they_o on_o as_o well_o as_o a_o internal_a assistance_n enable_v they_o to_o this_o holy_a work_n in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v that_o st._n augustine_n say_v express_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v have_v we_o know_v concern_v his_o word_n and_o his_o work_n he_o give_v in_o charge_n to_o those_o sacred_a amanuensis_n to_o write_v and_o therefore_o let_v none_o of_o we_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v but_o humble_o and_o meek_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o that_o which_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v allot_v for_o we_o imperavit_fw-la to_o walk_v by_o the_o write_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n beseech_v he_o that_o as_o he_o have_v cause_v his_o truth_n to_o be_v write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v read_v with_o our_o eye_n so_o he_o will_v write_v they_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o thereby_o we_o may_v have_v a_o comfortable_a evidence_n that_o our_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o dispatch_n to_o the_o first_o general_a part_n to_o wit_n the_o apostle_n care_v of_o their_o duty_n pass_v now_o on_o to_o the_o other_o general_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n excellency_n 35._o and_o therein_o to_o the_o eminency_n of_o its_o object_n in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o first_o and_o part_n of_o the_o second_o verse_n in_o those_o word_n the_o word_n of_o life_n the_o life_n that_o be_v manifest_v that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v to_o we_o all_o which_o be_v speak_v concern_v christ._n but_o before_o i_o enter_v on_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n in_o this_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o most_o genuine_a interpretation_n there_o be_v another_o exposition_n which_o be_v neither_o improbable_a nor_o unprofitable_a i_o shall_v not_o pass_v by_o and_o it_o will_v be_v all_o i_o can_v discuss_v at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v of_o those_o who_o understand_v these_o word_n concern_v the_o gospel_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v here_o call_v the_o word_n of_o life_n wherein_o this_o eternal_a lâ—fe_n be_v manifest_v ibid._n though_o even_o according_a to_o this_o construction_n the_o encomium_fw-la be_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o reference_n to_o its_o matter_n where_o about_o it_o be_v conversant_a this_o exposition_n be_v that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o calvin_n assert_v by_o grotius_n and_o assever_v by_o vorstius_n nor_o be_v it_o dissonant_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n &_o according_a to_o it_o here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v namely_o the_o appellation_n give_v to_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o appellation_n because_o in_o it_o the_o life_n eternal_a life_n be_v manifest_v to_o we_o 1._o the_o appellation_n here_o affix_v to_o the_o gospel_n be_v choice_n and_o comfortable_a it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n a_o title_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o require_v of_o the_o philippian_n that_o they_o shall_v shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n 16._o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o by_o the_o angel_n when_o he_o command_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o people_n 1.21_o all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o life_n suitable_o hereunto_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v call_v else_o where_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n and_o the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o yet_o once_o more_o that_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v 2._o the_o reason_n of_o this_o appellation_n be_v fit_a and_o pregnant_a because_o those_o word_n eternal_a life_n be_v manifest_v to_o we_o be_v such_o a_o confirmation_n that_o they_o eat_v withal_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o title_n in_o both_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o will_v we_o know_v what_o this_o life_n be_v whereof_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n the_o answer_n be_v it_o be_v eternal_a life_n in_o which_o respect_n st._n peter_n say_v to_o christ_n 6.68_o thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o these_o two_o expression_n be_v contain_v a_o short_a description_n of_o felicity_n it_o be_v a_o life_n for_o since_o life_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o create_a excellency_n it_o be_v apt_o use_v to_o set_v forth_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n 4._o especial_o if_o we_o take_v vivere_fw-la as_o comprehend_v in_o it_o valere_fw-la and_o so_o denote_v a_o hail_n vigorous_a and_o prosperous_a life_n but_o that_o which_o crown_v life_n itself_o and_o make_v it_o a_o happiness_n be_v its_o eternity_n since_o as_o the_o school_n well_o true_a bliss_n must_v be_v able_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o appetite_n which_o it_o can_v do_v if_o there_o be_v any_o fear_n of_o lose_v or_o expire_a the_o truth_n be_v neither_o of_o these_o two_o can_v be_v sever_v in_o a_o happy_a condition_n be_v it_o eternal_a if_o it_o be_v not_o life_n there_o can_v be_v no_o bliss_n since_o it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o damn_a that_o they_o shall_v exist_v eternal_o and_o be_v it_o life_n if_o it_o be_v not_o eternal_a it_o can_v not_o be_v happy_a since_o a_o transitory_a fade_a life_n be_v rather_o a_o death_n than_o a_o life_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v appear_v a_o mean_n of_o happiness_n it_o be_v say_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o 2._o will_v we_o know_v in_o what_o respect_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o this_o life_n the_o answer_n be_v because_o this_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n be_v by_o it_o manifest_v to_o we_o indeed_o we_o must_v here_o distinguish_v between_o data_fw-la and_o manifestata_fw-la the_o give_v and_o the_o manifest_v of_o this_o life_n nor_o be_v it_o i_o but_o st._n paul_n own_o distinction_n where_o he_o inform_v we_o that_o salvation_n or_o life_n eternal_a be_v give_v we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a by_o christ_n 10._o who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n be_v eternal_a life_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o the_o father_n that_o be_v do_v latere_fw-la quodâ—mmodo_fw-la apud_fw-la patrem_fw-la lie_v hide_v in_o the_o father_n bosom_n unrevealed_a to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o the_o gentile_n it_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a who_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o sit_v in_o darkness_n coloss_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n as_o be_v whole_o stranger_n to_o this_o life_n and_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v hide_v as_o learned_a davenant_n have_v observe_v