conscience_n as_o other_o but_o seek_v myself_o and_o please_v myself_o as_o they_o do_v and_o look_v no_o further_o but_o that_o be_v when_o i_o be_v alive_a to_o those_o way_n but_o now_o true_o i_o be_o dead_a to_o they_o and_o can_v you_o look_v for_o activity_n and_o conversation_n from_o a_o dead_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v still_o the_o same_o but_o i_o be_o not_o the_o same_o be_v you_o such_o a_o snake_n and_o a_o fool_n say_v the_o natural_a man_n as_o to_o bear_v affront_n and_o swallow_v they_o and_o say_v nothing_o can_v you_o suffer_v to_o be_v abuse_v so_o by_o such_o and_o such_o a_o wrong_n indeed_o say_v the_o christian_a again_o i_o can_v once_o have_v resent_v a_o injury_n as_o you_o or_o another_o and_o have_v somewhat_o of_o that_o you_o call_v high-heartedness_n when_o i_o be_v alive_a after_o your_o fashion_n but_o now_o that_o humour_n be_v not_o only_o something_o cool_v but_o it_o be_v kill_v in_o i_o it_o be_v cold_a dead_a as_o you_o say_v and_o a_o great_a spirit_n i_o think_v than_o my_o own_o have_v teach_v i_o another_o lesson_n have_v make_v i_o both_o deaf_a and_o dumb_a that_o way_n and_o have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a vent_n and_o another_o language_n and_o another_o party_n to_o speak_v to_o in_o such_o occasion_n see_v for_o this_o psal._n 38.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o they_o that_o seek_v my_o hurt_n speak_v mischievous_a thing_n and_o imagine_v deceit_n all_o the_o day_n long_o what_o do_v he_o in_o this_o cafe_z but_o i_o as_o a_o deaf_a man_n hear_v not_o and_o i_o be_v as_o a_o dumb_a man_n that_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n and_o why_o for_o in_o thou_o o_o lord_n do_v i_o hope_v and_o for_o this_o deadness_n that_o you_o despise_v i_o have_v see_v he_o that_o die_v for_o i_o who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o christian_a dead_a to_o sin_n but_o alas_o where_o be_v this_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v and_o yet_o thus_o be_v every_o one_o that_o true_o partake_v of_o christ_n he_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_v real_o hypocrite_n have_v a_o historical_a kind_n of_o death_n like_o this_o as_o players_z in_o tragedy_n those_o player_n have_v loose_a bag_n of_o blood_n that_o receive_v the_o wound_n so_o the_o hypocrite_n in_o some_o external_o and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v as_o near_o he_o as_o any_o outward_a thing_n his_o purse_n he_o may_v suffer_v some_o bloodshed_n of_o that_o for_o christ_n but_o this_o death_n to_o sin_n be_v not_o a_o sound_a fit_n that_o one_o may_v recover_v out_o of_o again_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 6._o add_v that_o he_o be_v bury_v but_o this_o be_v a_o unpleasant_a subject_n to_o talk_v thus_o of_o death_n and_o burial_n the_o very_a name_n of_o death_n in_o the_o soft_a sense_n it_o can_v have_v make_v a_o sour_a melancholy_a discourse_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o if_o you_o take_v it_o alone_o if_o there_o be_v not_o for_o the_o life_n that_o be_v lose_v a_o far_o better_a immediate_o follow_v but_o so_o it_o be_v here_o live_v unto_o righteousness_n succeed_v die_v to_o sin_n that_o which_o make_v natural_a death_n so_o affrightful_a the_o king_n of_o terror_n as_o job_n call_v it_o be_v main_o this_o faint_a belief_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o glory_n to_o come_v and_o without_o this_o all_o man_n moral_a resolve_n and_o discourse_n be_v too_o weak_a cordial_n against_o this_o fear_n they_o may_v set_v a_o good_a face_n on_o it_o and_o speak_v big_a and_o so_o cover_v the_o fear_n they_o can_v cure_v but_o certain_o they_o be_v a_o little_a ridiculous_a that_o will_v persuade_v man_n to_o be_v content_a to_o die_v by_o reason_v from_o the_o necessity_n and_o unavoydableness_n of_o it_o which_o take_v alone_o rather_o may_v beget_v a_o desperate_a discontent_n than_o a_o quiet_a compliance_n the_o very_a weakness_n of_o that_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o be_v too_o strong_a durum_fw-la telum_fw-la that_o of_o company_n be_v fantastic_a it_o may_v please_v the_o imagination_n but_o satisfy_v not_o the_o judgement_n nor_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n though_o somewhat_o proper_a a_o full_a persuasive_a for_o death_n the_o old_a decrepite_v most_o disease_a person_n yet_o natural_o fall_v not_o out_o with_o life_n but_o can_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o still_o and_o the_o very_a truth_n be_v this_o the_o worst_a cottage_n any_o dwell_v in_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o go_v out_o till_o they_o know_v of_o a_o better_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o which_o be_v so_o hideous_a to_o other_o be_v so_o sweet_a to_o martyr_n heb._n 11.35_o and_o other_o godly_a man_n that_o have_v hearty_o embrace_v death_n and_o welcome_v it_o though_o in_o very_o terrible_a shape_n be_v because_o they_o have_v firm_a assurance_n of_o immortality_n beyond_o it_o the_o ugly_a death_n head_n when_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n shine_v through_o the_o hole_n of_o it_o be_v comely_a and_o lovely_a to_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o eternitie_n birth_n day_n be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o aimiable_a hic_fw-la dies_fw-la postremus_fw-la aeterni_fw-la natolis_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o word_n i_o admire_v most_o of_o any_o heathen_a thus_o here_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o this_o death_n be_v the_o true_a notice_n and_o contemplation_n of_o this_o life_n unto_o which_o it_o set_v we_o