be_v first_o impress_v on_o the_o mind_n hence_o flow_v out_o pleasant_a obedience_n and_o full_a of_o love_n hence_o all_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n with_o its_o member_n learn_v to_o give_v a_o willing_a obedience_n and_o submit_v unto_o god_n whereas_o before_o they_o resist_v he_o be_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o satan_n this_o obedience_n though_o imperfect_a yet_o have_v a_o certain_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v imperfect_a perfection_n it_o be_v universal_a three_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o subject_n 2._o in_o the_o object_n 3._o in_o the_o duration_n the_o whole_a man_n subject_v to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o constant_o and_o persevere_o the_o first_o universality_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o tongue_n alone_o or_o in_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o have_v its_o root_n in_o the_o heart_n therefore_o do_v not_o wither_v as_o the_o grass_n or_o flower_n lie_v on_o the_o superfice_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o it_o flourish_v because_o root_v and_o therefore_o it_o embrace_v the_o whole_a law_n because_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o reverence_n it_o have_v for_o the_o lawgiver_n himself_o reverence_n i_o say_v but_o temper_v with_o love_n hence_o it_o account_v no_o law_n nor_o command_n little_a or_o of_o small_a value_n which_o be_v from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v great_a and_o high_o esteem_v by_o the_o pious_a heart_n no_o command_n hard_a though_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o love_n there_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o all_o as_o st._n james_n divine_o argue_v and_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o golden_a chain_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n which_o if_o break_v in_o any_o link_n all_o fall_v a_o piece_n that_o this_o three_o fold_n perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o a_o picture_n draw_v by_o fancy_n be_v evident_a in_o david_n psal._n 119._o where_o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n his_o foot_n v_o 105._o his_o mouth_n v_o 13._o his_o heart_n v._n 11._o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o life_n v_o 24._o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n v_o 6._o and_o he_o profess_v his_o constancy_n therein_o in_o v_o 16._o and_o 33._o teach_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v then_o a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o their_o high_a cause_n and_o the_o happy_a way_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o possess_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o know_v they_o in_o experience_n to_o such_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o estate_n be_v that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o justify_v the_o near_a cause_n of_o both_o these_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o his_o blood_n purify_v they_o from_o guiltiness_n and_o quicken_v they_o to_o obedience_n now_o follow_v to_o consider_v the_o appropriate_v or_o apply_v cause_o the_o holy_a and_o holy_a make_n or_o sanctify_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o their_o select_v from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_a call_n unto_o grace_n the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o appoint_v or_o decree_a cause_n be_v god_n the_o father_n for_o though_o they_o all_o work_n equal_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o work_v we_o be_v teach_v thus_o to_o distinguish_v and_o particular_o to_o ascribe_v the_o first_o work_n of_o eternal_a election_n to_o the_o first_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o or_o through_o sanctification_n for_o to_o render_v it_o elect_v to_o the_o sanctification_n be_v strain_v so_o than_o i_o conceive_v this_o election_n be_v their_o effectual_a call_v which_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 26.27.28_o where_o vocation_n and_o election_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a after_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n the_o beginning_n of_o its_o performance_n in_o these_o that_o be_v elect_v and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o real_a separate_n of_o man_n from_o the_o profane_a and_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o appropriate_a and_o consecrate_v of_o a_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o relation_n to_o election_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o well_o bear_v that_o name_n rom._n 8.28.30_o act._n 2.47_o &_o 13.48_o joh._n 15.19_o sanctification_n in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n as_o distinguish_v fâ—om_n justification_n signify_v the_o inherent_a holiness_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o his_o inclinement_n and_o innablement_n to_o obedience_n mention_v in_o this_o verse_n but_o it_o be_v here_o more_o large_a and_o so_o extend_v with_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o renovation_n and_o be_v the_o sever_n and_o separate_n of_o man_n to_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n draw_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v justification_n as_o here_o and_o the_o first_o work_v of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v justify_v through_o its_o apprehend_n and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ._n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n call_v man_n external_o and_o by_o that_o eternal_a call_n prevail_v with_o many_o to_o a_o external_n receive_v and_o profess_v of_o religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v alone_o it_o go_v no_o further_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n and_o effectual_a call_n joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v do_v when_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o subject_n of_o this_o work_n and_o it_o be_v but_o slight_a false_a work_n that_o begin_v not_o there_o but_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o efficient_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o subject_a of_o this_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o place_n pray_v to_o the_o father_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v his_o own_o by_o that_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a mean_n in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v then_o a_o prevail_a mean_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o sword_n and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n fit_a to_o divide_v yea_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o without_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n hand_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o this_o cut_n and_o divide_v the_o word_n call_v but_o the_o spirit_n draw_v not_o sever_v from_o that_o word_n but_o work_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n to_o draw_v a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o strong_a chain_n of_o satan_n and_o out_o of_o the_o please_a entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o its_o own_o natural_a perverseness_n to_o yield_v up_o itself_o unto_o god_n to_o deny_v itself_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o in_o so_o do_v to_o run_v against_o the_o main_a stream_n and_o the_o current_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n without_o and_o corruption_n within_o the_o strong_a rhetoric_n the_o most_o move_a and_o persuasive_a way_n of_o discourse_n be_v all_o too_o weak_a the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o soul_n to_o free_v itself_o and_o shake_v off_o all_o that_o detein_v it_o although_o it_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o yet_o still_o it_o can_v and_o will_v hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o say_v non_fw-la persuadebis_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la persuaseris_fw-la the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o pluck_v any_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o world_n and_o set_v it_o in_o among_o the_o select_a number_n of_o believer_n only_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n have_v absolute_a command_n of_o spirit_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n
a_o natural_a man_n so_o little_o understand_v that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o that_o spiritual_a light_n of_o grace_n that_o a_o believer_n do_v enjoy_v no_o right_a knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o man_n once_o fall_v from_o it_o but_o in_o his_o son_n no_o comfort_n in_o behold_v god_n but_o through_o he_o nothing_o but_o just_a anger_n and_o wrath_n to_o be_v see_v in_o god_n look_n but_o through_o he_o in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v the_o gospel_n show_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o the_o kingdom_n of_o light_n oppose_v to_o that_o of_o darkness_n col._n 1._o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n or_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n flow_v from_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n that_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v know_v and_o this_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n be_v withal_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n for_o purity_n and_o holiness_n be_v likewise_o signify_v by_o this_o light_n he_o remove_v that_o huge_a dark_a body_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o father_n and_o eclipse_v he_o from_o we_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n sanctify_v by_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o light_n that_o have_v heat_n with_o it_o and_o have_v influence_n upon_o the_o affection_n warm_v they_o towards_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n this_o darkness_n here_o be_v indeed_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o so_o they_o that_o be_v without_o christ_n till_o he_o visit_v they_o be_v say_v to_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n so_o this_o light_n be_v life_n joh._n 1.4_o do_v enlighten_v and_o