unveil_v and_o appear_v what_o they_o be_v indeed_o before_o man_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o poor_a thing_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o applaud_v by_o man_n while_o god_n condemn_v to_o who_o sentence_n all_o man_n must_v stand_v or_o fall_v oh_o seek_v to_o be_v approve_v and_o justify_v by_o he_o and_o then_o who_o shall_v condemn_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n who_o do_v how_o easy_o may_v we_o bear_v the_o mistake_n and_o dislike_v of_o all_o the_o world_n if_o he_o declare_v himself_o well-pleased_a with_o we_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n for_o i_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n or_o man_n day_n he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o these_o evil_n be_v here_o particular_o to_o be_v put_v off_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_n and_o profitable_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n lay_v aside_a desire_v look_n to_o that_o which_o follow_v and_o be_v special_o so_o to_o be_v consider_v there_o be_v this_o double_a task_n in_o religion_n when_o a_o man_n enter_v to_o it_o he_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v teach_v true_a wisdom_n but_o he_o be_v withal_o yea_o first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v untaught_a the_o error_n and_o wickedness_n that_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v not_o only_o learn_v by_o the_o corrupt_a conversation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o bring_v the_o seed_n of_o they_o into_o the_o world_n with_o he_o and_o they_o improve_v and_o grow_v indeed_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o that_o example_n that_o be_v round_o about_o a_o man_n but_o they_o be_v original_o in_o our_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v now_o they_o be_v connaturall_a to_o we_o beside_o continual_a custom_n which_o be_v another_o nature_n there_o be_v none_o come_v to_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n suit_v the_o philosopher_n word_n ut_fw-la taâ—ula_fw-la rasa_fw-la as_o blank_a paper_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o scribbled_a and_o blur_v with_o such_o base_a habit_n as_o these_o malice_n hypocrisy_n envy_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o first_o work_n be_v to_o raze_v out_o these_o to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o heart_n from_o these_o blott_n those_o foul_a character_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o both_o begin_v and_o follow_v forth_o this_o work_n draws_z the_o lineament_n of_o that_o divine_a image_n on_o the_o soul_n therefore_o to_o the_o receive_v this_o word_n aright_o and_o this_o proper_a effect_n by_o it_o the_o conform_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o true_a growth_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n this_o be_v prerequire_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o be_v purge_v of_o these_o such_o and_o like_a impurity_n malice_n hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o profitable_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o while_o they_o possess_v and_o rule_v the_o soul_n it_o can_v at_o all_o embrace_v those_o divine_a truth_n while_o it_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o guest_n there_o be_v no_o room_n to_o entertain_v the_o word_n they_o can_v dwell_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a nature_n the_o word_n will_v not_o mix_v with_o thâ—se_a the_o save_a mixture_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o give_v the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o unprofitable_a hear_v the_o word_n heb._n 4.2_o the_o mix_n of_o it_o with_o say_v for_o by_o that_o the_o word_n be_v concoct_v into_o the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n unite_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o mix_v with_o it_o by_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n expression_n import_v that_o be_v the_o proper_a mixture_n it_o require_v but_o with_o these_o quality_n here_o mention_v it_o will_v not_o mix_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n betwixt_o they_o as_o strong_a as_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o agree_v and_o mingle_v together_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a than_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o and_o those_o evil_a speaking_n than_o the_o word_n that_o be_v of_o such_o excellent_a sweetness_n and_o the_o bitter_a word_n of_o a_o malignant_a tongue_n than_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o word_n full_a of_o deadly_a poison_n for_o so_o slander_n and_o diffaming_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v and_o be_v not_o all_o malice_n and_o envy_v most_o opposite_a to_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o message_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n how_o can_v the_o gall_n of_o malice_n and_o this_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v hypâ—crisie_n and_o guile_n stand_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o name_n of_o this_o word_n that_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o here_o the_o very_a word_n show_v this_o contrariety_n sincere_a milk_n and_o a_o double_a unsincere_a mind_n these_o two_o be_v necessary_a condition_n of_o good_a nourishment_n 1._o that_o the_o â—ood_n be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a 2._o that_o the_o inward_a constitution_n of_o they_o that_o use_v it_o be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o this_o fail_v the_o other_o profit_n not_o this_o sincere_a milk_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a nourishment_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n nor_o undue_a quality_n in_o it_o but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o hearer_n be_v inward_o unwholesome_a disease_v with_o the_o evil_n here_o mention_v and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o therefore_o either_o have_v no_o kind_n of_o appetite_n to_o the_o word_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o feed_v upon_o such_o trash_n as_o suit_n with_o their_o distemper_n as_o some_o kind_n of_o disease_n incline_v those_o that_o have_v they_o to_o eat_v coal_n or_o lime_n etc._n etc._n or_o if_o they_o be_v any_o way_n desirous_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o seem_v to_o feed_v on_o it_o yet_o the_o noxious_a humour_n that_o abound_v in_o they_o make_v it_o altogether_o unprofitable_a and_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o it_o as_o this_o evil_a of_o malice_n and_o envy_v so_o ordinary_a among_o man_n and_o which_o be_v most_o strange_a among_o christian_n as_o a_o overflow_a of_o the_o gaul_n possess_v their_o whole_a mind_n and_o not_o only_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o the_o word_n they_o hear_v but_o be_v the_o worse_a by_o it_o their_o disease_n be_v feed_v by_o it_o as_o a_o unwholesome_a stomach_n turn_v the_o best_a meat_n it_o receive_v into_o that_o bad_a humour_n that_o abound_v in_o it_o do_v not_o they_o thus_o that_o observe_v what_o the_o word_n say_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o fail_n of_o other_o and_o speak_v malicious_o and_o uncharitable_o of_o they_o and_o vent_v themselves_o as_o be_v too_o common_a this_o word_n meet_v well_o with_o such_o a_o one_o fault_n and_o this_o with_o another_o be_v not_o this_o to_o feed_v these_o disease_n of_o malice_n envy_n and_o evill-speakings_a with_o this_o pure_a milk_n and_o make_v they_o grow_v in_o stead_n of_o grow_v by_o it_o ourselves_o in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n thus_o likewise_o the_o hypocrite_n turn_v all_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o this_o word_n not_o to_o the_o inward_a renovation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o redress_v what_o be_v amiss_o there_o but_o only_o to_o the_o compose_n of_o his_o outward_a carriage_n and_o to_o enable_v himself_o to_o act_v his_o part_n better_a to_o be_v cunning_a in_o his_o own_o faculty_n a_o more_o refine_a and_o expert_a hypocrite_n not_o to_o grow_v more_o a_o christian_n in_o deed_n but_o more_o in_o appearance_n only_o and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a needful_a advertisement_n see_v these_o evil_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n and_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v purge_v out_o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v be_v profitable_o receive_v a_o very_a like_o exhortation_n to_o this_o have_v the_o apostle_n s_o james_n and_o some_o of_o the_o same_o word_n but_o in_o another_o methapor_n jam._n 1.21_o wherefore_o lie_v apart_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n he_o compare_v the_o word_n to_o a_o plant_n of_o excellent_a virtue_n the_o very_a tree_n of_o life_n the_o word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n but_o the_o only_a soil_n wherein_o it_o will_v grow_v be_v a_o heart_n full_a of_o meekness_n a_o heart_n that_o be_v purge_v of_o those_o luxuriant_a weed_n that_o grow_v so_o rank_a in_o it_o by_o nature_n they_o pluck_v up_o and_o throw_v they_o out_o to_o make_v place_n for_o this_o
be_v first_o impress_v on_o the_o mind_n hence_o flow_v out_o pleasant_a obedience_n and_o full_a of_o love_n hence_o all_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n with_o its_o member_n learn_v to_o give_v a_o willing_a obedience_n and_o submit_v unto_o god_n whereas_o before_o they_o resist_v he_o be_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o satan_n this_o obedience_n though_o imperfect_a yet_o have_v a_o certain_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v imperfect_a perfection_n it_o be_v universal_a three_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o subject_n 2._o in_o the_o object_n 3._o in_o the_o duration_n the_o whole_a man_n subject_v to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o constant_o and_o persevere_o the_o first_o universality_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o tongue_n alone_o or_o in_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o have_v its_o root_n in_o the_o heart_n therefore_o do_v not_o wither_v as_o the_o grass_n or_o flower_n lie_v on_o the_o superfice_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o it_o flourish_v because_o root_v and_o therefore_o it_o embrace_v the_o whole_a law_n because_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o reverence_n it_o have_v for_o the_o lawgiver_n himself_o reverence_n i_o say_v but_o temper_v with_o love_n hence_o it_o account_v no_o law_n nor_o command_n little_a or_o of_o small_a value_n which_o be_v from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v great_a and_o high_o esteem_v by_o the_o pious_a heart_n no_o command_n hard_a though_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o love_n there_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o all_o as_o st._n james_n divine_o argue_v and_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o golden_a chain_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n which_o if_o break_v in_o any_o link_n all_o fall_v a_o piece_n that_o this_o three_o fold_n perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o a_o picture_n draw_v by_o fancy_n be_v evident_a in_o david_n psal._n 119._o where_o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n his_o foot_n v_o 105._o his_o mouth_n v_o 13._o his_o heart_n v._n 11._o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o life_n v_o 24._o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n v_o 6._o and_o he_o profess_v his_o constancy_n therein_o in_o v_o 16._o and_o 33._o teach_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v then_o a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o their_o high_a cause_n and_o the_o happy_a way_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o possess_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o know_v they_o in_o experience_n to_o such_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o estate_n be_v that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o justify_v the_o near_a cause_n of_o both_o these_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o his_o blood_n purify_v they_o from_o guiltiness_n and_o quicken_v they_o to_o obedience_n now_o follow_v to_o consider_v the_o appropriate_v or_o apply_v cause_o the_o holy_a and_o holy_a make_n or_o sanctify_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o their_o select_v from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_a call_n unto_o grace_n the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o appoint_v or_o decree_a cause_n be_v god_n the_o father_n for_o though_o they_o all_o work_n equal_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o work_v we_o be_v teach_v thus_o to_o distinguish_v and_o particular_o to_o ascribe_v the_o first_o work_n of_o eternal_a election_n to_o the_o first_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o or_o through_o sanctification_n for_o to_o render_v it_o elect_v to_o the_o sanctification_n be_v strain_v so_o than_o i_o conceive_v this_o election_n be_v their_o effectual_a call_v which_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 26.27.28_o where_o vocation_n and_o election_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a after_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n the_o beginning_n of_o its_o performance_n in_o these_o that_o be_v elect_v and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o real_a separate_n of_o man_n from_o the_o profane_a and_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o appropriate_a and_o consecrate_v of_o a_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o relation_n to_o election_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o well_o bear_v that_o name_n rom._n 8.28.30_o act._n 2.47_o &_o 13.48_o joh._n 15.19_o sanctification_n in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n as_o distinguish_v fâ—om_n justification_n signify_v the_o inherent_a holiness_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o his_o inclinement_n and_o innablement_n to_o obedience_n mention_v in_o this_o verse_n but_o it_o be_v here_o more_o large_a and_o so_o extend_v with_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o renovation_n and_o be_v the_o sever_n and_o separate_n of_o man_n to_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n draw_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v justification_n as_o here_o and_o the_o first_o work_v of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v justify_v through_o its_o apprehend_n and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ._n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n call_v man_n external_o and_o by_o that_o eternal_a call_n prevail_v with_o many_o to_o a_o external_n receive_v and_o profess_v of_o religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v alone_o it_o go_v no_o further_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n and_o effectual_a call_n joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v do_v when_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o subject_n of_o this_o work_n and_o it_o be_v but_o slight_a false_a work_n that_o begin_v not_o there_o but_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o efficient_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o subject_a of_o this_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o place_n pray_v to_o the_o father_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v his_o own_o by_o that_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a mean_n in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v then_o a_o prevail_a mean_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o sword_n and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n fit_a to_o divide_v yea_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o without_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n hand_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o this_o cut_n and_o divide_v the_o word_n call_v but_o the_o spirit_n draw_v not_o sever_v from_o that_o word_n but_o work_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n to_o draw_v a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o strong_a chain_n of_o satan_n and_o out_o of_o the_o please_a entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o its_o own_o natural_a perverseness_n to_o yield_v up_o itself_o unto_o god_n to_o deny_v itself_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o in_o so_o do_v to_o run_v against_o the_o main_a stream_n and_o the_o current_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n without_o and_o corruption_n within_o the_o strong_a rhetoric_n the_o most_o move_a and_o persuasive_a way_n of_o discourse_n be_v all_o too_o weak_a the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o soul_n to_o free_v itself_o and_o shake_v off_o all_o that_o detein_v it_o although_o it_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o yet_o still_o it_o can_v and_o will_v hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o say_v non_fw-la persuadebis_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la persuaseris_fw-la the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o pluck_v any_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o world_n and_o set_v it_o in_o among_o the_o select_a number_n of_o believer_n only_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n have_v absolute_a command_n of_o spirit_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n
