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and_o so_o very_o indulgent_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o they_o yield_v it_o up_o to_o the_o most_o desperate_a and_o profane_a hypocrite_n that_o be_v provide_v they_o addict_v themselves_o to_o their_o pope_n not_o require_v as_o they_o affirm_v 2._o bellarm._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccl_n 〈…〉_o 2._o as_o any_o interior_a virtue_n in_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o only_o a_o exterior_a profession_n of_o the_o roman_a belief_n and_o communion_n but_o st._n paul_n fulminate_v down_o this_o no_o less_o impious_a then_o extravagant_a doctrine_n by_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o no_o one_o can_v be_v of_o his_o body_n without_o be_v quicken_v by_o his_o spirit_n 8.9_o rom._n 8.9_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o be_v none_o of_o his._n certain_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o profane_a or_o hypocritical_a be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v 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of_o the_o rest_n he_o say_v therefore_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o beginning_n or_o the_o principle_n certain_o this_o appertain_v unto_o he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n inasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o word_n and_o wisdom_n which_o do_v produce_v the_o universe_n and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o call_v himself_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n 22.13_o rev._n 3.14_o &_o 1.8_o &_o 21.6_o &_o 22.13_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o same_o book_n alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n but_o speech_n here_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o resurrection_n the_o word_n beginning_n must_v
die_a of_o christ_n in_o his_o body_n and_o his_o branding_n in_o his_o flesh_n whence_o appear_v to_o note_v it_o by_o the_o way_n how_o absurd_a the_o belief_n of_o purgatory_n be_v which_o make_v the_o faithful_a to_o suffer_v not_o in_o the_o flesh_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o extend_v their_o affliction_n and_o pain_n beyon_n the_o day_n of_o their_o flesh_n in_o which_o nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o their_o suffering_n be_v complete_v thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n be_v and_o how_o much_o reason_n he_o have_v to_o rejoice_v in_o his_o suffering_n first_o because_o they_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o prince_n of_o life_n and_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n second_o because_o they_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o order_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god._n three_o because_o they_o make_v up_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n task_n be_v the_o go_v on_o and_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o conflict_n which_o he_o have_v to_o sustain_v and_o last_o because_o they_o contain_v a_o illustrious_a evidence_n of_o his_o gratitude_n towards_o the_o lord_n and_o render_v he_o conform_v to_o his_o holy_a image_n in_o that_o as_o jesus_n have_v suffer_v for_o his_o salvation_n he_o also_o suffer_v in_o his_o order_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o gracious_a master_n but_o he_o add_v yet_o another_o reason_n that_o sweeten_v likewise_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o suffering_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o to_o find_v joy_n amid_o the_o horror_n of_o they_o it_o be_v that_o he_o suffer_v they_o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v his_o church_n he_o have_v already_o say_v that_o he_o suffer_v for_o the_o colossian_n as_o we_o have_v explain_v it_o now_o he_o extend_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o affliction_n further_o say_v that_o they_o be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o show_v we_o how_o much_o weight_n this_o consideration_n shall_v have_v to_o make_v his_o suffering_n pleasant_a to_o he_o he_o give_v the_o church_n the_o high_a and_o the_o most_o glorious_a appellation_n that_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o creature_n call_v it_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o what_o more_o illustrious_a and_o more_o precious_a subject_n can_v we_o suffer_v for_o than_o the_o body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o king_n of_o age_n the_o father_n of_o eternity_n we_o have_v already_o treat_v of_o it_o at_o another_o time_n upon_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o show_v how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n neither_o will_v we_o repeat_v aught_o of_o it_o for_o the_o present_a but_o his_o affirm_v that_o he_o fill_v up_o these_o affliction_n for_o the_o church_n be_v true_a and_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v in_o two_o respect_n first_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o occasion_n and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o it_o be_v the_o service_n he_o do_v it_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o instruct_v and_o comfort_v it_o in_o sound_v it_o and_o settle_v it_o in_o the_o faith_n that_o have_v provoke_v the_o jew_n against_o he_o and_o involve_v he_o in_o the_o affliction_n which_o do_v beset_v he_o as_o if_o a_o prince_n servant_n zealous_a for_o his_o master_n glory_n and_o for_o the_o weal_n of_o his_o affair_n shall_v therethrough_a fall_v into_o some_o disaster_n he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v for_o he_o and_o his_o estate_n that_o he_o shed_v his_o blood_n and_o lay_v a_o prisoner_n in_o his_o enemy_n hand_n second_o s._n paul_n affliction_n be_v for_o the_o church_n because_o he_o suffer_v they_o for_o the_o edification_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o the_o design_n of_o his_o constancy_n it_o be_v to_o the_o church_n that_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o these_o fair_a and_o illustrious_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n virtue_n do_v redound_v he_o himself_o explain_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o elsewhere_o if_o we_o be_v afflict_v say_v he_o to_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v for_o your_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n which_o be_v effect_v in_o endure_v the_o same_o affliction_n which_o we_o also_o suffer_v where_o you_o see_v that_o the_o fruit_n which_o the_o faithful_a reap_v from_o these_o affliction_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o example_n they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v rejoice_v and_o comfort_v and_o fortify_v for_o the_o like_a combat_n and_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o bond_n 14._o phil._n 1.12_o 13_o 14._o that_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o this_o place_n i_o will_v you_o shall_v know_v say_v he_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v betide_v i_o have_v fall_v out_o rather_o to_o the_o great_a furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o my_o bond_n in_o christ_n have_v be_v note_v in_o all_o the_o palace_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n and_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n wax_v confident_a by_o my_o bond_n be_v much_o more_o bold_a to_o speak_v the_o word_n without_o fear_n lo_o how_o his_o suffering_n be_v for_o the_o church_n in_o that_o they_o encourage_v the_o preacher_n and_o enkindle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o without_o a_o inquisitiveness_n about_o the_o gospel_n for_o which_o he_o be_v a_o prisoner_n this_o great_a man_n preach_n have_v never_o sparkle_v as_o it_o do_v it_o have_v never_o afford_v the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n so_o much_o edification_n and_o consolation_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v accompany_v with_o suffering_n seal_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o confirm_v by_o his_o wonderful_a patience_n amid_o the_o continual_a persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o he_o the_o conflict_n of_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v the_o same_o effect_n their_o blood_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v from_o their_o suffering_n that_o it_o spring_v up_o it_o be_v by_o they_o that_o it_o grow_v and_o gather_v strength_n it_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o these_o divine_a warrior_n that_o convert_v the_o world_n that_o conquer_v the_o nation_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o plant_v his_o cross_n and_o his_o gospel_n every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o most_o rebellious_a spirit_n sure_o since_o the_o church_n receive_v so_o much_o profit_n from_o the_o apostle_n affliction_n it_o be_v with_o good_a reason_n he_o affirm_v here_o that_o he_o fill_v up_o the_o remainder_n of_o they_o for_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v understand_v it_o when_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o he_o suffer_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o elect_v sake_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o simple_a and_o obvious_a but_o the_o error_n of_o our_o adversary_n compel_v we_o to_o lengthen_v this_o discourse_n not_o that_o they_o deny_v the_o exposition_n which_o we_o have_v produce_v for_o how_o can_v they_o do_v that_o without_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n but_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n affliction_n be_v for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v expound_v it_o they_o add_v that_o they_o be_v so_o further_o in_o another_o sense_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o that_o by_o undergo_a they_o he_o satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o believer_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o greatn_a and_o enrich_v of_o the_o church_n treasury_n of_o satisfaction_n out_o of_o which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o who_o the_o custody_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v make_v largess_n from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o he_o judge_v meet_v for_o the_o expiate_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o penitent_n and_o hence_o have_v rise_v the_o use_n of_o indulgence_n which_o be_v become_v so_o common_a in_o our_o day_n but_o first_o what_o kind_n of_o proof_n be_v this_o to_o show_v that_o the_o saint_n have_v satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o believer_n they_o allege_v that_o s._n paul_n write_v i_o fill_v up_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o affliction_n of_o christ_n for_o his_o church_n i_o answer_v his_o meaning_n be_v for_o edify_v and_o comfort_v of_o the_o church_n they_o acknowledge_v what_o i_o answer_v and_o only_o add_v that_o the_o apostle_n suffering_n do_v serve_v also_o for_o the_o expiate_a the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o fill_v the_o exchequer_n of_o its_o pretend_a satisfaction_n in_o conscience_n be_v this_o dispute_v be_v it_o not_o a_o pronounce_v of_o dictate_v after_o their_o own_o fantasy_n be_v not_o this_o a_o presuppose_v of_o their_o opinion_n and_o no_o prove_v it_o it_o
