which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10.27_o 4._o last_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o want_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n leave_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n full_a of_o distraction_n and_o unquietness_n thereby_o so_o that_o one_o become_v uneven_a in_o all_o his_o way_n unsettled_a in_o all_o his_o thought_n raise_v up_o and_o cast_v down_o with_o contrary_a hope_n and_o fear_n as_o the_o outward_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n subject_n to_o continual_a change_n ebb_n and_o flow_v from_o day_n to_o day_n whereof_o we_o have_v too_o many_o evidence_n in_o these_o time_n of_o trouble_n wherein_o man_n fall_v on_o and_o off_o as_o their_o vain_a hope_n and_o fear_n carry_v they_o on_o to_o one_o party_n or_o drive_v to_o the_o other_o to_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o betray_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o their_o shame_n discover_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v never_o yet_o settle_v upon_o any_o firm_a foundation_n whereas_o one_o that_o have_v build_v his_o faith_n upon_o god_n promise_n be_v like_o a_o ship_n moar_v by_o her_o anchor_n in_o a_o safe_a harbour_n from_o whence_o the_o ebb_n and_o flood_n of_o the_o sea_n can_v remove_v she_o 2._o use_v let_v i_o therefore_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o right_a honourable_a and_o belove_a by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o strengthen_v faith_n have_v such_o a_o firm_a foundation_n to_o build_v it_o on_o not_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o 2_o pet._n 12.16_o not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n who_o may_v deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v but_o a_o faithful_a word_n tit._n 1.29_o a_o sure_a word_n 2._o pet._n 1.29_o the_o word_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v a_o word_n more_o firm_a than_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n settle_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n psal_n 119.89_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v earnest_a and_o serious_a in_o labour_v with_o all_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o firmness_n of_o faith_n not_o only_o because_o otherwise_o we_o despise_v this_o great_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o in_o condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n and_o abase_v himself_o to_o be_v engage_v to_o we_o by_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n and_o his_o seal_n but_o more_o especial_o upon_o these_o sore_a weighty_a and_o important_a consideration_n 1._o of_o all_o other_o grace_n faith_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o we_o every_o way_n 1._o we_o thereby_o bring_v unto_o god_n the_o great_a glory_n by_o it_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a joh._n 3.33_o as_o abraham_n be_v say_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n when_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n rom._n 4.20_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o more_o mention_v in_o that_o place_n but_o that_o he_o believe_v and_o thereby_o seal_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o he_o which_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o ver_fw-la 21._o but_o without_o believe_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n with_o all_o neither_o have_v he_o any_o sound_a comfort_n nor_o god_n his_o due_a honour_n by_o believe_v wherefore_o it_o express_o testify_v of_o sarah_n that_o she_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v heb._n 11.11_o 2._o ly_o to_o we_o be_v faith_n of_o such_o necessity_n that_o without_o it_o we_o be_v dead_a spiritual_o it_o be_v that_o which_o unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o who_o we_o live_v as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v of_o himself_o i_o live_v say_v he_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o and_o the_o life_n which_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n gal._n 2.20_o so_o that_o without_o faith_n we_o be_v without_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n col._n 3.4_o again_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o quicken_v all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o sweeten_v all_o our_o labour_n in_o god_n service_n know_v that_o in_o due_a season_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o gal_n 6.9_o three_o it_o be_v faith_n by_o which_o both_o our_o person_n and_o service_n be_v accept_v by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v a_o more_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n by_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a heb._n 12.4_o four_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o hold_v up_o our_o spirit_n in_o affliction_n i_o have_v faint_v say_v david_n unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n psal_n 27.13_o whence_o he_o profess_v that_o god_n word_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v all_o the_o comfort_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o affliction_n psal_n 119.50_o five_o faith_n only_o enable_v we_o to_o withstand_v all_o terror_n by_o faith_n moses_n his_o parent_n fear_v not_o the_o king_n commandment_n heb._n 