the_o safe_a possession_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n when_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o adversary_n and_o adverse_a accident_n no_o more_o subject_v to_o those_o evil_n that_o be_v its_o own_o proper_o namely_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n and_o sad_a defection_n nor_o yet_o subject_a to_o those_o other_o evil_n it_o endure_v by_o society_n with_o the_o body_n outward_a distress_n and_o affliction_n persecution_n poverty_n disease_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v call_v salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o exclude_v the_o body_n from_o the_o society_n of_o that_o glory_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o reunite_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o because_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o itself_o a_o immortal_a substance_n and_o both_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n of_o man_n and_o the_o prime_n subject_a both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o because_o it_o arrive_v first_o at_o that_o blessedness_n and_o for_o a_o time_n leave_v the_o body_n in_o the_o dust_n to_o do_v homage_n to_o its_o original_a therefore_o it_o be_v only_o name_v here_o but_o jesus_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n too_o and_o he_o shall_v at_o his_o come_n change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v they_o like_o his_o glorious_a body_n the_o end_n end_v or_o reward_v for_o it_o be_v both_o it_o be_v the_o end_n either_o at_o which_o faith_n aim_v or_o wherein_o it_o cease_v it_o be_v the_o reward_n not_o of_o their_o work_n nor_o of_o faith_n as_o a_o work_n deserve_v it_o but_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n first_o work_v in_o his_o own_o and_o then_o reward_n as_o if_o it_o be_v their_o work_n and_o this_o salvation_n or_o fruition_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o proper_a reward_n of_o faith_n which_o believe_v in_o he_o unseen_a and_o so_o obtain_v that_o happy_a sight_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o thou_o see_v not_o and_o the_o reward_n of_o faith_n to_o see_v what_o thou_o have_v believe_v this_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v it_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hold_v good_a then_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v he_o be_v make_v sure_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o they_o be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o soon_o may_v the_o river_n run_v backward_o and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o heaven_n change_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v dissolve_v than_o any_o one_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n can_v be_v sever_v from_o he_o and_o so_o fall_v short_a of_o salvation_n hope_v for_o in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o rejoice_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v he_o have_v none_o of_o that_o faculty_n by_o which_o they_o be_v discern_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n betwixt_o those_o thing_n and_o nature_n high_a capacity_n it_o can_v work_v beyond_o its_o sphere_n speak_v to_o the_o natural_a man_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a grief_n the_o sense_n of_o guiltiness_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n displeasure_n or_o the_o hide_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o the_o soul_n these_o thing_n stir_v not_o he_o he_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v speak_v to_o he_o again_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o arise_v hence_o he_o be_v no_o less_o stranger_n to_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v mourn_v to_o he_o and_o he_o lament_v not_o pipe_n to_o he_o and_o he_o dance_v not_o mat._n 11._o but_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n in_o those_o thing_n though_o they_o seem_v folly_n and_o nonsense_n to_o the_o foolish_a world_n and_o this_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o she_o own_o child_n have_v say_v somewhat_o already_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o here_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o consider_v those_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o joy_n arise_v from_o those_o cause_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o joy_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v there_o be_v here_o a_o solid_a sufficient_a good_a and_o the_o heart_n make_v sure_a of_o it_o be_v partly_o put_v in_o present_a possession_n of_o it_o and_o in_o a_o most_o certain_a hope_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o require_v to_o make_v it_o joyful_a jesus_n christ_n the_o treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n receive_v and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v not_o christ_n the_o light_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o nation_n such_o a_o light_n as_o abraham_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o many_o age_n of_o more_o than_o two_o thousand_o year_n yet_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o see_v rejoice_v beside_o this_o brightness_n that_o make_v light_v a_o joyful_a object_n light_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n put_v for_o joy_n christ_n this_o light_n bring_v salvation_n with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o there_o be_v heal_n under_o his_o wing_n i_o bring_v you_o say_v the_o angel_n good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n that_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n and_o their_o song_n have_v in_o it_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o joy_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o men._n but_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v find_v he_o we_o otherwise_o the_o more_o excellent_a he_o be_v the_o more_o cause_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v sad_a while_o it_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o he_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v say_v the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o god_n my_o saviour_n thus_o 1._o joh._n 1.3_o have_v speak_v of_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n he_o add_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a faith_n work_v this_o joy_n by_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o apply_v his_o merit_n and_o from_o that_o application_n arise_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o that_o load_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n be_v remove_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o soul_n find_v itself_o lighten_v and_o unload_v of_o that_o burden_n that_o be_v sink_v it_o to_o hell_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o leap_v for_o joy_n in_o the_o ease_n and_o refreshment_n it_o find_v therefore_o that_o psalm_n that_o david_n begin_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n he_o end_v it_o with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o rejoice_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v psal._n 32.1_o thus_o he_o begin_v but_o he_o end_v vers_fw-la 11._o be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o rejoice_v you_o righteous_a and_o shout_n for_o joy_n all_o you_o that_o be_v â—pright_o in_o heart_n s._n peter_n speak_v to_o his_o hearer_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act._n 2.38_o and_o verse_n 41._o it_o be_v add_v they_o receive_v his_o word_n glad_o and_o our_o saviour_n join_v these_o two_o together_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o thus_o isaiah_n 61.1_o good_a tiding_n of_o liberty_n to_o captive_n be_v proclaim_v and_o a_o notable_a change_n there_o be_v of_o their_o estate_n who_o mourn_v in_o zion_n give_v they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n and_o the_o garment_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n think_v with_o what_o joy_n the_o long_o imprison_a debtor_n drown_v in_o debt_n receive_v a_o full_a discharge_n and_o his_o liberty_n or_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n the_o news_n of_o his_o pardon_n and_o this_o will_v somewhat_o resemble_v it_o but_o yet_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o the_o joy_n that_o faith_n bring_v by_o bring_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o believe_a soul_n be_v not_o only_o a_o debtor_n acquit_v and_o set_v free_a but_o enrich_v beside_o with_o a_o new_a and_o great_a estate_n not_o only_o a_o pardon_v malefactor_n but_o withal_o high_o prefer_v and_o advance_v to_o honour_n have_v a_o right_a by_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o be_v receive_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o unto_o the_o dignity_n of_o sonship_n take_v from_o the_o dunghill_n
tribulation_n say_v st._n paul_n and_o here_o our_o apostle_n insist_o on_o that_o to_o verify_v the_o subsistence_n of_o this_o joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a affliction_n 4._o spiritual_a grief_n that_o seem_v most_o opposite_a to_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n prejudge_v it_o not_o for_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a delight_n and_o sweetness_n in_o the_o tear_n of_o repentance_n a_o balm_n in_o they_o that_o refresh_v the_o soul_n and_o even_o their_o sad_a kind_n of_o mourning_n viz._n the_o dark_a time_n of_o desertion_n have_v this_o in_o it_o that_o be_v some_o way_n sweet_a that_o those_o mourning_n after_o their_o belove_a who_o absent_v himself_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o their_o love_n to_o he_o and_o a_o true_a evidence_n of_o it_o and_o then_o all_o these_o spiritual_a sorrow_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o be_v turn_v into_o spiritual_a joy_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o they_o they_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n that_o way_n 5._o but_o the_o natural_a man_n still_o doubt_n of_o this_o joy_n we_o speak_v of_o because_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v so_o little_a of_o it_o from_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o have_v it_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v best_a right_n to_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wretchedness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o especial_o the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o wonder_v though_o this_o their_o joy_n retire_v much_o inward_a and_o appear_v little_a abroad_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o so_o few_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o pecus_fw-la to_o who_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o vent_v it_o again_o we_o see_v here_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a it_o be_v a_o poor_a thing_n if_o he_o that_o have_v it_o can_v tell_v it_o all_o out_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v most_o of_o it_o than_o it_o remain_v most_o within_o itself_o and_o be_v so_o inward_o take_v up_o with_o it_o that_o possible_o it_o can_v then_o least_o of_o all_o express_v it_o it_o be_v with_o joy_n as_o they_o say_v of_o care_n and_o grief_n leves_fw-la loquuntur_fw-la ingentes_fw-la stupent_fw-la sen._n the_o deep_a water_n run_v still_a true_a joy_n be_v a_o solid_a grave_a thing_n dwell_v more_o in_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o countenance_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a base_a and_o false_a joy_n be_v but_o superficial_a skin-deep_a as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o face_n think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v with_o the_o godly_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o they_o and_o the_o lxx_o read_v it_o no_z joy._n certain_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o true_a joy_n to_o the_o wicked_a they_o may_v revel_v and_o make_v a_o noise_n but_o they_o rejoice_v not_o the_o laughter_n of_o the_o fool_n be_v as_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o the_o pot_n a_o great_a noise_n but_o little_a heat_n and_o soon_o at_o a_o end_n there_o be_v no_o continue_v feast_n but_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n wickedness_n and_o real_a joy_n can_v dwell_v together_o as_o the_o very_a moralist_n seneca_n have_v it_o often_o and_o at_o large_a but_o he_o that_o can_v say_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v i_o and_o in_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n have_v such_o a_o light_n as_o can_v shine_v in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n yea_o in_o the_o dark_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n itself_o say_v not_o thou_o if_o i_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n i_o must_v bid_v farewell_n to_o gladness_n never_o a_o merry_a day_n more_o no_o on_o the_o contrary_a never_o a_o true_o joyful_a day_n till_o then_o yea_o no_o day_n at_o all_o but_o night_n to_o the_o soul_n till_o it_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v in_o those_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thou_o do_v not_o sacrifice_n isaac_n which_o signify_v laughter_n as_o st._n bern._n but_o a_o ram._n not_o thy_o joy_n but_o filthy_a sinful_a delight_n that_o end_v in_o sorrow_n oh_o seek_v to_o know_v in_o your_o experience_n what_o those_o joy_n mean_v for_o all_o describe_v and_o commend_v it_o to_o you_o will_v not_o make_v you_o understand_v it_o aug._n but_o taste_v and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a you_o can_v see_v and_o know_v it_o but_o by_o taste_v it_o and_o have_v taste_v that_o goodness_n all_o those_o poor_a joy_n you_o think_v sweet_a before_o will_v then_o be_v bitter_a and_o distasteful_a to_o you_o and_o you_o that_o have_v christ_n you_o by_o believe_v know_v your_o happiness_n and_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o be_v your_o outward_a condition_n rejoice_v always_o and_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v for_o light_n be_v sowâ—_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o joy_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12._o 10._o of_o which_o salvation_n the_o prophet_n have_v inquire_v and_o search_v diligent_o who_o prophesy_v of_o the_o grace_n that_o shall_v come_v unto_o you_o 11._o search_v what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v when_o he_o testify_v before_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v follow_v 12._o unto_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o not_o unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o we_o they_o do_v minister_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o report_v unto_o you_o by_o they_o that_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n or_o at_o least_o the_o inconsiderance_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o make_v earthly_a thing_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_a appear_v great_a in_o our_o eye_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n great_a aim_n be_v by_o represent_v the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o christian_n to_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n to_o strengthen_v their_o mind_n against_o all_o discouragement_n and_o opposition_n that_o they_o may_v account_v nothing_o too_o hard_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o so_o high_a a_o cause_n and_o so_o happy_a a_o end_n it_o be_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a thought_n and_o the_o shallow_a perswassion_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o remisseness_n and_o coldness_n in_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n he_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v illustrate_v in_o these_o word_n from_o its_o antiquity_n dignity_n and_o infallible_a truth_n it_o be_v no_o more_o invention_n for_o the_o prophet_n inquire_v after_o it_o and_o foretell_v it_o in_o former_a age_n from_o the_o beginning_n thus_o the_o prejudice_n of_o novelty_n be_v remove_v that_o usual_o meet_v the_o most_o ancient_a truth_n in_o its_o new_a discovery_n again_o it_o be_v no_o mean_a thing_n that_o such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o unquestioned_a eminency_n in_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n do_v so_o much_o study_v and_o search_v after_o and_o have_v find_v out_o be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o publish_v it_o in_o their_o own_o time_n but_o to_o record_v it_o to_o posterity_n and_o this_o not_o by_o the_o private_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o act_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o set_v likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n above_o all_o doubtfulness_n and_o uncertainty_n but_o take_v those_o three_o verse_n entire_o together_o we_o have_v in_o they_o those_o three_o thing_n testify_v how_o excellent_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v 1._o we_o have_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o worth_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exercise_v about_o it_o viz._n the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o the_o best_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n the_o angel_n in_o admire_v it_o the_o first_o author_n be_v the_o absolute_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prophet_n ver._n 11._o in_o the_o apostle_n ver._n 12._o but_o ver._n 11._o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o send_v down_o on_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o ascend_v to_o glory_n and_o which_o speak_v in_o his_o prophet_n before_o his_o descend_v to_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n proceed_v joint_o from_o he_o with_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o dwell_v most_o rich_o and_o full_o in_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man._n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o himself_o holiness_n and_o the_o source_n and_o worker_n of_o holiness_n and_o author_n of_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o breathe_v