over_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o represent_v this_o for_o a_o natural_a man_n have_v as_o great_a a_o aversion_n every_o whit_n from_o this_o figurative_a death_n this_o die_a to_o sin_n as_o from_o natural_a death_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o necessity_n of_o persuade_v he_o to_o this_o because_o his_o consent_n be_v necessary_a to_o it_o no_o man_n die_v this_o death_n to_o sin_n unwilling_o although_o no_o man_n be_v natural_o wil_v to_o it_o much_o of_o this_o death_n consist_v in_o a_o man_n consent_v thus_o to_o die_v and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o lawful_a but_o a_o laudable_a yea_o a_o necessary_a self_n murder_n mortify_v therefore_o your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n say_v the_o apostle_n col._n 3.5_o now_o no_o sinner_n will_v be_v content_a to_o die_v to_o sin_n if_o that_o be_v all_o but_o if_o it_o be_v pass_v to_o a_o more_o excellent_a life_n than_o he_o gain_v and_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n not_o to_o seek_v this_o death_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a power_n of_o plato_n discourse_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n that_o move_v a_o young_a man_n upon_o read_v it_o to_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o sea_n that_o he_o may_v leap_v through_o it_o to_o that_o immortality_n but_o true_o be_v this_o life_n of_o god_n this_o life_n to_o righteousness_n and_o the_o excellency_n and_o delight_n of_o it_o know_v it_o will_v gain_v many_o mind_n to_o this_o death_n that_o step_v into_o it_o 1_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o new_a be_v to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o new_a act_n and_o motion_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v while_o you_o serve_v sin_n you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n so_o it_o be_v while_o you_o be_v alive_a to_o sin_v you_o be_v dead_a to_o righteousness_n but_o there_o be_v a_o new_a breath_n of_o life_n from_o heaven_n breathe_v on_o the_o soul_n then_o live_v the_o soul_n indeed_o when_o it_o be_v one_o with_o god_n and_o see_v light_a in_o his_o light_n have_v a_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o soveraigne_o love_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o his_o will_n and_o that_o be_v indeed_o to_o live_v unto_o righeousness_n which_o in_o a_o comprehensive_a sense_n take_v in_o all_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n by_o this_o new_a nature_n the_o very_a natural_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o take_v be_v obedience_n to_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n it_o can_v no_o more_o live_v in_o the_o habitude_n and_o way_n of_o sin_n than_o a_o man_n can_v live_v under_o water_n sin_n be_v not_o the_o christian_n element_n it_o be_v too_o gross_a for_o his_o renew_v soul_n as_o the_o water_n be_v for_o his_o body_n he_o may_v fall_v into_o it_o but_o he_o can_v breathe_v in_o it_o can_v take_v delight_n and_o continue_v to_o live_v in_o it_o but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o walk_n that_o his_o soul_n refresh_v itself_o in_o he_o love_v it_o entire_o and_o love_v it_o most_o where_o it_o most_o cross_v the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o he_o he_o bend_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o please_v god_n aim_v all_o at_o that_o it_o take_v up_o his_o thought_n early_o and_o late_o
still_o cleave_v to_o sin_n and_o love_v sin_n better_o than_o he_o that_o suffer_v for_o it_o but_o you_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n have_v deep_o humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n come_v to_o this_o depth_n of_o consolation_n and_o try_v it_o that_o you_o may_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o â—iches_n of_o it_o study_v this_o point_n thorough_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o answer_v all_o and_o quiet_a your_o conscience_n apply_v this_o bear_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o you_o for_o it_o be_v publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o you_o for_o this_o purpose_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o true_a use_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n not_o â—emptily_o to_o gaze_v on_o the_o fabric_n of_o it_o but_o to_o cure_v those_o that_o look_v on_o it_o when_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v say_v against_o you_o '_o its_o true_a may_v you_o say_v but_o it_o be_v satisfy_v for_o he_o on_o who_o i_o rest_v make_v it_o he_o and_o do_v bear_v it_o for_o i_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n of_o more_o worth_n than_o all_o man_n yea_o than_o all_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o his_o life_n a_o full_a ransom_n for_o the_o great_a offender_n and_o for_o outward_a trouble_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o this_o place_n they_o be_v all_o make_v exceed_v light_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o great_a pressure_n let_v the_o lord_n lie_v on_o i_o what_o he_o will_v see_v he_o have_v take_v off_o my_o sin_n and_o lay_v that_o on_o his_o own_o son_n in_o my_o stead_n i_o may_v suffer_v many_o thing_n but_o he_o have_v bâ—rn_v that_o for_o i_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v i_o miserable_a and_o you_o that_o have_v this_o persuasion_n how_o will_v your_o heart_n be_v take_v up_o with_o his_o love_n who_o thus_o love_v you_o as_o to_o give_v himself_o for_o you_o and_o by_o interpose_v himself_o to_o bear_v off_o from_o you_o the_o stroke_n of_o everlasting_a death_n and_o that_o encounter_v all_o the_o wrath_n due_a to_o we_o and_o go_v through_o with_o that_o