hold_v 5._o last_o consider_v you_o shall_v overcome_v by_o your_o testimony_n rev._n 12.11_o john_n see_v the_o devil_n overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n magna_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la truth_n be_v a_o great_a thing_n and_o it_o will_v prevail_v look_v back_o upon_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o witness_n which_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o his_o truth_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o few_o the_o person_n seem_v contemptible_a yet_o god_n overcome_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o they_o and_o bring_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o some_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n often_o before_o the_o church_n have_v degenerate_v many_o error_n prevail_v at_o last_o popery_n prevail_v then_o stand_v up_o luther_n in_o germany_n those_o that_o look_v upon_o that_o story_n will_v have_v think_v it_o impossible_a that_o luther_n doctrine_n shall_v have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o overcome_v by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o to_o that_o victory_n they_o hold_v do_v the_o protestant_a religion_n owe_v itself_o now_o this_o shall_v great_o encourage_v we_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v ever_o be_v victorious_a and_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o last_o it_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o stand_v close_o to_o their_o opposer_n and_o manage_v their_o spiritual_a fight_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v obtain_v and_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o hold_v fast_o for_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o victory_n so_o long_o as_o christ_n remain_v king_n in_o zion_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o a_o few_o word_n more_o and_o that_o be_v to_o direct_v christian_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o testimony_n 1._o look_v that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o truth_n a_o tree_n that_o be_v not_o well_o root_v you_o know_v be_v very_o easy_o shake_v col._n 1.23_o if_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o make_v a_o christian_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o have_v need_n of_o a_o double_a ground_n he_o have_v need_n be_v ground_v in_o faith_n according_a to_o that_o text_n col._n 1.23_o and_o he_o have_v need_n be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n according_a to_o that_o text_n eph._n 3.17_o that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n col._n 2.7_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n christian_n look_v to_o this_o every_o witness_n ought_v to_o understand_v the_o cause_n well_o to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o give_v his_o testimony_n many_o a_o poor_a creature_n bear_v a_o testimony_n to_o they_o know_v not_o what_o labour_v to_o be_v root_v in_o the_o faith_n root_v in_o love_n and_o root_v in_o christ_n that_o soul_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o warm_v with_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n never_o fail_v in_o a_o hour_n of_o testimony_n that_o soul_n that_o be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o own_o and_o defend_v or_o that_o want_v a_o love_n for_o god_n never_o hold_v long_a than_o till_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o contradiction_n 2._o look_v up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o your_o assistance_n i_o tell_v you_o these_o word_n in_o the_o text_n according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v take_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o persuade_v christian_n not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v manifest_v for_o they_o but_o they_o may_v also_o be_v interpret_v as_o signify_v that_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o in_o our_o testimony_n and_o in_o our_o suffer_a affliction_n we_o have_v no_o spiritual_a enemy_n we_o can_v prevail_v against_o in_o our_o own_o strength_n our_o enemy_n you_o know_v be_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o flesh_n the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 8.13_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v never_o yet_o be_v lust_n mortify_v by_o mere_a moral_a argument_n and_o for_o the_o devil_n we_o be_v bid_v to_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n to_o resist_v he_o strong_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o world_n our_o help_n be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o none_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o testimony_n have_v come_v off_o worse_o than_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o confident_a our_o book_n of_o martyr_n tell_v we_o of_o two_o that_o be_v in_o prison_n together_o the_o one_o be_v very_o confident_a and_o courageous_a and_o tell_v the_o other_o that_o his_o fat_n shall_v fry_v in_o the_o fire_n next_o day_n the_o other_o be_v very_o timorous_a and_o fearful_a the_o first_o recant_v and_o deny_v the_o truth_n the_o second_o be_v burn_v at_o the_o stake_n david_n may_v possible_o mean_v it_o of_o his_o external_a enemy_n but_o he_o repeat_v it_o thrice_o my_o enemy_n compass_v i_o about_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v destroy_v they_o they_o compass_v i_o about_o yea_o they_o compass_v i_o about_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v destroy_v they_o they_o compass_v i_o about_o like_o bee_n they_o be_v quench_v as_o the_o fire_n of_o thorn_n for_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v destroy_v they_o it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n we_o