perpetual_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o though_o the_o faithful_a dye_n for_o their_o brethren_n remiss_a aug._n 〈◊〉_d tract_n in_o joaâ—_n &_o l._n q._n ad_fw-la bonif._n de_fw-fr pecc_fw-la mer._n &_o remiss_a yet_o martyr_n do_v not_o shed_v one_o drop_n of_o their_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o none_o but_o christ_n have_v do_v this_o for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o herein_o give_v we_o not_o what_o to_o imitate_v but_o what_o to_o thank_v he_o for_o that_o he_o alone_o take_v on_o he_o our_o punishment_n without_o our_o sin_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o by_o he_o without_o merit_n may_v obtain_v the_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o due_a to_o we_o this_o foundation_n be_v overturn_v their_o pretend_a treasury_n and_o the_o dispense_n of_o it_o which_o they_o forge_v do_v fall_v to_o ground_n i_o confess_v the_o church_n have_v a_o treasure_n or_o rather_o a_o live_a spring_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o propitiation_n for_o its_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v full_a and_o whole_a in_o jesus_n christ_n her_o eternal_a high_a priest_n who_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n from_o all_o time_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o to_o have_v possession_n of_o the_o same_o the_o sinner_n need_v but_o to_o present_v he_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o s._n john_n 1.9_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o pardon_v they_o and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n as_o for_o the_o patience_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o saint_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o virtue_n to_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v not_o unprofitable_a to_o we_o wherefore_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v they_o put_v up_o and_o keep_v not_o in_o the_o pretend_a enchequer_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o in_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o scripture_n out_o of_o which_o every_o faithful_a person_n have_v the_o liberty_n to_o fetch_v they_o at_o all_o time_n for_o his_o use_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o life_n and_o for_o the_o gather_n from_o such_o fair_a example_n that_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o piety_n which_o they_o do_v contain_v he_o admire_v and_o imitate_v they_o the_o best_a he_o can_v this_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o practice_v upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o this_o text_n that_o we_o may_v in_o good_a earnest_n make_v our_o profit_n of_o they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o edification_n learn_v we_o from_o they_o first_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o affliction_n for_o the_o gospel_n s._n paul_n show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o joy_n 12._o mat._n 5.11_o 12._o i_o rejoice_v say_v he_o in_o my_o suffering_n and_o our_o lord_n himself_o command_v we_o to_o have_v this_o sentiment_n of_o it_o rejoice_v say_v he_o and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o persecute_v they_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v before_o you_o christ_n be_v treat_v thus_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n go_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n blush_v not_o at_o the_o bear_n of_o their_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v ignominious_a before_o man_n they_o be_v glorious_a before_o god_n fortify_v yourselves_o in_o this_o resolution_n particular_o you_o to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n if_o the_o world_n do_v thwart_v your_o preach_n if_o it_o threaten_v you_o if_o it_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o imprisonment_n and_o to_o banish_v and_o further_a yet_o remember_v that_o s._n paul_n have_v no_o better_a usage_n and_o that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o prison_n that_o he_o write_v this_o excellent_a epistle_n as_o your_o cause_n be_v the_o same_o so_o let_v your_o courage_n be_v like_o he_o conclude_v as_o he_o do_v that_o these_o bond_n be_v a_o honour_n to_o you_o that_o these_o suffering_n be_v the_o affliction_n of_o chrit_n let_v this_o sacred_a name_n and_o the_o communion_n you_o have_v with_o he_o sweeten_v all_o the_o bitterness_n of_o your_o trouble_n but_o faithful_a brethren_n think_v you_o not_o to_o be_v exempt_v from_o these_o trial_n because_o you_o be_v not_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o also_o have_v part_n in_o they_o each_o one_o according_a to_o his_o call_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god._n he_o have_v no_o child_n who_o he_o consecrate_v not_o by_o affliction_n but_o if_o you_o suffer_v with_o jesus_n christ_n you_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o if_o you_o have_v part_n now_o in_o his_o cross_n you_o shall_v have_v so_o one_o day_n in_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o assure_v you_o of_o it_o he_o call_v your_o suffering_n his_o affliction_n he_o protest_v that_o you_o receive_v never_o a_o blow_n but_o he_o feel_v it_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o do_v take_v great_a notice_n of_o the_o confflict_v which_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o call_v his._n think_v also_o upon_o what_o he_o have_v sustain_v for_o you_o and_o you_o will_v confess_v it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o you_o shall_v suffer_v something_o for_o his_o glory_n who_o have_v undergo_v so_o much_o for_o your_o salvatition_n he_o have_v take_v up_o for_o you_o the_o whole_a curse_n of_o god_n will_v not_o you_o bear_v the_o reproach_n and_o wrong_n of_o man_n for_o he_o he_o have_v bear_v and_o expiate_v the_o penalty_n of_o your_o sin_n on_o the_o cross_n will_v you_o have_v horror_n at_o the_o remainder_n of_o his_o affliction_n he_o have_v accomplish_v what_o be_v most_o difficult_a that_o which_o none_o but_o he_o can_v discharge_v have_v drink_v for_o we_o the_o dreadful_a cup_n of_o god_n indignation_n against_o our_o sin_n accomplish_v you_o stout_o the_o trial_n that_o remain_v for_o we_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o dispense_v they_o to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o either_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n or_o the_o rage_n of_o devil_n god_n have_v cut_v out_o our_o task_n for_o we_o it_o be_v from_o his_o hand_n we_o must_v receive_v all_o the_o affliction_n we_o shall_v suffer_v but_o beside_o that_o we_o owe_v this_o respect_n and_o subjection_n to_o god_n let_v we_o learn_v of_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o owe_v such_o example_n also_o to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o for_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o that_o we_o suffer_v it_o be_v for_o his_o body_n also_o as_o our_o affliction_n advance_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o master_n so_o do_v they_o serve_v likewise_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o family_n judge_v you_o thereby_o faithful_a brethren_n what_o our_o affection_n for_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o make_v up_o a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o apostle_n joy_n he_o account_v himself_o happy_a that_o by_o his_o suffering_n he_o can_v testify_v the_o love_n he_o bear_v to_o this_o sacred_a body_n of_o his_o master_n he_o bless_v his_o chain_n how_o hard_o soever_o it_o be_v because_o it_o do_v the_o church_n some_o service_n dear_a brethren_n let_v we_o imitate_v this_o divine_a charity_n love_n we_o our_o lord_n church_n above_o all_o thing_n let_v we_o make_v it_o the_o chief_a object_n of_o our_o delight_n consecrate_v we_o to_o its_o edification_n all_o the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o life_n embrace_v we_o all_o its_o member_n with_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o take_v good_a heed_n we_o despise_v no_o man_n that_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v incorporate_a in_o so_o augu_v and_o so_o divine_a a_o society_n the_o apostle_n example_n show_v we_o that_o we_o owe_v they_o even_o our_o blood_n and_o our_o life_n and_o we_o have_v hear_v he_o beside_o at_o another_o time_n 2.17_o phil._n 2.17_o profess_v to_o the_o philippian_n that_o if_o he_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o aspersion_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n 3.16_o 1_o joh._n 3.16_o and_o service_n of_o their_o faith_n he_o shall_v joy_v in_o it_o and_o s._n john_n say_v express_o that_o as_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o our_o brethren_n if_o the_o lord_n spare_v our_o infirmity_n and_o call_v we_o not_o to_o so_o high_a trial_n let_v we_o at_o least_o testify_z our_o charity_n towards_o the_o church_n by_o all_o the_o office_n and_o service_n whereof_o our_o condition_n and_o the_o present_a occasion_n be_v capable_a we_o owe_v it_o our_o blood_n let_v we_o give_v it_o at_o least_o our_o tear_n our_o alm_n our_o good_a example_n you_o that_o have_v have_v the_o heart_n to_o plunge_v yourselves_o in_o the_o vain_a pastime_n of_o the_o world_n while_o the_o church_n be_v in_o mourning_n that_o have_v laugh_v and_o sport_v while_o she_o suffer_v and_o
