call_v himself_o lord_n or_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o discharge_v it_o in_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o and_o here_o take_v a_o low_a title_n to_o himself_o a_o servant_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n ambassador_n to_o know_v and_o assert_v their_o call_v from_o he_o that_o truth_n may_v have_v weight_n with_o people_n and_o they_o may_v have_v courage_n whatever_o their_o faithfulness_n may_v cost_v they_o for_o while_o the_o apostle_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v avow_v himself_o by_o name_n and_o surname_n even_o when_o he_o 〈◊〉_d publish_v truth_n that_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o he_o describe_v these_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v main_o direct_v from_o the_o worth_n of_o their_o faith_n equal_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o all_o save_a effect_n and_o clear_v the_o way_n how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o give_v for_o convert_v sinner_n and_o work_a grace_n where_o it_o be_v not_o psal_n 19.7_o but_o also_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o gracious_a fine_a place_n be_v main_o intend_v for_o they_o to_o further_a their_o growth_n guard_v they_o against_o temptation_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o last_o meeting_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o epistle_n direct_v main_o to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v precious_a faith_n 2._o although_o some_o believer_n be_v more_o strong_a in_o believe_v and_o so_o have_v more_o joy_n and_o peace_n than_o other_o 1_o joh._n 2.13_o 14._o yet_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o they_o all_o of_o alike_o worth_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o unit_v they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o saviour_n from_o who_o the_o weak_a faith_n shall_v never_o shed_v intere_v they_o all_o in_o the_o same_o spiritual_a promise_n privilege_n and_o glorious_a reward_n and_o be_v buy_v for_o they_o all_o with_o the_o same_o price_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o the_o mean_a believer_n be_v alike_o precious_a with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3._o the_o way_n how_o save_a faith_n come_v to_o the_o elect_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o promise_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n the_o bestow_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o elect_n psal_n 110.3_o and_o to_o the_o elect_a in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n isa_n 54.13_o joh._n 6.45_o it_o being_n god_n righteousness_n to_o prove_v himself_o faithful_a in_o make_v all_o these_o promise_n and_o it_o come_v also_o through_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v his_o do_v and_o suffer_v to_o purchase_v it_o and_o other_o save_a grace_n for_o we_o and_o so_o although_o we_o have_v it_o free_o yet_o christ_n buy_v it_o dear_a and_o god_n be_v righteous_a in_o give_v what_o himself_o promise_v and_o christ_n pay_v for_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o so_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o precious_a faith_n to_o come_v to_o all_o that_o have_v it_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 2._o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n in_o this_o salutation_n he_o wish_v to_o they_o a_o daily_a growth_n in_o their_o heart_n 1._o of_o the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o god_n free_a favour_n make_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o thrive_v 2._o of_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o carry_v with_o it_o every_o necessary_a blessing_n as_o the_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n grace_n and_o peace_n and_o their_o order_n do_v import_n and_o all_o this_o through_o their_o grow_v in_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n which_o have_v faith_n affection_n and_o practice_n with_o it_o hence_o learn_v 1._o no_o less_o than_o what_o be_v here_o wish_a for_o be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n to_o every_o believer_n if_o they_o get_v it_o not_o they_o have_v themselves_o to_o blame_v for_o his_o majesty_n do_v nothing_o to_o mar_v the_o multiply_a of_o grace_n and_o peace_n upon_o all_o that_o have_v precious_a faith_n 2._o they_o that_o will_v have_v this_o rich_a allowance_n must_v not_o only_o expect_v in_o this_o order_n grace_n or_o god_n free_a favour_n first_o and_o then_o peace_n with_o every_o necessary_a blessing_n but_o they_o must_v study_v to_o grow_v daily_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n the_o purchase_n fullness_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o by_o the_o usemaking_a of_o all_o heart_n and_o life_n may_v be_v change_v for_o such_o a_o knowledge_n be_v this_o through_o which_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v 3._o it_o be_v not_o formality_n or_o vain_a repetition_n to_o use_v frequent_o the_o same_o expression_n to_o god_n or_o to_o other_o when_o they_o flow_v from_o new_a sense_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o need_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o this_o apostle_n and_o other_o do_v ordinary_o use_v these_o same_o expression_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o their_o epistle_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 3._o according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v unto_o life_n and_o godliness_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n follow_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n which_o may_v also_o hearten_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o wish_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n powerful_a grâ—â—â—â—ad_n already_o begin_v a_o save_a work_n in_o they_o by_o bestow_v free_o upon_o they_o