ex_fw-la parte_fw-la &_o comparatiuè_fw-la the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jew_n look_v no_o high_o than_o a_o earthly_a canaan_n and_o dream_v only_o of_o a_o temporal_a happiness_n to_o be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o messiah_n the_o discovery_n of_o life_n be_v so_o dark_a that_o few_o can_v spell_v they_o and_o that_o manifestation_n which_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v very_o obscure_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a eternal_a life_n be_v so_o far_o reveal_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o the_o believe_a jew_n attain_v to_o some_o knowledge_n of_o it_o so_o as_o that_o they_o look_v for_o it_o and_o no_o doubt_n be_v in_o their_o soul_n possess_v of_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n st._n paul_n tell_v timothy_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o wit_n 5.39_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o christ_n bid_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o think_v which_o yet_o christ_n reprove_v not_o as_o a_o bare_a surmise_n in_o they_o to_o have_v eternal_a life_n but_o still_o those_o discovery_n be_v very_o imperfect_a loc_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n impart_v and_o therefore_o one_o observe_v a_o emphasis_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o we_o not_o to_o the_o patriarch_n not_o to_o the_o prophet_n be_v this_o life_n to_o wit_n so_o clear_o manifest_v as_o to_o we_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o we_o to_o the_o saâ—nts_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o which_o respect_n st._n paul_n write_v both_o to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o the_o colossian_n coloss_n style_v not_o only_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v as_o much_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n as_o any_o other_o evangelical_a truth_n but_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o life_n in_o the_o gospel_n a_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n nor_o be_v in_o other_o age_n make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o
give_v we_o grace_n for_o that_o little_a inch_n of_o our_o candle_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o burn_v so_o to_o let_v our_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n that_o they_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v thou_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n to_o this_o end_n we_o pray_v thou_o enlighten_v our_o blind_a mind_n incline_v our_o crooked_a will_n soften_v our_o hard_a heart_n compose_v our_o distemper_a passion_n mortify_v our_o earthly_a member_n sanctify_v our_o whole_a man_n spirit_z soul_n and_o body_n and_o preserve_v we_o blameless_a to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n implant_v oh_o god_n and_o increase_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o confirm_v our_o faith_n establish_v our_o hope_n strengthen_v our_o patience_n enlarge_v our_o love_n inflame_v our_o zeal_n quicken_v our_o obedience_n put_v thy_o fear_n into_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v never_o depart_v from_o thou_o and_o do_v thou_o never_o leave_v nor_o forsake_v we_o but_o be_v our_o god_n our_o guard_n our_o guide_n even_o to_o the_o death_n and_o after_o death_n receive_v we_o to_o thyself_o in_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v everlasting_a not_o to_o we_o oh_o lord_n not_o to_o we_o alone_o but_o to_o thy_o holy_a catholic_n church_n be_v thou_o propitious_a she_o be_v the_o vine_n which_o thy_o own_o right_a hand_n have_v plant_v let_v she_o be_v for_o ever_o preserve_v and_o suffer_v not_o good_a god_n suffer_v not_o either_o the_o wild_a boar_n out_o of_o the_o forest_n to_o pluck_v up_o her_o root_n or_o the_o many_o pestilent_a fox_n that_o be_v within_o she_o to_o pluck_v off_o her_o grape_n plant_v thy_o gospel_n where_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o restore_v it_o where_o it_o be_v lose_v continue_v and_o enlarge_v it_o where_o it_o be_v especial_o in_o these_o realm_n remit_v our_o cry_a sin_n remove_v thy_o heavy_a judgement_n restore_v our_o wont_a blessing_n settle_v all_o thing_n once_o again_o among_o we_o upon_o their_o right_n and_o ancient_a foundation_n that_o glory_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n let_v the_o cry_n of_o the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n ascend_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n and_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n bless_v all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n among_o we_o let_v the_o gold_n of_o our_o nobility_n excel_v in_o grace_n as_o they_o do_v in_o honour_n purify_v the_o silver_n of_o our_o gentry_n from_o the_o dross_n of_o vice_n engrave_v upon_o the_o brass_n of_o our_o commonalty_n the_o fear_n of_o thy_o holy_a name_n and_o preserve_v thy_o earthen_a vessel_n in_o who_o be_v lay_v up_o and_o by_o who_o be_v dispense_v thy_o heavenly_a treasure_n the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o thy_o church_n comfort_v all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o sorrow_n pour_v oil_n into_o wound_a conscience_n succour_v tempt_v soul_n settle_v distract_v mind_n heal_v disease_a body_n relieve_v impoverish_v family_n release_v imprison_v person_n those_o especial_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n oh_o thou_o that_o have_v a_o salve_n for_o every_o sore_a a_o cure_n for_o every_o cross_n a_o remedy_n for_o every_o malady_n apply_v thyself_o suitable_o to_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o thy_o child_n and_o now_o in_o blessing_n bless_v that_o word_n of_o all_o thy_o grace_n which_o go_v forth_o throughout_o all_o congregation_n lawful_o and_o due_o assemble_v in_o thy_o fear_n this_o day_n this_o in_o particular_a oh_o thou_o that_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knocke_v be_v please_v to_o open_v open_v the_o preacher_n lip_n that_o his_o mouth_n may_v show_v forth_o thy_o praise_n and_o declare_v thy_o message_n with_o power_n and_o plainness_n open_v the_o people_n ear_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v thy_o word_n with_o reverence_n and_o diligence_n open_v all_o our_o heart_n that_o with_o faith_n and_o love_n we_o may_v receive_v with_o care_n and_o conscience_n we_o may_v obey_v thy_o sacred_a truth_n so_o as_o it_o may_v become_v the_o power_n of_o thou_o our_o god_n to_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o judgement_n the_o renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a mediator_n and_o redeemer_n for_o who_o we_o bless_v thou_o to_o who_o with_o thyself_o and_o bless_a spirit_n of_o grace_n we_o give_v all_o praise_n and_o glory_n and_o in_o who_o most_o absolute_a form_n of_o prayer_n we_o further_o call_v upon_o thou_o say_v our_o father_n which_o in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o first_o epistle_n general_n of_o st._n john_n 1._o history_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n 1._o be_v