great_a work_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a love_n let_v he_o never_o go_v forth_o from_o my_o heart_n who_o for_o my_o sake_n refuse_v to_o go_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n shall_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a have_v not_o make_v the_o least_o of_o his_o work_n to_o no_o purpose_n in_o wisdom_n have_v he_o make_v they_o all_o say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o that_o be_v not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o excellent_a frame_n and_o order_n but_o of_o their_o end_n which_o be_v a_o chief_a point_n of_o wisdom_n so_o then_o to_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o this_o great_a work_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v of_o special_a concern_v to_o understand_v what_o be_v this_o end_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n thâ—t_v his_o wisdom_n and_o love_n aim_v at_o in_o that_o great_a undertake_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v our_o true_a wisdom_n and_o the_o true_a evidence_n of_o our_o reflex_n love_n to_o intend_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o in_o this_o the_o same_o mind_n may_v be_v in_o we_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o and_o for_o this_o very_a end_n be_v it_o express_v in_o this_o there_o be_v 3._o thing_n one_a what_o this_o death_n and_o life_n be_v 2._o the_o intendment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 3._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o by_o they_o whatsoever_o this_o be_v sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a change_n that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a and_o last_v natural_a change_n that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o death_n and_o then_o another_o kind_n of_o life_n succeed_v to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o the_o great_a part_n be_v mistake_v that_o they_o take_v any_o light_a alteration_n in_o themselves_o for_o true_a conversion_n there_o be_v a_o world_n delude_v with_o superficial_a moral_a change_n in_o their_o life_n some_o rectify_v of_o their_o outward_a action_n and_o course_n of_o life_n and_o somewhat_o too_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o habitude_n of_o their_o mind_n far_o from_o reach_v the_o bottom_n of_o nature_n wickedness_n and_o lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n it_o be_v such_o a_o work_n as_o man_n can_v make_v a_o shift_n withal_o by_o themselves_o but_o the_o renovation_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v be_v like_o himself_o so_o deep_a and_o through_o a_o work_n that_o it_o be_v just_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o substantial_a work_n and_o production_n a_o new_a birth_n and_o more_o than_o that_o a_o new_a creation_n and_o here_o a_o death_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o life_n follow_v it_o this_o death_n to_o sin_n suppose_v a_o former_a live_n in_o it_o and_o to_o it_o and_o while_o a_o man_n be_v so_o he_o be_v say_v indeed_o to_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o yet_o withal_o this_o be_v true_a that_o he_o live_v in_o sin_n as_o the_o apostle_n join_v the_o expression_n speak_v of_o widow_n she_o that_o live_v in_o pleasure_n be_v dead_a while_o she_o live_v so_o eph._n 2._o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o he_o add_v wherein_o you_o walk_v which_o import_v a_o life_n such_o a_o one_o as_o it_o be_v and_o more_o express_o verse_n 3_o we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n now_o thus_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v call_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o it_o because_o in_o that_o condition_n man_n be_v indeed_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o divine_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o happy_a be_v which_o it_o shall_v have_v in_o union_n with_o god_n for_o which_o it_o be_v make_v and_o without_o which_o it_o have_v better_a not_o be_v at_o all_o for_o that_o life_n as_o it_o be_v different_a from_o its_o natural_a be_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o life_n above_o it_o so_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o corrupt_a be_v and_o life_n it_o have_v in_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o it_o be_v a_o deprivement_n of_o that_o divine_a be_v that_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o god_n in_o comparison_n whereof_o not_o only_o the_o base_a life_n it_o have_v in_o sin_n but_o the_o very_a natural_a life_n it_o have_v in_o the_o body_n and_o the_o body_n by_o it_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o life_n you_o see_v the_o body_n when_o the_o thread_n of_o its_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n be_v cut_v become_v not_o only_o straightway_o a_o motionless_a lump_n but_o within_o a_o little_a time_n a_o putrify_a noisome_a carcase_n and_o thus_o the_o soul_n by_o sin_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o god_n who_o be_v its_o life_n as_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o body_n it_o have_v not_o only_a no_o move_a faculty_n in_o good_a but_o fill_v full_a of_o rotteness_n and_o vileness_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 14._o they_o be_v go_v aside_o and_o become_v filthy_a the_o soul_n by_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n turn_v filthy_a yet_o as_o a_o man_n thus_o spiritual_o dead_a life_n natural_o so_o because_o he_o act_n and_o spend_v that_o natural_a life_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v say_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n yea_o there_o be_v somewhat_o more_o in_o that_o