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cause_n good_a great_a word_n 2,991 5 3.7261 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47642 A practical commentary, upon the two first chapters of the first epistle general of St. Peter. By the most reverend Dr. Robert Leighton, some-time arch-bishop of Glasgow. Published after his death, at the request of his friends Leighton, Robert, 1611-1684. 1693 (1693) Wing L1028A; ESTC R216658 288,504 508

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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 thu●_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 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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
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 sow●_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
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
constrain_a semblance_n of_o reconcilement_n be_v but_o a_o false_a heal_n do_v but_o skin_n it_o over_o and_o therefore_o usual_o it_o break_v forth_o worse_o again_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o have_v true_o maliceless_a heart_n and_o find_v this_o entire_a upright_a affection_n towards_o their_o brethren_n meet_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a conversation_n this_o law_n of_o love_n deep_o impress_v on_o their_o heart_n and_o from_o thence_o express_v in_o their_o word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o be_v unfeigned_a love_n as_o real_a to_o their_o brethren_n as_o to_o themselves_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v pure_a from_o a_o pure_a heart_n this_o be_v not_o all_o one_o with_o the_o former_a as_o some_o take_v it_o it_o be_v true_a doubleness_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o impurity_n and_o a_o great_a one_o but_o all_o impurity_n be_v not_o doubleness_n one_o may_v real_o mean_v that_o friendship_n and_o affection_n he_o express_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v most_o contrary_a to_o that_o 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in_o its_o effect_n and_o exercise_n his_o society_n and_o converse_v with_o any_o tend_v main_o to_o this_o that_o he_o may_v mutual_o help_v and_o be_v help_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n desire_v most_o that_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n may_v joint_o mind_v their_o journey_n heavenwards_o and_o further_o one_o another_o in_o their_o way_n to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o love_n of_o a_o pure_a heart_n that_o both_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o god_n fervent_o not_o after_o a_o cold_a indifferent_a manner_n let_v the_o love_n of_o your_o brethren_n be_v as_o a_o fire_n within_o you_o consume_v that_o selfishness_n that_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n let_v it_o set_v your_o thought_n on_o work_n to_o study_v how_o to_o do_v other_o good_a let_v your_o love_n be_v a_o active_a love_n intense_a within_z you_o and_o extend_v itself_o in_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o your_o brethren_n as_o they_o need_v and_o you_o be_v able_a alium_n re_fw-mi alium_fw-la concilio_fw-la alium_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la as_o sen._n the_o benef_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 2._o it_o be_v self-love_n that_o contract_v the_o heart_n and_o shut_v out_o all_o other_o love_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n save_v only_o so_o far_o as_o our_o own_o interest_n carry_v and_o that_o be_v still_o self-love_n but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n dilate_v the_o heart_n purify_v love_n and_o extend_v it_o to_o all_o man_n but_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n direct_v it_o to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o peculiar_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v hero_n the_o particular_a love_n require_v love_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o this_o be_v imply_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o love_v those_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v our_o brethren_n this_o conclude_v not_o only_o as_o abraham_n say_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o strife_n but_o it_o bind_v most_o strong_o to_o this_o sincere_a and_o pure_a and_o fervent_a love_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n repeat_v express_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mysterious_a new-birth_n and_o explain_v it_o more_o full_o which_o he_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o again_o refer_v to_o it_o verse_n 14_o 17._o there_o be_v in_o this_o fervent_a love_n sympathy_n with_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o brethren_n desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o help_v they_o bear_v their_o infirmity_n and_o recover_v they_o too_o if_o it_o may_v be_v raise_v they_o when_o they_o fall_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o as_o be_v needful_a sometime_o sharp_o and_o yet_o still_o in_o love_n rejoice_v in_o their_o good_a in_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o far_o from_o envy_v they_o that_o we_o be_v glad_a as_o if_o they_o be_v our_o own_o there_o be_v the_o same_o blood_n run_v in_o their_o vein_n you_o have_v the_o same_o father_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o that_o glorious_a fraternity_n the_o first_o bear_v among_o many_o brethren_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v eph._n 1.10_o that_o he_o have_v recollect_v into_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n the_o word_n be_v gather_v they_o into_o one_o head_n and_o so_o suit_v very_o fit_o to_o express_v that_o our_o union_n in_o he_o in_o who_o say_v he_o in_o that_o same_o epistle_n c._n 4.16_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v fit_o compact_v together_o and_o add_v that_o which_o agree_v to_o our_o purpose_n that_o this_o body_n grow_v up_o and_o edify_v itself_o in_o love_n all_o the_o member_n receive_v spirit_n from_o the_o same_o head_n and_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n thus_o these_o brethren_n receive_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n from_o their_o head_n christ_n be_v most_o strong_o bend_v to_o the_o good_a one_o of_o another_o if_o there_o 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tune_v to_o the_o same_o new_a song_n which_o you_o shall_v sing_v for_o ever_o let_v that_o love_n begin_v here_o which_o shall_v never_o end_v and_o this_o same_o union_n i_o conceive_v be_v likewise_o press_v in_o the_o first_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n see_v you_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o work_n of_o sanctification_n by_o the_o same_o word_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o work_v it_o in_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o that_o be_v call_v and_o incorporate_v into_o that_o fraternity_n therefore_o live_v in_o it_o and_o like_o it_o you_o be_v purify_v to_o it_o therefore_o love_v one_o another_o after_o that_o same_o manner_n pure_o let_v the_o profane_a world_n scoff_n that_o name_n of_o brethren_n you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o foolish_a
