Selected quad for the lemma: doctrine_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
doctrine_n believe_v faith_n justification_n 2,510 5 8.9827 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A35753 XLIX sermons upon the whole Epistle of the Apostle St. Paul to the Colossians in three parts / by ... Mr. John Daille ...; Sermons. English. Selections Daillé, Jean, 1594-1670.; F. S. 1672 (1672) Wing D114; ESTC R13556 714,747 490

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be_v the_o only_a source_n thereof_o to_o render_v he_o thanks_o for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a tribute_n this_o liberal_a lord_n demand_v of_o we_o for_o so_o many_o benefit_n as_o he_o communicate_v daily_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o ourselves_o if_o our_o lowness_n and_o poverty_n render_v we_o incapable_a of_o other_o acknowledgement_n let_v we_o at_o least_o faithful_o acquit_v we_o of_o this_o so_o easy_a a_o one_o and_o so_o rightful_a and_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n 13._o psalm_n 116.12_o 13._o what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o benefit_n be_v upon_o i_o i_o will_v take_v the_o cup_n of_o deliverance_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o eternal_a one._n let_v we_o study_v with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o care_n to_o render_v this_o sacred_a due_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o how_o much_o more_o black_a and_o detestable_a the_o ingratitude_n of_o man_n be_v in_o this_o behalf_n far_o from_o blessing_n he_o for_o the_o 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last_o word_n of_o this_o text_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o colossian_n have_v conceive_v so_o high_a a_o hope_n of_o which_o say_v he_o you_o have_v hear_v heretofore_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o gospel_n this_o sovereign_a bliss_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heaven_n be_v so_o high_o raise_v above_o nature_n that_o neither_o subtlety_n of_o sense_n nor_o vivacity_n of_o reason_n nor_o even_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n can_v discover_v it_o to_o we_o much_o less_o give_v we_o the_o hope_n thereof_o 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o same_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v destroy_v death_n have_v bring_v to_o light_n life_n and_o immortality_n by_o the_o gospel_n before_o this_o they_o be_v either_o entire_o unperceived_a or_o imperfect_o know_v and_o hope_v for_o it_o be_v therefore_o precise_o from_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o draw_v both_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o they_o he_o call_v the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n not_o 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necessary_a for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o propose_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n unto_o they_o general_a thing_n do_v not_o much_o stir_v we_o they_o must_v be_v touch_v in_o particular_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v proper_a for_o these_o two_o operation_n as_o s._n paul_n express_o note_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteoussness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o servant_n or_o his_o minister_n may_v be_v accomplish_v and_o perfect_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n such_o then_o as_o the_o lord_z have_v honour_v with_o this_o sacred_a ministry_n shall_v labour_v both_o in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o of_o these_o two_o performance_n and_o make_v account_n that_o he_o call_v they_o not_o simple_o to_o teach_v but_o also_o to_o admonish_v for_o this_o here_o be_v not_o the_o pew_n of_o a_o professor_n of_o mathematics_n or_o physic_n who_o have_v no_o other_o business_n but_o to_o explain_v the_o secret_n of_o those_o science_n to_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o this_o chair_n have_v be_v prepare_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o conduct_v of_o man_n to_o salvation_n not_o mere_o to_o make_v they_o understand_v but_o to_o give_v they_o everlasting_a life_n to_o illuminate_v their_o mind_n to_o form_v their_o life_n unto_o holiness_n to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o satan_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god._n faithful_a brethren_n since_o you_o know_v that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o charge_n you_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a or_o ill_o that_o we_o execute_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n among_o you_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v a_o tender_a ear_n they_o willing_o hear_v information_n and_o 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the_o pastor_n of_o our_o adver_n sary_n