groan_v repair_v this_o disorder_n comfort_v she_o with_o your_o pious_a tear_n who_o you_o have_v sad_a by_o your_o vain_a pleasure_n break_v with_o the_o world_n have_v no_o more_o commerce_n but_o with_o the_o child_n of_o god._n remember_v you_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o have_v no_o horror_n at_o defile_v in_o the_o ordure_n of_o sin_n and_o vanity_n those_o member_n which_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n wash_v with_o his_o blood_n sanctify_v by_o his_o word_n and_o baptize_v with_o his_o spirit_n the_o church_n beside_o this_o purity_n of_o life_n which_o its_o edification_n require_v of_o you_o at_o all_o time_n do_v particular_o at_o the_o present_a demand_v of_o you_o the_o succour_n of_o your_o alm_n for_o the_o refreshment_n of_o its_o poor_a member_n their_o number_n and_o their_o necessity_n increase_v daily_o let_v your_o charity_n be_v augment_v after_o the_o same_o proportion_n let_v it_o relieve_v the_o indigence_n of_o some_o let_v it_o allay_v the_o passion_n of_o other_o let_v it_o extinguish_v enmity_n and_o hatred_n among_o we_o all_o let_v it_o seek_v not_o only_o to_o those_o who_o you_o have_v wrong_v but_o even_o to_o they_o that_o have_v offend_v you_o without_o cause_n that_o henceforth_o you_o may_v true_o be_v the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o church_n holy_a and_o unblamable_a have_v no_o spot_n nor_o wrinkle_n nor_o any_o such_o thing_n patient_a and_o generous_a in_o affliction_n humble_a and_o modest_a in_o prosperity_n crown_v with_o good_a work_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o great_a saviour_n the_o edification_n of_o man_n and_o your_o own_o salvation_n amen_n the_o fourteen_o sermon_n col_fw-fr i._o verse_n xxv_o xxvi_o xxvii_o verse_n xxv_o of_o which_o church_n i_o have_v be_v make_v a_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v give_v i_o towards_o you_o to_o 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of_o the_o masterpiece_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o beside_o his_o design_v to_o justify_v by_o these_o word_n the_o joy_n he_o have_v in_o suffer_v for_o the_o church_n as_o minister_v of_o it_o he_o will_v also_o find_v the_o liberty_n he_o take_v to_o make_v remonstrance_n to_o the_o colossian_n and_o authorise_v his_o doctrine_n against_o the_o error_n which_o seducer_n be_v sow_v among_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o enlarge_v on_o this_o matter_n and_o magnify_v his_o ministry_n first_o he_o represent_v unto_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o the_o object_n of_o it_o that_o be_v those_z towards_z he_o ought_v to_o exercise_v it_o and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o in_o verse_n 25._o in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v be_v make_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v give_v i_o towards_o you_o to_o fullfil_v the_o word_n of_o god._n after_o this_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o extoll_v the_o subject_n about_o which_o the_o labour_n of_o this_o ministry_n be_v to_o be_v to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n but_o which_o have_v now_o say_v he_o be_v manifest_v to_o the_o saint_n last_o he_o add_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o divine_a secret_a towards_o the_o gentile_n and_o declare_v in_o one_o wherein_o it_o consist_v namely_o in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n he_o be_v the_o whole_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n god_n say_v he_o will_v give_v the_o saint_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n these_o be_v the_o three_o point_n which_o we_o purpose_v to_o handle_v in_o this_o action_n if_o the_o lord_n permit_v the_o ministry_n of_o paul_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o its_o glory_n towards_o the_o gentile_n the_o subject_n be_v great_a the_o time_n short_a and_o our_o ability_n small_a may_v it_o please_v god_n to_o supply_v our_o defect_n by_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o powerful_o strengthen_v and_o multiply_v the_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o scantiness_n and_o poverty_n they_o may_v yet_o administer_v food_n for_o your_o soul_n even_o as_o sometime_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blessing_n seven_o loaf_n and_o a_o few_o little_a fish_n as_o you_o hear_v not_o long_o ago_o suffice_v to_o satiate_v a_o great_a multitude_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o point_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n do_v say_v of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v make_v a_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v give_v i_o towards_o you_o to_o fullfil_v the_o word_n of_o god._n upon_o which_o we_o have_v four_o thing_n to_o consider_v first_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o apostle_n office_n which_o he_o term_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n second_o the_o the_o title_n to_o this_o office_n found_v on_o the_o dispensation_n god_n have_v give_v he_o three_o the_o object_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o office_n which_o he_o express_v by_o say_v towards_o you_o that_o be_v towards_o you_o gentile_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v anon_o and_o in_o the_o four_o place_n the_o function_n and_o the_o proximate_a end_n of_o this_o office_n which_o he_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o those_o word_n to_o fullfil_v the_o word_n of_o god._n observe_v then_o brethren_n first_o of_o all_o how_o this_o holy_a apostle_n to_o express_v the_o office_n to_o which_o god_n have_v
call_v he_o say_v he_o have_v be_v make_v not_o the_o master_n or_o the_o prince_n or_o the_o judge_n or_o the_o monarch_n or_o the_o highpriest_n but_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o you_o see_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n how_o very_o far_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v of_o those_o be_v who_o qualify_v themselves_o with_o those_o vain_a and_o haughty_a title_n which_o be_v not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n among_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o pastor_n there_o and_o who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o say_v and_o to_o write_v open_o that_o bishop_n be_v judge_n master_n and_o prince_n of_o their_o flock_n that_o he_o of_o rome_n in_o particular_a be_v the_o monarch_n of_o the_o church_n its_o king_n and_o its_o sovereign_a lord_n on_o earth_n who_o foot_n it_o ought_v to_o kiss_v the_o low_a homage_n a_o vassal_n can_v do_v to_o his_o master_n that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v law_n on_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v bind_v the_o conscience_n so_o as_o it_o can_v have_v no_o faith_n or_o salvation_n out_o of_o his_o obedience_n that_o he_o have_v though_o indirect_o even_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o temporality_n of_o the_o church_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o sceptre_n and_o crown_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n except_v judge_n by_o this_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mock_n of_o the_o world_n to_o strive_v that_o they_o may_v be_v take_v for_o true_a heir_n and_o successor_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o s._n peter_n s._n paul_n call_v himself_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n these_o man_n say_v they_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o monarch_n of_o it_o s._n paul_n protest_v that_o he_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o our_o faith_n these_o man_n pretend_v that_o they_o have_v a_o absolute_a empire_n 124._o 2_o cor._n 124._o such_o as_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o command_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o they_o command_v it_o s._n 3._o 1_o pet._n 5.1.2_o 3._o peter_n style_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n that_o be_v a_o elder_a with_o the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n these_o man_n say_v they_o be_v their_o sovereign_n and_o king_n s._n peter_n order_v the_o pastor_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n not_o as_o have_v lordship_n over_o his_o heritage_n and_o these_o man_n attribute_v to_o themselves_o a_o direct_a and_o a_o supreme_a dominion_n over_o they_o in_o sine_fw-la jesus_n christ_n both_o paul_n and_o peter_n master_n say_v express_o to_o his_o minister_n 20.25_o mat._n 20.25_o you_o know_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v master_n over_o they_o and_o exercise_v authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o and_o these_o man_n exercise_v both_o upon_o people_n and_o pastor_n in_o sum_n on_o the_o whole_a church_n a_o mastership_n and_o a_o dominion_n much_o more_o absolute_a more_o rough_a and_o rigorous_a than_o ever_o do_v any_o monarch_n upon_o his_o subject_n and_o such_o as_o want_v neither_o the_o pomp_n of_o dignity_n nor_o the_o splendour_n of_o riches_n nor_o arm_n nor_o guard_n nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o ordinary_a and_o visible_a mark_n and_o badge_n of_o a_o worldly_a royalty_n but_o you_o have_v to_o observe_v here_o also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o false_a and_o unjust_a the_o derision_n be_v which_o our_o adversary_n make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o minister_n which_o pastor_n among_o we_o do_v assume_v impute_v in_o a_o manner_n their_o modesty_n to_o they_o as_o a_o crime_n and_o almost_o accuse_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o arrogant_a i_o know_v well_o that_o the_o word_n here_o render_v minister_n be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o church_n to_o signify_v the_o ministry_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n and_o we_o have_v retain_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n in_o our_o vulgar_a 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use_v this_o name_n in_o this_o sense_n yea_o even_o to_o signify_v the_o high_a dignity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o without_o contradiction_n his_o apostleship_n be_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o mean_v this_o here_o when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v make_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n he_o add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v give_v i_o hereby_o he_o show_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o man_n but_o god_n the_o supreme_a master_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n who_o call_v and_o consecrate_v he_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o all_o know_v the_o history_n of_o it_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o at_o length_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n it_o be_v full_a of_o so_o many_o wonder_n that_o the_o vocation_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n aught_o to_o be_v count_v very_o singular_a many_o circumstance_n meet_v in_o it_o which_o do_v not_o occur_v in_o the_o call_n of_o any_o 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conclude_v from_o these_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o city_n of_o colosse_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n of_o laodicea_n when_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n and_o they_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v convert_v those_o people_n and_o found_v church_n among_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o epaphras_n without_o convey_v himself_o in_o person_n thither_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o word_n do_v give_v we_o some_o apparent_a ground_n so_o to_o conceive_v for_o say_v that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a conflict_n for_o the_o colossian_n and_o the_o laodicean_n and_o for_o all_o those_o that_o have_v not_o see_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o flesh_n he_o seem_v to_o enroll_v the_o colossian_n and_o the_o laodicean_n among_o those_o that_o have_v never_o see_v he_o itself_o theodoret._n in_o his_o preface_n to_o this_o epist_n &_o on_o the_o place_n itself_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v author_n find_v among_o the_o ancient_n and_o they_o 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tentation_n that_o surround_v they_o the_o hate_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n the_o