once_o recommend_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o exemplar_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v and_o that_o the_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o that_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n which_o justify_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v but_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v as_o short_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o use_v there_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a good_a use_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o separate_v faith_n from_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n it_o lose_v all_o the_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o if_o we_o be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n can_v that_o faith_n save_v we_o which_o can_v procure_v our_o accptance_n with_o god_n have_v not_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o same_o 2.19_o jam._n 2.19_o nay_o the_o devil_n as_o st._n james_n observe_v tremble_v under_o as_o good_a a_o faith_n as_o this_o it_o be_v strange_a therefore_o that_o any_o man_n of_o competent_a reason_n shall_v think_v that_o a_o dry_a and_o barren_a faith_n a_o volatile_a notion_n in_o the_o head_n that_o never_o reach_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n shall_v put_v he_o into_o the_o happy_a state_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n or_o that_o which_o make_v he_o never_o the_o better_a man_n shall_v yet_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n of_o god_n that_o a_o dead_a and_o useless_a faith_n shall_v do_v he_o the_o great_a kindness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o life_n eternal_a now_o if_o justify_v faith_n be_v more_o than_o a_o assent_n to_o truth_n if_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n we_o see_v what_o a_o perfect_a dream_n the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n from_o eternity_n be_v for_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o long_o ago_o as_o from_o eternity_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v from_o eternity_n our_o faith_n come_v too_o late_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justify_v faith_n and_o this_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v not_o dissemble_v in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n only_o of_o manifest_v and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o their_o personal_a justification_n from_o eternity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a step_n to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n for_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n what_o effect_n the_o great_a precept_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o conceive_v they_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v round_o that_o they_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n 2._o we_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o trial_n not_o to_o stagger_v or_o repine_v at_o any_o sharp_a or_o mysterious_a providence_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v our_o sincerity_n and_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v honour_v with_o more_o eminent_a token_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n than_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v style_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a seed_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o he_o be_v familiar_o visited_n by_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o dignify_v with_o many_o special_a revelation_n and_o glorious_a promise_n he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n secret_n 18.17_o gen._n 18.17_o one_o who_o he_o declare_v his_o confidence_n in_o yea_o be_v so_o high_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o family_n in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n 8.56_o joh._n 8.56_o at_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n distance_n from_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o instance_n it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o single_a out_o the_o best_a man_n for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o their_o own_o and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o best_a history_n of_o all_o age_n now_o shall_v we_o call_v this_o a_o error_n of_o providence_n and_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o excellent_a man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n because_o he_o call_v they_o to_o such_o noble_a trial_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o vindication_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o not_o we_o can_v infer_v nothing_o either_o against_o ourselves_o while_o we_o study_v to_o please_v god_n or_o against_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n how_o extraordinary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v consider_v rather_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o world_n submission_n to_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o by_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n and_o this_o clear_v at_o once_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o thus_o train_v they_o up_o for_o those_o excessive_a height_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o 3._o the_o carriage_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o trial_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o worldly_a advantage_n nay_o in_o view_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n that_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o it_o the_o loose_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v always_o very_o apt_a to_o charge_v the_o sincere_a with_o pretend_v religion_n for_o secular_a end_n be_v willing_a to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o impious_a life_n they_o will_v feign_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o