for_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v greet_v you_o one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 4._o the_o occasion_n of_o frequent_a converse_n and_o correspondence_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n ought_v not_o to_o diminish_v their_o love_n or_o hinder_v the_o expression_n thereof_o but_o rather_o to_o increase_v the_o same_o they_o who_o live_v together_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o offend_v or_o mistake_v one_o another_o and_o so_o to_o be_v mutual_o jealous_a of_o the_o alienation_n of_o one_o another_o affection_n than_o those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o love_n shall_v provoke_v those_o that_o be_v near_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v signify_v the_o love_n of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o babylon_n to_o their_o disperse_a brethren_n do_v here_o exhort_v they_o that_o have_v more_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o meeting_n and_o correspondence_n to_o greet_v one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 5._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n hearty_o to_o wish_v all_o sort_n of_o true_a peace_n upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o external_a profession_n and_o participation_n of_o common_a gift_n and_o benefit_n from_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o joh._n 15.2_o so_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o calmness_n and_o contentment_n of_o the_o soul_n arise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o acceptation_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n when_o fear_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o jealousy_n of_o his_o love_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n banish_v rom._n 5.1_o together_o with_o as_o much_o outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o true_a good_a be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n only_o to_o real_a believer_n and_o to_o all_o of_o they_o whether_o weak_a or_o strong_a and_o may_v be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n attain_v unto_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o trouble_n by_o those_o who_o be_v chase_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o by_o faith_n plant_v in_o the_o live_a vine_n christ_n jesus_n for_o as_o this_o apostolick-benediction_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o apostle_n wish_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o it_o do_v especial_o respect_v true_a believer_n therein_o peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 6._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n to_o press_v duty_n upon_o all_o professor_n so_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o guard_v promise_n and_o privilege_n by_o qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v for_o the_o apostle_n have_v press_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o expression_n thereof_o upon_o all_o indefinite_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n restrict_n his_o wish_n of_o peace_n qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o do_v especial_o belong_v peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 7._o as_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o enter_v upon_o every_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o call_v and_o commission_n from_o he_o as_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o epistle_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o close_v the_o same_o with_o some_o confidence_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o labour_n and_o of_o his_o grant_v their_o desire_n for_o that_o end_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n close_v his_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n in_o this_o epistle_n with_o this_o word_n of_o confidence_n amen_n a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n general_n of_o peter_n the_o argument_n this_o epistle_n may_v be_v call_v the_o latter_a will_n of_o a_o die_a apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o when_o peter_n write_v it_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v short_o to_o seal_v the_o truth_n in_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n as_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o compare_v the_o 14._o verse_n of_o this_o chap._n with_o christ_n prediction_n concern_v his_o death_n joh._n 21.18_o it_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o all_o believer_n especial_o believe_v jew_n scatter_v at_o that_o time_n through_o many_o nation_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v 1_o pet._n 1.1_o with_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o and_o of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o principal_a head_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o make_v clear_a the_o scope_n and_o part_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o christian_n growth_n in_o grace_n and_o diligence_n in_o holy_a duty_n which_o be_v clear_v and_o press_v chap._n 1._o the_o second_o be_v concern_v error_n the_o way_n of_o work_v and_o hazard_v whereof_o be_v handle_v chap._n 2._o the_o three_o be_v concern_v the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n some_o error_n about_o it_o be_v confute_v and_o the_o right_a preparation_n for_o it_o hold_v forth_o chap._n 3._o what_o can_v be_v more_o necessary_a than_o to_o study_v growth_n and_o diligence_n in_o so_o decline_v and_o secure_a a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v to_o guard_n against_o error_n when_o it_o so_o prevail_v and_o to_o prepare_v for_o the_o last_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o now_o it_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o much_o forget_v chap._n 1._o the_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v three_o in_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o inscription_n ver_fw-la 1._o a_o apostolic_a wish_n for_o the_o best_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o grow_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o the_o salutation_n ver_fw-la 2._o ground_n of_o encouragement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o wish_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n already_o begin_v in_o they_o which_o he_o describe_v from_o the_o cause_n nature_n part_n and_o way_n of_o work_v of_o it_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4._o in_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n he_o exhort_v to_o diligence_n and_o the_o study_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n reckon_v out_o several_a step_n of_o their_o progress_n ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o with_o many_o move_a argument_n thereto_o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o growth_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v only_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o write_v therefore_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n ver_fw-la 16._o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a subject_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o and_o of_o the_o whole_a write_a word_n from_o the_o certainty_n and_o usefulness_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o from_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o verse_n 1._o simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n describe_v himself_o 1._o from_o two_o name_n which_o design_n his_o person_n simon_n his_o old_a name_n when_o he_o be_v a_o fisher_n peter_n his_o new_a surname_n give_v he_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o mark_v 1.16_o and_o 3.16_o the_o one_o mind_v he_o of_o his_o former_a ignorant_a and_o mean_a condition_n the_o other_o of_o the_o honour_n christ_n put_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o make_v he_o a_o lively_a stone_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o believer_n and_o preacher_n of_o that_o truth_n upon_o which_o as_o a_o rock_n he_o build_v his_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o exposition_n of_o the_o name_n peter_n mat._n 16.18_o hence_o learn_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o carry_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o time_n with_o we_o the_o sensible_a remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v before_o christ_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o of_o what_o his_o grace_n have_v make_v we_o that_o we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n both_o humble_a and_o thankful_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o these_o two_o name_n here_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o testament_n simon_n peter_n next_o he_o describe_v himself_o from_o two_o style_n which_o design_n his_o office_n the_o one_o common_a to_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o proper_a to_o those_o who_o have_v immediate_a commission_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o christ_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o work_v miracle_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v honour_n enough_o for_o the_o high_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o christ_n so_o do_v this_o apostle_n esteem_v it_o who_o never_o
stay_v there_o after_o the_o expire_a of_o the_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n who_o this_o apostle_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o circumcision_n gal._n 2.7_o have_v go_v to_o visit_v and_o plant_v in_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o next_o he_o deliver_v commendation_n from_o mark_n who_o be_v a_o public_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n col._n 4.10_o 11._o and_o be_v one_o of_o this_o apostle_n old_a acquaintance_n act._n 12.12_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o which_o he_o be_v here_o call_v his_o son_n as_o timothy_n be_v call_v paul_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n 1_o tim._n 1.2_o hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n especial_o in_o a_o suffer_a time_n though_o never_o so_o far_o distant_a in_o place_n to_o love_v and_o remember_v one_o another_o as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o embrace_v one_o another_o as_o the_o word_n of_o salute_v in_o the_o original_a import_v to_o signify_v their_o desire_n to_o know_v one_o another_o condition_n their_o sympathy_n with_o one_o another_o suffering_n and_o joy_n for_o one_o another_o welfare_n all_o which_o be_v import_v in_o the_o salutation_n common_a among_o the_o hebrew_n 1_o sam._n 25.25_o 1_o chron._n 18.10_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o carry_v of_o such_o salutation_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o for_o the_o church_n at_o babylon_n remember_v their_o disperse_a countryman_n and_o desire_v the_o apostle_n to_o signify_v the_o same_o to_o they_o who_o do_v it_o here_o according_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o babylon_n salute_v you_o 2._o the_o lord_n who_o reign_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n psal_n 110.2_o can_v erect_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o church_n to_o himself_o even_o in_o those_o place_n of_o the_o world_n where_o his_o enemy_n be_v permit_v to_o have_v all_o the_o external_a power_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o he_o have_v here_o a_o church_n at_o babylon_n where_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o civil-power_n be_v employ_v for_o he_o 3._o the_o lord_n have_v many_o design_n of_o providence_n which_o will_v not_o appear_v for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v in_o order_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o for_o now_o it_o appear_v that_o when_o the_o jew_n be_v carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n the_o lord_n have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o have_v a_o gospel-church_n erect_v there_o before_o they_o shall_v all_o come_v back_o again_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v act_n 15.18_o with_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o babylon_n 4._o the_o lord_n can_v make_v the_o sinful_a fail_n of_o his_o people_n subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o gracious_a purpose_n and_o yet_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o way_n for_o the_o sinful_a stay_n of_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n when_o they_o have_v a_o call_n and_o opportunity_n to_o return_v in_o cyrus_n time_n be_v make_v to_o serve_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o holy_a purpose_n of_o god_n â—anent_fw-la the_o have_v of_o a_o visible_a gospel-church_n at_o babylon_n 5._o the_o constancy_n of_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o especial_o their_o love_n and_o sympathy_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o people_n aught_o to_o move_v other_o to_o constancy_n under_o their_o suffering_n and_o make_v they_o confident_a of_o the_o same_o thorow-bearing_a strength_n for_o that_o the_o apostle_n may_v encourage_v these_o suffering-believer_n to_o who_o he_o write_v he_o send_v they_o here_o commendation_n from_o their_o bretheen_n in_o babylon_n in_o testimony_n of_o their_o love_n to_o and_o sympathy_n with_o they_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o