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church_n chief_a establish_v great_a 166 3 2.1335 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47642 A practical commentary, upon the two first chapters of the first epistle general of St. Peter. By the most reverend Dr. Robert Leighton, some-time arch-bishop of Glasgow. Published after his death, at the request of his friends Leighton, Robert, 1611-1684. 1693 (1693) Wing L1028A; ESTC R216658 288,504 508

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life_n from_o christ_n first_o there_o be_v his_o own_o dignity_n express_v than_o his_o dignify_n we_o who_o be_v himself_o the_o first_o beget_v among_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n revel_v 1.5_o and_o then_o as_o follow_v verse_n 6_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n that_o the_o dignity_n of_o believer_n be_v express_v by_o these_o two_o together_o by_o priesthood_n and_o royalty_n teach_v we_o the_o worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o that_o holy_a function_n take_v proper_o and_o so_o by_o analogy_n the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o law_n for_o therefore_o do_v this_o title_n of_o spiritual_a priesthood_n fit_o signify_v a_o great_a privilege_n and_o honour_n that_o christian_n be_v promote_v to_o and_o be_v join_v with_o that_o of_o king_n because_o the_o proper_a 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equal_o from_o every_o minister_n alike_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v something_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o call_v it_o more_o acceptable_a reception_n of_o those_o who_o at_o first_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o god_n than_o other_o like_o the_o opinion_n some_o have_v of_o physician_n who_o they_o love_v the_o apostle_n comfort_v these_o stranger_n of_o this_o dispersion_n by_o the_o spiritual_a union_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o effectual_a call_n and_o so_o call_v off_o their_o eye_n from_o their_o outward_a disperse_a and_o despise_a condition_n to_o look_v above_o that_o as_o high_a as_o the_o spring_n of_o their_o happiness_n the_o free_a love_n and_o election_n of_o god_n scatter_v in_o the_o country_n and_o yet_o gather_v in_o god_n election_n choose_v or_o pick_v out_o strangers_z to_z man_n among_o who_o they_o dwell_v but_o know_v and_o foreknow_v to_o god_n remove_v from_o their_o own_o country_n to_o which_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o unalterable_a affection_n but_o make_v heir_n of_o a_o better_a as_o follow_v verse_n 3.4_o and_o have_v within_o they_o the_o evidence_n both_o of_o eternal_a election_n and_o that_o expect_a salvation_n the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n verse_n 2._o at_o the_o best_a a_o christian_n be_v b●t_v a_o stranger_n here_o set_v he_o where_o you_o will_v as_o our_o apostle_n teach_v after_o and_o it_o be_v his_o privilege_n that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o when_o he_o think_v not_o so_o he_o forget_v and_o disparage_v himself_o and_o descend_v far_o below_o his_o quality_n when_o he_o be_v much_o take_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n of_o his_o exile_n but_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o can_v solace_v himself_o against_o the_o meaness_n and_o any_o kind_n of_o discomfort_n of_o his_o outward_a condition_n with_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v call_v he_o to_o holiness_n give_v he_o some_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o a_o endeavour_n after_o more_o and_o by_o this_o may_v he_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o unto_o salvation_n if_o either_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n where_o he_o live_v or_o as_o a_o stranger_n desert_v of_o his_o friend_n and_o very_o near_o strip_v of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n yet_o may_v he_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o the_o eternal_a unchangeable_a love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a be_v seal_v to_o his_o soul_n o_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o sit_v unmolested_a in_o his_o own_o home_n and_o possession_n and_o to_o have_v they_o very_o great_a and_o pleasant_a well_o money_v and_o land_v and_o befriend_v and_o yet_o estrange_v and_o sever_v from_o god_n not_o have_v any_o token_n of_o his_o special_a love_n to_o the_o elect_n the_o apostle_n here_o denominate_v all_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v by_o the_o condition_n of_o true_a believer_n call_v they_o elect_a and_o sanctify_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o stile_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n not_o that_o all_o in_o these_o church_n be_v such_o indeed_o but_o because_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o and_o by_o that_o their_o profession_n and_o call_v as_o christian_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v such_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n true_a to_o that_o their_o call_v and_o profession_n be_v real_o such_o beside_o it_o will_v seem_v not_o unworthy_a of_o consideration_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n there_o will_v be_v few_o false_a christian_n and_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n usual_o great_a in_o the_o church_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n then_o now_o in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n because_o there_o can_v not_o then_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o be_v from_o their_o infancy_n breed_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o for_o the_o great_a part_n be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n convert_v from_o paganism_n and_o juduisme_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n first_o and_o make_v a_o deliberate_a choice_n of_o it_o to_o which_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o great_a outward_a encouragement_n and_o therefore_o the_o less_o danger_n of_o multitude_n of_o hypocrite_n which_o as_o vermin_n in_o summer_n breed_v most_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n prosperity_n though_o no_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n have_v then_o universal_o receive_v the_o faith_n but_o