to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n both_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n ezek._n 36.25_o yet_o his_o people_n who_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o the_o first_o infusion_n of_o grace_n eph._n 2.1_o be_v thereafter_o make_v by_o he_o active_a instrument_n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o that_o work_n of_o mortification_n by_o employ_v christ_n virtue_n for_o subdue_a and_o fight_v in_o his_o strength_n against_o their_o corruption_n as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o you_o have_v purify_v your_o soul_n 4._o the_o lord_n mean_v of_o purge_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n from_o the_o love_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v natural_o in_o they_o be_v their_o obedience_n to_o his_o truth_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o their_o aim_v at_o conformity_n to_o those_o precept_n which_o enjoin_v purity_n and_o holiness_n such_o as_o that_o be_v ver_fw-la 15._o but_o principal_o in_o their_o embrace_n by_o faith_n and_o usemaking_a of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n wherein_o the_o lord_n undertake_v to_o work_v this_o purity_n ezek._n 36.25_o 26_o 27._o this_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o that_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o purify_v soul_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o have_v purify_v your_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n 5._o this_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o purify_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a strength_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o fit_a mean_n of_o grace_n without_o the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n who_o clear_v to_o sinner_n the_o nature_n of_o that_o purity_n which_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o powerful_o work_v the_o same_o in_o they_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v of_o those_o believer_n that_o they_o have_v purify_v their_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n 6._o one_o special_a part_n of_o this_o work_n of_o purge_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n consist_v in_o the_o subdue_a of_o those_o filthy_a root_n which_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n contrary_a to_o that_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n such_o as_o pride_n self-love_n and_o the_o like_a for_o this_o be_v here_o make_v their_o aim_n in_o purify_n their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v attain_v unto_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n import_v that_o their_o pain_n be_v much_o bend_v to_o purge_v out_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o grace_n 7._o believer_n have_v need_v to_o be_v serious_o press_v to_o exercise_v and_o grow_v in_o these_o grace_n and_o duty_n whereof_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o some_o approven_v measure_n for_o upon_o those_o who_o have_v already_o purify_v their_o soul_n unto_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n press_v this_o see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o 8._o it_o be_v not_o every_o sort_n of_o love_n to_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n that_o evidence_v mortification_n and_o the_o indwel_n of_o christ_n spirit_n but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v without_o dissimulation_n or_o hypocrisy_n which_o be_v unfeigned_a love_n such_o as_o flow_v from_o holy_a principle_n to_o wit_n respect_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o from_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o credit_n or_o advantage_n only_o from_o desire_n of_o the_o true_a good_a of_o other_o and_o not_o from_o love_n to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o such_o as_o break_v forth_o in_o real_a proof_n and_o be_v continue_v towards_o other_o notwithstanding_o of_o provocation_n from_o they_o which_o be_v to_o love_v one_o another_o fervent_o verse_n 23._o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o eleven_o motive_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n press_v upon_o believer_n the_o study_n of_o holiness_n especial_o that_o branch_n of_o it_o which_o he_o be_v last_o upon_o to_o wit_n love_n to_o the_o saint_n be_v take_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a original_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o since_o they_o have_v a_o new_a life_n and_o nature_n in_o their_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o they_o not_o by_o so_o fade_v a_o cause_n of_o principle_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o produce_v their_o natural_a substance_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o effect_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o regenerate_v live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o therefore_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o new_a nature_n and_o permanency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n shall_v move_v they_o to_o walk_v suitable_o unto_o it_o and_o particular_o to_o live_v in_o love_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o father_n child_n hence_o learn_v 1._o every_o true_a believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o a_o new_a and_o second_o birth_n which_o be_v that_o work_n of_o god_n with_o sinner_n whereby_o there_o be_v a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n and_o nature_n communicate_v to_o they_o eph._n 2.1_o and_o they_o be_v bring_v through_o some_o pang_n and_o strait_n arise_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o fear_v of_o deserve_a wrath_n act._n 2.37_o out_o of_o their_o darkness_n and_o bondage_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o child_n before_o the_o birth_n into_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o and_o freedom_n from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o subjection_n to_o wrath_n rom._n 8.2_o and_o whereby_o also_o they_o be_v make_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o resemble_v their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o be_v incline_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o and_o all_o his_o child_n 1_o joh._n 5.1_o for_o this_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o description_n of_o true_a believer_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o 2._o our_o life_n and_o nature_n that_o we_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o second_o birth_n or_o regeneration_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o what_o we_o have_v by_o the_o first_o our_o natural_a estate_n be_v subject_a to_o corruption_n and_o will_v be_v short_o dissolve_v but_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n can_v never_o fade_v for_o though_o all_o have_v immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v not_o corruptible_a yet_o the_o natural_a life_n and_o