the_o three_o channel_n in_o which_o run_v the_o stream_n of_o sacred_a writ_n from_o whence_o arise_v the_o division_n of_o its_o book_n into_o historical_n prophetical_a and_o doctrinal_a not_o but_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v doctrinal_a in_o which_o respect_n the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n but_o 3.16_o because_o some_o book_n be_v chief_o concern_v in_o narration_n of_o thing_n past_a other_o in_o the_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o some_o be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o conversant_a about_o dogmatical_a truth_n and_o practical_a precept_n they_o be_v not_o unfit_o thus_o distinguish_v of_o this_o latter_a sort_n be_v the_o epistolary_a write_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o regard_n the_o fit_a to_o be_v discuss_v among_o the_o people_n the_o prophetical_a book_n be_v most_o congruous_a to_o the_o school_n but_o the_o doctrinal_a most_o suitable_a to_o the_o pulpit_n those_o for_o exercise_v the_o learned_a these_o for_o feed_v the_o vulgar_a upon_o this_o account_n i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o epistle_n and_o in_o particular_a not_o without_o serious_a and_o mature_a deliberation_n nor_o yet_o i_o hope_v without_o the_o bless_a spirit_n instigation_n of_o this_o first_o epistle_n general_n of_o s._n john_n to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o postmeridian_n discourse_n if_o any_o shall_v be_v inquisitive_a to_o know_v why_o among_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o have_v pitch_v my_o thought_n upon_o this_o i_o shall_v return_v this_o threefold_a answer_n which_o as_o a_o threefold_a cord_n and_o that_o say_v solomon_n be_v not_o easy_o break_v 4.12_o enduce_v i_o to_o this_o work_n one_o though_o indeed_o the_o least_o be_v that_o i_o find_v not_o any_o english_a expositor_n upon_o it_o nor_o yet_o many_o among_o the_o latin_a except_o those_o who_o have_v undertake_v comment_n upon_o all_o the_o epistle_n whereas_o either_o in_o latin_a or_o english_a or_o both_o i_o find_v several_a excellent_a interpreter_n upon_o each_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v esteem_v it_o a_o high_a honour_n confer_v upon_o i_o by_o my_o god_n if_o through_o his_o gracious_a enablement_n by_o a_o though_o imperfect_a dilucidation_n of_o this_o epistle_n i_o may_v cast_v a_o mite_n into_o the_o churches-treasury_n a_o second_o and_o more_o persuade_a reason_n be_v the_o congruency_n of_o it_o to_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o now_o live_v since_o there_o be_v the_o same_o occasion_n as_o to_o general_a if_o not_o particular_a consideration_n now_o give_v to_o minister_n of_o handle_v which_o st._n john_n have_v then_o of_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o clear_v this_o you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o st._n john_n day_n to_o wit_n antichristian-heretick_n and_o carnal-gospeller_n those_o express_o deny_v the_o fundamental_n of_o christian_a religion_n these_o while_o they_o have_v divine_a phrase_n seraphical_a expression_n flow_v from_o their_o lip_n be_v sensual_a and_o diabolical_a in_o their_o life_n talk_v of_o communion_n with_o god_n dwell_v in_o god_n know_v the_o truth_n and_o what_o not_o and_o yet_o practise_v envy_n malice_n hatred_n and_o all_o uncharitableness_n in_o their_o action_n against_o both_o these_o this_o boanerges_n for_o so_o he_o with_o his_o brother_n james_n be_v call_v by_o christ_n 3.17_o thunder_v and_o according_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a chapter_n his_o scope_n be_v double_a in_o this_o epistle_n 1._o to_o warn_v the_o orthodox_n that_o they_o be_v not_o withdraw_v from_o their_o christian_a profession_n by_o the_o wile_n of_o heretic_n this_o our_o apostle_n himself_o express_v to_o be_v one_o special_a end_n of_o his_o writing_n where_o he_o say_v 2.26_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o concern_v they_o which_o seduce_v you_o indeed_o wherein_o can_v the_o shepherd_n more_o express_v the_o care_n of_o his_o flock_n then_o in_o keep_v off_o the_o wolf_n a_o minister_n of_o his_o charge_n then_o in_o arm_v they_o against_o heretic_n joh._n and_o be_v there_o not_o as_o great_a
salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o evident_a consequence_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o wander_v we_o meet_v with_o a_o strong_a argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o my_o text_n that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o full_a joy_n must_v not_o be_v deficient_a in_o any_o thing_n which_o conduce_v to_o our_o happiness_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o therefore_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n be_v perfect_o lay_v down_o in_o they_o the_o major_a of_o this_o syllogism_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o probation_n for_o who_o can_v or_o will_v deny_v that_o full_a joy_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v in_o a_o state_n of_o blâ—sse_n the_o minor_a be_v plain_a from_o this_o scripture_n and_o may_v thus_o be_v draw_v forth_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o in_o may_v doubtless_o be_v attain_v to_o by_o their_o write_n for_o they_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o end_n that_o god_n purpose_v in_o inspire_v which_o they_o have_v in_o writing_n and_o either_o god_n himself_o be_v want_v in_o the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v design_v for_o this_o end_n or_o these_o write_n contain_v in_o they_o what_o will_v yield_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o to_o that_o end_n bring_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o blessedness_n dei_fw-la 2._o to_o the_o people_n who_o they_o express_o forbid_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n esteem_v the_o permission_n of_o they_o to_o the_o vulgar_a eye_n to_o be_v the_o cast_n of_o pearl_n before_o swine_n and_o the_o give_v holy_a thing_n to_o dog_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o in_o a_o seem_a reverence_n to_o holy_a writ_n and_o withal_o a_o pretend_a care_n of_o the_o laic_n that_o they_o may_v not_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o perdition_n they_o lay_v upon_o they_o a_o prohibition_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o they_o be_v but_o false_a friend_n to_o the_o scripture_n so_o in_o this_o they_o be_v manifest_a enemy_n to_o the_o people_n bereave_v they_o of_o that_o comfort_n which_o they_o may_v have_v in_o the_o read_n of_o those_o divine_a book_n certain_o the_o apostle_n intend_v that_o their_o epistle_n shall_v be_v read_v both_o to_o and_o by_o they_o to_o who_o they_o write_v they_o now_o these_o you_o to_o who_o s._n john_n write_v be_v ordinary_a christian_n disperse_v in_o several_a country_n such_o who_o in_o the_o second_o chapt._n he_o call_v not_o only_a father_n but_o young_a man_n and_o child_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n express_o direct_v their_o epistle_n to_o all_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n