11.23_o and_o by_o the_o same_o power_n of_o faith_n the_o three_o child_n fear_v neither_o king_n nebuchadnezar_n angry_a countenance_n nor_o his_o threaten_a word_n nor_o his_o preparation_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o fire_n to_o torment_v they_o no_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o to_o answer_v in_o so_o dangerous_a a_o case_n dan._n 3.17_o last_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o supply_v we_o with_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6.18_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n as_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n so_o we_o not_o only_o bear_v tribulation_n patient_o but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 5.3_o second_o as_o faith_n of_o all_o grace_n be_v most_o necessary_a and_o useful_a so_o be_v it_o of_o all_o other_o the_o hard_a to_o be_v obtain_v and_o that_o in_o divers_a respect_n for_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n that_o can_v help_v we_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o faith_n sense_n can_v help_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o that_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v above_o sense_n thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o spiritual_a 2._o cor._n 4.18_o whereas_o sense_n apprehend_v only_a thing_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o earthly_a and_o thing_n whereof_o many_o have_v no_o present_a be_v but_o be_v in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n only_o much_o less_o can_v reason_n help_v faith_n see_v that_o take_v all_o her_o ground_n from_o sense_n wherefore_o abraham_n that_o he_o may_v wax_v strong_a in_o faith_n silence_a reason_n which_o will_v have_v furnish_v he_o with_o argument_n against_o the_o promise_n of_o have_v a_o son_n by_o sarah_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o consider_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o so_o much_o admit_v into_o debate_n reason_n draw_v from_o the_o deadness_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o of_o sarah_n womb_n rom._n 4.19_o no_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_a faith_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o other_o mere_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o overthrow_v it_o where_o it_o be_v when_o david_n judge_v by_o sense_n of_o god_n way_n and_o dispensation_n which_o represent_v unto_o he_o the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o his_o own_o affliction_n every_o morning_n it_o so_o shake_v his_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v almost_o slip_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o condemn_v his_o own_o way_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o godly_a too_o as_o himself_o acknowledge_v psal_n 73.2.13.15_o and_o when_o sarah_n begin_v by_o reason_n to_o examine_v the_o promise_n of_o have_v a_o child_n at_o 90._o year_n old_a she_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v it_o that_o she_o laugh_v at_o it_o gen._n 18.11_o and_o as_o long_o as_o moses_n make_v use_v of_o his_o reason_n to_o weigh_v god_n promise_n of_o feed_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n with_o flesh_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o a_o month_n together_o we_o see_v how_o hardly_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v it_o num._n 11.21_o 22_o 23._o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o see_v neither_o sense_n nor_o reason_n nor_o consequent_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n can_v bring_v any_o help_n to_o faith_n nay_o rather_o be_v the_o strong_a mean_n to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n as_o be_v both_o above_o and_o contrary_a to_o nature_n to_o obtain_v it_o a_o second_o difficulty_n in_o obtain_v faith_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o it_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v
shall_v be_v no_o more_o say_v the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n but_o the_o lord_n live_v that_o bring_v up_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o north._n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o work_n so_o far_o above_o all_o possibility_n in_o man_n eye_n that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o conclude_v our_o bone_n be_v dry_v up_o our_o hope_n be_v lose_v we_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o our_o part_n ezech._n 37.1_o a_o work_n in_o itself_o wonderful_a to_o admiration_n but_o make_v more_o wonderful_a by_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrought_v a_o troublous_a time_n sufficient_a to_o hinder_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o likely_a work_n much_o more_o to_o make_v a_o work_n in_o itself_o so_o difficult_a and_o improbable_a altogether_o impossible_a in_o man_n judgement_n to_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o near_a examination_n of_o these_o word_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o three_o particular_n worthy_a our_o serious_a consideration_n first_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n imply_v a_o infallibility_n know_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v that_o be_v be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o thing_n certain_a that_o shall_v