state_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o eternal_a be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o regeneration_n and_o a_o second_o birth_n will_v be_v but_o a_o eternal_a corruption_n or_o perish_v which_o shall_v make_v all_o long_a to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o regeneration_n for_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o esteem_v the_o one_o above_o the_o other_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o one_o above_o the_o other_o from_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o seed_n not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a 3._o although_o the_o word_n separate_v from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v do_v nothing_o to_o the_o regenerate_v of_o a_o sinner_n joh._n 3.5_o yet_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o that_o work_n of_o the_o law_n to_o put_v the_o sinner_n in_o some_o strait_n of_o the_o second_o birth_n through_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n to_o revive_v the_o soul_n and_o liberate_v it_o from_o those_o fear_n and_o of_o the_o law_n again_o to_o direct_v the_o regenerate_v how_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o their_o estate_n for_o the_o apostle_n explain_v what_o that_o incorruptible_a seed_n be_v of_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 4._o although_o there_o be_v no_o life_n either_o formal_o or_o by_o way_n of_o efficiency_n in_o the_o letter_n or_o sound_v of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o that_o word_n pass_v with_o the_o speak_n as_o any_o other_o word_n do_v yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o effect_n which_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o have_v upon_o sinner_n such_o as_o fear_v and_o terror_n upon_o the_o believe_a of_o the_o threaten_n act._n 2.37_o comfort_n under_o cross_n and_o quicken_a for_o duty_n upon_o the_o believe_a of_o the_o promise_n psal_n 119.50_o it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v it_o a_o word_n that_o live_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o eternal_a wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o reject_v it_o and_o of_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o everlasting_a blessing_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o it_o to_o they_o that_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v a_o word_n that_o abide_v for_o ever_o 5._o they_o who_o do_v profess_v and_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o shall_v by_o
be_v here_o describe_v from_o the_o property_n or_o effect_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a hope_n 13._o that_o which_o keep_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o regenerate_v in_o life_n and_o exercise_n and_o be_v the_o solid_a ground_n and_o cause_n thereof_o be_v that_o christ_n their_o cautioner_n have_v once_o die_v in_o their_o room_n be_v now_o rise_v as_o a_o conqueror_n over_o all_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n col._n 2.15_o in_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v full_o discharge_v of_o all_o their_o debt_n and_o they_o in_o he_o rom._n 1.4_o and_o 4.25_o whereby_o also_o they_o be_v certify_v that_o they_o shall_v rise_v and_o share_v with_o he_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o he_o have_v purchase_v and_o possess_v in_o their_o name_n job_n 14.2_o 3._o 2_o cor._n 4.14_o for_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o lively_a hope_n be_v here_o make_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n verse_n 4._o to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o that_o song_n of_o praise_n which_o all_o the_o regenerate_v shall_v keep_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n be_v that_o they_o have_v a_o matchless_a inheritance_n to_o look_v for_o beyond_o time_n which_o be_v both_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o make_v very_o sure_a for_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o by_o three_o property_n of_o it_o which_o prove_v it_o to_o excel_v very_o far_o all_o earthly_a inheritance_n 1._o that_o it_o have_v nothing_o in_o itself_o which_o do_v incline_v it_o towards_o any_o decay_n 2._o that_o 〈◊〉_d admit_v of_o nothing_o from_o without_o to_o stain_v the_o beauty_n 〈◊〉_d excellency_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o 3._o it_o do_v remaâ—_n 〈◊〉_d eternity_n in_o its_o primitive_a and_o native_a lustre_n 〈…〉_o be_v sweeten_v by_o this_o that_o it_o be_v safe_o keep_v for_o 〈◊〉_d â—egenerate_a in_o a_o place_n above_o all_o hazard_n hence_o leaâ—â—_n thâ—_n bless_a state_n which_o the_o regenerate_v have_v good_a 〈…〉_o hope_v for_o be_v so_o matchless_a and_o excellent_a that_o it_o 〈…〉_o set_v out_o by_o any_o thing_n here_o away_o the_o best_a 〈◊〉_d here_o incline_v to_o a_o decay_n be_v still_o defile_v and_o faâ—â—â—g_a one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o this_o inheritance_n be_v incorruptiblâ—_n undefiled_a and_o fade_v not_o away_o many_o word_n can_v commend_v it_o sufficient_o for_o here_o be_v several_a and_o those_o mâ—taphorick_n and_o negative_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o may_v more_o easy_o conceive_v and_o express_v what_o it_o be_v not_o and_o what_o it_o be_v like_a than_o what_o it_o be_v 2._o if_o the_o lord_n people_n will_v keep_v their_o heart_n in_o a_o praise_a disposition_n if_o they_o will_v be_v constant_a and_o cheerful_a in_o their_o adherance_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o of_o suffering_n they_o must_v have_v their_o heart_n much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o portion_n which_o be_v make_v sure_a for_o they_o beyond_o time_n so_o will_v they_o undervalue_v affliction_n by_o the_o way_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 18._o and_o rejoice_v under_o they_o rom._n 5.2_o 3._o so_o will_v they_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n heb._n 11.24_o and_o sweet_o digest_v all_o pain_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n 2_o cor._n 5.8_o 9_o for_o the_o apostle_n to_o work_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v towards_o this_o frame_n do_v here_o commend_v and_o propose_v to_o their_o consideration_n the_o excellency_n of_o their_o inheritance_n that_o it_o be_v incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o 3._o this_o inheritance_n which_o the_o regenerate_v be_v bear_v unto_o and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o hope_v for_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o lord_n himself_o bless_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o to_o all_o eternity_n for_o what_o be_v here_o attribute_v to_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o his_o people_n psal_n 16.5_o 6._o incorruptible_a rom._n 1.23_o undefiled_a heb._n 7.26_o and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o psal_n 102.27_o 4._o this_o heavenly_a inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n