as_o well_o private_a person_n in_o as_o public_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o yet_o further_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o singular_a benefit_n be_v to_o be_v gain_v by_o the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o correction_n instruction_n and_o in_o particular_a consolation_n sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a injury_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o this_o prohibition_n do_v to_o her_o member_n even_o as_o great_a as_o if_o the_o mother_n shall_v deny_v the_o dug_n to_o the_o tender_a infant_n 2._o how_o odious_a be_v the_o profaneness_n of_o those_o christian_n who_o neglect_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o give_v themselves_o to_o read_v other_o book_n how_o many_o precious_a hour_n do_v many_o spend_v and_o that_o not_o only_o on_o workday_n but_o holiday_n in_o foolish_a romance_n fabulous_a history_n lascivious_a poem_n and_o why_o this_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v cheer_v and_o delight_v when_o as_o full_a joy_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v in_o these_o holy_a book_n alas_o the_o joy_n you_o find_v in_o those_o write_n be_v perhaps_o pernicious_a such_o as_o tickle_v your_o lust_n and_o promote_v contemplative_a wickedness_n at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v but_o vain_a such_o as_o only_o please_v the_o fancy_n and_o affect_v the_o wit_n 8._o whereas_o these_o holy_a write_n to_o use_v david_n expression_n be_v right_a rejoice_v the_o heart_n again_o be_v there_o not_o many_o who_o more_o set_v by_o plutarch_n moral_n seneca_n epistle_n and_o such_o like_a book_n then_o they_o do_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v true_a belove_v there_o be_v excellent_a truth_n in_o those_o moral_a write_n of_o the_o heathen_a but_o yet_o they_o be_v far_o short_a of_o these_o sacred_a book_n those_o may_v comfort_v against_o outward_a trouble_n but_o not_o against_o inward_a fear_n they_o may_v rejoice_v the_o mind_n but_o can_v quiet_v the_o conscience_n they_o may_v kindle_v some_o flashy_a sparkle_n of_o joy_n but_o they_o can_v warm_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o last_a fire_n of_o solid_a consolation_n and_o true_o brethren_n if_o ever_o god_n give_v you_o a_o spiritual_a ear_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n aright_o you_o will_v then_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v no_o bell_n like_v to_o those_o of_o aaron_n no_o harp_n like_o to_o that_o of_o david_n natal_n no_o trumpet_n like_o to_o that_o of_o isaiahs_n no_o pipe_n like_o to_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o you_o will_v confess_v with_o petrus_n damianus_n that_o those_o write_n of_o heathen_a orator_n philosopher_n poet_n which_o former_o be_v so_o please_v be_v now_o dull_a and_o harsh_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o last_o let_v we_o so_o diligent_o read_v steadfast_o believe_v and_o obedient_o conform_v to_o these_o write_n that_o our_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a by_o they_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a what_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n say_v concern_v himself_o thy_o word_n be_v find_v and_o i_o do_v eat_v they_o and_o thy_o word_n be_v to_o i_o the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o my_o heart_n tilet_n the_o word_n cause_v in_o jeremy_n joy_n and_o rejoice_v that_o be_v a_o full_a joy_n but_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v by_o eat_v it_o so_o must_v we_o get_v comfort_n in_o the_o scripture_n by_o eat_v that_o be_v reading_z meditate_v and_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o let_v then_o that_o counsel_n which_o st._n ambrose_n give_v be_v acceptable_a to_o we_o eat_v and_o eat_v daily_o of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n that_o thy_o hunger_n may_v be_v satisfy_v and_o thy_o soul_n nourish_v to_o eternal_a life_n remember_v the_o advice_n which_o st._n hierom_n give_v whatever_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n other_o may_v take_v let_v our_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n final_o harken_v to_o the_o exhortation_n of_o drogo_fw-la hostiensis_fw-la let_v not_o the_o law_n depart_v from_o thy_o heart_n read_v and_o ponder_v again_o and_o again_o that_o thou_o may_v find_v the_o savour_n of_o this_o manna_n &_o with_o the_o bee_n suck_v the_o sweetness_n of_o these_o heavenly_a flower_n and_o yet_o more_o particular_o when_o thou_o be_v cast_v into_o any_o danger_n labour_v under_o any_o affliction_n make_v use_n of_o these_o write_n for_o thy_o comfort_n which_o be_v as_o st._n ambrose_n true_o style_v they_o the_o only_a refuge_n in_o all_o temptation_n excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o even_o of_o a_o roman_a bishop_n in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o the_o clergy_n do_v any_o one_o labour_n with_o ignorance_n these_o write_n be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o his_o path_n do_v we_o weep_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n here_o we_o may_v find_v that_o which_o will_v dry_v our_o eye_n and_o revive_v our_o spirit_n do_v thou_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n here_o be_v a_o fountain_n of_o pure_a water_n be_v thou_o spiritual_o hungry_a here_o be_v the_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n that_o can_v befall_v a_o christian_n 406._o to_o which_o these_o holy_a write_n do_v not_o afford_v a_o suitable_a and_o proportion_a consolation_n i_o end_v this_o therefore_o with_o allusion_n to_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n ibid._n with_o joy_n shall_v you_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n these_o well_n of_o salvation_n be_v evangelical_n truth_n so_o st._n hierome_n spiritual_a say_n so_o procoptus_fw-la oh_o let_v we_o by_o the_o bucket_n of_o faith_n draw_v the_o water_n of_o comfortable_a doctrine_n out_o of_o those_o well_n to_o the_o joy_n and_o solace_n of_o our_o heart_n i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v the_o first_o and_o most_o genuine_a read_n of_o this_o pronoun_n loc_n the_o other_o which_o the_o greek_a scholiast_n take_v notice_n of_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o pass_v by_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o pronoun_n of_o the_o first_o person_n since_o not_o only_o some_o greek_a copy_n but_o the_o syriack_n version_n also_o so_o render_v it_o that_o our_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a and_o thus_o as_o venerable_a bede_n observe_v upon_o these_o word_n it_o let_v we_o see_v