enliven_v beget_v new_a action_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o right_a notion_n that_o he_o have_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v work_v upon_o he_o and_o stir_v he_o according_o discover_v a_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o let_v he_o see_v his_o own_o natural_a filthiness_n and_o make_v he_o loathe_v himself_o and_o fly_v from_o himself_o run_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o the_o excellency_n he_o see_v in_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n by_o this_o new_a light_n inflame_v his_o heart_n with_o their_o love_n take_v he_o up_o with_o estimation_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o he_o esteem_v before_o base_a and_o mean_v in_o his_o eye_n then_o from_o this_o light_n arise_v spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n so_o light_n signify_v frequent_o as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n the_o latter_a clause_n expound_v the_o former_a light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o joy_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n as_o this_o kingdom_n of_o god_n dear_a son_n that_o be_v this_o kingdom_n of_o light_n have_v righteousness_n in_o it_o so_o it_o have_v peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14._o it_o be_v a_o false_a prejudice_n the_o world_n have_v take_v up_o against_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sour_a melancholy_a thing_n there_o be_v no_o true_o lightsome_a and_o comfortable_a life_n but_o it_o all_o other_o have_v what_o they_o will_v they_o live_v in_o darkness_n and_o be_v not_o that_o true_o sad_a and_o comfortless_a will_v you_o think_v it_o a_o pleasant_a life_n though_o you_o have_v fine_a clothes_n and_o good_a dieâ—_n but_o never_o see_v the_o sun_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v in_o a_o dungeon_n with_o they_o thus_o be_v they_o that_o live_v in_o worldly_a honour_n and_o plenty_n but_o still_o without_o god_n they_o be_v in_o continual_a darkness_n with_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n it_o be_v true_a the_o light_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o here_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o their_o joy_n be_v not_o perfect_a neither_o sometime_o over_o cloud_v but_o the_o comfort_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a light_n it_o shall_v never_o go_v out_o in_o darkness_n as_o be_v say_v in_o job_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o wicked_a â—nd_v it_o shall_v within_o a_o while_n be_v perfect_v there_o be_v a_o bright_a morning_n without_o a_o cloud_n that_o shall_v arise_v the_o saint_n have_v not_o only_o light_a to_o lead_v they_o in_o their_o journey_n but_o much_o pure_a light_n at_o home_n a_o inheritance_n in_o light_n colos._n 1_o the_o land_n where_o their_o inheritance_n lie_v be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o their_o inheritance_n itself_o be_v light_a for_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o be_v that_o inheritance_n that_o city_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o of_o the_o moon_n to_o shine_v in_o it_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o as_o we_o say_v that_o increated_a light_n be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o be_v our_o begin_a happiness_n they_o be_v beam_n of_o it_o send_v from_o above_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o fountain_n and_o fullness_n of_o it_o with_o thou_o say_v david_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n speak_v of_o this_o light_n to_o commend_v it_o his_o marvellous_a light_n that_o it_o be_v after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n god_n and_o then_o that_o be_v be_v marvellous_a all_o light_n be_v from_o he_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n and_o that_o of_o reason_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o light_n but_o this_o light_n of_o grace_n be_v after_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n his_o be_v a_o light_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o supernatural_a way_n the_o light_n of_o the_o elect_a world_n where_o god_n special_o and_o gracious_o reside_v natural_a man_n may_v know_v very_o much_o in_o natural_a thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o supernatural_a thing_n after_o a_o natural_a manner_n they_o may_v be_v full_a of_o school-divinity_n and_o able_a to_o discourse_v of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o redemption_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o want_v this_o peculiar_a light_n by_o which_o christ_n be_v know_v to_o believer_n they_o may_v speak_v of_o he_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a they_o see_v he_o not_o and_o therefore_o they_o love_v he_o not_o the_o light_n they_o have_v be_v as_o the_o light_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o shine_v only_o in_o the_o night_n a_o cold_a glow-worm-light_n that_o have_v no_o heat_n with_o it_o at_o all_o whereas_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v some_o of_o his_o light_n god_n peculiar_a light_n communicate_v to_o it_o see_v jesus_n christ_n and_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o walk_v with_o he_o a_o little_a of_o this_o light_n be_v worth_a a_o great_a deal_n yea_o more_o worth_a than_o all_o that_o other_o common_a speculative_a and_o discourse_v knowledge_n that_o the_o great_a doctor_n can_v attain_v unto_o it_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a kind_n and_o original_a it_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o you_o know_v that_o one_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o light_n of_o ten_o thousand_o torch_n together_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a undecay_a heavenly_a light_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v gross_a and_o earthly_a be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a and_o last_v but_o a_o while_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o think_v it_o incredible_a that_o a_o poor_a unlettered_a christian_a may_v know_v more_o of_o god_n in_o the_o best_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n than_o any_o the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a natural_a man_n can_v do_v for_o the_o one_o know_v god_n only_o by_o man_n light_n the_o other_o know_v he_o by_o his_o own_o light_n and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a right_a knowledge_n as_o the_o sun_n can_v be_v see_v but_o by_o its_o own_o light_n so_o neither_o can_v god_n be_v saving_o know_v but_o by_o his_o own_o reveal_n now_o this_o light_n be_v so_o peculiarly_a god_n no_o marvel_n if_o it_o be_v marvellous_a the_o common_a light_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o though_o because_o of_o its_o commonness_n we_o think_v not_o so_o the_o lord_n be_v marvellous_a be_v wisdom_n in_o power_n in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o above_o all_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n this_o light_n be_v unknown_a to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o marvellous_a in_o the_o rareness_n of_o behold_v it_o that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o that_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o to_o they_o that_o see_v it_o be_v marvellous_a because_o in_o it_o they_o see_v so_o many_o excellent_a thing_n that_o they_o know_v not_o before_o as_o if_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o till_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n in_o a_o dungeon_n where_o
they_o mock_v and_o despise_v be_v that_o spirit_n that_o seal_v man_n to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o if_o any_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o straight_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o giddiness_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v his_o child_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v for_o that_o purpose_n send_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o guide_v they_o thither_o square_n their_o thoughtt_n and_o way_n to_o that_o rule_n and_o that_o word_n whereof_o it_o be_v author_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o it_o sanctify_v they_o to_o obedience_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2.4_o now_o this_o spirit_n that_o sanctify_v and_o sanctify_v to_o obedience_n be_v within_o we_o the_o evidence_n 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dilate_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o large_a in_o love_n and_o spiritual_a desire_n for_o other_o especial_o their_o own_o flock_n let_v we_o 1_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o apostle_n desire_v for_o they_o grace_n and_o peace_n 2._o the_o measure_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v multiply_v 1_o grace_n we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o noise_n with_o the_o many_o school-distinction_n of_o grace_n and_o describe_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v for_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v all_o save_a grace_n to_o those_o disperse_a brethren_n so_o that_o in_o the_o large_a notion_n that_o it_o can_v have_v that_o way_n we_o may_v safe_o here_o take_v it_o what_o be_v prevent_v grace_n assist_v grace_n work_v and_o coworking_a grace_n as_o we_o may_v admit_v these_o difference_n in_o a_o sound_a sense_n but_o divers_a name_n of_o the_o same_o effectual_a save_a grace_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o different_a estate_n as_o the_o same_o sea_n receive_v different_a name_n from_o the_o different_a part_n of_o the_o shore_n it_o beat_v upon_o first_o it_o prevent_v and_o work_v than_o it_o assist_v and_o prosecute_v what_o it_o have_v wrought_v he_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v but_o the_o whole_a sense_n of_o save_a grace_n i_o conceive_v be_v comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o 1_o grace_n in_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n 2._o in_o the_o stream_n the_o fruit_n of_o this_o love_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o empty_a but_o a_o most_o rich_a and_o liberal_a love_n viz._n all_o the_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o he_o have_v free_o choose_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v neither_o diminish_v nor_o increase_v but_o it_o be_v multiply_v or_o abound_v in_o the_o manifestation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o so_o then_o to_o desire_v grace_n to_o be_v multiply_v to_o they_o be_v to_o wish_v to_o they_o the_o live_a spring_n of_o it_o that_o love_n that_o can_v be_v exhaust_v but_o be_v ever_o flow_v forth_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v make_v each_o day_n rich_a than_o another_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o top_n and_o sum_n of_o christian_a desire_n to_o have_v or_o want_v any_o other_o thing_n indifferent_o but_o to_o be_v resolve_v and_o resolute_a in_o this_o to_o seek_v a_o share_n in_o this_o grace_n the_o free_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sure_a evidence_n of_o it_o within_o you_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o the_o most_o of_o we_o be_v otherwise_o take_v up_o we_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v how_o base_o and_o foolish_o we_o be_v busy_v though_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o respect_a employment_n