all_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o gracious_a frame_n of_o spirit_n within_o and_o a_o holy_a life_n without_o and_o this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o make_v they_o so_o to_o know_v christ_n as_o to_o consent_v to_o he_o call_v they_o by_o the_o gospel_n to_o glory_n or_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o end_n by_o virtue_n which_o be_v grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o the_o way_n or_o mean_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o see_v beginning_n of_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v comfortable_a pledge_n and_o confirmation_n to_o faith_n that_o that_o work_n shall_v thrive_v it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o lord_n wisdom_n power_n and_o constancy_n to_o carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v for_o the_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o be_v multiply_v according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v begin_v the_o work_n 2._o to_o give_v grace_n to_o a_o graceless_a soul_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n infinite_a power_n there_o be_v so_o much_o unworthiness_n guiltiness_n and_o opposition_n to_o hinder_v that_o work_n in_o all_o the_o elect_a therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o work_n be_v here_o make_v divine_a power_n 3._o the_o lord_n in_o the_o bestow_n of_o save_a grace_n work_v both_o irresistable_o and_o free_o neither_o can_v any_o for_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o purchase_v so_o oppose_v as_o to_o hinder_v the_o bestow_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v divine_a power_n that_o work_v it_o nor_o can_v any_o in_o nature_n so_o use_v their_o natural_n as_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o or_o merit_v the_o bestow_n of_o it_o for_o divine_a power_n work_v by_o give_v free_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o so_o the_o very_a preparation_n for_o the_o new_a life_n 4._o the_o substance_n of_o every_o save_a grace_n though_o not_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o a_o right_a to_o what_o may_v enable_v for_o honour_v god_n in_o practice_n be_v give_v at_o once_o in_o conversion_n as_o a_o child_n when_o it_o first_o live_v or_o be_v new_o bear_v have_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o a_o man_n therefore_o to_o these_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n wish_v increase_v of_o grace_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v to_o press_v growth_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v already_o give_v all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 5._o the_o very_a first_o beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o make_v a_o sinner_n drink-in_a the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o law_n indeed_o prepare_v for_o this_o work_n by_o discover_v sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o terrify_v the_o conscience_n but_o the_o gospel_n which_o holde_o out_o christ_n the_o saviour_n from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n have_v in_o he_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o heart_n to_o let_v it_o out_o free_o upon_o graceless_a sinner_n be_v the_o spirit_n be_v instrument_n of_o work_a grace_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n to_o thrive_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n
in_o it_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v 1._o the_o way_n to_o make_v christian_n steadfast_a in_o the_o truth_n cheerful_a under_o their_o suffering_n for_o it_o and_o thrive_a in_o holiness_n be_v to_o have_v their_o heart_n bring_v to_o a_o praise_a disposition_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o spiritual_a privilege_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n wherein_o they_o be_v their_o heart_n be_v thereby_o sweet_o divert_v from_o sad_a reflection_n upon_o their_o outward_a affliction_n and_o strong_o encourage_v to_o hold_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n notwithstanding_o of_o all_o discouragement_n for_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v sufferer_n and_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n he_o labour_v first_o of_o all_o to_o engage_v their_o heart_n to_o this_o exercise_n of_o praise_n by_o raise_v this_o psalm_n before_o they_o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n etc._n etc._n 2._o they_o be_v fit_a to_o cheer_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o to_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o praise_n who_o have_v their_o own_o heart_n keep_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o excellent_a state_n of_o believer_n because_o of_o their_o spiritual_a privilege_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o burst_v forth_o in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n themselves_o and_o go_v before_o other_o in_o that_o exercise_n as_o they_o have_v a_o calling_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o comfort_v those_o heavy_a heart_a exile_n under_o their_o suffering_n and_o provoke_v they_o to_o praise_v have_v his_o own_o heart_n so_o full_a that_o he_o must_v break_v forth_o in_o sing_v before_o they_o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n etc._n etc._n 3._o our_o praise_n or_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v not_o any_o addition_n of_o blessedness_n to_o he_o who_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n especial_o above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n neh._n 9.5_o but_o it_o be_v only_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o praiseworthy_a perfection_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n that_o they_o may_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o he_o and_o join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o