o salvation_n further_v example_n of_o this_o marvelous_a preservation_n we_o have_v in_o noah_n lot_n moses_n elias_n john_n the_o evangelist_n martin_n luther_n and_o many_o other_o four_o in_o the_o example_n of_o this_o prophet_n god_n minister_n prosper_v vice_n be_v to_o be_v reprove_v when_o they_o most_o prosper_v may_v learn_v to_o set_v upon_o and_o inveigh_v against_o vice_n not_o only_a when_o they_o be_v discountenance_v with_o god_n judgement_n and_o under_o foot_n but_o then_o most_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v entertain_v with_o most_o prosperous_a success_n and_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n which_o do_v attend_v upon_o they_o last_o here_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n nor_o of_o the_o virtue_n and_o religious_a godliness_n love_n prospertie_n no_o true_a sign_n of_o god_n love_n of_o a_o state_n by_o their_o good_a success_n and_o prosperous_a affair_n for_o under_o the_o government_n of_o this_o king_n jeroboam_fw-la such_o be_v the_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o people_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n send_v his_o prophet_n to_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o that_o he_o will_v divorce_v they_o from_o he_o for_o their_o manifold_a adultery_n that_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v accompany_v with_o prosperity_n and_o all_o worldly_a felicity_n be_v false_a idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a and_o that_o they_o abound_v in_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o inscription_n now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o legal_a commination_n where_o first_o be_v set_v down_o their_o sin_n and_o second_o their_o punishment_n their_o main_a and_o capital_a sin_n be_v idolatry_n which_o be_v signify_v under_o the_o typical_a marriage_n of_o the_o prophet_n with_o a_o wife_n of_o fornication_n the_o which_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o lord_n vers_n 2._o and_o undertake_v by_o the_o prophet_n vers_fw-la 3._o verse_n 2._o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o lord_n speak_v by_o hosea_n and_o the_o
verse_n 2_o lord_n say_v unto_o hosea_n go_v take_v unto_o thou_o a_o wife_n of_o fornication_n and_o child_n of_o fornication_n for_o the_o land_n have_v commit_v great_a whoredom_n depart_v from_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v contain_v the_o lord_n commandment_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o in_o the_o commandment_n be_v set_v down_o 1._o the_o time_n or_o order_n 2._o the_o commander_n 3._o the_o person_n unto_o who_o the_o commandment_n be_v direct_v 4._o the_o thing_n command_v the_o time_n or_o order_n in_o these_o word_n at_o the_o beginning_n beginning_n the_o exposition_n at_o the_o beginning_n which_o some_o expound_v that_o the_o lord_n first_o speak_v unto_o this_o prophet_n before_o he_o speak_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o send_v he_o to_o prophesy_v unto_o the_o people_n before_o any_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n but_o this_o be_v general_o understand_v be_v not_o true_a see_v before_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o many_o as_o to_o abraham_n noah_n elias_n elizeus_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o if_o more_o particular_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o his_o time_n who_o writing_n be_v extant_a it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o hosea_n be_v first_o but_o rather_o jonas_n who_o prophesy_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o jeroboam_n reign_v and_o do_v foretell_v all_o his_o famous_a victory_n as_o appear_v 2._o king_n 14._o 25._o 25._o 2._o king_n 14._o 25._o whereas_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o hosea_n prophesy_v not_o until_o the_o latter_a end_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o he_o prophesy_v 100_o year_n for_o so_o much_o it_o be_v almost_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o jeroboam_n reign_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o ezechias_n and_o moreover_o it_o be_v here_o say_v vers_fw-la 4._o that_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v by_o hosea_n shall_v within_o a_o little_a while_n be_v inflict_v which_o be_v not_o in_o jeroboam_n reign_v but_o in_o his_o son_n and_o those_o who_o succeed_v he_o these_o word_n therefore_o be_v rather_o thus_o to_o be_v understand_v that_o this_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o lord_n speech_n unto_o hosea_n or_o that_o the_o lord_n thus_o begin_v his_o speech_n unto_o hosea_n when_o he_o call_v he_o to_o be_v his_o ambassador_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o this_o the_o hebrew_n text_n will_v well_o bear_v for_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v translate_v thus_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o lord_n speech_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o lordspake_v see_v the_o word_n may_v indifferent_o be_v either_o noun_n or_o verb_n the_o commander_n be_v jehovah_n who_o do_v not_o speak_v unto_o hosea_n the_o lord_n speak_v to_o hosea_n the_o people_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o voice_n but_o by_o his_o prophet_n hosea_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n signify_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v in_o hosea_n which_o some_o expound_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o hosea_n some_o that_o he_o speak_v with_o hosea_n some_o that_o he_o speak_v by_o hosea_n but_o somewhat_o more_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v namely_o that_o he_o so_o speak_v by_o he_o as_o that_o also_o he_o speak_v in_o he_o prompt_v he_o as_o it_o be_v by_o his_o spirit_n what_o he_o shall_v deliver_v from_o he_o to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o hosea_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v not_o only_o that_o the_o lord_n bare_o speak_v unto_o the_o prophet_n for_o so_o the_o lord_n also_o speak_v to_o all_o who_o he_o instruct_v by_o his_o word_n but_o that_o he_o speak_v unto_o he_o immediate_o by_o himself_o and_o not_o as_o unto_o a_o ordidary_n man_n but_o as_o unto_o his_o prophet_n who_o he_o send_v as_o his_o ambassador_n unto_o the_o people_n with_o his_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n which_o he_o be_v to_o deliver_v unto_o they_o as_o in_o god_n own_o person_n here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n speak_v not_o only_o to_o he_o and_o by_o he_o for_o he_o speak_v also_o by_o balaams_n ass_n unto_o his_o master_n use_v he_o as_o his_o instrument_n to_o reprove_v the_o prophet_n folly_n but_o also_o that_o he_o speak_v in_o he_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o direct_v his_o tongue_n so_o that_o he_o deliver_v nothing_o according_a to_o his_o own_o invention_n but_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n the_o like_a phrase_n be_v use_v 2._o sam._n 23._o 2._o haba_n 2._o 1._o heb._n 1._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 20._o 2._o sam._n 23._o 2._o habbac_n 2._o 1._o 2._o cor._n 13._o 3._o matth._n 10._o 20._o 2._o cor._n 13._o 3._o see_v you_o have_v experience_n of_o christ_n that_o speak_v in_o i_o matth._n 10._o 20._o for_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o you_o by_o all_o which_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n dwell_v in_o his_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o minister_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v use_v they_o as_o his_o instrument_n in_o his_o own_o stead_n to_o deliver_v his_o word_n unto_o his_o people_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v he_o add_v that_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o hosea_n which_o have_v relation_n unto_o the_o special_a commandment_n which_o ensue_v so_o that_o here_o be_v somewhat_o more_o to_o be_v understand_v then_o be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n namely_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v unto_o the_o prophet_n general_o but_o that_o he_o thus_o speak_v after_o this_o special_a manner_n as_o follow_v and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n when_o as_o he_o call_v hosea_n to_o be_v a_o prophet_n put_v his_o word_n into_o he_o and_o speak_v in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o as_o his_o ambassador_n who_o represent_v his_o own_o person_n and_o for_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o speech_n cause_v he_o to_o use_v the_o word_n follow_v unto_o the_o people_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o these_o word_n first_o here_o we_o observe_v that_o before_o the_o do_v ∣_o ctrine_n the_o lord_n send_v hosea_n to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n he_o first_o speak_v unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o put_v his_o ambassage_n into_o embassage_n god_n furnish_v all_o who_o he_o send_v on_o his_o embassage_n his_o mouth_n prepare_v and_o fit_v he_o unto_o this_o great_a work_n unto_o which_o he_o call_v he_o from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o all_o who_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v first_o by_o he_o so_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o good_a sort_n enable_v to_o deliver_v god_n word_n and_o message_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v apparent_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o those_o who_o be_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n call_v be_v also_o extraordinary_o furnish_v for_o this_o work_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n those_o who_o have_v a_o ordinary_a call_n be_v prepare_v by_o ordinary_a mean_n as_o in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o the_o use_n also_o be_v still_o among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o blind_a guide_n and_o dumb_a minister_n which_o in_o these_o time_n abound_v be_v not_o send_v of_o god_n for_o if_o a_o earthly_a prince_n will_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o ignorant_a and_o speechless_a ambassador_n much_o less_o will_v god_n infinite_o wise_a make_v choice_n of_o such_o messenger_n especial_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o able_a to_o furnish_v any_o who_o he_o send_v with_o sufficiency_n of_o gift_n fit_a for_o that_o call_n unto_o which_o he_o call_v they_o second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o work_n of_o his_o call_v before_o he_o be_v after_o a_o special_a minister_n a_o outward_a call_v necessary_a for_o minister_n manner_n send_v from_o god_n although_o he_o be_v furnish_v with_o gift_n and_o have_v his_o mind_n illuminate_v by_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o he_o and_o in_o he_o from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o thrust_v ourselves_o into_o this_o call_v though_o we_o have_v great_a knowledge_n and_o learning_n unless_o we_o be_v first_o call_v and_o send_v by_o god_n which_o extraordinary_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n immediate_o and_o ordinary_o by_o the_o church_n or_o those_o which_o by_o the_o church_n consent_n be_v appoint_v for_o this_o purpose_n for_o though_o christ_n have_v instruct_v his_o apostle_n yet_o they_o preach_v not_o till_o he_o send_v they_o matth._n 10._o 5._o though_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o spirit_n 5._o matth._n 10._o 5._o yet_o he_o
to_o aspire_v unto_o it_o god_n therefore_o do_v not_o choose_v we_o for_o his_o subject_n because_o first_o we_o make_v choice_n of_o he_o to_o be_v our_o king_n and_o head_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o his_o love_n we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o 1._o john_n 4._o 19_o so_o may_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o 19_o 1._o john_n 4._o 19_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n we_o come_v unto_o he_o because_o first_o he_o call_v we_o we_o choose_v he_o for_o our_o king_n and_o head_n because_o first_o he_o choose_v we_o for_o his_o subject_n and_o member_n we_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o government_n because_o first_o he_o rule_v and_o over-ruleth_a we_o by_o his_o spirit_n with_o the_o inward_a work_n thereof_o incline_v we_o to_o holy_a obedience_n who_o natural_o be_v stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a so_o that_o all_o our_o work_n and_o duty_n towards_o god_n be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o gracious_a work_n in_o we_o and_o nothing_o but_o inferior_a motion_n of_o that_o first_o mover_n and_o as_o it_o be_v but_o reflection_n of_o those_o heavenly_a beam_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o goodness_n which_o shine_v upon_o us._n the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v be_v that_o as_o he_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v we_o into_o his_o church_n we_o choose_v he_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o church_n and_o choose_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o member_n then_o present_o do_v we_o choose_v he_o to_o be_v our_o king_n and_o head_n submit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n and_o holy_a spirit_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v upon_o we_o as_o upon_o stock_n and_o stone_n but_o as_o upon_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o be_v first_o set_v a_o work_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v work_n together_o with_o he_o whereby_o we_o may_v learn_v whether_o god_n have_v choose_v we_o and_o effectual_o call_v we_o to_o this_o high_a dignity_n of_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n not_o by_o enter_v into_o god_n secret_a counsel_n but_o by_o descend_v into_o ourselves_o search_v and_o examine_v our_o own_o heart_n whether_o we_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v our_o head_n and_o governor_n for_o if_o we_o have_v so_o do_v then_o assure_o he_o have_v call_v and_o choose_v we_o see_v our_o choose_n of_o he_o to_o be_v our_o head_n be_v but_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o choose_n of_o we_o to_o be_v his_o member_n now_o further_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n we_o have_v choose_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o head_n by_o examine_v our_o own_o heart_n whether_o we_o have_v submit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o if_o we_o have_v not_o do_v then_o certain_o whatsoever_o we_o profess_v we_o have_v not_o choose_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o head_n and_o consequent_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v choose_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n three_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o after_o a_o general_a manner_n set_v over_o they_o christ_n to_o be_v their_o faith_n every_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n apply_v he_o unto_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o faith_n head_n but_o every_o member_n thereof_o do_v particular_o make_v choice_n of_o he_o to_o himself_o whereby_o we_o learn_v that_o neither_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o parent_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n unless_o we_o particular_o appropriate_v he_o unto_o ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o faith_n for_o as_o no_o man_n be_v rich_a wife_n or_o learn_v by_o the_o riches_n wisdom_n or_o learning_n of_o another_o man_n but_o by_o his_o own_o so_o be_v no_o man_n faithful_a by_o another_o faith_n unless_o himself_o believe_v the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v make_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o to_o be_v reckon_v outward_a member_n of_o a_o faithful_a congregation_n or_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o most_o faithful_a and_o religious_a parent_n see_v every_o man_n be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n justify_v and_o save_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o not_o another_o man_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o be_v earnest_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v not_o only_o say_v general_o with_o the_o church_n we_o believe_v but_o particular_o i_o believe_v as_o in_o the_o creed_n also_o we_o profess_v four_o as_o every_o one_o be_v to_o choose_v a_o head_n unto_o himself_o so_o but_o one_o only_a head_n jesus_n christ_n see_v a_o body_n with_o two_o or_o many_o head_n be_v of_o all_o esteem_v monstrous_a and_o therefore_o renounce_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v to_o be_v renounce_v we_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o