foot_n and_o take_v this_o kingdom_n by_o a_o hand_n of_o violence_n that_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o he_o be_v willing_o overcome_v by_o that_o force_n and_o give_v the_o kingdom_n most_o willing_o where_o it_o be_v so_o take_v it_o be_v not_o attain_v by_o slothfullness_n and_o sit_v still_o with_o fold_a hand_n it_o must_v be_v invade_v with_o strength_n of_o faith_n with_o army_n of_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o they_o that_o set_v upon_o it_o thus_o be_v sure_a to_o take_v it_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v do_v how_o we_o misplace_v our_o diligence_n on_o thing_n that_o abide_v not_o or_o we_o abide_v not_o to_o enjoy_v they_o we_o have_v no_o abide_v city_n here_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o he_o add_v that_o which_o comfort_v the_o citizen_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n we_o look_v for_o one_o to_o come_v who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n hear_v not_o those_o thing_n idle_o as_o if_o they_o concern_v you_o not_o but_o let_v they_o move_v you_o to_o resolution_n and_o action_n say_v as_o they_o say_v of_o canaan_n it_o be_v a_o good_a land_n let_v we_o go_v up_o and_o possess_v it_o learn_v to_o use_v what_o you_o have_v here_o as_o traveller_n and_o let_v your_o home_n your_o inheritance_n your_o treasure_n be_v on_o high_a which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o safe_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o you_o than_o where_o your_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v also_o verse_n 6._o wherein_o you_o great_o rejoice_v though_o now_o for_o a_o season_n if_o need_v be_v you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a temptation_n the_o same_o motive_n can_v beget_v contrary_a passion_n in_o the_o soul_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n reduce_v the_o mixture_n of_o sorrow_v and_o rejoice_v that_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o the_o different_a cause_n of_o they_o and_o show_v which_o of_o the_o two_o have_v the_o strong_a cause_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o predominant_a entertain_v it_o and_o consider_v it_o aright_o his_o scope_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o strengthen_v spiritual_a joy_n in_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o have_v set_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o before_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n he_o now_o apply_v it_o and_o express_o oppose_v it_o to_o their_o distress_n some_o read_v those_o word_n exhortative_o in_o which_o rejoice_v you_o it_o be_v so_o intend_v but_o i_o conceive_v it_o serve_v that_o end_n better_o indicative_o as_o we_o now_o read_v it_o in_o which_o you_o rejoice_v it_o exhort_v more_o insinuative_o and_o perswasive_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o to_o urge_v it_o on_o they_o that_o it_o be_v so_o thus_o st._n paul_n acts._n 26.27_o king_n agrippa_z believe_v thou_o the_o prophet_n i_o know_v that_o thou_o believe_v and_o straight_o he_o answer_v thou_o almost_o persuade_v i_o to_o be_v a_o christian._n this_o imply_v how_o just_a and_o how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o shall_v make_v they_o glad_a they_o will_v rejoice_v in_o those_o yea_o do_v rejoice_v certain_o if_o you_o know_v and_o consider_v what_o the_o cause_n of_o your_o joy_n be_v you_o can_v choose_v but_o find_v it_o within_o you_o and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o it_o swallow_v up_o all_o your_o temporary_a sorrow_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o their_o cause_n be_v we_o be_v then_o to_o consider_v several_o those_o bitter_a water_n and_o sweet_a this_o sorrow_n and_o this_o joy_n 1._o in_o their_o spring_n 2._o in_o their_o stream_n and_o first_o they_o be_v call_v temptation_n and_o manifold_a temptation_n the_o habit_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a grace_n be_v not_o acquirable_a by_o humane_a study_n or_o industry_n or_o by_o excercise_n they_o be_v of_o immediate_a infusion_n from_o heaven_n yet_o be_v they_o infuse_v to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v act_v and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o the_o several_a condition_n and_o occurrence_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n and_o by_o that_o they_o grow_v strong_a whatsoever_o opposition_n or_o difficulty_n grace_n meet_v with_o in_o its_o act_n go_v under_o this_o general_a name_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o reckon_v up_o the_o variety_n of_o sense_n of_o this_o word_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n how_o god_n be_v say_v to_o tempt_v man_n and_o how_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o tempt_v he_o not_o how_o man_n tempt_v god_n and_o how_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o tempt_v how_o satan_n tempt_v man_n and_o man_n one_o another_o and_o a_o man_n himself_o all_o those_o be_v several_a acceptation_n of_o this_o word_n but_o temptation_n here_o mean_v be_v they_o by_o which_o man_n be_v tempt_v and_o particular_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n and_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n that_o may_v not_o agree_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o temptation_n the_o godly_a be_v subject_a to_o yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v particular_o mean_v of_o their_o affliction_n and_o distress_n as_o the_o apostle_n james_n likewise_o use_v it_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o they_o be_v so_o call_v because_o they_o give_v particular_a and_o notable_a proof_n of_o the_o temper_n of_o a_o christian_n spirit_n and_o draw_v forth_o evidence_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o fail_v and_o be_v foil_v as_o sometime_o they_o be_v this_o convince_v they_o of_o that_o humane_a frailty_n and_o weakness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o so_o humble_v they_o and_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o themselves_o to_o depend_v upon_o another_o for_o more_o strength_n and_o better_a success_n in_o after_o encounter_v if_o they_o acquit_v themselves_o like_a christian_n indeed_o the_o lord_n manage_v and_o assist_v that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o than_o all_o their_o valour_n and_o strength_n and_o victory_n return_v to_o his_o praise_n from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v all_o a_o man_n be_v not_o only_o unknown_a to_o other_o but_o to_o himself_o that_o have_v never_o meet_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o require_v faith_n and_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o patience_n to_o surmount_v they_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v whether_o his_o meekness_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n be_v real_a or_o not_o while_o he_o meet_v with_o no_o provocation_n nothing_o that_o contradict_v or_o cross_v he_o but_o when_o somewhat_o set_v upon_o he_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o unpleasant_a and_o grievous_a to_o he_o and_o yet_o if_o in_o that_o case_n he_o retain_v his_o moderation_n of_o spirit_n and_o fly_v not_o out_o into_o impatience_n neither_o against_o god_n nor_o man_n this_o give_v experiment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o soundness_n of_o that_o grace_n in_o he_o whereas_o stand_v water_n that_o be_v clear_a at_o top_n while_o it_o be_v untouched_a yet_o if_o it_o have_v mud_n at_o the_o bottom_n stir_v it_o a_o little_a and_o it_o rise_v present_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o unprofitable_a yea_o it_o be_v much_o wisdom_n in_o christian_n to_o be_v arm_v themselves_o against_o such_o temptation_n as_o may_v befall_v they_o hereafter_o though_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o meet_v with_o they_o to_o labour_v to_o overcome_v they_o before_o hand_n to_o suppose_v the_o hard_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v incident_a to_o they_o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o strong_a resolution_n they_o can_v attain_v unto_o yet_o all_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imaginary_a effect_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n that_o the_o victory_n be_v any_o more_o than_o imaginary_a too_o till_o it_o come_v to_o action_n and_o then_o they_o that_o have_v speak_v and_o think_v very_o confident_o may_v prove_v but_o as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o athenian_n sort_n in_o tabula_fw-la patient_n and_o courageous_a in_o picture_n or_o fancy_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o arm_n and_o dexterity_n in_o handle_v they_o by_o way_n of_o exercise_n may_v be_v foul_o defeat_v when_o they_o 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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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our_o love_n by_o his_o matchless_a excellency_n and_o beauty_n but_o by_o his_o matchless_a love_n to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o strong_a loadstone_n of_o love_n he_o have_v love_v i_o say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 2.20_o how_o appear_v that_o in_o no_o less_o than_o this_o he_o have_v give_v himself_o for_o i_o certain_o then_o there_o be_v no_o other_o character_n of_o our_o love_n then_o this_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o he_o that_o have_v so_o love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o this_o affection_n must_v be_v bestow_v somewhere_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o have_v some_o prime_a choice_n somewhat_o that_o be_v the_o predominant_a delight_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v it_o
