Selected quad for the lemma: christian_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
christian_n	church_n	communion_n	society_n	2,512	5	9.2730	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A53678	A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews viz, on the sixth, seventh, eight, ninth, and tenth chapters : wherein together with the explication of the text and context, the priesthood of Christ ... are declared, explained and confirmed : as also, the pleas of the Jews for the continuance and perpetuity of their legal worship, with the doctrine of the principal writers of the Socinians about these things, are examined and disproved / by J. Owen ...	Owen, John, 1616-1683.	1680 (1680)	Wing O729; ESTC R21737	1,235,588	797

absolute_o faithful_a and_o unchangeable_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o supportment_n under_o our_o continual_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o opposition_n verse_n xxiv_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d verse_n 24._o and_o let_v we_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n love_n and_o good_a work_n be_v the_o fruit_n effect_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o sincere_a profession_n of_o save_a faith_n wherefore_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o they_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o constancy_n in_o our_o profession_n this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o next_o place_n exhort_v unto_o and_o thence_o declare_v the_o manner_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v excite_v and_o enable_v unto_o they_o and_o there_o be_v in_o the_o word_n 1._o a_o profession_n of_o a_o duty_n as_o a_o mean_n unto_o another_o end_n 2._o the_o declaration_n of_o that_o end_n namely_o by_o and_o upon_o that_o consideration_n to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n have_v be_v open_v on_o chap._n 3._o 1._o a_o diligent_a inspection_n into_o a_o heedful_a consideration_n of_o mind_n intent_n upon_o it_o in_o opposition_n unto_o common_a 〈◊〉_d careless_a transient_a thought_n about_o it_o be_v intend_v the_o object_n of_o it_o here_o be_v not_o thing_n but_o person_n one_o another_o and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v 1._o that_o those_o unto_o who_o he_o write_v have_v a_o deep_a concernment_n in_o one_o another_o their_o present_a temporal_a and_o future_a eternal_a state_n without_o this_o the_o mere_a consideration_n of_o one_o another_o will_v only_o be_v a_o fruitless_a effect_n of_o curiosity_n and_o tend_v unto_o many_o evil_n 2._o that_o they_o have_v also_o communion_n together_o about_o those_o thing_n without_o which_o this_o duty_n can_v not_o be_v right_o discharge_v for_o it_o be_v not_o then_o in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v now_o but_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v join_v in_o church_n society_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o mutual_a communion_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o their_o edification_n be_v concern_v as_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n 3._o that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o as_o unto_o steadfastness_n in_o profession_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o love_n and_o good_a work_n hence_o they_o know_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o admonish_v to_o exhort_v to_o provoke_v to_o encourage_v one_o another_o without_o this_o the_o mere_a consideration_n of_o one_o another_o be_v of_o no_o use_n on_o these_o supposition_n this_o consideration_n respect_v the_o gift_n the_o grace_n the_o temptation_n the_o danger_n the_o season_n and_o opportunity_n for_o duty_n the_o manner_n of_o the_o walk_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o consideration_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o these_o mutual_a duty_n of_o warn_v or_o admonition_n and_o exhort_v which_o tend_v to_o the_o encouragement_n and_o strengthen_n of_o one_o another_o but_o those_o duty_n be_v now_o general_o lose_v among_o we_o and_o with_o they_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n depart_v ii_o the_o special_a kind_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o here_o press_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o the_o provocation_n of_o love_n and_o good_a work_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v render_v the_o word_n to_o provoke_v that_o be_v one_o another_o unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n provocation_n be_v common_o use_v in_o a_o ill_a sense_n namely_o for_o the_o embitter_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o another_o move_v anger_n sorrow_n and_o disquietment_n and_o impatience_n of_o mind_n so_o 1_o sam._n 1._o 6_o 7._o to_o provoke_v one_o be_v to_o embitter_v his_o spirit_n and_o to_o stir_v he_o up_o unto_o anger_n and_o when_o any_o provocation_n be_v high_a we_o render_v it_o strife_n or_o contention_n such_o as_o whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v embitter_v one_o towards_o another_o act_v 15._o 39_o howbeit_o it_o be_v use_v sometime_o for_o a_o earnest_n and_o diligent_a excitation_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o spirit_n of_o man_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a see_v rom._n 11._o 14._o so_o it_o be_v here_o use_v and_o there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o a_o