know_v that_o this_o divine_a adoption_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a relative_n name_n as_o that_o of_o man_n the_o sonship_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v here_o and_o often_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o new_a generation_n and_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n io._n 1.13_o 1._o io._n 2.29_o there_o be_v a_o new_a be_v a_o spiritual_a life_n communicate_v to_o they_o they_o have_v in_o they_o of_o their_o father_n spirit_n and_o this_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o call_v his_o spirit_n gal._n 4.6_o they_o be_v not_o only_o account_v of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n but_o by_o this_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v indeed_o his_o child_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o our_o apostle_n express_v it_o now_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v so_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o it_o be_v altogether_o 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it_o and_o debate_v by_o many_o be_v but_o a_o useless_a expense_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n what_o those_o previous_a disposition_n be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o go_v and_o where_o be_v the_o march_n or_o point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o infusion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n i_o conceive_v not_o so_o easy_o determinable_a if_o naturalist_n and_o physician_n can_v agree_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n part_n in_o the_o womb_n how_o much_o less_o can_v we_o be_v peremptory_a in_o the_o other_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o wonder_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a structure_n and_o frame_n of_o man_n how_o much_o rich_a in_o wonder_n must_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a generation_n be_v see_v how_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o former_a psal._n 14.15_o thing_n spiritual_a being_n more_o refine_v than_o material_a thing_n their_o workmanship_n must_v be_v far_o more_o wonderful_a and_o curious_a but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v 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and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a not_o to_o grant_v this_o unless_o we_o will_v run_v into_o that_o error_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o creature_n too_o hard_o for_o himself_o to_o rule_n or_o have_v willing_o exempt_v it_o and_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o of_o all_o other_o especial_o this_o work_n wherein_o he_o glory_v most_o fail_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o remain_v imperfect_a shall_v there_o be_v any_o abortive_a birth_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o father_n shall_v i_o bring_v to_o the_o birth_n say_v he_o and_o not_o cause_n to_o bring_v forth_o no_o no_o sinner_n so_o dead_a but_o there_o be_v virtue_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o revive_v out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n though_o the_o most_o impenitent_a heart_n be_v as_o stone_n within_o they_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v of_o they_o child_n to_o abraham_n he_o can_v dig_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o put_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n in_o its_o place_n otherways_o he_o will_v not_o have_v 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how_o they_o requite_v so_o great_a so_o unspeakable_a love_n honour_n the_o king_n this_n be_v the_o particular_a that_o the_o apostle_n press_v and_o insist_v on_o before_o and_o here_o repeat_v as_o a_o special_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o a_o vindication_n of_o religion_n wrongful_o blame_v in_o this_o point_n but_o of_o this_o before_o this_o be_v out_o of_o question_n in_o the_o general_a only_o in_o the_o measure_n and_o rule_v of_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n and_o sure_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v satisfy_v that_o be_v so_o drink_v with_o power_n as_o to_o admit_v of_o none_o at_o all_o no_o measure_n nor_o rate_n for_o it_o no_o bank_n nor_o channel_n for_o those_o river_n the_o heart_n and_o will_n of_o king_n to_o run_v in_o but_o if_o they_o like_v to_o run_v over_o all_o they_o may_v this_o be_v such_o a_o wild_a conceit_n as_o destroy_v both_o all_o law_n of_o reason_n in_o humane_a society_n and_o all_o religious_a obligement_n to_o the_o law_n of_o 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with_o all_o fear_v not_o only_o to_o the_o good_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a thy_o word_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v a_o light_n to_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o my_o path_n not_o only_o a_o light_n to_o please_v his_o eye_n by_o the_o excellent_a truth_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v in_o it_o but_o withal_o a_o light_n to_o direct_v his_o foot_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o it_o give_v to_o inform_v and_o delight_v his_o mind_n to_o order_v his_o course_n that_o philosopher_n be_v deserve_o commend_v that_o draw_v knowledge_n most_v this_o way_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v bring_v philosophy_n from_o the_o cloud_n to_o dwell_v among_o man_n call_z it_o from_o empty_a speculation_n to_o a_o practical_a stram_fw-la thus_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o spiritual_a knowledge_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o son_n the_o etenal_a word_n when_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v with_o man_n and_o so_o bring_v life_n and_o wisdom_n and_o all_o blessing_n from_o the_o heaven_n down_o unto_o they_o he_o teach_v they_o both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o perfect_a example_n how_o to_o walk_v and_o his_o apostle_n do_v conformable_o aim_v at_o this_o in_o their_o holy_a write_n join_v with_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n those_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o show_v man_n the_o straight_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o largeness_n of_o solomon_n wisdom_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o all_o tree_n from_o the_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n to_o the_o hyssop_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n so_o in_o this_o we_o may_v see_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o give_v those_o direction_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o speak_v not_o only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o king_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o on_o their_o throne_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o subject_n to_o they_o in_o that_o dignity_n and_o how_o minister_n 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either_o use_v not_o the_o scripture_n at_o all_o or_o in_o use_v do_v not_o use_v they_o turn_v over_o the_o leaf_n and_o it_o may_v be_v run_v through_o the_o line_n and_o consider_v not_o what_o they_o advise_v you_o master_n learn_v your_o part_n and_o servant_n too_o hearken_v what_o they_o say_v to_o you_o for_o they_o pass_v not_o you_o by_o they_o vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v to_o you_o too_o but_o you_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o hear_v they_o and_o observe_v their_o voice_n how_o can_v you_o think_v that_o the_o read_n of_o this_o book_n concern_v you_o not_o when_o you_o may_v hear_v it_o address_v such_o particular_a direction_n unto_o you_o wisdom_n go_v not_o only_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o palace_n but_o to_o the_o common_a gate_n of_o the_o city_n and_o to_o the_o public_a highway_n and_o call_v to_o the_o simple_a that_o she_o may_v make_v they_o wise_a beside_o that_o you_o dishonour_v god_n you_o prejudge_v yourselves_o for_o do_v not_o that_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n just_o procure_v the_o disorder_n and_o disobedience_n of_o your_o servant_n towards_o you_o as_o a_o fit_a punishment_n from_o his_o righteous_a hand_n although_o they_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o be_v procure_v further_a judgement_n to_o themselves_o in_o so_o do_v and_o not_o only_o thus_o be_v your_o neglect_n of_o the_o word_n a_o cause_n of_o your_o trouble_n by_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n that_o if_o you_o will_v respect_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o your_o house_n it_o will_v teach_v your_o servant_n to_o respect_n and_o obey_v you_o as_o here_o you_o see_v it_o speak_v for_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o wrong_v
apostle_n both_o for_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o fail_n eminent_a in_o zeal_n and_o courage_n and_o yet_o stumble_v oft_o in_o his_o forwardness_n and_o once_o gross_o fall_v and_o these_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o excess_n of_o rome_n conceit_n concern_v this_o apostle_n their_o extol_n and_o exalt_v he_o above_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o for_o his_o cause_n and_o much_o less_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o be_v injure_v and_o dishonour_v by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o themselves_o as_o alexander_n distinguish_v his_o two_o friend_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o alexander_n the_o other_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o king_n that_o preferment_n they_o give_v this_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o good_a will_n to_o peter_n but_o in_o the_o desire_n of_o primacy_n but_o whatsoever_o he_o be_v they_o will_v be_v much_o in_o pain_n to_o prove_v rome_n right_a to_o it_o by_o succession_n and_o if_o ever_o it_o have_v any_o such_o right_a we_o may_v confident_o say_v it_o have_v forfeit_v it_o long_o ago_o by_o depart_v from_o st._n peter_n footstep_n and_o from_o his_o faith_n and_o retain_v too_o much_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v faulty_a namely_o his_o unwillingness_n to_o hear_v of_o and_o consent_n to_o christ_n suffering_n his_o master_n spare_v thyself_o or_o far_o be_v it_o from_o thou_o in_o those_o they_o be_v like_o he_o for_o thus_o they_o will_v disburden_v and_o exempt_v the_o church_n from_o the_o cross_n from_o the_o real_a cross_n of_o affliction_n instead_o of_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o paint_a or_o carve_v or_o guild_a cross_n these_o they_o be_v content_a to_o embrace_v and_o worship_n too_o but_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o the_o other_o instead_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o affliction_n they_o make_v the_o crown_n or_o mitre_n the_o badge_n of_o their_o church_n and_o will_v have_v it_o know_v by_o prosperity_n and_o outward_a pomp_n and_o so_o turn_v the_o church_n militant_a into_o the_o church_n triumphant_a not_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v babylon_n voice_n not_o the_o church_n i_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n and_o shall_v see_v no_o sorrow_n again_o his_o say_n on_o the_o mount_n at_o christ_n transfiguration_n when_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o so_o they_o have_v little_a of_o the_o true_a glory_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o false_a glory_n of_o that_o monarchy_n on_o their_o seven_o hill_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o say_v they_o again_o in_o their_o undue_a strike_n with_o the_o sword_n not_o the_o enemy_n as_o he_o but_o the_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o to_o proceed_v we_o see_v here_o saint_n peter_n office_n or_o title_n a_o apostle_n not_o chief_a bishop_n some_o in_o their_o gloss_v have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o add_v that_o beside_o the_o text._n though_o chap._n 5.4_o he_o give_v that_o title_n to_o christ_n alone_o and_o to_o himself_o only_a fellow_n elder_a and_o here_o not_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o apostle_n restore_v and_o reestablish_v after_o his_o fall_n by_o repentance_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o after_o his_o own_o death_n and_o resurrection_n joh._n 21._o thus_o we_o have_v in_o our_o apostle_n a_o singular_a instance_n of_o humane_a frailty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o divine_a grace_n on_o the_o other_o free_a and_o rich_a grace_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o forgive_v and_o swallow_v up_o multitude_n of_o sin_n of_o great_a sin_n not_o only_o sin_n before_o conversion_n as_o to_o s._n paul_n but_o foul_a offence_n commit_v after_o conversion_n as_o to_o david_n and_o to_o this_o apostle_n not_o only_o once_o raise_v they_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o when_o they_o fall_v stretch_v out_o the_o same_o hand_n and_o raise_v they_o again_o and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o station_n and_o comfort_v they_o in_o it_o by_o his_o free_a spirit_n as_o david_n pray_v not_o only_o to_o cleanse_v pollute_a clay_n but_o to_o work_v it_o into_o vessel_n of_o honour_n yea_o of_o the_o most_o defile_a shape_n to_o make_v the_o most_o refine_a vessel_n not_o vessel_n of_o honour_n of_o the_o low_a sort_n but_o for_o the_o high_a and_o most_o honourable_a service_n vessel_n to_o bear_v his_o own_o precious_a name_n to_o the_o nation_n make_v the_o most_o unworthy_a and_o the_o most_o unfit_a fit_a by_o his_o grace_n to_o be_v his_o messenger_n of_o jesus_n christ._n both_o as_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o his_o apostleship_n as_o christ_n be_v call_v alpha_n and_o omega_n rev._n 2.11_o choose_a and_o call_v by_o he_o and_o call_v to_o this_o to_o preach_v he_o and_o salvation_n wrought_v by_o he_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ._n send_v by_o he_o and_o the_o message_n no_o other_o but_o his_o name_n to_o make_v that_o know_v anâ—_n what_o this_o apostleship_n be_v then_o after_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n befit_v these_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v now_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o ordinary_a and_o therefore_o a_o employment_n of_o more_o difficulty_n and_o excellency_n than_o be_v usual_o conceive_v by_o many_o not_o only_o of_o those_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o to_o be_v ambassador_n for_o the_o great_a of_o king_n and_o upon_o no_o mean_a employment_n that_o great_a treaty_n of_o peace_n and_o reconcilement_n betwixt_o he_o and_o mankind_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o elect_a who_o be_v describe_v here_o by_o their_o temporal_a and_o by_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n the_o first_o have_v very_o much_o dignity_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o but_o the_o other_o have_v neither_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a of_o both_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n intent_n be_v their_o comfort_n he_o mention_n but_o the_o one_o in_o pass_v to_o signify_v to_o who_o particular_o he_o send_v his_o epistle_n but_o