right_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o increase_v and_o grow_v by_o the_o same_o it_o be_v also_o the_o rule_n and_o square_a to_o measure_v and_o guide_v all_o virtue_n by_o for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o that_o be_v good_a which_o seem_v so_o unto_o our_o reason_n but_o that_o which_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v will_n have_v call_v good_a unless_o therefore_o virtue_n do_v grow_v in_o we_o we_o can_v have_v it_o before_o we_o become_v skilful_a and_o have_v learn_v it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o apostle_n move_v these_o excellent_a man_n to_o increase_v in_o godliness_n show_v they_o the_o way_n when_o he_o will_v they_o to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n now_o if_o we_o mark_v well_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n they_o be_v to_o who_o he_o write_v name_o no_o babe_n nor_o youngelinge_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o say_v they_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o he_o and_o after_o ward_n in_o this_o chapter_n he_o say_v they_o do_v know_v and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v how_o this_o may_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o many_o which_o hold_v blind_a error_n first_o of_o all_o of_o those_o which_o affirm_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n if_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o true_a devotion_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v false_a and_o divelishe_a see_v we_o be_v charge_v to_o join_v unto_o our_o virtue_n knowledge_n it_o be_v true_a if_o they_o mean_v popish_a devotion_n for_o they_o can_v never_o have_v keep_v man_n in_o awe_n to_o be_v zealous_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o that_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n alone_o do_v give_v unless_o they_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o they_o take_v a_o wise_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o know_v the_o word_n which_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o break_v forth_o again_o disclose_v all_o their_o falsehood_n and_o treachery_n in_o so_o much_o that_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a almost_o have_v any_o devotion_n unto_o they_o second_o of_o those_o which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o rank_a papist_n yet_o have_v in_o they_o still_o a_o smack_n and_o savour_n of_o popish_a principle_n and_o therefore_o like_o fool_n be_v also_o enemy_n unto_o knowledge_n for_o thus_o they_o speak_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v less_o preach_v i_o think_v the_o people_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o there_o be_v knowledge_n even_o enough_o what_o shall_v lay_v man_n be_v trouble_v to_o learn_v or_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v they_o tend_v their_o work_n and_o look_v to_o their_o occupation_n and_o learn_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o deal_v honest_o against_o these_o poor_a blind_a beast_n for_o i_o may_v use_v no_o gentle_a speech_n we_o be_v to_o reason_n out_o of_o this_o place_n first_o that_o all_o man_n know_v they_o never_o so_o much_o be_v here_o command_v to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v increase_v in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n second_o let_v they_o consider_v to_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n saint_n peter_n write_v name_o to_o poor_a and_o scotfree_a man_n woman_n and_o child_n to_o all_o sort_n and_o to_o be_v short_a to_o as_o many_o as_o will_v have_v faith_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o come_v to_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o as_o well_o the_o poor_a ploughman_n as_o the_o great_a clerk_n be_v command_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n out_o of_o god_n book_n thirdlye_o they_o much_o overshoote_v themselves_o when_o they_o will_v bear_v they_o in_o hand_n that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o guider_n of_o virtue_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o vice_n nay_o if_o we_o wipe_v our_o eye_n and_o look_v better_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sloodde_n of_o ignorance_n which_o have_v almost_o over_o whelm_v all_o and_o in_o many_o which_o seem_v to_o know_v very_o much_o if_o they_o be_v sound_v to_o the_o bottom_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o palpable_a darkness_n and_o so_o in_o deed_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o foul_a sin_n which_o abound_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o and_o flow_v even_o as_o a_o swell_a sea_n be_v the_o want_n of_o true_a knowledge_n this_o ignorance_n have_v take_v such_o root_n that_o all_o they_o which_o have_v make_v proof_n will_v confess_v with_o i_o that_o our_o time_n be_v like_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n esaie_n 28._o who_o have_v labour_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o breathe_v in_o teach_v and_o see_v so_o small_a profit_v be_v command_v of_o the_o lord_n still_o to_o go_v