do_v not_o come_v to_o they_o by_o their_o own_o purchase_n or_o procurement_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o sonship_n rom._n 8.17_o which_o they_o have_v immediate_o upon_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n joh._n 1.12_o as_o a_o thing_n purchase_v to_o they_o by_o their_o father_n eph._n 1.14_o who_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o they_o in_o legaâ—â—_n job_n 17.24_o and_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v the_o executor_n of_o his_o own_o testament_n heb._n 7.25_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v merit_v by_o any_o of_o they_o that_o it_o fall_v as_o it_o be_v by_o lot_n as_o israel_n inheritance_n in_o canaan_n do_v to_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o allude_v while_o he_o set_v forth_o everlasting_a blessedness_n by_o this_o word_n inheritance_n which_o signify_v a_o thing_n come_v by_o heirship_n leave_v in_o legacy_n and_o fall_v by_o lot_n 5._o this_o bless_a state_n be_v make_v very_o sure_a for_o the_o regenerate_v be_v from_o eternity_n decern_v unto_o they_o mat._n 25.44_o secure_v to_o they_o in_o time_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o faithful_a god_n joh._n 6.40_o and_o now_o possess_v by_o their_o surety_n and_o head_n in_o their_o name_n heb._n 6.19_o 20._o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_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 the_o three_o reason_n of_o the_o joy_n and_o constancy_n of_o suffer_a believer_n be_v that_o their_o perseverance_n be_v make_v sure_a the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n be_v employ_v as_o their_o guard_n and_o safe_a conduct_n by_o the_o way_n to_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o fail_v till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o inheritance_n which_o be_v ready_a for_o they_o and_o for_o the_o communication_n whereof_o the_o particular_a time_n be_v fix_v and_o set_v hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o lord_n have_v a_o great_a mind_n that_o the_o joy_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n shall_v be_v strong_a and_o full_a foreknowing_a that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v much_o matter_n of_o fear_n and_o uncertainty_n he_o guard_v they_o on_o every_o hand_n have_v assure_v they_o in_o the_o former_a word_n that_o their_o excellent_a inheritance_n be_v above_o hazard_n of_o be_v lose_v here_o he_o certify_v they_o that_o they_o be_v no_o less_o sure_a and_o beyond_o all_o hazard_n of_o be_v lose_v in_o their_o way_n to_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o a_o earthly_a inheritance_n may_v be_v sure_a enough_o keep_v for_o a_o heir_n but_o who_o can_v service_n to_o wit_n a_o undoubted_a right_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o word_n receive_v here_o whereby_o the_o apostle_n express_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o it_o a_o metaphor_n from_o those_o wrestler_n who_o after_o the_o victory_n be_v take_v the_o prize_n and_o carry_v it_o and_o the_o word_n which_o be_v here_o translate_v the_o end_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v also_o render_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n 6._o whatever_o a_o believer_n may_v lose_v upon_o his_o journey_n see_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o come_v well_o to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o have_v his_o better_a part_n the_o soul_n beyond_o peril_n he_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o suffering_n by_o the_o way_n for_o this_o may_v safe_o be_v take_v for_o the_o near_a cause_n of_o that_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n which_o believer_n have_v that_o while_o they_o do_v exercise_v their_o faith_n they_o be_v receive_v the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o even_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o foul_n verse_n 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 in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o follow_a verse_n be_v contain_v the_o last_o reason_n of_o the_o joy_n and_o constancy_n of_o believer_n under_o their_o suffering_n which_o may_v be_v branch_v out_o in_o several_a argument_n to_o that_o purpose_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n yea_o the_o very_a angel_n of_o heaven_n be_v condisciple_n and_o fellow-student_n of_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n hold_v forth_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v rejoice_v in_o even_o under_o suffering_n for_o it_o this_o ten_o verse_n hold_v forth_o how_o accurate_a
the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n do_v partake_v even_o of_o that_o outward_a ordinance_n as_o few_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n in_o that_o it_o be_v equal_o dispense_v to_o good_a and_o bad_a who_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o but_o such_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o ark_n in_o that_o it_o do_v exempt_v all_o that_o partake_v of_o it_o according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n from_o the_o common_a case_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v seal_v to_o the_o elect_n safety_n from_o that_o wrath_n which_o do_v destroy_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a respect_n it_o be_v here_o compare_v with_o the_o ark_n the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o 3._o although_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o believer_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n blood_n apply_v to_o the_o conscience_n yet_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n oftentimes_o ascribe_v the_o same_o to_o the_o instrument_n or_o mean_v by_o which_o he_o do_v convey_v that_o salvation_n to_o they_o compare_n with_o this_o place_n luke_n 7.50_o 1_o tim._n 4.16_o that_o so_o he_o may_v keep_v up_o due_a respect_n to_o his_o own_o mean_n which_o if_o they_o be_v neglect_v or_o despise_v by_o they_o that_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o they_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n baptism_n do_v now_o save_v we_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o small_a hazard_n of_o people_n place_v too_o much_o in_o the_o external_a and_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o if_o that_o of_o itself_o be_v of_o some_o efficacy_n for_o salvation_n against_o which_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o less_o need_n to_o guard_v in_o their_o doctrine_n than_o against_o people_n under_o value_v of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o after_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v assert_v baptism_n to_o be_v the_o mean_a of_o our_o salvation_n answerable_a to_o the_o ark_n lest_o any_o may_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o salvation_n because_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o external_a baptism_n he_o add_v as_o a_o