dea_fw-la with_o their_o flock_n we_o can_v wish_v as_o yerwhile_o moses_n do_v that_o all_o god_n people_n wer●_n prophet_n it_o be_v a_o science_n that_o admit_v all_o age_n all_o sex_n and_o all_o condition_n of_o man_n the_o author_n of_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n have_v so_o temper_v it_o as_o it_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o sort_n of_o person_n there_o be_v in_o it_o deep_n to_o exercise_n and_o humble_v the_o great_a spirit_n there_o be_v facility_n to_o instruct_v and_o content_v the_o least_o it_o be_v a_o abyss_n where_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o a_o shallow_a where_o lamb_n may_v wade_v but_o as_o all_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o science_n so_o there_o be_v no_o person_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o it_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o spring_n of_o piety_n the_o root_n of_o sanctity_n the_o seed_n of_o true_a life_n study_v it_o careful_o harken_v to_o the_o teach_n of_o 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be_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n less_o ardent_a or_o less_o obstinate_a in_o set_v upon_o you_o we_o be_v all_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o war_n and_o have_v all_o need_n of_o the_o same_o arm_n be_v it_o captain_n only_o and_o officer_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v arm_v be_v it_o not_o necessary_a for_o private_a soldier_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o armour_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o public_a magazine_n whence_o both_o one_o and_o the_o other_o shall_v fetch_v it_o but_o that_o it_o may_v do_v you_o service_n at_o your_o need_n this_o knowledge_n must_v be_v also_o deep_o radicate_v in_o your_o heart_n you_o must_v have_v it_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o shall_v not_o slight_o
he_o shall_v entertain_v not_o man_n or_o angel_n but_o the_o king_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n the_o prince_n of_o life_n and_o father_n of_o eternity_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o aristotle_n or_o a_o plato_n or_o of_o a_o father_n or_o a_o pope_n and_o in_o short_a of_o any_o man_n whatever_o do_v not_o thereupon_o receive_v the_o author_n of_o the_o doctrine_n himself_o because_o no_o man_n have_v either_o the_o power_n or_o the_o mean_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o those_o that_o credit_v his_o instruction_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o of_o a_o nature_n a_o wisdom_n and_o a_o power_n infinite_a he_o accompany_v his_o own_o gospel_n and_o communicate_v himself_o to_o those_o that_o receive_v it_o he_o dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n he_o there_o shed_v abroad_o the_o light_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o bring_v thither_o with_o he_o peace_n and_o life_n and_o joy_n now_o to_o close_v up_o this_o part_n take_v heed_n you_o do_v not_o stretch_v s._n paul_n word_n beyond_o his_o intention_n as_o if_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o general_o every_o one_o shall_v hold_v to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o never_o part_n with_o what_o he_o have_v once_o receive_v whatever_o the_o thing_n be_v which_o he_o have_v believe_v and_o whoever_o the_o person_n be_v that_o deliver_v they_o god_n forbid_v that_o a_o imagination_n so_o sottish_a and_o pernicious_a and_o so_o very_o far_o from_o the_o apostle_n mind_n shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o your_o heart_n by_o this_o account_n those_o that_o have_v be_v in_o a_o error_n shall_v do_v well_o not_o to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o such_o as_o have_v take_v poison_n instead_o of_o a_o remedy_n to_o cast_v it_o away_o neither_o shall_v point_v of_o honour_n and_o generosity_n be_v urge_v in_o this_o case_n perseverance_n in_o a_o error_n once_o know_v be_v not_o constancy_n but_o obstinateness_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o true_a generosity_n to_o confess_v one_o fault_n and_o forsake_v it_o and_o it_o be_v clear_o a_o seebleness_n of_o spirit_n not_o to_o let_v go_v what_o be_v false_a or_o naught_o upon_o the_o pretence_n that_o you_o have_v the_o ill_a hap_n to_o close_v sometime_o with_o it_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v be_v better_a to_o have_v reject_v it_o at_o first_o but_o settle_v in_o it_o after_o conviction_n be_v a_o double_n of_o your_o fault_n and_o infelicity_n and_o as_o for_o honour_n it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a extravagancy_n to_o place_v it_o in_o thing_n contrary_a to_o duty_n and_o virtue_n if_o error_n be_v honourable_a i_o shall_v yield_v that_o he_o that_o confirm_v himself_o in_o it_o be_v a_o man_n of_o honour_n but_o since_o quite_o contrary_a all_o confess_v as_o be_v