false_a and_o lie_v now_o belove_v search_v if_o you_o please_v the_o whole_a volume_n of_o sacred_a writ_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o genesis_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o find_v if_o you_o can_v any_o leaf_n in_o that_o book_n or_o any_o line_n in_o those_o leaf_n that_o speak_v the_o least_o word_n of_o peace_n or_o pardon_n or_o comfort_n or_o mercy_n from_o god_n to_o a_o man_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n live_v in_o wickedness_n nay_o indeed_o god_n have_v write_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o every_o such_o person_n 68.21_o non_fw-la est_fw-la tibi_fw-la pars_fw-la neque_fw-la sor_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o simon_n magus_n thou_o have_v neither_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o divine_a fellowship_n who_o walk_v in_o sinful_a course_n the_o lord_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v god_n to_o the_o wicked_a god_n will_v wound_v the_o hairy_a scalp_n of_o he_o that_o go_v on_o in_o his_o wickedness_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n this_o be_v the_o language_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v and_o the_o doom_n which_o the_o scripture_n pass_v on_o such_o a_o person_n &_o now_o tell_v i_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o palpable_a untruth_n then_o when_o god_n say_v no_o peace_n for_o man_n to_o say_v peace_n and_o for_o they_o to_o who_o god_n say_v depart_v to_o say_v they_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o 2._o to_o say_v that_o be_v which_o not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o can_v be_v be_v a_o lie_a falsehood_n who_o will_v not_o account_v he_o a_o liar_n that_o shall_v asâ—ert_v a_o thing_n actual_o exist_v which_o be_v not_o only_o improbable_a but_o impossible_a now_o for_o a_o man_n walk_v in_o darkness_n to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v all_o together_o impossible_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v clear_a in_o the_o context_n read_v but_o the_o end_n of_o the_o former_a verse_n with_o this_o and_o the_o inconsistency_n will_v be_v manifest_a because_o god_n be_v light_a and_o no_o darkness_n be_v in_o he_o therefore_o they_o who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n can_v have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o for_o as_o st._n paul_n put_v the_o question_n intend_v by_o it_o a_o vehement_a negation_n 6.14_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n and_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n we_o see_v in_o experience_n the_o darkness_n come_v not_o till_o the_o light_n be_v go_v when_o the_o light_n come_v the_o darkness_n vanish_v they_o can_v dwell_v together_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o philosophy_n because_o thing_n of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n do_v mutuò_fw-la se_fw-la tollere_fw-la mutual_o take_v a_o way_n each_o other_o indeed_o contrary_a quality_n may_v in_o remiss_a degree_n consist_v in_o the_o same_o subject_n but_o not_o in_o intense_a and_o when_o they_o do_v it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o with_o a_o pair_n of_o scale_n if_o one_o go_v up_o the_o other_o go_v down_o as_o one_o increase_v the_o other_o decrease_v now_o god_n be_v not_o only_o lightsome_a but_o light_n &_o such_o a_o light_n as_o be_v without_o the_o least_o darkness_n light_n in_o the_o abstract_n and_o that_o note_v the_o bright_a lustre_n whereas_o the_o wicked_a man_n walk_v in_o darkness_n yea_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n phrase_n concern_v the_o ephesian_n 6._o he_o be_v darkness_n in_o the_o abstract_n and_o that_o note_v the_o utmost_a darkness_n as_o soon_o then_o may_v the_o clear_a light_n &_o the_o thick_a darkness_n rest_n in_o the_o same_o place_n together_o as_o god_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n have_v fellowship_n together_o michael_n and_o the_o dragon_n can_v not_o agree_v in_o one_o heaven_n nor_o the_o ark_n and_o dagon_fw-mi in_o one_o house_n nor_o esau_n &_o jacob_n in_o one_o womb_n no_o more_o can_v god_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n agree_v a_o silly_a old_a hermit_n be_v sorry_a that_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n shall_v be_v at_o odds_o and_o will_v undertake_v to_o make_v they_o friend_n but_o the_o devil_n bid_v he_o spare_v his_o labour_n for_o they_o be_v everlasting_o fall_v out_o indeed_o god_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o not_o while_o he_o so_o continue_v you_o may_v as_o easy_o believe_v that_o fire_n and_o water_n peace_n and_o war_n purity_n and_o filthiness_n love_n and_o hatred_n truth_n and_o falsehood_n happiness_n and_o misery_n light_n and_o darkness_n can_v be_v make_v friend_n as_o that_o god_n can_v be_v at_o one_o with_o he_o who_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o contrariety_n between_o god_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v that_o as_o god_n hate_v the_o wicked_a so_o the_o wicked_a hate_v god_n darkness_n do_v not_o with_o more_o celerity_n fly_v from_o the_o light_n than_o unrighteousness_n from_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o only_o for_o this_o fellowship_n to_o be_v but_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o desire_v it_o be_v true_a many_o wicked_a man_n desire_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o imagination_n about_o heaven_n they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o place_n of_o felicity_n but_o not_o of_o sanctity_n they_o only_o fancy_v it_o a_o place_n of_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n but_o consider_v not_o that_o the_o pleasure_n be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n alas_o the_o society_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v a_o burden_n a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a he_o can_v be_v merry_a so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o company_n what_o then_o will_v be_v the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o holy_a god_n upon_o which_o account_n i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o if_o god_n shall_v let_v a_o wicked_a man_n into_o heaven_n heaven_n will_v be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o divine_a fellowship_n a_o torment_n to_o he_o by_o this_o time_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o falsehood_n write_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o sun_n beam_n and_o what_o just_a cause_n st._n john_n have_v to_o give_v they_o the_o lie_n mend_v who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n say_v they_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a untruth_n in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o material_a part_n of_o a_o lie_n 2._o but_o further_a in_o a_o lie_n not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o the_o form_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v this_o by_o the_o most_o be_v make_v a_o intention_n to_o deceive_v for_o so_o the_o definition_n usual_o run_v nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o be_v consecutiuè_a a_o essential_a property_n of_o and_o so_o annex_v to_o every_o lie_n yet_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v constitutiuè_fw-la the_o essential_a form_n of_o a_o lie_n it_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o assert_v a_o know_a faleshood_n so_o that_o to_o