piety_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n that_o give_v some_o man_n the_o reputation_n of_o be_v better_a than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o best_a love_n the_o world_n at_o their_o heart_n as_o dear_o as_o those_o that_o proclaim_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o and_o profess_o make_v their_o court_n to_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o have_v cost_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n very_o dear_a in_o their_o several_a age_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o infidelity_n of_o men._n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o one_o special_a end_n of_o the_o trial_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o cheerful_o serve_v god_n upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n yea_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o very_a dear_a delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n or_o answer_n and_o since_o abraham_n child_n have_v the_o same_o kind_a of_o faith_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o renown_v for_o i_o mean_v a_o faith_n which_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o a_o kingdom_n which_o have_v foundation_n this_o vindicate_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n from_o the_o foul_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o do_v their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o ingenuity_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o abraham_n be_v
and_o that_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v such_o a_o family_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n when_o the_o church_n be_v empale_v in_o his_o little_a family_n and_o ten_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o value_v the_o censure_n of_o men._n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o he_o know_v their_o integrity_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a he_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v safe_a our_o reward_n be_v sure_a and_o will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n we_o need_v not_o ask_v leave_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o stand_v to_o their_o courtesy_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o favour_n with_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v ready_a to_o acquit_v we_o 4._o last_o the_o success_n of_o this_o trial_n shall_v inspire_v we_o with_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n too_o hard_o for_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a faith_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v discharge_v before_o we_o and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o our_o great_a example_n have_v do_v and_o consider_v how_o noble_o they_o have_v acquit_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o brave_a and_o resolute_a as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o break_v through_o the_o discouragement_n which_o can_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o run_v and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n do_v they_o climb_v over_o the_o high_a difficulty_n and_o may_v not_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o couch_v under_o the_o ordinary_a hardship_n in_o religion_n do_v they_o depend_v upon_o god_n when_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n can_v relieve_v their_o hope_n in_o he_o and_o shall_v we_o distrust_v his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n while_o we_o actual_o enjoy_v they_o and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o continue_v so_o many_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o concernment_n for_o we_o do_v they_o leave_v their_o country_n at_o god_n command_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o too_o much_o but_o to_o leave_v the_o vice_n of_o we_o which_o have_v long_o threaten_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o possession_n of_o it_o again_o do_v they_o stick_v at_o nothing_o to_o please_v god_n not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o only_a son_n and_o shall_v we_o that_o have_v better_a promise_n than_o they_o have_v refuse_v he_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o holy_a flame_n of_o devotion_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o indisputable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v extreme_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o be_v ture_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o believe_v and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a annal_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n present_v we_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o many_o eminent_a believer_n who_o become_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n by_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o but_o that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o same_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v much_o great_a advantage_n than_o they_o have_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o same_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n in_o god_n service_n to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o incomparable_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n lay_v himself_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o his_o son_n upon_o his_o altar_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o god_n command_n sacrifice_n our_o darling_n lust_n that_o will_v destroy_v our_o soul_n since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v die_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n much_o cheap_a and_o no_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o abraham_n oblation_n be_v 8._o micah_n 6.7_o 8._o more_o grateful_a to_o he_o than_o thouthousand_n of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o if_o thou_o give_v thy_o first-born_a for_o thy_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o