not_o to_o set_v up_o ourselves_o by_o they_o but_o to_o perfect_v this_o unity_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o faith_n in_o knowledge_n and_o that_o so_o we_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n grow_v up_o into_o christ_n the_o head_n vers._n 7._o to_o 16._o second_o the_o world_n towards_o they_o we_o must_v walk_v wise_o chap._n 5._o 15._o first_o take_v heed_n of_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o any_o evil_a nay_o of_o countenance_v the_o least_o evil_n in_o they_o chap._n 4._o 17._o chap._n 5._o 7._o 11._o second_o redeem_v the_o time_n from_o they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v for_o converse_v with_o god_n three_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o we_o can_v to_o they_o while_o we_o be_v with_o they_o both_o which_o be_v include_v in_o that_o phrase_n of_o redeem_v the_o time_n vers._n 16._o three_o those_o in_o near_a relation_n to_o we_o whether_o bring_v home_o to_o christ_n or_o in_o their_o natural_a condition_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o strict_a law_n of_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v debtor_n to_o they_o in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o fail_v in_o towards_o they_o be_v they_o superior_a or_o inferior_a how_o ever_o they_o act_v towards_o we_o chap._n 5._o vers._n 22._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 6._o to_o vers._n 10._o our_o engagement_n to_o christ_n do_v not_o set_v we_o free_a from_o our_o relation_n and_o duty_n in_o any_o kind_n to_o man_n but_o only_o lay_v a_o bond_n on_o he_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o free_a spirit_n and_o power_n to_o fill_v up_o what_o we_o owe_v in_o every_o relation_n christ_n give_v we_o not_o freedom_n from_o but_o freedom_n unto_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n 4._o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n not_o to_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o from_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v god_n in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o love_n mercy_n wisdom_n power_n and_o grace_n nor_o from_o this_o walk_a worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n by_o any_o enemy_n any_o temptation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o in_o any_o kind_n chap._n 6._o 10._o 11._o but_o to_o stand_v arm_v against_o our_o enemy_n who_o be_v spiritual_o mighty_a and_o lay_v the_o sore_a temptatious_a and_o bait_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n vers._n 12._o we_o be_v to_o stand_v arm_v thus_o 1._o with_o a_o understanding_n have_v its_o light_n clear_a about_o it_o and_o with_o a_o will_n have_v a_o holy_a disposition_n ready_a to_o act_v in_o any_o kind_n god_n shall_v please_v to_o call_v it_o out_o unto_o vers._n 14._o to_o have_v a_o understanding_n ready_a to_o put_v forth_o itself_o know_v how_o to_o carry_v itself_o how_o to_o obey_v how_o to_o suffer_v how_o to_o embrace_v how_o to_o resist_v and_o a_o will_v gracious_o dispose_v to_o either_o whensoever_o god_n shall_v call_v it_o forth_o our_o loin_n common_o be_v ungirt_a our_o light_n be_v to_o seek_v our_o grace_n hang_v loose_a about_o we_o that_o we_o be_v unfit_a to_o act_v for_o god_n at_o all_o much_o more_o unfit_a to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o that_o opposition_n which_o we_o be_v still_o likely_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o every_o spiritual_a undertake_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o piece_n of_o armour_n we_o lie_v open_a to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n 2._o with_o a_o holy_a resolution_n to_o act_v for_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o light_n he_o shall_v give_v in_o to_o the_o conscience_n to_o meddle_v with_o no_o evil_a to_o omit_v no_o duty_n of_o any_o kind_n this_o be_v that_o breastplate_n that_o keep_v the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n pure_a and_o safe_a vers._n 14._o when_o the_o devil_n doâ—s_v not_o find_v we_o resolve_v against_o sin_n or_o resolve_v for_o duty_n be_v it_o how_o it_o will_v with_o we_o he_o common_o take_v we_o in_o his_o snare_n 3._o with_o affection_n take_v with_o the_o sweet_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o ready_a to_o hold_v out_o these_o truth_n for_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v out_o its_o way_n into_o man_n heart_n vers._n 15._o trouble_n and_o â—fflictions_n we_o meet_v with_o within_o and_o without_o will_v quick_o damp_n our_o affection_n if_o they_o be_v not_o well_o fence_v with_o these_o 4._o with_o faith_n over_o all_o these_o defend_v even_o these_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o in_o other_o respect_n by_o faith_n by_o faith_n interpose_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n between_o we_o and_o every_o enemy_n that_o may_v come_v to_o assault_v we_o in_o these_o or_o in_o any_o other_o respect_n that_o may_v come_v to_o ungird_v we_o and_o make_v we_o unfit_a to_o act_v to_o damp_n our_o holy_a resolution_n for_o god_n to_o deaden_v