seducement_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o the_o false_a teacher_n and_o reflect_v on_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n he_o can_v not_o but_o fear_n leave_v so_o many_o thing_n and_o those_o of_o so_o much_o force_n shall_v debauch_v they_o from_o piety_n love_n be_v not_o without_o apprehension_n no_o not_o in_o the_o great_a safety_n how_o much_o less_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o danger_n the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o elsewhere_o that_o the_o affection_n he_o bear_v to_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o sympathize_v in_o all_o their_o misery_n and_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v suffer_v they_o himself_o the_o care_n which_o i_o have_v of_o all_o the_o church_n 11.29_o cor._n 11.29_o say_v he_o keep_v i_o besiege_v from_o day_n to_o day_n who_o be_v weaken_v but_o i_o be_o weaken_v also_o who_o be_v offend_v but_o i_o also_o burn_v and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o represent_v unto_o we_o the_o pain_n he_o be_v in_o for_o the_o corinthian_n in_o particular_a 11.3_o 2_o cor._n 11.3_o i_o fear_v say_v he_o lest_o as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o by_o any_o mean_v your_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n just_o the_o same_o do_v he_o apprehend_v for_o the_o colossian_n and_o laodicean_n and_o other_o christian_n in_o asia_n even_o lest_o the_o cheat_v and_o craft_n of_o seducer_n shall_v disorder_v their_o faith_n and_o make_v a_o like_a spoil_n among_o they_o as_o they_o make_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o epistle_n he_o write_v they_o upon_o this_o occasion_n yet_o these_o just_a fear_n wherewith_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v encumber_v be_v not_o his_o whole_a combat_n for_o under_o this_o word_n he_o comprise_v also_o all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o divert_v the_o danger_n which_o he_o apprehend_v first_o he_o be_v perpetual_o in_o prayer_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o these_o dear_a church_n and_o as_o moses_n in_o elder_a time_n upon_o the_o mountain_n cease_v not_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o almighty_a for_o the_o victory_n of_o his_o israel_n that_o be_v in_o fight_v the_o while_n with_o amalek_n so_o this_o great_a apostle_n from_o that_o high_a station_n where_o jesus_n christ_n have_v set_v he_o in_o his_o church_n do_v continual_o present_v his_o supplication_n and_o sigh_n to_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a success_n of_o the_o combat_n which_o his_o master_n troop_n be_v engage_v in_o 1.9_o 2_o thes_n 1.12_o phil._n 1.4_o colos_n 1.9_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o you_o say_v he_o i_o still_o make_v request_n for_o you_o all_o in_o all_o my_o prayer_n we_o cease_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o
it_o and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o material_a edifice_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n that_o sustain_v all_o the_o building_n thence_o it_o come_v that_o the_o scripture_n give_v that_o name_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n as_o to_o he_o upon_o who_o this_o spiritual_a structure_n do_v entire_o depend_v other_o foundation_n say_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o man_n lay_v 3.11_o 1_o cor._n 3.11_o than_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v even_o jesus_n christ_n and_o this_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v in_o say_v of_o he_o that_o god_n will_v set_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n 118.22_o isa_n 28.16_o psal_n 118.22_o elect_v and_o precious_a and_o that_o the_o stone_n which_o the_o bvilder_n reject_v shall_v be_v make_v head_n of_o the_o corner_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o desire_v to_o fortify_v his_o dear_a colossian_n against_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v prosecute_a this_o figure_n so_o common_a in_o scripture_n command_v they_o to_o be_v build_v up_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o same_o expression_n he_o make_v use_v of_o elsewhere_o as_o when_o he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 21._o eph._n 2.20_o 21._o jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n it_o who_o say_v he_o all_o the_o building_n proportion_v and_o fit_o set_v together_o rise_v up_o unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n what_o be_v it_o then_o to_o be_v build_v up_o in_o jesus_n christ_n dear_a brethren_n we_o say_v a_o house_n be_v build_v on_o a_o rock_n when_o a_o rock_n be_v the_o foundation_n that_o bear_v and_o sustain_v it_o whole_o a_o soul_n be_v build_v in_o jesus_n christ_n when_o it_o whole_o rely_v upon_o he_o so_o as_o its_o faith_n its_o hope_n its_o love_n and_o the_o other_o part_n of_o its_o mystical_a structure_n be_v all_o set_v upon_o he_o and_o immediate_o fasten_v to_o he_o it_o believe_v the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o 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again_o can_v they_o without_o it_o acquit_v themselves_o in_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n command_v in_o the_o second_o place_n even_o that_o we_o abound_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v establish_v in_o it_o that_o we_o have_v of_o it_o for_o necessity_n he_o will_v have_v we_o furnish_v even_o unto_o plenty_n possess_v of_o a_o great_a and_o rich_a measure_n of_o it_o have_v this_o sacred_a light_n to_o go_v on_o still_o increase_n and_o augment_v as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n some_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o this_o word_n must_v be_v reser_v not_o single_o to_o the_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o the_o sentiment_n that_o we_o have_v of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o abound_v in_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v account_v ourselves_o to_o have_v abundant_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o all_o the_o saving-knowledg_n we_o can_v desire_v without_o need_v the_o addition_n of_o 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that_o this_o duty_n be_v most_o reasonable_a of_o itself_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o ensure_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o we_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n augment_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o thankful_a so_o he_o take_v they_o away_o from_o the_o unthankful_a withdraw_v his_o light_n from_o their_o soul_n and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o themselves_o as_o you_o know_v he_o threaten_v ingrateful_a church_n to_o take_v his_o candlestick_n from_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o elsewhere_o that_o to_o they_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o send_v the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n so_o as_o they_o believe_v a_o lie_n which_o be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a punishment_n wherewith_o he_o avenge_v himself_o on_o the_o iniquity_n of_o man_n dear_a brethren_n that_o we_o fall_v not_o into_o so_o dismal_a a_o judgement_n let_v we_o possess_v this_o treasure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o in_o his_o son_n with_o all_o the_o gratitude_n we_o can_v humble_o bless_v he_o for_o that_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o impart_v a_o thing_n so_o precious_a and_o of_o such_o saving-importance_n unto_o we_o to_o we_o i_o say_v who_o be_v so_o unworthy_a of_o it_o let_v it_o be_v all_o our_o love_n and_o all_o our_o glory_n let_v other_o boast_v of_o their_o might_n and_o their_o skill_n of_o their_o riches_n and_o their_o greatness_n as_o for_o we_o glory_n we_o only_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n the_o sole_a supreme_a happiness_n of_o man_n let_v we_o be_v jealous_a of_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n keep_v it_o pure_a and_o sincere_a and_o careful_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o leaven_n of_o superstition_n and_o error_n let_v we_o be_v content_a with_o our_o lord_n jesus_n
not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o precipitate_v death_n and_o ruin_n of_o so_o many_o great_a one_o who_o the_o world_n have_v see_v and_o still_o do_v see_v perish_v with_o astonishment_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o the_o same_o source_n even_o the_o debauch_n they_o have_v be_v carry_v into_o the_o accident_n of_o particular_a house_n and_o person_n infect_v with_o this_o leprosy_n be_v less_o mark_v yet_o be_v they_o nevertheless_o very_o remarkable_a and_o he_o that_o shall_v look_v narrow_o into_o they_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o admirable_a example_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o kind_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o in_o special_a that_o he_o common_o take_v away_o his_o covenant_n from_o house_n where_o such_o disorder_n reign_v i_o may_v easy_o let_v you_o see_v like_a footstep_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o covetous_a who_o unrighteousness_n he_o often_o punish_v with_o loss_n of_o sense_n of_o health_n of_o honour_n and_o of_o that_o very_a wealth_n which_o they_o love_v much_o better_a than_o their_o body_n and_o their_o soul_n themselves_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o infamy_n which_o god_n sometime_o pour_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o the_o horrible_a misery_n into_o which_o he_o let_v they_o fall_v in_o their_o person_n and_o in_o their_o posterity_n but_o i_o must_v pass_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o text_n and_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n of_o it_o and_o conclude_v for_o the_o apostle_n after_o this_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v represent_v as_o fall_v from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o rebellion_n because_o of_o their_o pollution_n and_o avarices_n remind_v the_o colossian_n that_o themselves_o have_v sometime_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n in_o which_o say_v he_o you_o also_o walk_v other-while_n when_o you_o live_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o live_v in_o these_o sin_n be_v to_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o life_n infect_v with_o the_o venom_n of_o they_o to_o 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live_v in_o sin_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o have_v our_o understanding_n and_o will_v and_o the_o other_o power_n of_o our_o nature_n putrify_a and_o corrupt_v and_o as_o it_o be_v empoison_v with_o adam_n sin_n by_o the_o contagion_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o again_o as_o those_o do_v walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n who_o exercise_n piety_n and_o sanctity_n and_o do_v conduct_v all_o the_o action_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a walk_v in_o sin_n who_o follow_v