soul_n offer_v this_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o faith_n without_o which_o thy_o very_a prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n then_o shall_v thou_o have_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n through_o the_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o by_o walk_v before_o he_o as_o abraham_n do_v may_v assure_o hope_v after_o a_o short_a trial_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o this_o world_n to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o on_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinformed_a conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o a_o eminent_a convert_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n that_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o of_o great_a natural_a endowment_n and_o that_o make_v a_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n a_o sect_n which_o perhaps_o till_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n never_o have_v its_o equal_a in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o pharisee_n of_o any_o party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o keen_a against_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v as_o errant_a a_o pharisee_fw-mi as_o hearty_a and_o as_o eager_a a_o persecutor_n as_o any_o of_o his_o order_n 10.11_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o he_o be_v the_o man_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n that_o shut_v up_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o religion_n he_o give_v his_o voice_n against_o they_o other_o he_o punish_v often_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n i.e._n to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n christian_a plin._n ep._n tra._n the_o christian_a and_o to_o curse_v he_o use_v the_o same_o cruelty_n towards_o they_o which_o the_o heathen_a governor_n afterward_o do_v and_o those_o that_o refuse_v this_o horrid_a treachery_n to_o their_o lord_n he_o persecute_v into_o strange_a that_o be_v heathen_a city_n these_o thing_n be_v contracy_n in_o deed_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v always_o so_o esteem_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n confession_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v strange_a than_o all_o this_o and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o make_v he_o thus_o severe_a to_o the_o christian_n and_o his_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o raise_v the_o persecution_n against_o they_o it_o be_v it_o seem_v the_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n a_o case_n he_o have_v determine_v within_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o run_v down_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n so_o he_o tell_v the_o king_n and_o court_n in_o these_o word_n i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o hearty_a champion_n you_o see_v he_o have_v be_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o how_o come_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o opinion_n and_o to_o espouse_v a_o principle_n that_o the_o worst_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o be_v st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o right-bred_n pharisee_fw-mi 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o have_v suck_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o superstitious_a
be_v say_v to_o have_v dye_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o have_v embrace_v they_o many_o age_n before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o then_o for_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o grace_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o transcendent_a thing_n it_o have_v do_v in_o ancient_a time_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o great_a and_o famous_a action_n record_v of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o worthy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o owe_v to_o their_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o please_v god_n bear_v up_o against_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n subdue_v kingdom_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o high_a discouragement_n many_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o these_o noble_a flight_n of_o faith_n among_o which_o there_o be_v none_o in_o all_o respect_n more_o remarkable_a than_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o promise_v offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v two_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o these_o word_n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n make_v of_o abraham_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n to_o he_o 2._o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n or_o the_o victory_n of_o abraham_n faith_n over_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o discouragement_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o both_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n will_v sure_o afford_v we_o very_o useful_a reflection_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n put_v abraham_n upon_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o the_o text_n call_v it_o a_o trial_n which_o imply_v that_o god_n command_v abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n for_o have_v it_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o god_n such_o as_o the_o heathen_a oblation_n be_v when_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o their_o idol_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a and_o horrid_a act_n of_o murder_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a as_o some_o have_v fancy_v to_o clear_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o abraham_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v with_o the_o six_o commandment_n when_o he_o oblige_v the_o patriarch_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n because_o it_o have_v