bare_a mutual_a exhortation_n a_o excitation_n of_o spirit_n by_o exhortation_n example_n rebuke_n until_o it_o be_v warm_v unto_o a_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o communion_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o mutual_a consideration_n of_o one_o another_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n condition_n walking_n ability_n for_o usefulness_n of_o one_o another_o they_o do_v excite_v one_o another_o unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v call_v the_o provocation_n of_o they_o or_o the_o stir_n up_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a but_o be_v now_o general_o lose_v with_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o practical_a obedience_n especial_o those_o which_o concern_v our_o mutual_a edification_n as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o duty_n themselves_o which_o they_o be_v thus_o mutual_o to_o provoke_v one_o another_o unto_o be_v love_n and_o good_a work_n and_o they_o be_v place_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o proper_a order_n for_o love_n be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o acceptable_a good_a work_n of_o mutual_a love_n among_o believer_n which_o be_v that_o here_o intend_a as_o unto_o the_o nature_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o motive_n unto_o it_o i_o have_v treat_v at_o large_a chap._n 6._o the_o good_a work_n intend_v be_v call_v here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d usual_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o which_o be_v most_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a be_v intend_v such_o as_o be_v most_o useful_a unto_o other_o such_o as_o whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v most_o exalt_a work_n proceed_v from_o the_o shine_a light_n of_o truth_n whereon_o god_n be_v glorify_v 1._o the_o mutual_a watch_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o particular_a society_n whereof_o they_o obseru._n be_v member_n be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a unto_o the_o preservation_n if_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n 2._o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o circumstance_n ability_n temptation_n and_o opportunity_n for_o duty_n in_o one_o another_o be_v require_v hereunto_o 3._o diligence_n or_o mutual_a exhortation_n unto_o gospel_n duty_n that_o man_n on_o all_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o example_n may_v be_v provoke_v unto_o they_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a duty_n which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n we_o ought_v to_o attend_v unto_o verse_n xxv_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d verse_n 25._o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v the_o word_n contain_v a_o enforcement_n of_o the_o precede_a exhortation_n in_o a_o caution_n against_o what_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o or_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o general_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n to_o further_o we_o in_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v exhort_v unto_o and_o without_o which_o some_o of_o they_o can_v at_o all_o be_v perform_v and_o there_o be_v in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o neglect_n and_o evil_a which_o they_o be_v caution_v against_o that_o be_v forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o 2._o this_o be_v exemplify_v 1._o in_o a_o instance_n of_o some_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o some_o 2._o by_o the_o contrary_a duty_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o 3._o the_o degree_n of_o this_o duty_n so_o much_o the_o more_o 4._o the_o motive_n unto_o that_o degree_n as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v in_o the_o first_o there_o be_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_o render_v by_o we_o the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church-state_n absolute_o 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o actual_a assembly_n of_o believer_n walk_v together_o in_o that_o state_n which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v for_o as_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v original_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o divine_a worship_n so_o the_o actual_a assembly_n of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o these_o assembly_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o state_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n 1._o cor._n 16._o 2._o act_n 20._o 7._o 2._o occasional_a as_o the_o duty_n or_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v 1_o cor._n