to_o his_o business_n burst_v forth_o into_o these_o speech_n who_o shall_v i_o teach_v knowledge_n who_o shall_v i_o make_v for_o to_o understande_v they_o that_o be_v wain_v from_o the_o milk_n and_o draw_v from_o the_o breast_n for_o precept_n must_v be_v upon_o precept_n precept_n upon_o precept_n line_n unto_o line_n line_n unto_o line_n a_o little_a here_o and_o a_o little_a there_o and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o say_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v like_o a_o seal_a book_n if_o he_o come_v to_o oâ—e_v say_v read_v this_o i_o pray_v you_o he_o make_v answer_v i_o can_v read_v to_o another_o that_o can_v read_v he_o answer_v i_o can_v for_o it_o be_v seal_v furthermore_o let_v these_o silly_a creature_n learn_v of_o this_o place_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o that_o wherein_o they_o seem_v after_o a_o sort_n to_o glory_n when_o they_o use_v to_o say_v as_o they_o think_v in_o defence_n of_o themselves_o we_o be_v without_o skill_n we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n we_o be_v poor_a honest_a man_n we_o have_v no_o learning_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v we_o have_v no_o faith_n we_o have_v no_o virtue_n we_o have_v no_o godliness_n for_o we_o be_v plain_o teach_v here_o that_o faith_n virtue_n and_o knowledge_n must_v increase_v and_o grow_v up_o together_o let_v we_o all_o print_n this_o lesson_n deep_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v drive_v we_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o come_v out_o of_o our_o ignorance_n and_o to_o seek_v apace_o after_o knowledge_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o flatter_a ourselves_o as_o some_o other_o do_v which_o have_v get_v some_o skill_n or_o at_o jest_n think_v that_o they_o have_v set_v very_o light_a by_o the_o public_a teach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o do_v excuse_v they_o selâ—es_v after_o this_o sort_n i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n nor_o of_o the_o mean_a judgement_n i_o know_v somewhat_o let_v they_o hunt_v after_o preach_v that_o need_n it_o be_v very_o good_a for_o they_o as_o for_o i_o i_o be_o sufficient_o acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n already_o this_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v hear_v too_o deal_v withal_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o if_o they_o have_v once_o but_o even_o a_o little_a taste_v of_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o power_n thereof_o they_o will_v never_o have_v enough_o of_o the_o first_o sponeful_a if_o they_o have_v a_o healthful_a stomach_n they_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v so_o soon_o to_o loathe_v &_o as_o it_o be_v to_o vomit_v up_o again_o so_o wholesome_a sustenance_n but_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o that_o when_o our_o knowledge_n be_v grow_v to_o be_v never_o so_o great_a because_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o we_o know_v nothing_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v as_o saint_a paul_n say_v even_o than_o we_o be_v to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o join_v to_o our_o virtue_n knowledge_n unless_o when_o we_o have_v begin_v and_o proceed_v so_o far_o we_o mind_n to_o fall_v back_o again_o this_o place_n do_v plain_o set_v forth_o the_o woeful_a and_o miserable_a state_n of_o those_o which_o bâ—e_v without_o teach_v or_o have_v it_o in_o so_o scanty_a a_o measure_n that_o they_o come_v almost_o to_o no_o understanding_n they_o be_v meerie_a and_o think_v all_o be_v well_o and_o think_v themselves_o best_a when_o they_o be_v least_o deal_v withal_o but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n which_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o apostle_n teach_v we_o to_o judge_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o their_o mirth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mad_a laughter_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o fearful_a and_o horrible_a destruction_n unto_o knowledge_n join_v temperance_n etc._n etc._n or_o continence_n for_o so_o the_o word_n which_o saint_n peter_n use_v may_v be_v translate_v but_o what_o do_v he_o mean_v have_v bid_v we_o to_o join_v virtue_n to_o faith_n again_o as_o though_o he_o
be_v choose_v unto_o life_n they_o say_v quite_o contrary_a if_o you_o will_v have_v man_n careful_a of_o well_o do_v away_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n for_o it_o will_v mar_v all_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o flesh_n do_v proud_o lift_v up_o itself_o even_o against_o god_n but_o how_o foolish_o a_o very_a child_n may_v see_v do_v that_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o without_o exceed_a care_n of_o godliness_n abundance_n of_o virtue_n and_o plenty_n of_o all_o good_a work_v destroy_v in_o man_n the_o study_n and_o care_n of_o good_a work_n but_o proud_a flesh_n be_v worthy_o blind_a some_o other_o although_o not_o thus_o bruitish_o blind_v yet_o great_o oversee_v when_o they_o think_v on_o this_o doctrine_n which_o be_v set_v up_o unto_o we_o as_o the_o