be_v murder_n to_o kill_v he_o without_o his_o command_n for_o that_o commandment_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o case_n before_o we_o forbid_v only_o to_o kill_v without_o god_n authority_n which_o abraham_n never_o go_v about_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o need_v no_o dispensation_n for_o it_o he_o have_v a_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o never_o bar_n his_o prerogative_n by_o his_o law_n and_o may_v therefore_o use_v his_o power_n as_o he_o please_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n as_o well_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n as_o by_o a_o infection_n in_o the_o air_n by_o lightning_n or_o tempest_n or_o any_o other_o messenger_n of_o death_n and_o thus_o moses_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o offer_v his_o son_n upon_o a_o certain_a mountain_n in_o moriah_n for_o a_o burn_a offer_v gen._n 22.1_o 2._o and_o herein_o lie_v the_o sharpness_n of_o abraham_n trial_n that_o either_o he_o must_v contend_v with_o god_n and_o dispute_v his_o authority_n or_o do_v the_o strange_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v he_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o case_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n demand_v of_o abraham_n as_o a_o test_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o what_o plausible_a argument_n a_o person_n in_o his_o circumstance_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o frame_v against_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v or_o unwelcome_a to_o he_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o act_n of_o piety_n before_o of_o so_o hard_a a_o precept_n or_o so_o unlikely_a a_o way_n of_o please_a god_n as_o this_o what_o will_v a_o ordinary_a faith_n have_v do_v how_o will_v natural_a reason_n have_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n may_v not_o abraham_n himself_o be_v suppose_v to_o reason_n thus_o must_v i_o then_o lie_v aside_o all_o humanity_n and_o imbrue_v my_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o my_o own_o son_n must_v i_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o a_o father_n and_o destroy_v the_o life_n which_o i_o give_v do_v not_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o dutiful_a towards_o the_o offspring_n of_o our_o own_o bowel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n engrave_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o hither_o to_o condemn_v the_o action_n which_o he_o now_o command_v and_o though_o i_o know_v he_o be_v always_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v do_v always_o that_o which_o i_o know_v will_v please_v he_o yet_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v to_o please_v he_o by_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o my_o own_o child_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v of_o i_o who_o profess_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n shall_v i_o pollute_v his_o altar_n with_o my_o son_n blood_n and_o do_v that_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o his_o holy_a religion_n so_o harsh_a a_o command_n as_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v not_o nature_n only_o but_o faith_n itself_o upon_o the_o stretch_n and_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o this_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o 2._o but_o then_o god_n do_v not_o only_o command_v abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n but_o his_o belove_a and_o only_a son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o only_a son_n by_o sarah_n the_o freewoman_n and_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o universal_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n say_v god_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n 22.2_o gen._n 22.2_o who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burn_a offer_v and_o this_o great_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o abraham_n obedience_n that_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o demand_v not_o one_o out_o of_o many_o but_o his_o only_a son_n his_o isaac_n who_o he_o entire_o love_v the_o only_a joy_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o best_a figure_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o may_v not_o abraham_n have_v say_v lord_n must_v i_o bereave_v myself_o of_o the_o child_n which_o nothing_o but_o a_o miracle_n of_o thou_o can_v raise_v out_o of_o my_o age_a loin_n must_v i_o take_v away_o a_o life_n for_o which_o i_o will_v glad_o exchange_v my_o own_o will_v not_o all_o my_o flock_n and_o herd_n afford_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o all_o these_o i_o will_v free_o offer_v instead_o of_o that_o innocent_a lamb_n in_o which_o all_o my_o earthly_a treasure_n and_o comfort_n lie_v let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v this_o once_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o sarah_n bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o child_n how_o shall_v i_o answer_v the_o death_n of_o isaac_n to_o she_o or_o must_v i_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o two_o such_o death_n at_o once_o and_o when_o i_o have_v slay_v the_o son_n carry_v the_o kill_v tiding_n to_o the_o unhappy_a mother_n oh_o how_o great_a a_o straight_o be_v this_o good_a man_n drive_v into_o when_o he_o must_v either_o have_v forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o bereave_v himself_o of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o strange_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o it_o 3._o another_o grand_a discouragement_n to_o abraham_n obedience_n be_v that_o his_o belove_a isaac_n be_v a_o son_n of_o very_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n which_o his_o untimely_a death_n must_v without_o a_o miracle_n frustrate_v the_o completion_n of_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n