guard_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n 5._o the_o internal_a baptism_n to_o wit_n the_o application_n of_o christ_n merit_n be_v know_v to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o sinner_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o upon_o their_o conscience_n which_o do_v appear_v first_o when_o they_o do_v answer_v to_o the_o lord_n offer_n and_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o hearty_a acceptation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o engagement_n in_o his_o strength_n to_o obey_v the_o other_o second_o when_o they_o become_v humble_o familiar_a with_o god_n in_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n death_n as_o they_o and_o three_o when_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o he_o to_o answer_v the_o accusation_n and_o challenge_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v against_o they_o in_o do_v of_o the_o former_a two_o for_o all_o there_o three_o which_o make_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o wit_n stipulation_n or_o engagement_n claim_n or_o challenge_v and_o apology_n or_o answer_n be_v in_o the_o signification_n of_o this_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o here_o to_o express_v the_o internal_a part_n of_o baptism_n to_o wit_n the_o application_n of_o christ_n merit_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o which_o effect_n manife_v the_o cause_n even_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 6._o christ_n resurrection_n be_v to_o the_o believer_n one_o chief_a ground_n of_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n former_o describe_v from_o whence_o he_o may_v just_o claim_v to_o absolution_n from_o guiltiness_n since_o his_o cautioner_n discharge_n be_v evidence_v by_o his_o resurrection_n rom._n 4.25_o and_o to_o virtue_n for_o subdue_a of_o his_o corruption_n since_o he_o who_o purchase_v it_o be_v rise_v to_o apply_v it_o rom._n 6.9_o 11_o 12._o and_o to_o through-bearing_a strength_n under_o all_o trial_n since_o the_o head_n be_v rise_v the_o member_n must_v needs_o be_v where_o it_o be_v joh._n 14.3_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o may_v answer_v all_o objection_n draw_v from_o his_o guiltiness_n and_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o corruption_n and_o from_o his_o weakness_n to_o go_v through_o trial_n which_o may_v discourage_v his_o heart_n or_o brangle_v his_o faith_n rom._n 8.33_o for_o here_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o the_o believer_n have_v this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n verse_n 22._o who_o be_v go_v into_o heaven_n and_o be_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o the_o last_o encouragement_n to_o christian_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n have_v three_o branch_n first_o that_o since_o their_o head_n and_o mediator_n be_v go_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o name_n to_o possess_v heaven_n second_o since_o he_o be_v in_o high_a dignity_n and_o power_n with_o god_n and_o three_o since_o he_o have_v all_o the_o heavenly_a host_n of_o angel_n at_o his_o command_n therefore_o none_o of_o his_o follower_n need_v to_o fear_v suffer_v in_o follow_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o hence_o learn_v 1._o christ_n withdraw_v of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n from_o his_o people_n at_o his_o ascension_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o they_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v mistake_v it_o joh._n 16.5_o 6._o that_o by_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o they_o a_o wellspring_n of_o much_o consolation_n whence_o they_o may_v with_o joy_n draw_v answer_n to_o every_o discouragement_n he_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o spirit_n more_o plentiful_o than_o he_o do_v before_o his_o ascension_n joh._n 7.39_o eph._n 4.10_o and_o have_v in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o his_o ascension_n triumph_v over_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n psal_n 68.18_o and_o make_v 〈◊〉_d patent_n access_n to_o we_o to_o enter_v heaven_n by_o our_o faith_n and_o prayer_n since_o he_o be_v go_v there_o in_o our_o nature_n and_o name_n heb._n 6.19_o 20._o &_o 10.19_o etc._n etc._n for_o as_o a_o consolation_n against_o suffering_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v this_o bring_v in_o that_o christ_n be_v go_v into_o heaven_n 2._o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n have_v with_o the_o father_n signify_v by_o his_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n eph._n 1.20_o etc._n etc._n have_v the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n give_v he_o to_o dispense_v to_o his_o redeem_a one_o act._n 5.31_o be_v another_o strong_a ground_n of_o believer_n consolation_n whence_o also_o they_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o challenge_v given-in_a against_o they_o his_o sit_v there_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o they_o that_o the_o work_n of_o their_o redemption_n be_v complete_o do_v heb._n 10._o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o father_n be_v abundant_o satisfy_v therewith_o psal_n 110.1_o rom._n 8.33_o 34._o for_o this_o be_v another_o branch_n of_o their_o encouragement_n that_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 3._o whatever_o be_v the_o order_n or_o several_a degree_n that_o be_v among_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o curious_o to_o inquire_v see_v it_o be_v not_o make_v know_v in_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n have_v all_o of_o they_o subject_n to_o he_o as_o his_o messenger_n and_o mighty_a host_n have_v authority_n from_o he_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a psal_n 34.7_o heb._n 1.14_o and_o for_o the_o terror_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o and_o their_o enemy_n psal_n 68.16_o 17._o for_o of_o he_o as_o our_o mediator_n be_v this_o speak_v that_o he_o have_v angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n subject_a unto_o he_o 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o subjection_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n may_v be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o the_o few_o oppress_v godly_a especial_o when_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n on_o earth_n and_o their_o messenger_n and_o host_n be_v employ_v against_o they_o as_o in_o this_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v for_o this_o be_v here_o give_v to_o believer_n as_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o their_o encouragement_n in_o this_o chapter_n that_o they_o serve_v and_o suffer_v for_o such_o a_o master_n as_o have_v angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n subject_a unto_o he_o chap._n iu._n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o contain_v a_o enlargement_n of_o the_o former_a purpose_n the_o apostle_n do_v by_o several_a argument_n press_v upon_o the_o redeem_a the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o give_v