acknowledgement_n for_o that_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v bless_v of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v to_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o 4._o of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a privilege_n bestow_v upon_o sinner_n in_o time_n which_o call_v they_o to_o joy_n and_o praise_n the_o first_o and_o principal_a be_v their_o regeneration_n whereby_o they_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n and_o bear_v heir_n of_o god_n curse_n have_v a_o new_a life_n communicate_v to_o they_o eph._n 2.1_o 3._o and_o such_o heavenly_a quality_n stamp_v upon_o their_o soul_n as_o make_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n resemble_v their_o heavenly_a father_n eph._n 4.24_o for_o the_o apostle_n put_v our_o regeneration_n for_o the_o first_o reason_n of_o this_o song_n bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v beget_v we_o again_o 5._o this_o change_n of_o a_o sinner_n nature_n which_o be_v make_v in_o regeneration_n be_v the_o alone_a work_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n as_o the_o principal_a and_o efficient_a cause_n wherein_o he_o make_v use_v of_o man_n as_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n 1_o cor._n 4.15_o and_o of_o the_o word_n from_o they_o as_o his_o mean_n jam._n 1.18_o there_o be_v no_o more_o power_n in_o man_n natural_o to_o work_v this_o change_n in_o himself_o than_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o any_o man_n to_o have_v beget_v himself_o therefore_o be_v it_o set_v forth_o here_o by_o such_o a_o word_n as_o may_v lead_v all_o the_o regenerate_v to_o consider_v themselves_o as_o whole_o passive_a when_o first_o this_o change_n be_v make_v upon_o they_o bless_a be_v the_o god_n etc._n etc._n who_o have_v beget_v we_o again_o 6._o it_o do_v exceed_o commend_v the_o free_a love_n of_o god_n in_o make_v this_o change_n upon_o sinner_n and_o may_v much_o heighten_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o esteem_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o who_o have_v such_o a_o son_n as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v and_o be_v his_o peer_n and_o equal_a philip._n 2.6_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n heb._n 1.3_o and_o his_o full_a delight_n prov._n 8.30_o shall_v have_v vouchsafe_v upon_o such_o unworthy_a thing_n as_o we_o be_v so_o sweet_a and_o honourable_a a_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o bless_a son_n of_o he_o as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o his_o beget_n of_o we_o again_o the_o esteem_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n heighten_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o regenerate_v by_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v beget_v we_o again_o 7._o the_o lord_n be_v not_o move_v to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o sinner_n by_o any_o goodness_n which_o he_o do_v foresee_v or_o find_v in_o they_o see_v none_o can_v give_v first_o to_o he_o rom._n 11.35_o nor_o be_v profitable_a to_o he_o job_n 22.2_o who_o need_v nothing_o from_o any_o act._n 17.25_o but_o only_o by_o his_o own_o mercy_n which_o be_v that_o lovely_a property_n whereby_o he_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o let_v out_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o unworthy_a and_o miserable_a sinner_n who_o deserve_v the_o contrary_a from_o he_o for_o here_o mercy_n be_v make_v the_o alone_a and_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o our_o regeneration_n while_o the_o apostle_n say_v according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v beget_v we_o 8._o that_o mercy_n which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o work_v a_o save_a change_n upon_o any_o sinner_n be_v both_o very_a plentiful_a for_o the_o quantity_n of_o it_o and_o most_o excellent_a for_o the_o quality_n of_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v so_o there_o be_v so_o many_o provocation_n find_v and_o foresee_v in_o sinner_n which_o only_o plentiful_a mercy_n can_v overcome_v isa_n 48.8_o and_o so_o many_o excellent_a favour_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o regenerate_v as_o never_o enter_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o conceive_v 1_o cor._n 2.9_o that_o it_o must_v be_v excellent_a mercy_n that_o do_v bestow_v they_o therefore_o that_o which_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o regenerate_a sinner_n be_v not_o simple_o call_v mercy_n but_o abundant_a mercy_n which_o in_o the_o original_a signify_v not_o only_o the_o plenty_n of_o it_o for_o quantity_n but_o also_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o for_o quality_n 9_o the_o regenerate_v come_v not_o present_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o they_o must_v be_v first_o try_v whether_o they_o will_v glorify_v he_o by_o live_v in_o the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v purchase_v and_o promise_v which_o be_v hope_n flow_v from_o faith_n and_o only_o differ_v from_o it_o in_o this_o that_o faith_n apprehend_v the_o thing_n promise_v as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a so_o give_v it_o a_o spiritual_a kind_n of_o subsistence_n in_o the_o soul_n heb._n 11.1_o and_o hope_n make_v the_o heart_n with_o some_o measure_n of_o cheerful_a patience_n expect_v that_o good_a which_o it_o look_v upon_o as_o absent_v for_o the_o time_n rom._n 8.25_o for_o the_o want_n of_o possession_n for_o a_o time_n after_o regeneration_n be_v import_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n 10._o before_o the_o lord_n make_v this_o powerful_a change_n upon_o sinner_n in_o regeneration_n they_o be_v altogether_o without_o any_o true_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o a_o better_a life_n than_o this_o whatever_o strong_a and_o groundless_a presumption_n