and_o set_v with_o prince_n as_o there_o be_v joy_n from_o faith_n so_o also_o from_o love_n though_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o most_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o as_o we_o foolish_o misplace_v it_o it_o prove_v often_o full_a of_o bitterness_n but_o be_v set_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a right_n and_o worthy_a object_n it_o cause_v this_o unspeakable_a delight_n and_o rejoice_v 1._o it_o be_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o have_v bestow_v our_o love_n so_o worthy_o and_o though_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o sometime_o sadden_fw-mi the_o soul_n that_o love_v he_o with_o absence_n in_o regard_n of_o sense_n yet_o even_o in_o those_o sad_a time_n the_o soul_n delight_v to_o love_v he_o and_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n in_o the_o very_a pain_n it_o have_v in_o seek_v after_o he_o and_o this_o it_o know_v that_o his_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o can_v be_v long_o unkind_a but_o will_v return_v and_o speak_v comfortable_o unto_o it_o 2._o our_o love_n to_o christ_n give_v we_o assurance_n of_o his_o to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o have_v not_o only_o choose_v worthy_o but_o shall_v not_o be_v frustrate_a and_o dissapoint_v and_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o he_o not_o as_o follow_v but_o precede_v and_o cause_v we_o for_o our_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o reflex_n of_o he_o on_o we_o wine_n make_v glad_a the_o heart_n but_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n say_v the_o spouse_n and_o have_v this_o persuasion_n that_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o forget_v we_o not_o in_o our_o conflict_n that_o though_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o his_o glory_n yet_o that_o he_o interceed'_v for_o we_o there_o and_o will_v bring_v we_o thither_o what_o condition_n can_v befall_v we_o so_o hard_o but_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o in_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o full_a salvation_n and_o fruition_n of_o he_o who_o have_v purchase_v it_o then_o there_o be_v the_o three_o cause_n of_o our_o rejoice_v viz._n our_o hope_n now_o hope_n be_v our_o anchor_n pitch_v within_o the_o vail_n that_o stay_v we_o against_o all_o the_o storm_n that_o beat_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o troublesome_a sea_n that_o we_o be_v toss_v upon_o the_o soul_n that_o strong_o believe_v and_o love_n may_v confident_o hope_v to_o see_v what_o it_o believe_v and_o enjoy_v what_o it_o love_v and_o in_o that_o rejoice_v it_o may_v say_v whatsoever_o hazard_n whether_o ontward_o or_o inward_a whatsoever_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n i_o endure_v yet_o this_o one_o thing_n put_v i_o out_o of_o hazard_n and_o in_o that_o i_o will_v rejoice_v the_o salvation_n of_o my_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o my_o own_o strength_n but_o be_v in_o my_o saviour_n hand_n my_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o when_o he_o who_o be_v my_o life_n shall_v appear_v i_o likewise_o shall_v appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n the_o childish_a world_n be_v hunt_v shadow_n and_o gape_v and_o hope_v after_o they_o know_v not_o what_o but_o the_o believer_n can_v say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n now_o we_o have_v not_o only_o right_a to_o those_o thing_n but_o withal_o there_o must_v be_v frequent_a consideration_n of_o they_o to_o work_v joy_n the_o soul_n must_v often_o view_v they_o and_o so_o rejoice_v my_o meditation_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v sweet_a say_v david_n i_o will_v be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n psal._n 104._o and_o the_o godly_a fail_v in_o thiâ—_n deprive_v themselves_o much_o of_o that_o joy_n they_o may_v have_v and_o they_o that_o be_v most_o in_o these_o sublime_a thought_n have_v the_o high_a and_o true_a joy_n the_o excellency_n of_o this_o joy_n the_o apostle_n here_o express_v by_o these_o two_o word_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n that_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a no_o wonder_n see_v the_o matter_n of_o iâ—_n be_v inconceivable_a it_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_n god_n reconcile_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o testify_v and_o seal_v his_o love_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o give_v assure_v hope_v of_o that_o bless_a vision_n of_o eternity_n what_o more_o unspeakable_a than_o this_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v glorious_a or_o glorify_a joy_n have_v the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a object_n for_o it_o derive_v all_o its_o excellency_n from_o thence_o unspeakable_a the_o best_a worldly_a joy_n be_v easy_o speakable_a they_o may_v be_v express_v to_o the_o uâ—most_a yea_o usual_o more_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o then_o they_o be_v indeed_o their_o name_n be_v beyond_o their_o worth_n they_o be_v very_o seldom_o find_v upon_o experience_n equal_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o expectation_n that_o man_n have_v of_o they_o but_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n be_v above_o the_o report_n any_o can_v make_v of_o it_o say_v what_o they_o can_v of_o it_o who_o be_v of_o happy_a expression_n yet_o when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o know_v it_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n he_o will_v say_v as_o that_o queen_n say_v of_o salomon_n wisdom_n the_o half_a be_v not_o tell_v i_o of_o it_o again_o earthly_a joy_n be_v inglorious_a many_o of_o which_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o those_o that_o seem_v most_o plausible_a yet_o be_v below_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o can_v fill_v it_o but_o the_o joy_n that_o arise_v from_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v most_o avowable_a a_o man_n need_v not_o blush_v to_o own_v they_o so_o they_o be_v true_o content_v and_o satisfy_v and_o that_o be_v their_o glory_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o may_v glory_v in_o they_o my_o soul_n shall_v make_v she_o boast_v in_o god_n say_v david_n for_o application_n of_o all_o this_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v believe_v we_o will_v hearken_v no_o more_o to_o the_o foolish_a prejudice_n that_o the_o world_n have_v take_v up_o against_o religion_n and_o wherewith_o satan_n endeavour_v to_o possess_v man_n heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v scare_v from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v that_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sour_a melanel_n oly_a life_n that_o have_v nothing_o but_o sadness_n and_o mourn_v in_o it_o but_o to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n consider_v 1._o religion_n bar_v not_o the_o lawful_a delight_n that_o be_v take_v in_o natural_a thing_n but_o teach_v the_o moderate_a and_o regular_a use_n of_o they_o which_o be_v far_o the_o sweet_a for_o thing_n lawful_a in_o themselves_o be_v in_o their_o excess_n sinful_a and_o so_o prove_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n and_o if_o in_o some_o case_n it_o require_v the_o forsake_v of_o lawful_a enjoyment_n as_o of_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o honour_n for_o god_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v generous_a and_o true_o more_o delightful_a to_o deny_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n then_o to_o enjoy_v they_o man_n have_v do_v much_o this_o way_n for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o moral_a virtue_n but_o to_o lose_v any_o delight_n or_o to_o suffer_v any_o hardship_n for_o that_o high_a end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o love_n to_o he_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o true_o pleasant_a 2._o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n religion_n indeed_o banish_v but_o it_o be_v to_o change_v they_o for_o this_o joy_n that_o be_v unspeakable_o beyond_o they_o it_o call_v man_n from_o sordid_a and_o base_a delight_n to_o those_o that_o be_v pure_a delight_n indeed_o it_o call_v to_o man_n drink_v you_o no_o long_o of_o the_o puddle_n here_o be_v the_o crystal_a stream_n of_o a_o live_a fountain_n there_o be_v a_o delight_n in_o the_o very_o despise_v impure_a delight_n aug._n as_o he_o say_v how_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o want_v these_o pleasure_n but_o for_o such_o a_o change_n to_o have_v in_o their_o stead_n such_o delight_n as_o in_o comparison_n the_o other_o deserve_v not_o that_o name_n to_o have_v such_o spiritual_a joy_n as_o shall_v end_v in_o eternal_a joy_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n we_o hasten_v not_o all_o to_o choose_v this_o joy_n but_o it_o be_v indeed_o because_o we_o believe_v it_o not_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a the_o godly_a be_v subject_a to_o great_a distress_n and_o affliction_n but_o their_o joy_n be_v not_o extinguish_v by_o those_o no_o nor_o diminish_v either_o but_o often_o sensible_o increase_v when_o they_o have_v least_o of_o the_o world_n joy_n they_o abound_v most_o in_o spiritual_a consolation_n and_o then_o relish_v they_o best_o they_o find_v they_o sweet_a when_o their_o taste_n be_v not_o deprave_v with_o earthly_a enjoyment_n we_o rejoice_v in_o