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 impossible_a without_o a_o portion_n of_o this_o new_a nature_n to_o conceive_v of_o it_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v understand_v it_o what_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o the_o subtle_a school_n of_o philosopher_n when_o a_o very_a doctor_n in_o israel_n mistake_v it_o gross_o io._n 3._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a mystery_n and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o sublimest_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o divine_a the_o soar_a eagle_n as_o they_o compare_v he_o he_o be_v more_o abundant_a in_o this_o subject_n than_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o most_o profitable_a way_n of_o consider_v this_o regeneration_n and_o sonship_n be_v certain_o to_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o those_o holy_a write_n and_o not_o to_o jangle_n in_o dispute_n about_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o of_o which_o though_o somewhat_o may_v be_v profitable_o say_v and_o safe_o namely_o so_o much_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v yet_o much_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o 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 with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n by_o the_o mixture_n of_o all_o divine_a grace_n each_o set_n off_o another_o as_o so_o many_o rich_a several_a colour_n in_o embroidery_n but_o who_o can_v trace_v that_o invisible_a hand_n that_o work_v it_o so_o as_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o order_n and_o to_o say_v which_o be_v first_o which_o second_o and_o so_o on_o whether_o faith_n or_o repentance_n and_o all_o grace_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o and_o all_o grace_n do_v inseparable_o make_v up_o the_o same_o work_n and_o be_v all_o in_o the_o new_a formation_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v bear_v again_o if_o the_o way_n of_o god_n universal_a providence_n be_v untraceable_a than_o most_o of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o a_o secret_a unperceivable_a way_n in_o this_o new_a birth_n he_o give_v this_o spiritual_a be_v as_o the_o dew_n which_o be_v silent_o and_o insensible_o form_v and_o this_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n compare_v to_o it_o by_o the_o psalmist_n they_o have_v this_o original_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o dew_n io._n 3.3_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v from_o above_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v of_o the_o dew_n to_o job._n job._n 38.28_o have_v the_o rain_n a_o father_n or_o who_o have_v beget_v the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n the_o sharp_a wit_n be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o as_o job_n speak_v of_o a_o way_n that_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v job._n 28.7_o to_o contest_v it_o much_o how_o in_o this_o regeneration_n he_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o renew_v it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n provide_v this_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o regenerate_v and_o renew_v a_o man_n at_o his_o pleasure_n 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 make_v such_o a_o promise_n io._n 1.13_o not_o of_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n if_o his_o sovereign_a will_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a principle_n of_o this_o regeneration_n why_o then_o say_v the_o apostle_n st._n james_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o and_o he_o add_v the_o subordinate_a cause_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o word_n to_o the_o end_n that_o his_o church_n may_v be_v still_o fruitful_a bring_v forth_o son_n unto_o he_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v like_o flock_n of_o sheep_n come_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n none_o harren_a among_o they_o though_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o word_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o employment_n in_o dispense_n it_o have_v by_o the_o scripture_n the_o relation_n of_o parent_n impart_v to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a dignity_n for_o they_o as_o they_o be_v call_v co-worker_n with_o god_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n that_o write_v so_o call_v the_o galatian_n his_o little_a child_n of_o who_o he_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v often_o very_a much_o pain_n in_o this_o travel_n yet_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n remain_v untouched_a which_o be_v effectual_o to_o beget_v again_o these_o same_o spirit_n which_o he_o create_v and_o to_o make_v that_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n fruitful_a that_o way_n where_o and_o when_o he_o will_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n be_v he_o never_o so_o powerful_a can_v cast_v this_o seed_n only_o into_o the_o ear_n his_o hand_n reach_v no_o further_o and_o the_o hearer_n by_o his_o attention_n may_v convey_v it_o into_o his_o head_n but_o it_o be_v the_o supreme_a father_n and_o teacher_n above_o that_o carry_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n the_o only_a soil_n wherein_o it_o prove_v lively_a and_o fruitful_a one_o man_n can_v reach_v the_o heart_n of_o another_o how_o shall_v he_o then_o renew_v its_o fruitfulness_n if_o natural_a birth_n have_v be_v always_o acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n prerogative_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v a_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o so_o jacob_n answer_v wise_o to_o his_o wife_n be_v foolish_a passion_n be_o i_o in_o god_n stead_n how_o much_o more_o be_v this_o new_a birth_n whole_o dependent_a on_o his_o hand_n but_o though_o this_o word_n can_v beget_v without_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o this_o word_n that_o he_o beget_v and_o ordinary_o not_o
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 ta●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 th●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 hyp●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 ●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