shall_v never_o prevail_v but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o remember_v in_o your_o testimony_n there_o be_v more_o with_o you_o than_o there_o be_v against_o you_o while_o we_o bear_v testimony_n to_o christ_n god_n be_v with_o we_o christ_n be_v with_o we_o the_o spirit_n be_v with_o we_o all_o the_o holy_a martyr_n be_v with_o we_o there_o be_v none_o but_o sinful_a man_n against_o we_o christ_n the_o faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n be_v with_o you_o rev._n 1.5_o from_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n he_o be_v the_o first_o witness_n the_o apostle_n st._n john_n say_v 1_o john_n 5.7_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o do_v the_o father_n witness_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v this_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n what_o do_v christ_n witness_v he_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n the_o spirit_n testify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n for_o we_o and_o in_o we_o 4._o four_o will_v you_o not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o your_o testimony_n love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n thereof_o nor_o the_o person_n therein_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n in_o he_o that_o dote_v on_o the_o world_n the_o world_n take_v off_o christ_n witness_n both_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n you_o must_v be_v fond_a of_o none_o of_o these_o 5._o take_v upon_o you_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n of_o which_o you_o read_v eph._n 6.14_o stand_v therefore_o have_v your_o loin_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n and_o your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n the_o helmet_n of_o salvation_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n final_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o spirit_n watch_v thereunto_o with_o all_o perseverance_n serm._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o matthew_z 5.10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n v._o 11._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n v._o 12._o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o persecute_v they_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v before_o you_o the_o evangelist_n
as_o to_o this_o which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v to_o they_o who_o love_v his_o appearance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o guilt_n it_o be_v not_o pay_v for_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n appearance_n shall_v be_v judge_v a_o proportionable_a price_n to_o a_o crown_n a_o crown_n be_v a_o thing_n above_o a_o purchase_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v call_v so_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n righteousness_n by_o his_o righteousness_n say_v the_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o 8.30_o isa_n 53.11_o rom._n 8.30_o for_o he_o shall_v bear_v their_o iniquity_n and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v say_v the_o apostle_n the_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v sprinkle_a with_o his_o blood_n before_o we_o can_v have_v any_o entrance_n into_o they_o he_o die_v as_o well_o as_o ascend_v that_o he_o may_v prepare_v a_o place_n for_o we_o in_o those_o bless_a mansion_n the_o saint_n crown_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n 3._o three_o it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v with_o reference_n to_o god_n righteousness_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o take_v righteousness_n as_o signify_v justice_n or_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n if_o we_o take_v righteousness_n as_o signify_v justice_n if_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a 1.9_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n god_n be_v just_a to_o give_v his_o son_n the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o fruit_n of_o his_o purchase_n if_o we_o take_v it_o as_o signify_v truth_n or_o faithfulness_n so_o also_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v a_o promise_a reward_n what_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o many_o promise_n stand_v engage_v for_o 4._o last_o it_o be_v also_o a_o crown_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o ample_a reward_n of_o our_o righteousness_n the_o reward_n not_o of_o debt_n but_o of_o grace_n estius_n will_v have_v it_o call_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n because_o purchase_v or_o merit_v by_o our_o work_n or_o our_o righteousness_n but_o that_o place_n psal_n 103.4_o much_o trouble_v he_o 103.4_o psal_n 103.4_o who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n he_o pretend_v some_o answer_n to_o it_o but_o that_o be_v the_o least_o we_o have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o merit_n of_o work_n god_n use_v not_o to_o crown_v menstruous_a clothes_n or_o filthy_a rag_n he_o use_v not_o to_o crown_v our_o work_n but_o his_o own_o work_n in_o we_o yea_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o his_o people_n isaiah_n 28.5_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o a_o diadem_n of_o beauty_n for_o the_o residue_n of_o his_o people_n 3._o qu._n how_o be_v this_o crown_n say_v to_o be_v lay_v up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n colos_n 1.5_o for_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o you_o in_o heaven_n critic_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o a_o lay_v aside_o or_o lay_v up_o as_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o a_o future_a use_n or_o a_o future_a provision_n as_o when_o man_n lay_v up_o for_o their_o child_n