of_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n and_o that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n command_v to_o abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v not_o more_o express_a than_o his_o promise_n concern_v that_o very_a son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v and_o this_o start_v a_o new_a difficulty_n for_o now_o the_o question_n seem_v to_o be_v whether_o abraham_n be_v more_o oblige_v to_o obey_v god_n injunction_n than_o to_o believe_v his_o promise_n which_o will_v natural_o suggest_v such_o thought_n to_o he_o as_o these_o god_n have_v give_v i_o a_o son_n and_o in_o he_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o bless_a seed_n and_o a_o numerous_a posterity_n if_o i_o execute_v his_o command_n what_o will_v his_o promise_n signify_v shall_v isaac_n become_v a_o father_n when_o i_o have_v make_v he_o a_o sacrifice_n when_o i_o have_v take_v away_o his_o life_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v he_o send_v he_o back_o to_o i_o sure_o if_o he_o design_v to_o do_v this_o he_o that_o have_v be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o reveal_v himself_o upon_o several_a occasion_n to_o i_o will_v not_o hide_v so_o great_a and_o joyful_a a_o secret_n from_o i_o it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o my_o obedience_n but_o then_o he_o be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o a_o right_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o since_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o since_o his_o promise_n be_v antecedent_n to_o his_o command_n may_v i_o not_o interpret_v his_o command_n by_o his_o promise_n and_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o whatever_o trial_n he_o be_v please_v to_o put_v i_o upon_o yet_o have_v promise_v to_o bless_v isaac_n and_o all_o nation_n in_o his_o seed_n he_o do_v not_o real_o choose_v that_o i_o shall_v violate_v his_o precious_a life_n and_o so_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o his_o future_a and_o choice_a favour_n to_o mankind_n but_o beside_o these_o perplexity_n 4_o abraham_n have_v this_o disadvantage_n more_o that_o god_n command_v require_v a_o speedy_a execution_n so_o that_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o time_n to_o settle_v his_o thought_n about_o it_o and_o to_o suppress_v those_o reason_n which_o we_o must_v allow_v to_o be_v very_o natural_a in_o his_o case_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n say_v god_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n a_o short_a warning_n for_o a_o man_n to_o part_v with_o a_o only_a son_n especial_o one_o so_o endear_v by_o divine_a favour_n and_o promise_v as_o isaac_n be_v and_o in_o that_o severe_a manner_n that_o abraham_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v a_o small_a time_n for_o a_o tenderhearted_a father_n to_o overcome_v the_o struggle_n between_o faith_n and_o nature_n which_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a can_v be_v on_o this_o occasion_n exempt_v from_o and_o this_o make_v the_o case_n much_o hard_a on_o abraham_n side_n that_o he_o have_v but_o very_o little_a time_n to_o recollect_v himself_o to_o quiet_a his_o paternal_a affection_n and_o to_o settle_v his_o mind_n upon_o a_o subject_a so_o every_o way_n entangle_v with_o difficulty_n and_o that_o require_v so_o much_o fineness_n and_o strength_n of_o thought_n to_o clear_v his_o way_n through_o and_o to_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a resolution_n with_o himself_o about_o it_o so_o that_o on_o all_o account_n this_o trial_n of_o abraham_n appear_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sore_a and_o hard_a trial_n which_o god_n ever_o impose_v upon_o any_o of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n observable_a in_o these_o word_n viz._n ii_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n or_o the_o victory_n of_o abraham_n faith_n over_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o discouragement_n he_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v these_o two_o partioular_o first_o the_o compleatness_n of_o this_o victory_n and_o second_o the_o power_n or_o principle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v wronght_n by_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n i._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o compleatness_n of_o the_o victory_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o it_o lay_v in_o abraham_n fulfil_v the_o command_n of_o god_n with_o a_o undaunted_a resolution_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o difficulty_n he_o be_v surround_v with_o to_o which_o he_o proceed_v by_o these_o follow_a step_n 1._o he_o immediate_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n command_n when_o god_n have_v once_o declare_v his_o pleasure_n to_o he_o it_o be_v say_v he_o rise_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n ready_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n 22.3_o gen._n 22.3_o begin_v his_o journey_n to_o moriah_n which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o very_a quick_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o all_o case_n and_o that_o what_o ever_o trial_n it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o make_v of_o he_o he_o be_v provide_v for_o it_o before_o hand_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o most_o dash_a or_o severe_a injunction_n and_o in_o this_o he_o be_v a_o admirable_a pattern_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o great_a perfection_n which_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o i_o mean_v a_o constant_a readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o entire_o to_o he_o and_o to_o part_v free_o with_o the_o very_o choice_a blessing_n he_o be_v please_v to_o enrich_v they_o with_o 2._o he_o use_v all_o the_o prudence_n and_o caution_n which_o the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o case_n do_v require_v he_o keep_v the_o matter_n to_o himself_o least_o