our_o affection_n towards_o the_o sweet_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o christ_n or_o to_o wound_v we_o with_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o faith_n be_v a_o true_a shield_n it_o defend_v both_o the_o person_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o armour_n as_o we_o know_v a_o shield_n do_v the_o devil_n can_v prevail_v in_o any_o point_n against_o a_o believe_a soul_n vers._n 16._o alas_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o ourselves_o do_v no_o good_a avoid_v no_o evil_a all_o our_o strength_n lie_v in_o trust_v god_n with_o ourselves_o in_o every_o condition_n and_o with_o every_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o help_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o manage_v it_o as_o he_o please_v for_o we_o 5._o with_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o grace_n both_o for_o eternity_n and_o from_o any_o present_a distress_n in_o god_n time_n because_o many_o seem_a misery_n may_v befall_v the_o believe_a soul_n contradiction_n to_o his_o prayer_n desire_n faith_n yea_o to_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o he_o he_o must_v have_v a_o helmet_n of_o hope_n vers._n 17._o as_o well_o as_o a_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v up_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o fear_v look_v up_o to_o god_n what_o ever_o befall_v he_o 6._o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o live_a word_n the_o word_n which_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n this_o will_v kill_v all_o false_a reason_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o christ_n this_o will_v make_v enemy_n fly_v from_o the_o soul_n for_o they_o hate_v the_o word_n of_o life_n they_o know_v it_o be_v their_o death_n and_o it_o will_v also_o make_v the_o soul_n itself_o subject_a unto_o christ_n vers._n 17._o and_o all_o this_o and_o every_o thing_n else_o must_v be_v do_v by_o prayer_n vers._n 18._o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o not_o gain_v this_o armour_n not_o put_v it_o on_o not_o use_v it_o all_o must_v be_v do_v by_o prayer_n by_o entreat_v another_o to_o do_v it_o for_o we_o we_o can_v believe_v we_o must_v prâ—y_o for_o faith_n neither_o can_v we_o pray_v we_o must_v believe_v for_o prayer_n we_o can_v do_v either_o both_o must_v flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n oh_o how_o be_v we_o strip_v when_o every_o motion_n send_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o another_o and_o yet_o withal_o tell_v we_o we_o be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o or_o step_v the_o least_o step_n towards_o that_o other_o and_o we_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n catch_v opportunity_n to_o breathe_v out_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n to_o do_v that_o in_o we_o which_o he_o bid_v we_o do_v not_o be_v discourage_v with_o any_o difficulty_n but_o persevere_v in_o our_o request_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n vers._n 18._o behold_v o_o christian_n thy_o spiritual_a employment_n thy_o easy_a and_o painful_a employment_n easy_a to_o thy_o spirit_n painful_a to_o thy_o flesh_n and_o as_o yet_o somewhat_o painful_a to_o thy_o spirit_n also_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o cumberance_n of_o thy_o flesh_n the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o spirit_n the_o power_n and_o fury_n of_o thy_o adversary_n finis_fw-la
by_o night_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n from_o god_n one_o who_o have_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o come_v to_o make_v it_o know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o give_v christ_n the_o ground_n which_o induce_v he_o thus_o to_o believe_v which_o be_v because_o of_o the_o sign_n he_o show_v the_o wonder_n he_o do_v which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v unless_o god_n be_v with_o he_o those_o thing_n he_o do_v be_v beyond_o the_o work_n of_o any_o human_a power_n therefore_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v with_o that_o person_n who_o do_v they_o he_o come_v as_o one_o that_o will_v be_v a_o disciple_n though_o he_o come_v not_o so_o open_o as_o other_o do_v and_o at_o his_o first_o salute_n he_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o heaven_n by_o god_n render_v his_o reason_n withal_o whereby_o he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o so_o judge_v which_o be_v no_o mean_a one_o neieher_n but_o draw_v from_o the_o mighty_a thing_n christ_n do_v wherein_o the_o very_a power_n of_o god_n do_v appear_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n evidence_v unto_o it_o that_o live_a spring_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v and_o the_o presâ—â—â—â—_n of_o that_o live_a spring_n with_o he_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o verse_n in_o the_o three_o verse_n christ_n appli_v himself_o to_o his_o particular_a state_n wish_v he_o to_o consider_v the_o ground_n whence_o this_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o do_v arise_v tell_v