even_a christian_n be_v find_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o iniquity_n aught_o to_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v for_o they_o while_o he_o give_v they_o this_o caution_n but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evil_a doer_n or_o as_o a_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n 2._o even_o nature_n light_n will_v speak_v against_o the_o toleration_n of_o several_a sort_n of_o evil_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v man_n that_o have_v power_n and_o have_v not_o put_v out_o that_o light_n by_o frequent_a sin_v against_o it_o to_o pass_v they_o without_o punishment_n what_o a_o shame_n than_o be_v it_o for_o these_o within_o the_o church_n to_o commit_v such_o thing_n or_o tolerate_v they_o in_o other_o for_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v here_o that_o christian_n who_o live_v under_o heathen_a magistrate_n will_v certain_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v by_o they_o if_o they_o be_v find_v murderer_n thief_n evil-doer_n or_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n 3._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o by_o their_o miscarriage_n have_v deserve_v the_o stroke_n of_o humane_a justice_n willing_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o same_o luke_n 23.41_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o eschew_v those_o sin_n which_o may_v draw_v they_o under_o that_o stroke_n it_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o christianity_n when_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o even_o heathen_n or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o better_o can_v but_o punish_v and_o a_o great_a harden_v of_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o evil_a way_n for_o which_o and_o the_o like_a cause_n the_o apostle_n give_v this_o three_o direction_n but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n etc._n etc._n 4._o except_o christian_n employ_v christ_n spirit_n to_o apply_v that_o virtue_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v by_o his_o death_n for_o the_o change_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o mortify_v of_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o study_v watchfulness_n in_o their_o carriage_n they_o will_v ready_o break_v out_o in_o those_o abomination_n for_o which_o even_a heathen_n will_v just_o put_v they_o to_o suffer_v for_o this_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v import_v that_o except_o christian_n do_v watch_v and_o pray_v and_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n death_n for_o mortification_n of_o sin_n within_o to_o which_o duty_n he_o have_v stir_v they_o up_o before_o they_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o break_v out_o in_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v and_o so_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v as_o murderer_n thief_n evil-doer_n and_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n verse_n 16._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v god_n on_o this_o behalf_n the_o apostle_n give_v some_o further_a direction_n for_o attain_v the_o forementioned_a end_n the_o four_o in_o number_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o they_o shall_v cleave_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n carry_v themselves_o under_o their_o suffering_n as_o his_o anoint_a once_o upon_o which_o he_o infer_v the_o five_o that_o if_o they_o do_v so_o suffer_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o suffering_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v a_o six_o direction_n they_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o such_o suffering_n of_o give_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o honour_v and_o enable_v they_o so_o to_o suffer_v hence_o learn_v 1._o they_o that_o will_v have_v true_a comfort_n under_o their_o suffering_n for_o christ_n must_v first_o study_v to_o be_v real_a christian_n teach_v of_o christ_n to_o know_v he_o and_o his_o will_n act._n 11.26_o to_o have_v from_o he_o the_o anoint_v of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 2.20_o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o resemble_v he_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o disposition_n 1_o cor._n 3.18_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o and_o in_o his_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v anoint_v by_o have_v power_n over_o their_o lust_n and_o in_o his_o strength_n overcome_v all_o opposition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o as_o anoint_a king_n to_o god_n by_o offer_v up_o themselves_o in_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n rom._n 12.1_o and_o their_o service_n through_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o as_o a_o spiritual_a priesthood_n by_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o other_o especial_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n gen._n 18.19_o whereby_o they_o do_v resemble_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o especial_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o he_o in_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o show_v forth_o that_o meekness_n and_o constancy_n and_o other_o of_o his_o communicable_a perfection_n which_o shine_v in_o he_o under_o his_o suffering_n avow_v his_o name_n and_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v anoint_v upon_o all_o hazard_n for_o this_o be_v to_o suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a who_o name_n be_v a_o anoint_a one_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o imply_v as_o necessary_a for_o all_o that_o will_v taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o former_a consolation_n but_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a 2._o profane_a christian_n who_o may_v be_v just_o put_v to_o suffer_v for_o their_o fault_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o entitle_v themselves_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v christ_n minister_n to_o clear_v the_o cause_n of_o suffering_n in_o which_o christian_n may_v comfort_v themselves_o and_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o suffer_v for_o a_o right_a cause_n for_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a verse_n set_v a_o guard_n about_o the_o former_a consolation_n give_v to_o sufferer_n for_o christ_n lest_o they_o may_v be_v usurp_v by_o profane_a professor_n just_o put_v to_o suffer_v for_o their_o miscarriage_n let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a 3._o there_o be_v no_o shame_n or_o contempt_n that_o the_o world_n can_v pour_v upon_o sufferer_n for_o christ_n whereof_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ashamed_a but_o rather_o to_o despise_v shame_n for_o he_o as_o he_o do_v for_o we_o heb._n 12.2_o