and_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o employ_v themselves_o in_o no_o other_o exercise_n but_o the_o serve_v it_o and_o do_v those_o evil_a work_n which_o natural_o flow_v from_o the_o habitude_n of_o it_o but_o we_o have_v speak_v large_o heretofore_o if_o you_o remember_v of_o this_o first_o life_n of_o old_a adam_n which_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v destroy_v and_o mortify_v in_o we_o we_o have_v only_o to_o 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and_o fruit_n whereof_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o eternal_a death_n if_o the_o lord_n through_o his_o abundant_a grace_n have_v not_o deliver_v we_o from_o such_o a_o condemnation_n and_o resent_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n he_o have_v confer_v upon_o we_o let_v we_o incessant_o bless_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n thanks_o be_v ever_o render_v unto_o thou_o o_o holy_a and_o merciful_a lord_n for_o that_o we_o be_v servant_n of_o sin_n thou_o have_v make_v we_o free_a by_o thy_o son_n and_o give_v we_o by_o thy_o spirit_n 6.17_o rom._n 6.17_o to_o obey_v that_o express_a form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v we_o by_o thy_o servant_n but_o as_o heretofore_o the_o vice_n in_o which_o we_o live_v do_v continual_o produce_v all_o kind_n of_o pollution_n and_o sin_n and_o henceforth_o since_o the_o cross_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n have_v dry_v up_o this_o source_n of_o impurity_n let_v there_o no_o more_o appear_v any_o tract_n of_o they_o in_o our_o manner_n let_v the_o holiness_n of_o that_o new_a man_n who_o name_n and_o blood_n we_o boast_v of_o shine_v forth_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n above_o all_o let_v we_o banish_v thence_o those_o two_o capital_a and_o accurse_a pest_n of_o luxury_n and_o avarices_n for_o which_o you_o have_v hear_v here_o before_o all_o the_o mouth_n of_o heaven_n open_v to_o fulminate_v against_o the_o rebellious_a that_o serve_v they_o the_o curse_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o the_o ignorance_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o error_n withhold_v not_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n heretofore_o from_o come_v on_o they_o for_o these_o two_o kind_n of_o sin_n what_o must_v those_o expect_v now_o who_o commit_v the_o same_o crime_n in_o the_o light_n of_o jesus_n christ_n sure_o as_o much_o as_o the_o disobedience_n and_o the_o rebellion_n of_o the_o one_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o more_o enormous_a than_o that_o of_o other_o so_o much_o more_o terrible_a will_v be_v the_o wrath_n that_o shall_v pour_v from_o heaven_n upon_o they_o than_o all_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o world_n have_v see_v in_o time_n past_a your_o ingratitude_n christian_n who_o so_o ill_o brook_v your_o name_n and_o your_o disobedience_n surpass_v in_o horridnesse_n all_o the_o unbelief_n both_o of_o the_o first_o world_n and_o of_o ancient_a israel_n they_o reject_v but_o the_o preach_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o mâ—ses_n whereas_o you_o outrage_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o as_o much_o be_v in_o you_o be_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n yet_o you_o know_v how_o they_o be_v punish_v you_o know_v the_o deluge_n which_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o one_o bring_v upon_o all_o the_o earth_n you_o know_v the_o abyss_n open_v its_o mouth_n to_o swallow_v up_o the_o other_o alive_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o element_n be_v arm_v against_o they_o if_o their_o punishment_n make_v you_o tremble_v why_o do_v you_o imitate_v their_o fault_n yea_o why_o commit_v you_o such_o as_o be_v more_o heinous_a and_o black_a than_o they_o god_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a i_o acknowledge_v but_o to_o sinner_n repent_v to_o those_o that_o mock_v at_o his_o instruction_n and_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o his_o menace_n he_o be_v severe_a and_o inexorable_a and_o if_o they_o amend_v not_o they_o shall_v know_v soon_o or_o late_a to_o their_o cost_n that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o we_o invocate_v please_v to_o give_v we_o better_a thing_n so_o reform_v this_o church_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o of_o his_o voice_n that_o henceforth_o these_o cry_a sin_n be_v no_o more_o see_v
lord_n let_v we_o also_o heedful_o keep_v as_o commit_v to_o our_o trust_n that_o peace_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v let_v we_o at_o his_o death_n and_o unto_o which_o he_o call_v we_o in_o one_o body_n by_o all_o his_o religious_a mystery_n this_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o keep_v it_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v god_n with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n which_o the_o same_o apostle_n do_v elsewhere_o make_v we_o live_v in_o peace_n say_v he_o to_o we_o and_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o of_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o object_n not_o those_o petty_a reason_n which_o flesh_n and_o blood_n inspire_v nothing_o must_v be_v hear_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o god._n the_o apostle_n require_v that_o it_o have_v the_o prime_a place_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v the_o governess_n and_o superintendent_a of_o they_o account_v then_o every_o thought_n that_o will_v disturb_v it_o as_o rebellious_a drive_v it_o out_o of_o your_o heart_n and_o crush_v it_o as_o a_o infernal_a thought_n which_o can_v come_v but_o from_o the_o enemy_n since_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n now_o here_o dear_a brethren_n i_o may_v make_v large_a complaint_n upon_o that_o rebel_a whereof_o the_o most_o of_o we_o be_v guilty_a against_o this_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n set_v up_o to_o rule_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o have_v shake_v off_o its_o yoke_n flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o their_o interest_n have_v drive_v it_o out_o from_o among_o we_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o possess_v the_o first_o place_n here_o that_o it_o have_v scarce_o any_o at_o all_o and_o it_o seem_v that_o offend_v with_o our_o contempt_n it_o have_v quit_v the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o world_n and_o be_v altogether_o retire_v into_o heaven_n for_o all_o among_o we_o be_v full_a of_o division_n and_o discord_n of_o suit_n of_o quarrel_n of_o little_a war_n which_o we_o make_v upon_o one_o another_o with_o a_o 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abound_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o both_o those_o of_o the_o present_a life_n and_o those_o of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v amen_n the_o forty_o first_o sermon_n on_o colossian_n chap._n iii_o ver_n xvi_o verse_n xvi_o let_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o you_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n you_o teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o by_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n with_o grace_n sing_v from_o your_o heart_n unto_o the_o lord_n dear_a brethren_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o most_o thing_n be_v sustain_v by_o usage_n of_o the_o same_o mean_n that_o give_v they_o be_v thus_o in_o nature_n we_o see_v that_o nothing_o do_v more_o confirm_v nor_o better_o conserve_v the_o habit_n of_o art_n and_o science_n than_o those_o very_a action_n and_o exercise_n which_o sorm_v they_o and_o that_o nothing_o do_v better_a maintain_v estate_n than_o the_o same_o prudence_n and_o valour_n that_o raise_v they_o also_o as_o frequent_v the_o converse_n of_o virtuous_a person_n do_v common_o enkincle_n in_o our_o heart_n a_o love_n of_o and_o a_o aim_n at_o probity_n so_o do_v it_o advance_v our_o constant_a persevere_v in_o the_o same_o semblable_o in_o religion_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o produce_v faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o conserves_n and_o perpetuate_v it_o there_o this_o word_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n both_o to_o form_v the_o piety_n of_o his_o elect_n at_o first_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o they_o for_o ever_o after_o it_o be_v form_v it_o be_v both_o the_o parent_n and_o the_o nurse_n and_o gardienne_n of_o the_o new_a man_n it_o administer_v both_o the_o seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o the_o milk_n of_o our_o spiritual_a nutrition_n it_o be_v it_o that_o give_v we_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v it_o that_o conserves_n the_o same_o it_o be_v upon_o it_o that_o both_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o progression_n both_o the_o production_n and_o the_o perseverance_n thereof_o do_v depend_v wherefore_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v afore_o exhort_v the_o colossian_n unto_o christian_a sanctification_n and_o point_v at_o the_o principal_a piece_n of_o it_o as_o mercy_n benignity_n patience_n charity_n and_o peace_n now_o to_o abridge_v this_o discourse_n and_o comprise_v all_o in_o few_o word_n do_v recommend_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n not_o only_o to_o maintain_v and_o conserve_v but_o even_o to_o perfect_a and_o complete_a all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o piety_n as_o a_o live_n and_o a_o plentiful_a spring_n whence_o they_o may_v draw_v both_o those_o virtue_n which_o he_o have_v nominate_v and_o all_o other_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o persect_n of_o their_o christianity_n there_o be_v no_o need_n say_v he_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o reckon_v up_o particular_o to_o you_o all_o the_o grace_n that_o ought_v to_o beam_n forth_o in_o your_o action_n nor_o recommend_v one_o by_o one_o each_o of_o those_o 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he_o express_o give_v it_o we_o in_o charge_n for_o though_o the_o duty_n be_v not_o only_o very_o just_a but_o even_o most_o necessary_a yet_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o so_o cold_a and_o sluggish_a and_o so_o indispose_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o that_o we_o all_o need_v the_o heavenly_a voice_n of_o this_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o excite_v we_o unto_o it_o presume_v that_o we_o have_v the_o thing_n we_o need_v in_o our_o own_o power_n or_o shall_v find_v they_o in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o consider_v how_o they_o all_o depend_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n we_o remit_v the_o assiduous_a invocate_a of_o he_o and_o make_v not_o use_v of_o prayer_n but_o on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n when_o humane_a succour_n fail_v we_o as_o the_o manner_n be_v in_o tragedy_n where_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o bring_v in_o but_o at_o some_o difficulty_n which_o no_o create_v