rather_o hate_v and_o persecute_v it_o yet_o be_v there_o even_o then_o among_o they_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v false_a brethren_n and_o inordinate_a walker_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n earthly_a mind_v and_o lead_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n and_o contention_n and_o vainglory_n howsoever_o the_o question_n that_o be_v move_v concern_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n can_v no_o way_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v decide_v from_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n but_o eertain_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o teach_v christian_n and_o christian_a church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o their_o holy_a profession_n require_v of_o they_o and_o sharp_o to_o reprove_v the_o gross_a unlikeness_n and_o inconformity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n to_o the_o description_n of_o christian_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v too_o straight_o in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o certain_o the_o great_a part_n of_o church_n be_v too_o loose_a in_o their_o practice_n from_o the_o dissimilitude_n betwixt_o our_o church_n and_o those_o we_o may_v make_v this_o use_n of_o reproof_n that_o if_o a●_n apostolical_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o we_o it_o behove_v to_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o ignorant_a profane_a malicious_a etc._n etc._n as_o he_o who_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n read_v say_v either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n or_o we_o be_v not_o christian_n so_o either_o these_o character_n give_v in_o the_o inscription_n of_o these_o epistle_n be_v not_o true_a character_n or_o we_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n verse_n 2._o elect_a according_o to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v their_o condition_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o condition_n sanctify_a and_o justify_v the_o former_a express_v by_o obedience_n the_o latter_a by_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n the_o cause_n 1_o eternal_a election_n 2._o the_o execution_n of_o that_o decree_n their_o effectual_a call_v which_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v by_o election_n here_o the_o select_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o join_v they_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n so_o joh._n 15.19_o the_o former_a election_n particular_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o father_n the_o latter_a to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a trinity_n concur_v dignify_v they_o with_o this_o their_o spiritual_a and_o happy_a estate_n first_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o these_o separate_o and_o then_o of_o their_o connection_n 1._o of_o the_o state_n itself_o and_o first_o of_o justification_n though_o name_v last_o this_o sprinkle_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o legal_a purification_n by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n and_o that_o apposite_o for_o these_o rite_n of_o sprinkle_v and_o blood_n do_v all_o point_n out_o this_o blood_n and_o this_o sprinkle_v and_o exhibit_v this_o true_a ransom_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v only_o shadow_v by_o 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nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v whence_o this_o shall_v be_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v believe_v unless_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n and_o if_o give_v he_o than_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o give_v it_o he_o and_o if_o so_o then_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o save_v he_o and_o for_o that_o end_n he_o give_v faith_n not_o therefore_o purpose_v to_o save_o because_o man_n shall_v believe_v 4._o this_o seem_v cross_a to_o these_o scripture_n where_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o subordination_n or_o rather_o coordination_n of_o those_o two_o as_o here_o foreknown_a and_o elect_v not_o because_o of_o obedience_n or_o sprinkle_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o to_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n so_o he_o predestinate_v not_o because_o he_o foresee_v man_n will_v be_v conform_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o as_o rom._n 8.29_o for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a and_o the_o same_o order_n act._n 2.47_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o 13.48_o and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v this_o foreknowledge_n then_o be_v his_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n and_o that_o thus_o he_o choose_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o be_v for_o that_o great_a end_n to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n but_o why_o he_o appoint_v this_o man_n for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o other_o make_v peter_n a_o vessel_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o judas_n of_o wrath_n this_o be_v even_o so_o because_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o this_o if_o it_o be_v harsh_a yet_o be_v apostolic_a doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o potter_n say_v st._n paul_n power_n over_o the_o same_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n and_o another_o unto_o dishonour_n this_o deep_a we_o must_v admire_v and_o always_o 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and_o taste_v its_o sweetness_n the_o perfect_a blessedness_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v abide_v they_o above_o but_o even_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v true_o happy_a though_o incompleat_o and_o but_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v and_o this_o their_o present_a happiness_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o more_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o it_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pleasant_a fruit_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o comfort_v his_o disperse_a brethren_n set_v before_o they_o a_o description_n of_o that_o excellent_a spiritual_a