mark_n for_o we_o to_o aim_v at_o in_o all_o our_o do_n and_o the_o trial_n whether_o we_o have_v do_v well_o or_o not_o i_o mean_v the_o trial_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v many_o good_a deed_n he_o shall_v know_v he_o have_v not_o do_v they_o well_o if_o he_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v one_o of_o god_n choose_v for_o howsoever_o he_o pass_v it_o over_o yet_o his_o conscience_n which_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n know_v that_o he_o have_v not_o deal_v but_o for_o vain_a glory_n or_o some_o other_o sinister_a respect_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o have_v this_o faith_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v so_o dark_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o man_n but_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o he_o if_o they_o will_v make_v a_o due_a trial_n because_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o outward_a do_v of_o good_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o right_n do_v let_v he_o therefore_o which_o give_v himself_o to_o do_v good_a work_v and_o yet_o feel_v not_o this_o which_o saint_n peter_n say_v we_o shall_v suspect_v that_o his_o do_n be_v mishapen_a and_o be_v careful_a to_o fashion_v they_o after_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n a_o third_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o be_v which_o with_o might_n and_o main_n will_v defend_v this_o doctrine_n that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o salvation_n that_o we_o can_v more_o honour_v god_n then_o to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o his_o promise_n and_o because_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n compel_v they_o they_o affirm_v it_o constant_o and_o condemn_v the_o contrary_a as_o a_o foul_a error_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v man_n and_o man_n come_v to_o feel_v &_o to_o know_v this_o and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v a_o true_a doctrine_n they_o say_v also_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o but_o when_o they_o take_v not_o the_o way_n to_o become_v sure_a which_o s._n peter_n here_o have_v set_v down_o but_o go_v in_o a_o contrary_a path_n &_o be_v spot_v with_o filthy_a crime_n we_o may_v bold_o say_v they_o be_v liar_n for_o although_o they_o brag_v with_o their_o tongue_n of_o that_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o bird_n in_o their_o breast_n which_o do_v sing_v in_o a_o contrary_a note_n and_o tell_v they_o plain_o what_o they_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o man_n there_o be_v which_o in_o no_o case_n can_v be_v persuade_v that_o any_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o his_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o with_o scoff_v they_o ask_v of_o they_o which_o profess_v the_o word_n when_o god_n tell_v they_o so_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v or_o can_v not_o be_v know_v than_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_o overshoot_v himself_o in_o tell_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v sure_a but_o ask_v a_o question_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o god_n every_o one_o will_v answer_v i_o put_v all_o my_o whole_a trust_n in_o he_o reason_n then_o a_o little_a further_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o can_v lie_v say_v that_o all_o which_o trust_v in_o god_n shall_v be_v save_v how_o then_o will_v they_o join_v these_o together_o that_o they_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v can_v god_n deceive_v or_o say_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o undoubted_o if_o they_o do_v know_v that_o they_o have_v trust_v they_o shall_v also_o know_v they_o can_v perish_v but_o let_v we_o learn_v by_o this_o the_o misery_n of_o our_o time_n in_o which_o man_n do_v still_o think_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v strange_a now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o which_o every_o one_o must_v come_v home_o to_o himself_o remember_v first_o that_o such_o as_o god_n have_v call_v home_o to_o himself_o and_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o child_n he_o do_v also_o give_v unto_o they_o true_a faith_n and_o feeling_n that_o they_o be_v his_o elect_a and_o such_o as_o perceive_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v in_o a_o very_a miserable_a case_n and_o as_o yet_o we_o may_v say_v forlorn_a creature_n therefore_o everye_o man_n in_o himself_o must_v ask_v this_o question_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n how_o go_v the_o matter_n with_o thou_o be_v thou_o sure_a god_n have_v choose_v thou_o do_v thou_o feel_v any_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n the_o conscience_n will_v answer_v uprightlie_o if_o we_o be_v not_o negligent_a to_o make_v inquiry_n then_o if_o we_o find_v this_o within_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a for_o i_o doubt_v and_o stagger_v we_o must_v inquire_v without_o self_n thus_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n god_n be_v faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n unto_o all_o which_o believe_v our_o heart_n will_v make_v answer_n thou_o regard_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v full_a of_o foul_a sin_n evil_a lust_n do_v reign_v in_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o study_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n thou_o be_v unfruiful_a and_o barren_a in_o good_a work_v therefore_o thou_o can_v not_o say_v i_o be_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o sure_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o he_o be_v wise_a he_o will_v not_o stay_v here_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o fool_n be_v say_v i_o be_o not_o sure_a indeed_o neither_o do_v i_o think_v any_o man_n can_v be_v i_o commit_v it_o to_o god_n let_v he_o do_v with_o i_o what_o he_o will_v these_o speech_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o wit_n and_o godliness_n in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v in_o deed_n devilish_a and_o mad_a because_o god_n have_v teach_v we_o a_o contrary_a lesson_n in_o this_o place_n but_o go_v this_o step_n further_o may_v i_o come_v to_o this_o assurance_n &_o which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o lord_n do_v answer_v by_o his_o apostle_n thou_o may_v come_v to_o this_o assurance_n and_o point_v he_o out_o the_o way_n even_o that_o which_o you_o have_v hard_a wherein_o he_o must_v painful_o travel_v and_o go_v forward_o not_o for_o a_o gird_n or_o a_o bray_n and_o wax_v idle_a again_o but_o still_o labour_n for_o these_o man_n have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v will_v to_o proceed_v still_o if_o the_o lord_n give_v not_o this_o assurance_n we_o be_v to_o labour_v so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o importunate_a to_o suspect_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o more_o straight_o account_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o our_o affection_n too_o see_v with_o what_o mind_n we_o do_v thing_n to_o foster_v no_o sin_n willing_o in_o we_o nor_o to_o be_v slack_a to_o any_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o call_v and_o cry_v unto_o god_n for_o faith_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n diligent_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v as_o the_o hear_n search_a &_o meditate_v in_o the_o word_n thus_o in_o time_n for_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o degree_n &_o they_o never_o come_v to_o the_o full_a god_n will_v let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n that_o neither_o life_n nor_o death_n height_n or_o depth_n thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v angel_n principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o any_o creature_n shall_v separate_v we_o from_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o enter_v shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o former_a sentence_n where_o he_o say_v if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v and_o why_o because_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a entrance_n into_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o be_v
yet_o you_o be_v equal_a with_o i_o &_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a dignity_n &_o in_o that_o wherein_o all_o happiness_n do_v consist_v even_o our_o precious_a faith_n here_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o saint_n peter_n can_v ascribe_v unto_o they_o a_o faith_n equal_a or_o like_a precious_a with_o his_o own_o see_v he_o do_v so_o far_o excel_v they_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n as_o in_o knowledge_n &_o strength_n of_o faith_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a enough_o namely_o that_o this_o comparison_n be_v not_o make_v in_o the_o measure_n &_o quantity_n of_o faith_n for_o therein_o some_o have_v excel_v other_o far_a because_o god_n do_v not_o give_v his_o gift_n to_o all_o alike_o but_o in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v the_o apprehend_n of_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o merit_n which_o the_o weak_a faith_n do_v as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v equal_o precious_a this_o i_o speak_v not_o to_o make_v any_o slothful_a when_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v prick_v we_o forward_o so_o much_o to_o seek_v increase_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o hearten_v of_o the_o weak_a which_o feel_v their_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v may_v doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n with_o they_o now_o hear_v this_o they_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v all_o though_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n it_o couple_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o redemption_n to_o have_v their_o sin_n wash_v away_o in_o his_o blood_n of_o righteousness_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o his_o obedience_n of_o life_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o unto_o this_o be_v also_o join_v that_o wherein_o the_o stableness_n of_o this_o their_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o