expression_n than_o the_o mere_a pass_v of_o his_o life_n in_o that_o way_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o happy_a life_n his_o soul_n shall_v have_v in_o god_n he_o please_v himself_o in_o the_o miserable_a life_n of_o sin_n that_o which_o be_v his_o death_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a life_n of_o his_o soul_n that_o natural_a propension_n he_o have_v to_o sin_n and_o the_o continual_a delight_n he_o take_v in_o it_o as_o in_o his_o element_n and_o live_v to_o it_o as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o be_v in_o that_o estate_n his_o body_n nor_o his_o mind_n stir_v not_o without_o sin_n set_v aside_o his_o manifest_a breach_n of_o the_o law_n those_o action_n that_o be_v evident_o and_o total_o sinful_a his_o natural_a action_n his_o eat_n and_o drink_v his_o religious_a action_n his_o pray_v and_o hear_v and_o preach_v be_v sin_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o general_o his_o heart_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o forge_n of_o sin_n every_o imagination_n every_o fiction_n of_o thing_n frame_v there_o be_v only_o evil_a continual_o or_o every_o day_n and_o all_o the_o day_n long_o it_o be_v his_o very_a trade_n and_o life_n now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o life_n of_o sin_n live_v in_o it_o and_o to_o it_o a_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o die_v to_o sin_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o separate_v from_o it_o in_o
cherubim_n wonder_v how_o guilty_a man_n escape_v their_o flame_a sword_n and_o re-enter_v paradise_n the_o angel_n see_v that_o their_o companion_n that_o fall_v be_v not_o restore_v but_o their_o room_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n and_o they_o envy_v it_o not_o which_o mystery_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o and_o this_o be_v add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o these_o word_n for_o the_o extol_n of_o it_o the_o angel_n look_v upon_o what_o they_o have_v see_v already_o fulfil_v with_o delight_n and_o admiration_n and_o what_o remain_v namely_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a work_n in_o the_o end_n of_o time_n they_o look_v upon_o with_o desire_n to_o see_v it_o finish_v it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a glance_n they_o take_v of_o it_o but_o they_o fix_v their_o eye_n and_o look_v steadfast_o on_o it_o viz._n that_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v add_v see_v of_o angel_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n draw_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o glorious_a spirit_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o wonder_n to_o see_v the_o almighty_a godhead_n join_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o of_o a_o infant_n he_o that_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n bind_v up_o in_o swaddle_a clothes_n and_o to_o pass_v all_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o life_n this_o be_v beyond_o all_o admiration_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o that_o his_o love_n and_o rebellious_a mankind_n move_v he_o both_o to_o take_v on_o and_o lay_v down_o that_o life_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o angel_n admire_v those_o thing_n and_o delight_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o they_o view_v they_o steadfast_o and_o we_o neglect_v they_o either_o we_o consider_v they_o not_o at_o all_o or_o give_v they_o but_o a_o transient_a look_n half_o a_o eye_n that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n both_o for_o their_o own_o time_n and_o to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o we_o regard_v not_o and_o turn_v our_o eye_n to_o foolish_a wander_a thought_n which_o angel_n be_v ashamed_a at_o they_o be_v not_o so_o concern_v in_o this_o great_a mystery_n as_o we_o be_v they_o be_v but_o mere_a beholder_n in_o comparison_n of_o we_o yea_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v loser_n someway_o that_o our_o nature_n in_o itself_o inferior_a to_o they_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n exalt_v above_o they_o heb._n 2.16_o we_o bow_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o study_v and_o grovel_v in_o it_o take_v into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o it_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o look_v not_o within_o it_o but_o they_o have_v no_o will_n nor_o desire_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a flame_n of_o fire_n burn_v only_o in_o love_n to_o he_o be_v no_o less_o delight_v then_o amaze_v with_o the_o bottomless_a wonder_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n shine_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v our_o shame_n and_o our_o folly_n that_o we_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o our_o thought_n in_o poor_a childish_a thing_n and_o trifle_v away_o our_o day_n we_o know_v not_o how_o and_o let_v these_o rich_a mystery_n lie_v unregarded_a they_o look_v up_o upon_o the_o deity_n in_o itself_o with_o continual_a admiration_n but_o that_o they_o look_v down_o to_o this_o mystery_n be_v another_o wonder_n we_o give_v they_o a_o ear_n in_o public_a and_o in_o a_o cold_a formal_a way_n stop_v conscience_n mouth_n with_o some_o religious_a performance_n in_o private_a and_o no_o more_o but_o to_o have_v deep_a and_o frequent_a thought_n and_o to_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n once_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o now_o in_o glory_n how_o few_o of_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o we_o see_v here_o excellent_a company_n and_o example_n not_o only_o of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v