condition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v if_o they_o be_v inseparable_o link_v together_o then_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o may_v know_v that_o his_o hold_n be_v sure_a and_o this_o be_v that_o way_n wherein_o 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of_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n although_o from_o present_a unsanctification_n a_o man_n can_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o elect_v for_o the_o decree_n may_v for_o part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n run_v as_o it_o be_v underground_o yet_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o that_o estate_n lead_v to_o death_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v break_v will_v prove_v the_o black_a line_n of_o reprobation_n a_o man_n have_v no_o portion_n among_o the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v read_v one_o word_n of_o comfort_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o while_o he_o remain_v unholy_a man_n may_v please_v themselves_o in_o profane_a scoff_v at_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n but_o let_v they_o withal_o know_v this_o that_o that_o holy_a spirit_n
of_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o we_o neglect_v our_o noble_a trade_n of_o grow_v rich_a in_o grace_n and_o the_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o one_o thing_n needful_a import_v that_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v comparative_o unnecessary_a by-work_n and_o mere_a impertinence_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o we_o lavish_a out_o our_o short_a &_o uncertain_a time_n we_o let_v the_o other_o stand_v by_o till_o we_o find_v leisure_n man_n who_o be_v altogether_o profane_a think_v not_o on_o it_o at_o all_o some_o other_o possible_o deceive_v themselves_o thus_o and_o say_v when_o i_o have_v do_v with_o such_o a_o business_n in_o which_o i_o be_o engage_v than_o i_o will_v sit_v down_o serious_o to_o this_o and_o bestow_v more_o time_n and_o pain_n on_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v undeniable_o great_a and_o better_a and_o more_o worthy_a of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v a_o slight_a that_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o undo_v we_o what_o if_o we_o attain_v not_o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o business_n but_o end_v ourselves_o before_o it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o some_o other_o business_n may_v step_v in_o after_o that_o oh_o then_o say_v we_o that_o must_v be_v dispatch_v also_o thus_o by_o such_o delay_n we_o may_v loose_v the_o present_a opportunity_n and_o in_o the_o end_n our_o own_o soul_n oh_o be_v persuade_v it_o deserve_v your_o diligence_n and_o that_o without_o delay_n to_o seek_v somewhat_o that_o may_v be_v constant_a enough_o to_o abide_v with_o you_o and_o strong_a enough_o to_o uphold_v you_o in_o all_o condition_n and_o that_o be_v alone_o this_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n while_o many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a set_v you_o in_o with_o david_n in_o his_o choice_n lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o i_o and_o this_o shall_v rejoice_v my_o heart_n more_o than_o the_o abundance_n of_o corn_n and_o wine_n this_o be_v that_o light_n that_o can_v break_v into_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n from_o which_o all_o other_o light_n and_o comfort_n be_v shut_v out_o and_o without_o this_o all_o other_o enjoyment_n be_v what_o the_o world_n will_v be_v without_o the_o sun_n nothing_o but_o darkness_n happy_a they_o who_o have_v this_o light_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o grace_n shine_v into_o their_o soul_n for_o by_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v to_o that_o city_n where_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v needless_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n do_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n thereof_o rev._n 21.23_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a for_o all_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o promise_v of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v all_o other_o blessing_n be_v the_o attendant_n of_o grace_n and_o follow_v upon_o it_o this_o blessing_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o and_o so_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n join_v with_o grace_n be_v with_o the_o jew_n of_o so_o large_a a_o sense_n as_o to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o they_o can_v desire_v when_o they_o wish_v peace_n they_o mean_v all_o kind_n of_o good_a all_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v take_v it_o here_o for_o all_o kind_n of_o peace_n yea_o and_o for_o all_o other_o blessing_n but_o especial_o that_o spiritual_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o grace_n and_o do_v so_o intrinsical_o flow_v from_o it_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o wish_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n outward_a blessiing_n and_o particular_o outward_a peace_n as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a so_o one_o of_o the_o most_o valluable_a favour_n of_o god_n thus_o pray_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 122.7_o peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n but_o that_o wisdom_n that_o do_v what_o he_o will_v by_o what_o mean_v he_o will_v and_o work_v one_o contrary_a out_o of_o another_o bring_v light_n out_o of_o darkness_n good_a out_o of_o evil_a can_n and_o do_v turn_v tear_n and_o trouble_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o church_n but_o certain_o in_o itself_o peace_n be_v more_o suitable_a to_o its_o increase_n and_o if_o no●_n abuse_v prove_v so_o too_o as_o in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n it_o be_v say_v the_o church_n have_v peace_n and_o increase_v exceed_o act._n 9.31_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o wish_v for_o ecclesiastical_a peace_n to_o the_o church_n that_o she_o may_v be_v free_a from_o dissension_n and_o division_n these_o ready_o arise_v more_o or_o less_o as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o time_n and_o haunt_v religion_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o