thereof_o they_o may_v entertain_v for_o so_o much_o be_v suppose_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v beget_v again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n 11._o all_o that_o have_v get_v a_o new_a life_n and_o nature_n from_o the_o lord_n in_o â—â—generation_n have_v get_v therewith_o this_o grace_n of_o hope_n 〈◊〉_d have_v his_o allowance_n to_o keep_v up_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o expâ—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o though_o theâ—cy_a â—â—rance_n and_o unbelief_n do_v often_o maâ—_n the_o exercise_n 〈…〉_o lam._n 3.18_o yet_o they_o must_v again_o attain_v unâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o â—easure_n of_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o lam._n 3.24_o it_o beâ—â—â—cial_a act_n of_o the_o new_a life_n which_o be_v give_v in_o regeneraâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v here_o make_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o it_o as_o be_v â—â—orted_v in_o this_o he_o have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a 〈◊〉_d 12._o the_o hope_n of_o the_o regenerate_v be_v a_o lively_a hope_n sicken_a they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n for_o attain_v to_o â—hat_n they_o hope_v for_o heb._n 12.28_o and_o for_o keep_v of_o themselves_o free_a of_o every_o thing_n unsuitable_a for_o they_o who_o be_v bear_v to_o so_o great_a hope_n 1_o joh._n 3.3_o for_o it_o
a_o time_n even_o after_o frequency_n and_o importunity_n in_o that_o duty_n 2_o cor._n 12.8_o yea_o and_o to_o their_o sense_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v mis-regarded_n by_o the_o lord_n psal_n 22.2_o yet_o their_o request_n have_v always_o a_o favourable_a acceptance_n with_o he_o in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o delight_v to_o hear_v they_o prov._n 15.8_o cant._n 2.14_o and_o during_o the_o delay_n be_v prepare_v they_o for_o a_o good_a answer_n psal_n 10.17_o isa_n 30.18_o 19_o provide_v they_o be_v pray_v for_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n 1_o joh._n 5.14_o not_o to_o gratify_v their_o lust_n jam._n 4.3_o but_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o build_v their_o confidence_n of_o acceptance_n upon_o christ_n merit_n and_o intercession_n joh._n 14.13_o for_o this_o must_v be_v some_o special_a notice_n he_o take_v of_o their_o prayer_n since_o he_o hear_v also_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o with_o detestation_n prov._n 28.9_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o prayer_n 3._o only_o those_o who_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o unrighteousness_n be_v flee_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o their_o person_n may_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o have_v obtain_v grace_n to_o be_v sincere_a student_n of_o true_a holiness_n may_v lay_v claim_n to_o these_o privilege_n the_o lord_n be_v favourable_a providence_n exercise_v about_o they_o for_o good_a and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o their_o prayer_n for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v over_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o prayer_n 4._o that_o which_o make_v the_o life_n of_o believer_n a_o life_n indeed_o and_o their_o day_n good_a day_n to_o they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o trouble_n be_v this_o favourable_a providence_n of_o god_n watch_v over_o they_o for_o their_o good_a and_o his_o gracious_a acceptance_n of_o their_o prayer_n through_o his_o son_n for_o these_o privilege_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o clear_v wherein_o that_o life_n and_o those_o good_a day_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a word_n do_v stand_v even_o in_o this_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v over_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o prayer_n 5._o however_o the_o lord_n may_v long_o spare_v wicked_a man_n in_o their_o sinful_a course_n from_o which_o indulgency_n of_o he_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o do_v more_o and_o more_o wicked_o eccles_n 8.11_o yet_o his_o constant_a purpose_n be_v to_o destroy_v all_o of_o they_o who_o make_v a_o constant_a trade_n of_o provoke_v he_o psal_n 68.21_o and_o that_o without_o any_o battle_n or_o reluctancy_n in_o their_o heart_n ezek._n 11.21_o and_o at_o last_o he_o will_v employ_v his_o power_n and_o terror_n for_o their_o ruin_n as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a 6._o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o encourage_v their_o own_o heart_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o sweetness_n which_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o let_v out_o to_o they_o while_o they_o hold_v that_o way_n and_o to_o deter_v their_o heart_n from_o those_o sin_n whereunto_o they_o do_v strong_o incline_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o hazard_n abide_v they_o that_o continue_v in_o sin_n for_o both_o the_o gain_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o sinful_a course_n be_v here_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o they_o for_o these_o end_n for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v over_o the_o righteous_a etc._n etc._n but_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a verse_n 13._o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a follow_v the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n which_o be_v full_a of_o encouragement_n against_o suffering_n and_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n notwithstanding_o thereof_o together_o with_o several_a direction_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a carriage_n under_o the_o same_o the_o first_o encouragement_n be_v that_o the_o follow_v of_o duty_n notwithstanding_o of_o suffer_v will_v prove_v the_o best_a way_n of_o any_o to_o eschew_v the_o