as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o if_o he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o another_o day_n mark_v 8.38_o for_o this_o be_v the_o five_o direction_n if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a 4._o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o providence_n bring_v a_o necessity_n upon_o christian_n of_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o by_o his_o grace_n enable_v they_o to_o carry_v themselves_o christian_o under_o the_o same_o they_o owe_v much_o praise_n and_o glory_n to_o he_o for_o put_v that_o honour_n upon_o they_o especial_o consider_v that_o his_o grace_n alone_o have_v prevent_v their_o fall_n in_o those_o sin_n which_o may_v just_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o no_o less_o suffering_n and_o with_o far_o less_o credit_n and_o comfort_n than_o now_o while_o they_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o six_o direction_n let_v he_o glorify_v god_n on_o this_o behalf_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v not_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n but_o as_o a_o christian_a verse_n 17._o for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o first_o begin_v at_o we_o what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n here_o be_v two_o further_a argument_n to_o move_v the_o godly_a to_o courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o their_o suffering_n the_o one_o be_v that_o now_o god_n appoint_v and_o fit_a opportunity_n be_v come_v wherein_o he_o will_v have_v his_o just_a displeasure_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n begin_v first_o to_o kith_v in_o his_o own_o family_n the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n for_o the_o correction_n and_o trial_n of_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o faint_v under_o these_o trial_n see_v the_o time_n of_o they_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n and_o that_o the_o godly_a be_v only_o to_o endure_v the_o beginning_n of_o that_o which_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o their_o persecutor_n the_o other_o argument_n be_v that_o see_v god_n just_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n be_v first_o manifest_v towards_o his_o own_o people_n the_o end_n of_o their_o wicked_a enemy_n behove_v to_o be_v unspeakable_o terrible_a and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o
for_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v greet_v you_o one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 4._o the_o occasion_n of_o frequent_a converse_n and_o correspondence_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n ought_v not_o to_o diminish_v their_o love_n or_o hinder_v the_o expression_n thereof_o but_o rather_o to_o increase_v the_o same_o they_o who_o live_v together_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o offend_v or_o mistake_v one_o another_o and_o so_o to_o be_v mutual_o jealous_a of_o the_o alienation_n of_o one_o another_o affection_n than_o those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o love_n shall_v provoke_v those_o that_o be_v near_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v signify_v the_o love_n of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o babylon_n to_o their_o disperse_a brethren_n do_v here_o exhort_v they_o that_o have_v more_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o meeting_n and_o correspondence_n to_o greet_v one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 5._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n hearty_o to_o wish_v all_o sort_n of_o true_a peace_n upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o external_a profession_n and_o participation_n of_o common_a gift_n and_o benefit_n from_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o joh._n 15.2_o so_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o calmness_n and_o contentment_n of_o the_o soul_n arise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o acceptation_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n when_o fear_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o jealousy_n of_o his_o love_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n banish_v rom._n 5.1_o together_o with_o as_o much_o outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o true_a good_a be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n only_o to_o real_a believer_n and_o to_o all_o of_o they_o whether_o weak_a or_o strong_a and_o may_v be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n attain_v unto_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o trouble_n by_o those_o who_o be_v chase_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o by_o faith_n plant_v in_o the_o live_a vine_n christ_n jesus_n for_o as_o this_o apostolick-benediction_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o apostle_n wish_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o it_o do_v especial_o respect_v true_a believer_n therein_o peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 6._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n to_o press_v duty_n upon_o all_o professor_n so_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o guard_v promise_n and_o privilege_n by_o qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v for_o the_o apostle_n have_v press_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o expression_n thereof_o upon_o all_o indefinite_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n restrict_n his_o wish_n of_o peace_n qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o do_v especial_o belong_v peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 7._o as_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o enter_v upon_o every_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o call_v and_o commission_n from_o he_o as_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o epistle_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o close_v the_o same_o with_o some_o confidence_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o labour_n and_o of_o his_o grant_v their_o desire_n for_o that_o end_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n close_v his_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n in_o this_o epistle_n with_o this_o word_n of_o confidence_n amen_n a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n general_n of_o peter_n the_o argument_n this_o epistle_n may_v be_v call_v the_o latter_a will_n of_o a_o die_a apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o when_o peter_n write_v it_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v short_o to_o seal_v the_o truth_n in_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n as_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o compare_v the_o 14._o verse_n of_o this_o chap._n with_o christ_n prediction_n concern_v his_o death_n joh._n 21.18_o it_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o all_o believer_n especial_o believe_v jew_n scatter_v