be_v a_o epression_n of_o a_o distinct_a principle_n by_o itself_o then_o can_v the_o word_n by_o any_o mean_n be_v restrain_v unto_o the_o baptism_n by_o water_n only_o for_o although_o this_o be_v a_o important_a head_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n namely_o the_o declaration_n use_n and_o end_n of_o our_o sacramental_a initiation_n into_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o that_o shall_v be_v call_v baptism_n see_v it_o have_v respect_n only_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n who_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o admit_v therefore_o of_o this_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v baptism_n which_o be_v intend_v and_o then_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v teach_v or_o the_o substnace_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o sanctification_n and_o purification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o their_o insition_n into_o and_o union_n with_o christ_n outward_o epress_v in_o the_o sign_n of_o baptism_n and_o wrought_v inward_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n through_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o legal_a and_o carnal_a wash_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v intend_v hereby_o so_o the_o lord_n christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o with_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n ephes._n 5._o 26._o and_o indeed_o the_o doctrine_n hereof_o be_v among_o the_o rudiment_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o i_o yet_o adhere_v to_o the_o former_a eposition_n and_o that_o also_o because_o unto_o baptism_n imposition_n of_o hand_n who_o nature_n we_o must_v net_o inquire_v into_o be_v add_v some_o suppose_v that_o by_o this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o rite_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v afterward_o call_v confirmation_n be_v intend_v for_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v baptize_v namely_o those_o that_o be_v adult_n at_o their_o first_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o infant_n child_n of_o believer_n who_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n mention_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v unto_o baptism_n by_o the_o profession_n whereof_o they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n thereunto_o but_o the_o other_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o a_o family_n whereupon_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v and_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v extend_v be_v thereon_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o they_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o unto_o year_n of_o understanding_n afterward_o when_o they_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o necessary_a truth_n and_o have_v resolve_v on_o personal_a obedience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v offer_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o hereon_o give_v the_o same_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o other_o have_v do_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n thereof_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o in_o token_n of_o their_o acceptation_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n hence_o the_o same_o doctrine_n become_v previous_o necessary_a unto_o both_o these_o rite_n before_o baptism_n to_o they_o that_o be_v adult_n and_o towards_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v in_o infancy_n before_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o in_o all_o other_o person_n baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o in_o those_o first_o day_n of_o the_o first_o church_n person_n be_v ordinary_o after_o baptism_n admit_v into_o their_o society_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v no_o where_o intimate_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o confirmation_n be_v of_o a_o much_o late_a date_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v here_o intend_v for_o it_o must_v have_v respect_n unto_o and_o express_v somewhat_o that_o be_v then_o in_o common_a use_n now_o there_o be_v mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o a_o fourfold_a imposition_n of_o hand_n use_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o first_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o his_o own_o person_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authoritative_a benediction_n thus_o when_o he_o own_v little_a child_n to_o belong_v to_o his_o covenant_n and_o kingdom_n he_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o mark_v 10._o 16._o but_o this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o who_o have_v all_o blessing_n in_o his_o power_n and_o hereof_o this_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n second_o this_o rite_n be_v use_v in_o the_o heal_n of_o disease_n they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o sick_a weak_a and_o impotent_a people_n heal_v they_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n luke_n 4._o 40._o mark_v 16._o 18._o act_n 28._o 8._o this_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o heal_a virtue_n from_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o their_o ministry_n three_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v use_v in_o the_o set_n apart_o of_o person_n to_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o chap._n 5._o 22._o act_n 6._o 6._o the_o rite_n herein_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n numb_a 8._o 11._o the_o whole_a congregation_n lay_v hand_n on_o the_o levite_n in_o their_o consecration_n and_o it_o be_v of_o old_a of_o common_a use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o their_o ruler_n rabbi_n or_o teacher_n be_v call_v by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d four_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o the_o supernatural_a spiritual_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v acts._n 8._o 17._o act_n 19_o 6._o in_o no_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v