as_o a_o malus_fw-la genius_fw-la s._n paul_n have_v this_o to_o say_v to_o his_o corinthian_n though_o he_o have_v give_v they_o this_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v enrich_v in_o all_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o be_v want_v in_o no_o gift_n cap._n 1._o v._n 5._o yet_o present_o after_o v_o 13_o i_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v division_n and_o contention_n among_o you_o the_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o this_o enemy_n be_v no_o fool_n for_o by_o divine_a permission_n he_o work_v to_o his_o own_o end_n very_o wise_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n that_o do_v on_o all_o hand_n choke_v the_o seed_n of_o religion_n so_o much_o as_o thorny_a debate_n and_o difference_n about_o itself_o so_o in_o succeed_a age_n and_o at_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o the_o light_n in_o germany_n in_o luther_n time_n multitude_n of_o sect_n arise_v profane_a man_n do_v not_o only_o stumble_v but_o fall_v and_o break_v their_o neck_n upon_o these_o division_n we_o see_v think_v they_o and_o some_o of_o they_o possible_o say_v it_o ou●_n that_o they_o who_o mind_n religion_n most_o can_v agree_v upon_o it_o our_o easy_a way_n be_v not_o to_o embroyl_n ourselves_o nor_o at_o all_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o business_n many_o be_v of_o gallio_n temper_n they_o will_v care_v for_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n thus_o these_o offence_n prove_v a_o mischief_n to_o the_o profane_a world_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n then_o the_o err_a side_n that_o be_v take_v with_o new_a opinion_n and_o fancy_n be_v altogether_o take_v up_o with_o they_o their_o main_a thought_n spend_v upon_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o sap_n be_v draw_v from_o that_o which_o shall_v nourish_v and_o prosper_v in_o their_o heart_n sanctify_v useful_a knowledge_n and_o save_a grace_n the_o other_o be_v as_o weed_n that_o divert_v the_o nourishment_n in_o garden_n from_o the_o plant_n and_o flower_n and_o certain_o these_o weed_n viz._n man_n own_o conceit_n can_v but_o grow_v more_o with_o they_o when_o they_o give_v way_n to_o they_o then_o solid_a religion_n do_v for_o their_o heart_n as_o he_o say_v of_o the_o earth_n be_v mother_n to_o those_o and_o but_o stepmother_n to_o this_o it_o be_v also_o a_o loss_n even_o to_o those_o that_o oppose_v error_n and_o division_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o be_v busy_v that_o way_n for_o the_o wise_a and_o godly_a of_o they_o find_v and_o such_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o that_o dispute_v in_o religion_n be_v no_o friend_n to_o that_o which_o be_v far_o sweet_a in_o it_o but_o hinder_v and_o abate_v it_o viz._n these_o pious_a and_o devout_a thought_n that_o be_v both_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o true_o delightful_a as_o peace_n be_v a_o choice_a blessing_n so_o this_o be_v the_o choice_a peace_n and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o this_o grace_n with_o which_o it_o be_v here_o joint_o wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n the_o flower_n of_o peace_n grow_v upon_o the_o root_n of_o grace_n this_o spiritual_a peace_n have_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n 2_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n the_o quarrel_n and_o matter_n of_o enmity_n you_o know_v betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o rebellion_n the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o he_o be_v natural_o altogether_o sinful_a there_o can_v proceed_v nothing_o from_o he_o but_o what_o foment_n and_o increase_v the_o hostility_n it_o be_v grace_n alone_o the_o most_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o contrive_v and_o offer_v and_o make_v the_o peace_n else_o it_o have_v never_o be_v we_o have_v universal_o perish_v without_o it_o now_o in_o this_o be_v the_o wonder_n of_o divine_a grace_n that_o the_o almighty_a god_n seek_v agreement_n and_o entreat_v for_o it_o with_o sinful_a clay_n which_o he_o can_v whole_o destroy_v in_o a_o moment_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o purchaser_n of_o this_o peace_n buy_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n kill_v the_o enmity_n by_o his_o own_o death_n eph._n 2.15_o and_o therefore_o the_o tenor_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n run_v still_o in_o his_o name_n rom._n 5.1_o we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n
enough_o and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o sight_n desire_v to_o have_v his_o eye_n close_v now_o let_v thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v se●n_v thy_o salvation_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n math._n 13.16_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v for_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o this_o be_v he_o who_o we_o disesteem_v and_o make_v so_o small_a account_n of_o be_v now_o so_o clear_o reveal_v that_o they_o study_v and_o seek_v and_o wish_v so_o much_o for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o now_o the_o success_n be_v in_o seek_v they_o find_v the_o certainty_n and_o the_o time_n of_o that_o his_o come_n they_o seek_v out_o till_o they_o find_v and_o then_o they_o prophesy_v of_o that_o salvation_n and_o grace_n they_o search_v what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_o foretell_v it_o they_o they_o seek_v to_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o time_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v viz._n in_o a_o time_n of_o great_a distress_n and_o bad_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n as_o all_o the_o prophet_n testify_v and_o particular_o that_o place_n gen._n 49.10_o give_v a_o express_a character_n of_o the_o time_n though_o there_o be_v some_o diversity_n of_o exposition_n of_o the_o particular_a word_n yet_o the_o main_a sense_n be_v agree_v on_o by_o all_o sound_a interpreter_n and_o the_o chal._n parah_n have_v it_o express_o that_o that_o shiloh_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o of_o his_o suffering_n and_o after_o glory_n they_o prophesy_v very_o clear_o as_o psal._n 22._o isa._n 53._o etc._n etc._n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o