prince_n by_o their_o high_a birth_n and_o education_n have_v usual_o their_o heart_n fill_v with_o far_o high_a thought_n than_o mean_v person_n the_o child_n of_o the_o poor_a sort_n be_v pinch_v that_o way_n their_o great_a thought_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o be_v ordinary_o how_o they_o shall_v shift_v to_o live_v how_o they_o shall_v get_v bread_n but_o prince_n think_v either_o of_o the_o conquest_n or_o govern_v of_o kingdom_n be_v you_o not_o bear_v to_o a_o better_a inheritance_n if_o indeed_o bear_v again_o why_o then_o do_v you_o vilify_v yourselves_o why_o not_o more_o in_o prayer_n no_o dumb_a child_n among_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n they_o have_v all_o that_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o they_o not_o only_o speak_v but_o cry_v abba_n father_n 2._o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o esteem_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o evanish_v discourse_n that_o amuse_n we_o for_o a_o hour_n we_o look_v for_o no_o more_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v no_o more_o we_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n as_o the_o engraft_a word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n oh_o learn_v to_o reverence_n this_o holy_a and_o happy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n this_o word_n of_o life_n and_o know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o so_o save_v by_o it_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o it_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n it_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o unsuitable_a and_o unworthy_a behaviour_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o such_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o either_o do_v not_o know_v or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o frequent_o consider_v what_o be_v indeed_o the_o estate_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o christian_a how_o excellent_a and_o of_o what_o descent_n their_o new_a nature_n be_v therefore_o they_o be_v often_o to_o be_v remember_v of_o this_o our_o apostle_n here_o do_v so_o and_o by_o it_o bind_v on_o all_o his_o exhortation_n of_o this_o new_a be_v we_o have_v here_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v high_a original_a from_o god_n beget_v again_o of_o his_o word_n 2._o that_o which_o so_o much_o commend_v good_a thing_n its_o duration_n and_o this_o follow_v of_o the_o other_o for_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o life_n be_v incorruptible_a itself_o must_v be_v so_o too_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o a_o live_n and_o ever_o abide_v word_n in_o itself_o but_o likewise_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o intend_v that_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o call_v not_o only_o a_o abide_a word_n but_o incorruptible_a seed_n which_o express_o relate_v to_o regeneration_n and_o because_o we_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o thing_n by_o comparison_n the_o everlastingness_n of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o spiritual_a life_n which_o it_o beget_v be_v set_v off_o by_o the_o frailty_n and_o shortness_n of_o natural_a life_n and_o all_o the_o good_a that_o concern_v it_o this_o he_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o isaiah_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_n 24._o for_o all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fall_v away_o in_o express_v the_o vanity_n and_o frailty_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v very_o agree_v with_o the_o subject_n to_o call_v he_o flesh_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n the_o name_n of_o his_o corruptible_a part_n both_o to_o make_v the_o wretched_a and_o perish_a condition_n of_o this_o life_n more_o sensible_a and_o man_n the_o more_o humble_a by_o it_o for_o though_o by_o provide_v all_o for_o the_o flesh_n and_o bestow_v his_o whole_a time_n in_o the_o endeavour_n which_o be_v of_o the_o flesh_n concernment_n he_o remember_v it_o too_o much_o and_o forget_v his_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a part_n yet_o in_o that_o over_o eager_a care_n for_o the_o flesh_n in_o some_o sense_n he_o seem_v to_o forget_v that_o he_o be_v flesh_n or_o at_o least_o that_o flesh_n be_v perish_v because_o flesh_n extend_v his_o desire_n and_o project_n so_o far_o for_o the_o flesh_n as_o if_o it_o be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v always_o abide_v to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v these_o thing_n as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v of_o his_o countryman_n upbraid_v at_o once_o their_o surfeiting_n and_o excess_n in_o feast_v and_o their_o sumptuousness_n in_o building_n that_o they_o eat_v as_o if_o they_o mean_v to_o die_v to_o morrow_n and_o yet_o build_v as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o to_o die_v thus_o in_o man_n immoderate_a pursuit_n of_o earth_n they_o seem_v both_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o beside_o flesh_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n too_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v flesh_n that_o be_v mortal_a and_o perish_a they_o neither_o right_o remember_v their_o immortality_n nor_o their_o mortality_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v flesh_n the_o name_n of_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o purpose_n all_o man_n be_v flesh_n but_o it_o be_v plain_o thus_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n thus_o in_o the_o psalm_n he_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o flesh_n that_o speak_v their_o frailty_n enough_o but_o it_o be_v add_v to_o make_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o estate_n the_o clear_a a_o wind_n that_o pass_v and_o come_v not_o again_o psal._n 78.39_o so_o psal._n 103.15_o as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v go_v and_o the_o place_n thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o this_o natural_a life_n be_v compare_v even_o by_o natural_a man_n to_o the_o vain_a thing_n and_o scarce_o find_v they_o thing_n light_a enough_o to_o express_v it_o vain_a and_o as_o here_o call_v grass_n so_o they_o compare_v the_o generation_n of_o man_n to_o the_o leaf_n of_o tree_n but_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n do_v most_o discover_v this_o and_o it_o be_v a_o lesson_n require_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o aright_o teach_v we_o say_v moses_n psa._n 90._o so_o to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n and_o david_n psa._n 39_o make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o life_n how_o frail_a i_o be_o so_o jam._n 4.14_o and_o here_o it_o be_v call_v grass_n so_o job._n 14.12_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o trouble_n he_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o grass_n have_v its_o root_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o moisture_n of_o it_o and_o for_o a_o while_n but_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v under_o the_o hazard_n of_o such_o weather_n as_o favour_n it_o not_o or_o the_o â—ythe_n that_o â—urs_n be_v down_o give_v it_o all_o the_o forbearance_n that_o may_v be_v let_v it_o be_v free_a from_o both_o those_o yet_o how_o quick_o will_v it_o wither_v of_o itself_o set_v aside_o those_o many_o accident_n the_o small_a of_o which_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v our_o natural_a life_n the_o disease_n of_o our_o own_o body_n and_o outward_a violence_n and_o casualty_n that_o cut_v down_o many_o in_o their_o greeness_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o youth_n the_o utmost_a term_n be_v not_o long_o in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v wither_v our_o life_n be_v indeed_o a_o light_a torch_n either_o blow_v out_o by_o some_o stroke_n or_o some_o wind_n or_o if_o spare_v yet_o within_o a_o while_n burn_v away_o and_o will_v die_v out_o of_o itself_o and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n that_o be_v elegant_o add_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o seem_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o liâ—e_z among_o man_n shall_v the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a and_o beautiful_a and_o healthful_a go_v in_o together_o under_o the_o same_o name_n with_o the_o base_a and_o unhappy_a part_n the_o poor_a wretched_a sort_n of_o the_o world_n that_o sâ—em_v to_o be_v bear_v for_o nothing_o but_o suffering_n and_o misery_n at_o least_o have_v the_o wise_a no_o advantage_n beyond_o the_o fool_n be_v all_o grass_n make_v you_o no_o distinction_n no_o all_o be_v grass_n or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v some_o other_o name_n be_v it_o so_o once_o this_o be_v true_a that_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o if_o that_o glory_n that_o shine_v so_o much_o in_o your_o eye_n must_v have_v a_o difference_n than_o this_o be_v all_o it_o can_v have_v it_o be_v but_o the_o flower_n of_o that_o same_o grass_n somewhat_o above_o the_o common_a grass_n in_o gayness_n a_o little_a comely_o and_o better_o