power_n or_o prudence_n be_v able_a to_o clear_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v so_o 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to_o implore_v it_o continual_o and_o that_o as_o you_o can_v pass_v a_o day_n without_o his_o favourable_a succour_n so_o neither_o shall_v you_o spend_v a_o day_n without_o call_v on_o his_o name_n look_v i_o beseech_v you_o upon_o poor_a beggar_n with_o what_o earnestness_n with_o what_o indefatigable_a perseverance_n they_o spend_v whole_a day_n nay_o their_o whole_a life_n a_o petition_v of_o we_o it_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o necessity_n that_o give_v they_o this_o constancy_n and_o inspire_v this_o courage_n into_o they_o dear_a brethren_n we_o have_v infinite_o more_o need_n of_o the_o succour_n of_o god_n than_o these_o poor_a people_n have_v of_o we_o why_o be_v not_o we_o at_o least_o as_o earnest_n as_o constant_a and_o assiduous_a in_o beseech_v he_o as_o they_o be_v in_o ask_v alm_n of_o we_o as_o for_o they_o our_o flintiness_n be_v such_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o reap_v little_a or_o no_o fruit_n of_o their_o perseverance_n in_o pray_v of_o we_o 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will_v not_o let_v thou_o go_v say_v he_o to_o he_o until_o thou_o bless_v i_o the_o canaanitish_a woman_n in_o the_o gospel_n take_v the_o same_o course_n and_o be_v hear_v in_o like_a manner_n she_o bear_v our_o saviour_n first_o put-offs_a without_o dismay_n and_o those_o hard_a word_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o cast_v the_o child_n bread_n to_o dog_n 15.26_o matt._n 15.26_o astonish_v she_o not_o she_o receive_v this_o great_a blow_n without_o give_v over_o and_o her_o holy_a importunity_n come_v off_o victorious_a have_v draw_v from_o our_o lord_n mouth_n that_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a answer_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thou_o as_o thou_o will_v imitate_v this_o violence_n it_o offend_v not_o god._n it_o appease_v he_o the_o lord_n himself_o command_v it_o we_o express_o and_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v always_o and_o not_o faint_a by_o the_o parable_n of_o that_o poor_a widow_n who_o importunity_n overcome_v the_o obdurateness_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n and_o draw_v that_o from_o he_o in_o the_o end_n which_o neither_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o respect_n of_o man_n can_v sway_v he_o to_o this_o judge_n be_v wicked_a and_o cruel_a yet_o the_o perseverance_n of_o a_o woman_n conquer_v he_o how_o much_o rather_o shall_v we_o bear_v away_o what_o we_o desire_v of_o god_n who_o be_v goodness_n and_o clemency_n its_o self_n as_o for_o that_o judge_n it_o be_v his_o nature_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o render_v he_o cruel_a and_o inexorable_a but_o if_o the_o lord_n grant_v not_o our_o first_o request_n it_o be_v not_o that_o he_o mean_v indeed_o to_o be_v spare_v of_o his_o benefit_n towards_o we_o to_o say_v true_a he_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o give_v they_o than_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o this_o in_o total_a be_v but_o a_o mysterious_a act_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o by_o such_o delay_n he_o will_v exercise_v our_o faith_n inflame_v our_o desire_n and_o make_v trial_n of_o our_o 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reason_n to_o take_v the_o pain_n himself_o to_o form_v our_o speech_n on_o such_o occasion_n namely_o when_o we_o be_v to_o entertain_v those_o without_o about_o our_o sentiment_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o tender_a part_n of_o all_o our_o converse_n with_o man_n and_o that_o which_o will_v be_v manage_v with_o great_a exactness_n it_o be_v a_o very_a slippery_a passage_n and_o the_o event_n frequent_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o have_v long_a and_o considerable_a consequence_n for_o good_a and_o for_o evil_a according_a to_o man_n different_a carriage_n in_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o case_n in_o which_o the_o tongue_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o vaunt_v of_o great_a matter_n 3.6_o jam._n 3.6_o as_o st._n james_n say_v without_o doubt_n it_o be_v in_o this_o a_o answer_n here_o as_o it_o be_v qualify_v be_v capable_a of_o amend_v or_o impair_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o whole_a christian_a people_n a_o sage_a and_o moderate_a 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that_o gravity_n and_o decency_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o so_o high_a and_o so_o important_a a_o subject_n next_o let_v we_o take_v out_o of_o our_o speech_n all_o the_o sting_n that_o may_v incense_v those_o that_o hear_v we_o let_v not_o it_o have_v in_o it_o any_o thing_n reproachful_a or_o offensive_a any_o thing_n that_o scent_v of_o hatred_n or_o contempt_n let_v it_o be_v sweet_a and_o full_a of_o affection_n and_o respect_n let_v it_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o a_o well-disposed_a and_o a_o true_o charitable_a soul_n and_o breath_n nothing_o but_o the_o good_a and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o as_o for_o truth_n themselves_o let_v it_o discover_v and_o with_o full_a liberty_n expose_v such_o as_o be_v grateful_a to_o our_o adversary_n as_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v many_o in_o particular_a i_o make_v bold_a to_o
barnabas_n have_v write_v they_o in_o recommendation_n of_o he_o and_o thereunto_o the_o apostle_n adjoin_v his_o own_o counsel_n to_o they_o 15.39_o act_n 15.39_o say_v if_o he_o come_v unto_o you_o receive_v he_o some_o conceive_v that_o he_o thus_o write_v because_o of_o that_o ill_a understanding_n that_o sometime_o happen_v between_o he_o and_o barnabas_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o mark_n to_o show_v now_o that_o there_o be_v no_o relic_n of_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n however_o that_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n that_o mark_v bewray_v a_o little_a weakness_n at_o the_o beginning_n 13.13_o act_n 13.13_o quit_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n in_o pamphilia_n without_o any_o reason_n amid_o their_o conquest_n but_o afterward_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o mighty_o strengthen_v he_o and_o so_o eminent_o employ_v he_o in_o convert_v of_o nation_n that_o beside_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o which_o remain_v in_o all_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n he_o have_v also_o draw_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o st._n paul_n two_o or_o three_o very_a honourable_a testimony_n this_o here_o for_o one_o 24._o phil._n 24._o and_o another_o like_v it_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o philemon_n where_o he_o mention_n he_o among_o his_o fellow-worker_n and_o the_o most_o advantageous_a of_o all_o in_o the_o second_o to_o timothy_n 4.11_o 2_o tim._n 4.11_o take_v mark_v say_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o with_o thou_o for_o he_o be_v profitable_a to_o i_o for_o the_o ministry_n the_o three_o of_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n mention_n here_o be_v jesus_n call_v justus_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o his_o true_a name_n be_v jesus_n and_o that_o justus_n be_v but_o the_o name_n which_o the_o latin_n and_o greek_n give_v he_o calling_z him_z justus_n instead_o of_o jesus_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o they_o to_o alter_v foreign_a name_n in_o that_o manner_n when_o they_o pronounce_v they_o in_o their_o own_o dialect_n we_o have_v of_o this_o servant_n of_o god_n no_o other_o 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they_o alone_o to_o wit_n of_o their_o nation_n be_v his_o fellow-worker_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o protest_v that_o they_o be_v a_o consolation_n to_o he_o a_o great_a and_o a_o illustrious_a testimonial_n give_v they_o that_o they_o labour_v with_o he_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n ordinary_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n now_o this_o be_v that_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o these_o three_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o remain_v for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o we_o intimate_v unto_o you_o brief_o what_o edification_n you_o ought_v to_o draw_v from_o those_o particular_n which_o we_o have_v note_v in_o the_o apostle_n present_a text._n and_o first_o by_o the_o pain_n the_o colossians_n be_v in_o for_o st._n paul_n and_o by_o the_o care_n st._n paul_n take_v for_o their_o consolation_n you_o may_v see_v the_o ardent_a and_o cordial_a affection_n which_o the_o flock_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v for_o one_o another_o make_v your_o profit_n of_o it_o you_o the_o lord_n sheep_n and_o tender_o compassionate_v the_o labour_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o your_o pastor_n you_o pastor_n do_v likewise_o and_o prefer_v before_o all_o interest_n of_o your_o own_o the_o edification_n and_o consolation_n of_o those_o sheep_n who_o the_o great_a shepherd_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n then_o again_o the_o love_n which_o these_o five_o faithful_a man_n here_o mention_v do_v bear_v unto_o st._n paul_n they_o keep_v ever_o near_o he_o and_o cheerful_o and_o constant_o obey_v his_o order_n show_v we_o with_o what_o fervour_n we_o shall_v serve_v such_o as_o suffer_v for_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o what_o zeal_n we_o shall_v inseparable_o adhere_v to_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o teacher_n and_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o their_o person_n be_v no_o long_o here_o below_o yet_o their_o doctrine_n be_v and_o will_v remain_v here_o to_o the_o end_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v still_o in_o their_o sacred_a writing_n sit_v as_o it_o be_v on_o twelve_o throne_n thence_o judge_v all_o the_o israel_n of_o god._n moreover_o the_o apostle_n praise_v all_o the_o person_n he_o here_o speak_v of_o so_o liberal_o as_o he_o do_v may_v inform_v we_o with_o what_o candour_n we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v impart_v to_o our_o brethren_n diffuse_v the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o their_o good_a name_n through_o the_o church_n and_o honour_v their_o zeal_n and_o their_o fidelity_n with_o our_o testimonial_n to_o their_o comfort_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o neighbour_n far_o from_o we_o be_v envy_n and_o malignity_n and_o pride_n passion_n of_o a_o base_a alloy_n and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o true_o noble_a christian_a disposition_n let_v not_o the_o grace_n and_o dignity_n of_o paul_n induce_v he_o to_o despise_v onesimus_n i_o mean_v let_v not_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o as_o be_v great_a cause_v they_o to_o disdain_v the_o least_o but_o consider_v