so_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o use_v in_o mat._n 25._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n to_o express_v the_o action_n of_o he_o who_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n lay_v it_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n once_o in_o scripture_n i_o find_v it_o use_v in_o another_o sense_n heb._n 9.27_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o that_o by_o the_o way_n give_v some_o further_a light_n into_o this_o text_n the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o they_o matth._n 25.34_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o word_n import_v 1._o the_o preparation_n or_o designation_n of_o something_o for_o the_o use_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n 2._o the_o reservation_n of_o it_o or_o the_o safe_a keep_n of_o it_o for_o those_o person_n for_o who_o it_o be_v so_o design_v and_o prepare_v there_o be_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n design_v by_o god_n for_o some_o lay_v up_o in_o god_n decree_n and_o eternal_a thought_n for_o they_o from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o that_o be_v safe_o reserve_v and_o keep_v for_o they_o secure_v by_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n will_v and_o counsel_n for_o he_o be_v not_o as_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o proposition_n i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o prop._n 2._o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v give_v this_o crown_n must_v be_v such_o who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n finish_v their_o course_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o who_o love_n the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n we_o must_v inquire_v into_o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o q._n 1._o what_o be_v this_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o good_a fight_n 2._o what_o fight_v be_v here_o mean_v 1._o the_o call_n of_o it_o the_o good_a fight_n import_v that_o there_o be_v some_o bad_a fight_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o fight_v against_o god_n this_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n in_o all_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o rebellion_n which_o samuel_n say_v be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n it_o be_v the_o rebellion_n of_o the_o creature_n against_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o clay_n against_o the_o potter_n of_o the_o child_n against_o the_o father_n it_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v always_o bad_a in_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o set_n of_o brier_n and_o thorn_n against_o god_n in_o battle_n a_o kick_n against_o the_o prick_n as_o our_o lord_n tell_v paul_n act_v 9_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v always_o full_a of_o hector_n hardy_a enough_o to_o engage_v in_o this_o fight_n there_o be_v such_o as_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o indeed_o all_o sinner_n be_v such_o in_o heart_n though_o they_o some_o of_o they_o keep_v their_o hand_n in_o their_o pocket_n but_o such_o persecutor_n and_o such_o as_o set_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o true_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n such_o as_o set_v themselves_o against_o a_o gospel-ministry_n and_o against_o holiness_n these_o be_v all_o fighter_n against_o god_n this_o now_o be_v the_o bad_a fight_n material_o bad_a and_o what_o will_v be_v find_v so_o eventual_o 2._o there_o be_v also_o a_o fight_v against_o man_n on_o civil_a account_n which_o be_v a_o bad_a fight_n indeed_o most_o war_n be_v so_o at_o least_o on_o one_o side_n war_n be_v state_n physic_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o use_v and_o make_v they_o be_v good_a otherwise_o they_o be_v bad_a in_o all_o war_n one_o army_n be_v make_v up_o of_o murderer_n both_o side_n can_v be_v right_o we_o be_v command_v to_o seek_v peace_n and_o ensue_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n war_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v as_o sport_n the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o translate_v good_a signify_v fair_a wholesome_a noble_a excellent_a thus_o you_o read_v of_o the_o tree_n that_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n mat._n 7.17_o and_o christ_n say_v that_o the_o woman_n which_o have_v spend_v her_o box_n of_o ointment_n upon_o he_o have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a work_n mat._n 26.10_o that_o be_v a_o excellent_a noble_a praiseworthy_a work_n as_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o next_o word_n expound_v himself_o say_v that_o wheresoever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v that_o which_o she_o have_v do_v shall_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o but_o what_o be_v this_o good_a fight_n which_o paul_n say_v he_o have_v fight_v he_o expound_v himself_o 1_o tim._n 6.12_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o combatant_n grace_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o get_v the_o victory_n but_o who_o be_v the_o enemy_n with_o which_o this_o good_a fight_n be_v to_o be_v fight_v who_o can_v they_o be_v but_o the_o three_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n paul_n fight_v they_o all_o and_o so_o must_v every_o one_o fight_v they_o all_o who_o will_v put_v in_o his_o claim_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o