most_o evident_o true_a that_o error_n be_v a_o shameful_a thing_n and_o blame-worthy_a who_o see_v not_o but_o that_o true_a honour_n oblige_v we_o to_o 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ancestor_n receive_v and_o all_o which_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v be_v constant_o and_o open_o preach_v among_o we_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o from_o father_n to_o son_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o more_o as_o yourselves_o can_v deny_v dear_a brethren_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o exhortation_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o favour_v their_o cause_n that_o quite_o contrary_a it_o overthrow_v it_o and_o set_v up_o we_o for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v he_o do_v not_o positive_o determine_v that_o every_o one_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o his_o teacher_n god_n forbid_v since_o by_o that_o mean_n he_o shall_v have_v oblige_v the_o pagan_a to_o remain_v eternal_o in_o his_o idolatry_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o ancestor_n and_o the_o heretic_n in_o the_o error_n his_o master_n have_v infuse_v into_o he_o and_o the_o musulman_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o mahomet_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o tradition_n 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paul_n or_o the_o other_o apostle_n preach_v can_v they_o ever_o show_v we_o that_o mass_n and_o that_o purgatory_n and_o that_o worship_v of_o saint_n and_o in_o one_o word_n any_o of_o those_o other_o article_n which_o they_o retain_v and_o we_o have_v relinquish_v every_o one_o see_v how_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v vary_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v void_a his_o cross_n and_o his_o kingdom_n cause_v man_n to_o seek_v the_o expiation_n and_o purge_v away_o of_o their_o sin_n otherwhere_a than_o in_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o attribute_v to_o creature_n the_o honour_n of_o invocation_n and_o of_o preside_v over_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o alone_o but_o that_o other_o mark_v which_o s._n paul_n give_v of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o do_v less_o yet_o accord_v with_o they_o namely_o its_o have_v be_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o not_o one_o word_n of_o they_o be_v find_v in_o 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man_n follow_v unto_o way_n which_o lead_v some_o to_o one_o end_n some_z to_z another_z for_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a meaning_n thereby_o the_o apprehension_n and_o maxim_n by_o which_o they_o lead_v their_o life_n therefore_o it_o say_v walk_v to_o signify_v live_v or_o lead_v and_o order_v the_o life_n as_o therefore_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o way_n so_o his_o apostle_n enjoin_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o that_o be_v to_o lead_v our_o life_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o affection_n and_o action_n according_a to_o his_o holy_a gospel_n without_o any_o forsake_v it_o to_o take_v another_o course_n judge_v all_o that_o vary_v from_o it_o to_o be_v folly_n how_o plausible_a soever_o it_o may_v appear_v otherways_o and_o as_o a_o prudent_a and_o advise_v traveller_n never_o leave_v his_o road_n but_o put_v on_o in_o 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be_v the_o duty_n of_o each_o true_a believer_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o not_o pass_v a_o day_n without_o improvement_n 〈◊〉_d piety_n yet_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n 〈◊〉_d scope_n of_o which_o be_v simple_o to_o oblige_v we_o unto_o perseverance_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n beside_o what_o he_o add_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n do_v sufficient_o 〈…〉_o commend_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o where_o he_o show_v we_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o 〈◊〉_d in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v root_v say_v he_o and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o faith_n as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o abound_v therein_o with_o thanksgiving_n in_o these_o word_n he_o prescribe_v we_o three_o thing_n firmness_n of_o faith_n the_o abound_a