pope_n from_o be_v our_o head_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o to_o our_o only_a head_n jesus_n christ_n submit_v ourselves_o whole_o and_o only_o to_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v by_o his_o word_n and_o holy_a spirit_n last_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v what_o kind_n of_o head_n our_o saviour_n perfection_n christ_n be_v our_o head_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o all_o perfection_n christ_n be_v unto_o we_o not_o a_o idle_a head_n or_o in_o title_n only_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n have_v in_o he_o the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o a_o head_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o all_o perfection_n for_o he_o be_v such_o a_o head_n as_o entire_o love_v we_o as_o be_v the_o member_n of_o his_o own_o body_n he_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o most_o powerful_a head_n who_o be_v able_a to_o protect_v and_o defend_v we_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o malice_n of_o enemy_n he_o be_v a_o most_o vigilant_a and_o provident_a head_n who_o observe_v all_o our_o want_n and_o by_o his_o all-ruling_a providence_n provide_v for_o we_o and_o final_o he_o be_v a_o most_o wise_a head_n to_o govern_v and_o guide_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n not_o only_o illuminate_v we_o and_o give_v we_o sight_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o best_a course_n but_o also_o derive_v unto_o we_o strength_n and_o motion_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o see_v we_o have_v a_o head_n so_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o all_o excellency_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o make_v not_o choice_n of_o any_o other_o nor_o of_o ourselves_o to_o be_v our_o head_n but_o renounce_v all_o other_o keep_v we_o whole_o and_o only_o unto_o he_o and_o see_v he_o be_v a_o most_o love_a head_n let_v we_o rejoice_v in_o his_o love_n and_o return_v love_n unto_o he_o again_o and_o as_o the_o arm_n offer_v itself_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o rather_o than_o the_o head_n shall_v be_v wound_v so_o let_v we_o who_o be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v ready_a to_o endure_v blow_n wound_n yea_o death_n itself_o rather_o than_o any_o wound_n of_o dishonour_n shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o our_o head_n christ_n and_o see_v he_o be_v a_o almighty_a head_n let_v we_o trust_v whole_o in_o his_o power_n rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o alone_o for_o deliverance_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o danger_n and_o from_o the_o rage_a violence_n of_o all_o enemy_n and_o see_v he_o be_v our_o careful_a and_o most_o provident_a head_n let_v we_o not_o rest_v so_o much_o upon_o our_o own_o provision_n industry_n and_o labour_n which_o will_v often_o fail_v we_o as_o upon_o his_o al-sufficient_a all-seeing_a and_o all-ruling_a providence_n who_o know_v all_o our_o want_n better_a than_o we_o ourselves_o and_o never_o fail_v either_o in_o will_n or_o power_n to_o supply_v they_o and_o last_o see_v he_o be_v such_o a_o head_n as_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o all_o knowledge_n let_v we_o submit_v ourselves_o whole_o and_o only_o to_o be_v instruct_v govern_v and_o guide_v by_o he_o not_o follow_v other_o direction_n and_o tradition_n nor_o our_o own_o invention_n for_o he_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o that_o follow_v he_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n but_o shall_v have_v the_o light_n of_o life_n joh._n 8._o 12._o which_o 35._o john_n 8._o 12._o 12._o 35._o light_n be_v take_v away_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o palpable_a darkness_n joh._n 12._o 35._o he_o be_v his_o father_n dear_o belove_a son_n who_o we_o must_v hear_v mat._n 17._o 5._o he_o be_v our_o only_o master_n and_o teacher_n of_o who_o we_o must_v be_v instruct_v matth._n 23._o 8._o 10._o in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v our_o only_a head_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o member_n 10._o math._n 17._o 5._o &_o 23._o 8._o 10._o do_v not_o
duty_n do_v appertain_v namely_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o the_o faithful_a must_v labour_v to_o gain_v other_o to_o the_o church_n church_n whether_o they_o be_v public_a or_o private_a person_n for_o there_o be_v none_o which_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o meanness_n of_o gift_n exempt_v see_v there_o be_v not_o any_o who_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o small_a talon_n but_o that_o if_o he_o will_v profitable_o employ_v it_o he_o may_v thereby_o gain_v some_o glory_n to_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n or_o other_o bring_v some_o benefit_n to_o his_o brethren_n either_o by_o instruction_n consolation_n exhortation_n or_o holy_a example_n of_o life_n but_o howsoever_o this_o duty_n belong_v to_o all_o yet_o especial_o to_o god_n minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n both_o to_o be_v the_o spiritual_a father_n by_o who_o man_n be_v beget_v unto_o god_n and_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o also_o to_o be_v the_o nurse_n who_o by_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n instruct_v the_o ignorant_a exhort_v those_o that_o be_v backward_o persuade_v the_o obstinate_a confirm_v the_o weak_a and_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v those_o which_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v and_o by_o all_o mean_n labour_v that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o convert_v may_v be_v gain_v unto_o christ_n and_o likewise_o that_o those_o who_o be_v already_o add_v to_o the_o church_n may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o spiritual_a union_n with_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o saint_n four_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v to_o who_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v namely_o to_o our_o brother_n and_o sister_n that_o be_v those_o who_o be_v already_o and_o those_o that_o may_v be_v hereafter_o our_o brethren_n and_o sister_n and_o in_o yâ—_z we_o do_v not_o know_v who_o these_o be_v because_o god_n truth_n that_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o inform_v all_o in_o god_n truth_n secret_a counsel_n &_o decree_n of_o election_n be_v know_v only_o to_o himself_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o exhort_v instruct_v and_o persuade_v all_o to_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o state_n and_o calling_n we_o possible_o can_v for_o the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o can_v easy_o cause_v lion_n tiger_n and_o cockatrice_n to_o become_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n he_o can_v make_v idolatrous_a abraham_n the_o feather_n of_o the_o faithful_a bloody_a and_o barbarous_a manasses_n a_o humble_a convert_n a_o persecute_v saul_n a_o preach_a paul_n and_o a_o lewd_a chief_n a_o holy_a confessor_n and_o therefore_o say_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n i_o will_v spare_v my_o labour_n because_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v too_o wicked_a too_o worldly_a too_o covetous_a too_o proud_a to_o make_v a_o christian_n see_v the_o lord_n be_v able_a of_o stone_n to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n to_o humble_v the_o most_o proud_a and_o obstinate_a and_o to_o sanctify_v the_o most_o profane_a neither_o be_v he_o only_o able_a to_o do_v it_o but_o also_o often_o do_v it_o to_o show_v the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o his_o wisdom_n power_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o our_o salvation_n be_v not_o for_o our_o own_o work_n or_o worthiness_n but_o of_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n and_o undeserued_a love_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o have_v the_o whole_a glory_n of_o his_o own_o work_n five_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o main_a argument_n which_o the_o other_o the_o argument_n which_o we_o must_v use_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o faithful_a be_v to_o use_v that_o they_o may_v persuade_v other_o to_o ascend_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o ascend_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n and_o lest_o their_o sin_n and_o god_n justice_n and_o wrath_n shall_v discourage_v they_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o they_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v now_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n whence_o we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o strong_a inducement_n and_o most_o forcible_a argument_n to_o move_v any_o to_o leave_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o to_o adjoine_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n namely_o when_o they_o hear_v and_o hear_v believe_v that_o they_o who_o be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n be_v now_o in_o christ_n become_v god_n subject_n and_o servant_n that_o they_o who_o the_o law_n for_o their_o grievous_a sin_n exclude_v from_o all_o mercy_n and_o make_v obnoxious_a to_o god_n wrath_n be_v now_o in_o christ_n make_v partaker_n of_o god_n mercy_n whereby_o they_o have_v the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v so_o reconcile_v to_o their_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n so_o long_o as_o a_o malefactor_n who_o have_v deserve_v death_n know_v that_o his_o prince_n be_v just_o displease_v with_o he_o and_o intend_v to_o prosecute_v the_o law_n against_o he_o he_o flee_v his_o kingdom_n and_o live_v in_o voluntary_a exile_n but_o if_o he_o hear_v that_o the_o princess_n son_n favour_v he_o and_o have_v obtain_v his_o father_n pardon_n and_o reconcile_v he_o unto_o he_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o leave_v the_o strange_a country_n where_o he_o live_v and_o to_o return_v again_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o sovereign_n so_o we_o who_o be_v grievous_a malefactor_n which_o by_o transgress_a god_n law_n have_v make_v ourselves_o subject_a to_o to_o his_o wrath_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n eternal_a death_n while_o we_o remain_v in_o this_o case_n flee_v from_o god_n presence_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v though_o it_o never_o lie_v in_o we_o we_o banish_v ourselves_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o when_o we_o hear_v that_o christ_n his_o dear_o belove_a son_n have_v obtain_v our_o pardon_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n then_o and_o not_o before_o we_o approach_v his_o presence_n and_o adjoine_v ourselves_o to_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v then_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o gather_v we_o into_o christ_n kingdom_n for_o it_o be_v god_n strong_a power_n unto_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v whereby_o he_o persuade_v we_o to_o come_v out_o of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o to_o adjoine_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o seek_v the_o conversion_n of_o other_o they_o must_v not_o only_o denounce_v legal_a threaten_n against_o sin_n for_o this_o will_v make_v man_n rather_o flee_v from_o god_n then_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o have_v by_o the_o law_n bring_v they_o to_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o misery_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o curse_n thereof_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n death_n and_o condemnation_n which_o they_o have_v deserve_v than_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o so_o be_v move_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n and_o to_o adjoine_v themselves_o to_o his_o church_n example_n hereof_o we_o have_v act._n 2._o 38._o 39_o 2._o cor._n 5._o 18._o 19_o 20._o faith_n act._n 2._o 38._o 2._o cor._n 5._o 18._o gal._n 3_o 26._o that_o we_o must_v continual_o labour_v to_o convert_v other_o to_o the_o faith_n gal._n 3._o 26._o 27._o 28._o now_o we_o be_v further_a to_o observe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o deliver_v this_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o call_v once_o or_o twice_o or_o diverse_a time_n but_o continual_o till_o they_o be_v convert_v we_o must_v teach_v they_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o do_v not_o define_v and_o determine_v a_o certain_a number_n but_o indefinite_o and_o absolute_o command_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v speak_v unto_o they_o for_o god_n call_v not_o all_o at_o the_o same_o hour_n but_o some_o at_o one_o time_n and_o some_o at_o another_o neither_o do_v he_o make_v the_o word_n effectual_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o sinner_n at_o the_o first_o hear_n but_o in_o some_o he_o let_v it_o often_o outward_o sound_a in_o their_o ear_n before_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o
this_o place_n may_v be_v understand_v but_o yet_o principal_o as_o i_o take_v it_o of_o the_o latter_a for_o whereas_o the_o people_n have_v long_o contemn_v god_n verbal_a contention_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o impenitency_n without_o any_o amendment_n the_o lord_n now_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v contend_v with_o they_o after_o another_o manner_n namely_o by_o inflict_v upon_o they_o his_o real_a judgement_n see_v word_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o they_o the_o like_a place_n to_o this_o we_o have_v gen._n 6._o 3._o therefore_o the_o 3._o gen._n 6._o 3._o lord_n say_v my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n because_o he_o be_v but_o flesh_n and_o his_o day_n shall_v be_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o because_o the_o world_n be_v root_v in_o a_o desperate_a wickedness_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o his_o spirit_n preach_v unto_o they_o by_o righteous_a noah_n therefore_o he_o will_v no_o long_o contend_v with_o they_o in_o verbal_a controversy_n see_v they_o be_v whole_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a but_o will_v bring_v upon_o they_o real_a punishment_n and_o that_o within_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n unless_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n by_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o true_a repentance_n so_o here_o the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o that_o because_o god_n word_n be_v of_o no_o force_n with_o they_o for_o their_o amendment_n the_o lord_n will_v no_o long_o thus_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o see_v his_o prophet_n and_o their_o reprehension_n be_v deride_v neglect_v and_o contemn_v therefore_o he_o will_v take_v his_o own_o cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o contend_v no_o long_o verbal_o but_o real_o with_o they_o proceed_v from_o word_n to_o blow_n from_o threaten_n to_o punishment_n the_o party_n between_o who_o this_o debate_n be_v be_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o party_n between_o who_o the_o controversy_n be_v and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n whereby_o he_o impli_v first_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v now_o become_v their_o adversary_n see_v there_o be_v no_o controversy_n or_o contention_n but_o between_o adversary_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o contention_n shall_v not_o be_v hereafter_o between_o you_o and_o the_o prophet_n because_o you_o contemn_v their_o person_n as_o weak_a and_o base_a man_n and_o deride_v and_o neglect_v their_o admonition_n reprehension_n and_o threaten_n as_o though_o they_o be_v false_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o between_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o you_o who_o be_v most_o wise_a to_o find_v out_o your_o sin_n and_o most_o just_a to_o punish_v they_o and_o this_o controversy_n shall_v be_v begin_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n before_o the_o tribunal_n seat_n of_o god_n judgement_n where_o by_o the_o law_n which_o you_o have_v transgress_v you_o shall_v be_v convict_v and_o after_o shall_v be_v full_o determine_v when_o as_o he_o shall_v inflict_v upon_o you_o such_o real_a punishment_n as_o your_o sin_n have_v deserve_v second_o he_o hereby_o impli_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v guilty_a of_o enormous_a sin_n and_o grievous_a transgression_n when_o as_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o they_o for_o such_o be_v god_n