the_o other_o be_v that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v their_o thought_n dwell_v upon_o and_o therefore_o prosecute_v it_o in_o his_o follow_a discourse_n and_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n their_o temporal_a condition_n be_v but_o interject_v for_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o elect_n first_o and_o then_o to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v etc._n etc._n and_o he_o will_v have_v this_o as_o it_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o other_o according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o those_o disperse_a stranger_n that_o dwell_v in_o the_o country_n here_o name_v be_v jew_n appear_v if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o forego_n epistle_n where_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v and_o express_o appropriate_v to_o the_o jew_n s_o jam._n 1.1_o and_o gal._n 2._o s_o peter_n be_v call_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n as_o exercise_v his_o aposteship_n most_o towards_o they_o and_o there_o be_v in_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o epistle_n somewhat_o that_o though_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n yet_o have_v in_o the_o strain_n and_o way_n of_o expression_n a_o particular_a fitness_n to_o the_o believe_a jew_n as_o be_v particular_o verify_v in_o they_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o their_o nation_n chap._n 2._o v._n 9.10_o some_o argue_n from_o the_o name_n stranger_n that_o the_o gentile_n be_v here_o mean_v which_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v for_o proselyte_n gentiles_n be_v indeed_o call_v stranger_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o by_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v not_o the_o jew_n stranger_n in_o these_o place_n pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n not_o stranger_n dwelling_n together_o in_o a_o prosperous_a flourish_a condition_n as_o a_o well_o plant_v colony_n but_o stranger_n of_o the_o dispertion_n scatter_v too_o and_o fro_o and_o their_o dispersion_n which_o be_v partly_o first_o by_o the_o assyrian_a captivity_n and_o after_o that_o the_o babylonish_n and_o by_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o these_o very_a time_n increase_v by_o the_o believe_a jew_n fly_v from_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o at_o home_n these_o place_n here_o mention_v through_o which_o they_o be_v disperse_v be_v all_o in_o asia_n so_o asia_n here_o be_v asiae_n the_o lesser_a where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o some_o of_o these_o who_o hear_v saint_n peter_n act._n 2._o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o those_o region_n and_o if_o any_o of_o those_o then_o convert_v be_v among_o these_o disperse_a the_o comfort_n be_v no_o doubt_n the_o more_o grateful_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n by_o who_o they_o be_v first_o convert_v but_o this_o be_v only_a conjecture_n though_o divine_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v
jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o this_o lively_a hope_n to_o this_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o verse_n 5._o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o great_a contentment_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v they_o be_v not_o ready_o weary_a of_o that_o subject_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o doubt_n that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o remove_v may_v dampt_a their_o delight_n in_o hear_v and_o consider_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o rich_a the_o estate_n be_v it_o will_v the_o more_o kindle_v the_o malice_n and_o diligence_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o and_o to_o cut_v they_o short_a of_o possess_v it_o and_o this_o they_o know_v that_o those_o spiritual_a power_n that_o seek_v to_o ruin_v they_o do_v overmatch_v they_o far_o both_o in_o craft_n and_o force_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n comfort_v the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n assure_v they_o that_o as_o the_o estate_n they_o look_v for_o be_v excellent_a so_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o safe_a lay_v up_o there_o where_o it_o iâ—_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o adverse_a power_n reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o inheritance_n it_o make_v it_o sure_a it_o confirm_v what_o be_v say_v of_o its_o excellency_n for_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o high_a and_o best_a place_n of_o the_o world_n namely_o in_o heaven_n for_o you_o where_o nothing_o that_o be_v impure_a once_o enter_v much_o less_o be_v lay_v up_o and_o keep_v thus_o the_o land_n where_o this_o inheritance_n lie_v make_v good_a all_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o dignity_n and_o riches_n of_o it_o but_o further_a as_o it_o be_v a_o rich_a and_o pleasant_a country_n where_o it_o lie_v it_o have_v this_o privilege_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a land_n of_o rest_n and_o peace_n free_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o invasion_n there_o be_v no_o spoil_v of_o it_o and_o lay_v it_o waste_v and_o deface_v its_o beauty_n by_o lead_v army_n into_o it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o war_n no_o noise_n of_o drum_n nor_o trumpet_n no_o inundation_n of_o one_o people_n drive_v out_o another_o and_o sit_v down_o in_o their_o possession_n in_o a_o word_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o there_o subject_a to_o decay_v of_o itself_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o danger_n of_o fraud_n or_o violence_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o same_o happiness_n st._n mat._n 6.20_o in_o a_o like_a term_n what_o be_v here_o call_v a_o inheritance_n be_v there_o call_v a_o treasure_n he_o express_v the_o permanency_n of_o it_o by_o these_o two_o that_o it_o have_v neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n in_o itself_o to_o corrupt_v it_o nor_o can_v thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v it_o there_o be_v a_o worm_n at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n here_o corrupt_v cause_n within_o themselves_o and_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o injury_n from_o without_o that_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o they_o how_o many_o stately_a palace_n that_o have_v be_v possible_o divers_a year_n in_o building_n have_v sire_n upon_o a_o very_a small_a beginning_n destroy_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n what_o great_a hope_n of_o gain_n by_o traffic_n have_v one_o tempest_n mock_v and_o dissâ—pointed_v how_o many_o that_o have_v think_v their_o possession_n very_o sure_a yet_o have_v lose_v they_o by_o some_o trick_n of_o law_n and_o other_o as_o in_o time_n of_o war_n drive_v from_o they_o by_o the_o sword_n nothing_o free_a from_o all_o danger_n but_o this_o inheritance_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o the_o high_a station_n in_o the_o world_n namely_o the_o estate_n of_o king_n they_o be_v but_o mountain_n of_o prey_n one_o rob_v and_o spoil_v another_o but_o in_o that_o holy_a mountain_n above_o there_o be_v none_o to_o hurt_v nor_o spoil_n nor_o offer_v violence_n what_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n here_o it_o be_v more_o perfect_o and_o eminent_o true_a of_o it_o above_o isâ—i_fw-la 65.25_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o joy_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o happy_a estate_n that_o we_o have_v some_o persuasion_n of_o our_o propriety_n that_o it_o be_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v and_o hear_v of_o it_o as_o traveller_n pass_v by_o a_o pleasant_a place_n do_v behold_v and_o discourse_n of_o its_o fair_a structure_n the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o seat_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o garden_n and_o meadow_n that_o be_v about_o it_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o have_v no_o further_a interest_n in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o this_o glorious_a inheritance_n this_o treasure_n this_o kingdom_n that_o be_v pure_a and_o rich_a and_o last_a we_o may_v add_v it_o be_v so_o call_v and_o it_o be_v i_o it_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n and_o reserve_v for_o i_o i_o have_v receive_v the_o evidence_n and_o the_o earnest_a of_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v keep_v safe_a for_o i_o so_o i_o shall_v likewise_o be_v preserve_v to_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o certainty_n that_o complete_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o see_v eph._n 1.14_o the_o salvation_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v be_v indeed_o lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n but_o we_o that_o seek_v after_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n compass_a about_o with_o danger_n and_o tentation_n what_o avail_v it_o we_o that_o our_o salvation_n be_v in_o haven_n in_o the_o place_n of_o safety_n and_o quietness_n while_o we_o ourselves_o be_v toss_v upon_o the_o stormy_a sea_n of_o this_o world_n amid_o rock_n and_o shelf_n every_o hour_n in_o hazard_n of_o shipwreck_n our_o inheritance_n be_v in_o a_o sure_a hand_n indeed_o our_o enemy_n can_v come_v at_o it_o but_o they_o may_v overrun_v and_o destroy_v we_o at_o their_o pleasure_n for_o we_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o thus_o may_v we_o think_v and_o complain_v and_o lose_v the_o sweetness_n of_o all_o our_o other_o thought_n concern_v heaven_n if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o firm_a a_o promise_n for_o our_o own_o safety_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o danger_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o inheritance_n that_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n the_o assurance_n be_v full_a thus_o it_o be_v keep_v for_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o we_o keep_v on_o earth_n for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o we_o we_o be_v no_o less_o sure_o preserve_v to_o it_o there_o be_v here_o 1._o the_o estate_n itself_o salvation_n 2._o the_o preservation_n or_o secure_v of_o those_o that_o expect_v it_o 3._o the_o time_n of_o full_a possession_n in_o the_o last_o time_n unto_o salvation_n before_o it_o be_v call_v a_o inheritance_n here_o more_o particular_o what_o mean_v by_o that_o namely_o salvation_n this_o be_v more_o express_o sure_a be_v a_o deliverance_n from_o misery_n and_o import_v withal_o the_o possession_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v free_v from_o those_o misery_n to_o which_o we_o be_v subject_a by_o our_o guiltiness_n to_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o everlasting_a death_n 2._o from_o all_o kind_n of_o mortality_n or_o decay_a 3._o from_o all_o power_n and_o stain_v of_o sin_n 4._o from_o all_o temptation_n 5._o from_o all_o the_o grief_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n to_o have_v the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v full_a of_o holiness_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o bliss_n full_a of_o joy_n in_o the_o continual_a vision_n of_o god_n but_o how_o little_a be_v we_o able_a to_o say_v of_o this_o our_o apostle_n here_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v veil_v to_o we_o only_o so_o 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foot_n and_o take_v this_o kingdom_n by_o a_o hand_n of_o violence_n that_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o he_o be_v willing_o overcome_v by_o that_o force_n and_o give_v the_o kingdom_n most_o willing_o where_o it_o be_v so_o take_v it_o be_v not_o attain_v by_o slothfullness_n and_o sit_v still_o with_o fold_a hand_n it_o must_v be_v invade_v with_o strength_n of_o faith_n with_o army_n of_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o they_o that_o set_v upon_o it_o thus_o be_v sure_a to_o take_v it_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v do_v how_o we_o misplace_v our_o diligence_n on_o thing_n that_o abide_v not_o or_o we_o abide_v not_o to_o enjoy_v they_o we_o have_v no_o abide_v city_n here_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o he_o add_v that_o which_o comfort_v the_o citizen_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n we_o look_v for_o one_o to_o come_v who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n hear_v not_o those_o thing_n idle_o as_o if_o they_o concern_v you_o not_o but_o let_v they_o move_v you_o to_o resolution_n and_o action_n say_v as_o they_o say_v of_o canaan_n it_o be_v a_o good_a land_n let_v we_o go_v up_o and_o possess_v it_o learn_v to_o use_v what_o you_o have_v here_o as_o traveller_n and_o let_v your_o home_n your_o inheritance_n your_o treasure_n be_v on_o high_a which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o safe_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o you_o than_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o verse_n 6._o wherein_o you_o great_o rejoice_v though_o now_o for_o a_o season_n if_o need_v be_v you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a temptation_n the_o same_o motive_n can_v beget_v contrary_a passion_n in_o the_o soul_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n reduce_v the_o mixture_n of_o sorrow_v and_o rejoice_v that_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o the_o different_a cause_n of_o they_o and_o show_v which_o of_o the_o two_o have_v the_o strong_a cause_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o predominant_a entertain_v it_o and_o consider_v it_o aright_o his_o scope_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v spiritual_a joy_n in_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o have_v set_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o before_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n he_o now_o apply_v it_o and_o express_o oppose_v it_o to_o their_o distress_n some_o read_v those_o word_n exhortative_o in_o which_o rejoice_v you_o it_o be_v so_o intend_v but_o i_o conceive_v it_o serve_v that_o end_n better_o indicative_o as_o we_o now_o read_v it_o in_o which_o you_o rejoice_v it_o exhort_v more_o insinuative_o and_o perswasive_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o to_o urge_v it_o on_o they_o that_o it_o be_v so_o thus_o st._n paul_n acts._n 26.27_o king_n agrippa_z believe_v thou_o the_o prophet_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o believe_v and_o straight_o he_o answer_v thou_o almost_o persuade_v i_o to_o be_v a_o christian._n this_o imply_v how_o just_a and_o how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o shall_v make_v they_o glad_a they_o will_v rejoice_v in_o those_o yea_o do_v rejoice_v certain_o if_o you_o know_v and_o consider_v what_o the_o cause_n of_o your_o joy_n be_v you_o can_v choose_v but_o find_v it_o within_o you_o and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o it_o swallow_v up_o all_o your_o temporary_a sorrow_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o their_o cause_n be_v we_o be_v then_o to_o consider_v several_o those_o bitter_a water_n and_o sweet_a this_o sorrow_n and_o this_o joy_n 1._o in_o their_o spring_n 2._o in_o their_o stream_n and_o first_o they_o be_v call_v temptation_n and_o manifold_a temptation_n the_o habit_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a grace_n be_v not_o acquirable_a by_o humane_a study_n or_o industry_n or_o by_o excercise_n they_o be_v of_o immediate_a infusion_n from_o heaven_n yet_o be_v they_o infuse_v to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v act_v and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o several_a condition_n and_o occurrence_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o by_o that_o they_o grow_v strong_a whatsoever_o opposition_n or_o difficulty_n grace_n meet_v with_o in_o its_o act_n go_v under_o this_o general_a name_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o reckon_v up_o the_o variety_n of_o sense_n of_o this_o word_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n how_o god_n be_v say_v to_o tempt_v man_n and_o how_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o tempt_v he_o not_o how_o man_n tempt_v god_n and_o how_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o tempt_v how_o satan_n tempt_v man_n and_o man_n one_o another_o and_o a_o man_n himself_o all_o those_o be_v several_a acceptation_n of_o this_o word_n but_o temptation_n here_o mean_v be_v they_o by_o which_o man_n be_v tempt_v and_o particular_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n that_o may_v not_o agree_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o temptation_n the_o godly_a be_v subject_a to_o yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v particular_o mean_v of_o their_o affliction_n and_o distress_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n