by_o take_v air_n and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o wife_n or_o son_n it_o shall_v awaken_v those_o passion_n in_o they_o which_o may_v tempt_v he_o to_o forego_v his_o resolution_n he_o get_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n 8._o gen._n 22.3.5_o 8._o take_v isaac_n his_o son_n and_o two_o of_o his_o servant_n with_o he_o they_o he_o leave_v at_o a_o convenient_a distance_n lest_o they_o shall_v obstruct_v his_o design_n and_o he_o he_o lead_v on_o to_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n tell_v he_o that_o god_n will_v provide_v himself_o a_o lamb_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v want_v for_o a_o burnt-offering_a thus_o he_o carry_v the_o matter_n with_o all_o immaginable_a advantage_n towards_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o purpose_n he_o keep_v the_o secret_a from_o she_o that_o lie_v in_o the_o same_o bosom_n with_o it_o he_o make_v no_o complaint_n of_o the_o hardship_n he_o be_v put_v upon_o fasten_v no_o part_a kiss_n upon_o his_o die_a isaac_n nor_o betray_v his_o sad_a intention_n or_o any_o reluctancy_n within_o himself_o so_o much_o as_o by_o a_o single_a sigh_n or_o tear_n and_o what_o more_o can_v the_o most_o affectionate_a father_n do_v to_o save_v the_o life_n of_o a_o belove_a and_o only_a son_n than_o abraham_n out_o of_o pure_a obedience_n to_o god_n command_n do_v to_o compass_v the_o death_n of_o he_o but_o more_o than_o this_o 3._o he_o carry_v on_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o utmost_a point_n of_o perfection_n the_o fatal_a knife_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n his_o son_n lie_v pant_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o he_o be_v just_a give_v the_o deadly_a stroke_n when_o the_o angel_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n to_o stay_v his_o hand_n 11._o gen._n 22_o 9_o 10_o 11._o which_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v he_o have_v certain_o in_o a_o few_o moment_n send_v isaac_n thither_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o abraham_n compliance_n with_o god_n in_o all_o that_o he_o require_v of_o he_o he_o perfect_o resign_v up_o his_o will_n to_o he_o he_o wean_v himself_o from_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n he_o offer_v up_o his_o very_a isaac_n so_o far_o that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o moment_n between_o he_o and_o death_n and_o by_o that_o wonderful_a act_n give_v such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o god_n as_o procure_v this_o glorious_a testimony_n from_o he_o now_o know_v i_o that_o thou_o fear_v i_o 12._o v._o 12._o since_o thou_o have_v not_o witheld_a thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o to_o all_o which_o may_v be_v add_v 4._o that_o this_o good_a man_n never_o demur_v or_o faulter_v all_o the_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o trial_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o go_v through_o so_o severe_a a_o task_n without_o repine_v at_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o diffioulty_n impose_v upon_o he_o one_o of_o we_o will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o fancy_n that_o every_o time_n he_o cast_v his_o eye_n
these_o advantage_n they_o be_v so_o little_a the_o better_a for_o that_o he_o upbraid_v they_o for_o their_o unparalleled_a infidelity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n represent_v they_o as_o more_o obstinate_a than_o the_o very_a heathen_n about_o they_o more_o averse_a to_o their_o own_o hppiness_n than_o their_o neighbour_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n who_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o weak_a light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o to_o it_o these_o gentile_n have_v no_o prophet_n or_o scripture_n to_o instruct_v they_o no_o miracle_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n no_o promise_n of_o pardon_n or_o eternal_a life_n to_o encourage_v their_o repentance_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v in_o a_o better_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o will_v much_o soon_o have_v repent_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o mighty_a work_n than_o the_o galileant_fw-la that_o have_v all_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o dispose_v and_o incline_v they_o to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o impenitent_a jew_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o threaten_v here_o denounce_v against_o they_o woe_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o have_v repent_v etc._n etc._n though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n yet_o what_o ever_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o interpreter_n about_o it_o viz_o whether_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o miracle_n upon_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n will_v have_v be_v the_o real_a conversion_n of_o those_o city_n or_o whether_o by_o their_o repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a external_n or_o counterfeit_n repentance_n that_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v in_o several_a respect_n the_o more_o natural_a sense_n as_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o then_o begin_v to_o upbraid_v the_o city_n where_o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o repent_v not_o i._n e._n true_o and_o hearty_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o current_a usage_n of_o the_o original_a word_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o genuine_a importance_n of_o it_o beside_o this_o be_v the_o only_a repentance_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o and_o this_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v in_o all_o that_o right_o weigh_v and_o observe_v they_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o want_n of_o any_o repentance_n it_o must_v be_v for_o want_n of_o