hurt_n of_o all_o trouble_n from_o wicked_a man_n with_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v assure_o reckon_v for_o molest_v of_o his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v follow_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o hence_o learn_v 1._o although_o the_o godly_a may_v expect_v the_o hard_a usage_n in_o follow_v their_o duty_n that_o wicked_a man_n can_v devise_v or_o inflict_v upon_o they_o heb._n 11.34_o yet_o proper_o there_o can_v be_v no_o harm_n or_o evil_n do_v unto_o they_o in_o regard_n the_o nature_n of_o all_o affliction_n especial_o for_o well-doing_n be_v charge_v to_o they_o rom._n 8.28_o their_o persecutor_n can_v at_o all_o reach_n their_o better_a part_n luke_n 12.4_o and_o all_o their_o loss_n by_o suffer_v for_o truth_n be_v more_o than_o sufficient_o make_v up_o to_o they_o mat._n 19.29_o for_o this_o question_n may_v be_v safe_o conceive_v to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o denial_n none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 2._o the_o best_a way_n to_o eschew_v at_o least_o to_o mitigate_v trouble_n even_o from_o wicked_a man_n be_v close_a adherance_n to_o that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n not_o because_o wicked_a man_n favour_v the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n but_o because_o the_o lord_n do_v sometime_o allay_v their_o fury_n against_o those_o that_o follow_v it_o by_o put_v conviction_n upon_o their_o conscience_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o persecute_v 1_o sam._n 24.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o do_v sometime_o work_v in_o their_o heart_n some_o reverence_n towards_o it_o and_o they_o that_o follow_v it_o mark_v 6.20_o for_o here_o the_o apostle_n mention_v the_o follow_v of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o the_o best_a way_n of_o eschew_v trouble_n from_o wicked_a man_n who_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o they_o may_v thence_o have_v occasion_n to_o trouble_v they_o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v harm_v you_o if_o you_o be_v follower_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 3._o whoever_o shall_v enterprise_v to_o harm_n or_o evil_a entreat_v as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o dutifulnesse_n to_o he_o the_o lord_n shall_v inquire_v after_o they_o he_o shall_v find_v they_o out_o and_o reckon_v with_o they_o be_v who_o they_o will_v for_o this_o question_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o lord_n challenge_n of_o they_o and_o his_o enquiry_n for_o they_o to_o judge_v they_o who_o be_v he_o that_o will_v harm_v you_o 4._o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o to_o go_v about_o their_o duty_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n but_o likewise_o in_o imitation_n both_o of_o christ_n himself_o as_o their_o prime_a pattern_n eph._n 5.1_o and_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o saint_n who_o have_v walk_v in_o that_o way_n before_o they_o heb._n 6.11_o for_o this_o be_v the_o description_n of_o those_o to_o who_o this_o encouragement_n be_v give_v that_o they_o be_v follower_n or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v imitator_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a verse_n 14._o but_o and_o if_o you_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n happy_a be_v you_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o their_o terror_n neither_o be_v trouble_v the_o second_o encouragement_n to_o constancy_n in_o duty_n notwithstanding_o of_o suffering_n be_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v put_v to_o suffer_v for_o adhere_v to_o the_o way_n of_o free_a justification_n by_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n which_o legalist_n do_v then_o persecute_v or_o for_o any_o duty_n of_o holiness_n which_o libertine_n oppose_v those_o suffering_n shall_v evidence_n and_o promote_v their_o true_a blessedness_n from_o which_o encouragement_n the_o apostle_n do_v infer_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n several_a direction_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o right_a carriage_n under_o suffer_v whereof_o the_o first_o be_v in_o this_o verse_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o shall_v labour_v to_o banish_v the_o fear_n of_o what_o flesh_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o suffer_v their_o heart_n to_o be_v terrify_v or_o perturb_a by_o the_o terror_n or_o hard_a usage_n of_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o suffer_v for_o so_o honourable_a a_o cause_n hence_o learn_v 1._o be_v the_o cause_n which_o the_o lord_n people_n maintain_v never_o 〈◊〉_d â—ood_n and_o their_o carriage_n in_o follow_v of_o it_o never_o so_o innocent_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o dream_v of_o exemption_n from_o trouble_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v oftentimes_o the_o more_o incense_a against_o they_o that_o their_o â—ause_n be_v