exact_a justice_n that_o he_o sue_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v indebt_v unto_o he_o neither_o contend_v he_o with_o any_o but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v wrong_v and_o offend_v he_o three_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v this_o controversy_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n hereby_o first_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o breach_n of_o covenant_n which_o they_o have_v make_v with_o god_n for_o howsoever_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n in_o drive_v out_o the_o canaanite_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o land_n in_o possession_n yet_o they_o have_v break_v their_o promise_n make_v to_o god_n violate_v their_o faith_n forsake_a god_n true_a religion_n and_o deny_v their_o obedience_n unto_o his_o law_n second_o he_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o gross_a ingratitude_n in_o that_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v out_o the_o canaanite_n the_o ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o other_o sin_n and_o give_v this_o land_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o their_o possession_n that_o therein_o they_o may_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n and_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o worship_v and_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n they_o nevertheless_o neither_o remember_v god_n judgement_n inflict_v upon_o the_o canaanite_n nor_o his_o mercy_n multiply_v upon_o themselves_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o god_n break_v his_o law_n commit_v idolatry_n and_o all_o other_o outrageous_a sin_n and_o so_o defile_v the_o land_n with_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o which_o the_o canaanite_n be_v expel_v in_o the_o which_o god_n true_a religion_n holiness_n of_o life_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v have_v reign_v and_o flourish_v and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o matter_n of_o their_o indictment_n in_o all_o which_o the_o prophet_n aim_v at_o this_o that_o he_o may_v bring_v the_o people_n to_o true_a repentance_n upon_o some_o hope_n of_o their_o reconciliation_n for_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o the_o people_n he_o do_v herein_o include_v a_o secret_a admonition_n that_o see_v the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o far_o mighty_a than_o they_o but_o also_o have_v the_o law_n &_o equity_n on_o his_o side_n therefore_o they_o shall_v labour_v after_o reconciliation_n by_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n for_o other_o mean_n there_o be_v none_o to_o escape_v his_o just_a judgement_n and_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o main_a end_n at_o which_o the_o lord_n aim_v in_o all_o his_o threaten_n namely_o that_o those_o his_o people_n who_o he_o threaten_v hear_v of_o his_o judgement_n may_v prevent_v and_o escape_v they_o by_o their_o repentance_n for_o as_o a_o love_a father_n when_o he_o threaten_v his_o child_n show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o punish_v he_o see_v by_o threaten_v he_o give_v he_o warning_n to_o desist_v from_o his_o fault_n that_o so_o he_o may_v escape_v so_o our_o gracious_a and_o heavenly_a father_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o hear_v they_o we_o may_v avoid_v they_o by_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o and_o this_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n contend_v with_o his_o people_n be_v plain_o 8._o esay_n 1._o 18._o eze._n 33._o 10._o 11._o jer._n 18._o 7._o 8._o express_v esay_n 1._o 18._o ezech._n 33._o 10._o 11._o jer._n 18._o 7._o 8._o and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o israelit_n be_v arraign_v now_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a crime_n condemn_v the_o sin_n whereof_o the_o israelit_n be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v whereof_o they_o be_v accuse_v convict_v and_o condemn_v and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o privative_a or_o sin_n of_o omission_n verse_n 1._o the_o second_o positive_a or_o sin_n of_o commission_n verse_n 2._o the_o sin_n of_o omission_n whereof_o they_o be_v accuse_v either_o respect_n their_o neighbour_n or_o god_n himself_o those_o that_o respect_v their_o neighbour_n be_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n first_o sin_n of_o injustice_n under_o the_o word_n truth_n second_o neglect_v of_o mercy_n the_o sin_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v all_o include_v under_o one_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n and_o consequent_o no_o religion_n no_o faith_n no_o obedience_n the_o first_o sin_n whereof_o he_o accuse_v they_o be_v that_o there_o land_n the_o first_o sin_n that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o land_n be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o land_n for_o the_o understanding_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o truth_n respect_v either_o the_o mind_n and_o hart_n and_o then_o it_o be_v call_v simplicity_n or_o integrity_n or_o else_o the_o outward_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n and_o that_o either_o in_o our_o word_n or_o speech_n which_o proper_o be_v call_v verity_n or_o else_o in_o our_o work_n and_o action_n which_o be_v call_v justice_n or_o upright_o deal_n whereas_o therefore_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o land_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o simplicity_n or_o integrity_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n no_o verity_n in_o their_o speech_n nor_o justice_n in_o their_o action_n and_o because_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v contrary_n without_o mean_a so_o that_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o one_o in_o a_o subject_a capable_a of_o it_o be_v the_o affirm_v of_o the_o other_o therefore_o
hereby_o he_o impli_v when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o simplicity_n in_o the_o land_n that_o it_o be_v full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o when_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o verity_n he_o impli_v that_o there_o be_v lie_v and_o when_o he_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v without_o truth_n or_o justice_n in_o their_o action_n he_o intimate_v also_o that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n the_o second_o sin_n whereof_o he_o accuse_v they_o be_v that_o they_o mercy_n the_o second_o sin_n that_o they_o want_v mercy_n be_v without_o mercy_n the_o word_n signify_v either_o benignity_n or_o beneficence_n and_o in_o the_o former_a signification_n it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o hart_n and_o so_o be_v call_v mercy_n and_o compassion_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a to_o the_o word_n and_o work_n and_o then_o it_o be_v call_v beneficence_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o christianity_n as_o when_o in_o our_o word_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v and_o benefit_v our_o brethren_n by_o exhortation_n counsel_n consolation_n admonition_n and_o reprehension_n and_o in_o our_o work_n by_o defend_v they_o with_o all_o our_o power_n and_o relieve_n they_o with_o our_o riches_n whereas_o therefore_o he_o charge_v they_o to_o be_v without_o mercy_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o these_o virtue_n and_o neglect_v all_o these_o christian_n duty_n and_o contrariwise_o he_o impli_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n their_o word_n rot_v and_o unsavoury_a their_o work_n replenish_v with_o oppression_n violence_n and_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n and_o these_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o respect_v their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o second_o table_n their_o sin_n which_o immediate_o respect_a god_n be_v all_o comprehend_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n under_o god_n the_o three_o sin_n no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o particular_a he_o comprise_v the_o neglect_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o the_o first_o table_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n &_o piety_n for_o as_o from_o the_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o from_o the_o root_n of_o all_o grace_n there_o spring_v faith_n affiance_n hope_v love_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n obedience_n and_o all_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o contrariwise_o ignorance_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o impiety_n infidelity_n diffidence_n presumption_n despair_n hatred_n of_o god_n contempt_n disobedience_n superstition_n &_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n he_o necessary_o impli_v that_o they_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o all_o grace_n piety_n and_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o first_o table_n for_o where_o the_o root_n be_v dead_a there_o the_o branch_n must_v needs_o perish_v now_o these_o their_o sin_n be_v aggravate_v in_o that_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o verity_n mercy_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n first_o in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o land_n which_o god_n in_o great_a mercy_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o therein_o they_o shall_v worship_v and_o serve_v he_o a_o land_n wherein_o he_o have_v protect_v and_o preserve_v they_o a_o land_n wherein_o he_o have_v plentiful_o afford_v unto_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v these_o grace_n of_o truth_n mercy_n and_o knowledge_n namely_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n second_o in_o that_o this_o impiety_n and_o neglect_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o only_o lurk_v in_o some_o few_o corner_n but_o overspread_v the_o whole_a land_n neither_o be_v there_o only_o some_o few_o man_n taint_v with_o these_o vice_n and_o corruption_n but_o general_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hide_v these_o sin_n as_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o but_o be_v come_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a fashion_n they_o impudent_o profess_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o first_o verse_n the_o prophet_n that_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v contend_v with_o those_o who_o contemn_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v be_v these_o first_o we_o here_o learn_v that_o if_o god_n prophet_n have_v long_o contend_v with_o a_o people_n in_o god_n cause_n as_o his_o advocate_n and_o do_v not_o prevail_v with_o they_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o humble_v themselves_o before_o he_o by_o true_a repentance_n than_o the_o lord_n will_v take_v his_o cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o cease_v to_o contend_v with_o they_o any_o long_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n will_v prosecute_v his_o controversy_n with_o they_o by_o affliction_n and_o punishment_n and_o if_o have_v often_o send_v his_o ambassador_n with_o reasonable_a condition_n of_o peace_n man_n neglect_v they_o and_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v unto_o their_o ambassage_n then_o will_v this_o powerful_a king_n march_v against_o they_o with_o a_o army_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o never_o cease_v encounter_v they_o with_o his_o plague_n till_o he_o have_v either_o humble_v or_o destroy_v they_o and_o this_o appear_v in_o this_o place_n as_o also_o gen._n 6._o 3._o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n lead_v captive_a into_o babylon_n 3._o gen._n 6._o 3._o and_o afterward_o destroy_v by_o the_o roman_n so_o that_o god_n first_o deal_v with_o man_n by_o his_o word_n and_o than_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v by_o his_o chastisement_n and_o last_o if_o these_o will_v not_o reform_v they_o by_o his_o destroy_a plague_n and_o punishment_n will_v we_o therefore_o escape_v his_o correction_n then_o let_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v reform_v by_o his_o word_n will_v we_o not_o be_v destroy_v by_o his_o fearful_a punishment_n then_o let_v we_o labour_n to_o profit_v by_o his_o gentle_a chastisement_n the_o use_n hereof_o serve_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n faithful_a minister_n a_o comfort_n for_o god_n minister_n minister_n when_o their_o person_n be_v disgrace_v and_o contemn_v and_o their_o ministry_n neglect_v and_o diride_v by_o wicked_a man_n then_o they_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n advocate_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n against_o a_o impenitent_a people_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v strong_o back_v by_o the_o lord_n own_o power_n whereby_o those_o shall_v be_v bring_v under_o who_o will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o word_n second_o it_o serve_v for_o the_o terror_n of_o all_o those_o scoffer_n word_n a_o terror_n for_o contemner_n of_o god_n word_n and_o desperate_a wicked_a man_n who_o contemn_v and_o deride_v those_o threaten_n which_o they_o hear_v denounce_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n against_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n for_o let_v such_o know_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o wicked_a course_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o god_n prophet_n the_o lord_n himself_o will_v follow_v his_o own_o cause_n and_o cease_v any_o long_a to_o contend_v with_o they_o with_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n he_o will_v prosecute_v they_o by_o his_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v god_n judicial_a course_n judgement_n the_o just_a administration_n of_o god_n judgement_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n although_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n power_n and_o justice_n he_o may_v sudden_o inflict_v his_o punishment_n upon_o sinner_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v offend_v yet_o first_o to_o approve_v the_o justness_n of_o his_o judgement_n he_o do_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n summon_v they_o before_o his_o seat_n of_o justice_n arraign_v and_o convince_v they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v move_v to_o sue_v for_o a_o pardon_n by_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o true_a repentance_n &_o hereby_o prevent_v deserve_v punishment_n so_o he_o send_v noah_n to_o the_o old_a world_n before_o he_o bring_v the_o deluge_n let_v to_o sodom_n before_o he_o destroy_v it_o with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n moses_n to_o pharaoh_n before_o he_o drown_v he_o in_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o israelite_n before_o he_o bring_v they_o into_o captivity_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n before_o their_o utter_a destruction_n and_o desolation_n all_o which_o as_o it_o serve_v to_o commend_v god_n merciful_a justice_n so_o also_o to_o condemn_v the_o hardness_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n who_o will_v not_o after_o so_o manifold_a warning_n turn_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v escape_v these_o fearful_a punishment_n three_o