likewise_o use_v it_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o give_v particular_a and_o notable_a proof_n of_o the_o temper_n of_o a_o christian_n spirit_n and_o draw_v forth_o evidence_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o fail_v and_o be_v foil_v as_o sometime_o they_o be_v this_o convince_v they_o of_o that_o humane_a frailty_n and_o weakness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o so_o humble_v they_o and_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o themselves_o to_o depend_v upon_o another_o for_o more_o strength_n and_o better_a success_n in_o after_o encounter_v if_o they_o acquit_v themselves_o like_a christian_n indeed_o the_o lord_n manage_v and_o assist_v that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o than_o all_o their_o valour_n and_o strength_n and_o victory_n return_v to_o his_o praise_n from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v all_o a_o man_n be_v not_o only_o unknown_a to_o other_o but_o to_o himself_o that_o have_v never_o meet_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o require_v faith_n and_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o patience_n to_o surmount_v they_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o his_o meekness_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n be_v real_a or_o not_o while_o he_o meet_v with_o no_o provocation_n nothing_o that_o contradict_v or_o cross_v he_o but_o when_o somewhat_o set_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o unpleasant_a and_o grievous_a to_o he_o and_o yet_o if_o in_o that_o case_n he_o retain_v his_o moderation_n of_o spirit_n and_o fly_v not_o out_o into_o impatience_n neither_o against_o god_n nor_o man_n this_o give_v experiment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o soundness_n of_o that_o grace_n in_o he_o whereas_o stand_v water_n that_o be_v clear_a at_o top_n while_o it_o be_v untouched_a yet_o if_o it_o have_v mud_n at_o the_o bottom_n stir_v it_o a_o little_a and_o it_o rise_v present_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o unprofitable_a yea_o it_o be_v much_o wisdom_n in_o christian_n to_o be_v arm_v themselves_o against_o such_o temptation_n as_o may_v befall_v they_o hereafter_o though_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o meet_v with_o they_o to_o labour_v to_o overcome_v they_o before_o hand_n to_o suppose_v the_o hard_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v incident_a to_o they_o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o strong_a resolution_n they_o can_v attain_v unto_o yet_o all_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a effect_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n that_o the_o victory_n be_v any_o more_o than_o imaginary_a too_o till_o it_o come_v to_o action_n and_o then_o they_o that_o have_v speak_v and_o think_v very_o confident_o may_v prove_v but_o as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o athenian_n sort_n in_o tabula_fw-la patient_n and_o courageous_a in_o picture_n or_o fancy_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o arm_n and_o dexterity_n in_o handle_v they_o by_o way_n of_o exercise_n may_v be_v foul_o defeat_v when_o they_o be_v to_o fight_v in_o earnest_n the_o child_n of_o ephraim_n be_v arm_v and_o carry_v bow_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psa._n 78.9_o yet_o turn_v back_o in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n it_o be_v the_o battle_n try_v the_o soldier_n and_o the_o storm_n the_o pilot_n how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o christian_n can_v be_v themselves_o not_o only_o patient_a but_o cheerful_a in_o poverty_n in_o disgrace_n and_o attempt_n and_o persecution_n if_o it_o be_v not_o often_o their_o lot_n to_o meet_v with_o those_o he_o that_o frame_v the_o heart_n know_v it_o to_o be_v but_o deceitful_a and_o he_o that_o give_v grace_n know_v the_o weakness_n and_o strength_n of_o it_o exact_o yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v thus_o that_o by_o affliction_n and_o hard_a task_n he_o try_v what_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n
be_v speak_v too_o much_o of_o for_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a nor_o too_o much_o magnify_v for_o it_o be_v glorious_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o to_o confirm_v his_o brethren_n in_o the_o experience_a knowledge_n of_o it_o he_o express_v here_o more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o their_o joy_n which_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o matter_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o apprehension_n and_o appropriation_n of_o that_o object_n which_o two_o conjoin_v be_v the_o entire_a cause_n of_o all_o rejoice_v the_o object_n be_v jesus_n christ_n verse_n 8._o and_o the_o salvation_n purchase_v by_o he_o verse_n 9_o for_o these_o two_o can_v be_v sever_v and_o these_o two_o verse_n that_o speak_v of_o they_o require_v as_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o connexion_n to_o be_v consider_v together_o 2._o the_o apprehension_n of_o these_o 1._o set_v forth_o negative_o not_o by_o bodily_a sight_n 2._o positive_o whereas_o that_o may_v seem_v to_o abate_v the_o certainâ—y_n and_o liveliness_n of_o their_o rejoice_v that_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o do_v yet_o see_v that_o be_v abundant_o make_v up_o by_o three_o for_o one_o each_o of_o they_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o mere_a bodily_a sight_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n which_o many_o have_v which_o be_v never_o the_o better_o by_o it_o the_o three_o be_v those_o three_o prime_a christian_a grace_n faith_n love_n and_o hope_n the_o two_o former_a in_o ver_fw-la 8._o the_o 3_o d._n in_o ver_fw-la 9_o faith_n in_o christ_n beget_v love_n to_o he_o and_o both_o these_o give_v assure_v hope_v of_o salvation_n by_o he_o make_v it_o as_o certain_a to_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o from_o all_o those_o together_o result_v this_o exultation_n or_o leap_v for_o joy_n joy_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n this_o be_v that_o one_o thing_n that_o so_o much_o concern_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o mistake_v very_o far_o and_o forget_v our_o own_o high_a interest_n too_o much_o when_o we_o either_o speak_v or_o hear_v of_o it_o slight_o and_o apply_v not_o our_o heart_n to_o it_o what_o be_v it_o that_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n drive_v at_o what_o mean_v all_o that_o we_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o take_v several_a way_n to_o it_o and_o wrong_a way_n for_o the_o most_o part_n yea_o such_o way_n as_o lead_v not_o to_o it_o but_o set_v we_o further_o off_o from_o it_o yet_o that_o which_o we_o all_o seek_v after_o by_o all_o our_o labour_n under_o the_o sun_n be_v something_o that_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o contentment_n and_o rejoice_v to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v attain_v it_o now_o here_o it_o be_v and_o in_o vain_a be_v it_o seek_v for_o elsewhere_o and_o for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o you_o that_o it_o may_v be_v you_o if_o you_o will_v entertain_v it_o not_o only_o that_o you_o may_v know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lay_v up_o true_a consolation_n and_o rejoice_v that_o he_o be_v the_o magazine_n and_o treasury_n of_o it_o but_o that_o you_o may_v know_v how_o to_o bring_v he_o home_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o lodge_v he_o there_o and_o so_o to_o have_v the_o spring_n of_o joy_n within_o you_o that_o which_o give_v full_a joy_n to_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v something_o that_o be_v high_a and_o better_o than_o itself_o in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o make_v it_o can_v only_o make_v it_o glad_a after_o this_o manner_n with_o unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a joy_n but_o the_o soul_n remain_v guilty_a of_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o unreconciled_a can_v behold_v he_o but_o as_o a_o enemy_n any_o belief_n that_o it_o can_v have_v of_o he_o while_o it_o be_v in_o that_o posture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v fetch_v love_n and_o hope_v and_o so_o rejoice_v but_o such_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n produce_v only_o beget_v terror_n and_o tremble_a but_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n shine_v in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o son_n the_o mediator_n glad_v the_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v the_o look_a upon_o he_o so_o that_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v and_o love_n and_o hope_v and_o rejoice_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 2._o in_o his_o description_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o gentile_n before_o christ_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o join_v these_o together_o without_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n therefore_o without_o comfort_n in_o the_o promise_n without_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n so_o he_o be_v here_o by_o our_o apostle_n express_v as_o the_o object_n in_o all_o these_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o joy_n because_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o hope_v of_o salvation_n the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n many_a of_o who_o have_v not_o know_v nor_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n commend_v their_o love_n and_o faith_n for_o this_o reason_n that_o it_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o bodily_a sight_n but_o be_v pure_a and_o spiritual_a and_o make_v they_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v bless_v who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o believe_v you_o see_v he_o not_o when_o he_o dwell_v among_o man_n and_o walk_v to_o and_o fro_o preach_v and_o work_a miracle_n many_o of_o those_o that_o do_v then_o hear_v and_o see_v he_o believe_v not_o yea_o they_o scoff_v and_o hate_v and_o persecute_v he_o and_o in_o the_o end_n crucify_a he_o you_o that_o have_v see_v none_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n yet_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n that_o declare_v he_o you_o have_v believe_v thus_o observe_v the_o work_n or_o not_o work_v of_o faith_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o external_a ministry_n and_o gift_n of_o man_n for_o what_o great_a difference_n can_v there_o be_v that_o way_n than_o betwixt_o the_o master_n and_o the_o servant_n betwixt_o the_o 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matter_n than_o his_o own_o gain_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n for_o these_o be_v near_o he_o and_o he_o see_v their_o quantity_n to_o the_o full_a and_o count_v they_o big_a yea_o far_o more_o worth_a than_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n and_o all_o they_o that_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n they_o know_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v divine_a reason_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n far_o surpass_v the_o worth_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o thing_n earthly_a phil._n 3.7.8_o to_o give_v a_o right_a assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v impossible_a without_o divine_a and_o save_a faith_n infuse_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n clothe_v himself_o with_o humane_a
nothing_o but_o holiness_n and_o urge_v it_o most_o press_o upon_o all_o that_o receive_v it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o divine_a faith_n touch_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n firm_o to_o believe_v their_o revelation_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o the_o word_n itself_o testify_v as_o we_o see_v and_o it_o be_v real_o manifest_a in_o it_o it_o carry_v the_o lively_a stamp_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o discern_v it_o he_o that_o be_v blind_a know_v not_o that_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noon_n but_o by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o but_o they_o that_o see_v be_v assure_v they_o see_v it_o and_o assure_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o by_o its_o own_o light_n to_o ask_v one_o that_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o ask_v he_o how_o know_v you_o light_a to_o be_v light_n the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n within_o till_o that_o same_o spirit_n that_o shine_v without_o in_o the_o word_n shine_v likewise_o within_o it_o and_o effectual_o make_v it_o light_n but_o that_o once_o do_v then_o be_v the_o word_n read_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v write_v and_o the_o soul_n be_v ascertain_v that_o it_o be_v divine_a as_o in_o bodily_a fight_n there_o must_v be_v a_o meeting_n of_o inward_a light_n viz._n the_o visual_a spirit_n with_o the_o outward_a object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n within_o bring_v evidence_n with_o it_o and_o make_v itself_o discernible_a in_o the_o word_n this_o all_o argument_n all_o book_n and_o study_n can_v attain_v unto_o it_o be_v give_v to_o believe_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o man._n 1._o cor._n 2.11_o but_o how_o hold_v that_o here_o for_o if_o a_o man_n speak_v out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o his_o spirit_n then_o other_o may_v know_v they_o but_o the_o apostle_n aim_n be_v there_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n even_o such_o as_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n '_o it_o be_v so_o though_o reveal_v yet_o they_o remain_v still_o unrevealed_a till_o the_o spirit_n teach_v within_o as_o well_o as_o without_o because_o intelligeable_a by_o none_o but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v the_o private_a scholar_n and_o hearer_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o because_o there_o be_v so_o few_o of_o these_o therefore_o there_o be_v so_o little_a real_a believe_v among_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o profession_n that_o we_o make_v of_o it_o who_o be_v there_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o yet_o true_o there_o be_v too_o much_o cause_n to_o continue_v the_o prophet_n regret_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n learn_v then_o to_o suspect_v yourselves_o and_o to_o find_v out_o your_o own_o unbelief_n that_o you_o may_v desire_v this_o 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find_v it_o out_o only_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o gospel_n bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n 2._o tim._n 1.10_o no_o wonder_n that_o natural_a wisdom_n the_o deep_a of_o it_o be_v far_o from_o find_v out_o the_o true_a method_n and_o way_n of_o cure_n see_v it_o can_v discover_v the_o disease_n of_o miserable_a mankind_n viz._n the_o sinful_a and_o wretched_a condition_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o first_o disobedience_n salvation_n express_v not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v negative_a but_o imply_v likewise_o positive_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n thus_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o justification_n frequent_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o say_v of_o this_o unspeakable_a happiness_n what_o it_o be_v not_o than_o what_o it_o be_v there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o full_a and_o final_a freedom_n from_o all_o annoyance_n all_o tear_n be_v wipe_v away_o and_o their_o fountain_n dry_v up_o all_o feeling_n and_o fear_v or_o danger_n of_o any_o the_o least_o evil_a either_o of_o sin_n or_o punishment_n banish_v for_o ever_o no_o invasion_n of_o enemy_n no_o rob_n nor_o destroy_v in_o all_o this_o holy_a mountain_n no_o voice_n of_o complain_v in_o the_o street_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n here_o it_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o interchange_n of_o morning_n of_o joy_n with_o weep_v of_o sad_a evening_n but_o there_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o light_n no_o need_n of_o sun_n nor_o moon_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v be_v the_o light_n thereof_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n as_o he_o do_v here_o throughout_o this_o chap._n lay_v this_o salvation_n to_o counter_a balance_n all_o sorrow_n and_o persecution_n and_o whatsoever_o hardship_n can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n enjoy_v a_o calm_a triumph_n in_o disgrace_n grow_v rich_a by_o all_o its_o loss_n and_o by_o death_n itself_o attain_v this_o immortal_a life_n happy_a be_v they_o that_o have_v their_o eye_n fix_v upon_o this_o salvation_n and_o be_v longing_n and_o wait_v for_o it_o that_o see_v so_o much_o of_o that_o brightness_n and_o glory_n as_o darknâ—_n all_o the_o