for_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v greet_v you_o one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 4._o the_o occasion_n of_o frequent_a converse_n and_o correspondence_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n ought_v not_o to_o diminish_v their_o love_n or_o hinder_v the_o expression_n thereof_o but_o rather_o to_o increase_v the_o same_o they_o who_o live_v together_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o offend_v or_o mistake_v one_o another_o and_o so_o to_o be_v mutual_o jealous_a of_o the_o alienation_n of_o one_o another_o affection_n than_o those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o love_n shall_v provoke_v those_o that_o be_v near_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v signify_v the_o love_n of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o babylon_n to_o their_o disperse_a brethren_n do_v here_o exhort_v they_o that_o have_v more_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o meeting_n and_o correspondence_n to_o greet_v one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 5._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n hearty_o to_o wish_v all_o sort_n of_o true_a peace_n upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o external_a profession_n and_o participation_n of_o common_a gift_n and_o benefit_n from_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o joh._n 15.2_o so_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o calmness_n and_o contentment_n of_o the_o soul_n arise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o acceptation_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n when_o fear_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o jealousy_n of_o his_o love_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n banish_v rom._n 5.1_o together_o with_o as_o much_o outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o true_a good_a be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n only_o to_o real_a believer_n and_o to_o all_o of_o they_o whether_o weak_a or_o strong_a and_o may_v be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n attain_v unto_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o trouble_n by_o those_o who_o be_v chase_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o by_o faith_n plant_v in_o the_o live_a vine_n christ_n jesus_n for_o as_o this_o apostolick-benediction_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o apostle_n wish_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o it_o do_v especial_o respect_v true_a believer_n therein_o peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 6._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n to_o press_v duty_n upon_o all_o professor_n so_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o guard_v promise_n and_o privilege_n by_o qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v for_o the_o apostle_n have_v press_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o expression_n thereof_o upon_o all_o indefinite_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n restrict_n his_o wish_n of_o peace_n qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o do_v especial_o belong_v peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 7._o as_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o enter_v upon_o every_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o call_v and_o commission_n from_o he_o as_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o epistle_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o close_v the_o same_o with_o some_o confidence_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o labour_n and_o of_o his_o grant_v their_o desire_n for_o that_o end_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n close_v his_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n in_o this_o epistle_n with_o this_o word_n of_o confidence_n amen_n a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n general_n of_o peter_n the_o argument_n this_o epistle_n may_v be_v call_v the_o latter_a will_n of_o a_o die_a apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o when_o peter_n write_v it_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v short_o to_o seal_v the_o truth_n in_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n as_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o compare_v the_o 14._o verse_n of_o this_o chap._n with_o christ_n prediction_n concern_v his_o death_n joh._n 21.18_o it_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o all_o believer_n especial_o believe_v jew_n scatter_v at_o that_o time_n through_o many_o nation_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v 1_o pet._n 1.1_o with_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o and_o of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o principal_a head_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o make_v clear_a the_o scope_n and_o part_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o christian_n growth_n in_o grace_n and_o diligence_n in_o holy_a duty_n which_o be_v clear_v and_o press_v chap._n 1._o the_o second_o be_v concern_v error_n the_o way_n of_o work_v and_o hazard_v whereof_o be_v handle_v chap._n 2._o the_o three_o be_v concern_v the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n some_o error_n about_o it_o be_v confute_v and_o the_o right_a preparation_n for_o it_o hold_v forth_o chap._n 3._o what_o can_v be_v more_o necessary_a than_o to_o study_v growth_n and_o diligence_n in_o so_o decline_v and_o secure_a a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v to_o guard_n against_o error_n when_o it_o so_o prevail_v and_o to_o prepare_v for_o the_o last_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o now_o it_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o much_o forget_v chap._n 1._o the_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v three_o in_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o inscription_n ver_fw-la 1._o a_o apostolic_a wish_n for_o the_o best_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o grow_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o the_o salutation_n ver_fw-la 2._o ground_n of_o encouragement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o wish_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n already_o begin_v in_o they_o which_o he_o describe_v from_o the_o cause_n nature_n part_n and_o way_n of_o work_v of_o it_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4._o in_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n he_o exhort_v to_o diligence_n and_o the_o study_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n reckon_v out_o several_a step_n of_o their_o progress_n ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o with_o many_o move_a