but_o we_o have_v they_o fellow-servant_n and_o fellow-student_n if_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o we_o may_v all_o study_v the_o same_o lesson_n with_o the_o very_a angel_n and_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n with_o they_o this_o the_o soul_n do_v that_o often_o entertain_v itself_o with_o the_o delightful_a admiration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o verse_n 13._o wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a and_o hope_v to_o the_o end_n for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o you_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o great_a error_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o error_n of_o life_n be_v the_o divert_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n and_o turn_v downward_o to_o in_o feriour_a confidence_n and_o comfort_n and_o this_o mischoyce_n be_v the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n therefore_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o untie_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n from_o the_o world_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o god_n as_o their_o only_a rest_n and_o solid_a comfort_n and_o this_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n mark_v at_o which_o all_o the_o precede_a discourse_n aim_v it_o all_o meet_v and_o terminate_v in_o this_o exhortation_n wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o word_n be_v those_o 3_o thing_n 1._o the_o great_a stay_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o apostle_n repeat_v and_o represent_v to_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n 2._o his_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o right_a apprehension_n and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o inference_n of_o that_o exhortation_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o comfort_n be_v the_o grace_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n some_o for_o grace_n read_v joy_n have_v as_o it_o seem_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v not_o more_o near_o one_o to_o a_o other_o than_o the_o thing_n they_o signify_v grace_n and_o joy_n but_o '_o its_o most_o common_o thus_o read_v the_o estate_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o of_o glory_n be_v not_o only_o so_o inseparable_o connex_v but_o so_o like_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yea_o so_o essentia_o the_o same_o that_o the_o same_o expression_n in_o scripture_n do_v often_o fit_a both_o of_o they_o and_o so_o fit_v they_o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a for_o which_o of_o the_o two_o to_o understand_v they_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v not_o great_a see_v they_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o one_o grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v and_o glory_n grace_v complete_v both_o often_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o grace_n here_o bring_v to_o they_o be_v either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reveal_v and_o that_o grace_n in_o he_o for_o all_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o hold_v in_o he_o his_o precious_a name_n run_v throw_v it_o all_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v full_o perfect_v at_o the_o last_o and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o this_o rather_o i_o take_v it_o here_o for_o that_o the_o apostle_n near_o forego_v word_n be_v concern_v that_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o here_o as_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n which_o though_o often_o put_v for_o faith_n yet_o in_o its_o proper_a notion_n look_v out_o to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v call_v by_o itself_o and_o not_o turn_v into_o the_o name_n of_o merit_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o obedience_n and_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o have_v go_v before_o it_o yea_o even_o the_o salvation_n to_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o be_v call_v grace_n but_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o certain_o none_o that_o partake_v of_o grace_n will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n or_o ever_o admit_v the_o mixture_n of_o the_o least_o notion_n of_o self_n deserve_v though_o much_o dispute_n have_v be_v bestow_v on_o this_o and_o question_n multiply_v in_o the_o disputant_n hand_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o controversy_n one_o grow_v out_o of_o another_o yet_o true_o i_o think_v the_o debate_n in_o this_o to_o be_v but_o waste_n it_o be_v not_o only_a against_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o grace_n itself_o in_o the_o soul_n but_o even_o against_o sound_a reason_n to_o imagine_v any_o merit_a proper_o take_v in_o any_o mere_a creature_n at_o his_o creator_n hand_n who_o have_v give_v he_o his_o be_v of_o which_o gift_n all_o his_o service_n and_o