babylon_n salute_v you_o 6._o no_o journey_n never_o so_o long_a or_o hazardous_a aught_o to_o be_v shun_v by_o any_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v service_n to_o he_o who_o have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v with_o they_o go_v whither_o they_o will_v mat._n 28.20_o in_o the_o faith_n whereof_o peter_n have_v undertake_v this_o long_a and_o hazardous_a journey_n from_o judea_n to_o babylon_n from_o whence_o he_o send_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a jew_n 7._o because_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o profess_v christ_n and_o to_o have_v the_o offer_v of_o his_o grace_n make_v to_o they_o and_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o do_v real_o embrace_v these_o offer_n have_v doubtless_o be_v from_o eternity_n choose_v to_o be_v equal_a sharer_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a mercy_n therefore_o they_o may_v be_v all_o speak_v of_o and_o deal_v with_o by_o christ_n minister_n as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n for_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n at_o babylon_n and_o other_o place_n elect_v together_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o special_a comfort_n to_o suffering-christians_a to_o know_v themselves_o remember_v and_o respect_v by_o more_o eminent_a christian_n than_o themselves_o by_o who_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o apprehend_v themselves_o forget_v and_o slight_v for_o which_o cause_n we_o may_v safe_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n here_o to_o mention_v commendation_n particular_o from_o marcus_n his_o son_n 9_o those_o who_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o conversion_n or_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o other_o ought_v to_o entertain_v a_o special_a measure_n of_o tender_a affection_n towards_o they_o and_o shall_v have_v from_o they_o a_o special_a measure_n of_o reverence_n and_o love_n such_o as_o child_n owe_v to_o their_o parent_n for_o because_o mark_n be_v instruct_v by_o this_o apostle_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v resemble_v he_o in_o faith_n and_o conversation_n he_o be_v here_o call_v his_o son_n 10._o a_o penitent'_v former_a fail_n ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v his_o esteem_n with_o any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o mark_v who_o by_o his_o separate_n from_o the_o apostle_n while_o they_o be_v about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v occasion_n a_o sinful_a separation_n of_o one_o of_o they_o from_o another_o act._n 15.37_o 38_o 39_o be_v here_o particular_o mention_v as_o one_o dear_a to_o this_o apostle_n and_o who_o love_n and_o remembrance_n shall_v be_v a_o comfort_n to_o sufferer_n and_o marcus_n my_o son_n 11._o so_o careful_a shall_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o entertain_v love_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o particular_o to_o beget_v and_o cherish_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o good_a esteem_n of_o other_o minister_n though_o inferior_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v willing_o condescend_v to_o be_v servant_n in_o the_o mean_a office_n of_o love_n that_o may_v conduce_v for_o that_o end_n therefore_o do_v this_o great_a apostle_n registrate_n in_o his_o epistle_n the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n at_o babylon_n and_o marcus_n his_o son_n verse_n 14._o greet_v you_o one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n peace_n be_v with_o you_o all_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n amen_n in_o this_o last_o article_n of_o the_o conclusion_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v these_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o express_v mutual_o their_o hearty_a affection_n one_o to_o another_o by_o such_o sign_n as_o be_v ordinary_a in_o those_o time_n and_o confident_o wish_v unto_o they_o all_o sort_n of_o happiness_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o do_v much_o contribute_v for_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o a_o people_n that_o there_o be_v mutual_a love_n among_o they_o and_o expression_n thereof_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v ordinary_o close_v their_o epistle_n with_o exhortation_n to_o mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n as_o that_o without_o which_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o pain_n in_o these_o write_n will_v be_v much_o hinder_v and_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o greet_v you_o one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 2._o whatever_o decent_a expression_n of_o mutual_a respect_n and_o love_n be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n people_n live_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v scruple_v at_o but_o rather_o make_v conscience_n of_o by_o they_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o who_o command_v love_n and_o respect_n and_o consequent_o the_o expression_n thereof_o to_o be_v among_o his_o people_n greet_v one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 3._o all_o the_o mutual_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n aught_o to_o flow_v from_o a_o inward_a affection_n of_o christian_n love_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o one_o of_o they_o towards_o another_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v as_o fashional_a and_o flatter_a compliment_n which_o be_v hateful_a to_o god_n psal_n 12.2_o 3._o
do_v 4._o the_o lively_a and_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o faith_n draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o make_v the_o believer_n resemble_v he_o in_o those_o communicable_a perfection_n of_o his_o wherewith_o the_o scripture_n hold_v he_o forth_o adorn_v and_o to_o be_v close_v with_o by_o sinner_n so_o that_o under_o whatsoever_o consideration_n of_o christ_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n sinner_n do_v close_o with_o he_o they_o be_v thereby_o in_o some_o measure_n change_v to_o some_o likeness_n with_o he_o in_o that_o consideration_n if_o the_o unclean_a soul_n close_o with_o he_o offer_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o fountain_n it_o become_v in_o some_o measure_n like_o he_o in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n if_o the_o dead_a sinner_n receive_v he_o offer_v as_o life_n he_o become_v to_o live_v like_o he_o if_o the_o unstable_a soul_n come_v to_o he_o as_o the_o foundation-stone_n it_o grow_v stable_a as_o a_o stone_n and_o so_o of_o every_o consideration_n under_o which_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o