not_o fail_v and_o afterward_o the_o street_n shall_v be_v build_v again_o and_o the_o wall_n in_o the_o time_n express_v after_o 7_o week_n that_o be_v account_v every_o day_n for_o a_o year_n after_o 49_o year_n from_o the_o go_v out_o of_o the_o decree_n second_o we_o have_v represent_v unto_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v build_v a_o troublous_a time_n for_o the_o exact_a period_n of_o the_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v after_o 49_o year_n it_o make_v not_o much_o to_o our_o present_a occasion_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o give_v far_a assurance_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prophecy_n that_o god_n limit_n it_o to_o a_o precise_a number_n of_o year_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o he_o which_o have_v the_o time_n and_o season_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o purpose_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o troublous_a time_n three_o we_o have_v the_o work_n promise_v to_o be_v perform_v the_o build_n of_o the_o street_n and_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o have_v relate_v especial_o to_o the_o book_n of_o nehemiah_n of_o these_o three_o particular_n as_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o out_o before_o you_o in_o their_o order_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o expression_n consider_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n the_o most_o difficult_a of_o all_o work_n and_o the_o time_n the_o unfit_a of_o all_o time_n iâ—_n worthy_a our_o careful_a observation_n notwithstanding_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o work_n in_o man_n judgement_n and_o the_o impediment_n by_o the_o trouble_v of_o the_o time_n the_o street_n and_o wall_n shall_v be_v build_v yea_o they_o shall_v be_v build_v by_o such_o a_o time_n doubt_v not_o of_o it_o say_v god_n but_o know_v this_o be_v assure_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o god_n may_v speak_v and_o thus_o he_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o express_v himself_o so_o that_o upon_o this_o particular_a instance_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o general_a that_o god_n promise_n even_o concern_v thing_n most_o difficult_a and_o impossible_a thing_n in_o man_n eye_n be_v notwithstanding_o certain_a and_o infallible_a they_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n all_o of_o they_o yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1.20_o yea_o and_o not_o nay_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o vers_n 18._o that_o be_v true_a in_o the_o event_n and_o real_a performance_n and_o amen_o that_o be_v stable_a and_o firm_a as_o that_o hebrew_a word_n signify_v this_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o instance_n the_o great_a of_o all_o god_n promise_n be_v that_o of_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o to_o be_v make_v immanuel_n true_o man_n and_o so_o god_n with_o we_o this_o when_o god_n promise_v isa_n 7.14_o he_o prefix_v a_o behold_v before_o it_o behold_v a_o vigin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n which_o be_v a_o note_n not_o only_o of_o admiration_n but_o confirmation_n too_o as_o if_o god_n will_v represent_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n present_v to_o be_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n so_o peremptory_o do_v he_o promise_v that_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n which_o be_v as_o real_o perform_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n gal._n 4.4_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o unlikely_a thing_n that_o israel_n after_o so_o long_a and_o heavy_a a_o bondage_n under_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v be_v wrest_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a nation_n that_o keep_v they_o under_o as_o their_o slave_n yet_o god_n not_o only_o promise_v it_o but_o bid_v abraham_n to_o make_v account_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o certain_a thing_n know_v say_v he_o of_o a_o surety_n that_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o 400_o year_n and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n gen._n 15.13_o 14._o it_o be_v not_o more_o serioussy_n promise_v then_o real_o perform_v and_o that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o time_n limit_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o self_n same_o day_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n say_v moses_n exod._n 12.41_o it_o seem_v so_o impossible_a at_o hang_v that_o abraham_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n by_o his_o wife_n sarah_n who_o have_v be_v all_o her_o life_n barren_a and_o be_v now_o 90_o year_n old_a and_o her_o husband_n a_o hundred_o and_o both_o their_o body_n dead_a as_o to_o the_o have_v of_o child_n that_o sarah_n laugh_v at_o the_o promise_n gen._n 18.12_o and_o yet_o see_v how_o peremptory_o god_n promise_v it_o i_o will_v certain_o return_v unto_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o life_n and_o lo_o sarah_n thy_o wife_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o we_o know_v the_o lord_n make_v it_o good_a god_n promise_v to_o provide_v flesh_n for_o his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o shall_v eat_v their_o fill_n