lustre_n of_o earthly_a thing_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o trample_v upon_o those_o thing_n which_o former_o they_o admire_v and_o dote_v on_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o foolish_a world_n those_o thing_n we_o account_v so_o much_o of_o be_v but_o as_o rot_a wood_n or_o glow-worm_n that_o shine_v only_o in_o the_o night_n of_o our_o ignorance_n and_o vanity_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o light_a beam_n of_o this_o salvation_n enter_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o can_v much_o esteem_v or_o affect_v any_o thing_n below_o it_o and_o if_o those_o glance_n of_o it_o that_o shine_v in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o bright_a and_o powerful_a what_o then_o shall_v the_o full_a sight_n and_o real_a possession_n of_o it_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o this_o salvation_n who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n make_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o that_o work_n of_o redemption_n as_o we_o have_v it_o here_o be_v his_o humiliation_n and_o exaltation_n his_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o now_o though_o this_o serve_v as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o christian_n in_o their_o suffering_n that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o their_o lord_n go_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o be_v true_a also_o of_o christ_n mystical_a the_o head_n with_o the_o member_n as_o the_o scripture_n often_o teach_v we_o yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v here_o main_o intend_v as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n relate_v to_o the_o salvation_n mention_v verse_n 10._o and_o as_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n so_o it_o be_v put_v for_o it_o here_o the_o prophet_n inquire_v and_o prophesy_v of_o that_o salvation_n how_o by_o search_v out_o and_o foretell_v the_o suffering_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n his_o suffering_n then_o and_o his_o after_o glory_n be_v our_o salvation_n his_o suffering_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o he_o as_o our_o head_n have_v triumph_v and_o be_v crown_v make_v we_o likewise_o sure_a of_o victory_n and_o triumph_n have_v enter_v possession_n to_o glory_n make_v our_o hope_n certain_a this_o be_v his_o prayer_n that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o we_o may_v be_v also_o and_o this_o his_o own_o assertion_n the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o joh._n 17.22_o 24._o this_o be_v
disparage_v not_o their_o extraordinary_a vision_n and_o revelation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v add_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v foretell_v the_o thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v their_o constant_a duty_n and_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n make_v it_o their_o constant_a exercise_n to_o search_v into_o divine_a mystery_n by_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n yea_o and_o by_o read_v such_o holy_a writer_n as_o be_v already_o extant_a in_o their_o time_n as_o dan._n 9_o and_o 10._o for_o which_o cause_n some_o take_v the_o word_n active_o conceive_v daniel_n to_o be_v call_v there_o a_o man_n of_o desire_n because_o of_o his_o great_a desire_n and_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o high_a thing_n and_o in_o this_o diligent_a way_n they_o constant_o wait_v for_o these_o revelation_n which_o sometime_o when_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v impart_v unto_o they_o prophecy_n reside_v not_o say_v the_o hebrew_n doctor_n but_o in_o a_o man_n that_o be_v great_a in_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n who_o affection_n overcome_v he_o not_o in_o any_o worldly_a thing_n but_o by_o his_o knowledge_n he_o overcome_v his_o affection_n continual_o on_o such_o a_o man_n the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v down_o and_o his_o soul_n be_v associate_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o he_o be_v change_v to_o another_o man._n thuâ—_n maimonides_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n to_o speak_v either_o through_o senseless_a statue_n or_o where_o they_o utter_v his_o oracle_n it_o be_v by_o such_o profane_a prophet_n as_o he_o have_v to_o cause_v they_o in_o a_o fury_n tumble_v forth_o word_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v light_n and_o the_o holy_a prophet_n inspire_v with_o it_o they_o be_v diligent_a attendant_n on_o its_o motion_n and_o searcher_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n understand_v well_o what_o their_o business_n be_v and_o to_o what_o purpose_n tend_v those_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o by_o inspiration_n do_v foretell_v and_o therefore_o bend_v their_o thought_n this_o way_n pray_v and_o search_v and_o wait_v for_o answer_n study_v to_o keep_v the_o passage_n as_o it_o be_v open_a for_o the_o beam_n of_o those_o divine_a revelation_n to_o come_v in_o at_o not_o to_o have_v their_o spirit_n clog_v and_o stop_v with_o earthly_a and_o sinful_a affection_n endeavour_v for_o that_o calm_a and_o quiet_a composure_n of_o spirit_n in_o which_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v be_v the_o better_o hear_v thus_o psal._n 85.8_o and_o hab._n 2.1_o in_o both_o which_o place_n follow_v a_o excellent_a prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o his_o people_n be_v the_o prophet_n not_o exempt_v from_o the_o pain_n of_o search_n and_o inquiry_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o a_o high_a measure_n but_o after_o a_o singular_a manner_n how_o unbeseeming_a then_o be_v slothfulness_n and_o idleness_n in_o we_o whether_o be_v it_o that_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o advantage_v with_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o those_o holy_a man_n or_o that_o we_o esteem_v the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n on_o which_o they_o bestow_v so_o much_o of_o their_o labour_n unworthy_a of_o we_o these_o be_v both_o so_o gross_a that_o we_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o either_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o our_o laziness_n and_o negligence_n in_o search_v after_o those_o thing_n seem_v to_o charge_v we_o with_o some_o such_o thought_n as_o one_o of_o those_o you_o will_v say_v this_o concern_v those_o that_o succeed_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o ordinary_a the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o do_v indeed_o fall_v first_o upon_o they_o it_o be_v their_o task_n indeed_o to_o be_v diligent_a and_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v his_o timothy_n to_o attend_v on_o read_v but_o above_o all_o to_o study_v to_o have_v much_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o disentangle_v and_o free_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a from_o low_a thing_n to_o the_o search_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n prov._n 18.1_o as_o they_o be_v call_v angel_n so_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o in_o a_o constant_a nearness_n unto_o god_n and_o attendance_n on_o he_o like_v unto_o the_o angel_n and_o look_v much_o into_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o angel_n here_o be_v say_v to_o do_v to_o endeavour_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n purify_v from_o the_o affection_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v shine_v clear_a in_o they_o and_o not_o be_v fog_v and_o mist_v with_o filthy_a vapour_n to_o have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n clear_o write_v in_o their_o breast_n not_o mix_v and_o blur_v with_o earthly_a character_n season_v all_o their_o reading_n and_o common_a way_n of_o study_n with_o much_o prayer_n and_o divine_a meditation_n they_o that_o converse_v most_o with_o the_o king_n and_o be_v inward_a with_o he_o know_v most_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n and_o even_o the_o secret_n of_o they_o that_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o and_o certain_o those_o of_o god_n messenger_n that_o be_v often_o with_o himself_o can_v but_o underdand_v their_o business_n best_o and_o know_v most_o of_o his_o meaning_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o singular_a diligence_n be_v require_v in_o they_o but_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v say_v without_o exception_n that_o his_o secret_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o save_a truth_n to_o those_o that_o humble_o seek_v they_o do_v not_o any_o of_o you_o yourselves_o so_o much_o injury_n as_o to_o bar_v yourselves_o from_o share_v in_o your_o measure_n of_o the_o search_n of_o these_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o study_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o by_o their_o study_n and_o publish_v they_o be_v make_v the_o more_o accessible_a and_o easy_a to_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o do_v concern_v we_o universal_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v for_o it_o be_v salvation_n here_o that_o they_o study_v search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n joh._n 5._o and_o that_o be_v the_o motive_n if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o that_o may_v be_v think_v in_o reason_n press_v enough_o or_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o think_v so_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o it_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v christ_n be_v this_o salvation_n and_o that_o eternal_a life_n and_o he_o add_v further_a it_o be_v they_o those_o scripture_n that_o testify_v of_o i_o these_o be_v the_o golden_a mine_n in_o which_o alone_o the_o abide_n treasure_n of_o eternity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o worthy_a all_o the_o dig_v and_o pain_n we_o can_v bestow_v on_o they_o beside_o their_o industry_n in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o search_v there_o be_v here_o express_v their_o ardent_a affection_n to_o the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v of_o and_o their_o long_n and_o wish_n for_o its_o accomplishment_n viz._n the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o top_n of_o all_o their_o desire_n the_o great_a hope_n and_o the_o light_n of_o israel_n no_o wonder_n they_o desire_v his_o day_n that_o have_v so_o much_o joy_n in_o the_o see_v it_o so_o far_o off_o as_o over_o the_o head_n almost_o of_o two_o thousand_o year_n faith_n overlook_v they_o and_o foresee_v it_o so_o in_o abraham_n his_o heart_n dance_v for_o joy_n joh._n 8.36_o abraham_n see_v my_o day_n and_o rejoice_v and_o this_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n in_o that_o mystical_a song_n as_o they_o suit_v those_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n breathe_v out_o her_o long_n for_o the_o come_n of_o her_o belove_a his_o speak_n by_o the_o prophet_n be_v his_o voice_n as_o afar_o off_o but_o his_o incarnation_n be_v his_o come_n near_o and_o kiss_v his_o church_n with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o cant._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 1._o and_o to_o omit_v other_o expression_n throughout_o the_o song_n the_o last_o chapter_n verse_n 1._o be_v tender_a and_o pathetical_a oh_o that_o thou_o be_v as_o my_o brother_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o last_o word_n of_o it_o make_v haste_v my_o belove_a and_o be_v thou_o like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a hart_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o spice_n and_o when_o this_o salvation_n come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n we_o see_v how_o joyful_o good_a old_a simeon_n embrace_v it_o and_o think_v he_o have_v see_v
enough_o and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o sight_n desire_v to_o have_v his_o eye_n close_v now_o let_v thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v seâ—n_v thy_o salvation_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n math._n 13.16_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v for_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o this_o be_v he_o who_o we_o disesteem_v and_o make_v so_o small_a account_n of_o be_v now_o so_o clear_o reveal_v that_o they_o study_v and_o seek_v and_o wish_v so_o much_o for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o now_o the_o success_n be_v in_o seek_v they_o find_v the_o certainty_n and_o the_o time_n of_o that_o his_o come_n they_o seek_v out_o till_o they_o find_v and_o then_o they_o prophesy_v of_o that_o salvation_n and_o grace_n they_o search_v what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_o foretell_v it_o they_o they_o seek_v to_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o time_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v viz._n in_o a_o time_n of_o great_a distress_n and_o bad_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n as_o all_o the_o prophet_n testify_v and_o particular_o that_o place_n gen._n 49.10_o give_v a_o express_a character_n of_o the_o time_n though_o there_o be_v some_o diversity_n of_o exposition_n of_o the_o particular_a word_n yet_o the_o main_a sense_n be_v agree_v on_o by_o all_o sound_a interpreter_n and_o the_o chal._n parah_n have_v it_o express_o that_o that_o shiloh_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o of_o his_o suffering_n and_o after_o glory_n they_o prophesy_v very_o clear_o as_o psal._n 22._o isa._n 53._o etc._n etc._n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o their_o testimony_n in_o both_o these_o point_n s._n luke_n 24.25_o 26_o 27._o then_o there_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o search_n and_o find_v in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o verse_n 13._o to_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o to_o the_o succeed_a christian_a church_n and_o so_o to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n but_o in_o some_o peculiar_a sense_n the_o prophet_n minister_v to_o they_o of_o those_o time_n wherein_o christ_n do_v suffer_v and_o enter_v into_o glory_n for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o enjoy_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n they_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o own_o day_n they_o know_v well_o that_o the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o prophesy_v concern_v they_o though_o both_o themselves_o and_o people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v contemporary_a with_o they_o do_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o be_v by_o faith_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o salvation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o to_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o day_n and_o therefore_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n they_o often_o foretell_v it_o for_o the_o latter_a day_n as_o their_o phrase_n be_v and_o as_o we_o have_v the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v of_o so_o we_o have_v this_o peculiar_a benefit_n of_o their_o prophecy_n that_o their_o fuit_v so_o perfect_o with_o the_o event_n and_o performance_n serve_v much_o to_o confirm_v our_o christian_n faith_n there_o be_v a_o foolish_a and_o miserable_a way_n of_o verify_v this_o man_n minister_a the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o themselves_o carry_v it_o all_o in_o their_o head_n and_o tongue_n and_o none_o of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n not_o hear_v it_o even_o while_o they_o preach_v it_o reach_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o other_o and_o eat_v none_o of_o it_o themselves_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o be_v most_o careful_a to_o avoid_v and_o therefore_o deal_v severe_o with_o his_o body_n that_o it_o may_v not_o this_o way_n endanger_v his_o soul._n i_o beat_v down_o my_o body_n say_v he_o and_o keep_v it_o in_o subjection_n lest_o when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n it_o be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o prophet_n minister_v to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o themselves_o no_o they_o have_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o very_a hope_n of_o the_o redeemer_n to_o come_v and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o any_o other_o have_v speak_v and_o that_o themselves_o speak_v concern_v he_o and_o thus_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o their_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o yet_o that_o salvation_n they_o preach_v they_o lay_v hold_v on_o and_o partake_v of_o themselves_o as_o your_o box_n wherein_o perfume_n be_v keep_v for_o garment_n and_o other_o use_n be_v themselves_o perfume_v by_o keep_v they_o we_o see_v how_o the_o prophet_n minister_v it_o as_o the_o great_a and_o never_o fail_a consolation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n in_o all_o