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prophet_n have_v he_o reveal_v they_o to_o what_o apostle_n have_v he_o signify_v they_o of_o what_o evangelist_n have_v themselves_o learn_v they_o sure_o they_o must_v here_o be_v hush_v of_o necessity_n they_o have_v not_o see_v one_o of_o these_o pretend_a mystery_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god._n they_o can_v show_v we_o any_o tract_n of_o they_o any_o where_o except_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fancy_n of_o plato_n and_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o disciple_n of_o daemon_n and_o not_o of_o god_n man_n teach_v in_o the_o school_n of_o error_n and_o not_o in_o that_o of_o truth_n they_o proceed_v further_o yet_o and_o make_v we_o discourse_n about_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n and_o distribute_v to_o they_o their_o business_n and_o cut_v they_o out_o their_o ministration_n they_o rank_v the_o saint_n and_o give_v to_o they_o each_o his_o charge_n and_o employment_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v they_o how_o these_o spirit_n be_v in_o heaven_n do_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o request_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o see_v the_o secret_a motion_n of_o our_o heart_n they_o answer_v some_o of_o they_o that_o the_o mirror_n of_o the_o trinity_n upon_o which_o they_o incessant_o have_v their_o eye_n do_v present_v they_o all_o the_o idea_n of_o they_o other_o that_o god_n reveal_v they_o to_o they_o some_o other_o way_n but_o whence_o do_v they_o know_v this_o it_o be_v neither_o sense_n nor_o natural_a reason_n that_o have_v show_v it_o they_o if_o therefore_o they_o have_v see_v it_o any_o where_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o god._n yet_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o that_o neither_o this_o pretend_a mirror_n nor_o any_o one_o of_o their_o other_o conjecture_n do_v appear_v there_o at_o all_o ●_o cajetan_n in_o 22._o q._n 88_o a._n ●_o and_o one_o of_o their_o most_o fame_a author_n sufficient_o declare_v it_o we_o do_v not_o know_v say_v he_o by_o any_o certain_a reason_n whether_o the_o saint_n do_v perceive_v our_o prayer_n or_o no_o although_o we_o do_v pious_o believe_v it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v piety_n and_o not_o pitiful_a credulity_n to_o believe_v thing_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n but_o let_v he_o make_v what_o account_n of_o it_o he_o please_v this_o be_v evident_a that_o since_o he_o confess_v they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v confess_v also_o that_o it_o be_v extreme_o ill_o do_v of_o they_o to_o intrude_v into_o they_o except_o he_o will_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o condemn_v those_o here_o most_o express_o who_o intrude_v into_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v this_o vanity_n do_v further_a show_v itself_o in_o the_o thing_n they_o give_v out_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n in_o their_o fabulous_a purgatory_n the_o situation_n the_o structure_n and_o partition_n whereof_o they_o represent_v together_o with_o the_o fire_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v there_o imprison_v with_o such_o a_o deal_n of_o confidence_n as_o if_o they_o be_v just_a now_o come_v from_o thence_o after_o many_o year_n stay_v in_o the_o place_n nevertheless_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o ancestor_n ever_o see_v one_o jot_n of_o it_o either_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n or_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n any_o where_o of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o imagination_n that_o which_o they_o say_v of_o their_o transubstantiation_n with_o its_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v present_a in_o every_o crumb_n of_o their_o host_n and_o in_o every_o drop_n of_o their_o chalice_n their_o position_n likewise_o concern_v their_o pretend_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o concern_v the_o relative_a or_o analogical_a adoration_n of_o image_n and_o concern_v the_o character_n which_o some_o of_o their_o sacrament_n do_v imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o in_o one_o word_n all_o the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n that_o we_o contest_v with_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n all_o of_o they_o be_v thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v they_o intrude_v into_o they_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o strut_v vain_o command_v the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o they_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n how_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o furious_o anathematise_v all_o those_o who_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o for_o we_o dear_a brethren_n who_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v learned_a to_o prefer_v his_o voice_n before_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o to_o fear_v the_o thundering_n of_o heaven_n more_o than_o the_o fulmination_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o leave_v they_o in_o this_o vain_a humour_n or_o to_o say_v better_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o it_o and_o give_v they_o to_o distinguish_v their_o own_o dream_n