their_o testimony_n in_o both_o these_o point_n s._n luke_n 24.25_o 26_o 27._o then_o there_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o search_n and_o find_v in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o verse_n 13._o to_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o to_o the_o succeed_a christian_a church_n and_o so_o to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n but_o in_o some_o peculiar_a sense_n the_o prophet_n minister_v to_o they_o of_o those_o time_n wherein_o christ_n do_v suffer_v and_o enter_v into_o glory_n for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o enjoy_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n they_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o own_o day_n they_o know_v well_o that_o the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o prophesy_v concern_v they_o though_o both_o themselves_o and_o people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v contemporary_a with_o they_o do_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o be_v by_o faith_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o salvation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o to_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o day_n and_o therefore_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n they_o often_o foretell_v it_o for_o the_o latter_a day_n as_o their_o phrase_n be_v and_o as_o we_o have_v the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v of_o so_o we_o have_v this_o peculiar_a benefit_n of_o their_o prophecy_n that_o their_o fuit_v so_o perfect_o with_o the_o event_n and_o performance_n serve_v much_o to_o confirm_v our_o christian_n faith_n there_o be_v a_o foolish_a and_o miserable_a way_n of_o verify_v this_o man_n minister_a the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o themselves_o carry_v it_o all_o in_o their_o head_n and_o tongue_n and_o none_o of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n not_o hear_v it_o even_o while_o they_o preach_v it_o reach_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o other_o and_o eat_v none_o of_o it_o themselves_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o be_v most_o careful_a to_o avoid_v and_o therefore_o deal_v severe_o with_o his_o body_n that_o it_o may_v not_o this_o way_n endanger_v his_o soul._n i_o beat_v down_o my_o body_n say_v he_o and_o keep_v it_o in_o subjection_n lest_o when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n it_o be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o prophet_n minister_v to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o themselves_o no_o they_o have_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o very_a hope_n of_o the_o redeemer_n to_o come_v and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o any_o other_o have_v speak_v and_o that_o themselves_o speak_v concern_v he_o and_o thus_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o their_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o yet_o that_o salvation_n they_o preach_v they_o lay_v hold_v on_o and_o partake_v of_o themselves_o as_o your_o box_n wherein_o perfume_n be_v keep_v for_o garment_n and_o other_o use_n be_v themselves_o perfume_v by_o keep_v they_o we_o see_v how_o the_o prophet_n minister_v it_o as_o the_o great_a and_o never_o fail_a consolation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n in_o all_o their_o distress_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n when_o they_o be_v foretell_v either_o the_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n or_o temporal_a restorement_n and_o deliverance_n of_o that_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sudden_a outleap_n they_o will_v make_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o who_o consider_v not_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v move_v by_o will_v think_v it_o be_v incoherence_n and_o impertinency_n but_o they_o know_v well_o what_o they_o mean_v that_o those_o news_n be_v never_o unseasonable_a nor_o beside_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o sweetness_n of_o those_o thought_n viz._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v able_a to_o such_o as_o belie've_v it_o to_o allay_v the_o bitter_a distress_n and_o that_o the_o great_a deliverance_n he_o be_v to_o work_v be_v the_o top_n and_o sum_n of_o all_o deliverance_n thus_o their_o prophecy_n of_o he_o be_v present_a comfort_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o believer_n then_o and_o further_o be_v to_o serve_v for_o a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o and_o after_o their_o fulfil_n these_o sweet_a stream_n of_o their_o doctrine_n do_v as_o the_o river_n they_o make_v their_o own_o bank_n fertile_a and_o pleasant_a as_o it_o run_v by_o and_o flow_v still_o forward_o to_o after_o age_n and_o by_o the_o confluence_n of_o more_o such_o prophecy_n grow_v great_a as_o it_o go_v till_o it_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o main_a current_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o act_v and_o preach_v by_o the_o great_a prophet_n himself_o who_o they_o foretell_v to_o come_v and_o record_v by_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o thus_o unite_v into_o one_o river_n clear_a as_o crystal_n this_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v still_o refresh_v the_o city_n of_o god_n his_o 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the_o cause_n of_o their_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n in_o it_o and_o all_o these_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o call_v of_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n tend_v to_o that_o great_a design_n that_o god_n have_v in_o build_v his_o church_n make_v up_o that_o great_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o elect_n to_o enjoy_v and_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o eternity_n eph._n 4.11_o for_o this_o end_n send_v he_o his_o son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n and_o and_o for_o this_o end_n send_v he_o forth_o his_o messenger_n to_o divulge_v that_o salvation_n that_o his_o son_n have_v wrought_v and_o send_v down_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o so_o high_a a_o service_n those_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 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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