he_o plain_o that_o true_a faith_n must_v arise_v from_o another_o root_n then_o sight_n of_o his_o miracle_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o very_o very_o etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v mark_v what_o i_o say_v i_o know_v what_o i_o speak_v very_o very_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o so_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v that_o state_n of_o life_n and_o blessedness_n which_o god_n have_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v that_o state_n of_o death_n and_o misery_n man_n lie_v in_o by_o nature_n so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n man_n be_v advance_v to_o by_o grace_n philip_n preach_v the_o thing_n concerning_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n act._n 8._o 12._o he_o open_v the_o life_n and_o blessedness_n that_o belong_v to_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o into_o it_o to_o see_v this_o kingdom_n be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n wherewith_o we_o behold_v every_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o eye_n no_o man_n have_v but_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v from_o above_o this_o eye_n do_v not_o lie_v hide_v in_o nature_n and_o so_o only_o want_v somewhat_o to_o clear_v it_o and_o draw_v forth_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o it_o belong_v to_o a_o new_a birth_n he_o that_o be_v beget_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n he_o have_v this_o eye_n in_o he_o and_o none_o else_o therefore_o nicodemus_n consider_v thy_o mistake_n thou_o think_v because_o thou_o see_v by_o a_o eye_n of_o reason_n that_o i_o be_o come_v from_o god_n and_o be_v draw_v by_o thy_o reason_n and_o ingenuity_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v it_o that_o therefore_o thou_o believe_v no_o no_o nicodemus_n if_o thou_o have_v faith_n it_o arise_v from_o another_o ground_n then_o the_o sight_n of_o my_o miracle_n it_o come_v from_o a_o new_a birth_n in_o thou_o though_o god_n may_v make_v this_o useful_a to_o thou_o also_o to_o help_v thou_o to_o believe_v but_o if_o thy_o faith_n have_v no_o better_a groundwork_n than_o this_o it_o be_v like_o the_o forementioned_a faith_n of_o those_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n vers._n 23._o who_o i_o dare_v not_o i_o can_v own_v as_o disciple_n oh_o weigh_v and_o consider_v this_o all_o wise_a and_o ingenuous_a man_n behold_v your_o snare_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o also_o which_o may_v help_v to_o enervate_a the_o force_n of_o it_o that_o sight_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v draw_v to_o by_o a_o power_n of_o reason_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o reason_n itself_o can_v withstand_v as_o miracle_n be_v we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v as_o not_o true_a and_o spiritual_a it_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o reason_n not_o of_o faith_n it_o be_v such_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o natural_a man_n not_o from_o the_o spiritual_a man_n it_o be_v that_o act_n the_o eye_n that_o be_v in_o we_o before_o put_v forth_o not_o the_o new_a eye_n oh_o see_v how_o man_n be_v quite_o out_o in_o seek_v after_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o every_o kind_n they_o call_v for_o reason_n for_o evidence_n to_o have_v it_o bring_v by_o such_o hand_n as_o no_o man_n can_v just_o refuse_v ah_o they_o shall_v call_v for_o new_a eye_n or_o least_o for_o god_n discover_v his_o truth_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n to_o their_o eye_n which_o all_o the_o miracle_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v they_o may_v by_o miracle_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o rational_a sight_n and_o so_o to_o a_o present_a acknowledgement_n of_o truth_n but_o never_o to_o a_o spiritual_a sight_n which_o alone_a â—s_n satisfactory_a and_o which_o alone_o wâ—ll_v be_v last_v verse_n 4._o nicodemus_n apprehend_v this_o spiritual_a truth_n very_o carnal_o and_o gross_o of_o a_o fleshly_a birth_n of_o the_o fleshly_a part_n and_o it_o seem_v a_o direct_a absurdity_n to_o he_o what_o christ_n have_v now_o affirm_v he_o think_v he_o have_v catch_v the_o great_a master_n who_o he_o acknowledge_v just_a now_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n in_o a_o trap_n and_o he_o so_o express_v it_o as_o if_o christ_n have_v overshoot_v himself_o and_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o when_o he_o be_v old_a be_v there_o any_o possibility_n of_o this_o can_v he_o enter_v the_o second_o time_n into_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o be_v bear_v verse_n 5._o christ_n do_v not_o abate_v any_o thing_n of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o affirm_v it_o again_o with_o the_o same_o vehemency_n further_o open_v and_o confirm_v it_o jesus_n answer_v very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v thou_o come_v to_o be_v a_o disciple_n to_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n will_v