indeed_o the_o build_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o weighty_a and_o the_o frame_n so_o heavy_a that_o it_o can_v stand_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n but_o this_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o righteousness_n faithfulness_n or_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o can_v lie_v for_o if_o we_o will_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o speak_v be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o diverse_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n &_o singular_a godliness_n yet_o because_o we_o know_v that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n except_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o speak_v be_v those_o which_o god_n have_v speak_v we_o shall_v still_o waver_v and_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v no_o faith_n which_o alone_o can_v rest_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n 2_o the_o second_o verse_n contain_v his_o salutation_n even_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o paul_n &_o the_o other_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o write_v and_o this_o they_o do_v because_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n and_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o bring_v man_n again_o into_o god_n favour_n &_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o of_o this_o thing_n speak_v s._n paul_n 2._o cor._n 5._o chap._n ver_fw-la 18._o saying_n all_o thing_n be_v of_o god_n which_o have_v reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n for_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n and_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o sin_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n now_o the_o be_v we_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o through_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n his_o steed_n that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o travel_n cause_v they_o so_o earnest_o to_o wish_v it_o for_o the_o people_n and_o to_o be_v so_o serious_a not_o only_o in_o teach_v they_o this_o general_o but_o also_o point_v out_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o finger_n the_o way_n to_o the_o same_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o their_o life_n whosoever_o digress_v or_o cast_v his_o eye_n aside_o from_o this_o mark_n &_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o example_n if_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o purchase_v renoun_n estimation_n wealth_n of_o case_n to_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o seek_v this_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o have_v grace_n and_o peace_n multiply_v upon_o they_o he_o may_v well_o sometime_o preach_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o true_o likewise_o those_o parent_n which_o set_v forth_o their_o child_n to_o learning_n with_o this_o mind_n my_o son_n shall_v live_v a_o easy_a and_o merry_a life_n he_o shall_v get_v some_o live_n promotion_n &_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n do_v lay_v a_o corrupt_a and_o rot_a foundation_n &_o have_v not_o learn_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o the_o building_n follow_v agreeable_o for_o the_o most_o when_o they_o come_v to_o have_v learning_n not_o forget_v this_o lesson_n which_o they_o learn_v of_o their_o father_n do_v become_v greedy_a cather_n of_o benefice_n and_o promotion_n rather_o than_o careful_a feeder_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o the_o apostle_n can_v wish_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v multiply_v upon_o they_o see_v that_o god_n love_n &_o favour_n do_v not_o increase_v nor_o diminish_v but_o he_o love_v and_o favour_v always_o alike_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o alteration_n or_o change_n this_o may_v well_o be_v answer_v that_o sainte_n peter_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o in_o god_n towards_o man_n but_o of_o their_o feeling_n the_o same_o which_o grow_v by_o degree_n from_o less_o to_o great_a and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o precious_a the_o apostle_n wish_v that_o it_o may_v be_v multiply_v upon_o they_o he_o express_v the_o mean_a to_o be_v the_o knowledge_n &_o acknowledge_v of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n 3_o according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o perteine_a unto_o life_n &_o godliness_n through_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o glory_n and_o virtue_n this_o be_v fit_o join_v to_o the_o former_a verse_n to_o show_v that_o the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v not_o without_o cause_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v you_o be_v not_o to_o content_v nor_o to_o satisfy_v yourselves_o with_o a_o scant_a measure_n of_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n see_v that_o there_o be_v offer_v unto_o you_o &_o set_v forth_o in_o christ_n unto_o who_o you_o may_v resort_v as_o to_o a_o storehouse_n full_o furnish_v with_o all_o treasure_n all_o thing_n which_o