word_n and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o necessity_n of_o this_o that_o the_o most_o approve_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n in_o a_o human_a way_n have_v require_v this_o of_o their_o scholar_n that_o to_o the_o end_n their_o mind_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v purify_v from_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o philosopher_n judge_v young_a man_n unfit_a hearer_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o abound_a and_o untamedness_n of_o their_o passion_n grant_v that_o if_o those_o be_v compose_v and_o order_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o it_o be_v socrates_n his_o custom_n when_o any_o ask_v he_o a_o question_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o he_o before_o he_o will_v answer_v they_o he_o ask_v they_o concern_v their_o own_o quality_n and_o course_n of_o life_n now_o if_o man_n require_v a_o calm_a and_o purify_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o their_o doctrine_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o those_o deep_a mystery_n that_o his_o word_n open_v up_o it_o be_v well_o express_v in_o that_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o forward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n and_o wisdom_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n no_o indeed_o that_o be_v a_o very_a unfit_a dwell_n for_o it_o and_o the_o very_a heathen_a can_v say_v the_o mind_n that_o be_v impure_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n seneca_n therefore_o we_o see_v the_o strain_n of_o that_o book_n of_o proverb_n that_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o this_o wisdom_n it_o require_v in_o the_o first_o chap._n that_o they_o that_o will_v hear_v it_o do_v retire_v themselves_o from_o all_o ungodly_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n apprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n refine_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n that_o abuse_n and_o bemire_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o arise_v to_o heavenly_a thought_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n say_v our_o saviour_n not_o only_o shall_v they_o see_v he_o perfect_o hereafter_o but_o as_o they_o can_v receive_v he_o he_o will_v impart_v and_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o they_o here_o so_o john_n 14.23_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o word_n obscure_v namely_o the_o filthy_a mist_n within_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v in_o just_a judgement_n hide_v himself_o and_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n from_o those_o that_o entertain_v and_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o very_a sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v shall_v obscure_v and_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o though_o it_o shine_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o a_o dungeon_n they_o shall_v not_o discern_v it_o and_o as_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o word_n that_o have_v these_o evil_n here_o mention_v reign_v and_o in_o full_a strength_n in_o they_o so_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o bear_v again_o the_o more_o they_o retain_v of_o these_o the_o less_o shall_v they_o find_v the_o influence_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o word_n for_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v they_o they_o may_v possible_o some_o of_o they_o have_v much_o remainder_n of_o these_o corruption_n unmortified_a therefore_o exhort_v to_o lay_v aside_o entire_o those_o evil_n all_o malice_n all_o hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o though_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a atrophy_n eat_v much_o and_o grow_v nothing_o by_o it_o find_v no_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n will_v we_o know_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o fruitless_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n here_o it_o be_v man_n bring_v not_o meek_a and_o guiless_a spirit_n to_o it_o not_o mind_n empty_v and_o purify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o stuff_v with_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o other_o such_o evil_n and_o where_o shall_v the_o word_n enter_v when_o all_o be_v so_o take_v up_o and_o if_o it_o do_v enter_v how_o shall_v it_o prosper_v among_o so_o many_o enemy_n or_o at_o all_o abide_v among_o they_o either_o they_o will_v turn_v it_o out_o again_o or_o choke_v and_o kill_v the_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o think_v religion_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o secret_a heart-idol_n shall_v agree_v together_o because_o we_o will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o this_o be_v not_o possible_a either_o therefore_o labour_v to_o entertain_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o â—ove_n of_o it_o and_o lodge_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n speak_v join_v those_o together_o with_o david_n psal._n 119_o 113._o i_o hate_v vain_a thought_n but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o as_o here_o our_o apostle_n lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o so_o receive_v the_o word_n or_o else_o look_v for_o no_o benefit_n by_o it_o here_o nor_o for_o salâ—ation_n by_o it_o hereafter_o but_o cast_v out_o all_o impurity_n and_o give_v your_o whole_a heart_n to_o it_o so_o desire_v it_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v and_o then_o as_o you_o desire_v you_o shall_v gâ—ow_v by_o it_o every_o real_a believer_n have_v receive_v a_o life_n from_o heaven_n far_o more_o excel_v our_o natural_a life_n than_o that_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o this_o life_n have_v its_o own_o peculiar_a desire_n and_o delight_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n and_o the_o certain_a character_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o among_o other_o this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o main_a one_o answerable_a to_o the_o like_a desire_n in_o natural_a life_n namely_o a_o desire_n of_o food_n and_o because_o it_o be_v here_o still_o imperfect_a therefore_o the_o natural_a end_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_a nourishment_n but_o growth_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o proper_a life_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o without_o it_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a as_o the_o body_n be_v without_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o without_o untruth_n this_o may_v be_v render_v reasonable_a milk_n as_o some_o read_v it_o but_o certain_o that_o reasonable_a milk_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v before_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o here_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a nourishment_n to_o that_o spiritual_a life_n according_a to_o their_o say_n iisdemalimur_fw-la ex_fw-la quibus_fw-la constamus_fw-la as_o the_o milk_n that_o infant_n draw_v from_o the_o breast_n be_v most_o connatural_a food_n to_o they_o be_v of_o that_o same_o substance_n that_o nourish_v they_o in_o the_o womb_n but_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o that_o food_n follow_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o supply_n in_o that_o way_n that_o be_v provide_v in_o nature_n for_o it_o by_o certain_a vein_n it_o ascend_v into_o the_o breast_n and_o be_v there_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o they_o by_o nature_n direct_v to_o find_v it_o there_o thus_o as_o a_o christian_a begin_v to_o live_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n direct_v to_o that_o same_o word_n as_o its_o nourishment_n to_o follow_v the_o resemblance_n further_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o milk_n after_o the_o monkish_a way_n that_o run_v itself_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o a_o allegory_n i_o conceive_v be_v neither_o solid_a nor_o profitable_a and_o to_o speak_v free_o the_o curious_a search_n of_o the_o similitude_n in_o other_o quality_n of_o milk_n seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o quality_n here_o give_v it_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o well_o resemble_v by_o milk_n namely_o the_o simple_a pureness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o word_n beside_o that_o the_o press_v of_o comparison_n of_o this_o kind_n too_o far_o prove_v often_o so_o constrain_v ere_o they_o have_v do_v with_o it_o that_o by_o too_o much_o draw_v they_o bring_v forth_o blood_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a as_o milk_v draw_v immediate_o from_o the_o breast_n the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o mixture_n not_o only_o of_o error_n but_o of_o all_o other_o composition_n of_o vain_a unprofitable_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v humane_a eloquence_n such_o as_o become_v not_o the_o majesty_n and_o gravity_n of_o god_n word_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v say_v our_o apostle_n let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n light_a conceit_n and_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n wrong_v the_o word_n more_o than_o they_o can_v please_v the_o hearer_n the_o weed_n among_o the_o corn_n make_v it_o
be_v the_o gold_n of_o this_o spiritual_a house_n and_o it_o be_v inward_o enrich_v with_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o stately_a building_n of_o temple_n and_o rich_a furniture_n and_o pompous_a ceremony_n these_o agree_v not_o with_o its_o spiritual_a nature_n it_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a beauty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o spiritualness_n and_o so_o to_o be_v like_a itself_o and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n fill_v it_o as_o a_o cloud_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o more_o the_o church_n grow_v in_o outward_a riches_n and_o state_n the_o less_o she_o grow_v but_o abate_v sensible_o in_o spiritual_a excellency_n but_o the_o spiritualness_n of_o this_o building_n will_v better_o appear_v in_o consider_v particular_o the_o material_n of_o it_o as_o here_o express_v now_o 2._o the_o whole_a building_n be_v christ_n mystical_a christ_n together_o with_o the_o entire_a body_n of_o the_o elect_n he_o as_o the_o foundation_n and_o they_o as_o the_o stone_n build_v upon_o he_o he_o the_o live_a stone_n and_o they_o likewise_o by_o union_n with_o he_o living_n stone_n he_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o as_o he_o speak_v john_n 6._o and_o they_o derive_v it_o from_o he_o he_o primitive_o live_v and_o they_o by_o participation_n for_o therefore_o be_v he_o call_v here_o a_o live_a stone_n not_o only_o because_o of_o his_o immortality_n and_o glorious_a resurrection_n be_v a_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v and_o be_v alive_a again_o for_o ever_o but_o because_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n unto_o we_o a_o live_a foundation_n that_o transfuse_v this_o life_n into_o the_o whole_a