this_o rite_n make_v use_v of_o as_o to_o any_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v thereof_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o record_n concern_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o first_o of_o these_o as_o we_o observe_v be_v only_o a_o personal_a action_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o in_o one_o single_a instance_n so_o not_o here_o intend_v the_o second_o be_v extraordinary_a also_o and_o that_o wherein_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o concern_v nor_o can_v any_o reason_n be_v give_v why_o the_o mention_n of_o a_o thing_n extraordinary_a occasional_a and_o temporary_a shall_v be_v here_o insert_v the_o three_o be_v a_o rite_n of_o stand_a use_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o wherein_o church_n order_n be_v much_o concern_v but_o as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o person_n only_o be_v concern_v therein_o and_o no_o just_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o intrant_n of_o christian_a religion_n shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n omit_v all_o other_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n wherein_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v beside_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o give_v a_o probability_n that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v insert_v the_o observation_n of_o this_o rite_n or_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o same_o order_n and_o under_o the_o same_o necessity_n with_o those_o great_a fundamental_o of_o faith_n repentance_n the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n wherefore_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o the_o last_o sense_n mention_v be_v that_o which_o most_o probable_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o apostle_n for_o 1_o adhere_v to_o our_o first_o interpretation_n as_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o firm_a the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n intend_v be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o other_o fundamental_a principle_n but_o be_v no_o principle_n its_o self_n and_o this_o be_v not_o appliable_a unto_o any_o other_o of_o the_o use_n of_o this_o rite_n for_o 2_o this_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n do_v common_o if_o not_o constant_o in_o those_o day_n accompany_v or_o immediate_o follow_v baptism_n act_v 8._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o act_n 19_o 6._o and_o a_o thing_n this_o be_v of_o singular_a present_a use_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o its_o propagation_n be_v high_o concern_v this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n when_o

outward_a dispensation_n be_v continue_v unto_o they_o isa._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o wherefore_o the_o present_a season_n and_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v our_o duty_n to_o consider_v and_o improve_v for_o what_o be_v the_o work_n that_o therein_o god_n have_v in_o hand_n towards_o we_o be_v it_o not_o to_o give_v we_o our_o trial_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n as_o to_o what_o shall_v be_v our_o future_a condition_n he_o have_v therein_o undertake_v we_o as_o his_o vineyard_n as_o his_o husbandry_n and_o cause_v the_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v do_v so_o often_o and_o long_o and_o who_o almost_o do_v consider_v aright_o how_o great_a his_o concernment_n be_v herein_o will_v man_n be_v so_o careless_a negligent_a formal_a slothful_a as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n if_o they_o due_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v their_o trial_n for_o eternity_n and_o they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o it_o may_v be_v over_o if_o we_o lose_v this_o season_n we_o be_v go_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v therefore_o our_o wisdom_n to_o know_v whether_o our_o fruitfulness_n in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n do_v answer_v the_o rain_n and_o dress_n we_o have_v have_v by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o axe_n be_v lay_v at_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n if_o we_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n we_o shall_v ever_o long_o be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o do_v answer_n as_o we_o ought_v the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o herein_o nor_o can_v we_o so_o do_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o utmost_a we_o be_v but_o unprofitable_a servant_n but_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o a_o defect_n in_o degree_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o whole_a where_o the_o first_o be_v we_o ought_v to_o walk_v humble_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o labour_n after_o more_o perfection_n and_o if_o this_o defect_n be_v great_a and_o notable_a such_o as_o be_v occasion_v by_o our_o lust_n indulge_v unto_o or_o by_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n as_o we_o can_v have_v no_o evidence_n of_o our_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o by_o new_a diligence_n and_o holy_a endeavour_n or_o we_o may_v be_v cast_v in_o our_o trial._n but_o where_o the_o latter_a be_v where_o man_n bring_v no_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v final_o and_o