thou_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n of_o blessedness_n that_o i_o come_v to_o preach_v thou_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o and_o not_o carnal_o not_o of_o carnal_a thing_n but_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o better_a apprehend_v of_o this_o let_v we_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o these_o ensue_a particular_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o water_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n 3._o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o what_o this_o enter_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v which_o none_o none_o can_v do_v but_o that_o person_n which_o it_o bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o water_n by_o water_n be_v mean_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n wherein_o eternal_a life_n consist_v if_o thou_o have_v know_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n thou_o will_v have_v ask_v of_o he_o and_o he_o will_v have_v give_v thou_o live_a water_n ioh._n 4._o 10._o what_o be_v this_o live_a water_n why_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v ioh._n 17._o 3._o the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n be_v often_o express_v in_o scripture_n by_o this_o term_n of_o water_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o rain_n my_o speech_n shall_v distil_v as_o the_o dew_n deut._n 32._o 2._o and_o is._n 55._o 10._o heb._n 6._o 7._o as_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n whence_o all_o the_o life_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o creature_n flow_v whether_o natural_a is._n 65._o 9_o or_o spiritual_a ier._n 2._o 13._o so_o those_o beam_n of_o eternal_a light_n those_o stream_n forth_o of_o life_n which_o issue_n out_o from_o god_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v water_n from_o this_o fountain_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n it_o note_v that_o fundamental_a and_o radical_a change_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o
heart_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n convey_v thither_o and_o work_v there_o there_o be_v three_o great_a effect_n of_o this_o water_n it_o beget_v it_o wash_v it_o nourish_v it_o beget_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n it_o beget_v a_o man_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o live_n and_o active_a water_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v beget_v and_o bear_v or_o at_o least_o the_o vessel_n that_o live_a vessel_n which_o contain_v it_o it_o be_v that_o also_o wherewith_o he_o be_v wash_v after_o he_o be_v bear_v though_o there_o be_v a_o wash_n with_o blood_n too_o and_o it_o nourish_v he_o after_o he_o be_v both_o bear_v and_o wash_v he_o live_v upon_o the_o very_a same_o water_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o and_o with_o it_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o effect_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o that_o strike_v that_o water_n have_v in_o the_o generation_n and_o birth_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n he_o be_v bear_v of_o it_o it_o be_v by_o let_v in_o these_o water_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o into_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n change_v it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o new_a our_o change_n in_o our_o spirit_n and_o our_o conversion_n to_o god_n proceed_v from_o and_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o that_o power_n of_o truth_n that_o god_n let_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o to_o that_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n rom._n 6._o 17._o iam._n 1._o 1â—_z as_o our_o first_o change_n from_o god_n be_v by_o drink_v of_o the_o devil_n water_n which_o be_v water_n of_o darkness_n and_o death_n water_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n so_o this_o great_a change_n to_o god_n again_o be_v wrought_v by_o drink_v of_o god_n water_n his_o spiritual_a water_n of_o life_n which_o be_v his_o truth_n which_o he_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o deceit_n at_o all_o but_o they_o be_v clear_a live_a and_o substantial_a 3._o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v to_o have_v this_o change_n from_o these_o water_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n a_o man_n can_v never_o change_v his_o own_o heart_n by_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n that_o must_v do_v it_o this_o water_n be_v too_o spiritual_a a_o seed_n for_o any_o man_n to_o sow_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n no_o man_n no_o creature_n can_v sow_v another_o seed_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n seed_n and_o he_o must_v sow_v it_o if_o it_o be_v sow_v christ_n himself_o open_v and_o illustrate_v this_o further_a in_o the_o eight_o verse_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n breathe_v his_o own_o breath_n blow_v his_o own_o blast_n make_v his_o own_o sound_n of_o life_n himself_o in_o our_o spirit_n and_o thus_o be_v we_o bear_v of_o he_o