they_o may_v gather_v any_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o profitable_a instruction_n wherein_o they_o utter_o forget_v the_o presence_n in_o which_o they_o stand_v the_o end_n wherefore_o they_o be_v send_v the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ambassage_n and_o the_o gravity_n require_v in_o such_o ambassador_n and_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o aim_v not_o at_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n or_o the_o build_n of_o man_n up_o in_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o gape_v after_o the_o wind_n of_o vulgar_a praise_n that_o they_o envy_v poet_n their_o fantastical_a wit_n and_o therefore_o contend_v with_o they_o for_o the_o laurel_n who_o shall_v most_o abound_v in_o giddy_a conceit_n that_o they_o labour_v to_o rob_v player_n of_o their_o popular_a applause_n and_o to_o get_v to_o themselves_o their_o throng_a audience_n when_o as_o their_o hearer_n may_v receive_v as_o much_o delight_n and_o as_o plentiful_o furnish_v their_o treasury_n of_o wit_n by_o come_v to_o their_o exercise_n as_o by_o frequent_v the_o theater_n other_o there_o be_v who_o with_o ahabs_n prophet_n betray_v the_o truth_n through_o base_a flattery_n dissemble_v the_o truth_n because_o it_o procure_v hatred_n and_o teach_v lie_v because_o they_o think_v this_o the_o best_a ladder_n whereby_o they_o may_v climb_v unto_o preferment_n and_o such_o be_v those_o who_o preach_v prosp_v eritie_n where_o the_o lord_n threaten_v ruin_n who_o proclaim_v peace_n where_o the_o lord_n denounce_v war_n who_o so_o they_o please_v care_v not_o how_o little_o they_o profit_v who_o sow_v the_o pillow_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o put_v they_o under_o the_o elbow_n of_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n that_o so_o they_o may_v with_o more_o security_n and_o less_o check_n of_o conscience_n continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o much_o truth_n fail_v in_o our_o day_n both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o common_a wealth_n which_o may_v be_v barnish_v benignity_n and_o mercy_n barnish_v unto_o we_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o fear_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o land_n the_o like_a also_o may_v be_v say_v of_o mercy_n whether_o we_o understand_v thereby_o benignity_n and_o compassion_n or_o beneficence_n consist_v in_o the_o action_n of_o charity_n and_o christianity_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o we_o may_v well_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o iron_n age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n be_v cruel_a hard_a heart_a destitute_a of_o all_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o quite_o senseless_a in_o the_o feel_n of_o their_o neighbour_n misery_n for_o who_o almost_o be_v touch_v with_o such_o a_o fellow-feeling_n of_o other_o man_n calamity_n as_o become_v those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o mourn_v with_o those_o that_o mourn_n or_o to_o be_v a_o copartner_n in_o another_o man_n grief_n if_o he_o be_v not_o also_o partaker_n in_o his_o misery_n who_o be_v well_o clothe_v feel_v cold_a when_o he_o see_v another_o nakedness_n who_o abound_v in_o wealth_n compassionate_v another_o want_n who_o enjoy_v liberty_n be_v touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o wretchedness_n which_o other_o feel_v that_o be_v imprison_v who_o live_v in_o health_n groan_v at_o another_o sickness_n or_o who_o live_v in_o security_n be_v touch_v with_o fear_n when_o he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n danger_n and_o yet_o we_o boast_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o fellow_n member_n one_o with_o another_o though_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o compassion_n and_o fellow_n feel_v the_o like_a want_n also_o we_o have_v of_o christian_a beneficence_n beneficence_n the_o great_a want_n of_o christian_a beneficence_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n for_o the_o coldness_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o hart_n do_v cause_v it_o also_o to_o freeze_v in_o the_o tongue_n &_o hand_n for_o who_o almost_o in_o our_o time_n be_v ready_a to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a to_o exhort_v the_o sluggish_a to_o admonish_v those_o who_o fall_v through_o weakness_n to_o reprehend_v those_o who_o sin_n through_o negligence_n or_o obstinacy_n to_o counsel_v the_o simple_a or_o to_o comfort_v the_o distress_a and_o contrariwise_o how_o many_o be_v there_o among_o we_o who_o be_v content_a to_o be_v satan_n ready_a instrument_n to_o discourage_v other_o in_o any_o good_a course_n both_o by_o their_o word_n and_o example_n also_o how_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o seduce_v the_o ignorant_a to_o discourage_v the_o forward_a by_o reproach_v their_o profession_n to_o corrupt_v the_o weak_a by_o their_o unsavoury_a profane_a and_o filthy_a communication_n to_o applaud_v man_n in_o wicked_a course_n and_o by_o insult_v over_o those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n to_o add_v affliction_n unto_o affliction_n and_o as_o this_o beneficence_n be_v want_v in_o communication_n so_o neglect_v the_o work_n of_o mercy_n neglect_v also_o in_o charitable_a action_n and_o in_o work_n of_o mercy_n for_o be_v not_o i_o pray_v you_o good_a hospitality_n almost_o qâ—â—â—e_v decay_v and_o almsdeed_n utter_o neglect_v be_v not_o those_o good_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o the_o land_n in_o great_a abundance_n whole_o spend_v in_o gorgeous_a attire_n in_o maintain_v of_o horse_n coach_n hound_n hawk_n and_o whore_n in_o dice_v card_v mask_a and_o revel_v or_o if_o not_o thus_o prodigal_o spend_v yet_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a hoard_a up_o in_o miser_n chest_n and_o worship_v as_o idol_n be_v not_o man_n in_o these_o time_n more_o ready_a to_o strip_v the_o clothe_v then_o to_o clothe_v the_o naked_a to_o spoil_v the_o needy_a of_o their_o provision_n then_o to_o feed_v the_o poor_a to_o dislodge_v the_o harbour_v then_o to_o lodge_v the_o harbourlesse_a to_o cast_v into_o prison_n then_o to_o relieve_v the_o imprison_a witness_v our_o street_n wherein_o we_o see_v daily_o many_o pamper_a horse_n and_o neere-starued_n people_n witness_v the_o stately_a house_n in_o the_o country_n abandon_v by_o their_o master_n because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o abandon_v their_o poor_a neighbour_n as_o though_o these_o babel_n be_v build_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o majesty_n and_o not_o for_o hospitality_n for_o show_v and_o not_o for_o use_v witness_v the_o prison_n replenish_v with_o prisoner_n either_o for_o small_a or_o desperate_a debt_n lay_v in_o by_o cruel_a creditor_n rather_o for_o merciless_a revenge_n than_o any_o hope_n of_o satisfaction_n witness_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o needy_a and_o cry_n of_o the_o distress_a which_o daily_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o take_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o poor_a into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o to_o proclaim_v a_o controversy_n with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o land_n because_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o neither_o be_v we_o want_v to_o our_o neighbour_n alone_o in_o the_o religion_n the_o want_n of_o piety_n &_o sound_a religion_n duty_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o also_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o if_o we_o make_v a_o general_a search_n through_o our_o whole_a people_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v little_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o plentiful_a mean_n hereof_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v grant_v unto_o we_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v round_o about_o us._n for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o among_o we_o who_o despise_v and_o contemn_v knowledge_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o come_v by_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o blindness_n of_o ignorance_n because_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n in_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o many_o secure_o neglect_v it_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o world_n so_o as_o they_o have_v not_o any_o leisure_n to_o seek_v after_o this_o precious_a pearl_n throughout_o the_o whole_a week_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o in_o their_o outward_a behaviour_n make_v show_v that_o they_o respect_v knowledge_n and_o seek_v after_o it_o that_o labour_n in_o this_o pursuit_n so_o cold_o and_o remisse_o that_o they_o make_v it_o manifest_a they_o seek_v for_o that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o find_v for_o how_o many_o of_o those_o who_o make_v some_o profession_n of_o religion_n who_o come_v to_o the_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o read_v and_o preach_v who_o nevertheless_o remain_v child_n in_o knowledge_n ignorant_a of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o our_o state_n by_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o their_o
they_o be_v the_o nurse_n of_o god_n child_n who_o nourish_v they_o with_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v up_o there_o by_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o but_o these_o man_n have_v dry_a breast_n do_v starve_v the_o lord_n people_n and_o so_o be_v no_o better_a 2._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o than_o murderer_n in_o his_o sight_n they_o be_v god_n shepherd_n to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n john_n 21._o 15._o but_o these_o ignorant_a shepherd_n non_fw-la pascunt_fw-la sed_fw-la depascunt_fw-la gregem_fw-la they_o feed_v not_o the_o 15._o john_n 21._o 15._o flock_n but_o feed_v upon_o it_o they_o eat_v the_o milk_n and_o cloth_n themselves_o with_o the_o wool_n but_o lead_v they_o not_o into_o the_o green_a pasture_n of_o god_n truth_n but_o let_v they_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o food_n and_o therefore_o a_o fearful_a woe_n lie_v upon_o they_o as_o appeareth_z ezech._n 34._o 2._o 3._o god_n faithful_a minister_n be_v his_o steward_n who_o have_v in_o their_o store-house_n new_a and_o old_a and_o do_v give_v to_o 3._o ezech._n 34._o 2._o 3._o every_o one_o of_o the_o family_n their_o portion_n in_o due_a season_n luke_n 12._o 42._o but_o these_o man_n have_v no_o store_n of_o provision_n neither_o 42._o luk._n 12._o 42._o have_v they_o any_o skill_n to_o divide_v this_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o word_n aright_o and_o so_o famish_v the_o family_n and_o disgrace_v their_o master_n 22._o esay_n 22._o 22._o they_o be_v the_o guide_v and_o captain_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n to_o go_v before_o the_o people_n towards_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o teach_v they_o so_o to_o handle_v their_o weapon_n that_o they_o may_v repel_v and_o overcome_v their_o enemy_n who_o assault_v they_o in_o the_o way_n and_o labour_n to_o hinder_v they_o from_o go_v forward_o in_o this_o spiritual_a march_n but_o these_o man_n do_v not_o know_v the_o way_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o can_v direct_v other_o they_o be_v not_o use_v to_o the_o spiritual_a armour_n nor_o know_v how_o to_o handle_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o be_v utter_o unfit_a to_o train_v up_o other_o or_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o this_o spiritual_a war-fare_a they_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o savoury_a saltness_n of_o this_o salt_n but_o these_o man_n want_v knowledge_n be_v unsavourie_a salt_n which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o no_o not_o for_o the_o dunghill_n but_o deserve_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o tread_v under_o foot_n luk._n 14._o 35_o luk._n 14._o 34._o 35_o 34._o 35._o that_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o despise_v of_o all_o man_n the_o which_o punishment_n the_o lord_n threaten_v mal._n 2._o 9_o 9_o mal._n 2._o 9_o second_o such_o ignorant_a minister_n do_v grievous_o sin_n in_o call_v ignorant_n minister_n usurp_v a_o office_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v not_o call_v that_o they_o presumptuous_o take_v upon_o they_o this_o great_a office_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o the_o lord_n call_v to_o any_o function_n those_o he_o enable_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o for_o his_o call_n be_v effectual_a &_o minister_v efficacy_n to_o those_o who_o he_o call_v to_o effect_v those_o duty_n whereunto_o he_o call_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o call_v aholiab_n and_o bezalcell_n to_o build_v his_o 31._o exo._n 35._o 30._o 31._o tabernacle_n he_o endue_v they_o with_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n fit_a for_o the_o work_n and_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o furnish_v with_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n those_o who_o he_o choose_v to_o build_v up_o his_o church_n there_o be_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v choose_v he_o for_o his_o carpenter_n who_o be_v ignorant_a in_o building_n or_o for_o his_o husbandman_n who_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o husbandry_n or_o for_o his_o shepherd_n who_o have_v no_o discretion_n to_o feed_v his_o sheep_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v god_n less_o wise_a or_o provident_a then_o mortal_a man_n no_o assure_o those_o who_o he_o appoint_v to_o be_v light_n he_o first_o illuminaâ—â—â—_n that_o so_o they_o may_v give_v light_n unto_o other_o those_o who_o he_o make_v eye_n in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o the_o church_n he_o endu_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o knowledge_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o guide_v and_o direct_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n the_o mouth_n of_o his_o make_n for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o service_n be_v not_o dumb_a nor_o tongue-tied_a those_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n which_o be_v of_o his_o send_n be_v wise_a and_o willing_a to_o deliver_v his_o message_n for_o he_o that_o condemn_v this_o in_o other_o 6._o prou._n 26._o 6._o will_v not_o approve_v it_o in_o his_o own_o practice_n those_o who_o he_o appoint_v nurse_n to_o his_o child_n have_v the_o milk_n of_o knowledge_n in_o their_o breast_n neither_o will_v the_o lord_n commit_v his_o little_a infant_n to_o such_o as_o will_v starve_v they_o for_o want_n of_o milk_n he_o never_o make_v they_o his_o shepherd_n who_o have_v no_o food_n for_o his_o sheep_n nor_o they_o his_o steward_n who_o have_v no_o provision_n in_o store_n nor_o wisdom_n to_o give_v fit_a nourishment_n to_o his_o family_n he_o never_o make_v blind_a man_n to_o be_v his_o guide_n nor_o freshwater_n soldier_n to_o be_v his_o captain_n and_o the_o salt_n of_o his_o make_n be_v savoury_a in_o itself_o and_o fit_a to_o season_v that_o which_o be_v unsavoury_a it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o see_v they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n that_o they_o run_v before_o they_o be_v send_v like_o those_o false_a prophet_n jer._n 14._o 14._o 15._o and_o be_v gross_a intruder_n into_o those_o office_n in_o 15._o jer._n 14._o 14._o 15._o which_o they_o have_v no_o skill_n for_o which_o intrusion_n they_o shall_v one_o day_n make_v a_o fearful_a account_n for_o if_o it_o be_v intolerable_a for_o any_o to_o profess_v himself_o a_o ambassador_n when_o as_o he_o be_v never_o send_v by_o his_o prince_n nor_o have_v receyve_v any_o message_n from_o he_o how_o much_o more_o horrible_a be_v it_o for_o a_o sinful_a man_n by_o intrusion_n to_o usurp_v the_o place_n and_o dignity_n of_o god_n ambassador_n who_o the_o lord_n never_o call_v to_o this_o office_n and_o function_n three_o this_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n be_v heinous_a in_o the_o minister_n soul_n ignorant_n minister_n destroy_v both_o their_o own_o &_o other_o man_n soul_n in_o that_o it_o destroy_v not_o only_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o bring_v destruction_n to_o the_o people_n because_o hereby_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o the_o wise_a man_n teach_v us._n prou._n 29._o 18._o where_o there_o be_v no_o vision_n there_o the_o people_n decay_n the_o reason_n 18._o prou._n 29._o 18._o be_v apparent_a for_o whosoever_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n have_v purpose_v to_o preserve_v from_o destruction_n and_o to_o elect_v unto_o salvation_n he_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o same_o eternal_a counsel_n that_o those_o shall_v use_v the_o subordinate_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v save_v as_o first_o that_o be_v elect_v they_o shall_v be_v also_o effectual_o call_v be_v call_v they_o shall_v be_v justify_v that_o be_v justify_v they_o shall_v be_v sanctify_v and_o so_o be_v sanctify_v they_o shall_v also_o be_v gloryfy_v as_o appear_v rom._n 8._o 30_o 30._o rom._n 8._o 30._o but_o all_o these_o the_o lord_n ordinary_o effect_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_n for_o first_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o our_o effectual_a call_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o appear_v ephe._n 4._o 11._o 12._o he_o therefore_o give_v 12_o eph._n 4._o 11._o 12_o some_o to_o be_v apostle_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastort_v and_o teacher_n for_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n &_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o say_v that_o by_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v call_v to_o that_o salvation_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v elect_v and_o to_o obtain_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 13._o 14._o and_o this_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o 14._o 2._o thes_n 2._o 13._o 14._o parable_n where_o all_o that_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n supper_n be_v call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o king_n servant_n math._n 22._o 2._o 3._o 3._o mat._n 22._o 2._o 3._o so_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n whereby_o we_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o justification_n but_o this_o faith_n be_v ordinary_o beget_v in_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v rom._n 10._o 17._o rom._n 10._o