total_o reject_v of_o god_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o have_v be_v long_o most_o of_o we_o under_o this_o trial_n it_o be_v assure_o high_a time_n that_o we_o call_v ourselves_o unto_o a_o strict_a account_n with_o respect_n unto_o it_o and_o if_o upon_o enquiry_n we_o find_v ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n which_o sort_n of_o ground_n we_o do_v belong_v unto_o because_o of_o our_o barrenness_n and_o leanness_n unless_o we_o be_v harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o no_o rest_n until_o we_o have_v better_a evidence_n of_o our_o fruitbearing_a we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o earth_n on_o which_o the_o rain_n fall_v be_v here_o distribute_v by_o the_o apostle_n into_o two_o sort_n like_o jeremiah_n figgs_n very_o good_a and_o the_o very_a bad_a to_o one_o of_o which_o every_o one_o at_o last_o must_v be_v join_v yet_o as_o to_o present_a effect_n and_o appearance_n the_o ground_n whereunto_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v cast_v be_v distribute_v by_o our_o saviour_n into_o four_o sort_n whereof_o one_o only_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o he_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v matth._n 13._o there_o be_v several_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v miscarry_v under_o our_o trial_n one_o only_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v accept_v namely_o fruitfulness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n barrenness_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o increase_n of_o sin_n the_o ground_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o 2._o be_v dress_v thrust_v forth_o thorn_n and_o briar_n let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o spiritual_a barrenness_n never_o go_v alone_o abound_v in_o sin_n will_v accompany_v it_o and_o do_v so_o it_o may_v be_v it_o do_v not_o so_o open_o and_o visible_o for_o a_o season_n but_o all_o thing_n will_v tend_v thereunto_o and_o at_o last_o it_o will_v discover_v itself_o yea_o there_o be_v no_o sinner_n like_o they_o nor_o sin_n like_o they_o by_o who_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v reject_v or_o not_o improve_v the_o first_o generation_n of_o great_a provoke_a sinner_n be_v those_o of_o the_o old_a world_n before_o the_o flood_n unto_o these_o noah_n have_v be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 5._o in_o his_o ministry_n do_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n strive_v with_o they_o until_o god_n affirm_v it_o shall_v do_v so_o no_o more_o gen._n 6._o 3._o but_o they_o be_v disobedient_a and_o barren_a 1_o pet._n 3._o 19_o 20._o and_o this_o issue_v in_o those_o provoke_a sin_n which_o god_n can_v not_o bear_v withal_o but_o bring_v the_o flood_n upon_o the_o world_n of_o ungodly_a the_o next_o be_v these_o hebrew_n unto_o who_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o they_o prove_v a_o generation_n no_o less_o wicked_a than_o that_o before_o the_o flood_n insomuch_o as_o their_o own_o historian_n affirm_v that_o he_o very_o believe_v that_o if_o the_o roman_n have_v not_o come_v and_o destroy_v they_o god_n will_v have_v pour_v fire_n and_o brimstone_n on_o they_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o sodom_n and_o the_o three_o generation_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v the_o apostate_n christian_n church_n who_o condition_n and_o state_n be_v describe_v in_o the_o revelation_n this_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o barrenness_n under_o god_n culture_n and_o water_v and_o it_o will_v be_v so_o for_o 1_o when_o man_n have_v reject_v the_o last_o mean_n of_o their_o spiritual_a heal_n and_o restraint_n of_o sin_n what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o but_o a_o outrage_n in_o sin_v there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o god_n put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o sin_n the_o first_o be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o a_o natural_a conscience_n this_o be_v bear_v with_o man_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o grow_v into_o exercise_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o where_o the_o natural_a work_n of_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v and_o suffocate_v by_o the_o horrible_a example_n of_o parent_n and_o relation_n live_v in_o curse_v lie_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o profaneness_n it_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o youth_n to_o restrain_v person_n from_o sundry_a sin_n it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v until_o corruption_n get_v strength_n and_o temptation_n abound_v custom_n in_o sin_v take_v away_o the_o edge_n of_o it_o and_o weaken_v it_o in_o its_o operation_n wherefore_o 2_o when_o this_o restraint_n be_v break_v through_o god_n set_v up_o the_o hedge_n of_o the_o law_n before_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o this_o also_o have_v a_o great_a efficacy_n with_o many_o unto_o this_o end_n at_o least_o for_o a_o season_n but_o neither_o will_v mere_a conviction_n from_o the_o law_n always_o give_v bound_n unto_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n wherefore_o 3_o the_o gospel_n come_v with_o a_o different_a design_n from_o they_o both_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o aim_n and_o work_n be_v but_o to_o restrain_v sin_n