it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o change_v a_o man_n can_v make_v by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a truth_n nay_o by_o the_o light_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n work_v they_o upon_o his_o heart_n with_o never_o so_o much_o pain_n that_o will_v amount_v to_o a_o new_a birth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n breathe_v this_o seed_n into_o he_o and_o form_v he_o into_o a_o new_a creature_n by_o this_o seed_n as_o it_o be_v water_n or_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v so_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o beget_v and_o that_o he_o do_v of_o his_o own_o inclination_n too_o iam._n 1._o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n 4._o what_o be_v it_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v his_o spiritual_a dominion_n in_o christ_n to_o which_o every_o spiritual_a thing_n belong_v and_o in_o which_o all_o spiritual_a excellency_n and_o blessedness_n be_v lay_v up_o to_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n be_v by_o a_o spiritual_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o come_v within_o the_o verge_n and_o bound_n of_o it_o even_o that_o very_a act_n which_o nicodemus_n be_v speak_v of_o vers._n 3._o namely_o a_o act_n of_o true_a say_v by_o lay_v hold_n on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o become_v one_o with_o he_o a_o man_n present_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o entrance_n into_o this_o kingdom_n now_o say_v christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v this_o who_o be_v not_o first_o new_a bear_v he_o can_v never_o true_o mount_v upward_o who_o earthly_a nature_n be_v not_o first_o change_v a_o man_n may_v talk_v of_o spiritual_a glory_n and_o his_o right_n unto_o they_o but_o of_o a_o truth_n he_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n nor_o can_v by_o true_a faith_n who_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o and_o that_o both_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v life_n and_o blessedness_n from_o he_o require_v a_o birth_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v a_o new_a birth_n of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n precede_v there_o without_o which_o the_o person_n be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o again_o of_o water_n and_o that_o not_o of_o his_o own_o form_v neither_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n form_v and_o then_o by_o faith_n he_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n and_o become_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o without_o this_o birth_n foregoing_a can_v be_v do_v vers._n 6._o in_o this_o verse_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o position_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n or_o else_o a_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n for_o that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a act_n and_o a_o man_n can_v act_v no_o high_o than_o he_o be_v and_o he_o be_v not_o spiritual_a he_o be_v but_o flesh_n if_o he_o be_v bear_v but_o of_o flesh_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n flesh_n here_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o its_o latitude_n but_o for_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v powerful_a in_o spiritual_a generation_n and_o production_n for_o that_o power_n of_o man_n together_o with_o the_o mean_n and_o engine_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o whether_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a whereby_o he_o work_v a_o change_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n or_o upon_o other_o in_o imitation_n of_o that_o change_n which_o god_n alone_o do_v and_o can_v work_v by_o his_o spirit_n nature_n reason_n art_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o can_v possible_o desire_v or_o have_v nature_n enlighten_v and_o purify_v by_o reason_n and_o art_n nature_n furnish_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n with_o desire_n to_o be_v like_o god_n to_o recover_v his_o image_n to_o obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o flesh_n and_o do_v more_o direct_o thus_o reach_v the_o state_n of_o nicodemus_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v who_o present_a conviction_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n miracle_n meet_v with_o his_o reason_n and_o ingenuity_n then_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o more_o gross_a sense_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n denote_v the_o great_a change_n that_o possible_o can_v be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n by_o this_o power_n with_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o it_o can_v use_v the_o change_n be_v so_o great_a that_o a_o man_n be_v new_o bear_v become_v a_o new_a man_n be_v change_v inside_n and_o outside_n both_o to_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o other_o it_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o that_o work_n whereby_o god_n bring_v a_o man_n forth_o a_o new_a man_n the_o flesh_n