of_o it_o for_o a_o month_n long_o numb_a 11.19_o 20._o the_o people_n think_v it_o be_v more_o than_o god_n can_v do_v as_o they_o speak_v psal_n 78.19_o 20._o and_o moses_n be_v almost_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o his_o objection_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o feed_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n in_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n that_o yield_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o sustain_n of_o man_n life_n yet_o we_o see_v it_o make_v good_a in_o the_o event_n by_o the_o send_n of_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o quail_n the_o most_o dainty_a of_o all_o flesh_n numb_a 11.31_o many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o evidence_n this_o truth_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a let_v we_o see_v what_o ground_n we_o have_v for_o it_o in_o reason_n first_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o speak_v peremp_n tory_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v will_v be_v evident_a unto_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o hinder_v man_n that_o they_o can_v speak_v in_o that_o manner_n or_o with_o like_a certainty_n concern_v their_o own_o purpose_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o man_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o which_o they_o intend_v 1._o the_o man_n may_v die_v and_o then_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o consequent_o his_o resolution_n and_o purpose_n perish_v with_o he_o psal_n 146.4_o now_o god_n we_o know_v life_n for_o ever_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a he_o be_v god_n psal_n 90.2_o the_o earth_n may_v fail_v and_o the_o heaven_n may_v be_v role_v up_o as_o a_o garment_n but_o god_n remain_v the_o same_o and_o his_o year_n fail_v not_o heb._n 1.11_o whence_o the_o apostle_n draw_v a_o strong_a ground_n of_o consolation_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n mediation_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v effectual_a to_o we_o because_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o uâ—_n hev_n 7.25_o 2._o though_o the_o man_n continue_v and_o live_v yet_o his_o mind_n and_o purpose_n may_v alter_v never_o have_v a_o man_n more_o full_a purpose_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o esau_n have_v to_o kill_v his_o brother_n jacob_n gen._n 27.41_o and_o this_o resolution_n continue_v with_o he_o 20_o year_n while_o jacob_n sojourn_v with_o laban_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o gather_n of_o four_o hundred_o man_n to_o come_v against_o he_o when_o he_o hear_v of_o jacobs_n return_n homeward_o gen._n 32.6_o questionless_a to_o do_v that_o which_o jacob_n fear_v with_o the_o sword_n to_o cut_v off_o he_o and_o his_o retinue_n and_o yet_o
liberal_a thing_n isa_n 32.8_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n more_o firm_a than_o the_o earth_n itself_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4.8_o now_o see_v we_o be_v so_o greedy_a of_o gain_n why_o do_v we_o not_o follow_v after_o this_o gainful_a way_n of_o godliness_n which_o bring_v so_o large_a and_o last_a a_o reward_n assure_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o nay_o why_o upon_o the_o same_o assurance_n doewe_v not_o lay_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n what_o do_v we_o grasp_a after_o the_o world_n when_o we_o have_v assurance_n of_o heaven_n a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v move_v by_o the_o firm_a of_o all_o god_n promise_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o and_o let_v we_o weigh_v well_o what_o we_o do_v and_o take_v notice_n first_o of_o the_o great_a wrong_n and_o dishonour_n we_o offer_v to_o god_n himself_o second_o of_o the_o evil_n that_o we_o bring_v and_o that_o deserve_o upon_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o dishonour_v god_n 1._o in_o that_o we_o receive_v not_o his_o testimony_n for_o what_o we_o believe_v not_o that_o in_o effect_n we_o deny_v and_o by_o consequence_n make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n as_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o contrary_a set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a joh._n 13.33_o herein_o we_o do_v in_o effect_n across_o the_o main_a end_n for_o which_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o for_o which_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n above_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n that_o be_v true_a of_o every_o man_n which_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v of_o himself_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n joh._n 18.36_o man_n will_v indeed_o beapt_v to_o beguile_v themselves_o and_o other_o too_o in_o profess_v that_o they_o receive_v god_n testimony_n in_o all_o that_o he_o speak_v but_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o denial_n in_o work_n as_o well_o as_o in_o word_n tit._n 1.16_o and_o to_o speak_v truth_n denial_n in_o deed_n be_v the_o strong_a denial_n and_o manifest_v our_o affirm_v in_o word_n to_o be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n as_o the_o psalmist_n justify_v it_o against_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o though_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n yet_o