but_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o convert_v the_o sinner_n their_o work_n be_v to_o set_v a_o dam_n before_o the_o stream_n of_o sin_n that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o dry_v up_o the_o spring_n but_o if_o this_o also_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n be_v reject_v and_o despise_v what_o remain_v to_o set_v any_o bound_n unto_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n they_o will_v find_v themselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o act_v their_o own_o inclination_n to_o the_o utmost_a as_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o god_n in_o all_o the_o way_n whereby_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o hence_o you_o may_v find_v more_o honesty_n and_o uprightness_n a_o more_o conscientious_a abstinence_n from_o sin_n wrong_n and_o injury_n more_o effect_n of_o moral_a virtue_n among_o heathen_n and_o mahometan_n than_o among_o profess_a christian_n or_o person_n who_o be_v unprofitable_a under_o the_o gospel_n do_v thereby_o tacit_o reject_v it_o no_o field_n in_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o thorn_n and_o briar_n than_o those_o of_o people_n nation_n church_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v not_o suppose_v two_o field_n equal_o barren_a let_v one_o of_o they_o be_v till_v and_o dress_v and_o the_o other_o be_v let_v alone_o leave_v unto_o its_o

other_o ground_n oblige_v unto_o a_o love_n towards_o all_o mankind_n whether_o friend_n or_o enemy_n yet_o that_o peculiar_a love_n which_o the_o gospel_n so_o charge_v on_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o and_o build_v upon_o their_o common_a and_o mutual_a interest_n in_o christ._n they_o be_v to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n and_o unite_v unto_o the_o same_o spiritual_a head_n whatever_o love_n there_o may_v be_v on_o other_o account_n among_o any_o of_o they_o which_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o this_o spring_n and_o fountain_n it_o be_v not_o that_o gospel_n love_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o believer_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v in_o we_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o good_a persuasion_n concern_v our_o mutual_a interest_n and_o in-being_a in_o christ_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o shall_v press_v that_o peculiar_a intense_a love_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v off_o or_o derogate_v from_o that_o general_a love_n and_o usefulness_n which_o not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n but_o the_o gospel_n also_o require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n towards_o all_o man_n yea_o he_o who_o profess_v love_n unto_o the_o saint_n that_o peculiar_a love_n which_o be_v require_v towards_o they_o and_o do_v not_o exercise_v love_n in_o general_n towards_o all_o man_n much_o more_o if_o he_o make_v the_o pretence_n of_o brotherly_a love_n the_o ground_n of_o alienate_v his_o affection_n from_o the_o residue_n of_o mankind_n can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o the_o love_n he_o so_o profess_v be_v sincere_a incorrupt_a genuine_a and_o without_o dissimulation_n but_o this_o special_a love_n be_v the_o special_a duty_n of_o we_o all_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o without_o which_o foundation_n well_o lay_v we_o can_v right_o discharge_v no_o other_o mutual_a duty_n whatever_o now_o this_o as_o be_v evident_a we_o can_v have_v unless_o we_o have_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o this_o love_n which_o be_v our_o mutual_a relation_n unto_o jesus_n christ._n and_o to_o act_v this_o love_n aright_o as_o to_o its_o object_n as_o ground_v on_o this_o persuasion_n take_v heed_n of_o evil_a surmise_n these_o be_v the_o bane_n of_o evangelical_n love_n though_o some_o seem_v to_o make_v they_o their_o duty_n those_o concern_v who_o we_o hear_v that_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o know_v not_o that_o they_o any_o way_n contradict_v their_o profession_n by_o wicked_a work_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o bear_v the_o same_o love_n towards_o as_o if_o we_o know_v they_o sincere_a for_o charity_n hope_v all_o thing_n namely_o that_o be_v good_a if_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o thus_o in_o general_n we_o may_v have_v this_o persuasion_n concern_v all_o that_o in_o every_o place_n call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o we_o have_v no_o obligation_n indeed_o hereunto_o towards_o such_o as_o visible_o and_o evident_o walk_v unworthy_a of_o that_o high_a call_v whereby_o we_o be_v call_v for_o concern_v such_o our_o apostle_n assure_v we_o that_o whatever_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o who_o glory_n be_v their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n phil._n 3._o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o they_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n who_o we_o see_v to_o walk_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o have_v their_o conversation_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh._n these_o we_o be_v still_o to_o love_n as_o those_o who_o once_o have_v and_o be_v yet_o capable_a of_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o proclaim_v themselves_o destitute_a of_o all_o those_o