partain_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n second_o we_o have_v to_o observe_v in_o this_o verse_n when_o he_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n that_o here_o be_v nothing_o leave_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o these_o which_o defend_v free_a will_n do_v not_o speak_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o for_o set_v forth_o a_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o it_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v here_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o want_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v supply_v but_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o at_o all_o but_o that_o we_o be_v quite_o strip_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n he_o speak_v not_o of_o repair_v or_o help_v in_o some_o part_n but_o of_o a_o whole_a and_o free_a gift_n in_o every_o part_n when_o he_o say_v without_o exception_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o pertain_v unto_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o so_o this_o doctrine_n do_v challenge_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o god_n alone_o three_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n or_o godhead_n of_o our_o
&_o excellent_a shall_v move_v we_o but_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o those_o which_o be_v lumpish_a and_o dull_a need_v many_o spur_n to_o be_v prick_v forward_o withal_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a therefore_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o he_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v with_o you_o &_o abound_v they_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o 8._o verse_n he_o begin_v to_o show_v the_o commodity_n which_o shall_v redound_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o so_o give_v our_o diligence_n that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_o deck_v with_o these_o grace_n they_o will_v make_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v idle_a nor_o unfruiteful_a in_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a thing_n when_o god_n have_v show_v himself_o unto_o we_o in_o his_o son_n have_v call_v we_o into_o his_o service_n out_o of_o miserable_a bondage_n for_o we_o to_o be_v idle_a and_o unfruiteful_a if_o the_o lord_n have_v plant_v we_o if_o he_o have_v dress_v we_o then_o as_o it_o be_v also_o say_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n john_n 15._o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o go_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n then_o it_o be_v by_o this_o place_n very_o apparent_a that_o a_o man_n may_v draw_v out_o a_o sure_a &_o a_o infallible_a argument_n against_o all_o those_o which_o be_v idle_a and_o slothful_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o they_o say_v key_n cold_a or_o slack_v in_o the_o worship_n &_o service_n of_o god_n or_o unfruitful_a in_o good_a work_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v graceless_a void_a of_o faith_n &_o those_o virtue_n which_o do_v ever_o accompany_v the_o same_o for_o when_o saint_n peter_n say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v with_o you_o they_o will_v make_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o such_o as_o be_v idle_a which_o arise_v for_o want_v of_o zeal_n or_o be_v unfruitful_a continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v never_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o châ—ist_n they_o may_v well_o boast_v themselves_o of_o their_o strong_a faith_n make_v a_o brave_a show_n of_o their_o skill_n &_o sine_fw-la wit_n so_o that_o man_n may_v think_v there_o be_v some_o deep_a thing_n in_o they_o &_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a even_o to_o judge_v &_o give_v aright_o verdict_n in_o all_o matter_n but_o a_o man_n read_v but_o even_o this_o place_n find_v they_o idle_a and_o unfruitful_a yea_o even_o a_o simple_a man_n shall_v easy_o sound_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o know_v or_o learned_a christ_n because_o they_o want_v those_o former_a thing_n we_o must_v note_v this_o also_o when_o he_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n abound_v in_o you_o this_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o scant_a and_o bare_a measure_n of_o faith_n of_o virtue_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o he_o set_v they_o down_o but_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o have_v a_o daily_a increase_n for_o that_o must_v be_v gather_v by_o this_o that_o he_o prick_v forward_o these_o ripe_a and_o ground_a man_n a_o doctrine_n most_o necessary_a to_o be_v urge_v because_o if_o man_n have_v go_v two_o or_o three_o step_n or_o have_v once_o a_o little_a begin_v to_o labour_v about_o these_o thing_n so_o that_o they_o can_v look_v back_o and_o see_v some_o come_v behind_o they_o or_o can_v say_v i_o thank_v god_n i_o know_v somewhat_o i_o hope_v that_o i_o be_o not_o without_o faith_n somewhat_o there_o be_v which_o i_o have_v do_v that_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o do_v again_o they_o by_o and_o