building_n and_o every_o stone_n of_o it_o in_o who_o say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 2._o all_o the_o building_n be_v fit_o frame_v together_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o flow_v from_o he_o which_o enliven's_n it_o and_o knitt_v it_o together_o as_o a_o live_a body_n for_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v chap._n 4._o for_o the_o church_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o body_n now_o that_o '_o it_o be_v there_o say_v chap._n 2_o ver._n 20._o to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v no_o other_o but_o their_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v that_o he_o as_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n the_o foundation_n then_o of_o the_o church_n lie_v not_o in_o rome_n but_o in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o enemy_n and_o above_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n fear_v not_o then_o when_o you_o see_v the_o storm_n arise_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v against_o this_o spiritual_a building_n for_o it_o shall_v stand_v it_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o invisible_a immovable_a rock_n and_o it_o great_a babylon_n rome_n itself_o that_o under_o the_o false_a title_n and_o pretence_n of_o support_v this_o building_n be_v work_v to_o overthrow_v it_o shall_v be_v utter_o overthrow_v and_o lay_v equal_a with_o the_o ground_n and_o never_o be_v rebuilt_a again_o but_o this_o foundation_n stone_n as_o it_o be_v commend_v by_o its_o quality_n that_o it_o be_v a_o live_a and_o enliven_a stone_n have_v life_n and_o give_v life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v build_v on_o it_o it_o be_v further_o describe_v by_o god_n choose_v it_o and_o its_o own_o worth_n both_o oppose_v to_o man_n disesteem_a and_o therefore_o say_v here_o to_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n god_n do_v indeed_o from_o eternity_n contrive_v this_o building_n and_o choose_v this_o same_o foundation_n and_o according_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n do_v perform_v his_o purpose_n so_o the_o thing_n be_v one_o we_o may_v take_v it_o either_o for_o his_o purpose_n or_o performance_n or_o both_o yet_o it_o seem_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o strain_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o place_n after_o allege_v for_o lay_v he_o in_o zion_n and_o oppose_v the_o rejection_n of_o man_n that_o we_o take_v it_o for_o god_n actual_a employ_v of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n he_o only_o fit_a for_o that_o work_n impossible_a utter_o that_o any_o other_o shall_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o that_o service_n and_o so_o of_o this_o building_n but_o he_o who_o be_v almighty_a therefore_o the_o spouse_n call_v he_o the_o select_a or_o choice_n of_o ten_o thousand_o yet_o reject_v of_o men._n there_o be_v that_o antipathy_n so_o to_o speak_v betwixt_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v high_o esteem_v with_o man_n be_v abomination_n to_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v here_o that_o which_o be_v high_o esteem_v with_o god_n be_v cast_v and_o disallow_v by_o men._n but_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n the_o choose_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n stand_v and_o by_o that_o judge_n man_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o will_v he_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o build_n and_o he_o be_v in_o true_a value_n answerable_a to_o this_o esteem_n precious_a which_o seem_v to_o signify_v a_o kind_n of_o inward_a worth_n hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n blind_a unbelieve_a man_n but_o well_o know_v to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o reveal_v he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n of_o his_o rejection_n by_o the_o most_o the_o ignorance_n of_o his_o worth_n and_o excellency_n as_o a_o precious_a stone_n that_o the_o skilful_a lapidary_n esteem_v much_o worth_n a_o ignorant_a beholder_n make_v little_a or_o no_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n hold_v likewise_o in_o the_o other_o stone_n of_o this_o building_n choose_v before_o time_n all_o that_o shall_v be_v of_o this_o building_n foreordain_v in_o god_n purpose_n all_o write_v in_o that_o book_n before_o hand_n and_o then_o in_o due_a time_n they_o be_v choose_v by_o actual_a calling_n according_a to_o that_o purpose_n hew_v out_o and_o sever_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n out_o of_o the_o quarry_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n dead_a stone_n in_o themselves_o as_o the_o rest_n but_o make_v live_v by_o his_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o so_o make_v true_o precious_a and_o account_v precious_a by_o he_o that_o have_v make_v they_o so_o all_o the_o stone_n in_o this_o build_n be_v call_v god_n jewel_n mal._n 3._o though_o they_o be_v vilify_v and_o scoff_v and_o despise_v by_o men._n though_o they_o pass_v for_o fool_n and_o the_o refuse_v of_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o may_v easy_o digest_v all_o that_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o if_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a in_o his_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o very_a lot_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o by_o that_o the_o more_o welcome_a that_o it_o conform_v they_o to_o he_o suit_n these_o stone_n to_o their_o foundation_n and_o if_o we_o look_v right_a on_o it_o what_o a_o poor_a despiseable_a thing_n be_v the_o esteem_n of_o man_n how_o soon_o be_v it_o past_a it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n for_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n now_o that_o god_n often_o choose_v for_o this_o building_n such_o stone_n as_o man_n cast_v away_o as_o good_a for_o nothing_o see_v 1._o cor._n 1._o and_o where_o he_o say_v isa._n 51._o that_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n what_o be_v his_o other_o dwell_n his_o habitation_n in_o earth_n be_v it_o in_o great_a palace_n and_o court_n no._n but_o with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n now_o these_o be_v the_o base_a in_o man_n account_n yet_o he_o choose_v they_o and_o prefer_v they_o to_o all_o other_o palace_n and_o temple_n isa._n 66.1.2_o you_o can_v gratify_v i_o with_o any_o dwell_n for_o i_o myself_o have_v make_v all_o and_o a_o sure_a house_n than_o any_o you_o can_v make_v i_o the_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n and_o the_o earth_n my_o footstool_n but_o i_o that_o be_o so_o high_a be_o please_v to_o regard_v the_o lowly_a 3._o to_o who_o come_v first_o come_v then_o build_v up_o they_o that_o come_v unto_o christ_n come_v not_o only_o from_o the_o world_n that_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n but_o out_o of_o themselves_o of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o seem_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o come_v to_o he_o because_o they_o have_v not_o leave_v themselves_o this_o be_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o be_v the_o very_o resign_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o live_v by_o he_o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n say_v christ._n io._n 5.40_o he_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o a_o wrong_n do_v to_o he_o but_o the_o loss_n be_v we_o it_o be_v his_o glory_n to_o give_v we_o life_n that_o be_v dead_a but_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n
know_v this_o stone_n be_v lay_v but_o see_v whether_o you_o be_v build_v on_o it_o by_o faith_n the_o multitude_n of_o imaginary_a believer_n lie_v round_o about_o it_o but_o they_o be_v never_o the_o better_a nor_o the_o sure_a for_o that_o no_o more_o than_o stone_n that_o lie_v loose_a in_o heap_n near_o unto_o a_o foundation_n but_o be_v not_o join_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o benefit_n to_o we_o by_o christ_n without_o union_n with_o he_o no_o comfort_n in_o his_o riches_n without_o interest_n in_o they_o and_o title_n to_o they_o by_o that_o union_n then_o be_v the_o soul_n right_a when_o it_o can_v say_v he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o as_o the_o spouse_n there_o he_o be_v i_o my_o well-beloved_a and_o this_o union_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o spiritual_a consolation_n and_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o be_v thus_o unite_v be_v a_o divine_a work_n he_o that_o lay_v this_o foundation_n in_o zion_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n work_v likewise_o with_o the_o same_o hand_n faith_n in_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o it_o be_v knit_v to_o this_o corner_n stone_n '_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n as_o we_o imagine_v to_o believe_v eph._n 1.19_o many_o that_o think_v they_o believe_v be_v among_o the_o other_o quite_o contrary_a that_o the_o prophet_n there_o speak_v of_o harden_a in_o sin_n and_o carnal_o secure_a which_o he_o call_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o hell_n and_o death_n walk_v in_o sin_n and_o yet_o promise_v themselves_o impunity_n 4._o there_o be_v the_o firmness_n of_o this_o building_n namely_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v this_o firmness_n be_v answerable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o foundation_n not_o only_o the_o whole_a frame_n but_o every_o stone_n of_o it_o abide_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o simple_a mistake_n to_o judge_v the_o persuasion_n of_o perseverance_n to_o be_v self-presumption_n they_o that_o have_v it_o be_v far_o from_o build_v it_o on_o themselves_o but_o their_o foundation_n be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o sure_o because_o it_o do_v not_o only_o remain_v firm_a itself_o but_o indissoluble_o support_v all_o that_o be_v once_o build_v on_o it_o in_o the_o prophet_n whence_o this_o be_v cite_v it_o be_v shall_v not_o make_v haste_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v one_o they_o that_o be_v disappoint_v and_o ashamed_a in_o their_o hope_n