affection_n may_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o it_o to_o this_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o death_n verse_n 25._o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o like_o himself_o and_o carry_v so_o the_o image_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o together_o it_o be_v sometime_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o word_n so_o heb._n 14.12_o and_o so_o here_o but_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n see_v there_o be_v truth_n in_o both_o and_o pertinency_n too_o for_o they_o that_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o extol_n of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o subject_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v like_o he_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v here_o that_o these_o word_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v call_v live_v as_o here_o heb._n 4._o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v express_o repeat_v of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o prophet_n word_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o learned_a man_n that_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n i_o remember_v not_o that_o this_o abide_n for_o ever_o be_v use_v to_o express_v god_n eternity_n in_o himself_o howsoever_o this_o incorruptible_a seed_n be_v the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a word_n of_o the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a god_n and_o be_v therefore_o such_o because_o he_o who_o it_o be_v be_v such_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n of_o the_o word_n only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a life_n because_o the_o word_n be_v enliven_a and_o live_v therefore_o they_o with_o who_o it_o be_v effectual_a and_o into_o who_o heart_n it_o be_v receive_v be_v beget_v again_o and_o make_v alive_a by_o it_o and_o because_o the_o word_n be_v incorruptible_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o therefore_o that_o life_n beget_v by_o it_o be_v such_o too_o can_v perish_v nor_o be_v cut_v down_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n no_o this_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o certain_a beginning_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n of_o glory_n and_o shall_v end_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o end_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v abolish_v but_o surpass_v the_o endurance_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o man_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o that_o word_n to_o undo_v it_o be_v as_o vain_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v consult_v to_o pluck_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v immortal_a and_o incorruptible_a where_o it_o be_v once_o receive_v by_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v obliterated_a again_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v destroy_v it_o although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o diligent_a in_o their_o attempt_n that_o way_n and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n by_o his_o word_n have_v breathe_v into_o their_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v many_o and_o strong_a enemy_n such_o as_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o hold_v out_o against_o yet_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o promise_n sake_n he_o will_v maintain_v that_o life_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o its_o perfection_n god_n will_v perfect_v that_o which_o concern_v i_o say_v the_o psalm_a it_o be_v gross_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o that_o be_v thus_o renew_v can_v be_v unborn_a again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v but_o once_o of_o one_o kind_n though_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n here_o in_o this_o spiritual_a life_n yet_o not_o to_o death_n any_o more_o not_o to_o such_o way_n of_o finning_n as_o will_v extinguish_v this_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v here_o give_v the_o permanence_n and_o incorruptibleness_n of_o this_o word_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o general_a way_n and_o not_o to_o know_v what_o that_o word_n be_v but_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o that_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o we_o be_v this_o very_a word_n of_o so_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o of_o which_o these_o high_a thing_n be_v speak_v that_o it_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o surpass_v all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o although_o deliver_v by_o weak_a man_n the_o apostle_n and_o by_o far_o weak_a than_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a ministry_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o lose_v none_o of_o its_o own_o virtue_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o first_o owner_n and_o author_n of_o it_o the_o â—verliving_a god_n who_o by_o it_o beget_v his_o choose_a unto_o life_n eternal_a this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v learn_v thus_o to_o hear_v and_o thus_o to_o receive_v and_o esteem_v and_o love_v this_o holy_a this_o live_a word_n to_o despise_v all_o the_o glister_a vanity_n of_o this_o perish_a life_n all_o outward_a pomp_n yea_o all_o inward_a worth_n all_o wisdom_n and_o natural_a endowment_n of_o mind_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o we_o rather_o to_o hazard_v all_o than_o lose_v that_o and_o banish_v all_o other_o thing_n from_o that_o place_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o to_o lodge_v it_o alone_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o our_o only_a treasure_n here_o and_o the_o certain_a pledge_n of_o that_o treasure_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n to_o which_o bless_a state_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o amen_n chap._n second_o 1_o pet._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1.2_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n verse_n 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o same_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o manifest_v itself_o in_o give_v be_v to_o his_o creature_n appear_v likewise_o in_o their_o sustain_n and_o preservation_n to_o give_v be_v be_v the_o first_o and_o to_o support_v it_o be_v the_o