at_o that_o time_n through_o many_o nation_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v 1_o pet._n 1.1_o with_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o and_o of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o principal_a head_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o make_v clear_a the_o scope_n and_o part_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o christian_n growth_n in_o grace_n and_o diligence_n in_o holy_a duty_n which_o be_v clear_v and_o press_v chap._n 1._o the_o second_o be_v concern_v error_n the_o way_n of_o work_v and_o hazard_v whereof_o be_v handle_v chap._n 2._o the_o three_o be_v concern_v the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n some_o error_n about_o it_o be_v confute_v and_o the_o right_a preparation_n for_o it_o hold_v forth_o chap._n 3._o what_o can_v be_v more_o necessary_a than_o to_o study_v growth_n and_o diligence_n in_o so_o decline_v and_o secure_a a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v to_o guard_n against_o error_n when_o it_o so_o prevail_v and_o to_o prepare_v for_o the_o last_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o now_o it_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o much_o forget_v chap._n 1._o the_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v three_o in_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o inscription_n ver_fw-la 1._o a_o apostolic_a wish_n for_o the_o best_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o grow_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o the_o salutation_n ver_fw-la 2._o ground_n of_o encouragement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o wish_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n already_o begin_v in_o they_o which_o he_o describe_v from_o the_o cause_n nature_n part_n and_o way_n of_o work_v of_o it_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4._o in_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n he_o exhort_v to_o diligence_n and_o the_o study_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n reckon_v out_o several_a step_n of_o their_o progress_n ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o with_o many_o move_a argument_n thereto_o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o growth_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v only_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o write_v therefore_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n ver_fw-la 16._o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a subject_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o and_o of_o the_o whole_a write_a word_n from_o the_o certainty_n and_o usefulness_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o from_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o verse_n 1._o simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n describe_v himself_o 1._o from_o two_o name_n which_o design_n his_o person_n simon_n his_o old_a name_n when_o he_o be_v a_o fisher_n peter_n his_o new_a surname_n give_v he_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o mark_v 1.16_o and_o 3.16_o the_o one_o mind_v he_o of_o his_o former_a ignorant_a and_o mean_a condition_n the_o other_o of_o the_o honour_n christ_n put_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o make_v he_o a_o lively_a stone_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o believer_n and_o preacher_n of_o that_o truth_n upon_o which_o as_o a_o rock_n he_o build_v his_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o exposition_n of_o the_o name_n peter_n mat._n 16.18_o hence_o learn_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o carry_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o time_n with_o we_o the_o sensible_a remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v before_o christ_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o of_o what_o his_o grace_n have_v make_v we_o that_o we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n both_o humble_a and_o thankful_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o these_o two_o name_n here_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o testament_n simon_n peter_n next_o he_o describe_v himself_o from_o two_o style_n which_o design_n his_o office_n the_o one_o common_a to_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o proper_a to_o those_o who_o have_v immediate_a commission_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o christ_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o work_v miracle_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v honour_n enough_o for_o the_o high_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o christ_n so_o do_v this_o apostle_n esteem_v it_o who_o never_o
describe_v these_o man_n here_o as_o slave_n to_o all_o these_o three_o idol_n at_o once_o to_o their_o pleasure_n which_o be_v their_o eden_n to_o their_o credit_n which_o make_v they_o hold_v forth_o bait_v to_o take_v many_o follower_n and_o to_o their_o gain_n wherewith_o their_o heart_n be_v exercise_v that_o so_o their_o pleasure_n and_o credit_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o uphold_v last_o they_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v spend_v their_o immortal_a spirit_n upon_o the_o unworthy_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o trust_v to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n whereunto_o their_o profession_n do_v oblige_v they_o they_o do_v forfeit_v their_o right_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o child_n and_o serve_v themselves_o heir_n to_o his_o curse_n for_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v exercise_v with_o covetous_a practice_n they_o be_v curse_v child_n verse_n 15._o which_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o be_v go_v astray_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o bosor_n who_o love_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n 16._o but_o be_v rebuke_v for_o his_o iniquity_n the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v with_o man_n voice_n forbid_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o apostle_n have_v show_v what_o idol_n these_o false_a teacher_n do_v set_v up_o he_o show_v here_o two_o woeful_a effect_n that_o their_o love_n to_o they_o especial_o to_o their_o gain_n have_v upon_o they_o the_o first_o be_v their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o be_v extreme_a violence_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o idol_n which_o last_o he_o set_v forth_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o bâ—laam_n who_o be_v so_o mad_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o same_o idol_n that_o even_o extraordinary_a opposition_n can_v not_o restrain_v he_o hence_o learn_v 1._o however_o man_n that_o real_o enter_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n can_v never_o total_o or_o final_o fall_v from_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v undertake_v joh._n 10.28_o and_o