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 ●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 sal●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 g●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 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the_o fruit_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n but_o to_o give_v cause_n of_o god_n decree_n without_o himself_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a with_o the_o primitive_a be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v we_o further_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o ask_v it_o let_v these_o two_o word_n as_o s._n austin_n say_v answer_v all_o what_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n and_o o_o the_o depth_n our_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o know_v that_o our_o name_n be_v not_o in_o that_o black_a line_n and_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o son_n be_v this_o to_o find_v that_o we_o have_v choose_v he_o and_o be_v build_v on_o he_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n that_o first_o choose_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v read_v in_o our_o esteem_n of_o he_o he_o be_v precious_a or_o your_o honour_n the_o 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commend_v christ_n so_o much_o and_o describe_v his_o comeliness_n in_o that_o song_n and_o withal_o that_o word_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o faith_n that_o express_v propriety_n my_o wellbeloved_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o and_o these_o together_o make_v he_o most_o precious_a to_o the_o soul_n have_v once_o possession_n of_o he_o than_o it_o look_v upon_o all_o his_o suffering_n as_o endure_v particular_o for_o it_o and_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o all_o as_o belong_v to_o itself_o sure_o it_o will_v say_v can_v it_o choose_v but_o account_v he_o precious_a that_o suffer_v shame_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a and_o suffer_v death_n that_o he_o may_v not_o die_v that_o
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 god_n for_o the_o qualification_n and_o measure_n i_o shall_v mention_v no_o other_o but_o that_o in_o the_o text_n that_o it_o be_v always_o regulate_v by_o this_o that_o here_o go_v before_o it_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o we_o never_o think_v of_o any_o such_o obedience_n and_o honour_v due_a to_o king_n as_o cross_v that_o fear_n that_o be_v due_a to_o god_n let_v king_n and_o subject_n and_o all_o know_v that_o they_o be_v absoute_o bind_v to_o this_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o king_n psa._n 2._o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o fear_n and_o psa._n 9.6_o to_o all_o man_n fear_v before_o he_o all_o the_o earth_n for_o he_o be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v he_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v above_o all_o go_n what_o be_v man_n in_o respect_n of_o he_o shall_v a_o worm_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o his_o nostril_n stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o everliving_a god_n shall_v a_o earthen_a potsherd_v strive_v with_o his_o maker_n let_v the_o potsherd_n strive_v with_o the_o potsherd_n 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tree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o shall_v fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n etc._n etc._n yet_o vers_fw-la 18._o i_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v joy_v in_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n in_o spiritual_a trial_n that_o be_v the_o sharp_a and_o fiery_a of_o all_o when_o the_o furnace_n be_v within_o a_o man_n when_o god_n do_v not_o only_o shut_v up_o his_o love_a kindness_n from_o its_o feel_n but_o seem_v to_o shut_v it_o up_o in_o hot_a displeasure_n when_o he_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o it_o yet_o then_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o wait_v for_o his_o salvation_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o strong_a and_o very_o refine_a faith_n indeed_o and_o the_o more_o he_o smite_v the_o more_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o well_o may_v he_o say_v when_o i_o be_o try_v i_o shall_v come_v forth_o as_o gold_n who_o can_v say_v that_o word_n though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o though_o i_o see_v as_o it_o be_v his_o hand_n 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faith_n shall_v come_v through_o they_o all_o and_o shall_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n etc._n etc._n a_o unskillful_a beholder_n may_v think_v strange_a to_o see_v gold_n throw_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o leave_v there_o for_o a_o time_n but_o he_o that_o put_v it_o there_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o lose_v it_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o make_v some_o costly_a piece_n of_o work_n of_o it_o every_o believer_n give_v himself_o to_o christ_n and_o he_o undertake_v to_o present_v they_o blameless_a to_o the_o father_n not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v nor_o one_o dram_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v find_v when_o he_o appear_v that_o faith_n that_o be_v here_o in_o the_o furnace_n shall_v be_v then_o make_v up_o into_o a_o crown_n of_o pure_a gold_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n this_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o believer_n themselves_o according_a to_o 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promise_v to_o come_v again_o and_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v he_o shall_v judge_v righteous_o in_o that_o day_n that_o be_v himself_o unrighteous_o judge_v here_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o that_o day_n the_o most_o hide_a thing_n good_a and_o evil_n unveil_v but_o it_o be_v eminent_o the_o day_n of_o his_o revelation_n it_o shall_v be_v by_o his_o light_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n that_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v the_o worthy_a sight_n of_o all_o all_o eye_n shall_v behold_v he_o he_o shall_v then_o glorious_o appear_v before_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o shall_v by_o all_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n some_o shall_v with_o joy_n know_v he_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v fo●_n other_o ●o_o their_o horror_n 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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 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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 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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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