by_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v i_o trust_v i_o have_v that_o which_o shall_v serve_v the_o turn_n nay_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o a_o other_o thing_n here_o from_o the_o lord_n &_o that_o be_v that_o we_o must_v overflow_v in_o these_o and_o abound_v and_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o these_o man_n which_o think_v they_o be_v well_o fraught_v and_o so_o seek_v for_o no_o further_a increase_n of_o store_n have_v as_o yet_o nothing_o for_o if_o they_o have_v once_o find_v the_o sweet_a of_o these_o thing_n and_o see_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v far_o behind_o and_o in_o beggarly_a need_n they_o will_v never_o content_v themselves_o with_o so_o little_a for_o who_o be_v he_o which_o feel_v increase_v in_o worldly_a treasure_n that_o will_v cry_v ho_o and_o say_v i_o have_v enough_o be_v there_o less_o in_o the_o heavenly_a treasure_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o like_v they_o than_o in_o the_o earthy_a or_o be_v it_o because_o man_n do_v not_o know_v they_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o therefore_o as_o will_v bear_v man_n in_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a yea_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o for_o man_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o civil_a honesty_n and_o not_o to_o seek_v and_o weary_a their_o mind_n to_o gain_v knowledge_n but_o these_o be_v never_o as_o yet_o the_o man_n which_o may_v be_v right_o call_v the_o scholar_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o we_o be_v to_o deem_v they_o worthy_a master_n or_o teacher_n of_o other_o when_o they_o go_v flat_a contrary_n to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o will_v to_o seek_v for_o so_o great_a abundance_n when_o as_o they_o will_v content_v themselves_o and_o persuade_v other_o to_o be_v content_v with_o scant_a a_o shadow_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o plentiful_o find_v in_o they_o notwithstanding_o some_o be_v so_o blind_a that_o have_v no_o shadow_n or_o show_v at_o all_o of_o goodness_n yet_o think_v they_o be_v go_v far_o enough_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n where_o he_o say_v he_o that_o have_v not_o these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o see_v not_o a_o far_o of_o and_o have_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v purge_v from_o his_o old_a sin_n he_o set_v forth_o the_o discommodity_n which_o follow_v the_o want_n of_o these_o virtue_n and_o this_o he_o do_v because_o some_o man_n will_v be_v little_o move_v to_o hear_v that_o commodity_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o will_v say_v what_o care_v i_o though_o i_o be_v idle_a what_o care_v i_o though_o i_o be_v unfruitful_a i_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o be_v better_o they_o other_o man_n what_o shall_v i_o labour_v to_o excel_v those_o which_o be_v wise_a than_o i_o if_o then_o they_o will_v not_o regard_v this_o that_o these_o virtue_n will_v make_v they_o excellent_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o let_v they_o consider_v what_o the_o apostle_n make_v they_o without_o the_o same_o where_o he_o affirm_v they_o first_o to_o be_v blind_a a_o very_a miserable_a thing_n in_o the_o bodily_a sight_n much_o more_o in_o the_o spiritual_a which_o he_o here_o mean_v when_o god_n have_v so_o clear_o reveal_v himself_o in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o son_n in_o the_o knowledge_n which_o bring_v salvation_n that_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v 2._o cor._n 4._o shall_v so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o shine_v unto_o they_o second_o he_o say_v they_o can_v see_v a_o far_o of_o or_o that_o they_o be_v poreblinde_a for_o such_o as_o have_v the_o beam_n of_o sight_n scatter_v or_o spread_v a_o sunder_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v well_o enough_o just_a by_o they_o but_o not_o a_o far_o of_o to_o these_o s._n peter_n do_v compare_v those_o man_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o he_o mean_v first_o to_o say_v they_o be_v stark_o blind_a &_o afterward_o to_o attribute_v some_o sight_n unto_o they_o it_o may_v seem_v by_o this_o word_n that_o he_o make_v their_o cause_n not_o so_o evil_a as_o before_o he_o have_v say_v it_o be_v yes_o even_o as_o evil_n for_o he_o say_v as_o much_o in_o this_o word_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o other_o for_o when_o he_o say_v they_o can_v see_v a_o far_o of_o he_o take_v from_o they_o all_o sight_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o be_v remove_v from_o we_o &_o see_v only_o by_o faith_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v they_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o hand_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a and_o a_o sharp_a sight_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o most_o part_n better_a than_o they_o which_o can_v see_v a_o far_o of_o but_o what_o be_v these_o quick_a wit_n the_o better_a when_o they_o be_v but_o for_o this_o world_n and_o their_o condition_n no_o