we_o particular_o the_o example_n of_o each_o of_o those_o five_o faithful_a man_n and_o imitate_v they_o for_o it_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v propose_v they_o and_o think_v meet_v to_o consecrate_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o in_o his_o divine_a and_o immortal_a epistle_n not_o that_o he_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o dedicate_v festival_n to_o they_o or_o render_v they_o religious_a worship_n or_o invocate_v they_o as_o our_o mediator_n away_o with_o such_o a_o thought_n for_o all_o this_o appertain_v to_o god_n only_o the_o true_a honour_n we_o owe_v they_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n after_o their_o example_n and_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o they_o and_o draw_v the_o portrait_n of_o their_o high_a and_o holy_a virtue_n on_o our_o disposition_n and_o our_o action_n imitate_v we_o the_o fidelity_n of_o tychicus_n the_o repentance_n and_o faith_n of_o onesimus_n the_o courage_n and_o the_o patience_n of_o aristarchus_n the_o laboriousness_n of_o marcus_n and_o of_o justus_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n let_v not_o meanness_n of_o birth_n or_o of_o condition_n let_v not_o the_o greatness_n of_o sin_n discourage_v any_o jesus_n christ_n reject_v neither_o the_o poor_a nor_o the_o peccant_a that_o come_v to_o he_o with_o faith_n witness_n onesimus_n who_o though_o a_o bondman_n and_o fugitive_n yet_o so_o effaced_a all_o this_o ignominy_n that_o he_o have_v praise_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o his_o name_n engrave_v here_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n among_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o illustrious_a servant_n of_o his._n if_o you_o have_v follow_v the_o lord_z constant_o and_o even_o as_o tychicus_n and_o aristarchus_n do_v thank_v he_o for_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v show_v you_o and_o go_v on_o from_o good_a to_o better_v if_o it_o have_v befall_v you_o as_o it_o do_v mark_n to_o slacken_v sometime_o in_o the_o work_n of_o your_o heavenly_a call_n resume_v likewise_o as_o he_o do_v your_o former_a vigour_n and_o reduce_v yourselves_o to_o that_o pass_n as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o you_o that_o you_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o lord_n service_n in_o general_n belove_a brethren_n let_v we_o all_o be_v as_o these_o holy_a and_o happy_a person_n be_v fellow-worker_n with_o the_o great_a apostle_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n burn_v with_o he_o in_o a_o holy_a zeal_n to_o glorify_v jesus_n christ_n live_v with_o he_o in_o all_o pureness_n and_o sanctity_n employ_v with_o he_o our_o tongue_n our_o hand_n and_o our_o pen_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o man_n and_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n and_o final_o courageous_o suffer_v with_o
with_o all_o the_o eulogy_n they_o merit_v sure_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n name_v timothy_n who_o praise_n and_o great_a advantage_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o in_o all_o virtue_n every_o one_o sufficient_o know_v call_v he_o simple_o his_o brother_n timothy_n the_o other_o on_o who_o behalf_n he_o salute_v the_o colossian_n be_v demas_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o philemon_n write_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o this_o and_o in_o which_o he_o make_v mention_n or_o most_o of_o the_o person_n here_o name_v he_o place_v demas_n with_o mark_n and_o aristarchus_n and_o st._n luke_n among_o his_o fellow-labourer_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o the_o order_n of_o those_o who_o serve_v for_o helper_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v style_v evangelist_n but_o after_o he_o have_v for_o a_o space_n run_v well_o after_o he_o have_v appear_v with_o praise_n among_o the_o light_n of_o the_o church_n alas_o he_o lose_v in_o the_o end_n this_o fair_a crown_n of_o glory_n st._n paul_n who_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v his_o name_n such_o a_o honourable_a rank_n in_o two_o place_n of_o his_o epistle_n in_o a_o three_o tell_v this_o lamentable_a story_n demas_n say_v he_o have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n 4.10_o 2_o tim._n 4.10_o and_o be_v depart_v unto_o thessalonica_n from_o this_o doleful_a example_n let_v we_o all_o learn_v dear_a brethren_n and_o particular_o such_o of_o we_o as_o god_n have_v call_v to_o the_o holy_a ministry_n to_o stand_v on_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o mortify_v in_o ourselves_o worldly_a lust_n as_o avarice_n the_o love_n of_o life_n and_o pleasure_n ambition_n and_o such_o like_a passion_n which_o ruin_v demas_n and_o if_o the_o dragon_n cast_v down_o some_o of_o the_o star_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o heaven_n of_o our_o church_n if_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o earth_n the_o food_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o false_a grandeurs_fw-fr of_o chaldea_n cause_v they_o unworthy_o to_o quit_v the_o design_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o mystical_a canaan_n let_v we_o not_o be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o we_o be_v not_o better_a than_o the_o apostle_n if_o all_o the_o light_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o miracle_n can_v not_o keep_v demas_n from_o become_v bankrupt_a of_o the_o truth_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o there_o happen_v to_o be_v among_o we_o some_o who_o belly_n and_o vanity_n do_v precipitate_v into_o the_o like_a fault_n notwithstanding_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o holy_a doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o pass_v into_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o text_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n order_v the_o colossian_n three_o thing_n first_o to_o salute_v those_o of_o laodicea_n on_o his_o behalf_n second_o to_o communicate_v this_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o they_o and_o three_o to_o advertise_v archippus_n of_o his_o duty_n salute_v say_v he_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v the_o christian_n which_o be_v at_o laodicea_n and_o nymphas_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o his_o house_n this_o nymphas_n dwell_v either_o in_o the_o city_n of_o laodicea_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o country_n near_o it_o as_o some_o in_o my_o opinion_n do_v without_o necessity_n suspect_v the_o apostle_n name_v he_o in_o particular_a because_o doubtless_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a person_n of_o the_o flock_n at_o laodicea_n and_o st._n paul_n affirm_v that_o he_o have_v a_o church_n in_o his_o house_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v the_o zeal_n of_o his_o piety_n this_o church_n be_v not_o a_o place_n in_o his_o house_n where_o the_o assembly_n for_o religious_a exercise_n be_v for_o the_o scripture_n never_o use_v the_o word_n church_n in_o this_o sense_n which_o be_v now_o common_a among_o christian_n but_o it_o be_v his_o household_n and_o the_o person_n whereof_o it_o consist_v who_o all_o make_a profession_n of_o christianity_n with_o he_o and_o be_v confirm_v and_o edify_v therein_o by_o his_o instruction_n and_o good_a example_n whence_o appear_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o pretention_n of_o those_o at_o rome_n who_o acknowledge_v no_o church_n to_o be_v but_o which_o brave_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o pomp_n of_o multitude_n and_o prosperity_n the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v find_v where_o ever_o he_o be_v know_v and_o serve_v and_o adore_v according_a to_o his_o gospel_n within_o the_o enclosure_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o a_o house_n in_o the_o very_a cavern_n of_o mountain_n and_o covert_n of_o the_o wilderness_n whither_o the_o holy_a spirit_n express_o foretell_v we_o that_o the_o spouse_n of_o the_o lamb_n shall_v be_v sometime_o constrain_v to_o retire_v the_o second_o order_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o colossian_n be_v considerable_a when_o this_o epistle_n say_v he_o have_v be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v also_o read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o read_v you_o also_o the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n first_o his_o willing_a that_o this_o epistle_n of_o his_o be_v public_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o these_o two_o church_n do_v show_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n be_v give_v we_o to_o the_o end_n all_o the_o people_n of_o christ_n clerk_n and_o laic_n small_a and_o great_a shall_v hear_v and_o read_v they_o and_o not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o certain_a sort_n of_o person_n only_o as_o if_o this_o treasure_n do_v belong_v to_o none_o but_o they_o and_o hence_o appear_v the_o abuse_n of_o those_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o people_n but_o in_o a_o language_n they_o understand_v not_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a yea_o in_o my_o opinion_n worse_o then_o if_o they_o read_v they_o not_o at_o all_o for_o not_o to_o read_v they_o be_v simple_o to_o bereave_v the_o people_n of_o the_o profit_n they_o may_v make_v of_o they_o whereas_o to_o read_v they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v not_o only_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o edification_n but_o moreover_o to_o mock_v they_o and_o no_o less_o offend_v god_n by_o pervert_v his_o word_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n from_o its_o due_n tâ—e_v and_o end_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o their_o outrage_n who_o accuse_v these_o divine_a book_n of_o ambiguity_n of_o obscurity_n of_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o error_n who_o say_v that_o the_o read_n of_o they_o be_v dangerous_a and_o more_o apt_a to_o corrupt_v and_o embroil_v the_o faithful_a then_o to_o instruct_v or_o edify_v they_o o_o holy_a apostle_n why_o do_v thou_o put_v so_o dangerous_a a_o book_n into_o our_o hand_n a_o book_n full_a of_o thorn_n and_o void_a of_o fruit_n why_o do_v thou_o order_v they_o to_o read_v it_o in_o their_o assembly_n to_o impart_v it_o unto_o neighbour_a church_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o read_v it_o also_o why_o do_v thou_o not_o fear_v the_o infect_v the_o spirit_n of_o thy_o innocent_a disciple_n and_o the_o ensnare_a of_o they_o in_o some_o heresy_n by_o the_o darkness_n of_o thy_o riddle_n or_o the_o sow_v of_o some_o disorder_n in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o thy_o expression_n dear_a brethren_n the_o apostle_n answer_v that_o his_o gospel_n be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v not_o cover_v but_o to_o unstable_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v engage_v in_o some_o evil_a passion_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v not_o any_o seed_n of_o error_n but_o a_o remedy_n against_o seduction_n a_o vessel_n full_a not_o of_o poison_n but_o of_o preservative_n and_o antidote_n but_o i_o perceive_v what_o the_o matter_n be_v the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o these_o gentleman_n dangerous_a because_o say_v nothing_o of_o their_o pope_n nor_o of_o their_o mass_n nor_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o saint_n and_o image_n nor_o of_o their_o purgatory_n and_o such_o other_o point_n nay_o saying_n many_o thing_n which_o be_v evident_o contrary_a unto_o they_o they_o easy_o induce_v those_o that_o read_v they_o with_o respect_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o doctrine_n have_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n and_o be_v never_o teach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n this_o book_n trouble_v they_o because_o they_o find_v not_o their_o reckon_n in_o it_o it_o be_v obscure_a because_o what_o they_o love_v do_v not_o there_o appear_v it_o be_v ambiguous_a because_o it_o pronounce_v nothing_o clear_o or_o express_o for_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o forsake_v furthermore_o this_o impart_v of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n unto_o the_o laodicean_n unto_o which_o the_o colossian_n be_v oblige_v by_o his_o order_n show_v we_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o charitable_a commerce_n between_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o reference_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n