to_o receive_v that_o life_n from_o he_o now_o these_o stone_n come_v unto_o their_o foundation_n which_o import_v the_o move_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n be_v move_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o will_v act_n and_o willing_o for_o it_o can_v act_v otherwise_o but_o as_o be_v act_v and_o draw_v by_o the_o father_n joh._n 6._o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o and_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o draw_v be_v by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v the_o sound_a of_o that_o harp_n that_o bring_v the_o stone_n of_o this_o spiritual_a building_n together_o and_o then_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n they_o be_v build_v up_o that_o be_v as_o s._n paul_n express_v it_o eph._n 2.21_o they_o grow_v up_o unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n the_o church_n may_v dilate_v more_o and_o build_v as_o it_o be_v into_o breadth_n but_o in_o trouble_n it_o arise_v more_o in_o height_n be_v build_v upward_o as_o in_o city_n where_o man_n be_v straighten_a they_o build_v usual_o high_o than_o in_o the_o country_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o church_n affliction_n yet_o still_o the_o building_n be_v go_v forward_o it_o be_v build_v as_o daniel_n speak_v of_o jerusalem_n in_o troubleous_a time_n and_o it_o be_v this_o which_o the_o apostle_n intend_v as_o suit_v with_o his_o forego_v exhortation_n this_o may_v be_v read_v exhortative_o too_o but_o take_v it_o rather_o as_o assert_v their_o condition_n it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v remember_v to_o be_v like_o it_o and_o grow_v up_o for_o this_o end_n he_o express_o call_v they_o live_v stone_n a_o adjunct_n not_o usual_a for_o stone_n but_o here_o inseparable_a and_o therefore_o though_o the_o apostle_n change_v the_o similitude_n from_o infant_n to_o stone_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o let_v go_v this_o quality_n of_o live_v as_o make_v chief_o for_o his_o purpose_n to_o teach_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o growth_n in_o believer_n they_o be_v therefore_o much_o compare_v to_o thing_n that_o grow_v to_o tree_n plant_v in_o fruitful_a grow_a place_n as_o by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n to_o cedar_n in_o lebanon_n where_o they_o be_v tall_a to_o the_o morning_n light_n to_o infant_n on_o the_o breast_n and_o here_o where_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o refuse_v it_o to_o stone_n yet_o it_o must_v and_o well_o do_v admit_v this_o unwonted_a epithet_n they_o be_v call_v live_v and_o grow_v stone_n if_o then_o you_o will_v have_v the_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o that_o union_n with_o christ_n see_v whether_o you_o find_v your_o soul_n establish_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n find_v he_o as_o your_o strong_a foundation_n not_o rest_v on_o yourselves_o nor_o on_o any_o other_o thing_n either_o within_o you_o or_o without_o you_o but_o support_v by_o he_o alone_o drawing_z life_n from_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o union_n as_o from_o a_o live_a foundation_n so_o as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o both_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o as_o these_o stone_n be_v build_v on_o christ_n by_o faith_n so_o they_o be_v cement_v one_o to_o another_o by_o love_n and_o therefore_o where_o that_o be_v not_o it_o be_v but_o a_o delusion_n to_o think_v themselves_o part_n of_o this_o build_n as_o it_o be_v knit_v to_o he_o it_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o itself_o through_o he_o and_o if_o dead_a stone_n in_o a_o building_n support_v and_o strengthen_v mutual_o one_o another_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v live_a stone_n in_o a_o acttive_a lively_a way_n to_o do_v so_o the_o stone_n of_o this_o building_n keep_v their_o place_n the_o low_a rise_v not_o up_o to_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o high_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n so_o the_o stone_n of_o this_o build_n in_o humility_n and_o love_n keep_v their_o station_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o it_o edify_v in_o love_n eph._n 4.16_o the_o apostle_n import_v that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o much_o prejudges_n edification_n these_o stone_n because_o live_n therefore_o they_o grow_v in_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritualness_n be_v a_o spirittual_a building_n so_o that_o if_o we_o find_v not_o this_o but_o our_o heart_n be_v still_o carnal_a and_o glue_v to_o the_o earth_n mind_v earthly_a thing_n wise_a in_o those_o than_o in_o spiritual_n this_o evidence_n strong_o against_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o of_o this_o building_n how_o few_o of_o we_o have_v that_o spiritualness_n that_o become_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o stone_n of_o it_o base_a lust_n and_o those_o still_a lodging_n and_o rule_v within_o we_o and_o so_o heart_n as_o cage_n of_o unclean_a bird_n and_o filthy_a spirit_n consider_v this_o as_o our_o happiness_n and_o the_o unsolidness_n of_o other_o comfort_n and_o privilege_n if_o some_o have_v call_v those_o stone_n happy_a that_o be_v take_v for_o the_o build_n of_o temple_n or_o altar_n beyond_o those_o in_o common_a house_n how_o true_a be_v it_o here_o happy_a indeed_o the_o stone_n that_o god_n choose_v to_o be_v live_v stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n though_o they_o be_v hammer_v and_o hew_v to_o be_v polish_a for_o it_o by_o affliction_n and_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o mortification_n and_o repentance_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o endure_a all_o to_o be_v fit_v for_o this_o building_n happy_a they_o beyond_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v set_v in_o never_o so_o great_a honour_n as_o prime_a part_n of_o politic_a building_n state_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n yea_o or_o king_n themselves_o for_o all_o other_o building_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o from_o the_o foundation_n to_o the_o cope_n stone_n all_o your_o house_n both_o