do_v i_o approve_v it_o and_o when_o you_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v do_v you_o not_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o yourselves_o shall_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v cry_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o former_a prophet_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v plain_a for_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v we_o to_o travail_v so_o also_o he_o have_v appoint_v our_o way_n out_o of_o which_o whosoever_o turn_v aside_o the_o fast_o he_o go_v the_o further_a he_o be_v from_o the_o end_n of_o his_o journey_n and_o so_o spend_v his_o labour_n not_o only_o in_o vain_a but_o to_o loss_n this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o if_o we_o will_v offer_v our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v our_o reasonable_a serve_v of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o follow_v our_o own_o invention_n nor_o humane_a tradition_n but_o labour_v to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n acceptable_a and_o perfect_a as_o it_o be_v rom._n 12._o 1._o 2._o and_o if_o we_o will_v do_v good_a 2._o rom._n 12._o 1._o 2._o work_n indeed_o we_o must_v not_o follow_v our_o own_o fantasy_n but_o god_n commandment_n for_o we_o be_v create_v unto_o good_a work_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v eph._n 2._o 10._o last_o this_o may_v restrain_v we_o from_o will-worship_n and_o 10._o ephe._n 2._o 10._o superstition_n in_o that_o whatsoever_o our_o good_a meaning_n &_o devotion_n god_n will-worship_n be_v the_o service_n of_o sathan_n not_o of_o god_n be_v yet_o in_o truth_n whilst_o we_o offer_v unto_o god_n superstitious_a &_o idolatrous_a service_n we_o do_v not_o worship_v the_o lord_n but_o sathan_n the_o unclean_a spirit_n &_o chief_a author_n of_o this_o spiritual_a whoredom_n so_o when_o the_o israelite_n worship_v idol_n and_o offer_v sacrifice_n unto_o then_o howsoever_o they_o pretend_v that_o they_o worship_v the_o true_a jehovah_n in_o they_o yet_o the_o lord_n plain_o say_v that_o they_o do_v not_o offer_v unto_o god_n but_o unto_o devil_n deut._n 32._o 17._o so_o psal_n 106._o 37_o they_o offer_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n unto_o devil_n and_o the_o lord_n plain_o say_v that_o 37._o deut._n 32._o 17._o psal_n 106._o 37._o while_o they_o worship_v their_o image_n in_o the_o wilderness_n they_o do_v not_o offer_v unto_o he_o whatsoever_o they_o pretend_v as_o it_o be_v amos._n 5._o 25._o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v plain_a for_o who_o will_n 25._o amos._n 5._o 25._o we_o observe_v they_o we_o obey_v and_o their_o servant_n we_o be_v to_o who_o we_o yield_v obedience_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v ro._n 6._o 16_o 16._o rom._n 6._o 16._o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n rule_v of_o his_o word_n turn_v aside_o neither_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n nor_o to_o the_o left_a the_o will_n of_o satan_n be_v that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o worship_v god_n at_o all_o or_o that_o we_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o own_o will-worship_n &_o superstitious_a devotion_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o leave_v the_o sincere_a and_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o obey_v his_o reveal_v will_n but_o serve_v he_o with_o their_o own_o invention_n &_o human_a tradition_n they_o may_v be_v true_o say_v notwithstanding_o their_o good_a intention_n to_o worship_v the_o devil_n rather_o than_o the_o true_a god_n the_o four_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v another_o god_n punish_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o not_o only_o punish_v sin_n with_o punishment_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o also_o do_v punish_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o not_o by_o infuse_v wickedness_n or_o by_o tempt_v that_o be_v allure_a or_o provoke_a man_n unto_o sin_n for_o god_n thus_o tempt_v no_o man_n as_o it_o be_v jam._n 1._o 13._o 13._o james_n 1._o 13._o but_o by_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o be_v mislead_v by_o their_o own_o corruption_n thus_o he_o punish_v pharaoh_n with_o hardness_n of_o hart_n not_o by_o make_v it_o hard_o but_o by_o deny_v the_o oil_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v soften_v thus_o he_o tempt_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n 2_o sam._n 24._o 1._o because_o his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o israel_n 1._o 2._o sam._n 24._o 1._o for_o their_o sin_n thus_o he_o punish_v the_o gentile_n idolatry_n by_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o vile_a