they_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n psal_n 78.35_o 36._o and_o prove_v by_o their_o work_n because_o they_o still_o go_v on_o in_o tempt_v and_o provoke_v god_n and_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n ver_fw-la 40.41_o 2._o it_o be_v the_o great_a wrong_a and_o dishonour_n to_o god_n not_o to_o receive_v his_o testimony_n first_o because_o god_n have_v so_o far_o condescend_v to_o our_o weakness_n as_o to_o engage_v himself_o unto_o we_o so_o many_o way_n be_v notwithstanding_o debtor_n to_o no_o man_n bestow_v whatsoever_o he_o give_v free_o out_o of_o mere_a grace_n we_o account_v it_o a_o wrong_n to_o a_o friend_n to_o require_v a_o bond_n of_o he_o for_o the_o assure_v of_o a_o free_a gift_n but_o god_n have_v be_v content_a to_o abase_v himself_o so_o far_o to_o we_o as_o to_o engage_v himself_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o word_n to_o confirm_v his_o word_n by_o a_o oath_n and_o to_o ratify_v both_o by_o the_o seal_n of_o his_o covenant_n that_o after_o the_o manifest_v of_o so_o much_o tender_a respect_n to_o we_o and_o condiscend_v so_o far_o to_o our_o weakness_n and_o afford_v such_o firm_a foot_n for_o our_o faith_n god_n shall_v not_o have_v so_o much_o credit_n with_o we_o as_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o his_o word_n his_o oath_n his_o seal_n be_v such_o a_o dishonour_n to_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n as_o we_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o offer_v to_o a_o mortal_a man_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n have_v never_o give_v we_o cause_n to_o distrust_v he_o he_o never_o fail_v we_o in_o any_o one_o promise_n wherein_o he_o have_v engage_v himself_o unto_o we_o three_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o great_a wrong_n to_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v by_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v nothing_o so_o far_o kindle_v god_n wrath_n as_o the_o provoke_a of_o his_o son_n and_o daughter_n deut._n 32.19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o thou_o my_o son_n say_v julius_n cesar_n to_o brutus_n when_o he_o see_v he_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o conspirator_n come_v to_o stab_v he_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o a_o master_n than_o not_o to_o be_v trust_v by_o his_o own_o servant_n much_o great_a be_v the_o injury_n when_o a_o father_n can_v have_v no_o credit_n from_o his_o own_o child_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o god_n shall_v bear_v it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o call_v he_o father_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o his_o child_n that_o great_a dishonour_n of_o slight_v his_o promise_n and_o in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o make_v more_o account_n of_o man_n assurance_n than_o they_o do_v of_o they_o second_o as_o the_o lord_n for_o who_o glory_n we_o be_v create_v be_v wrong_v by_o our_o unbelief_n in_o not_o rest_v upon_o his_o promise_n so_o it_o fall_v out_o as_o usual_o it_o do_v in_o all_o like_a case_n that_o we_o infinite_o thereby_o prejudice_v ourselves_o many_o way_n 1._o by_o this_o mean_n we_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o all_o true_a ground_n of_o comfort_n which_o may_v support_v we_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n it_o be_v god_n word_n which_o quicken_v david_n in_o time_n of_o his_o affliction_n psal_n 119.50_o it_o be_v god_n word_n on_o which_o he_o depend_v psal_n 130.5_o when_o he_o pour_v out_o his_o complaint_n before_o god_n out_o of_o the_o depth_n that_o be_v in_o flood_n of_o distress_n that_o overwhelm_v he_o for_o as_o for_o any_o other_o mean_n to_o establish_v our_o heart_n and_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n in_o time_n of_o inward_a distress_n or_o outward_a affliction_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o force_v to_o take_v up_o david_n complaint_n i_o look_v for_o comforter_n but_o i_o find_v none_o psal_n 69.20_o and_o psal_n 142.4_o i_o look_v on_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n will_v know_v i_o refuge_n fail_v i_o and_o as_o for_o god_n promise_n whence_o only_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a comfort_n arise_v with_o what_o cold_a heart_n must_v we_o needs_o either_o apply_v they_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o urge_v they_o and_o press_v they_o upon_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n when_o our_o own_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o we_o have_v cast_v by_o as_o matter_n of_o which_o we_o never_o make_v any_o great_a account_n sure_o god_n can_v return_v we_o no_o other_o answer_n to_o such_o suit_n than_o he_o give_v his_o people_n judg._n 10.14_o go_v cry_n unto_o the_o god_n who_o you_o have_v choose_v let_v they_o deliver_v you_o in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o tribulation_n cry_v to_o your_o land_n to_o your_o treasure_n to_o your_o friend_n in_o who_o you_o have_v confide_v what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v with_o my_o promise_n which_o you_o never_o believe_v nor_o regard_v this_o be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a condition_n into_o which_o our_o unbelief_n will_v cast_v we_o