will_v take_v his_o tool_n set_v about_o his_o work_n and_o seem_v to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n bring_v forth_o the_o new_a birth_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o substance_n it_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o flesh_n this_o birth_n when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v use_v all_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n he_o can_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o flesh_n the_o fruit_n can_v have_v no_o more_o virtue_n or_o strength_n and_o spirituality_n than_o the_o root_n have_v from_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v which_o be_v but_o flesh_n and_o though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o spiritual_a engine_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o flesh_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n for_o those_o engine_n can_v work_v of_o themselves_o and_o the_o flesh_n can_v make_v they_o work_v
our_o sinfulness_n from_o our_o filthiness_n by_o the_o same_o blood_n eph._n 1._o 17._o second_o we_o be_v make_v son_n and_o have_v a_o son-like_a inheritance_n we_o be_v make_v god_n portion_n and_o god_n be_v make_v our_o portion_n vers._n 5._o and_o 11._o three_o we_o have_v all_o we_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n chap._n 2._o 18._o and_o chap._n 3._o 12._o who_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o we_o need_v free_o and_o to_o put_v we_o upon_o pray_v for_o every_o thing_n we_o need_v and_o also_o upon_o believe_v and_o wait_v that_o we_o may_v miss_v of_o no_o mercy_n his_o grace_n have_v design_v we_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o as_o of_o his_o own_o household_n chap._n 2._o 19_o he_o will_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o our_o grow_n up_o as_o he_o be_v of_o the_o foundation_n he_o have_v lay_v to_o bottom_n we_o upon_o vers._n 20._o 21._o ii_o we_o further_o suck_v in_o and_o better_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o compare_v our_o present_a state_n with_o our_o former_a we_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a we_o be_v darkness_n but_o now_o be_v light_a we_o be_v curse_v with_o all_o spiritual_a curse_n in_o adam_n but_o now_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v without_o god_n without_o hope_n stranger_n to_o life_n and_o blessedness_n but_o now_o we_o be_v in_o god_n and_o full_a of_o hope_n and_o every_o way_n nigh_o unto_o he_o and_o every_o excellency_n in_o he_o chap._n 2._o 1._o 2_o 3._o and_o vers._n 6._o 12._o 13._o and_o chap._n 1._o 3._o 2._o to_o admire_v that_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n who_o have_v do_v this_o for_o we_o who_o have_v make_v such_o a_o sweet_a change_n in_o our_o condition_n 1_o admire_v that_o great_a love_n wherewith_o they_o love_v we_o which_o be_v work_v from_o all_o eternity_n to_o effect_v that_o for_o we_o which_o now_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o amain_o chap._n 2._o 4._o chap._n 3._o 19_o 2_o admire_v that_o abundant_a freegrace_n that_o have_v make_v no_o spare_a of_o any_o thing_n for_o we_o but_o have_v act_v full_o according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o love_n chap._n 1._o 7._o chap._n 2._o 5._o and_o 7._o there_o be_v but_o two_o precious_a life_n the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n have_v give_v we_o they_o both_o to_o recover_v we_o from_o death_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v for_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o life_n the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o we_o 3_o admire_v that_o rich_a mercy_n wherein_o all_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o every_o day_n unkindness_n even_o against_o christ_n and_o his_o precious_a gospel_n and_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o sweet_a spirit_n be_v continual_o bury_v chap._n 2._o 4._o 4_o admire_v that_o various_a that_o manifold_a that_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o chap._n 3._o 10._o which_o lay_v all_o the_o plot_n of_o love_n and_o which_o work_v we_o up_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n and_o near_a and_o near_o to_o our_o happiness_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pull_v back_n in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o world_n in_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o our_o condition_n which_o all_o almost_o distemper_v we_o that_o though_o we_o be_v untoward_a under_o every_o thing_n and_o in_o danger_n by_o every_o thing_n yet_o we_o lose_v nothing_o 5_o admire_v the_o mighty_a power_n which_o have_v thus_o translate_v we_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n which_o daily_o preserve_v we_o from_o â—â—lling_v back_o again_o and_o be_v often_o mighty_o work_v in_o we_o to_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o further_a degree_n of_o perfection_n chap._n 1._o 19_o 20._o chap._n 3._o â—0_n 3._o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o this_o bless_a gospel_n state_n chap._n 4._o 1._o