run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o seek_v after_o some_o new_a recourse_n this_o they_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o do_v that_o come_v to_o christ._n the_o believe_a soul_n make_v haste_n to_o christ_n but_o it_o never_o find_v cause_n to_o hasten_v from_o he_o and_o though_o the_o comfort_n it_o expect_v and_o belong_v for_o be_v for_o a_o time_n defer_v yet_o it_o give_v not_o over_o know_v that_o in_o due_a time_n it_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o shall_v not_o have_v cause_n to_o blush_v and_o think_v shame_n of_o its_o confidence_n in_o he_o david_n express_v this_o distrust_n by_o make_v haste_n psal._n 31.22_o and_o 116.11_o i_o be_v too_o hasty_a when_o i_o say_v so_o hope_n frustrate_v especial_o where_o they_o have_v be_v raise_v high_a and_o continue_v long_o do_v reproach_n man_n with_o folly_n and_o so_o shame_v they_o and_o thus_o do_v all_o earthly_a hope_n serve_v we_o when_o we_o lean_a much_o upon_o they_o we_o find_v these_o thing_n usual_o that_o have_v promise_v we_o most_o content_a pay_v we_o with_o vexation_n not_o only_o prove_v break_v reed_n deceive_v our_o trust_n but_o hurtful_a run_v their_o break_a spinter_n into_o our_o hand_n that_o lean_v on_o they_o this_o sure_a foundation_n be_v lay_v for_o we_o that_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v establish_v on_o it_o and_o be_v as_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v such_o time_n may_v come_v as_o will_v shake_v all_o other_o support_v but_o this_o hold_v out_o against_o all_o psal._n 46.2_o though_o the_o earth_n be_v remove_v yet_o will_v not_o we_o fear_v though_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n be_v crack_v about_o a_o man_n ear_n he_o may_v hear_v it_o unaffrighted_a that_o be_v build_v on_o this_o foundation_n why_o then_o do_v we_o choose_v to_o build_v upon_o the_o sand_n believe_v it_o wheresoever_o we_o lie_v our_o confidence_n and_o affection_n beside_o christ_n it_o shall_v once_o repent_v we_o and_o ashame_n we_o either_o happy_o in_o time_n while_o we_o may_v change_v they_o for_o he_o and_o have_v recourse_n to_o he_o or_o miserable_o when_o it_o be_v too_o late_a remember_v that_o we_o must_v die_v and_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n send_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n we_o dote_v on_o here_o have_v neither_o power_n to_o stay_v we_o here_o nor_o have_v we_o power_n to_o take_v they_o along_o with_o we_o nor_o if_o we_o can_v will_v they_o at_o all_o profit_n we_o there_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o they_o all_o at_o part_v we_o shall_v wonder_v what_o fool_n we_o be_v to_o make_v so_o poor_a a_o choice_n and_o then_o in_o that_o great_a day_n wherein_o all_o face_n shall_v gather_v blackness_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o confusion_n that_o have_v neglect_v to_o make_v christ_n their_o stay_n when_o he_o be_v offer_v they_o than_o it_o shall_v appear_v how_o happy_a they_o be_v that_o have_v trust_v in_o he_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v but_o shall_v lift_v up_o their_o face_n and_o be_v acquit_v in_o he_o in_o their_o present_a estate_n they_o may_v be_v found_v and_o exercise_v but_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v nor_o ashamed_a a_o double_a negation_n in_o the_o original_a by_o no_o mean_n they_o shall_v in_o all_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o have_v love_v they_o behold_v the_o last_o thing_n obs._n be_v in_o that_o first_o word_n import_v this_o work_n to_o be_v great_a and_o remarkable_a and_o caullng_v the_o eye_n to_o behold_v it_o the_o lord_n be_v marvellous_a in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o work_n but_o in_o this_o he_o have_v manifest_v more_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o let_v out_o more_o of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n than_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o we_o be_v foolish_a and_o childish_o gaze_v about_o we_o upon_o trifle_n and_o let_v this_o great_a work_n pass_v unregarded_a scarce_o afford_v it_o half_o a_o eye_n turn_v your_o wander_a eye_n this_o way_n look_v upon_o this_o precious_a stone_n and_o behold_v he_o not_o in_o mere_a speculation_n but_o so_o behold_v he_o as_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o for_o we_o see_v he_o be_v therefore_o here_o set_v forth_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o so_o not_o be_v confound_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v this_o bless_a union_n that_o can_v be_v dissolve_v all_o other_o union_n be_v dissoluble_a a_o man_n may_v be_v pluck_v from_o his_o dwell_a house_n and_o land_n or_o they_o from_o he_o though_o he_o have_v never_o so_o good_a title_n to_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v from_o his_o dear_a friend_n the_o husband_n from_o the_o wife_n if_o not_o by_o other_o accident_n in_o their_o life-time_n yet_o sure_a by_o death_n the_o great_a dissolver_n of_o all_o those_o union_n and_o of_o that_o straight_a of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n but_o it_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o this_o union_n but_o perfect_v it_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v say_v st._n paul_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o sâ—perate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a mistake_n concern_v faith_n one_a they_o that_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o it_o abuse_v and_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o a_o vain_a opinion_n that_o they_o have_v it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o that_o have_v it_o misjudging_a their_o own_o condition_n and_o so_o prejudging_a themselves_o of_o much_o comfort_n and_o sweetness_n that_o they_o may_v find_v in_o their_o believe_v the_o former_a be_v the_o worse_o and_o yet_o the_o far_a commoner_n evil_a and_o as_o one_o say_v of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v true_a of_o faith_n many_o will_v seek_v after_o it_o and_o attain_v it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o false_o imagine_v that_o they_o have_v attain_v it_o already_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o lively_a nature_n of_o faith_n than_o for_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o busy_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o its_o own_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o yet_o this_o very_a character_n of_o unbelief_n pass_v with_o a_o great_a many_o for_o believe_v they_o doubt_v not_o that_o be_v indeed_o they_o consider_v not_o what_o they_o be_v their_o mind_n be_v not_o all_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v not_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 of_o the_o earth_n let_v they_o work_v one_o against_o another_o and_o try_v which_o be_v hard_a and_o so_o they_o shall_v often_o break_v each_o other_o but_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o strive_v with_o his_o maker_n there_o be_v nothing_o there_o but_o certain_a perish_v as_o we_o conlude_v in_o the_o question_n with_o rome_n of_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o saint_n and_o angel_n honour_n let_v they_o have_v good_a reason_n but_o not_o divine_a honour_n not_o god_n peculiar_a so_o in_o this_o give_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n but_o withal_o still_o give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n but_o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a estate_n of_o a_o kingdom_n when_o debate_n arise_v and_o increase_v in_o this_o and_o their_o happiness_n be_v when_o king_n and_o people_n concur_v to_o honour_n god_n for_o those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v and_o whosoever_o despise_v he_o shall_v be_v despise_v verse_n 18._o servant_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o master_n with_o all_o fear_v not_o only_o to_o the_o good_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a thy_o word_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v a_o light_n to_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n to_o my_o path_n not_o only_o a_o light_n to_o please_v his_o eye_n by_o the_o excellent_a truth_n and_o comfort_n that_o be_v in_o it_o but_o withal_o a_o light_n to_o direct_v his_o foot_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o it_o give_v to_o inform_v and_o delight_v his_o mind_n to_o order_v his_o course_n that_o philosopher_n be_v deserve_o commend_v that_o draw_v knowledge_n most_v this_o way_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v bring_v philosophy_n from_o the_o cloud_n to_o dwell_v among_o man_n call_z it_o from_o empty_a speculation_n to_o a_o practical_a stram_fw-la thus_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o spiritual_a knowledge_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o son_n the_o etenal_a word_n when_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v with_o man_n and_o so_o bring_v life_n and_o wisdom_n and_o all_o blessing_n from_o the_o heaven_n down_o unto_o they_o he_o teach_v they_o both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o perfect_a example_n how_o to_o walk_v and_o his_o apostle_n do_v conformable_o aim_v at_o this_o in_o their_o holy_a write_n join_v with_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n those_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o show_v man_n the_o straight_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o largeness_n of_o solomon_n wisdom_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o all_o tree_n from_o the_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n to_o the_o hyssop_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n so_o in_o this_o we_o may_v see_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o give_v those_o direction_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o speak_v not_o only_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o king_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o on_o their_o throne_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o subject_n to_o they_o in_o that_o dignity_n and_o how_o minister_n 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