their_o distress_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n when_o they_o be_v foretell_v either_o the_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n or_o temporal_a restorement_n and_o deliverance_n of_o that_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sudden_a outleap_n they_o will_v make_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o who_o consider_v not_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v move_v by_o will_v think_v it_o be_v incoherence_n and_o impertinency_n but_o they_o know_v well_o what_o they_o mean_v that_o those_o news_n be_v never_o unseasonable_a nor_o beside_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o sweetness_n of_o those_o thought_n viz._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v able_a to_o such_o as_o belie've_v it_o to_o allay_v the_o bitter_a distress_n and_o that_o the_o great_a deliverance_n he_o be_v to_o work_v be_v the_o top_n and_o sum_n of_o all_o deliverance_n thus_o their_o prophecy_n of_o he_o be_v present_a comfort_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o believer_n then_o and_o further_o be_v to_o serve_v for_o a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o and_o after_o their_o fulfil_n these_o sweet_a stream_n of_o their_o doctrine_n do_v as_o the_o river_n they_o make_v their_o own_o bank_n fertile_a and_o pleasant_a as_o it_o run_v by_o and_o flow_v still_o forward_o to_o after_o age_n and_o by_o the_o confluence_n of_o more_o such_o prophecy_n grow_v great_a as_o it_o go_v till_o it_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o main_a current_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o act_v and_o preach_v by_o the_o great_a prophet_n himself_o who_o they_o foretell_v to_o come_v and_o record_v by_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o thus_o unite_v into_o one_o river_n clear_a as_o crystal_n this_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v still_o refresh_v the_o city_n of_o god_n his_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o still_o shall_v do_v so_o till_o it_o empty_v itself_o into_o the_o ocean_n of_o eternity_n the_o first_o discovery_n we_o have_v of_o this_o stream_n near_a its_o source_n the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o divine_a mercy_n be_v in_o that_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o preach_v in_o few_o word_n to_o our_o first_o parent_n that_o have_v new_o make_v themselves_o and_o their_o race_n miserable_a the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n gen._n 3.15_o the_o agreement_n of_o their_o prediction_n with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o other_o kind_n of_o man_n employ_v in_o this_o salvation_n make_v up_o one_o organ_n or_o great_a instrument_n tune_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n and_o sound_v by_o the_o same_o breath_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v express_v here_o as_o the_o common_a authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o both_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n in_o it_o and_o all_o these_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o call_v of_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n tend_v to_o that_o great_a design_n that_o god_n have_v in_o build_v his_o church_n make_v up_o that_o great_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o elect_n to_o enjoy_v and_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o eternity_n eph._n 4.11_o for_o this_o end_n send_v he_o his_o son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n and_o and_o for_o this_o end_n send_v he_o forth_o his_o messenger_n to_o divulge_v that_o salvation_n that_o his_o son_n have_v wrought_v and_o send_v down_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o so_o high_a a_o service_n those_o
cherubim_n wonder_v how_o guilty_a man_n escape_v their_o flame_a sword_n and_o re-enter_v paradise_n the_o angel_n see_v that_o their_o companion_n that_o fall_v be_v not_o restore_v but_o their_o room_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n and_o they_o envy_v it_o not_o which_o mystery_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o and_o this_o be_v add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o these_o word_n for_o the_o extol_n of_o it_o the_o angel_n look_v upon_o what_o they_o have_v see_v already_o fulfil_v with_o delight_n and_o admiration_n and_o what_o remain_v namely_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a work_n in_o the_o end_n of_o time_n they_o look_v upon_o with_o desire_n to_o see_v it_o finish_v it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a glance_n they_o take_v of_o it_o but_o they_o fix_v their_o eye_n and_o look_v steadfast_o on_o it_o viz._n that_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v add_v see_v of_o angel_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n draw_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o glorious_a spirit_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o wonder_n to_o see_v the_o almighty_a godhead_n join_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o of_o a_o infant_n he_o that_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n bind_v up_o in_o swaddle_a clothes_n and_o to_o pass_v all_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o life_n this_o be_v beyond_o all_o admiration_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o that_o his_o love_n and_o rebellious_a mankind_n move_v he_o both_o to_o take_v on_o and_o lay_v down_o that_o life_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o angel_n admire_v those_o thing_n and_o delight_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o they_o view_v they_o steadfast_o and_o we_o neglect_v they_o either_o we_o consider_v they_o not_o at_o all_o or_o give_v they_o but_o a_o transient_a look_n half_o a_o eye_n that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n both_o for_o their_o own_o time_n and_o to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o we_o regard_v not_o and_o turn_v our_o eye_n to_o foolish_a wander_a thought_n which_o angel_n be_v ashamed_a at_o they_o be_v not_o so_o concern_v in_o this_o great_a mystery_n as_o we_o be_v they_o be_v but_o mere_a beholder_n in_o comparison_n of_o we_o yea_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v loser_n someway_o that_o our_o nature_n in_o itself_o inferior_a to_o they_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n exalt_v above_o they_o heb._n 2.16_o we_o bow_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o study_v and_o grovel_v in_o it_o take_v into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o it_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o look_v not_o within_o it_o but_o they_o have_v no_o will_n nor_o desire_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a flame_n of_o fire_n burn_v only_o in_o love_n to_o he_o be_v no_o less_o delight_v then_o amaze_v with_o the_o bottomless_a wonder_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n shine_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v our_o shame_n and_o our_o folly_n that_o we_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o our_o thought_n in_o poor_a childish_a thing_n and_o trifle_v away_o our_o day_n we_o know_v not_o how_o and_o let_v these_o rich_a mystery_n lie_v unregarded_a they_o look_v up_o upon_o the_o deity_n in_o itself_o with_o continual_a admiration_n but_o that_o they_o look_v down_o to_o this_o mystery_n be_v another_o wonder_n we_o give_v they_o a_o ear_n in_o public_a and_o in_o a_o cold_a formal_a way_n stop_v conscience_n mouth_n with_o some_o religious_a performance_n in_o private_a and_o no_o more_o but_o to_o have_v deep_a and_o frequent_a thought_n and_o to_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n once_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o now_o in_o glory_n how_o few_o of_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o we_o see_v here_o excellent_a company_n and_o example_n not_o only_o of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v but_o we_o have_v they_o fellow-servant_n and_o fellow-student_n if_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o we_o may_v all_o study_v the_o same_o lesson_n with_o the_o very_a angel_n and_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n with_o they_o this_o the_o soul_n do_v that_o often_o entertain_v itself_o with_o the_o delightful_a admiration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o verse_n 13._o wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a and_o hope_v to_o the_o end_n for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o you_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o great_a error_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o error_n of_o life_n be_v the_o divert_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n and_o turn_v downward_o to_o in_o feriour_a confidence_n and_o comfort_n and_o this_o mischoyce_n be_v the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n therefore_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o untie_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n from_o the_o world_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o god_n as_o their_o only_a rest_n and_o solid_a comfort_n and_o this_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n mark_v at_o which_o all_o the_o precede_a discourse_n aim_v it_o all_o meet_v and_o terminate_v in_o this_o exhortation_n wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o word_n be_v those_o 3_o thing_n 1._o the_o great_a stay_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o apostle_n repeat_v and_o represent_v to_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n 2._o his_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o right_a apprehension_n and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o inference_n of_o that_o exhortation_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o comfort_n be_v the_o grace_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n some_o for_o grace_n read_v joy_n have_v as_o it_o seem_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v not_o more_o near_o one_o to_o a_o other_o than_o the_o thing_n they_o signify_v grace_n and_o joy_n but_o '_o its_o most_o common_o thus_o read_v the_o estate_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o of_o glory_n be_v not_o only_o so_o inseparable_o connex_v but_o so_o like_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yea_o so_o essentia_o the_o same_o that_o the_o same_o expression_n in_o scripture_n do_v often_o fit_a both_o of_o they_o and_o so_o fit_v they_o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a for_o which_o of_o the_o two_o to_o understand_v they_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v not_o great_a see_v they_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o one_o grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v and_o glory_n grace_v complete_v both_o often_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o grace_n here_o bring_v to_o they_o be_v either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reveal_v and_o that_o grace_n in_o he_o for_o all_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o hold_v in_o he_o his_o precious_a name_n run_v throw_v it_o all_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v full_o perfect_v at_o the_o last_o and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o this_o rather_o i_o take_v it_o here_o for_o that_o the_o apostle_n near_o forego_v word_n be_v concern_v that_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o here_o as_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n which_o though_o often_o put_v for_o faith_n yet_o in_o its_o proper_a notion_n look_v out_o to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v call_v by_o itself_o and_o not_o turn_v into_o the_o name_n of_o merit_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o obedience_n and_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o have_v go_v before_o it_o yea_o even_o the_o salvation_n to_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o be_v call_v grace_n but_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o certain_o none_o that_o partake_v of_o grace_n will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n or_o ever_o admit_v the_o mixture_n of_o the_o least_o notion_n of_o self_n deserve_v though_o much_o dispute_n have_v be_v bestow_v on_o this_o and_o question_n multiply_v in_o the_o disputant_n hand_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o controversy_n one_o grow_v out_o of_o another_o yet_o true_o i_o think_v the_o debate_n in_o this_o to_o be_v but_o waste_n it_o be_v not_o only_a against_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o grace_n itself_o in_o the_o soul_n but_o even_o against_o sound_a reason_n to_o imagine_v any_o merit_a proper_o take_v in_o any_o mere_a creature_n at_o his_o creator_n hand_n who_o have_v give_v he_o his_o be_v of_o which_o gift_n all_o his_o service_n and_o
word_n and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o necessity_n of_o this_o that_o the_o most_o approve_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n in_o a_o human_a way_n have_v require_v this_o of_o their_o scholar_n that_o to_o the_o end_n their_o mind_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v purify_v from_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o philosopher_n judge_v young_a man_n unfit_a hearer_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o abound_a and_o untamedness_n of_o their_o passion_n grant_v that_o if_o those_o be_v compose_v and_o order_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o it_o be_v socrates_n his_o custom_n when_o any_o ask_v he_o a_o question_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o he_o before_o he_o will_v answer_v they_o he_o ask_v they_o concern_v their_o own_o quality_n and_o course_n of_o life_n now_o if_o man_n require_v a_o calm_a and_o purify_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o their_o doctrine_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o those_o deep_a mystery_n that_o his_o word_n open_v up_o it_o be_v well_o express_v in_o that_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o forward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n and_o wisdom_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n no_o indeed_o that_o be_v a_o very_a unfit_a dwell_n for_o it_o and_o the_o very_a heathen_a can_v say_v the_o mind_n that_o be_v impure_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n seneca_n therefore_o we_o see_v the_o strain_n of_o that_o book_n of_o proverb_n that_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o this_o wisdom_n it_o require_v in_o the_o first_o chap._n that_o they_o that_o will_v hear_v it_o do_v retire_v themselves_o from_o all_o ungodly_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n apprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n refine_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n that_o abuse_n and_o bemire_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o arise_v to_o heavenly_a thought_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n say_v our_o saviour_n not_o only_o shall_v they_o see_v he_o perfect_o hereafter_o but_o as_o they_o can_v receive_v he_o he_o will_v impart_v and_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o they_o here_o so_o john_n 14.23_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o word_n obscure_v namely_o the_o filthy_a mist_n within_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v in_o just_a judgement_n hide_v himself_o and_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n from_o those_o that_o entertain_v and_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o very_a sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v shall_v obscure_v and_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o though_o it_o shine_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o a_o dungeon_n they_o shall_v not_o discern_v it_o and_o as_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o word_n that_o have_v these_o evil_n here_o mention_v reign_v and_o in_o full_a strength_n in_o they_o so_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o bear_v again_o the_o more_o they_o retain_v of_o these_o the_o less_o shall_v they_o find_v the_o influence_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o word_n for_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v they_o they_o may_v possible_o some_o of_o they_o have_v much_o remainder_n of_o these_o corruption_n unmortified_a therefore_o exhort_v to_o lay_v aside_o entire_o those_o evil_n all_o malice_n all_o hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o though_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a atrophy_n eat_v much_o and_o grow_v nothing_o by_o it_o find_v no_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n will_v we_o know_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o