qualification_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o peculiar_a love_n 2_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v by_o his_o institution_n secure_v we_o as_o to_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o love_n by_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o disciple_n into_o church_n society_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warranty_n for_o it_o thus_o our_o apostle_n in_o all_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n salute_v esteem_n judge_v they_o all_o to_o be_v saint_n and_o call_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o although_o some_o of_o they_o may_v not_o be_v so_o real_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yet_o his_o persuasion_n and_o his_o love_n be_v direct_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o christ._n and_o whereas_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v command_v that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v join_v themselves_o unto_o and_o walk_v in_o such_o society_n be_v there_o not_o great_a confusion_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n in_o and_o about_o gospel_n institution_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o this_o persuasion_n and_o love_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v unto_o they_o towards_o all_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n until_o they_o have_v open_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n but_o we_o be_v yet_o suffer_v under_o the_o confusion_n of_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n which_o god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n will_v deliver_v his_o church_n from_o 3_o as_o we_o can_v direct_v our_o love_n aright_o without_o this_o persuasion_n no_o more_o can_v we_o exercise_v any_o of_o the_o duty_n or_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o fruit_n of_o mutual_a love_n among_o christian_n be_v either_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a which_o concern_v edification_n or_o in_o thing_n temporal_a which_o concern_v outward_a relief_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v admonition_n exhortation_n instruction_n and_o consolation_n mutual_o administer_v now_o how_o can_v any_o man_n order_n or_o make_v use_n of_o these_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n unless_o he_o have_v some_o directive_n persuasion_n of_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o he_o do_v administer_v it_o be_v true_a he_o may_v sometime_o be_v therein_o mistake_v yet_o it_o be_v far_o better_a so_o to_o be_v than_o never_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v meet_v and_o requisite_a with_o respect_n thereunto_o and_o as_o for_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o same_o love_n in_o outward_a thing_n although_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o temporal_a supply_n of_o all_o according_a to_o our_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n yet_o without_o this_o persuasion_n they_o will_v want_v the_o quicken_a form_n and_o soul_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o design_n to_o place_v our_o love_n in_o they_o ultimate_o on_o jesus_n christ._n we_o may_v as_o occasion_n require_v public_o testify_v that_o good_a persuasion_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v 3_o the_o spiritual_a condition_n of_o other_o and_o that_o unto_o themselves_o our_o apostle_n here_o acquaint_v these_o hebrew_n with_o his_o good_a persuasion_n concern_v they_o and_o likewise_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n he_o still_o declare_v his_o hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o their_o bless_a interest_n in_o christ_n unto_o who_o he_o write_v and_o spare_v not_o to_o give_v they_o all_o the_o title_n which_o real_o belong_v only_o to_o elect_a believer_n now_o as_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v light_o not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o flatter_a compliance_n not_o but_o upon_o just_a and_o firm_a ground_n from_o scripture_n lest_o of_o all_o to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o any_o to_o continue_v in_o a_o evil_a way_n or_o practice_n yet_o in_o three_o case_n it_o be_v warrantable_a and_o requisite_a 1_o when_o it_o be_v do_v for_o their_o due_a encouragement_n gracious_a person_n through_o their_o temptation_n fear_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n yea_o whole_a church_n upon_o occasion_n of_o trial_n distress_n and_o backslide_n among_o they_o may_v so_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o despond_v as_o to_o be_v discourage_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o progress_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a yea_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v testify_v unto_o they_o that_o good_a persuasion_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v their_o state_n and_o condition_n with_o the_o ground_n thereof_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o this_o place_n so_o in_o like_a case_n testify_v our_o saviour_n himself_o concern_v and_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n i_o know_v thy_o poverty_n what_o thou_o complain_v of_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v under_o but_o thou_o be_v rich_a rev._n 2._o 2_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v for_o their_o just_a vindication_n the_o disciple_n and_o