heir_n of_o all_o his_o master_n riches_n mat._n 24._o 45._o 46._o those_o that_o with_o timothy_n take_v 46._o mat._n 24._o 45._o 46._o heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o unto_o learning_n and_o continue_v therein_o shall_v save_v both_o themselves_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 16._o 16._o 1._o tim._n 4._o 16._o those_o the_o lord_n captain_n who_o with_o paul_n have_v fight_v a_o good_a sight_n finish_v their_o course_n and_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n may_v with_o he_o assure_o expect_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 7._o 8._o 8._o 2._o tim._n 4._o 6._o 8._o but_o if_o these_o reason_n will_v not_o allure_v and_o persuade_v we_o there_o 2._o the_o sixth_o motive_n take_v from_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o the_o negligent_a ezech._n 34._o 2._o be_v other_o which_o may_v force_v and_o constrain_v we_o to_o be_v painful_a in_o the_o ministry_n first_o because_o there_o be_v a_o fearful_a woe_n denounce_v against_o those_o who_o neglect_v this_o duty_n and_o while_o they_o feed_v themselves_o starve_v the_o flock_n ezech._n 34._o 2._o the_o which_o woe_n the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v due_a to_o himself_o if_o he_o do_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o and_o indeed_o 16._o 1._o cor._n 9_o 16._o most_o woeful_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o idle_a shepherd_n see_v the_o lord_n do_v threaten_v to_o come_v against_o they_o as_o their_o enemy_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o ezech._n 34._o 10._o into_o who_o 10._o ezech._n 34._o 10._o hand_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v heb._n 10._o 31_o because_o he_o 2d_o heb._n 10._o 31._o &_o 12._o 2d_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o his_o enemy_n as_o stubble_n before_o he_o chap._n 12._o 29._o second_o because_o negligent_a minister_n be_v accurse_v for_o minister_n the_o seven_o from_o the_o curse_n denounce_v against_o idle_a minister_n if_o a_o curse_n belong_v to_o they_o who_o withdraw_v corn_n from_o the_o people_n prou._n 11._o 26._o what_o be_v they_o to_o expect_v who_o withhold_v from_o they_o this_o spiritual_a manna_n the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o shall_v nourish_v they_o to_o life_n eternal_a sure_o both_o be_v curse_v the_o difference_n be_v they_o be_v curse_v by_o the_o people_n these_o by_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o the_o lord_n pronounce_v they_o accurse_v that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o destruction_n negligent_o when_o he_o require_v it_o as_o appeareth_z jer._n 48._o 10._o then_o much_o 10._o jer._n 48._o 10._o more_o accurse_a be_v he_o who_o negligent_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o salvation_n which_o by_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o eminency_n be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n 1._o cor._n 16._o 10._o for_n howsoever_o the_o 10._o 1._o cor._n 16._o 10._o other_o be_v his_o work_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o strange_a work_n esay_n 28._o 21._o 18._o esay_n 28._o 18._o whereas_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o his_o nature_n even_o of_o his_o mercy_n in_o which_o he_o much_o delight_v 28._o the_o eight_o because_o their_o gift_n die_v for_o want_n of_o use_n mat._n 25._o 28._o three_o because_o negligent_a minister_n not_o use_v the_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n be_v strip_v of_o they_o according_a to_o that_o mat._n 25._o 28._o take_v therefore_o the_o talon_n from_o he_o and_o give_v it_o unto_o he_o that_o have_v ten_o talent_n and_o this_o be_v that_o judgement_n denounce_v against_o the_o idle_a shepherd_n zach._n 11._o 17._o zach._n 11._o 17._o 17._o o_o idol_n shepherd_n that_o leave_v the_o stock_n the_o sword_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o arm_n and_o upon_o his_o right_a eye_n his_o arm_n shall_v be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o his_o right_a eye_n shall_v be_v utter_o darken_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v so_o weaken_v in_o god_n gift_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v unable_a to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o darken_v in_o their_o understanding_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o discorne_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n much_o less_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o the_o fearful_a execution_n of_o which_o judgement_n we_o have_v see_v in_o many_o minister_n of_o our_o time_n who_o breast_n have_v grow_v dry_a because_o for_o idleness_n they_o will_v not_o draw_v they_o out_o to_o give_v the_o people_n suck_v whereas_o the_o painful_a minister_n be_v like_o ever-springing_a fountain_n which_o though_o they_o be_v still_o draw_v yet_o be_v never_o dry_a four_o because_o through_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o minister_n 18._o the_o four_o because_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o people_n destruction_n prou._n 29._o 18._o the_o people_n want_v knowledge_n and_o so_o be_v destroy_v as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o place_n to_o this_o accord_v that_o prou._n 29._o 18._o where_o there_o be_v no_o vision_n the_o people_n decay_n of_o which_o destruction_n idle_a minister_n be_v not_o only_o accessary_n but_o also_o principal_a cause_n whereof_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n plain_o say_v that_o the_o idle_a shepherd_n who_o do_v not_o feed_v his_o sheep_n do_v devour_v they_o ezech._n 10_o ezech._n 34._o 8._o 10_o 34._o 8._o 10._o and_o therefore_o affirm_v that_o he_o will_v require_v his_o sheep_n at_o their_o hand_n as_o be_v guilty_a of_o their_o blood_n now_o if_o the_o murder_a and_o destroy_v of_o one_o body_n be_v a_o fearful_a sin_n and_o will_v make_v a_o heavy_a reckon_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o account_n who_o have_v murder_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o many_o hundred_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n not_o with_o a_o momentany_a and_o temporal_a but_o with_o a_o spiritual_a and_o everlasting_a death_n last_o this_o may_v enforce_v all_o to_o avoid_v slothful_a idleness_n in_o condemnation_n the_o last_o because_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o condemnation_n their_o ministry_n in_o that_o they_o make_v themselves_o subject_a hereby_o to_o eternal_a condemnation_n for_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o have_v receive_v a_o talent_n of_o his_o master_n and_o idle_o hide_v it_o never_o use_v it_o for_o his_o master_n glory_n nor_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o fellow-servant_n must_v be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n mat._n 25._o 30._o o_o then_o what_o will_v 10._o mat._n 25._o 10._o it_o profit_v such_o negligent_a minister_n that_o they_o have_v pass_v their_o time_n in_o idleness_n pomp_n and_o pleasure_n when_o as_o they_o shall_v bear_v the_o punishment_n not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o sin_n but_o of_o they_o also_o who_o by_o their_o negligence_n they_o have_v destroy_v what_o will_v it_o avail_v they_o that_o they_o have_v heap_v live_v upon_o live_v see_v hereby_o they_o have_v multiply_v both_o their_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n what_o will_v that_o excuse_n pleasure_v they_o that_o they_o have_v commit_v over_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o soul_n undertake_v by_o they_o to_o a_o substitute_n or_o attorney_n see_v at_o this_o great_a audit_n their_o attorney_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o answer_v for_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o render_v a_o account_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o most_o fearful_a will_v their_o state_n be_v who_o to_o save_v charge_n and_o avoid_v pain_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o ignorant_a and_o insufficient_a man_n to_o be_v their_o substitute_n more_o fit_a to_o be_v neatheard_n or_o swineherd_n than_o the_o shepherd_n of_o the_o lord_n sheep_n like_o vzzah_n who_o commit_v the_o ark_n to_o be_v draw_v in_o a_o cart_n which_o he_o shall_v have_v carry_v upon_o his_o own_o shoulder_n so_o they_o commit_v the_o burden_n of_o god_n ark_n the_o church_n to_o such_o as_o be_v little_o better_o than_o carter_n and_o think_v it_o sufficient_a if_o once_o or_o twice_o in_o a_o year_n they_o put_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o sustain_v it_o when_o as_o it_o be_v it_o totter_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v but_o such_o be_v to_o expect_v if_o not_o the_o like_a sudden_a yet_o a_o more_o fearful_a judgement_n then_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o vzzah_n who_o in_o god_n fierce_a wrath_n be_v smite_v with_o 7._o 1_o chro._n 15._o 12._o 13._o 2_o sam._n 6._o 7._o death_n 2_o sam._n 6._o 7._o the_o four_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o howsoever_o these_o ignorant_a priest_n be_v allow_v by_o the_o king_n and_o appoint_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o entertain_v by_o the_o people_n and_o so_o wear_v the_o habit_n and_o enjoy_v the_o live_n and_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o use_v the_o other_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o lord_n plain_o disavow_v they_o disgrade_v they_o of_o their_o title_n and_o depose_v they_o from_o the_o office_n of_o priesthood_n and_o flat_o tell_v
these_o benefit_n belong_v to_o the_o priesthood_n and_o so_o expose_v they_o to_o shame_n &_o reproach_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v because_o you_o have_v ungrateful_o abuse_v all_o those_o benefit_n and_o prerogative_n which_o i_o have_v endow_v you_o with_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o people_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n have_v take_v occasion_n by_o my_o benefit_n the_o more_o to_o dishonour_v i_o and_o to_o provoke_v my_o displeasure_n by_o multiply_v your_o sin_n against_o i_o therefore_o i_o will_v strip_v you_o utter_o of_o all_o my_o blessing_n in_o which_o your_o chief_a glory_n consist_v and_o so_o expose_v you_o to_o be_v scorn_v and_o despise_v of_o all_o who_o have_v see_v your_o pass_a glory_n and_o now_o behold_v your_o present_a misery_n and_o this_o punishment_n be_v according_o inflict_v first_o when_o as_o the_o lord_n expose_v these_o ignorant_a priest_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o people_n but_o principal_o when_o as_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o captivity_n at_o what_o time_n not_o only_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o priesthood_n but_o the_o priesthood_n itself_o cease_v and_o so_o they_o who_o be_v captain_n and_o leader_n become_v as_o common_a soldier_n yea_o as_o miserable_a captive_n under_o their_o enemy_n who_o have_v no_o respect_n of_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n the_o ministry_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o ministry_n doctrine_n be_v these_o first_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o lord_n advance_v his_o priesthood_n &_o ministry_n and_o endow_v they_o with_o many_o singular_a prerogative_n and_o privilege_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n as_o he_o note_v in_o this_o place_n the_o which_o may_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v their_o function_n and_o calling_n for_o they_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n to_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o represent_v his_o own_o person_n and_o to_o perform_v his_o own_o work_n which_o himself_o perform_v unto_o his_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n until_o moses_n time_n for_o then_o the_o lord_n teach_v they_o with_o his_o own_o mouth_n until_o the_o israelite_n be_v terrify_v with_o his_o fearful_a voice_n earnest_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v be_v inform_v in_o god_n will_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n deut._n 18._o 18._o so_o 18._o deut._n 18._o 18._o our_o saviour_n perform_v this_o office_n and_o function_n while_o he_o remain_v on_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o appoint_v his_o minister_n to_o supply_v his_o place_n &_o to_o instruct_v his_o church_n mat._n 28._o 19_o so_o that_o now_o they_o be_v in_o his_o stead_n 19_o mat._n 28._o 19_o and_o as_o his_o ambassador_n do_v deliver_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n unto_o the_o people_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o who_o voice_n if_o the_o people_n 20._o 2._o cor._n 5._o 20._o here_o and_o obey_v the_o lord_n acknowledge_v that_o obedience_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o who_o if_o they_o despise_v he_o account_v the_o contempt_n offer_v against_o his_o own_o person_n luk._n 10._o 16._o 16._o luk._n 10._o 16._o but_o their_o dignity_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o privilege_n people_n god_n minister_n be_v his_o mouth_n to_o the_o people_n will_v better_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v their_o office_n and_o ministry_n and_o the_o title_n wherewith_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v honour_v they_o for_o first_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n and_o his_o ambassador_n who_o perform_v his_o own_o work_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o 10._o 1._o cor._n 16._o 10._o cor._n 16._o 10._o even_o the_o work_n of_o reconciliation_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v they_o this_o dignity_n to_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fellow_n 9_o 1._o cor._n 3._o 9_o labourer_n with_o god_n unto_o who_o most_o glorious_a and_o infinite_a majesty_n it_o be_v a_o advancement_n above_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v his_o mean_a servant_n so_o in_o prayer_n they_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o god_n god_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o ambassador_n general_a of_o the_o earth_n by_o who_o they_o make_v their_o suit_n know_v unto_o god_n entreat_v a_o supply_n of_o their_o want_n and_o return_v thanksgiving_n unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o benefit_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o lord_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o sacarment_n they_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n seal_v the_o sacarment_n covenant_n whereby_o all_o his_o gracious_a promise_n be_v ratify_v &_o confirm_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o god_n word_n commit_v to_o their_o dispose_n they_o be_v the_o lord_n treasurer_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o his_o great_a seal_n now_o if_o these_o office_n be_v great_a under_o mortal_a prince_n in_o corruptible_a thing_n how_o be_v these_o officer_n advance_v who_o be_v under_o in_o these_o place_n the_o king_n of_o king_n who_o dispense_v not_o transitory_a trifle_n but_o heavenly_a treasure_n nor_o seal_n assurance_n of_o earthly_a patrimony_n but_o of_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n and_o a_o most_o glorious_a kingdom_n but_o come_v we_o from_o their_o office_n to_o their_o title_n and_o we_o shall_v ministry_n the_o title_n give_v to_o the_o ministry_n find_v that_o they_o be_v much_o advance_v above_o other_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n people_n be_v call_v his_o servant_n these_o his_o steward_n luk._n 12_o 42._o who_o have_v the_o custody_n of_o his_o key_n commit_v 42._o luk._n 12._o 42._o unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v relieve_v those_o of_o the_o family_n who_o be_v obedient_a out_o of_o their_o store_n and_o shut_v the_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a out_o of_o the_o door_n mat._n 16._o 19_o they_o be_v call_v the_o 19_o mat._n 16._o 19_o lord_n sheep_n these_o the_o shepherd_n ezech._n 