fruitless_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n here_o it_o be_v man_n bring_v not_o meek_a and_o guiless_a spirit_n to_o it_o not_o mind_n empty_v and_o purify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o stuff_v with_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o other_o such_o evil_n and_o where_o shall_v the_o word_n enter_v when_o all_o be_v so_o take_v up_o and_o if_o it_o do_v enter_v how_o shall_v it_o prosper_v among_o so_o many_o enemy_n or_o at_o all_o abide_v among_o they_o either_o they_o will_v turn_v it_o out_o again_o or_o choke_v and_o kill_v the_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o think_v religion_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o secret_a heart-idol_n shall_v agree_v together_o because_o we_o will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o this_o be_v not_o possible_a either_o therefore_o labour_v to_o entertain_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o â—ove_n of_o it_o and_o lodge_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n speak_v join_v those_o together_o with_o david_n psal._n 119_o 113._o i_o hate_v vain_a thought_n but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o as_o here_o our_o apostle_n lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o so_o receive_v the_o word_n or_o else_o look_v for_o no_o benefit_n by_o it_o here_o nor_o for_o salâ—ation_n by_o it_o hereafter_o but_o cast_v out_o all_o impurity_n and_o give_v your_o whole_a heart_n to_o it_o so_o desire_v it_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v and_o then_o as_o you_o desire_v you_o shall_v gâ—ow_v by_o it_o every_o real_a believer_n have_v receive_v a_o life_n from_o heaven_n far_o more_o excel_v our_o natural_a life_n than_o that_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o this_o life_n have_v its_o own_o peculiar_a desire_n and_o delight_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n and_o the_o certain_a character_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o among_o other_o this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o main_a one_o answerable_a to_o the_o like_a desire_n in_o natural_a life_n namely_o a_o desire_n of_o food_n and_o because_o it_o be_v here_o still_o imperfect_a therefore_o the_o natural_a end_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_a nourishment_n but_o growth_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o proper_a life_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o without_o it_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a as_o the_o body_n be_v without_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o without_o untruth_n this_o may_v be_v render_v reasonable_a milk_n as_o some_o read_v it_o but_o certain_o that_o reasonable_a milk_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v before_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o here_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a nourishment_n to_o that_o spiritual_a life_n according_a to_o their_o say_n iisdemalimur_fw-la ex_fw-la quibus_fw-la constamus_fw-la as_o the_o milk_n that_o infant_n draw_v from_o the_o breast_n be_v most_o connatural_a food_n to_o they_o be_v of_o that_o same_o substance_n that_o nourish_v they_o in_o the_o womb_n but_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o that_o food_n follow_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o supply_n in_o that_o way_n that_o be_v provide_v in_o nature_n for_o it_o by_o certain_a vein_n it_o ascend_v into_o the_o breast_n and_o be_v there_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o they_o by_o nature_n direct_v to_o find_v it_o there_o thus_o as_o a_o christian_a begin_v to_o live_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n direct_v to_o that_o same_o word_n as_o its_o nourishment_n to_o follow_v the_o resemblance_n further_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o milk_n after_o the_o monkish_a way_n that_o run_v itself_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o a_o allegory_n i_o conceive_v be_v neither_o solid_a nor_o profitable_a and_o to_o speak_v free_o the_o curious_a search_n of_o the_o similitude_n in_o other_o quality_n of_o milk_n seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o quality_n here_o give_v it_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o well_o resemble_v by_o milk_n namely_o the_o simple_a pureness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o word_n beside_o that_o the_o press_v of_o comparison_n of_o this_o kind_n too_o far_o prove_v often_o so_o constrain_v ere_o they_o have_v do_v with_o it_o that_o by_o too_o much_o draw_v they_o bring_v forth_o blood_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a as_o milk_v draw_v immediate_o from_o the_o breast_n the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o mixture_n not_o only_o of_o error_n but_o of_o all_o other_o composition_n of_o vain_a unprofitable_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v humane_a eloquence_n such_o as_o become_v not_o the_o majesty_n and_o gravity_n of_o god_n word_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v say_v our_o apostle_n let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n light_a conceit_n and_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n wrong_v the_o word_n more_o than_o they_o can_v please_v the_o hearer_n the_o weed_n among_o the_o corn_n make_v it_o
put_v upon_o he_o and_o by_o give_v he_o up_o to_o be_v crucify_v and_o then_o cast_v into_o the_o grave_n and_o a_o stone_n to_o be_v roll_v upon_o this_o stone_n which_o they_o have_v so_o reject_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v no_o more_o and_o so_o think_v themselves_o sure_a but_o even_o from_o thence_o do_v he_o arise_v and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n the_o disciple_n themselves_o speak_v you_o know_v very_o doubtful_o of_o their_o former_a hope_n we_o believe_v this_o have_v be_v he_o that_o will_v have_v deliver_v israel_n but_o he_o correct_v their_o mistake_n first_o by_o his_o word_n show_v they_o the_o true_a method_n of_o that_o great_a work_n ought_v not_o christ_n to_o suffer_v first_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o glory_n and_o then_o real_o by_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o he_o be_v from_o these_o reject_v and_o lie_v low_a then_o be_v he_o near_a his_o exaltation_n as_o joseph_n in_o the_o prison_n 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salvation_n prove_v he_o destruction_n to_o any_o not_o he_o in_o himself_o his_o primary_n and_o proper_a use_n be_v the_o former_a to_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o soul_n to_o build_v and_o rest_n upon_o but_o they_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o building_n upon_o he_o will_v stumble_v and_o fall_v on_o he_o what_o wonder_n be_v so_o firm_a a_o stone_n though_o they_o be_v break_v by_o their_o fall_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o mischief_n of_o unbelief_n that_o as_o other_o sin_n disable_v the_o law_n it_o disable_v the_o very_a gospel_n to_o save_v we_o and_o turn_v life_n itself_o into_o death_n to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o misery_n not_o of_o a_o few_o but_o of_o many_o in_o israel_n many_o that_o hear_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v lament_v that_o ever_o they_o hear_v that_o sound_n and_o shall_v wish_v to_o have_v live_v and_o die_v without_o it_o find_v so_o great_a a_o accession_n to_o their_o misery_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o so_o great_a 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he_o have_v never_o see_v light_n and_o be_v bring_v forth_o on_o a_o sudden_a or_o not_o to_o need_v that_o imagination_n take_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a at_o his_o first_o sight_n after_o christ_n have_v cure_v he_o what_o wonder_n think_v we_o will_v seize_v upon_o he_o to_o behold_v on_o a_o sudden_a the_o beauty_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n especial_o of_o that_o sun_n and_o that_o light_n that_o make_v it_o both_o visible_a and_o beautiful_a but_o much_o more_o matter_n of_o admiration_n be_v there_o in_o this_o light_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v bring_v new_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n they_o see_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a world_n and_o in_o it_o such_o wonder_n of_o the_o rich_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n such_o matchless_a worth_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n that_o their_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o admiration_n and_o if_o this_o light_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o marvellous_a how_o much_o more_o marvellous_a 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that_o all_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o revile_n of_o the_o multitude_n that_o as_o it_o be_v rack_v he_o for_o some_o answer_n yet_o can_v draw_v no_o other_o from_o he_o but_o this_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v but_o for_o those_o to_o who_o this_o mercy_n belong_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o stead_n of_o revile_n and_o threaten_n he_o commit_v all_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o christian_a patience_n that_o which_o quiet_v the_o mind_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o boil_a tumultuous_a thought_n of_o revenge_n to_o turn_v the_o whole_a matter_n into_o god_n hand_n to_o resign_v it_o over_o to_o he_o to_o prosecute_v when_o and_o as_o he_o think_v good_a not_o as_o the_o most_o that_o have_v rather_o if_o they_o have_v power_n do_v for_o themselves_o and_o be_v their_o own_o avenger_n and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o power_n do_v offer_v up_o 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in_o heaven_n judge_v righteous_o and_o execute_v that_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o the_o fit_a season_n we_o poor_a worm_n who_o whole_a life_n be_v but_o a_o hand-breadth_n in_o itself_o and_o be_v as_o nothing_o unto_o god_n we_o think_v a_o few_o month_n or_o year_n a_o great_a matter_n but_o to_o he_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n as_o our_o apostle_n teach_v we_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o time_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffer_v commit_v himself_o and_o his_o cause_n for_o that_o be_v best_a express_v in_o that_o nothing_o be_v express_v but_o he_o commit_v and_o the_o issue_n shall_v be_v that_o all_o his_o enemy_n shall_v become_v his_o footstool_n and_o he_o himself_o shall_v judge_v they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v we_o here_o to_o learn_v from_o his_o carriage_n towards_o they_o in_o his_o suffer_v be_v that_o quietness_n and_o moderation_n of_o mind_n even_o under_o unjust_a suffering_n make_v we_o like_o he_o not_o to_o reply_v reproach_n with_o reproach_n as_o our_o custom_n be_v to_o give_v a_o ill_a word_n for_o another_o or_o two_o for_o one_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v behind_o man_n take_v a_o pride_n in_o this_o and_o think_v it_o ridiculous_a simplicity_n to_o suffer_v and_o this_o make_v strife_n and_o contention_n so_o abound_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n you_o think_v it_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o bear_v nothing_o to_o put_v up_o no_o wrong_a whereas_o it_o be_v indeed_o great_a weakness_n and_o baseness_n it_o be_v true_a greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o despise_v the_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o set_v you_o usual_o on_o fire_n one_o against_o another_o especial_o be_v do_v after_o a_o christian_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o and_o be_v there_o any_o spirit_n great_a than_o that_o think_v you_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v less_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o more_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o the_o dove_n among_o we_o our_o obligement_n to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n beside_o its_o own_o excellency_n be_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o intendment_n of_o his_o behaviour_n for_o this_o use_n to_o be_v as_o a_o example_n to_o we_o 2._o our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o those_o his_o suffering_n wherein_o he_o so_o carry_v himself_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n etc._n etc._n he_o leave_v his_o footstep_n as_o a_o copy_n as_o the_o word_n be_v to_o follow_v every_o step_n of_o he_o a_o letter_n of_o this_o copy_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o write_v we_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a copy_n of_o obedience_n in_o clear_a and_o great_a letter_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n his_o whole_a life_n be_v our_o rule_n not_o his_o miraculous_a work_n his_o footstep_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o for_o our_o follow_v but_o his_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n and_o meekenss_n and_o humility_n be_v our_o copy_n which_o we_o shall_v continua_o study_v the_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n they_o say_v of_o teach_v be_v by_o example_n but_o above_o all_o this_o matchless_a example_n be_v the_o happy_a way_n of_o teach_v he_o that_o follow_v i_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n he_o that_o aim_v high_a shoot_v the_o high_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shoot_v not_o so_o high_a as_o he_o aim_v this_o be_v that_o which_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a the_o propound_v of_o this_o our_o high_a pattern_n the_o example_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o imitation_n of_o man_n in_o worthless_a thing_n be_v low_a and_o servile_a the_o imitation_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v commendable_a but_o if_o we_o seek_v no_o high_o it_o be_v both_o imperfect_a and_o unsafe_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n will_v have_v no_o imitation_n but_o with_o regard_n to_o this_o supreme_a pattern_n be_v you_o follewer_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n one_o christian_a may_v take_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o many_o thing_n in_o another_o but_o still_o examine_v all_o by_o the_o original_a primitive_a copy_n the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n himself_o follow_v nothing_o but_o as_o it_o conform_v with_o that_o and_o look_v most_o on_o he_o as_o both_o the_o perfect_a and_o most_o effectual_a example_n heb._n 12.2_o there_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o example_n but_o look_v above_o they_o all_o to_o he_o that_o be_v as_o high_a above_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v above_o the_o cloud_n as_o the_o way_n be_v better_a a_o lively_a one_o indeed_o so_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o skill_n for_o follow_v of_o it_o but_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n show_v his_o glory_n and_o greatness_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o the_o law_n be_v write_v only_o in_o dead_a table_n but_o christ_n the_o live_a law_n teach_v by_o obey_v it_o how_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o law_n be_v twice_o write_v over_o unto_o believer_n first_o in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o inward_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v together_o with_o that_o copy_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o he_o a_o spirit_n derive_v from_o he_o enable_v believer_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o their_o measure_n they_o may_v not_o only_o see_v he_o as_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v io._n 6._o but_o as_o there_o it_o follow_v they_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o soul_n delight_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o converse_v and_o love_n together_o make_v it_o learn_v his_o behaviour_n as_o man_n that_o live_v much_o together_o especial_o if_o they_o do_v much_o affect_v one_o another_o will_v insensible_o contract_v another_o habitude_n and_o custom_n the_o other_o thing_n oblige_v we_o be_v our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o his_o suffering_n he_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n return_v to_o ver._n 24._o observe_v only_o from_o the_o tie_n of_o these_o two_o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v his_o example_n set_v before_o we_o we_o can_v enjoy_v any_o right_a assurance_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o but_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v he_o than_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o life_n through_o his_o death_n and_o those_o step_n of_o he_o wherein_o we_o walk_v will_v bring_v we_o ere_o long_o to_o be_v where_o he_o be_v verse_n 24._o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n