righteousness_n 1._o he_o must_v manage_v his_o good_a fight_n against_o the_o world_n the_o man_n of_o it_o and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o paul_n have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n 1_o cor._n 15.32_o he_o fight_v with_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 11.24_o he_o have_v have_v stripe_n above_o measure_n he_o have_v be_v in_o prison_n frequent_a in_o death_n often_o five_o time_n he_o have_v of_o the_o jew_n receive_v forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o thrice_o he_o be_v beat_v with_o rod_n once_o he_o be_v stone_v all_o this_o in_o maintenance_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o must_v every_o christian_n due_o of_o god_n call_v to_o it_o do_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o holy_a truth_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o world_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v always_o peevish_a to_o god_n holy_a one_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o reason_n joh._n 15.19_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o 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christian_n have_v to_o fight_v the_o enemy_n be_v within_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o either_o the_o world_n or_o the_o devil_n have_v against_o we_o be_v from_o that_o party_n of_o lust_n which_o be_v in_o our_o own_o heart_n though_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n come_v against_o christ_n yet_o find_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n in_o our_o bless_a lord_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o he_o 3._o our_o three_o great_a adversary_n be_v the_o devil_n for_o we_o faith_n the_o apostle_n eph._n 6.12_o do_v not_o wrestle_v against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n the_o devil_n be_v call_v the_o adversary_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o resist_v he_o he_o fight_v we_o sometime_o by_o his_o commander_n and_o under-officer_n those_o be_v the_o sinful_a man_n of_o the_o world_n sometime_o he_o fight_v we_o in_o person_n by_o his_o more_o immediate_a impression_n and_o suggestion_n 2_o cor._n 12.7_o paul_n have_v a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n send_v to_o buffet_v he_o for_o which_o thing_n he_o pray_v thrice_o v._o 8._o 4._o a_o christian_a have_v yet_o a_o four_o enemy_n that_o be_v death_n i_o shall_v not_o have_v call_v death_n a_o enemy_n but_o that_o i_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o call_v it_o 1_o cor._n 15.26_o the_o last_o enemy_n that_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v be_v death_n and_o indeed_o our_o flesh_n say_v both_o concern_v death_n and_o trial_n of_o affliction_n lead_v to_o it_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v against_o we_o there_o be_v a_o victorious_a song_n which_o every_o good_a christian_a must_v learn_v to_o sing_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o hell_n where_o be_v thy_o victory_n thus_o now_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o enemy_n to_o be_v fight_v in_o this_o good_a fight_n the_o word_n translate_v fight_n be_v a_o very_a emphatical_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v use_v luk._n 13.24_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straâ—t_a gate_n and_o col._n 4.12_o where_o we_o translate_v it_o labour_v fervent_o we_o translate_v it_o strive_v in_o col._n 1.29_o fight_v john_n 18.36_o and_o 1_o tim._n 6.12_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o signify_v four_o thing_n 1._o a_o labour_a against_o opposition_n a_o man_n can_v fight_v unless_o he_o have_v a_o enemy_n to_o fight_v against_o what_o these_o enemy_n be_v i_o have_v show_v you_o 2._o a_o strong_a vehement_a earnest_a labour_n where_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o a_o man_n be_v put_v out_o as_o be_v usual_a in_o all_o combat_n and_o fight_n 3._o a_o inward_a labour_n from_o this_o word_n come_v our_o english_a word_n agony_n which_o we_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o conflict_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o signify_v more_o than_o the_o scuffle_n of_o the_o hand_n 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this_o promise_n be_v to_o those_o that_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n that_o finish_v their_o course_n that_o keep_v the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n ah_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o fight_n indeed_o but_o be_v it_o the_o good_a fight_n they_o be_v fighter_n against_o god_n opposer_n of_o his_o interest_n they_o will_v if_o possible_a root_v the_o very_a name_n of_o of_o god_n and_o profession_n of_o godliness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v such_o a_o antipathy_n to_o piety_n that_o as_o they_o say_v of_o the_o basilisk_n it_o have_v such_o a_o enmity_n to_o man_n that_o it_o will_v fly_v upon_o his_o picture_n so_o they_o have_v such_o a_o enmity_n to_o christ_n and_o holiness_n that_o they_o fly_v upon_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n who_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n image_n and_o superscription_n upon_o they_o other_o be_v fighter_n great_a disturber_n of_o humane_a society_n with_o their_o quarrel_n but_o now_o for_o the_o good_a fight_n which_o be_v to_o be_v 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advantage_n use_v 3_o of_o this_o discourse_n to_o enter_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n inquire_v whether_o we_o be_v such_o person_n as_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v &_o shall_v by_o any_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v make_v apprehensive_a that_o the_o time_n of_o our_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v in_o that_o day_n give_v out_o to_o all_o such_o as_o love_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o satisfy_v we_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v