word_n be_v close_v with_o for_o he_o be_v before_o propose_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o live_a stone_n as_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v close_v with_o the_o apostle_n here_o affirm_v that_o they_o who_o do_v so_o close_o with_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n shall_v be_v build_v up_o 5._o those_o soul_n who_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v keep_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o dwell_v familiar_o in_o they_o as_o in_o his_o house_n must_v labour_v to_o be_v make_v spiritual_a in_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o elevate_v to_o discern_v thing_n spiritual_a which_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o 15._o pro._n 8.12_o in_o their_o affection_n humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o unworthiness_n and_o sinfulness_n isa_n 57.15_o confident_a of_o their_o acceptation_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n heb._n 6.3_o cheerful_a in_o he_o as_o reconcile_v to_o they_o psal_n 22.3_o loathe_v sin_n and_o love_a holiness_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o person_n that_o be_v holy_a 1_o joh._n 4.16_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n cite_v make_v clear_a to_o be_v part_n of_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n which_o be_v to_o be_v study_v by_o all_o those_o who_o may_v expect_v the_o lord_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o in_o his_o house_n for_o believer_n in_o order_n to_o their_o enjoy_n of_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 6._o the_o more_o hearty_o and_o frequent_o sinner_n flee_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o gospel_n offer_v he_o the_o more_o fit_a be_v they_o to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o the_o more_o familiar_o will_v he_o converse_v with_o they_o and_o that_o because_o the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v to_o and_o grow_v in_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n which_o make_v sinner_n a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o dwell_v in_o be_v to_o be_v daily_o fly_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v the_o spirit_n for_o work_v of_o that_o frame_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o for_o believer_n by_o come_v to_o he_o ver_fw-la 4._o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 7._o near_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o daily_a usemaking_a of_o he_o by_o faith_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v the_o saint_n one_o among_o themselves_o the_o division_n difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o alienation_n of_o affection_n among_o they_o prove_v one_o or_o other_o or_o all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o for_o while_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o who_o come_v etc._n etc._n you_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n he_o do_v import_v that_o believer_n by_o their_o close_n with_o and_o usemaking_a of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v as_o close_o unite_v one_o of_o they_o to_o another_o as_o the_o stone_n of_o a_o building_n be_v 3._o every_o particular_a believer_n shall_v esteem_v himself_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a which_o make_v up_o one_o house_n to_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o so_o shall_v seek_v the_o good_a thereof_o psal_n 122.9_o and_o sympathize_v with_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o member_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 12.25_o 26._o see_v they_o be_v build_v up_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 9_o although_o the_o most_o eminent_a believer_n may_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o any_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n without_o a_o lawful_a and_o orderly_a call_n thereunto_o rom._n 10.15_o heb._n 5_o 4._o yet_o all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n do_v in_o some_o respect_n resemble_v the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v separate_v by_o the_o lord_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o true_a believer_n among_o they_o do_v receive_v that_o unction_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_n his_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o joh._n 2.20_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o oil_n wherewith_o the_o priest_n be_v anoint_v exod._n 28.41_o and_o have_v their_o service_n accept_v while_o other_o be_v reject_v prov._n 15.8_o in_o which_o respect_v they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n 10._o although_o internal_a or_o real_a holiness_n be_v not_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n which_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n act._n 8.13_o joh._n 15.2_o yet_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o study_v that_o holiness_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o all_o the_o true_a and_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v endue_v therewith_o therefore_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n 11._o the_o great_a employment_n of_o believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n not_o typical_a which_o be_v now_o abolish_v by_o christ_n heb._n 10.1_o etc._n etc._n nor_o expiatory_a which_o christ_n alone_o have_v once_o offer_v never_o to_o be_v repeat_v heb._n 7.27_o but_o gratulatory_a in_o testimony_n of_o their_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o that_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o for_o they_o such_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o themselves_o for_o his_o service_n rom._n 12.1_o their_o penitent_a and_o humble_a supplication_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o 141.2_o their_o praise_n heb._n 13.15_o and_o their_o charity_n to_o his_o saint_n philip._n 4.18_o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v they_o to_o oft_o who_o be_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n 12._o what_o ever_o sacrifice_n of_o this_o sort_n believer_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n they_o must_v be_v spiritual_a do_v from_o a_o spiritual_a principle_n a_o new_a nature_n ezek._n 36.26_o 27._o upon_o spiritual_a furniture_n the_o strength_n of_o christ_n philip._n 4.13_o and_o for_o a_o spiritual_a end_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a respect_n they_o be_v here_o call_v spiritual_a sacrifice_n 13._o such_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n as_o believer_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n be_v