from_o his_o declaration_n and_o for_o our_o further_a acquit_v of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o religious_o keep_v to_o the_o apostle_n direction_n intrude_v we_o never_o into_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o see_v neither_o be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o follow_v those_o that_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v master_v over_o by_o they_o let_v we_o rest_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n which_o he_o have_v so_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o that_o divine_a treasury_n of_o his_o truth_n as_o very_a child_n may_v there_o behold_v they_o this_o portion_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o if_o we_o cultivate_v it_o well_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o abundant_o wherewith_o to_o inform_v our_o understanding_n wherewith_o to_o calm_v our_o conscience_n and_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n and_o perfect_a all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v no_o man_n presume_v above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v 12.3_o 1_o cor._n 4.6_o rom._n 12.3_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v meet_v but_o be_v wise_a to_o sobriety_n let_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o science_n and_o his_o book_n the_o bind_v of_o all_o our_o curiosity_n all_o knowledge_n be_v have_v without_o know_v any_o thing_n beyond_o it_o this_o consideration_n alone_o be_v enough_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o all_o the_o error_n of_o rome_n for_o since_o the_o intrude_a into_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o see_v be_v a_o temerity_n condemn_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v have_v see_v none_o but_o such_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n it_o evident_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v believe_v but_o also_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o reject_v of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n about_o which_o we_o be_v in_o contest_v with_o rome_n
charity_n have_v by_o much_o a_o great_a extent_n than_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a virtue_n for_o whereas_o mercy_n do_v but_o succour_v the_o miserable_a kindness_n but_o help_v they_o that_o have_v need_n or_o we_o sweetness_n but_o caress_n those_o with_o who_o we_o converse_v and_o patience_n but_o bear_v with_o those_o that_o offend_v we_o charity_n embrace_v they_o altogether_o and_o be_v affectionate_a towards_o our_o neighbour_n general_o both_o those_o that_o be_v in_o adversity_n and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o prosperity_n person_n accommodate_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v necessitous_a friend_n and_o foe_n the_o perfect_a and_o the_o infirm_a those_o that_o oblige_v we_o and_o those_o that_o offend_v we_o and_o those_o likewise_o that_o look_n upon_o we_o as_o indifferent_a second_o as_o that_o last_o piece_n of_o our_o clothing_n which_o also_o cover_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v most_o in_o sight_n be_v common_o fair_a and_o the_o rich_a so_o likewise_o be_v charity_n without_o doubt_n more_o excellent_a than_o all_o the_o other_o virtue_n which_o make_v up_o a_o christian_n clothing_n last_o as_o the_o one_o do_v mark_v out_o and_o distinguish_v man_n be_v usual_o the_o character_n of_o their_o rank_n and_o of_o their_o quality_n in_o the_o town_n or_o in_o the_o state_n so_o the_o other_o be_v the_o christian_n livery_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o the_o honour_n they_o have_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o disciple_n of_o his_o son_n 13.35_o joh._n 13.35_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o these_o consideration_n be_v pretty_a and_o please_a but_o i_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o over-sine_a and_o something_o too_o far_o fetch_v i_o shall_v rather_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n by_o those_o word_n of_o he_o and_o above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n do_v pure_o and_o plain_o mean_a that_o above_o all_o that_o be_v principal_o we_o be_v owner_n of_o charity_n signify_v to_o we_o thereby_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o teach_v we_o at_o large_a that_o it_o be_v the_o excellent_a of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v remain_v useless_a without_o it_o be_v but_o so_o many_o vain_a and_o fallacious_a picture_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o sirnmesse_n or_o solidity_n in_o they_o for_o instance_n mercy_n without_o charity_n be_v but_o a_o weakness_n of_o nature_n without_o it_o kindness_n or_o benignity_n be_v but_o indiscreet_a profusion_n courteousnesse_n but_o deceitful_a tattle_n humility_n low_a spiritednesse_n and_o patience_n