argument_n thereto_o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o growth_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v only_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o write_v therefore_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n ver_fw-la 16._o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a subject_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o and_o of_o the_o whole_a write_a word_n from_o the_o certainty_n and_o usefulness_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o from_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o verse_n 1._o simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n describe_v himself_o 1._o from_o two_o name_n which_o design_n his_o person_n simon_n his_o old_a name_n when_o he_o be_v a_o fisher_n peter_n his_o new_a surname_n give_v he_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o mark_v 1.16_o and_o 3.16_o the_o one_o mind_v he_o of_o his_o former_a ignorant_a and_o mean_a condition_n the_o other_o of_o the_o honour_n christ_n put_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o make_v he_o a_o lively_a stone_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o believer_n and_o preacher_n of_o that_o truth_n upon_o which_o as_o a_o rock_n he_o build_v his_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o exposition_n of_o the_o name_n peter_n mat._n 16.18_o hence_o learn_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o carry_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o time_n with_o we_o the_o sensible_a remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v before_o christ_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o of_o what_o his_o grace_n have_v make_v we_o that_o we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n both_o humble_a and_o thankful_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o these_o two_o name_n here_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o testament_n simon_n peter_n next_o he_o describe_v himself_o from_o two_o style_n which_o design_n his_o office_n the_o one_o common_a to_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o proper_a to_o those_o who_o have_v immediate_a commission_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o christ_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o work_v miracle_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v honour_n enough_o for_o the_o high_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o christ_n so_o do_v this_o apostle_n esteem_v it_o who_o never_o
describe_v these_o man_n here_o as_o slave_n to_o all_o these_o three_o idol_n at_o once_o to_o their_o pleasure_n which_o be_v their_o eden_n to_o their_o credit_n which_o make_v they_o hold_v forth_o bait_v to_o take_v many_o follower_n and_o to_o their_o gain_n wherewith_o their_o heart_n be_v exercise_v that_o so_o their_o pleasure_n and_o credit_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o uphold_v last_o they_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v spend_v their_o immortal_a spirit_n upon_o the_o unworthy_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o trust_v to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n whereunto_o their_o profession_n do_v oblige_v they_o they_o do_v forfeit_v their_o right_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o child_n and_o serve_v themselves_o heir_n to_o his_o curse_n for_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v exercise_v with_o covetous_a practice_n they_o be_v curse_v child_n verse_n 15._o which_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o be_v go_v astray_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o bosor_n who_o love_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n 16._o but_o be_v rebuke_v for_o his_o iniquity_n the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v with_o man_n voice_n forbid_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o apostle_n have_v show_v what_o idol_n these_o false_a teacher_n do_v set_v up_o he_o show_v here_o two_o woeful_a effect_n that_o their_o love_n to_o they_o especial_o to_o their_o gain_n have_v upon_o they_o the_o first_o be_v their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o be_v extreme_a violence_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o idol_n which_o last_o he_o set_v forth_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o bâ—laam_n who_o be_v so_o mad_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o same_o idol_n that_o even_o extraordinary_a opposition_n can_v not_o restrain_v he_o hence_o learn_v 1._o however_o man_n that_o real_o enter_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n can_v never_o total_o or_o final_o fall_v from_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v undertake_v joh._n 10.28_o and_o unchangeableness_n rom._n 11.29_o yet_o they_o who_o have_v be_v once_o in_o opinion_n sound_n and_o in_o external_a practice_n blameless_a remain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n without_o any_o inward_a save_a change_n may_v make_v apostasy_n from_o both_o for_o such_o have_v these_o man_n be_v of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n 2._o love_n to_o some_o unmortified_a lust_n especial_o covetousness_n be_v the_o prime_a cause_n both_o of_o much_o apostasy_n and_o of_o extreme_a violence_n in_o sinful_a course_n for_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o false_a teacher_n and_o their_o follower_n their_o heart_n be_v exercise_v with_o covetous_a practice_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o therefore_o they_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n imitate_v balaam_n in_o the_o violent_a prosecution_n of_o that_o idol_n 3._o when_o the_o right_a way_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n be_v forsake_v man_n can_v keep_v no_o certain_a course_n but_o must_v needs_o be_v like_o wander_a star_n