this_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o when_o he_o upbraid_v they_o with_o the_o repentance_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n his_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o true_a solemn_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n for_o where_o be_v otherwise_o the_o upbraid_v which_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o if_o the_o tyrian_n have_v continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o view_n of_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o will_v have_v do_v just_a as_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o if_o they_o have_v make_v a_o show_n of_o repent_v when_o they_o do_v not_o put_v sackcloth_n upon_o their_o loin_n and_o ash_n upon_o their_o head_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_o and_o their_o lust_n be_v as_o rampant_a as_o ever_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a christ_n will_v never_o have_v call_v this_o repentance_n which_o be_v all_o over_o hypocrisy_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v any_o reproach_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o hear_v that_o other_o nation_n have_v they_o be_v in_o their_o circumstance_n will_v have_v prove_v as_o wicked_a or_o worse_o than_o they_o no_o man_n think_v it_o any_o shame_n to_o he_o to_o be_v tell_v that_o other_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o bad_a and_o vicious_a as_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o to_o aggravate_v and_o upbraid_v but_o rather_o to_o stroke_n and_o extenuate_v his_o crime_n by_o show_v the_o commonness_n of_o they_o and_o the_o great_a aptitude_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o fall_v into_o they_o brief_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o man_n of_o galilee_n that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o those_o city_n to_o repent_v of_o their_o lewdness_n and_o idolatry_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v 2._o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a nation_n begin_v sudden_o after_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o visit_n st._n paul_n make_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n 5.27.3_o act_n 21.3_o 4_o 5.27.3_o shall_v we_o question_v now_o whether_o these_o be_v true_a penitent_n and_o disciple_n or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n own_o preach_v and_o miracle_n may_v not_o have_v wrought_v the_o same_o bless_a effect_n upon_o they_o which_o his_o apostle_n do_v or_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o repentance_n at_o any_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v tender_v with_o the_o same_o advantage_n to_o they_o especial_o since_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n than_o which_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n to_o signify_v at_o once_o a_o very_a solemn_a and_o serious_a repentance_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v we_o may_v observe_v one_a obser_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v better_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o some_o person_n and_o nation_n than_o to_o other_o 2d_o obser_n that_o the_o same_o mean_n which_o be_v unprofitable_a to_o some_o man_n will_v sure_o have_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o other_o if_o they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o 3d._a obser_n that_o the_o final_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o ministration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v more_o grievous_a and_o intolerable_a than_o they_o that_o be_v never_o call_v to_o repentance_n by_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n 1._o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v better_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o some_o person_n and_o nation_n than_o to_o oother_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v 1._o clear_v it_o by_o some_o undeniable_a instance_n and_o 2._o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o equity_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o it_o 1._o for_o the_o first_o that_o god_n afford_v better_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o some_o person_n and_o nation_n than_o to_o other_o be_v clear_a to_o all_o that_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n when_o god_n begin_v to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o people_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o give_v they_o better_a mean_n to_o improve_v and_o secure_v his_o favour_n than_o the_o rest_n enjoy_v he_o do_v not_o leave_v they_o mere_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o natural_a light_n as_o he_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o prophet_n by_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n he_o write_v down_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o by_o special_a and_o ample_a promise_n when_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n at_o first_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o make_v a_o express_a covenant_n with_o he_o to_o distinguish_v his_o seed_n by_o spiritual_a blessing_n from_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n while_o all_o the_o world_n about_o he_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o idolatry_n worship_v the_o god_n which_o their_o own_o fear_n and_o fancy_n have_v make_v abraham_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o to_o behold_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n afar_o off_o 18.19_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o be_v teach_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o teach_v his_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o path_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n that_o god_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n the_o great_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o and_o according_o he_o do_v so_o he_o give_v