hear_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o text_n that_o we_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o inquire_v upon_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o six_o or_o seven_o head_n 1._o what_o opposition_n we_o have_v make_v to_o the_o carnal_a desire_n and_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v observe_v that_o a_o sinful_a walk_n in_o holy_a writ_n be_v very_o ordinary_o express_v by_o a_o walk_a according_a to_o the_o counsel_n and_o imagination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n so_o contrary_a be_v the_o natural_a desire_n counsel_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o sure_a sign_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n then_o for_o he_o to_o walk_v after_o his_o own_o imagination_n or_o for_o he_o to_o use_v job_n expression_n to_o suffer_v his_o heart_n to_o walk_v after_o his_o eye_n hence_o self-denial_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o condition_n and_o character_n of_o be_v one_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o we_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n command_v to_o mortify_v our_o member_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o our_o body_n this_o kind_n of_o conversation_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o gratify_n of_o our_o sensitive_a appetite_n be_v the_o broad_a way_n in_o which_o many_o walk_n but_o it_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o eternal_a destruction_n 2._o what_o opposition_n we_o have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n either_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o attemp_v either_o to_o frown_v or_o flatter_v we_o out_o of_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n he_o who_o be_v at_o the_o world_n beck_n can_v be_v at_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n we_o can_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o so_o neither_o do_v he_o please_v the_o man_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n love_v no_o child_n of_o god_n as_o such_o they_o be_v two_o different_a seed_n betwixt_o which_o there_o ever_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o enmity_n if_o they_o take_v we_o by_o the_o chin_n and_o kiss_v we_o it_o be_v 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a_o child_n without_o a_o parent_n alas_o that_o i_o can_v also_o say_v a_o particular_a flock_n without_o a_o pastor_n but_o the_o whole_a flock_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v say_v he_o have_v leave_v deprive_v of_o one_o labourer_n more_o and_o that_o in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o harvest_n true_o be_v great_a and_o the_o labourer_n too_o too_o few_o but_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o love_n for_o our_o own_o good_a to_o envy_v the_o more_o exceed_o good_a &_o happiness_n of_o our_o friend_n &_o our_o sorrow_n for_o he_o as_o a_o public_a loss_n be_v much_o alleviate_v by_o that_o useless_a condition_n as_o to_o public_a service_n into_o which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v bring_v he_o for_o some_o year_n before_o it_o please_v god_n to_o take_v he_o to_o himself_o his_o conversation_n from_o his_o youth_n be_v better_o know_v to_o many_o of_o you_o then_o to_o myself_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o among_o you_o i_o shall_v limit_v my_o discourse_n 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and_o continue_v to_o his_o die_a day_n though_o under_o some_o different_a circumstance_n it_o be_v infinite_a to_o recount_v all_o his_o doubt_n and_o fear_n some_o respect_v his_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a state_n some_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n so_o as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o most_o lawful_a action_n of_o his_o life_n which_o he_o be_v not_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o he_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o divine_n who_o success_n with_o he_o be_v but_o what_o be_v usual_a in_o those_o case_n they_o can_v easy_o silence_v he_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n he_o make_v against_o himself_o and_o give_v he_o a_o little_a relief_n at_o present_a but_o his_o troublesome_a thought_n will_v return_v again_o and_o renew_v upon_o he_o yet_o we_o observe_v god_n blessing_n our_o endeavour_n so_o far_o as_o to_o drive_v the_o enemy_n from_o one_o post_n to_o another_o but_o still_o there_o come_v on_o new_a supply_n from_o those_o principality_n with_o which_o he_o be_v engage_v and_o this_o continue_a so_o long_o that_o his_o life_n grow_v a_o burden_n to_o he_o and_o he_o seem_v weary_a of_o it_o not_o desirous_a to_o live_v always_o when_o in_o live_v he_o do_v not_o live_v his_o adversary_n bring_v forth_o all_o those_o usual_a fiery_a dart_n which_o he_o common_o throw_v at_o person_n under_o his_o circumstance_n temptation_n to_o blasphemous_a thought_n despair_n self-murder_n as_o to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o it_o so_o far_o please_v god_n to_o bless_v our_o brotherly_a assistance_n to_o he_o advantage_v by_o his_o own_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o be_v observe_v almost_o always_o to_o make_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o sermon_n in_o late_a year_n that_o he_o be_v not_o many_o month_n in_o those_o combat_n but_o under_o the_o latter_a he_o labour_v some_o year_n indeed_o so_o long_o as_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o my_o ministry_n i_o never_o know_v any_o who_o be_v infest_a with_o those_o temptation_n but_o be_v overthrow_v by_o they_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o much_o short_a time_n he_o have_v