or_o planet_n as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v ever_o seek_v and_o never_o find_v that_o true_a satisfaction_n they_o may_v have_v have_v and_o have_v forsake_v by_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o be_v go_v astray_o 4._o when_o the_o lord_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v sinner_n from_o their_o lust_n do_v not_o prevail_v with_o they_o the_o lord_n be_v just_o provoke_v to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n over_o the_o belly_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a opposition_n if_o they_o have_v it_o till_o they_o perish_v for_o balaam_n be_v not_o restrain_v by_o mean_n more_o ordinary_a in_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o mean_n more_o extraordinary_a he_o love_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n though_o he_o be_v rebuke_v for_o his_o iniquity_n by_o the_o dumb_a ass_n 5._o covetousness_n be_v once_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o propose_v as_o a_o man_n main_a end_n it_o be_v so_o powerful_a and_o imperious_a a_o idol_n that_o it_o will_v make_v the_o covetous_a man_n adventure_n upon_o any_o course_n though_o never_o so_o unrighteous_a and_o go_v over_o never_o so_o much_o opposition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o gain_n for_o though_o the_o wage_n that_o balaam_n desire_v be_v wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v have_v but_o by_o curse_v the_o people_n who_o god_n have_v blessed_v yet_o he_o love_v they_o and_o pursue_v they_o though_o the_o dumb_a ass_n forbid_v his_o madness_n in_o so_o do_v 6._o the_o more_o opposition_n from_o the_o word_n or_o dispensation_n of_o god_n man_n do_v go_v over_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o lust_n the_o great_a be_v their_o guilt_n and_o the_o more_o wrath_n have_v they_o to_o expect_v from_o god_n especial_o when_o they_o trace_v the_o step_n of_o sinner_n who_o god_n have_v by_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n oppose_v before_o they_o for_o it_o be_v here_o make_v a_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o cause_n of_o a_o special_a measure_n of_o wrath_n that_o these_o man_n follow_v the_o way_n of_o balaam_n who_o will_v go_v on_o after_o his_o lust_n though_o the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v with_o man_n voice_n forbid_v his_o madness_n 7._o it_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n more_o easy_a to_o work_v the_o great_a miracle_n in_o nature_n than_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o a_o sinner_n violent_o pursue_v his_o lust_n the_o reasonless_a creature_n who_o have_v no_o active_a opposition_n in_o they_o to_o their_o maker_n will_n be_v more_o prone_a to_o obey_v he_o contrary_a to_o their_o ordinary_a course_n than_o reasonable_a creature_n without_o special_a grace_n and_o assistance_n can_v be_v either_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o word_n or_o their_o own_o reason_n contrary_a to_o their_o corrupt_a and_o vile_a affection_n for_o while_o balaam_n go_v on_o in_o his_o sinful_a course_n the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v as_o if_o it_o have_v a_o man_n voice_n forbid_v his_o madness_n 8._o a_o cross_a providence_n meet_v sinner_n in_o a_o course_n contrary_n to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o language_n to_o they_o proclaim_v their_o madness_n and_o prohibit_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v although_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o when_o one_o man_n reprove_v another_o see_v mica_n 6.9_o for_o though_o we_o read_v not_o numb_a 22._o that_o balaam_n ass_n do_v either_o express_o call_v he_o mad_a or_o prohibit_v his_o course_n yet_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v that_o commentary_n upon_o what_o it_o speak_v which_o also_o balaam_n shall_v have_v do_v that_o the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v with_o man_n voice_n forbid_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n 9_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o madness_n to_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n how_o much_o use_n of_o reason_n soever_o man_n may_v have_v to_o cover_v their_o wickedness_n and_o attain_v to_o their_o idol_n for_o though_o much_o carnal_a reason_n and_o policy_n do_v appear_v in_o balaam_n way_n yet_o the_o dumb_a ass_n forbid_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n 10._o a_o man_n who_o be_v mad_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o so_o incorrigible_a that_o even_o extraordinary_a mean_n do_v not_o reclaim_v he_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o reveal_v of_o his_o will_n to_o his_o people_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o employment_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o much_o heavenly_a matter_n and_o suitable_a expression_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o employment_n while_o he_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n put_v from_o that_o employment_n for_o such_o a_o man_n be_v balaam_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v employ_v and_o by_o who_o he_o do_v deliver_v most_o comfortable_a and_o edify_a truth_n to_o his_o church_n all_o which_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v this_o place_n of_o scripture_n with_o numb_a 21,22_o chapter_n verse_n 17._o these_o be_v well_n without_o water_n cloud_n that_o be_v carry_v with_o a_o tempest_n to_o who_o the_o mist_n of_o darkness_n be_v reserve_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o follow_a verse_n the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o several_a of_o those_o mean_n which_o false_a teacher_n make_v use_v of_o for_o attain_v their_o forename_a idol_n especial_o their_o gain_n and_o applause_n the_o first_o which_o be_v in_o this_o vers_fw-la be_v their_o fair_a