34._o 2._o they_o the_o 2._o ezech._n 34._o 2._o lord_n corn_n and_o harvest_n these_o his_o husbandman_n mat._n 9_o 37._o 37._o mat._n 9_o 37._o they_o the_o lord_n plant_n in_o his_o garden_n cant._n 4._o 13._o these_o his_o 13._o cant._n 4._o 13._o gardener_n who_o plant_v &_o water_v they_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o they_o live_v stone_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n these_o master_n builder_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o 1._o cor._n 3._o 6._o and_o 3._o 9_o 9_o who_o finish_v this_o work_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o perfection_n ephe._n 4._o 12._o 13._o they_o child_n in_o god_n family_n these_o spiritual_a father_n 13._o ephe._n 4._o 12._o 13._o who_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n beget_v they_o unto_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o 15._o 1._o cor._n 4._o 15._o and_o these_o be_v the_o spiritual_a prerogative_n with_o which_o ministry_n the_o temporal_a privilege_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o lord_n have_v endow_v his_o priesthood_n and_o ministry_n beside_o which_o he_o allot_v unto_o they_o many_o temporal_a privilege_n as_o for_o example_n the_o double_a honour_n of_o reverence_n and_o maintenance_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o none_o be_v in_o great_a honour_n &_o account_v among_o the_o people_n next_o under_o the_o king_n than_o the_o lord_n priest_n and_o for_o the_o other_o none_o more_o plentiful_o maintain_v than_o they_o who_o have_v not_o only_o the_o tithe_n but_o the_o first_o fruit_n oblation_n and_o daily_a sacrifice_n all_o which_o they_o have_v not_o at_o the_o people_n devotion_n but_o challenge_v they_o in_o god_n right_a as_o be_v his_o portion_n which_o when_o he_o give_v unto_o they_o the_o land_n he_o reserve_v for_o himself_o neither_o be_v the_o lord_n liberality_n shorten_v towards_o his_o minister_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o have_v command_v the_o people_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o double_a honour_n the_o honour_n of_o reverence_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n as_o appear_v 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 18._o for_o if_o 18._o 1._o tim._n 5._o 17._o 18._o the_o lord_n care_v be_v such_o both_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o legal_a ministry_n and_o priesthood_n which_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o kill_v the_o ministry_n of_o death_n and_o condemnation_n how_o much_o more_o that_o the_o miinsterie_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v life_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v whereby_o we_o of_o sinner_n be_v make_v righteous_a shall_v excel_v in_o glory_n as_o the_o apostle_n
deed_n which_o be_v open_a and_o manifest_a and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n the_o doctrine_n judgement_n the_o doctrine_n god_n unpertiall_a proceed_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o judgement_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o they_o be_v these_o first_o we_o may_v observe_v god_n upright_o and_o unpartial_a proceed_n in_o the_o administation_n and_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n whereby_o without_o any_o respect_n or_o acceptation_n of_o person_n calling_n or_o degree_n he_o render_v unto_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n as_o in_o this_o place_n howsoever_o the_o priest_n far_o excel_v the_o common_a people_n in_o place_n dignity_n and_o authority_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v a_o like_a sinful_a he_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o their_o punishment_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n rebel_v against_o he_o without_o any_o respect_n of_o person_n state_n or_o condition_n he_o over_o whelm_v they_o all_o with_o a_o general_a deluge_n when_o pharaoh_n resist_v his_o commandment_n he_o find_v no_o more_o favour_n than_o the_o base_a of_o his_o people_n when_o nabuchadnezzar_n will_v needs_o be_v his_o rival_n in_o his_o glory_n it_o be_v not_o his_o monarchy_n can_v keep_v he_o from_o feed_v and_o lodge_v among_o the_o brute_n beast_n all_o ahab'_v royalty_n power_n and_o authority_n can_v not_o privilege_n neither_o he_o nor_o jesabell_n from_o have_v their_o blood_n lick_v by_o the_o dog_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v never_o any_o so_o great_a and_o mighty_a who_o have_v any_o favour_n at_o god_n hand_n for_o their_o power_n and_o mightiness_n but_o if_o they_o as_o grievous_o sin_v they_o also_o be_v as_o grievous_o punish_v as_o the_o poor_a and_o most_o abject_a the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v denounce_v indifferent_o against_o all_o who_o transgress_v it_o deut._n 27._o 26._o tophet_n be_v prepare_v of_o old_a not_o only_o for_o poor_a 20._o deut._n 27._o 26._o esay_n 30._o 33._o ezech._n 18._o 20._o wicked_a man_n but_o also_o for_o the_o wicked_a king_n esay_n 30._o 33._o and_o without_o all_o respect_n of_o person_n the_o soul_n that_o sin_v must_v die_v ezech._n 18._o 20._o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o potter_n be_v no_o more_o behold_v to_o his_o pot_n which_o be_v more_o curious_o wrought_v then_o to_o those_o which_o be_v make_v for_o the_o base_a use_n so_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o man_n of_o great_a dignity_n then_o to_o those_o of_o mean_a condition_n see_v all_o be_v his_o creature_n alike_o and_o what_o they_o have_v they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o this_o reason_n elihu_n render_v he_o accept_v not_o say_v he_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n and_o regard_v not_o the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n job._n 34._o 19_o again_o in_o respect_n 19_o job._n 34._o 19_o of_o god_n infinite_a majesty_n all_o be_v alike_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n all_o be_v equal_o his_o poor_a vassal_n unto_o who_o he_o have_v give_v his_o law_n from_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o none_o be_v exempt_v more_o than_o other_o nor_o yet_o from_o the_o punishment_n therein_o denounce_v if_o they_o transgress_v it_o yea_o so_o far_o be_v god_n from_o spare_v the_o great_a rich_a and_o mighty_a that_o these_o of_o all_o other_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o punishment_n first_o because_o they_o have_v more_o unthankful_o abuse_v his_o rich_a mercy_n as_o mean_n to_o further_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n which_o shall_v have_v serve_v as_o so_o many_o argument_n to_o move_v they_o to_o obedience_n &_o then_o because_o be_v advance_v above_o other_o in_o place_n dignity_n and_o authority_n their_o sin_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o hurt_v of_o their_o neighbour_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o mean_a estate_n because_o they_o be_v exemplary_a and_o scandalous_a entice_a and_o draw_v inferior_n to_o imitate_v their_o wicked_a practice_n so_o that_o seldom_o do_v these_o high_a cedar_n fall_v but_o they_o beat_v down_o many_o of_o the_o low_a shrub_n that_o stand_v about_o they_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n either_o concern_v all_o man_n in_o general_a sin_n god_n uprightness_n shall_v move_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o sin_n or_o more_o especial_o respect_v those_o who_o be_v of_o high_a place_n and_o condition_n the_o use_n which_o concern_v all_o man_n be_v first_o that_o see_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o judge_n judge_v upright_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n they_o be_v hereby_o move_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o mortify_n of_o their_o corruption_n in_o the_o &_o cleanse_v of_o their_o soul_n from_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v appear_v righteous_a before_o he_o and_o thereby_o escape_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o this_o use_n moses_n make_v deut._n 10._o 16._o circumcise_v 16._o deu._n 10._o 16._o therefore_o the_o foreskinne_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o harden_v your_o neck_n no_o more_o 17._o for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v god_n of_o god_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n a_o great_a god_n mighty_a and_o terrible_a which_o accept_v no_o person_n nor_o take_v reward_n the_o second_o use_n be_v that_o we_o shake_v off_o security_n whereby_o security_n god_n justice_n shall_v make_v we_o to_o shake_v off_o security_n man_n careless_o go_v forward_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o though_o god_n will_v never_o call_v they_o to_o reckon_n or_o though_o he_o do_v yet_o be_v so_o merciful_a that_o no_o place_n will_v be_v leave_v for_o his_o justice_n such_o be_v to_o know_v that_o as_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o mercy_n so_o also_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o justice_n and_o therefore_o will_v execute_v his_o righteous_a judgement_n according_a to_o their_o work_n good_a or_o evil_n without_o respect_n of_o any_o man_n person_n so_o that_o it_o behove_v every_o one_o careful_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o own_o way_n and_o to_o tremble_v with_o fear_n before_o god_n majesty_n when_o as_o they_o find_v that_o they_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n and_o this_o use_n be_v make_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 17._o and_o if_o you_o call_v he_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 17._o father_n which_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o dwell_n here_o in_o fear_n the_o three_o general_a use_n be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o offer_v wrong_n wrong_n god_n a_o just_a revenger_n of_o wrong_n and_o injury_n against_o our_o neighbour_n for_o though_o we_o can_v carry_v the_o matter_n so_o cunning_o that_o they_o can_v get_v no_o advantage_n against_o we_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o man_n yet_o when_o god_n the_o upright_a judge_n shall_v come_v in_o his_o visitation_n he_o will_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n revenge_v the_o wrong_n of_o the_o injure_a and_o pay_v every_o one_o by_o that_o measure_n wherewith_o they_o have_v measure_v unto_o other_o and_o this_o use_n also_o the_o apostle_n make_v diswade_v man_n from_o behave_v themselves_o injurious_o to_o other_o because_o he_o that_o do_v wrong_v shall_v receive_v for_o the_o wrong_n which_o he_o have_v do_v there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god._n 25._o col._n 3._o 25._o col._n 3._o 25._o the_o use_n which_o concern_v superior_n first_o respect_v weak_a god_n punish_v the_o mighty_a as_o well_o as_o the_o weak_a those_o who_o excel_v other_o in_o power_n and_o riches_n that_o they_o be_v not_o hereby_o enboulden_v to_o be_v insolent_a in_o offer_v injury_n or_o cruel_a in_o oppress_v the_o poor_a and_o weak_a know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a power_n unto_o they_o who_o nought_o respect_v their_o wealth_n and_o might_n for_o he_o regard_v not_o bribe_n nor_o fear_v the_o face_n of_o the_o prince_n more_o than_o the_o base_a subject_n who_o one_o day_n will_v go_v his_o circuit_n and_o visitation_n and_o summon_v all_o to_o appear_v at_o his_o assize_n and_o will_v have_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o needy_a without_o partiality_n try_v before_o he_o for_o he_o accept_v not_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n and_o regard_v not_o the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a because_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n as_o it_o be_v job._n 34._o 19_o 19_o job._n 34._o 19_o second_o it_o respect_v superior_n in_o authority_n as_o magistrate_n judgement_n magistrate_n must_v execute_v righteous_a judgement_n and_o master_n of_o family_n that_o they_o be_v hereby_o move_v not_o to_o abuse_v their_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o the_o hurt_n of_o their_o neighbour_n as_o first_o
the_o lord_n condemn_v image_n that_o it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n to_o worship_n image_n it_o as_o a_o heinous_a sin_n to_o worship_v image_n and_o to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o stock_n &_o stone_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o grose_a idolatry_n can_v be_v imagine_v then_o to_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o worship_n which_o be_v proper_a the_o unto_o lord_n to_o the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n as_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o a_o base_a idol_n to_o creep_v unto_o it_o to_o invocate_v it_o and_o to_o offer_v unto_o it_o vow_n and_o oblation_n nevertheless_o how_o sottish_o absurd_a soever_o this_o idolatry_n be_v yet_o have_v it_o many_o patroness_n among_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n namely_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n who_o allow_v by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n both_o the_o make_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n not_o only_o of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o three_o person_n in_o trinity_n but_o also_o of_o angel_n and_o saint_n but_o we_o be_v to_o abhor_v this_o gross_a idolatry_n as_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n condemn_v as_o impious_a and_o deride_v as_o sottish_a and_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v express_o condemn_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v unto_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n etc._n etc._n so_o deut._n 4._o 15._o take_v therefore_o good_a heed_n unto_o yourselves_o 15._o deut._n 4._o 15._o for_o you_o see_v no_o image_n in_o the_o day_n that_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o you_o in_o horeb_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n 16._o that_o you_o corrupt_v not_o yourselves_o and_o make_v you_o a_o grave_a image_n or_o representation_n of_o any_o figure_n whether_o it_o be_v male_a or_o female_a etc._n etc._n so_o leu._n 19_o 4._o 18._o levit._fw-la 19_o 4._o &_o 26._o 1._o esay_n 40._o 18._o and_o 26._o 1._o esa_n 40._o 18._o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o legal_a ordinance_n which_o be_v abrogate_a by_o the_o gospel_n as_o one_o of_o the_o papist_n do_v impudent_o affirm_v it_o be_v no_o catharinus_n catharinus_n less_o strict_o urge_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o condemn_v as_o appear_v rom._n 1._o 23._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 20_o 21._o rom._n 1._o 23._o 1_o cor._n 10._o 20._o 1_o john_n 5._o 21._o 1_o john_n 5._o 21._o and_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v strict_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v this_o sin_n so_o also_o have_v he_o severe_o punish_v it_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o israelit_n exod._n 32._o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o 32._o exodus_fw-la 32._o judge_n and_o of_o the_o king_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la ahab_n and_o the_o rest_n 7._o deut._n 27._o 15._o psal_n 97._o 7._o according_a to_o his_o word_n deut._n 27._o 15._o psal_n 97._o 7._o but_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v condemn_v the_o make_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n as_o wicked_a so_o also_o as_o sottish_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o may_v appear_v psal_n 115._o 4._o 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o 135._o 16._o 5._o psal_n 115._o 4._o 5._o 17._o etc._n etc._n esay_n 40._o 20._o 21._o etc._n etc._n and_o 44._o ver._n 9_o to_o 21._o but_o it_o be_v object_v by_o the_o papist_n that_o image_n be_v lay_v book_n the_o papist_n confute_v who_o say_v that_o image_n be_v lay_v man_n book_n man_n book_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o lay_v man_n have_v no_o better_a book_n the_o great_a be_v the_o clergy_n sin_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n not_o only_o unto_o they_o but_o to_o the_o laiety_n also_o that_o by_o study_v therein_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n but_o they_o use_v they_o like_o little_a child_n or_o fool_n for_o take_v away_o from_o they_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o god_n word_n in_o stead_n thereof_o they_o give_v unto_o they_o baby_n and_o picture_n to_o play_v withal_o to_o keep_v they_o as_o it_o be_v from_o cry_v and_o complain_v they_o take_v away_o from_o they_o the_o profitable_a schoolmaster_n which_o will_v thorough_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o hereby_o all_o their_o