continue_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o goodness_n thus_o it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n and_o in_o the_o second_o in_o the_o first_o the_o creature_n to_o which_o he_o give_v life_n he_o provide_v with_o convenient_a nourishment_n to_o uphold_v that_o life_n gen·_n 1_o so_o here_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o the_o proper_a food_n of_o that_o life_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n by_o which_o we_o there_o find_v it_o to_o be_v beget_v that_o be_v here_o the_o nourishment_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v here_o exhort_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o to_o esteem_v and_o so_o to_o use_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n obs._n in_o general_n the_o word_n the_o principle_n and_o the_o support_n of_o our_o spiritual_a be_v be_v both_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n and_o the_o incorruptible_a food_n of_o that_o new_a life_n of_o grace_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o incorruptible_a life_n and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a thought_n even_o of_o we_o that_o hear_v this_o word_n be_v far_o below_o the_o true_a excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o the_o stream_n of_o custom_n and_o our_o profession_n bring_v we_o hither_o and_o we_o sit_v out_o our_o hour_n under_o the_o sound_n of_o this_o word_n but_o how_o few_o consider_v and_o prize_v it_o as_o the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o beginner_n and_o the_o sustainer_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n of_o grace_n within_o we_o and_o certain_o until_o we_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o seek_v to_o feel_v it_o thus_o ourselves_o although_o we_o hear_v it_o most_o frequent_o and_o slip_v no_o occasion_n yea_o hear_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o some_o present_a delight_n yet_o still_o we_o miss_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o from_o its_o true_a end_n while_o we_o take_v it_o not_o as_o that_o engraft_a word_n
which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n thus_o ought_v they_o that_o preach_v to_o speak_v it_o to_o endeavour_v their_o utmost_a to_o accommodate_v it_o to_o this_o end_n that_o sinner_n may_v be_v convert_v beget_v again_o and_o believer_n nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n to_o regard_v no_o low_a end_n but_o aim_v steady_o at_o that_o mark_n their_o heart_n and_o tongue_n ought_v to_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o love_n to_o soul_n kindle_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o come_v down_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v remember_v this_o as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o hear_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n by_o the_o word_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o poor_a despicable_a business_n that_o a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o yourselves_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n in_o your_o hear_n yet_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o way_n wherein_o god_n communicate_v happiness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o work_v that_o believe_v unto_o happiness_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o new_a creation_n as_o it_o beget_v it_o again_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n consider_v it_o thus_o which_o be_v its_o true_a notion_n and_o then_o what_o can_v be_v so_o precious_a let_v the_o world_n disesteem_v it_o as_o they_o will_v know_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foollishness_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o if_o you_o will_v have_v life_n and_o growth_n by_o it_o you_o must_v look_v above_o the_o poor_a worthless_a messenger_n and_o call_v in_o his_o almighty_a help_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n as_o the_o philosopher_n affirm_v that_o if_o the_o heaven_n shall_v stand_v still_o there_o will_v be_v no_o generation_n nor_o flourish_v of_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o it_o be_v the_o move_a and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o make_v the_o church_n fruitful_a will_v you_o do_v this_o before_o you_o come_v here_o present_v the_o blindness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o the_o deadness_n of_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n here_o be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o thou_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o word_n i_o will_v find_v life_n and_o strength_n in_o it_o but_o neither_o can_v i_o that_o hear_v nor_o he_o that_o speak_v make_v it_o thus_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n say_v thou_o the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o it_o be_v light_a in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n continue_v the_o resemblance_n of_o that_o new_a birth_n he_o mention_v chap._n 1._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n be_n not_o satisfy_v with_o your_o self_n till_o you_o find_v some_o evidence_n of_o this_o new_a this_o supernatural_a life_n there_o be_v delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n in_o its_o low_a condition_n that_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o look_v after_o it_o if_o we_o know_v they_o the_o most_o can_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o those_o consider_v therefore_o the_o end_n of_o it_o better_o never_o to_o have_v be_v than_o not_o to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o this_o new_a be_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sure_o