a_o stupidity_n it_o be_v the_o divine_a sire_n of_o charity_n that_o animate_v all_o these_o virtue_n and_o make_v they_o perfect_a and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o nobleness_n and_o acceptablenesse_n to_o god_n they_o have_v it_o be_v with_o good_a reason_n therefore_o that_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v recommend_v they_o to_o we_o he_o add_v that_o above_o all_o we_o have_v charity_n as_o that_o which_o be_v of_o all_o the_o rich_a and_o most_o excellent_a 23._o 1_o cor._n 23._o not_o to_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o advantage_n he_o elsewhere_o give_v it_o above_o all_o other_o part_n of_o christianity_n even_o to_o the_o prefer_v it_o not_o only_o before_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n before_o the_o grace_n of_o pprophecy_n and_o all_o the_o other_o mervail_v wherewith_o jesus_n christ_n adorn_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o church_n but_o even_o before_o faith_n and_o hope_v as_o that_o which_o will_v endure_v for_o ever_o and_o flourish_v in_o the_o very_a sanctuary_n of_o immortality_n whereas_o all_o those_o other_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o have_v their_o exercise_n only_o here_o beneath_o shall_v cease_v whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o charity_n be_v great_a than_o all_o those_o other_o grace_n the_o other_o exposition_n which_o interpret_v these_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n be_v also_o very_o pertinent_a and_o what_o we_o have_v be_v say_v do_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o for_o since_o charity_n be_v the_o soul_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o sore-named_n virtue_n which_o give_v they_o all_o the_o valuableness_n and_o worth_n they_o have_v the_o act_n of_o they_o be_v vain_a without_o charity_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o for_o the_o have_a possession_n of_o they_o charity_n must_v be_v have_v beside_o it_o be_v it_o that_o excit_v and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n as_o also_o that_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n produce_v and_o form_v they_o in_o our_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v not_o postible_a but_o that_o the_o man_n that_o true_o love_v his_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o his_o distress_n if_o he_o be_v afflict_v gratify_v he_o with_o his_o beneficence_n if_o he_o need_v it_o stoop_v to_o his_o necessity_n and_o humble_v himself_o about_o he_o bear_v with_o his_o defect_n if_o he_o discover_v any_o treat_v he_o kind_o condescend_v to_o his_o infirmity_n and_o seek_v to_o he_o if_o he_o withdraw_v from_o his_o friendship_n and_o patient_o take_v his_o offence_n if_o he_o so_o far_o forget_v himself_o as_o to_o do_v he_o any_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o charity_n be_v patient_a and_o kind_a not_o envious_a nor_o insolent_a 10._o 1_o cor._n 13.4_o 5_o 7._o rom._n 13.9_o 10._o that_o it_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o that_o it_o endure_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n bear_v all_o thing_n wherefore_o he_o affirm_v elsewhere_o that_o he_o that_o love_v other_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o that_o this_o command_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o do_v comprehend_v in_o it_o and_o sammary_o recapitulate_v all_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o conclude_v that_o charity_n be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o fill_v up_o all_o the_o article_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o st._n john_n the_o lord_z jesus_n his_o belove_a disciple_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o church-history_n in_o his_o extreme_a old_a age_n have_v no_o long_o the_o strength_n as_o afore-time_o to_o make_v large_a sermon_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a content_v himself_o to_o say_v th●se_a sew_v word_n little_a child_n love_v one_o another_o judge_v and_o that_o right_o that_o he_o have_v comprise_v in_o this_o short_a sentence_n all_o the_o true_a duty_n of_o christian_n since_o then_o the_o nature_n and_o secondity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o charity_n be_v such_o you_o see_v how_o great_a reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v to_o recommend_v unto_o we_o the_o put_n of_o it_o on_o for_o our_o have_v and_o exercise_v that_o mercy_n benignity_n humility_n meekness_n and_o patience_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o afore_o his_o add_v that_o charity_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n have_v the_o same_o tendency_n but_o here_o it_o come_v into_o question_n what_o that_o perfection_n be_v which_o charity_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o and_o expositor_n do_v