well-pleasing_a to_o he_o not_o for_o any_o worth_n that_o be_v in_o they_o isa_n 64.6_o or_o advantage_n they_o can_v be_v to_o he_o psal_n 16.2_o act._n 17.25_o but_o because_o they_o be_v present_v to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o take_v away_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o holy_a thing_n exod._n 28.38_o and_o do_v perfume_v their_o service_n with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o merit_n rev._n 8.3_o therefore_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n verse_n 6._o wherefore_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n elect_v precious_a and_o be_v that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o he_o confound_v the_o apostle_n do_v confirm_v his_o former_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o by_o a_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o though_o no_o particular_a place_n be_v here_o cite_v be_v to_o be_v find_v isa_n 28.16_o and_o withal_o he_o add_v two_o further_a argument_n to_o move_v they_o to_o that_o hearty_a receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n offer_v in_o it_o which_o he_o have_v press_v in_o the_o former_a word_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o have_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o father_n choice_n and_o high_o esteem_v by_o he_o with_o the_o father_n great_a good_a will_n lay_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o foundation_n and_o chief_a cornerstone_n thereof_o for_o every_o soul_n to_o flee_v to_o and_o rest_n upon_o the_o other_o be_v that_o whosoever_o betake_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o faith_n shall_v never_o need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o so_o do_v hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n
one_o of_o they_o to_o another_o that_o they_o shall_v study_v humility_n which_o he_o urge_v by_o several_a argument_n ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o that_o they_o shall_v trust_v god_n with_o their_o thorow-bearing_a in_o these_o duty_n ver_fw-la 7._o and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o battle_n against_o satan_n their_o cruel_a and_o restless_a adversary_n ver_fw-la 8._o by_o faith_n oppose_v all_o his_o temptation_n notwithstanding_o of_o affliction_n in_o that_o way_n consider_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v their_o fellow-soldier_n in_o this_o warfare_n ver_fw-la 9_o the_o three_o part_n contain_v the_o close_a of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o their_o perseverance_n and_o perfection_n ver_fw-la 10._o praise_v in_o confidence_n of_o hear_v ver_fw-la 11._o commend_v the_o bearer_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o epistle_n itself_o ver_fw-la 12._o deliver_v commendation_n to_o they_o from_o other_o saint_n ver_fw-la 13._o exhort_v they_o to_o mutual_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o wish_v unto_o they_o all_o true_a happiness_n ver_fw-la 14._o verse_n 1._o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v the_o apostle_n be_v to_o prâ—sse_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church-officer_n he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n insinuate_v himself_o upon_o they_o by_o draw_v several_a reason_n from_o his_o own_o person_n to_o make_v his_o follow_a exhortation_n have_v the_o more_o weight_n with_o they_o the_o first_o be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o earnest_a with_o they_o have_v the_o same_o office_n with_o they_o to_o the_o duty_n whereof_o he_o do_v excite_v they_o the_o second_o be_v that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o eyewitness_n of_o christ_n suff_v ring_n for_o the_o church_n which_o do_v oblige_v he_o and_o all_o christ_n servant_n to_o faithfulness_n the_o three_o be_v that_o he_o do_v by_o faith_n share_n with_o they_o and_o other_o believer_n of_o the_o right_n unto_o and_o first-fruit_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o will_v in_o due_a time_n manifest_v to_o his_o redeem_a one_o all_o which_o consideration_n may_v move_v they_o to_o take_v a_o up-stirring_a message_n well_o off_o his_o hand_n hence_o learn_v 1._o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n and_o while_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v in_o exile_n and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o enemy_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o lord_n can_v keep_v up_o a_o stand_a ministry_n and_o his_o ordinance_n among_o they_o in_o despite_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o instrument_n for_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o disperse_a and_o persecute_v christian_a jew_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v officer_n and_o those_o officer_n to_o have_v opportunity_n of_o go_v about_o their_o duty_n while_o he_o thus_o exhort_v they_o to_o it_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v etc._n etc._n 2._o even_o those_o who_o calling_n it_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o such_o remarkable_a defect_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o deserve_v any_o public_a notice_n to_o be_v take_v of_o it_o have_v notwithstanding_o great_a need_n to_o be_v very_o earnest_o stir_v up_o to_o great_a diligence_n and_o progress_n in_o their_o duty_n than_o what_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v there_o be_v in_o the_o best_a even_o of_o christ_n minister_n a_o strong_a party_n draw_v they_o back_o from_o their_o duty_n mat._n 26.41_o and_o at_o their_o best_a much_o short-coming_a in_o what_o they_o may_v attain_v unto_o philip._n 3.12_o 13._o for_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o love_n make_v he_o publish_v the_o fault_n of_o his_o dear_a servant_n when_o it_o be_v necessary_a rev._n 2.4_o although_o he_o see_v it_o not_o meet_v before_o the_o church_n in_o this_o epistle_n to_o reprove_v the_o officer_n for_o any_o fail_v yet_o do_v he_o by_o his_o apostle_n very_o earnest_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v press_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o people_n that_o so_o those_o officer_n may_v be_v the_o more_o engage_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o people_n the_o more_o able_a to_o discern_v betwixt_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v conscionable_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o other_o that_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o to_o write_v to_o the_o church-officer_n concern_v their_o duty_n in_o any_o private_a letter_n direct_v to_o themselves_o alone_o but_o do_v insist_v upon_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o public_a