often_o affright_v his_o near_a relation_n and_o myself_o with_o tell_v we_o he_o must_v put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o day_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o impetus_fw-la of_o the_o temptation_n both_o myself_o and_o other_o will_v speak_v what_o we_o judge_v proper_a in_o the_o cause_n and_o for_o a_o time_n be_v successful_a to_o divert_v he_o but_o the_o tempter_n come_v on_o again_o and_o that_o with_o that_o violence_n as_o i_o scarce_o ever_o know_v i_o learn_v in_o my_o daily_a converse_n with_o this_o good_a man_n the_o great_a advantage_n which_o true_a faith_n in_o any_o give_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o such_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n over_o what_o he_o have_v towards_o one_o who_o have_v no_o such_o root_n of_o grace_n in_o my_o discourse_n with_o he_o i_o use_v a_o much_o different_a method_n from_o what_o other_o will_v have_v think_v proper_a in_o the_o case_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o paroxysm_n common_o make_v the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o damn_a soul_n and_o the_o desperate_a state_n of_o person_n die_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o know_a sin_n the_o subject_n of_o my_o discourse_n know_v that_o if_o god_n will_v bless_v my_o discourse_n to_o revive_v his_o faith_n in_o such_o revelation_n of_o holy_a writ_n i_o shall_v countermine_v his_o adversary_n who_o design_n be_v to_o blow_v up_o his_o soul_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o freedom_n from_o a_o temporary_a affliction_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n many_o prayer_n be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n for_o he_o many_o be_v make_v to_o god_n with_o he_o and_o himself_o if_o out_o of_o his_o bed_n be_v almost_o always_o alone_o upon_o his_o knee_n such_o be_v his_o condition_n that_o his_o friend_n dare_v not_o have_v trust_v he_o the_o twenty_o part_n of_o that_o time_n alone_o but_o they_o know_v he_o be_v not_o alone_o while_o he_o be_v with_o god_n and_o they_o find_v that_o he_o be_v safe_a because_o in_o his_o company_n after_o the_o spend_n of_o some_o year_n in_o this_o degree_n of_o deep_a affliction_n it_o please_v god_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n to_o rebuke_v the_o tempter_n that_o although_o his_o bodily_a distemper_n yet_o continue_v and_o by_o this_o time_n it_o have_v breed_v more_o yet_o his_o mind_n be_v much_o more_o free_a from_o these_o desperate_a temptation_n and_o impetuous_a assault_n that_o if_o at_o all_o any_o thing_n of_o they_o return_v at_o any_o time_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o a_o continual_a drop_n upon_o his_o soul_n thus_o he_o fight_v the_o good_a
out_o of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o reproach_n of_o minister_n and_o godly_a christian_n all_o their_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n which_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v but_o the_o fruit_n and_o product_n of_o this_o enmity_n this_o hatred_n and_o antipathy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o devil_n 2._o another_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v holiness_n the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o first_o and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o its_o exceed_a strictness_n the_o sublimeness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n raise_v it_o two_o sort_n of_o enemy_n 1._o the_o ignorant_a person_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o those_o man_n who_o have_v idolise_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o be_v determine_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o can_v fathom_v by_o their_o own_o reason_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o ignorant_a person_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o who_o speak_v evil_a of_o what_o they_o know_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n then_o this_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a especial_o when_o man_n apprehend_v the_o way_n and_o person_n that_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o be_v enemy_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o corruption_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n unto_o our_o glory_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n know_v for_o have_v they_o know_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n signify_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o know_v it_o for_o if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n the_o most_o ignorant_a person_n if_o they_o be_v also_o loose_a in_o their_o life_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2._o man_n that_o have_v idolise_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o entertain_v a_o fancy_n that_o they_o shall_v comprehend_v the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o which_o make_v they_o enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o zeal_n they_o be_v puff_v up_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o be_v certain_a enemy_n to_o whatever_o they_o can_v comprehend_v with_o it_o now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o sublime_a nature_n that_o ignorant_a person_n can_v comprehend_v they_o and_o man_n of_o reason_n can_v fathom_v they_o with_o their_o own_o reason_n they_o become_v enemy_n unto_o they_o and_o to_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a be_v such_o enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2._o as_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n which_o it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o exceed_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v