unchangeableness_n rom._n 11.29_o yet_o they_o who_o have_v be_v once_o in_o opinion_n sound_n and_o in_o external_a practice_n blameless_a remain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n without_o any_o inward_a save_a change_n may_v make_v apostasy_n from_o both_o for_o such_o have_v these_o man_n be_v of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n 2._o love_n to_o some_o unmortified_a lust_n especial_o covetousness_n be_v the_o prime_a cause_n both_o of_o much_o apostasy_n and_o of_o extreme_a violence_n in_o sinful_a course_n for_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o false_a teacher_n and_o their_o follower_n their_o heart_n be_v exercise_v with_o covetous_a practice_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o therefore_o they_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n imitate_v balaam_n in_o the_o violent_a prosecution_n of_o that_o idol_n 3._o when_o the_o right_a way_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n be_v forsake_v man_n can_v keep_v no_o certain_a course_n but_o must_v needs_o be_v like_o wander_a star_n or_o planet_n as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v ever_o seek_v and_o never_o find_v that_o true_a satisfaction_n they_o may_v have_v have_v and_o have_v forsake_v by_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o be_v go_v astray_o 4._o when_o the_o lord_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v sinner_n from_o their_o lust_n do_v not_o prevail_v with_o they_o the_o lord_n be_v just_o provoke_v to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n over_o the_o belly_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a opposition_n if_o they_o have_v it_o till_o they_o perish_v for_o balaam_n be_v not_o restrain_v by_o mean_n more_o ordinary_a in_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o mean_n more_o extraordinary_a he_o love_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n though_o he_o be_v rebuke_v for_o his_o iniquity_n by_o the_o dumb_a ass_n 5._o covetousness_n be_v once_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o propose_v as_o a_o man_n main_a end_n it_o be_v so_o powerful_a and_o imperious_a a_o idol_n that_o it_o will_v make_v the_o covetous_a man_n adventure_n upon_o any_o course_n though_o never_o so_o unrighteous_a and_o go_v over_o never_o so_o much_o opposition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o gain_n for_o though_o the_o wage_n that_o balaam_n desire_v be_v wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v have_v but_o by_o curse_v the_o people_n who_o god_n have_v blessed_v yet_o he_o love_v they_o and_o pursue_v they_o though_o the_o dumb_a ass_n forbid_v his_o madness_n in_o so_o do_v 6._o the_o more_o opposition_n from_o the_o word_n or_o dispensation_n of_o god_n man_n do_v go_v over_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o lust_n the_o great_a be_v their_o guilt_n and_o the_o more_o wrath_n have_v they_o to_o expect_v from_o god_n especial_o when_o they_o trace_v the_o step_n of_o sinner_n who_o god_n have_v by_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n oppose_v before_o they_o for_o it_o be_v here_o make_v a_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o cause_n of_o a_o special_a measure_n of_o wrath_n that_o these_o man_n follow_v the_o way_n of_o balaam_n who_o will_v go_v on_o after_o his_o lust_n though_o the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v with_o man_n voice_n forbid_v his_o madness_n 7._o it_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n more_o easy_a to_o work_v the_o great_a miracle_n in_o nature_n than_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o a_o sinner_n violent_o pursue_v his_o lust_n the_o reasonless_a creature_n who_o have_v no_o active_a opposition_n in_o they_o to_o their_o maker_n will_n be_v more_o prone_a to_o obey_v he_o contrary_a to_o their_o ordinary_a course_n than_o reasonable_a creature_n without_o special_a grace_n and_o assistance_n can_v be_v either_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o word_n or_o their_o own_o reason_n contrary_a to_o their_o corrupt_a and_o vile_a affection_n for_o while_o balaam_n go_v on_o in_o his_o sinful_a course_n the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v as_o if_o it_o have_v a_o man_n voice_n forbid_v his_o madness_n 8._o a_o cross_a providence_n meet_v sinner_n in_o a_o course_n contrary_n to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o language_n to_o they_o proclaim_v their_o madness_n and_o prohibit_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v although_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o when_o one_o man_n reprove_v another_o see_v mica_n 6.9_o for_o though_o we_o read_v not_o numb_a 22._o that_o balaam_n ass_n do_v either_o express_o call_v he_o mad_a or_o prohibit_v his_o course_n yet_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v that_o commentary_n upon_o what_o it_o speak_v which_o also_o balaam_n shall_v have_v do_v that_o the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v with_o man_n voice_n forbid_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n 9_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o madness_n to_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n how_o much_o use_n of_o reason_n soever_o man_n may_v have_v to_o cover_v their_o wickedness_n and_o attain_v to_o their_o idol_n for_o though_o much_o carnal_a reason_n and_o policy_n do_v appear_v in_o balaam_n way_n yet_o the_o dumb_a ass_n forbid_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n 10._o a_o man_n who_o be_v mad_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o so_o incorrigible_a that_o even_o extraordinary_a mean_n do_v not_o reclaim_v he_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o reveal_v of_o his_o will_n to_o his_o people_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o employment_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o much_o heavenly_a matter_n and_o suitable_a expression_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o employment_n while_o he_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n put_v from_o that_o employment_n for_o such_o a_o man_n be_v balaam_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v employ_v and_o by_o who_o he_o do_v deliver_v most_o comfortable_a and_o edify_a truth_n to_o his_o church_n all_o which_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v this_o place_n of_o scripture_n with_o numb_a 21,22_o chapter_n verse_n 17._o these_o be_v well_n without_o water_n cloud_n that_o be_v carry_v with_o a_o tempest_n to_o who_o the_o mist_n of_o darkness_n be_v reserve_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o follow_a verse_n the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o several_a of_o those_o mean_n which_o false_a teacher_n make_v use_v of_o for_o attain_v their_o forename_a idol_n especial_o their_o gain_n and_o applause_n the_o first_o which_o be_v in_o this_o vers_fw-la be_v their_o fair_a