cottage_n and_o palace_n the_o element_n shall_v melt_v away_o and_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o the_o work_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v consume_v as_o our_o apostle_n have_v it_o but_o this_o spiritual_a building_n shall_v grow_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o be_v come_v to_o perfection_n shall_v abide_v for_o ever_o in_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v no_o unclean_a thing_n nor_o unclean_a person_n but_o only_o they_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n as_o the_o worship_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v all_o shadow_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o he_o not_o only_o after_o a_o singular_a manner_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o in_o a_o derive_v way_n in_o his_o mystical_a body_n his_o church_n the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o law_n represent_v he_o as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n that_o offer_v up_o himself_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v altogether_o incommunicable_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o peculiar_a office_n of_o priesthood_n for_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o his_o alone_a who_o be_v head_n of_o it_o but_o this_o dignity_n that_o be_v here_o mention_v of_o a_o spiritual_a priesthood_n offer_v spiritual_a sacrifice_n be_v common_a to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v live_v stone_n build_v on_o he_o into_o a_o spiritual_a temple_n so_o they_o be_v priest_n of_o that_o same_o temple_n make_v by_o he_o reve._n 1.6_o as_o he_o be_v after_o a_o transcendent_a manner_n temple_n and_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n so_o in_o their_o kind_n be_v christian_n all_o these_o three_o through_o he_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o they_o their_o offering_n through_o he_o be_v make_v acceptable_a we_o have_v here_o 1._o the_o office_n 2._o the_o service_n of_o that_o office_n 3._o the_o success_n of_o that_o service_n the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v every_o way_n powerful_a for_o reconcilement_n and_o union_n do_v not_o only_o break_v the_o partition_n wall_n of_o guiltiness_n that_o stand_v betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o wall_n of_o ceremony_n that_o stand_v betwixt_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n make_v all_o that_o believe_v one_o with_o god_n and_o make_v of_o both_o one_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v unite_v they_o one_o to_o another_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n make_v know_v not_o to_o one_o nation_n only_o but_o to_o all_o people_n that_o whereas_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o little_a corner_n '_o it_o be_v now_o diffuse_v through_o the_o nation_n and_o whereas_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o priesthood_n stay_v in_o a_o few_o person_n all_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v now_o thus_o dignify_v to_o be_v priest_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n and_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o rend_a the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o his_o
a_o unpleasant_a way_n indeed_o if_o you_o look_v no_o further_o but_o a_o kingdom_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n will_v transfuse_v pleasure_n into_o the_o painfull_a step_n in_o it_o all_o so_o psal._n 34.19_o it_o seem_v a_o sad_a condition_n that_o fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v eminent_a in_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n many_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o that_o which_o follow_v weigh_v it_o abundant_o down_o in_o consolation_n that_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v engage_v in_o their_o affliction_n both_o for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o they_o in_o due_a time_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o support_n and_o preservation_n under_o they_o the_o lord_n deliver_v they_o out_o of_o they_o all_o and_o till_o he_o do_v that_o he_o keep_v all_o their_o bone_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v literal_o verify_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o st._n john_n observe_v and_o hold_v spiritual_o true_a in_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o lord_n support_v the_o spirit_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o trouble_n with_o such_o solid_a consolation_n as_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o bone_n be_v of_o their_o body_n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o they_o import_v so_o he_o keep_v all_o his_o bone_n and_o the_o desperate_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v oppose_v to_o illustrate_v this_o verse_n 21._o but_o evil_a shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a thus_o joh._n 16.33_o in_o the_o closure_n they_o be_v forewarn_v what_o to_o expect_v at_o the_o world_n hand_n as_o they_o be_v divers_a time_n before_o in_o that_o same_o sermon_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a testament_n take_v it_o altogether_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o peace_n in_o i_o and_o see_v he_o have_v joint_o bequeath_v these_o two_o to_o his_o follower_n be_v it_o not_o great_a folly_n to_o cast_v such_o a_o bargain_n and_o to_o let_v go_v that_o peace_n for_o fear_n of_o this_o trouble_n the_o trouble_n be_v but_o in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o peace_n be_v in_o he_o who_o weigh_v down_o thousand_o of_o world_n so_o then_o they_o do_v exceed_o mistake_v and_o misreckon_v themselves_o that_o will_v agree_v christ_n and_o the_o world_n that_o will_v have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o share_n enjoy_v both_o kind_n of_o peace_n together_o will_v willing_o have_v peace_n in_o christ_n but_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o the_o world_n peace_n they_o will_v be_v christian_n but_o they_o be_v very_o ill_o satisfy_v when_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o but_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n in_o that_o estate_n and_o willing_o forget_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o and_o so_o