lie_v in_o its_o proper_a notion_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v intentional_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a if_o we_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v charge_v proper_o on_o the_o gross_a hypocrite_n who_o against_o the_o inward_a verdict_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n say_v this_o open_o to_o man_n that_o they_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n yea_o which_o make_v they_o perfect_a liar_n they_o say_v this_o on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v and_o cheat_v the_o purblind_a world_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o other_o what_o they_o know_v they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v that_o which_o one_o apt_o call_v not_o only_o dip_v but_o double_o dip_v hypocrisy_n and_o yet_o in_o asmuch_o as_o the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o whosoever_o will_v make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o it_o follow_v that_o even_o they_o who_o may_v in_o say_v this_o speak_v what_o they_o think_v be_v interpretative_o liar_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v wilful_o shut_v his_o eye_n and_o say_v the_o sun_n shine_v not_o will_v you_o account_v he_o any_o whit_n excusable_a for_o his_o not_o see_v or_o rather_o will_v you_o not_o adjudge_v he_o to_o tell_v a_o voluntary_a lie_n the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n here_o all_o who_o assert_v this_o be_v to_o use_v st._n peter_n phrase_n willing_o ignorant_a they_o can_v but_o know_v 3.5_o and_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o know_v the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o affect_a ignorance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v that_o it_o rather_o aggravate_v and_o therefore_o this_o brand_n of_o a_o liar_n most_o just_o rest_v on_o every_o one_o who_o walk_v in_o darkness_n say_v he_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o affirmative_a expression_n
before_o god_n by_o self_n accusation_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v his_o absolution_n those_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n life_n and_o death_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v not_o unfit_o morallize_v by_o one_o to_o this_o purpose_n if_o our_o tongue_n keep_v silence_n nothing_o but_o death_n to_o be_v expect_v iâ—_n they_o speak_v in_o humble_a acknowledgement_n life_n be_v assure_v this_o be_v the_o course_n of_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o court_n on_o earth_n as_o st._n chrisostome_n and_o other_o have_v observe_v with_o man_n confession_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o condemnation_n with_o god_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o remission_n he_o that_o do_v not_o conceal_v his_o offence_n from_o the_o judge_n be_v sure_o to_o suffer_v he_o that_o do_v endeavour_v to_o hide_v his_o sin_n from_o god_n shall_v sure_o suffer_v so_o the_o sentence_n be_v against_o the_o speechless_a offender_n take_v he_o bind_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n cast_v he_o into_o utter_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o inclusive_a condition_n such_o as_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v find_v the_o benefit_n be_v certain_o confer_v this_o supposition_n may_v true_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o position_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o godwill_v forgive_v thâ—_n who_o confess_v their_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o an_o it_o may_v be_v god_n will_v forgive_v or_o a_o who_o know_v but_o he_o will_v forgive_v but_o a_o sure_o he_o will_v forgive_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o possibility_n or_o probability_n but_o a_o certainty_n of_o remission_n to_o confess_v sinner_n st._n bernard_n to_o this_o purpose_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o book_n which_o god_n keep_v as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o say_v apposite_o quod_fw-la ibi_fw-la serâ—bit_fw-la transgressio_fw-la delet_fw-la confessio_fw-la what_o sin_n write_v in_o confession_n blot_v out_o of_o thaet_fw-la bookâ—_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v god_n himself_o prescribe_v this_o as_o the_o ready_a wâ—y_n to_o forgiveness_n his_o minister_n assure_v pardon_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o so_o nathan_n do_v david_n yea_o sinner_n actual_o obtain_v pardon_n upon_o this_o so_o do_v david_n and_o the_o prodigal_n &_o which_o be_v observable_a 15.18_o in_o both_o those_o penitent_n god_n remission_n seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o prevent_v their_o confession_n and_o interpose_v itself_o between_o the_o purpose_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o david_n only_o say_v he_o will_v confess_v and_o god_n forgive_v and_o the_o prodigal_n say_v i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v and_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o great_a way_n the_o father_n run_v to_o meet_v he_o eucher_n and_o now_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v we_o have_v set_v upon_o this_o course_n but_o not_o yet_o find_v this_o comfort_n we_o have_v confess_v our_o sin_n and_o they_o be_v not_o at_o least_o in_o our_o apprehension_n forgive_v i_o answer_v perhaps_o thou_o have_v not_o be_v serious_a and_o ingenious_a in_o thy_o confession_n thou_o have_v confess_v some_o sin_n but_o not_o all_o or_o thy_o confession_n have_v not_o be_v so_o cordial_a and_o penitent_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o no_o wonder_n if_o fail_v in_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o the_o condition_n thou_o do_v not_o find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o if_o thy_o endeavour_n have_v be_v sincere_a in_o confess_v thou_o must_v then_o distinguish_v between_o the_o real_a condonation_n and_o the_o sensible_a manifestation_n thy_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v in_o heaven_n and_o yet_o not_o in_o thy_o conscience_n as_o god_n many_o time_n hear_v prayer_n and_o yet_o the_o petitioner_n find_v no_o answer_n so_o he_o pardon_v sin_n to_o the_o penitent_a and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o know_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o still_o it_o remain_v as_o a_o truth_n remission_n be_v undoubted_o annex_v to_o confession_n tantum_fw-la valent_fw-la tres_fw-la syllabae_fw-la peccavi_fw-la say_v st._n austin_n of_o so_o great_a force_n be_v those_o three_o syllable_n 41._o in_o the_o latin_a three_o word_n in_o the_o english_a when_o utter_v with_o a_o contrite_a heart_n i_o have_v sin_v to_o obtain_v forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o end_v this_o therefore_o and_o so_o dismiss_v the_o first_o general_n of_o the_o text_n what_o a_o engagement_n and_o encouragement_n shall_v this_o be_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n 1_o the_o necessity_n shall_v engage_v we_o may_v pardon_n be_v have_v upon_o any_o other_o term_n