wherein_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o christ_n our_o head_n wherein_o we_o have_v so_o many_o precious_a privilege_n at_o present_a and_o hope_n for_o the_o future_a wherein_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o break_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n in_o ourselves_o too_o to_o live_v like_o man_n that_o live_v upon_o a_o new_a principle_n from_o god_n and_o in_o god_n and_o to_o god_n walk_v it_o note_v our_o whole_a course_n all_o the_o service_n we_o be_v now_o to_o perform_v to_o christ_n who_o we_o be_v and_o who_o alone_o we_o be_v now_o to_o serve_v in_o care_n over_o our_o own_o heart_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n in_o our_o calling_n in_o our_o converse_n in_o every_o thing_n this_o walk_a worthy_a principal_o appear_v in_o our_o manner_n of_o act_v towards_o man_n whereof_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n 1_o our_o fellow-christian_o 2_o the_o world_n and_o 3_o person_n that_o stand_v in_o outward_a relation_n to_o we_o first_o our_o fellow-christian_n and_o special_o those_o in_o church-communion_n with_o we_o for_o they_o be_v those_o god_n have_v more_o special_o set_v we_o to_o walk_v with_o they_o be_v those_o with_o who_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o worship_n and_o who_o we_o must_v especial_a love_n and_o of_o who_o we_o must_v especial_a take_v care_n and_o watch_v over_o now_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o act_n towards_o they_o must_v be_v 1._o with_o all_o humbleness_n and_o meekness_n with_o low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o and_o in_o a_o meet_a manner_n chap._n 4._o 2._o 2._o with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n vers._n 2._o we_o must_v not_o be_v apt_a to_o apprehend_v injury_n or_o seek_v recompense_n for_o injury_n but_o suffer_v long_o and_o forbear_v one_o another_o and_o not_o simple_o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v forbear_v we_o much_o and_o forgive_v we_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v but_o from_o the_o love_n we_o bear_v one_o to_o another_o from_o a_o tender_a brotherly_a affection_n and_o in_o a_o tender_a brotherly_a manner_n 3._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v our_o great_a aim_n and_o endeavour_v in_o our_o act_n one_o towards_o another_o vers._n 3._o to_o keep_v up_o unity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v a_o sinful_a unity_n a_o carnal_a unity_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n no_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n must_v bind_v up_o no_o such_o unity_n in_o it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v war_n with_o and_o opposition_n against_o all_o such_o unity_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o unity_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o god_n have_v lay_v among_o we_o who_o have_v make_v we_o perfect_o one_o in_o spiritual_n be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o body_n have_v all_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o life_n run_v in_o we_o have_v all_o the_o same_o hope_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o end_n all_o the_o same_o lord_n to_o serve_v all_o the_o same_o way_n of_o union_n with_o he_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o own_v of_o he_o all_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n who_o beget_v we_o all_o vers._n 4._o 5_o 6._o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v we_o have_v all_o also_o the_o same_o enemy_n and_o the_o same_o danger_n now_o god_n have_v lay_v such_o a_o foundation_n of_o unity_n in_o all_o our_o spirit_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o unity_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o to_o rent_v one_o from_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v make_v we_o one_o humbleness_n take_v away_o the_o root_n of_o contention_n which_o be_v the_o bane_n of_o all_o society_n quick_o eat_v out_o both_o the_o sweetness_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o for_o that_o still_o flow_v from_o pride_n pride_n beget_v pride_n feed_v contention_n a_o man_n that_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o himself_o have_v little_a mind_n to_o contend_v it_o be_v height_n of_o spirit_n that_o blow_v up_o the_o fire_n of_o contention_n meekness_n take_v away_o the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n which_o arise_v much_o from_o a_o rough_a harsh_a manner_n of_o expression_n a_o meek_a spirit_n as_o it_o seldom_o take_v occasion_n of_o contention_n but_o quiet_o let_v it_o pass_v so_o it_o seldom_o give_v other_o occasion_n to_o contend_v with_o it_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o contention_n when_o occasion_n be_v give_v but_o beside_o all_o these_o there_o must_v be_v a_o endeavour_n a_o industry_n use_v to_o keep_v up_o true_a and_o spiritual_a unity_n 4._o the_o apostle_n direct_v we_o how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o several_a gift_n profitable_o according_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v which_o be_v