juggle_n and_o deceit_n will_v be_v discover_v and_o give_v they_o image_n to_o be_v their_o playfellow_n yea_o in_o truth_n they_o deal_v far_o worse_o with_o god_n people_n for_o childish_a baby_n and_o playfellow_n be_v unto_o child_n harmless_a delight_n whereas_o these_o image_n be_v pernicious_a unto_o their_o soul_n by_o seduce_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n into_o the_o way_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n as_o the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v us._n jer._n 10._o 15._o they_o be_v call_v vanity_n and_o the_o work_n of_o error_n 15._o jer._n 10._o 15._o not_o only_o because_o they_o gross_o err_v that_o make_v but_o they_o also_o that_o serve_v they_o they_o teach_v man_n indeed_o but_o what_o be_v their_o doctrine_n even_o the_o doctrine_n of_o vanity_n as_o it_o be_v verse_n 8._o they_o use_v a_o kind_n of_o dumb_a eloquence_n to_o persuade_v simple_a man_n but_o what_o be_v it_o they_o speak_v the_o prophet_n zacharie_n tell_v we_o zach._n 10._o 2._o sure_o the_o idol_n have_v speak_v vanity_n they_o 2._o zach._n 10._o 2._o teach_v idiot_n but_o what_o be_v their_o lesson_n the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n 18._o hab._n 2._o 18._o tell_v we_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 18._o they_o be_v teacher_n of_o lie_n but_o they_o reply_v that_o in_o these_o place_n the_o image_n of_o the_o heathen_n forbid_v not_o only_o image_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n forbid_v be_v condemn_v but_o they_o make_v and_o worship_v only_a jmage_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o saint_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o in_o the_o commandment_n all_o manner_n of_o similitude_n be_v forbid_v so_o principal_o image_n of_o the_o true_a jehovah_n as_o the_o lawgiver_n do_v 23._o deut._n 4._o 12._o esay_n 40._o 18._o act._n 17._o 29._o rom._n 1._o 23._o expound_v himself_o in_o many_o place_n deut._n 4._o 12._o 15._o esay_n 40_o 18_o to_o 26._o act._n 17._o 29._o rom._n 1._o 23._o for_o what_o great_a dishonour_n can_v be_v offer_v unto_o god_n then_o to_o represent_v he_o who_o be_v a_o invisible_a majesty_n by_o a_o base_a visible_a creature_n and_o to_o circumscribe_v he_o in_o a_o little_a image_n who_o be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a second_o they_o object_v the_o cherubin_n which_o cover_v the_o image_n the_o cherubin_n brazen_a &_o serpent_n no_o excuse_v for_o popish_a image_n mercy_n seat_n and_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o make_v against_o they_o for_o they_o be_v both_o make_v by_o god_n express_a commandment_n but_o they_o make_v image_n which_o in_o his_o law_n be_v express_o forbid_v and_o condemn_v the_o cherubin_n be_v make_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v but_o to_o cover_v the_o mercy_n seat_n that_o when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n appear_v man_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o curious_a pry_n into_o his_o secret_n and_o that_o see_v no_o manner_n of_o similitude_n they_o may_v make_v no_o resemblance_n of_o he_o and_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v not_o erect_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v worship_v it_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o figure_n and_o type_n of_o christ_n &_o a_o sacrament_n of_o their_o cure_n and_o heal_v not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o wound_n which_o the_o fiery_a serpent_n make_v in_o their_o body_n but_o of_o those_o spiritual_a wound_n which_o the_o old_a serpent_n satan_n have_v make_v both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n by_o the_o sting_n of_o sin_n and_o when_o the_o people_n do_v alter_v the_o end_n and_o use_v thereof_o and_o abuse_v it_o unto_o idolatry_n ezekias_n in_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n do_v break_v it_o in_o piece_n 1_o king_n 18._o 4._o 4._o king_n 18._o 4._o and_o thus_o they_o object_n for_o their_o make_n of_o image_n now_o answer_v the_o popish_a excuse_n for_o worship_v image_n answer_v for_o their_o worship_v of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o gross_a kind_n of_o idolatry_n and_o so_o extreme_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o allege_v in_o their_o excuse_n that_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n themselves_o but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o have_v relation_n with_o the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v image_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o excuse_n be_v both_o false_a and_o vain_a the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o doctrine_n appear_v by_o their_o practice_n for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n themselves_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v they_o by_o their_o device_n give_v unto_o they_o a_o seem_a life_n and_o motion_n as_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o eye_n the_o move_a of_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o bend_n of_o the_o head_n and_o body_n and_o why_o be_v one_o image_n have_v in_o great_a esteem_n &_o another_o image_n
they_o to_o see_v their_o sin_n or_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n where_o he_o take_v away_o a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o hypocrite_n namely_o that_o it_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o deal_v so_o severe_o with_o the_o people_n for_o they_o have_v a_o good_a meaning_n in_o all_o their_o devotion_n and_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_v god_n it_o be_v through_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v excuse_v to_o which_o objection_n the_o prophet_n seem_v to_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a indeed_o and_o by_o reason_n hereof_o they_o fall_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n but_o their_o ignorance_n do_v not_o excuse_v their_o fault_n neither_o be_v itself_o to_o be_v excuse_v see_v they_o contemn_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o remain_v ignorant_a because_o they_o will_v be_v ignorant_a and_o affect_v the_o darkness_n of_o superstition_n more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n the_o punishment_n denounce_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v fall_v that_o be_v because_o they_o be_v indocible_a and_o will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v inform_v in_o the_o right_a course_n therefore_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v they_o over_o to_o their_o own_o blindness_n of_o mind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v go_v on_o in_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatrye_n and_o remain_v perplex_v in_o their_o reprobate_a error_n until_o at_o length_n they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v into_o the_o pit_n of_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n the_o doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o they_o be_v these_o first_o we_o here_o learn_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o either_o a_o common_a wealth_n or_o family_n when_o as_o he_o suffer_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n chastisement_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a judgement_n when_o god_n do_v not_o restrain_v we_o from_o sin_n by_o his_o chastisement_n to_o abound_v and_o do_v not_o restrain_v man_n by_o his_o punishment_n nor_o reclaim_v they_o by_o his_o correction_n and_o contrariwise_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n love_n and_o fatherly_a care_n over_o those_o who_o he_o do_v chastise_v with_o manifold_a affliction_n for_o their_o sin_n that_o so_o he_o may_v reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n whereas_o if_o they_o shall_v flourish_v in_o their_o wickedness_n it_o will_v be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o hearten_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v they_o secure_o to_o go_v forward_o in_o their_o evil_a course_n without_o ever_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o reckon_n and_o this_o may_v appear_v both_o by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n by_o example_n and_o by_o reason_n for_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v suffer_v with_o long_a patience_n 22._o rom._n 9_o 22._o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n prepare_v to_o destruction_n to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v that_o be_v he_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o punishment_n that_o when_o they_o abuse_v his_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v as_o encouragement_n in_o their_o wickedness_n he_o may_v have_v just_a occasion_n to_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o wrath_n in_o take_v due_a vengeance_n on_o they_o so_o when_o the_o israelite_n do_v go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o will_v neither_o be_v reform_v by_o his_o mercy_n nor_o his_o judgement_n he_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v correct_v they_o no_o more_o esay_n 1._o 5._o whereupon_o it_o will_v follow_v 5._o esay_n 1._o 5._o that_o be_v leave_v unto_o themselves_o they_o will_v desperate_o and_o secure_o live_v in_o sin_n for_o when_o as_o god_n do_v not_o visit_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o go_v forward_o in_o they_o as_o though_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o a_o reckon_n as_o it_o appear_v ecclesiast_fw-la 8._o 11._o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v 11._o eccles_n 8._o 11._o not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a so_o the_o lord_n render_v this_o reason_n why_o the_o people_n do_v not_o reverence_n nor_o fear_v he_o nor_o remember_v he_o nor_o his_o word_n esay_n 57_o 11._o be_v it_o not_o say_v 11._o esay_n 57_o 11._o he_o because_o i_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o that_o of_o long_a time_n therefore_o thou_o fear_v not_o i_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a sign_n of_o god_n mercy_n sin_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a sign_n of_o mercy_n when_o god_n correct_v we_o for_o sin_n and_o love_n when_o as_o he_o cross_v we_o in_o our_o wicked_a course_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o prosper_v in_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v by_o these_o affliction_n discourage_v in_o our_o evil_a way_n we_o may_v return_v back_o and_o prevent_v his_o heavy_a judgement_n by_o true_a repentance_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o when_o we_o be_v judge_v we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n 1_o corinth_n 11._o 32._o and_o 32._o 1._o cor._n 11._o 32._o therefore_o he_o make_v it_o a_o sign_n of_o god_n love_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o our_o adoption_n when_o as_o we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o 11._o apoc._n 3._o 21._o heb._n 12._o 6._o 10._o 11._o lord_n hebrew_n 12._o 6._o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n conclude_v that_o those_o who_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o chastise_v they_o be_v bastard_n and_o no_o son_n for_o as_o impunity_n cause_v these_o to_o go_v on_o in_o wickedness_n to_o their_o destruction_n so_o affliction_n howsoever_o for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v not_o joyous_a but_o grievous_a yet_o it_o be_v profitable_a because_o it_o help_v to_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o quiet_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o they_o which_o be_v thereby_o exercise_v as_o it_o be_v hebrew_n 12._o verse_n 10._o 11._o this_o also_o appear_v by_o example_n when_o the_o sodomite_n example_n the_o former_a doctrine_n confirm_v by_o example_n live_v in_o their_o sin_n he_o suffer_v they_o still_o to_o enjoy_v their_o pleasure_n and_o abundance_n and_o never_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o wickedness_n by_o his_o chastisement_n but_o suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n till_o the_o cry_n of_o they_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o call_v for_o that_o last_o and_o fearful_a vengeance_n whereby_o they_o be_v utter_o destroy_v so_o he_o suffer_v the_o canaanite_n to_o possess_v that_o pleasant_a land_n which_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n in_o great_a peace_n and_o security_n till_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v full_a he_o pour_v out_o upon_o they_o the_o full_a viol_n of_o his_o wrath._n so_o dives_fw-la live_v in_o all_o pompous_a pleasure_n till_o death_n bring_v he_o into_o hell_n torment_n and_o thus_o job_n do_v at_o large_a describe_v the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a even_o to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o funeral_n job._n 21._o 7._o to_o the_o 13._o and_o david_n often_o observe_v 8._o job._n 21._o 7._o 8._o how_o exceed_o the_o wicked_a flourish_v in_o their_o wickedness_n even_o to_o their_o utter_a destruction_n psal_n 37._o 35_o and_o 12._o psal_n 37._o 35._o &_o 73._o 3._o 4._o 5._o 12._o 73._o 3._o 4._o 5._o 12._o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o case_n of_o god_n child_n and_o servant_n be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o when_o they_o sin_v the_o lord_n do_v chastise_v they_o for_o their_o amendment_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n to_o their_o destruction_n we_o read_v but_o of_o one_o sin_n which_o noah_n commit_v that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n punish_v it_o by_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o derision_n of_o his_o own_o wicked_a son_n so_o we_o read_v but_o of_o three_o crime_n which_o holy_a david_n fall_v into_o though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n expose_v to_o manifold_a tentation_n his_o adultery_n murder_n and_o pride_n in_o number_v the_o people_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n suffer_v none_o of_o the_o three_o to_o go_v uncorrect_v for_o he_o punish_v his_o adultery_n commit_v in_o secret_a with_o another_o man_n wife_n by_o let_v his_o son_n defile_v his_o concubine_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n his_o murder_n of_o his_o servant_n with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n and_o by_o not_o suffer_v the_o sword_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o house_n his_o number_n of_o the_o people_n by_o a_o exceed_a plague_n and_o pestilence_n so_o that_o if_o david_n a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o hart_n do_v but_o step_v