this_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o but_o it_o can_v be_v there_o be_v not_o only_a necessitas_fw-la praecepti_fw-la a_o necessity_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o command_n though_o true_o god_n bare_a command_n be_v a_o sufficient_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o tertullian_n account_v it_o boldness_n to_o dispute_v of_o the_o good_a of_o repentance_n penitent_a when_o as_o we_o have_v a_o precept_n enjoin_v it_o but_o there_o be_v necessitas_fw-la medii_fw-la a_o necessity_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o end_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n or_o way_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v since_o by_o conceal_v of_o and_o indulge_v to_o our_o sin_n we_o exclude_v god_n indulgence_n 2._o the_o utility_n shall_v encourage_v we_o be_v it_o only_a god_n honour_n which_o be_v hereby_o advance_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o prevail_a motive_n confession_n of_o sin_n though_o it_o publish_v the_o ill_a quality_n of_o the_o peccant_a yet_o it_o have_v this_o good_a quality_n that_o it_o ascribe_v to_o god_n his_o divine_a attribute_n omniscience_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hide_v from_o he_o that_o see_v already_o mercy_n since_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o make_v confession_n where_o we_o conceive_v no_o compassion_n justice_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v may_v utter_o consume_v we_o patience_n which_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n that_o vengeance_n do_v not_o present_o follow_v our_o sin_n final_o power_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o fly_v from_o he_o but_o to_o go_v to_o he_o in_o humble_a confession_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o est_fw-la confessio_fw-la laudantis_fw-la et_fw-la gementis_fw-la there_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o thankful_a â—1_n &_o of_o the_o sorrowful_a nay_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o confession_n of_o praise_n yea_o bis_fw-la deum_fw-la laudamus_fw-la ubi_fw-la pie_n nos_fw-la accusamus_fw-la by_o take_v shame_n to_o our_o self_n we_o give_v double_a glory_n to_o god_n but_o if_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n will_v not_o induce_v we_o yet_o love_v to_o ourselves_o shall_v oblige_v we_o since_o as_o it_o be_v god_n honour_n so_o it_o be_v our_o comfort_n he_o have_v the_o glory_n we_o have_v the_o good_a he_o be_v the_o praise_n we_o be_v the_o profit_n we_o be_v true_o entitle_v to_o &_o qualify_v for_o the_o blessing_n of_o remission_n for_o this_o reason_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n strive_v what_o he_o can_v of_o all_o duty_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o this_o of_o confession_n lupus_fw-la apprehendit_fw-la guttur_fw-la ovis_fw-la summ._n the_o wolf_n catch_v at_o the_o throat_n of_o the_o sheep_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n aim_v to_o stop_v our_o confession_n concionat_fw-la because_o he_o know_v how_o advantageous_a the_o performance_n of_o it_o will_v be_v unto_o we_o indeed_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o accuse_v ourselves_o that_o he_o may_v accuse_v we_o but_o according_a to_o st._n ambrose_n his_o council_n praeveni_fw-la accusatorem_fw-la tuum_fw-la 35._o let_v we_o be_v wise_a to_o prevent_v he_o and_o the_o moâ—e_n he_o dissuade_v we_o from_o let_v we_o with_o the_o great_a fervency_n set_v upon_o this_o duty_n which_o as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n because_o it_o exalt_v his_o glory_n so_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o we_o in_o obtain_v our_o pardon_n nor_o let_v we_o only_o be_v engage_v and_o encourage_v to_o the_o duty_n itself_o but_o to_o the_o râ—ght_a manner_n of_o performance_n it_o be_v that_o upon_o which_o as_o it_o be_v our_o everlasting_a comfort_n depend_v and_o therefore_o how_o careful_a shall_v we_o be_v so_o to_o manage_v it_o as_o we_o may_v not_o miss_v of_o our_o comfort_n will_v thou_o then_o that_o god_n shall_v ignoscere_fw-la cover_n do_v thou_o agnoscere_fw-la discover_v thy_o sin_n will_v thou_o have_v no_o sin_n unpardoned_a let_v no_o sin_n be_v unconfess_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v god_n impute_v thy_o sin_n to_o thou_o do_v thou_o charge_v they_o upon_o thyself_o will_v thou_o have_v god_n to_o spare_v thou_o do_v not_o spare_v thy_o sin_n will_v thou_o speed_v well_o in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n tell_v the_o worst_a tale_n thou_o can_v against_o thyself_o will_v thou_o have_v he_o free_o to_o forgive_v do_v
confession_n our_o prayer_n our_o tear_n our_o purpose_n may_v be_v hypocritical_a it_o be_v our_o actual_a forsake_v of_o sin_n which_o evidence_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n true_a repentance_n do_v not_o only_o decline_v the_o accusative_a case_n by_o acknowledge_v sin_n num._n and_o the_o vocative_n by_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o pardon_n but_o the_o ablative_a by_o put_v sin_n away_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o origen_n phrase_n as_o it_o heal_v those_o wound_n that_o have_v be_v make_v so_o it_o take_v care_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o wound_v again_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o great_a mistake_n of_o very_a many_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o general_a confess_v sin_n and_o formal_a ask_n of_o pardon_n and_o still_o they_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n but_o alas_o this_o be_v only_o fingere_fw-la not_o agere_fw-la poenitentiam_fw-la to_o pretend_v not_o practice_n penitence_n optima_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la vita_fw-la nova_fw-la the_o repentance_n of_o the_o life_n by_o die_v to_o sin_n be_v the_o very_a lâ—fe_n of_o repentance_n 3._o last_o in_o the_o eight_o verse_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n our_o apostle_n say_v if_o we_o in_o which_o number_n he_o includeâ—_n himself_o and_o consequent_o the_o holy_a man_n say_v we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o yet_o here_o he_o write_v to_o they_o not_o to_o sin_n two_o clause_n which_o seem_v irreconcilable_a but_o may_v be_v solve_v up_o by_o a_o double_a answer_n either_o thus_o sin_v not_o that_o be_v endeavour_n that_o you_o may_v not_o sin_v at_o all_o hereafter_o though_o this_o can_v be_v the_o event_n let_v it_o be_v your_o intent_n the_o success_n let_v it_o be_v your_o design_n in_o execution_n let_v it_o be_v in_o intention_n sin_v not_o say_v bede_n that_o be_v let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o add_v to_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o flesh_n by_o our_o neglect_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o strive_v to_o the_o utmost_a we_o can_v that_o we_o may_v be_v free_a from_o all_o sin_n loâ—_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v calvin_n glisse_n when_o he_o say_v by_o not_o sin_v he_o mean_v that_o as_o far_o as_o humane_a