that_o a_o church_n which_o have_v receive_v any_o grace_n from_o god_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n shall_v not_o envy_v it_o to_o other_o but_o affectionate_o communicate_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o may_v serve_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o this_o communion_n ought_v to_o have_v place_n particular_o between_o neighbour_a church_n as_o those_o of_o coloss_n and_o of_o laodicea_n be_v and_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o example_n and_o upon_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o it_o depend_v that_o the_o unite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o province_n and_o resort_n in_o the_o same_o class_n and_o synod_n be_v found_v a_o thing_n institute_v and_o observe_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n down_o to_o our_o day_n and_o still_o very_o profitable_o practise_v and_o keep_v up_o among_o we_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god._n this_o mutual_a communication_n of_o neighbour_a church_n appear_v yet_o further_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n order_v the_o colossian_n in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o read_v also_o the_o letter_n from_o laodicea_n after_o their_o impart_v to_o they_o he_o when_o this_o epistle_n say_v he_o have_v be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v also_o read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o read_v you_o also_o that_o which_o come_v or_o be_v write_v from_o laodicea_n it_o be_v demand_v what_o this_o second_o epistle_n whereof_o he_o speak_v shall_v be_v many_o theologue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o rome_n do_v answer_n that_o it_o be_v a_o letter_n which_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o faithful_a of_o laodicea_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o write_v this_o to_o the_o colossian_n whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o this_o piece_n be_v lose_v as_o well_o as_o divers_a other_o writing_n of_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o can_v be_v pretend_v that_o the_o canon_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v perfect_a and_o do_v contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o our_o salvation_n other_o again_o from_o thence_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n which_o give_v the_o scripture_n the_o authority_n they_o have_v among_o christian_n since_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n it_o have_v leave_v this_o in_o particular_a out_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o divine_a book_n and_o retain_v only_o those_o fourteen_o which_o be_v in_o our_o hand_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o find_v nor_o solid_a in_o their_o argue_v which_o conclude_v ill_a and_o presuppose_v what_o be_v false_a for_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n have_v write_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lose_v as_o i_o will_v not_o avouch_v that_o st._n paul_n and_o his_o fellow-brethren_n the_o apostle_n never_o write_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o any_o church_n but_o what_o be_v arrive_v down_o to_o we_o suppose_v it_o i_o say_v who_o tell_v they_o that_o this_o loss_n make_v the_o canon_n of_o our_o scripture_n defective_a who_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o letter_n some_o article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a unto_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o now_o have_v again_o who_o teach_v they_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n who_o authorize_v the_o divine_a book_n i_o grant_v she_o be_v the_o keeper_n and_o depositary_a of_o they_o as_o the_o synagogue_n sometime_o be_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n say_n that_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o her_o charge_n to_o preserve_v they_o and_o read_v they_o and_o recommend_v they_o to_o every_o one_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o her_o voice_n and_o testimony_n which_o give_v they_o the_o price_n and_o value_n they_o have_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o reference_n to_o faithful_a soul_n this_o in_o my_o opinion_n can_v be_v say_v without_o outrage_a the_o majesty_n of_o their_o author_n by_o make_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o wisdom_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o fantasy_n of_o man_n as_o the_o roman_n heretofore_o submit_v the_o worship_n and_o divinity_n of_o their_o god_n unto_o the_o decree_n of_o their_o senate_n they_o be_v not_o god_n except_o it_o so_o please_a man_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v conclude_v not_o that_o she_o have_v the_o power_n to_o authorise_v what_o divine_a book_n she_o please_v but_o rather_o that_o she_o have_v huge_o fail_v of_o her_o duty_n in_o have_v so_o ill_o keep_v a_o heavenly_a jewel_n but_o the_o worst_a yet_o be_v that_o all_o they_o talk_v about_o this_o pretend_a epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o laodicean_n be_v a_o vain_a conceit_n and_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o their_o imagination_n i_o well_o know_v that_o in_o our_o father_n day_n stapulensis_n day_n faber_n stapulensis_n a_o learned_a man_n do_v publish_v one_o under_o that_o name_n have_v find_v it_o in_o three_o or_o four_o library_n but_o the_o piece_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o so_o ridiculous_a that_o it_o have_v be_v reject_v equal_o on_o all_o hand_n as_o the_o work_n of_o a_o impostor_n who_o abuse_v his_o leisure_n forge_v this_o trifle_n and_o shameless_o father_v it_o upon_o st._n paul_n some_o of_o the_o ancient_n do_v also_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o script_n bear_v the_o same_o name_n whether_o it_o be_v different_a from_o this_o or_o do_v resemble_v it_o but_o the_o ancient_n that_o speak_v of_o it_o do_v all_o unanimous_o decry_v it_o as_o a_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o issue_v out_o of_o a_o heretical_a shop_n and_o frame_v at_o pleasure_n after_o st._n paul_n death_n martion_n tertuld_n 5._o c._n 1â—_n contra_fw-la martion_n and_o in_o truth_n one_o of_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n do_v declare_v that_o a_o famous_a heresiarch_n name_v martion_n have_v change_v the_o title_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st_n paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o instead_o of_o this_o name_n which_o it_o always_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n impudent_o call_v it_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n and_o read_v we_o do_v martion_n heres_fw-la 43._o contin_n martion_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n those_o word_n which_o epiphanius_n report_v to_o have_v be_v cite_v by_o martion_n out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n this_o have_v give_v gretius_n give_v gretius_n a_o certain_a writer_n occasion_n to_o fancy_v that_o st._n paul_n indeed_o send_v and_o address_v the_o same_o epistle_n to_o the_o laodicean_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o write_v to_o the_o ephesian_n these_o two_o church_n have_v have_v need_v of_o the_o same_o remedy_n and_o that_o its_o this_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n mean_v in_o this_o place_n will_v the_o colossian_n to_o take_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o read_v it_o in_o their_o assembly_n all_o this_o will_v pass_v if_o it_o be_v at_o all_o ground_a but_o it_o be_v too_o much_o confidence_n or_o credulity_n to_o think_v to_o persuade_v it_o we_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o martion_n the_o most_o impudent_a impostor_n that_o ever_o trouble_a the_o church_n and_o one_o that_o in_o particular_a play_v with_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n contract_v they_o maim_v they_o and_o change_a themat_n his_o pleasure_n with_o a_o infernal_a licence_n beside_o this_o supposition_n accord_v not_o with_o st._n paul_n word_n for_o he_o do_v not_o all_o say_v as_o these_o person_n pretend_v that_o the_o epistle_n in_o question_n be_v write_v to_o the_o laodicean_n true_a it_o be_v the_o latin_a interpreter_n have_v render_v it_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o laodicean_n but_o this_o will_v signify_v as_o every_o one_o see_v that_o the_o laodicean_n have_v write_v it_o and_o not_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o either_o from_o the_o apostle_n or_o from_o any_o other_o yet_o though_o the_o latin_a will_v suffer_v this_o rude_a gloss_n it_o be_v clear_a the_o original_n can_v be_v make_v to_o bear_v it_o without_o undertake_v as_o these_o new_a doctor_n do_v true_o with_o presumption_n enough_o to_o change_v the_o word_n of_o it_o which_o we_o find_v uniform_a in_o the_o greek_a copy_n and_o which_o the_o ancient_n observe_v there_o above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n ago_o for_o they_o clear_o import_v as_o our_o bible_n have_v faithful_o translate_v and_o represent_v that_o this_o epistle_n have_v be_v write_v or_o send_v from_o laodicea_n so_o that_o we_o must_v necessary_o ununderstand_v they_o with_o the_o ancient_a greek_a father_n of_o a_o epistle_n write_v not_o to_o the_o laodicean_n but_o from_o their_o city_n now_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o no_o more_o of_o it_o either_o here_o or_o elsewhere_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_n that_o