because_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n purposely_o send_v to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o he_o admonish_v the_o people_n of_o juda_n in_o their_o hear_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o retain_v among_o they_o god_n pure_a worship_n partly_o that_o he_o may_v hereby_o make_v they_o ashamed_a of_o their_o sinful_a state_n which_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n why_o their_o brethren_n shall_v shun_v their_o company_n and_o partly_o that_o by_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o emulation_n he_o may_v draw_v they_o likewise_o to_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o general_a dissuasion_n whereby_o he_o dehort_v they_o from_o imitate_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o use_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v entangle_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o these_o be_v two_o the_o first_o be_v their_o frequent_v of_o place_n dedicate_v to_o idolatry_n the_o other_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a service_n in_o which_o they_o intermingle_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n with_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o first_o mean_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n come_v not_o you_o into_o gilgal_n neither_o go_v you_o up_o to_o beth-aven_a for_o the_o understanding_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o this_o gilgall_n be_v a_o town_n situate_a near_o jerricho_n on_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o beyond_o jordaine_v which_o be_v exceed_v famous_a among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o juda_n for_o there_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n first_o rest_v after_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n there_o josua_n erect_v a_o altar_n in_o perpetual_a remembrance_n of_o that_o famous_a miracle_n whereby_o jordan_n be_v divide_v so_o that_o the_o israelite_n pass_v through_o on_o dry_a ground_n there_o the_o israelite_n be_v first_o circumcise_v after_o they_o come_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o uncircumcision_n be_v take_v from_o they_o from_o whence_o also_o it_o have_v it_o name_n gilgal_n or_o galgal_n which_o signify_v to_o take_v away_o as_o appeareth_z josua_n 5._o 9_o there_o also_o they_o first_o keep_v 15._o jos_n 5._o 9_o 15._o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passeover_n there_o the_o manna_n cease_v the_o people_n do_v first_o eat_v the_o bread_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o land_n there_o the_o angel_n appear_v to_o josua_n command_v he_o to_o put_v off_o his_o shoe_n because_o the_o place_n be_v holy_a josu_n 5._o 15._o and_o here_o also_o saul_n the_o first_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v anoint_v by_o all_o which_o memorable_a accident_n in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v much_o ennoble_v among_o the_o people_n by_o the_o other_o place_n beth-aven_a we_o be_v here_o to_o understand_v bethel_n of_o which_o name_n there_o be_v two_o town_n the_o one_o belong_v to_o the_o tribe_n of_o benjamin_n as_o appear_v jos_n 18._o 22._o jos_n 18._o 22._o 22._o the_o other_o to_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n as_o be_v manifest_a jud._n 1._o 22._o judg._n 1._o 22._o 22._o the_o which_o in_o former_a time_n be_v call_v luz_n which_o name_n it_o have_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o almond_n which_o there_o grow_v but_o when_o jacob_n rest_v there_o and_o see_v the_o vision_n of_o angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v upon_o the_o ladder_n he_o change_v the_o name_n and_o call_v it_o beth-el_a that_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v gene._n 28._o 19_o this_o beth-el_a be_v 19_o gen._n 28._o 19_o here_o understand_v and_o be_v call_v beth-aven_a not_o that_o they_o be_v both_o one_o city_n for_o beside_o this_o beth-el_a there_o be_v another_o town_n near_o adjoin_v unto_o it_o which_o be_v call_v beth-aven_a josu_n 7._o 2._o and_o 18._o 12._o 13._o but_o the_o prophet_n do_v here_o call_v 13._o jos_n 7._o 2._o and_o 18_o 12._o 13._o beth-el_a beth-aven_a by_o way_n of_o reproach_n because_o of_o the_o idolatry_n which_o be_v there_o commit_v for_o as_o it_o be_v first_o call_v luz_n and_o then_o because_o of_o jacobs_n vision_n beth-el_a although_o there_o be_v another_o city_n of_o that_o name_n so_o contrariwise_o when_o it_o be_v abuse_v to_o idolatry_n the_o name_n be_v change_v and_o call_v beth-aven_a that_o be_v a_o house_n of_o vanity_n and_o idolatry_n for_o a_o idol_n and_o vanity_n or_o nothing_o be_v use_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o so_o hos_n 6._o 8._o gilead_n be_v a_o city_n of_o they_o that_o work_n 8._o so_o hos_n 6._o 8._o auen_n that_o be_v iniquity_n vanity_n or_o idolatry_n so_o 1_o corint_n 8._o a_o idol_n be_v nothing_o or_o a_o vain_a thing_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n 8._o 1_o cor._n 8._o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o be_v unworthy_a now_o the_o name_n of_o beth-el_a the_o house_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v consecrate_v to_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v call_v beth-aven_a rather_o that_o be_v a_o house_n of_o vanity_n impiety_n and_o idolatry_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o juda_n be_v forbid_v to_o ascend_v into_o these_o place_n be_v because_o they_o be_v consecrate_v to_o idolatrous_a worship_n for_o when_o jereboam_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o see_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v a_o place_n for_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n because_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a bond_n of_o all_o good_a society_n and_o government_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n consult_v with_o no_o better_a a_o counsailour_n then_o humane_a wisdom_n he_o think_v it_o dangerous_a to_o his_o state_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n lest_o have_v too_o much_o familiarity_n and_o intercourse_n of_o friendship_n with_o the_o man_n of_o juda_n his_o people_n shall_v be_v draw_v to_o make_v a_o defection_n from_o he_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o therefore_o he_o resolve_v upon_o this_o 27._o 1_o king_n 12._o 27._o course_n as_o the_o safe_a to_o appoint_v in_o his_o own_o country_n some_o place_n for_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n now_o because_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o difficulty_n to_o withdraw_v the_o people_n from_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v express_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o purpose_n unto_o other_o place_n which_o be_v as_o express_o prohibit_v therefore_o in_o wicked_a policy_n he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o place_n as_o be_v most_o famous_a and_o unto_o which_o the_o people_n be_v most_o devote_v for_o some_o special_a privilege_n which_o they_o have_v have_v in_o former_a time_n that_o hereby_o he_o may_v blind_v their_o judgement_n and_o allure_v their_o affection_n now_o none_o seem_v fit_a for_o his_o purpose_n then_o these_o two_o see_v gilgal_n be_v in_o special_a account_n with_o the_o people_n because_o of_o all_o those_o memorable_a thing_n there_o do_v of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v and_o especial_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o angel_n who_o also_o say_v that_o it_o be_v holy_a ground_n though_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v speak_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o place_n itself_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n glorious_a presence_n at_o that_o time_n and_o bethell_n be_v esteem_v not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o name_n but_o also_o in_o that_o former_o jacob_n have_v there_o erect_v a_o altar_n and_o 28._o gen._n 28._o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o appear_v gen._n 28._o the_o which_o also_o be_v a_o strong_a motive_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n who_o be_v in_o themselves_o inclinable_a to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o their_o forefather_n see_v they_o have_v such_o a_o holy_a patriarch_n for_o their_o precedent_n although_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n though_o it_o be_v plausible_a enough_o to_o move_v they_o to_o this_o practice_n see_v that_o be_v but_o a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o jacob_n not_o to_o be_v imitate_v especial_o see_v by_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n his_o public_a worship_n be_v restrain_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o look_v what_o jacob_n do_v but_o what_o the_o lord_n command_v in_o his_o law_n nevertheless_o these_o colour_n serve_v to_o blear_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o a_o superstitious_a conceit_n of_o these_o place_n above_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o these_o place_n and_o erect_a grove_n and_o temple_n and_o altar_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o idol_n concern_v beth-ell_n there_o be_v no_o question_n for_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v that_o jeroboam_fw-la erect_v his_o idol_n in_o beth-ell_n and_o dan._n 1_o king_n 12._o 29._o as_o 29._o 1_o king_n 12._o 29._o also_o else_o where_o for_o gilgall_n though_o there_o be_v no_o
faith_n and_o hope_n in_o any_o reasonable_a sort_n after_o so_o many_o year_n of_o instruction_n yea_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o outward_a ceremony_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n can_v put_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n and_o howsoever_o in_o word_n they_o profess_v themselves_o such_o forward_a protestant_n that_o they_o can_v be_v content_a to_o burn_v for_o their_o religion_n yet_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o able_a to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n and_o refine_a popery_n and_o as_o many_o among_o we_o spit_v at_o the_o devil_n name_n and_o defy_v he_o in_o word_n and_o yet_o in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n remain_v his_o vassal_n be_v at_o his_o beck_n to_o do_v he_o service_n so_o many_o show_v a_o outward_a detestation_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o popery_n but_o yet_o their_o hatred_n extend_v no_o further_o than_o the_o name_n for_o either_o they_o exclaym_v against_o the_o beast_n retain_v his_o mark_n be_v not_o yet_o purge_v from_o the_o dregs_n of_o popery_n and_o superstition_n or_o else_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o so_o lie_v open_a as_o a_o easy_a pray_v to_o all_o seducer_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o small_a the_o number_n of_o those_o be_v who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o innumerable_a number_n of_o ignorant_a person_n which_o live_v among_o us._n now_o further_o if_o we_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n among_o those_o who_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o consider_v how_o many_o of_o this_o number_n have_v only_o a_o historical_a and_o speculative_a knowledge_n swim_v in_o the_o brain_n whereby_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o affection_n or_o for_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n all_o which_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n &_o his_o religion_n for_o we_o be_v true_o say_v to_o know_v so_o much_o only_o in_o christianity_n as_o we_o make_v a_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a use_n of_o for_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o inward_a affection_n and_o for_o the_o better_n of_o our_o outward_a action_n and_o if_o have_v set_v all_o these_o aside_o we_o then_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o that_o remain_v who_o know_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o live_v according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n in_o holiness_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o number_n so_o small_a that_o the_o lord_n may_v just_o also_o in_o this_o respect_n contend_v with_o we_o because_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v summon_v we_o to_o appear_v before_o he_o &_o shall_v arraign_v we_o before_o the_o tribunal_n seat_n of_o judgement_n to_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o sin_n here_o lay_v to_o the_o israelit_v charge_n we_o also_o must_v needs_o plead_v guilty_a and_o put_v ourselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o plea_n of_o mercy_n all_o which_o our_o sin_n be_v much_o aggravate_v hereby_o mercy_n our_o sin_n be_v much_o aggravate_v by_o god_n mercy_n in_o that_o they_o be_v commit_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o land_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v bestow_v many_o more_o and_o far_o great_a benefit_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a then_o ever_o he_o bestow_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n second_o in_o that_o he_o have_v by_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n and_o watchful_a providence_n preserve_v we_o in_o this_o land_n from_o the_o open_a violence_n and_o secret_a treason_n of_o our_o malicious_a enemy_n especial_o from_o that_o more_o than_o barbarous_a conspiracy_n whereby_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n truth_n have_v plot_v by_o one_o blast_n of_o gunpowder_n to_o blow_v up_o the_o whole_a state_n ruin_n the_o church_n and_o overturn_v the_o whole_a commonwealth_n which_o deliverance_n be_v cause_n sufficient_a in_o itself_o alone_o to_o move_v we_o daily_o with_o incessant_a praise_n to_o magnify_v god_n mercy_n and_o to_o show_v our_o thankfulness_n by_o perform_v unto_o he_o all_o holy_a duty_n three_o in_o that_o we_o have_v bind_v ourselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o our_o god_n that_o we_o will_v embrace_v truth_n &_o mercy_n and_o increase_v in_o his_o save_a knowledge_n yet_o nevertheless_o have_v break_v our_o covenant_n by_o utter_a neglect_n of_o these_o holy_a duty_n four_o in_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o singular_a mean_n of_o attain_v unto_o these_o rich_a ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n namely_o his_o word_n print_v read_v and_o preach_v among_o we_o and_o the_o use_n of_o his_o sacrament_n yet_o we_o have_v make_v no_o fruitful_a use_n of_o they_o but_o still_o remain_v in_o our_o spiritual_a nakedness_n last_o in_o that_o these_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o few_o person_n but_o general_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n which_o do_v not_o hide_v themselves_o in_o some_o secret_a corner_n but_o walk_v bold_o in_o the_o open_a street_n be_v privilege_v from_o both_o shame_n and_o punishment_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o offender_n see_v therefore_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o israelit_v sin_n yea_o and_o have_v aggravate_v they_o by_o many_o circumstance_n what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o punishment_n see_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n nor_o mercy_n nor_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v contend_v with_o we_o and_o that_o not_o in_o verbal_a controversy_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o minister_n for_o though_o we_o have_v often_o hear_v they_o yet_o we_o have_v little_o regard_v they_o but_o have_v contemn_v their_o person_n and_o despise_a their_o threaten_n neither_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v any_o long_o use_v his_o his_o fatherly_a correction_n and_o gentle_a chasticement_n for_o these_o he_o have_v often_o use_v in_o vain_a as_o for_o example_n he_o have_v diverse_a time_n summon_v we_o by_o famine_n sickness_n plague_n and_o pestilence_n danger_n of_o enemy_n yea_o and_o of_o late_o lay_v the_o head_n of_o our_o whole_a state_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o block_n and_o lift_v up_o treason_n the_o gunpowder_n treason_n the_o fearful_a axe_n of_o his_o fierce_a judgement_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v the_o mortal_a stroke_n and_o yet_o be_v we_o hereby_o nothing_o reclaim_v from_o our_o sin_n nothing_o move_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o holy_a duty_n and_o therefore_o see_v neither_o word_n nor_o chasticement_n be_v available_a for_o our_o amendment_n and_o see_v after_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v reprive_v we_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o block_n yet_o we_o remain_v unreform_v what_o can_v we_o further_o expect_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v in_o his_o fierce_a wrath_n sweep_v we_o away_o in_o a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o his_o judgement_n unless_o we_o seek_v reconciliation_n and_o appease_v god_n anger_n by_o speedy_a humiliation_n and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o sin_n of_o omission_n whereof_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v here_o accuse_v and_o convict_v now_o follow_v the_o sin_n of_o commission_n whereby_o they_o have_v positive_o and_o actual_o break_a god_n commandment_n vers_fw-la 2._o by_o swear_v and_o lie_v &_o kill_v &_o steal_v &_o whore_v verse_n 2_o they_o break_v out_o and_o blood_n touch_v blood_n in_o the_o original_a text_n these_o sin_n be_v express_v in_o the_o infinitive_n mood_n to_o note_v their_o exposition_n the_o exposition_n continue_a act_n of_o sin_v to_o swear_v and_o lie_v &_o kill_v &_o steal_v &_o whore_n be_v their_o usual_a custom_n or_o common_a fashion_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o sometime_o fall_v into_o these_o sin_n through_o infirmity_n but_o wilful_o continue_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v their_o ordinary_a exercise_n and_o common_a practice_n the_o sin_n whereof_o they_o be_v here_o convict_v and_o condemn_v either_o immediate_o respect_n god_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o first_o table_n or_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o second_o table_n both_o which_o be_v first_o propound_v and_o then_o intend_v and_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n which_o respect_n god_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o first_o table_n be_v all_o comprise_v under_o this_o one_o particular_a of_o swear_v the_o word_n here_o use_v may_v either_o signify_v swear_v or_o curse_v and_o so_o be_v diverse_o translate_v by_o diverse_a but_o see_v it_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o place_n to_o set_v down_o a_o brief_a epitome_n of_o the_o people_n