weakness_n will_v permit_v we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n 2._o or_o thus_o sin_v not_o that_o be_v be_v sure_a you_o sin_v not_o the_o futuro_fw-la again_o as_o you_o do_v the_o preterito_fw-la in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o unregeneracy_n as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v though_o you_o can_v but_o sin_n still_o yet_o sin_v not_o so_o as_o you_o do_v before_o to_o enlarge_v this_o in_o a_o double_a reference_n 1._o quoad_fw-la genus_fw-la not_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n sin_n not_o that_o be_v beware_v of_o those_o gross_a sin_n scarlet_a iniquity_n in_o which_o before_o you_o live_v and_o thus_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o regenerate_a person_n may_v commit_v some_o great_a sin_n in_o which_o he_o former_o wallow_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o he_o whole_o to_o avoid_v sin_n of_o that_o nature_n nay_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v of_o we_o that_o though_o our_o garment_n will_v be_v spot_v yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v rend_v in_o piece_n and_o though_o we_o can_v be_v without_o fail_n yet_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v without_o scandalous_a fall_n 2._o quoad_fw-la modum_fw-la not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o before_o you_o do_v not_o with_o that_o fullness_n of_o deliberation_n freeness_n of_o consent_n strength_n of_o resolution_n frequency_n of_o action_n which_o you_o sin_v with_o in_o time_n past_a we_o can_v but_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v not_o delight_v in_o give_v up_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v david_n prayer_n keep_v back_o thy_o servant_n from_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v every_o good_a man_n practice_n 19.12_o to_o keep_v himself_o by_o god_n grace_n from_o sin_v presumptuous_o and_o thus_o much_o shall_v serve_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o matter_n proceed_v we_o now_o to_o the_o motive_n enforce_v this_o admonition_n â—_o and_o that_o be_v because_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o writing_n these_o thing_n the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o lie_v in_o the_o various_a reference_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n here_o speak_v of_o indeed_o we_o may_v very_o well_o understand_v it_o both_o in_o a_o general_n and_o a_o particular_a reference_n 1_o it_o may_v have_v a_o general_a respect_n to_o the_o whole_a epistle_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o principal_a end_n why_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n that_o he_o may_v take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o thus_o here_o be_v intimate_v both_o finis_fw-la scribentis_fw-la and_o finis_fw-la scripturae_fw-la the_o end_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o writing_n and_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o their_z not_o sin_v 1._o i_o write_v these_o thing_n that_o you_o sin_v not_o that_o be_v his_o aim_n and_o scope_n in_o his_o writing_n nor_o be_v it_o only_o he_o but_o that_o which_o all_o the_o man_n of_o god_n in_o all_o their_o write_n and_o preach_n aim_v at_o and_o therefore_o you_o still_o find_v they_o harp_v upon_o that_o string_n repent_v and_o shoot_v their_o fork_a arrow_n at_o sin_n 13.18_o indeed_o the_o false_a prophet_n as_o god_n complain_v by_o jeremy_n do_v strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o evil_a doer_n but_o the_o true_a prophet_n endeavour_n be_v to_o restrain_v they_o the_o false_a prophet_n as_o ezechiel_n phrase_n be_v do_v sow_v pillow_n under_o their_o armhole_n but_o the_o true_a pluck_v they_o away_o go_v up_o and_o prosper_v be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lie_a prophet_n to_o ahab_n if_o thou_o return_v in_o peace_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v by_o i_o say_v micaiah_n 12.28_o flatter_v minister_n lull_v the_o people_n asleep_o but_o faithful_a one_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sin_n oh_o let_v we_o herein_o approve_v ourselves_o sincere_a by_o strike_v at_o and_o labour_v to_o beat_v down_o sin_n in_o all_o our_o discourse_n loc_n 2._o these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o that_o he_o write_v nor_o be_v it_o only_o the_o end_n of_o he_o but_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v we_o among_o other_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v not_o sin_v if_o we_o look_v into_o holy_a writ_n we_o shall_v find_v precept_n reproof_n threaten_n promise_n history_n and_o sin_v not_o be_v that_o to_o which_o they_o all_o tend_v the_o precept_n be_v clear_a as_o glass_n to_o discover_v sin_n the_o reproof_n as_o faithful_a monitor_n to_o mind_v we_o of_o sin_n the_o threat_n as_o strong_a cord_n to_o bind_v we_o from_o sin_n the_o promise_n as_o gentle_a antidote_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o history_n as_o memorable_a monument_n of_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o sin_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o god_n word_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o fire_n which_o purge_v away_o the_o dross_n to_o water_v which_o cleanse_v away_o the_o filth_n 4.13_o and_o to_o a_o sword_n with_o a_o double_a edge_n the_o one_o whereof_o be_v to_o cut_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o other_o to_o cut_v sin_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n oh_o my_o brethren_n as_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o those_o sacred_a penman_n so_o let_v they_o be_v read_v hear_v ponder_v and_o observe_v by_o we_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v not_o sin_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v in_o god_n book_n that_o we_o may_v not_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v not_o err_v the_o psalmist_n propose_v it_o to_o young_a man_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o a_o excellent_a help_n against_o sin_n 119.9_o wherewith_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n and_o present_o after_o he_o set_v down_o a_o probatum_fw-la est_fw-la from_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o experience_n i_o have_v hide_v thy_o word_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o thou_o 11._o when_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o any_o sin_n let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o brook_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o thence_o choose_v out_o five_o smooth_a stone_n a_o precept_n a_o reproof_n a_o threat_n a_o promise_n a_o history_n put_v we_o they_o in_o the_o scrip_n of_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o throw_v they_o with_o the_o sling_n of_o faith_n against_o the_o forehead_n of_o goliath_n our_o lust_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v so_o shall_v we_o be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o we_o sin_v not_o beside_o thl_v general_a there_o may_v be_v a_o more_o particular_a