another_o reason_n take_v the_o gospel_n as_o it_o bring_v news_n of_o a_o saviour_n who_o die_v for_o sinner_n it_o please_v they_o well_o enough_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o it_o contain_v a_o system_a of_o precept_n a_o obedience_n to_o which_o must_v be_v give_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o salvation_n so_o it_o quite_o cross_v the_o grain_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o no_o drunkard_n no_o fornicator_n no_o swearer_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n thus_o they_o can_v approve_v of_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o enemy_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o for_o though_o they_o have_v so_o much_o lust_n as_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o they_o have_v also_o so_o much_o pride_n that_o they_o can_v endure_v themselves_o to_o be_v contradict_v and_o outdo_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o what_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o which_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v timothy_n content_v to_o be_v a_o partaker_n and_o what_o that_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o be_v ashamed_a i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o next_o question_n qu._n 3._o when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o what_o the_o meaning_n be_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n i_o conceive_v signify_v two_o thing_n 1._o to_o be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o give_v a_o testimony_n unto_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o give_v a_o testimony_n of_o christ_n because_o of_o the_o opposition_n of_o man_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n fear_v not_o they_o who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o fear_v he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o cast_v body_n and_o soul_n into_o hell-fire_n but_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o testimony_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n because_o the_o temptation_n be_v high_a under_o the_o former_a then_o under_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o decline_v to_o own_o and_o profess_v jesus_n christ_n when_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n that_o threaten_v we_o in_o such_o a_o profession_n we_o have_v a_o highpriest_n that_o can_v have_v compassion_n upon_o our_o infirmity_n but_o when_o no_o such_o danger_n threaten_v a_o man_n only_o he_o may_v suffer_v a_o little_a in_o his_o honour_n and_o repute_v among_o man_n and_o they_o may_v not_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o he_o &_o for_o this_o to_o decline_v the_o public_a own_n and_o profess_v of_o christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a text_n mark_n 8.38_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o when_o utmost_a danger_n threaten_v he_o be_v sin_n enough_o it_o argue_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n prevail_v in_o he_o above_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o for_o a_o man_n when_o no_o such_o danger_n threaten_v he_o to_o be_v ashamed_a and_o to_o think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o own_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o love_v the_o honour_n that_o be_v from_o man_n before_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n be_v a_o very_a dreadful_a transgression_n 2._o that_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o other_o for_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o jesus_n christ_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o think_v this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o chief_o intend_v paul_n be_v now_o a_o prisoner_n and_o at_o rome_n the_o condition_n of_o prisoner_n you_o know_v be_v a_o low_a and_o contemptible_a condition_n now_o for_o a_o person_n to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v a_o friend_n or_o companion_n or_o to_o own_o the_o relation_n to_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o any_o because_o they_o be_v give_v a_o testimony_n to_o christ_n and_o for_o that_o testimony_n be_v hate_v malign_v and_o persecute_v be_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n it_o be_v report_v of_o that_o famous_a emperor_n constantine_n the_o great_a that_o he_o will_v often_o kiss_v the_o hole_n of_o paphnutius_n eye_n that_o be_v bore_v out_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v thou_o partaker_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o negative_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v throw_v himself_o into_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o best_a of_o affliction_n be_v trial_n and_o temptation_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o pull_v trial_n upon_o himself_o we_o read_v indeed_o of_o some_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o stake_n and_o own_a themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n