they_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o shall_v one_o day_n wish_v they_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v what_o a_o poor_a wretched_a thing_n be_v the_o life_n that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a heap_n of_o folly_n and_o misery_n now_o if_o we_o will_v share_v in_o a_o happy_a being_n after_o it_o that_o life_n that_o end_v not_o it_o must_v begin_v here_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o life_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o one_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o other_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v call_v they_o two_o several_a life_n yet_o the_o one_o be_v the_o undoubted_a pledge_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a word_n for_o a_o heathen_a to_o say_v that_o that_o day_n of_o death_n we_o fear_v so_o aeterninatalis_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o birth_n day_n of_o eternity_n thus_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o those_o that_o be_v here_o bear_v again_o this_o new_a birth_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o sure_a earnest_n and_o counter-pawn_n of_o that_o birth_n day_n of_o glory_n why_o do_v we_o not_o then_o labour_v to_o make_v this_o certain_a by_o the_o former_a be_v it_o not_o a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o spend_v our_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o than_o lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n for_o ever_o to_o disregard_n the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n while_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v provident_a for_o it_o and_o then_o when_o its_o go_v out_o cry_v quo_fw-la nunc_fw-la abibis_fw-la whither_o be_v thou_o go_v o_o my_o soul_n but_o this_o new_a life_n put_v we_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o fear_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n say_v st._n john_n speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v pass_v there_o be_v no_o repass_v no_o go_v back_o from_o this_o life_n to_o death_n again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v the_o same_o that_o st._n john_n call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o partake_v of_o it_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n the_o second_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o the_o weak_a beginning_n of_o grace_n in_o comparison_n of_o further_a strength_n attainable_a even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v sometime_o express_v as_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o and_o so_o believer_n ought_v not_o to_o continue_v infant_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v reprovable_a in_o they_o as_o we_o see_v eph._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o &_o 1_o cor._n 14.20_o heb._n 5.12_o though_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o new_a convert_v and_o so_o may_v possible_o imply_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o beginning_n of_o grace_n yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o infancy_n be_v here_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o agree_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o best_a estate_n of_o his_o spiritual_a life_n here_o below_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o milk_n here_o recommend_v be_v answerable_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o infancy_n and_o not_o to_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o those_o cite_a place_n where_o it_o mean_v the_o easy_a and_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o it_o as_o to_o strong_a meat_n but_o here_o it_o signfy_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o its_o wholesome_a and_o save_a truth_n as_o the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v a_o stand_a exhortation_n for_o all_o christian_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o the_o whole_a estate_n and_o course_n of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n here_o be_v call_v there_o infancy_n not_o only_o as_o oppose_v to_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o old_a man_n but_o likewise_o as_o signify_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o at_o its_o best_a in_o this_o life_n compare_v with_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o the_o weak_a beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v nothing_o so_o far_o below_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o possible_a in_o this_o life_n as_o that_o high_a degree_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n so_o that_o if_o one_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v call_v infancy_n in_o respect_n of_o another_o much_o more_o be_v all_o grace_n infancy_n in_o respect_n of_o glory_n and_o sure_o as_o for_o time_n the_o time_n of_o our_o present_a life_n be_v far_o less_o to_o eternity_n than_o the_o time_n of_o our_o natural_a infancy_n be_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v still_o call_v but_o new_a or_o late_o bear_v our_o best_a pace_n and_o strong_a walk_v in_o obedience_n here_o be_v but_o as_o the_o step_v of_o child_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o go_v by_o hold_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n in_o glory_n when_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o lamb_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v all_o our_o knowledge_n here_o be_v but_o the_o ignorance_n of_o infant_n and_o all_o our_o expression_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o as_o the_o first_o stammering_n of_o child_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o he_o hereafter_o