letter_n direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o while_o he_o begin_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o officer_n he_o direct_v his_o speech_n to_o the_o people_n the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v etc._n etc._n 4._o those_o that_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v come_v to_o some_o maturity_n of_o age_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a stand_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n see_v 1_o tim._n 3.6_o and_o especial_o such_o as_o for_o their_o wisdom_n experience_n and_o gravity_n may_v deserve_v that_o reverence_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v suitable_a for_o the_o age_a for_o this_o stile_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n here_o give_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v safe_o conceive_v both_o to_o point_v at_o their_o age_n and_o their_o qualification_n suitable_a to_o the_o age_a the_o elder_n that_o be_v among_o you_o 5._o christ_n minister_n have_v not_o only_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o flock_n but_o also_o of_o their_o fellow-labourer_n with_o who_o they_o have_v society_n or_o correspondence_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o be_v bind_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o encourage_v one_o another_o in_o their_o duty_n for_o thâ—â—_n apostle_n do_v not_o only_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n bâ—_n also_o of_o their_o church-officer_n and_o while_o he_o do_v it_o represent_v himself_o as_o a_o fellow-presbyte_a or_o colleague_n with_o other_o ordinary_a minister_n the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a 6._o no_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o affect_v or_o usurp_v any_o superiority_n over_o other_o minister_n consider_v how_o much_o christ_n be_v displease_v with_o it_o in_o his_o own_o disciple_n mat._n 20.25_o 26._o and_o that_o this_o great_a apostle_n from_o who_o the_o antichristian_a church_n pretend_v her_o warrant_n for_o prelacy_n among_o minister_n while_o he_o speak_v to_o other_o church-officer_n hold_v forth_o himself_o only_o as_o their_o equal_a who_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a 7._o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o take_v well_o with_o exhortation_n to_o their_o duty_n even_o from_o the_o people_n under_o their_o charge_n who_o though_o they_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n over_o their_o officer_n to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o judicial_a account_n or_o inflict_v censure_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o fault_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o their_o fellow-presbyters_a 1_o cor._n 14.32_o yet_o they_o have_v good_a warrant_n to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o incite_v they_o to_o it_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o modesty_n suitable_a to_o their_o station_n col._n 4.17_o so_o shall_v they_o receive_v counsel_n and_o warning_n especial_o from_o their_o fellow-labourer_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v more_o courage_n and_o skill_n than_o ordinary_o the_o people_n have_v to_o point_v out_o the_o duty_n of_o church-officer_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o other_o officer_n who_o hear_v they_o point_v out_o their_o duty_n as_o have_v a_o call_n from_o god_n through_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n so_o to_o do_v for_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n make_v this_o a_o argument_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o he_o who_o bring_v this_o message_n be_v also_o a_o elder_a 8._o it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n for_o one_o of_o christ_n minister_n to_o prevail_v with_o other_o of_o that_o same_o sacred_a call_v by_o counsel_n and_o exhortation_n every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o lift_v up_o themselves_o above_o another_o luke_n 22.24_o and_o at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o their_o fellow-labourer_n to_o have_v their_o passion_n stir_v against_o they_o mat._n 20.24_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v move_v every_o minister_n to_o much_o humility_n and_o loving-earnestnesse_n in_o deal_v with_o their_o fellow-labourer_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o use_v many_o insinuation_n upon_o
metaphor_n of_o a_o building_n which_o will_v have_v require_v he_o to_o say_v he_o that_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a speak_v proper_o expound_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o to_o wit_n to_o close_o with_o he_o by_o faith_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a 9_o patient_n wait_v on_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o mean_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n without_o such_o haste_v to_o a_o delivery_n as_o make_v we_o faint_a or_o fret_v under_o the_o delay_n thereof_o or_o use_v unlawful_a mean_n for_o attain_v to_o it_o be_v the_o kindly_a effect_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o keep_v off_o shame_n and_o confusion_n which_o such_o hastiness_n occasion_v to_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o the_o apostle_n translate_n these_o word_n of_o isaiah_n he_o that_o believe_v make_v not_o haste_n express_v the_o effect_n of_o not_o haste_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a sense_n to_o be_v this_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v verse_n 7._o unto_o you_o therefore_o which_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a but_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v disobedient_a the_o stone_n which_o the_o bvilder_n disallow_v the_o same_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n 8._o and_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n even_o to_o they_o which_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n be_v disobedient_a whereunto_o also_o they_o be_v appoint_v the_o apostle_n have_v commend_v christ_n that_o sinner_n may_v be_v move_v to_o make_v use_n of_o he_o as_o the_o gospel_n offer_v he_o do_v here_o hold_v forth_o the_o dignity_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o also_o the_o disposition_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o that_o reject_v he_o that_o so_o none_o may_v stumble_v or_o be_v discourage_v when_o they_o see_v he_o reject_v by_o so_o many_o as_o for_o believer_n christ_n be_v a_o honour_n to_o they_o and_o they_o have_v a_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o both_o which_o reading_n the_o original_a word_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o