affection_n &_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n rom._n 1._o and_o thus_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n because_o man_n 1._o rom._n 1._o will_v not_o love_v and_o embrace_v his_o truth_n he_o send_v amongst_o they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v lie_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 11._o and_o 11._o 2._o thes_n 2._o 11._o this_o be_v the_o most_o grievous_a punishment_n which_o can_v be_v inflict_v in_o this_o life_n for_o other_o punishment_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v usual_a mean_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o he_o by_o true_a repentance_n but_o when_o we_o be_v punish_v by_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n we_o do_v more_o and_o more_o fly_v from_o he_o other_o punishment_n be_v sharp_a eye_n salve_n to_o make_v we_o see_v our_o misery_n that_o we_o may_v be_v move_v to_o sue_v for_o god_n mercy_n and_o do_v make_v we_o loath_a sin_n when_o as_o we_o feel_v the_o smart_n and_o see_v the_o curse_a fruit_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o but_o by_o this_o punishment_n man_n understanding_n be_v darken_v and_o their_o heart_n harden_v and_o their_o conscience_n sear_v and_o so_o multiply_v their_o sin_n and_o increase_v in_o fearful_a manner_n the_o measure_n of_o their_o condemnation_n more_o particular_o we_o here_o learn_v that_o the_o lord_n punish_v 2._o god_n punish_v spiritual_a whoredom_n with_o corporal_a uncleanness_n num._n 25._o 1._o 2._o spiritual_a whoredom_n with_o corporal_a uncleanness_n even_o as_o contrariwise_o he_o punish_v carnal_a adultery_n with_o spiritual_a fornication_n of_o the_o former_a we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o the_o israelite_n who_o join_v with_o the_o moabite_n first_o in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o then_o in_o filthy_a whoredom_n yea_o and_o in_o our_o own_o time_n the_o lord_n punish_v the_o spiritual_a fornication_n of_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o abominable_a filthiness_n which_o make_v they_o infamous_a throughout_o the_o world_n of_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v a_o example_n in_o solomon_n who_o be_v unmeasurable_o addict_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o therefore_o give_v over_o of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o lust_n be_v seduce_v by_o his_o strange_a wife_n to_o commit_v also_o with_o they_o spiritual_a whoredom_n with_o their_o idol_n the_o use_n of_o the_o general_a doctrine_n be_v that_o we_o careful_o take_v another_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a punishment_n when_o god_n punish_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o heed_n lest_o we_o secure_o lie_v under_o that_o heavy_a punishment_n whereby_o god_n punish_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o otherwise_o we_o may_v easy_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o think_v our_o state_n happy_a when_o it_o be_v most_o miserable_a when_o the_o lord_n lay_v upon_o we_o corporal_a punishment_n our_o very_a sense_n and_o feeling_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o urgent_a necessity_n force_v we_o to_o sue_v for_o god_n favour_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o be_v insensible_a of_o this_o heavy_a punishment_n through_o the_o please_a sweetness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o blindness_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o the_o more_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n the_o more_o circumspection_n let_v we_o use_v in_o watch_v over_o ourselves_o and_o when_o god_n word_n teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v just_a in_o punish_v of_o sin_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v grievous_o offend_v if_o we_o have_v no_o sensible_a punishment_n lay_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n in_o which_o we_o lie_v without_o repentance_n let_v we_o observe_v if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o punish_v we_o by_o this_o other_o way_n namely_o by_o give_v we_o over_o to_o security_n and_o hardness_n of_o hart_n and_o to_o commit_v sin_n upon_o sin_n without_o any_o remorse_n or_o touch_n of_o conscience_n now_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o judgement_n be_v to_o make_v a_o holy_a use_n of_o god_n more_o gentle_a chastisement_n to_o be_v move_v thereby_o unto_o true_a repentance_n for_o usual_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o inflict_v upon_o his_o church_n
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
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
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