philistine_n say_v he_o make_v war_n against_o i_o and_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o i_o he_o be_v persecute_v follow_v close_o by_o the_o army_n of_o the_o philistine_n but_o he_o be_v forsake_v god_n say_v he_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o now_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o david_n in_o the_o 30_o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n he_o be_v not_o in_o saul_n circumstance_n saul_n be_v the_o actual_a king_n though_o be_v david_n the_o anoint_v king_n to_o succeed_v he_o he_o flee_v to_o achish_n but_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o he_o by_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o prince_n chap._n 29._o he_o have_v but_o one_o poor_a city_n to_o hide_v his_o head_n in_o and_o to_o make_v his_o retreat_n to_o that_o be_v ziklag_n while_o david_n be_v at_o gath_n the_o amalekite_n have_v come_v invade_v the_o south_n and_o ziklag_n and_o have_v smite_v ziklag_n and_o burn_v it_o with_o fire_n and_o have_v take_v his_o wife_n and_o the_o wife_n of_o his_o companion_n the_o woman_n captive_n and_o carry_v all_o away_o david_n come_v ch_n 30._o 3._o and_o find_v the_o city_n burn_v the_o wife_n son_n and_o daughter_n that_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o company_n all_o take_v captive_n v._o 6._o he_o be_v great_o distress_v for_o to_o all_o this_o be_v add_v another_o great_a evil_n his_o people_n speak_v of_o ston_a he_o what_o do_v david_n v._o 6._o he_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n here_o be_v now_o one_o answer_v to_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n trouble_v on_o every_o side_n but_o not_o distress_v perplex_v but_o not_o in_o despair_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o destroy_v he_o encourage_v himself_o in_o his_o god_n be_v not_o overmuch_o cast_v down_o but_o be_v comfort_v take_v courage_n and_o recover_v all_o again_o the_o reason_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o god_n he_o can_v in_o a_o hour_n of_o trouble_n cry_v out_o o_o god_n but_o he_o can_v cry_v out_o my_o god_n nature_n teach_v man_n in_o hour_n of_o distress_n that_o affliction_n spring_v not_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n nor_o trouble_v out_o of_o the_o dunghill_n but_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v who_o be_v offend_v plagu_v the_o child_n of_o man_n hence_o natural_o the_o afflict_a person_n call_v upon_o god_n after_o one_o fashion_n or_o another_o the_o mariner_n who_o be_v carry_v jonah_n to_o tarshish_n in_o the_o storm_n call_v each_o of_o they_o upon_o his_o god_n jonah_n 1._o but_o the_o wicked_a man_n can_v say_v my_o god_n he_o can_v claim_v a_o covenant_n interest_n in_o and_o relation_n unto_o god_n so_o as_o he_o must_v be_v in_o distress_n in_o despair_n forsake_v destroy_v at_o all_o such_o time_n when_o the_o help_n of_o man_n be_v vain_a he_o can_v but_o think_v that_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o distress_n god_n be_v say_v to_o he_o now_o i_o be_o come_v to_o reckon_v with_o thou_o for_o all_o thy_o oath_n and_o curse_n and_o blasphemy_n by_o which_o thou_o have_v blaspheme_v i_o for_o all_o thy_o drunkenness_n and_o other_o debauchery_n now_o go_v to_o thy_o lust_n which_o thou_o have_v serve_v in_o despite_n of_o my_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o thy_o worldly_a friend_n and_o see_v if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n 2._o he_o have_v no_o true_a habit_n of_o hope_n or_o faith_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n a_o god_n that_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v people_n in_o all_o distress_n to_o relieve_v they_o in_o all_o trouble_n but_o he_o have_v neither_o any_o habit_n of_o true_a hope_n or_o faith_n by_o which_o he_o shall_v commit_v himself_o to_o this_o god_n nor_o any_o object_n prepare_v for_o his_o soul_n to_o cast_v anchor_n upon_o not_o a_o promise_n in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n that_o he_o can_v hope_v shall_v be_v make_v yea_o and_o amen_o to_o his_o soul_n for_o that_o he_o be_v without_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o but_o now_o the_o godly_a man_n be_v not_o so_o he_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n every_o way_n as_o happy_a as_o the_o other_o be_v miserable_a he_o be_v not_o more_o exempt_v from_o trouble_n than_o another_o man_n yea_o he_o be_v more_o expose_v to_o trouble_v the_o world_n which_o love_v its_o own_o hate_v he_o because_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n but_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n imprint_v his_o image_n upon_o he_o mark_v he_o for_o his_o own_o to_o look_v to_o be_v free_v from_o trouble_n be_v a_o mighty_a vain_a expectation_n man_n be_v bear_v to_o it_o christian_n indeed_o be_v more_o especial_o as_o sheep_n design_v for_o the_o slaughter_n a_o man_n can_v reasonable_o wish_v desire_v or_o hope_n for_o a_o perfect_a immunity_n from_o distress_n and_o trouble_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a so_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n happiness_n lie_v not_o there_o that_o the_o fire_n shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o he_o but_o here_o be_v his_o happiness_n that_o the_o fire_n shall_v not_o hurt_v shall_v not_o consume_v he_o if_o he_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o fire_n god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o fire_n if_o into_o the_o water_n god_n will_v be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o water_n the_o flood_n shall_v not_o drown_v he_o when_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n be_v our_o saviour_n isa_n 43.1_o 2._o we_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o distress_n nor_o in_o despair_n nor_o forsake_v nor_o destroy_v two_o thing_n will_v advantage_v this_o meditation_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o afflict_v from_o outward_a contingency_n but_o from_o some_o inward_a defect_n let_v a_o man_n burden_n be_v never_o so_o heavy_a if_o he_o have_v but_o strength_n enough_o to_o bear_v it_o and_o to_o go_v away_o cheerful_o with_o it_o it_o be_v no_o affliction_n to_o he_o let_v a_o man_n affliction_n be_v never_o so_o sharp_a and_o smart_a if_o he_o have_v but_o a_o consolation_n that_o ballance_v it_o it_o take_v out_o the_o fire_n of_o it_o and_o 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