verse_n will_v bear_v and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n that_o stone_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n who_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o time_n set_v at_o nought_o be_v exalt_v by_o the_o father_n according_a to_o the_o psalmist_n word_n psal_n 118.22_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o rehearse_n to_o be_v the_o glorious_a head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o believer_n and_o a_o terror_n to_o all_o who_o blind_a and_o carnal_a heart_n do_v still_o find_v out_o something_o in_o the_o gospel_n whence_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o reject_v christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o take_v on_o his_o yoke_n and_o thereby_o do_v but_o ruin_v themselves_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n that_o dash_v himself_o against_o a_o stone_n in_o his_o way_n or_o foolish_a mariner_n that_o run_v their_o ship_n against_o a_o rock_n which_o be_v the_o similitude_n here_o make_v use_n of_o take_v out_o of_o isa_n 8.14_o and_o so_o do_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v reprobate_n which_o purpose_n contain_v three_o further_a motive_n to_o press_v that_o hearty_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n offer_v in_o it_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v recommend_v in_o the_o former_a word_n every_o one_o of_o which_o motive_n serve_v to_o guard_v against_o the_o offence_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o wicked_a man_n reject_v of_o christ_n the_o first_o be_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v a_o honour_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o second_o be_v that_o his_o glory_n be_v nothing_o diminish_v by_o other_o reject_v of_o he_o ver_fw-la 7._o and_o the_o three_o be_v that_o they_o who_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v will_v but_o run_v themselves_o upon_o that_o ruin_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v from_o eternity_n appoint_v for_o their_o reject_v of_o a_o offer_a saviour_n ver_fw-la 8._o from_o ver_fw-la 7._o learn_v christ_n be_v the_o true_a honour_n of_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o great_a credit_n to_o all_o his_o poor_a kindred_n who_o be_v honour_v by_o he_o not_o only_o to_o serve_v he_o but_o to_o be_v serve_v by_o he_o mat._n 20.28_o and_o by_o his_o best_a servant_n heb._n 1.14_o to_o be_v make_v son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o to_o have_v a_o marriage-relation_n to_o he_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o to_o be_v heir_n and_o coheir_n of_o glory_n with_o he_o rom._n 8.17_o and_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v but_o we_o shall_v know_v it_o afterward_o how_o much_o be_v in_o this_o word_n which_o in_o the_o original_a be_v in_o the_o abstract_n and_o run_v thus_o christ_n be_v a_o honour_n to_o you_o that_o believe_v 2._o jesus_n christ_n be_v most_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o be_v their_o life_n col._n 3.4_o their_o light_n joh._n 1.4_o their_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o their_o food_n joh._n 6.56_o their_o raiment_n rom._n 13.14_o and_o every_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o consequent_o most_o precious_a to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o be_v in_o so_o high_a esteem_n with_o they_o that_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o he_o psal_n 139.17_o his_o ordinance_n isa_n 58.13_o his_o people_n psal_n 16.3_o must_v be_v precious_a and_o excellent_a to_o they_o and_o their_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o for_o his_o sake_n act._n 20.24_o but_o must_v be_v dung_n and_o loss_n that_o they_o may_v gain_v he_o philip._n 3.8_o and_o this_o esteem_n of_o christ_n where_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o any_o real_a measure_n be_v a_o clear_a mark_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n for_o so_o much_o be_v express_v in_o our_o translation_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o you_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a 3._o it_o be_v our_o clear_a up-taking_a of_o christ_n in_o his_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n for_o sinner_n as_o the_o word_n reveal_v he_o and_o some_o experimental_a feel_n upon_o our_o close_n with_o he_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o to_o we_o which_o beget_v this_o precious_a esteem_n of_o he_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n we_o can_v never_o esteem_v of_o he_o till_o we_o know_v how_o excellent_a a_o one_o he_o be_v and_o taste_v in_o some_o measure_n how_o gracious_a he_o be_v for_o of_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n suppon_v to_o know_v christ_n in_o some_o measure_n as_o he_o be_v former_o describe_v ver_fw-la 6_o 7._o and_o to_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a he_o be_v ver_fw-la 3._o he_o affirm_v here_o unto_o you_o therefore_o which_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a 4._o they_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o and_o esteem_v high_o of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v not_o only_o guilty_a of_o neglect_v and_o slight_v of_o he_o the_o hazard_n whereof_o be_v unspeakable_a heb._n 2.3_o but_o they_o be_v also_o guilty_a of_o high_a rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n to_o god_n it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o great_a and_o most_o peremptory_a command_n to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n 1_o joh._n 3.23_o and_o to_o honour_v he_o joh._n 5.23_o without_o obedience_n to_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v any_o acceptable_a obedience_n to_o any_o other_o of_o his_o command_n heb._n 11.6_o there_o be_v no_o midst_n betwixt_o these_o two_o man_n must_v either_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o precious_a esteem_n of_o he_o or_o be_v disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a as_o the_o word_n signify_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n thus_o express_v that_o disposition_n in_o opposition_n to_o believe_v and_o a_o precious_a esteem_n of_o christ_n they_o which_z be_v disobedient_a 5._o although_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o soul_n have_v the_o strong_a reason_n upon_o his_o side_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v with_o any_o pro._n 8.5_o etc._n etc._n and_o great_a variety_n of_o most_o allure_a motive_n to_o gain_v soul_n to_o his_o obedience_n mat._n 11.20_o etc._n etc._n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v so_o addict_v to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o lust_n jer._n 2.25_o that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o he_o either_o to_o receive_v information_n to_o their_o mind_n from_o he_o or_o to_o admit_v that_o he_o shall_v reform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o this_o description_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v design_n person_n that_o have_v be_v by_o strong_a reason_n and_o allure_a motive_n deal_v with_o but_o have_v show_v themselves_o a_o verse_n from_o all_o yield_a or_o persuasion_n but_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v disobedient_a 6._o those_o who_o god_n have_v place_v in_o authority_n in_o or_o over_o his_o church_n and_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o christ_n for_o their_o place_n