when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o to_o help_v it_o 2._o ly_o this_o want_n of_o stay_v on_o god_n promise_n wonderful_o dead_v our_o heart_n unto_o all_o duty_n of_o god_n service_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n encourage_v because_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o and_o the_o psalmist_n profess_v the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n from_o god_n be_v it_o that_o encourage_v he_o to_o do_v god_n commandment_n psal_n 119.166_o as_o on_o the_o other-side_n those_o that_o export_v nothing_o from_o god_n desire_v to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o his_o service_n job_n 21.15_o 3._o ly_o the_o want_n of_o this_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o embrace_v god_n promise_n utter_o cut_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o nothing_o but_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n can_v lay_v hold_v off_o and_o to_o be_v shut_v of_o that_o hope_n leave_v unto_o a_o man_n nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n
that_o man_n may_v see_v and_o know_v and_o understand_v together_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v this_o isa_n 41.18_o 19_o 20._o so_o when_o man_n by_o who_o counsel_n and_o endeavour_n ordinary_o thing_n be_v effect_v intend_v any_o thing_n and_o the_o event_n fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o purpose_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o when_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n devise_v his_o way_n yet_o it_o be_v god_n that_o direct_v his_o step_n prov._n 16.9_o thus_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n be_v god_n own_o work_n he_o suffer_v satan_n and_o his_o wicked_a instrument_n to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v it_o what_o they_o can_v that_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o work_n without_o and_o against_o man_n intention_n may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n alone_o 2._o ly_o as_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o church_n reformation_n in_o troublous_a time_n discover_v it_o to_o be_v god_n work_n so_o it_o manifest_v it_o to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n when_o his_o enemy_n have_v arm_v themselves_o against_o he_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n be_v overmaster_v by_o he_o now_o i_o know_v say_v jethro_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a than_o all_o god_n for_o in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o deal_v proud_o he_o be_v above_o they_o exod._n 18.11_o when_o nebuchadnezar_n see_v that_o with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o fiery_a furnace_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o hurt_v so_o much_o as_o a_o heir_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o three_o child_n it_o move_v he_o not_o only_o to_o astonishment_n at_o the_o present_a but_o withal_o to_o pass_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o almighty_a god_n who_o those_o menserved_a neither_o do_v this_o way_n of_o god_n in_o restore_v his_o church_n in_o troublous_a time_n more_o manifest_a his_o power_n then_o it_o do_v his_o goodness_n in_o draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o his_o wisdom_n in_o serve_v himself_o of_o the_o counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o turn_v all_o their_o cross_a way_n to_o meet_v in_o the_o further_a of_o his_o own_o end_n as_o he_o do_v satan_n practice_n in_o crucify_a our_o saviour_n to_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n salvation_n which_o satan_n labour_v to_o overthrow_v three_o god_n be_v high_o honour_v by_o the_o church_n trouble_n when_o his_o child_n thereby_o discover_v their_o sincere_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n when_o they_o choose_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o outward_a discouragement_n when_o moses_n choose_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o the_o honour_n to_o be_v account_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n he_o testify_v that_o he_o esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n heb._n 11.24_o 25_o 26._o and_o when_o job_n sincerity_n be_v question_v by_o satan_n god_n deliver_v he_o over_o to_o be_v exorcise_v by_o the_o devil_n under_o so_o many_o bitter_a affliction_n in_o the_o midst_n whereof_o his_o heart_n still_o rest_v on_o god_n in_o who_o he_o resolve_v to_o trust_v i_o though_o he_o shall_v slay_v he_o job_n 13.15_o those_o affliction_n of_o his_o be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o window_n as_o a_o ancient_a father_n call_v they_o through_o which_o the_o world_n may_v look_v into_o the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o true_a love_n unto_o god_n from_o which_o no_o affliction_n can_v move_v he_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n give_v of_o christ_n by_o john_n lambert_n that_o holy_a martyr_n as_o due_a unto_o christ_n when_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o fire_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n clap_v they_o together_o over_o his_o head_n and_o cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n none_o but_o christ_n none_o but_o christ_n how_o the_o trouble_n which_o accompany_v the_o church_n reformation_n