when_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n come_v their_o mind_n be_v as_o new_a and_o uncouth_a to_o it_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v tell_v on_o it_o before_o hand_n they_o like_v better_o of_o st._n peter_n carnal_a advice_n to_o christ_n to_o avoid_v suffer_v mat._n 16._o than_o of_o of_o his_o apostle_n doctrine_n to_o christian_n teach_v they_o that_o as_o he_o suffer_v so_o they_o likewise_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v man_n ready_o think_v as_o he_o do_v there_o that_o christ_n shall_v favour_v himself_o more_o in_o his_o own_o body_n his_o church_n than_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o so_o much_o suffer_v and_o most_o will_v be_v of_o rome_n mind_n in_o this_o at_o least_o in_o affection_n that_o the_o badge_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v pomp_n and_o prosperity_n and_o not_o the_o cross_n the_o true_a cross_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n be_v too_o heavy_a and_o painful_a but_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o we_o those_o he_o call_v to_o a_o kingdom_n he_o call_v to_o suffering_n as_o the_o way_n to_o it_o he_o will_v have_v the_o heir_n of_o heaven_n know_v they_o be_v not_o at_o home_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o their_o rest_n he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o with_o the_o abuse_a world_n fancy_v a_o happiness_n here_o and_o seek_v life_n as_o st._n augustin_n say_v beatam_fw-la vitam_fw-la quaerere_fw-la in_o region_fw-la mortis_fw-la the_o reproach_n and_o wrong_n that_o encounter_v they_o shall_v elevate_v their_o mind_n often_o to_o that_o land_n of_o peace_n and_o rest_n where_o righteousness_n dwell_v the_o hard_a taskmaster_n shall_v make_v they_o weary_a of_o egypt_n which_o otherwise_o possible_o they_o will_v comply_v too_o well_o with_o and_o dispose_v they_o for_o deliverance_n and_o make_v it_o welcome_n which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v but_o cold_o desire_v if_o they_o be_v better_o use_v he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v that_o secret_o serve_v his_o good_a end_n of_o man_n evil_a and_o by_o the_o plower_n that_o make_v long_a furrow_n on_o the_o back_n of_o his_o church_n make_v it_o a_o fruitful_a field_n to_o himself_o therefore_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n and_o unadvisedness_n to_o take_v up_o prejudice_n against_o his_o way_n and_o think_v it_o may_v be_v better_a as_o we_o will_v model_n it_o and_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n whereas_o we_o shall_v complain_v of_o disorder_a mind_n but_o we_o have_v rather_o have_v all_o alter_v and_o change_v for_o we_o the_o very_a course_n of_o providence_n than_o seek_v the_o change_n of_o our_o own_o perverse_a heart_n but_o the_o right_a temper_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o run_v always_o cross_a to_o the_o corrupt_a stream_n of_o the_o world_n and_o humane_a iniquity_n and_o to_o be_v willing_o carry_v along_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o stir_v a_o hand_n no_o nor_o a_o thought_n to_o row_v against_o that_o mighty_a current_n and_o not_o only_o be_v he_o carry_v with_o it_o upon_o necessity_n because_o there_o be_v no_o steer_n against_o it_o but_o cheerful_o and_o voluntary_o not_o because_o he_o must_v but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o this_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o call_v as_o to_o suffer_v so_o to_o calmness_n of_o mind_n and_o patience_n in_o suffer_v although_o their_o suffering_n be_v most_o unjust_a yea_o this_o be_v true_o a_o part_n of_o that_o duty_n they_o be_v call_v to_o to_o that_o integrity_n and_o innofensiveness_n of_o life_n that_o may_v ma●e_n their_o suffering_n at_o man_n hand_n always_o unjust_a to_o the_o entire_a duty_n here_o be_v innocency_n and_o patience_n do_v willing_o no_o wrong_a and_o yet_o cheerful_o suffer_v it_o do_v to_o they_o if_o either_o of_o the_o two_o be_v want_v their_o suffering_n do_v not_o credit_v their_o profession_n but_o dishonour_v it_o if_o they_o be_v patient_a under_o deserve_a suffering_n their_o guiltiness_n darken_v their_o patience_n and_o if_o their_o suffering_n be_v undeserved_a yea_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o honourable_a yet_o impatience_n under_o they_o stain_v both_o their_o suffering_n and_o their_o cause_n and_o seem_v in_o part_n to_o justify_v the_o very_a injustice_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o but_o where_o innocency_n and_o patience_n meet_v together_o in_o suffer_v there_o suffering_n be_v in_o their_o perfect_a lustre_n these_o be_v they_o that_o honour_n religion_n and_o shame_v the_o enemy_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o concurrence_n of_o these_o two_o that_o be_v the_o very_a triumph_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n that_o torment_v their_o tormentor_n and_o make_v they_o more_o than_o conqueror_n even_o in_o suffering_n now_o that_o we_o be_v call_v both_o to_o suffer_v and_o to_o this_o manner_n of_o suffering_n the_o apostle_n put_v out_o of_o question_n by_o the_o supreme_a example_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o call_v be_v to_o follow_v he_o now_o in_o both_o these_o in_o suffer_v and_o in_o suffer_v innocent_o and_o patient_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n testify_v how_o complete_a a_o pattern_n he_o be_v and_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o here_o a_o summary_n yet_o a_o very_a clear_a account_n of_o it_o the_o word_n have_v in_o they_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o example_n 2._o our_o obligation_n to_o follow_v it_o i._o the_o example_n he_o set_v off_o to_o the_o full_a 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o suffering_n 2._o of_o his_o spotlesness_n and_o patience_n in_o suffering_n the_o first_o we_o have_v in_o that_o word_n he_o suffer_v and_o after_o verse_n 24._o we_o have_v his_o crucify_a and_o his_o stripe_n express_o specify_v now_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o and_o carry_v it_o beyond_o all_o other_o reason_n why_o christian_n be_v call_v to_o a_o suffer_a life_n see_v the_o lord_n and_o author_n of_o that_o call_v suffer_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o