labour_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o we_o some_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n which_o this_o one_o do_v bind_v and_o put_v together_o comprehend_v and_o embrace_v they_o all_o as_o we_o say_v even_o now_o and_o the_o romanist_n do_v thence_o draw_v a_o argument_n to_o consirm_v their_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n for_o say_v they_o those_o that_o perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n now_o since_o charity_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o as_o have_v true_a charity_n do_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o let_v pass_n for_o the_o present_a that_o which_o they_o presuppose_v namely_o that_o charity_n be_v here_o call_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n because_o it_o bind_v together_o and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v clear_v however_o that_o that_o which_o they_o pretend_v will_v not_o follow_v first_o because_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o he_o fulfil_v it_o after_o some_o certain_a time_n unto_o his_o life_n end_n it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v have_v fulfil_v it_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v exempt_a of_o sin_n not_o only_o from_o his_o childhood_n and_o youth_n as_o that_o justiciary_a say_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o even_o from_o his_o nativity_n suppose_v then_o but_o not_o grant_v that_o he_o that_o have_v charity_n do_v perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n without_o fail_v in_o so_o much_o as_o one_o point_n this_o as_o you_o see_v
either_o by_o defect_n or_o excess_n do_v not_o render_v to_o their_o servant_n what_o be_v right_a as_o for_o instance_n those_o that_o overbear_v they_o with_o toil_n or_o stroke_n and_o they_o that_o quite_o contrary_a let_v they_o live_v idle_a and_o in_o debauch_n those_o that_o diet_v they_o ill_o or_o too_o well_o and_o last_o they_o that_o defraud_v they_o of_o their_o wage_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o horrid_a and_o cruel_a act_n of_o injustice_n that_o can_v be_v commit_v but_o beside_o right_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v master_n render_v also_o to_o their_o servant_n equity_n the_o word_n he_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o original_n proper_o signify_v a_o certain_a equality_n and_o correspondence_n that_o shall_v appear_v between_o the_o office_n of_o the_o one_o of_o they_o and_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o as_o the_o servant_n obey_v in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o master_n likewise_o do_v command_v holy_o and_o religious_o and_o that_o as_o the_o one_o serve_v with_o joy_n and_o respect_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o other_o do_v govern_v with_o mildness_n and_o affection_n in_o a_o word_n right_o comprehend_v all_o that_o refer_v to_o justice_n and_o equity_n all_o that_o pertain_v to_o christian_a charity_n and_o gentleness_n for_o the_o reduce_n of_o the_o faithful_a unto_o this_o holy_a moderation_n he_o order_v they_o to_o remember_v that_o they_o also_o have_v a_o lord_n in_o the_o heaven_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o dominion_n they_o have_v over_o their_o servant_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o dependent_a on_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o his_o word_n and_o will_n if_o they_o have_v people_n beneath_o they_o they_o have_v a_o master_n and_o a_o sovereign_n above_o they_o who_o be_v the_o common_a lord_n of_o they_o all_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o treatment_n which_o their_o servant_n shall_v receive_v at_o their_o hand_n he_o say_v particular_o that_o this_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n to_o hold_v they_o the_o better_a to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o so_o redoutable_a a_o majesty_n who_o be_v not_o here_o beneath_o on_o earth_n the_o place_n of_o misery_n and_o vanity_n but_o on_o high_a in_o heaven_n sit_v on_o a_o eternal_a throne_n and_o from_o that_o glorious_a habitation_n of_o light_n and_o immortality_n do_v consider_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n at_o his_o pleasure_n nothing_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o his_o whole_a empire_n but_o he_o plain_o perceive_v and_o most_o just_o judge_v of_o this_o great_a lord_n be_v above_o all_o and_o there_o be_v neither_o master_n nor_o prince_n of_o such_o elevation_n among_o man_n but_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n he_o be_v superlative_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a he_o love_v all_o his_o creature_n and_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o wrong_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a one_o hate_v 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