serve_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o god_n honour_n we_o have_v see_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o no_o less_o beneficial_a to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o sundry_a way_n first_o therefore_o by_o these_o trouble_n which_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o first_o plant_v or_o reform_v of_o the_o church_n god_n people_n be_v prepare_v to_o endure_v hardness_n as_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o person_n of_o timothy_n exhort_v we_o unto_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o it_o be_v true_a that_o warning_n beforehand_o be_v of_o use_n to_o prepare_v man_n for_o suffering_n to_o which_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n exhort_v his_o follower_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n math._n 16.24_o and_o st._n paul_n foretell_v he_o that_o they_o must_v through_o many_o affliction_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act._n 14.22_o but_o this_o dream_n of_o a_o outward_a glorious_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n under_o christ_n government_n so_o fill_v the_o head_n not_o only_o of_o the_o papist_n who_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o despise_v christ_n because_o they_o see_v no_o form_n or_o beauty_n that_o be_v no_o outward_a pomp_n or_o glory_n in_o he_o isa_n 53.2_o 3._o a_o error_n that_o possess_v the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o so_o far_o that_o both_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n sue_v for_o place_n of_o honourable_a preferment_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n math._n 20.20_o 21._o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o dispute_v the_o point_n who_o among_o they_o shall_v be_v great_a mark_n 9.34_o but_o general_o be_v so_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n that_o unless_o experience_n of_o trouble_n in_o their_o first_o entrance_n under_o christ_n government_n teach_v they_o the_o contrary_a admonition_n will_v be_v of_o little_a force_n to_o awaken_v man_n out_o of_o that_o dream_n wherein_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a settle_v of_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o it_o will_v endanger_v man_n apostasy_n afterward_o when_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n full_a of_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n so_o far_o unanswerable_a to_o that_o which_o their_o peaceable_a entrance_n in_o take_v up_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n seem_v to_o promise_v as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o fall_n away_o of_o such_o as_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o stony_a ground_n math._n 13.22_o and_o by_o david_n danger_n of_o condemn_v his_o own_o way_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n psal_n 73.13_o 14._o so_o that_o troublesome_a beginning_n of_o the_o church_n reformation_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o preferve_a man_n from_o apostasy_n afterward_o or_o at_o least_o from_o great_a discouragement_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n second_o the_o troublesome_a settle_n of_o the_o church_n warn_v man_n to_o expect_v trouble_n afterward_o make_v they_o by_o that_o expectation_n acquaint_v with_o evil_n before_o they_o come_v which_o much_o abate_v the_o fear_n of_o they_o when_o they_o happen_v julius_n caesar_n in_o his_o war_n in_o france_n be_v wont_a to_o tell_v his_o soldier_n strange_a thing_n of_o the_o great_a power_n wherewith_o the_o enemy_n come_v against_o they_o whereof_o they_o have_v knowledge_n beforehand_o and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o encounter_n find_v their_o force_n no_o more_o or_o usual_o far_o less_o than_o they_o expect_v they_o despise_v the_o danger_n and_o fight_v with_o incredible_a resolution_n trouble_n and_o affliction_n be_v formidable_a to_o man_n a_o far_o off_o the_o more_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o the_o less_o cause_n we_o see_v to_o fear_v they_o so_o that_o the_o acquaint_v of_o the_o church_n with_o trouble_n in_o the_o beginning_n arm_n the_o godly_a with_o resolution_n against_o they_o and_o by_o expectation_n make_v they_o familiar_a unto_o they_o that_o they_o bear_v they_o with_o incredible_a patience_n when_o they_o come_v st._n paul_n warn_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o be_v to_o expect_v bond_n and_o affliction_n in_o every_o city_n grow_v so_o resolute_a that_o he_o despise_v his_o own_o life_n act._n 20.23_o 24._o three_o such_o trouble_n although_o they_o be_v unpleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n be_v very_o available_a to_o put_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o right_a frame_n move_v we_o to_o retire_v near_o to_o god_n to_o hide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n as_o in_o a_o place_n of_o security_n psal_n 91.2_o 3._o david_n affliction_n every_o morning_n make_v he_o find_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n psal_n 73.28_o again_o it_o make_v we_o to_o look_v more_o careful_o as_o david_n profess_v he_o do_v to_o our_o way_n psal_n 119.67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o word_n as_o well_o that_o we_o may_v cut_v off_o occasion_n from_o those_o that_o