and_o power_n more_o than_o other_o not_o only_o to_o build_v themselves_o by_o faith_n upon_o he_o but_o to_o employ_v their_o wit_n &_o power_n to_o draw_v many_o other_o in_o to_o he_o and_o one_o of_o they_o to_o work_v to_o another_o hand_n like_v so_o many_o bvilder_n in_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o work_n be_v too_o often_o find_v opposer_n of_o his_o work_n and_o rejecter_n of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v lay_v as_o a_o stone_n in_o their_o build_n or_o that_o his_o interest_n shall_v be_v mind_v in_o their_o design_n for_o those_o who_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o christ_n time_n be_v design_v by_o this_o name_n of_o builder_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v answerable_a but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o christ_n be_v the_o stone_n which_o the_o bvilder_n disallow_v 7._o the_o high_a any_o be_v set_v in_o eminency_n of_o power_n or_o place_n above_o other_o the_o more_o do_v the_o lord_n resent_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o reject_v of_o he_o and_o oppose_v of_o his_o work_n for_o though_o many_o of_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v reject_v christ_n for_o which_o they_o bear_v their_o judgement_n mat._n 23.38_o yet_o this_o guilt_n be_v main_o charge_v upon_o the_o ruler_n the_o stone_n which_o the_o bvilder_n disallow_v 8._o christ_n our_o mediator_n will_v not_o be_v the_o less_o honourable_a nor_o will_v his_o glory_n be_v any_o whit_n diminish_v that_o many_o and_o those_o the_o chief_a among_o man_n do_v reject_v he_o and_o slight_v he_o but_o rather_o that_o will_v tend_v to_o his_o great_a glory_n the_o father_n take_v occasion_n by_o their_o so_o do_v to_o let_v out_o the_o more_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o his_o own_o church_n and_o people_n that_o embrace_v he_o and_o to_o illustrate_v his_o justice_n the_o more_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o rejecter_n of_o he_o for_o while_o christ_n be_v disallow_v of_o the_o bvilder_n what_o come_v of_o he_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o church_n he_o become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n and_o for_o the_o terror_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o enemy_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v etc._n etc._n from_o ver_fw-la 8._o learn_v 1._o although_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christ_n to_o make_v any_o stumble_v or_o offend_v at_o he_o jer._n 2.5_o but_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v draw_v the_o desire_n and_o delight_n of_o all_o towards_o he_o psal_n 45.2_o hag._n 2.7_o yet_o through_o reason_n of_o man_n blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o his_o worth_n and_o excellency_n luk._n 19.42_o of_o their_o own_o hazard_n by_o reject_v of_o he_o luk._n 23.34_o their_o violent_a prosecution_n of_o their_o lust_n jer._n 8.6_o and_o malice_n against_o any_o that_o will_v hinder_v they_o in_o their_o pursuit_n act._n 13.45_o and_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n stumble_v in_o their_o way_n they_o do_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o meanness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o outward_a condition_n in_o his_o estate_n of_o humiliation_n be_v 53.3_o mat._n 13.55_o 56_o 57_o and_o of_o his_o follower_n jo._n 7.48_o 49._o and_o ordinance_n 1_o cor._n 1.23.26_o from_o the_o unlikelihood_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n through_o his_o death_n and_o impute_a righteousness_n to_o carnal_a reason_n rom._n 9.32_o 33._o joh._n 6.61_o the_o contrariety_n that_o be_v in_o corrupt_a affection_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 5.29_o and_o from_o the_o many_o cross_n that_o ordinary_o attend_v his_o follower_n mat._n 26.31_o not_o only_o to_o halt_v and_o sit_v up_o in_o the_o study_n of_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obedience_n to_o his_o gospel_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o malice_n and_o opposition_n to_o dash_v themselves_o against_o he_o and_o his_o will_n for_o in_o the_o forementioned_a sense_n he_o be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o they_o that_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n 2._o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o more_o proper_o the_o cause_n of_o sinner_n reject_v of_o he_o and_o ruine_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o so_o do_v than_o a_o stone_n in_o the_o way_n of_o some_o blind_a furious_a or_o drunken_a traveler_n whereupon_o he_o may_v rest_v himself_o to_o help_v he_o in_o his_o journey_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o break_v his_o neck_n upon_o it_o or_o a_o rock_n in_o the_o sea_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o desperate_a mariner_n shipwreck_n for_o from_o these_o be_v the_o similitude_n here_o take_v while_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o misbeliever_n and_o rejecter_n of_o he_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n 3._o those_o who_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o gracious_a offer_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o will_v run_v violent_o on_o in_o their_o own_o sinful_a way_n against_o the_o direction_n thereof_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o subjection_n to_o it_o be_v the_o more_o incense_a by_o it_o these_o be_v they_o who_o stumble_v and_o offend_v at_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v will_v hurt_v themselves_o not_o he_o as_o the_o man_n do_v who_o stumble_v at_o a_o stone_n in_o his_o way_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n describe_v these_o to_o who_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n even_o to_o they_o that_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n be_v disobedient_a 4._o although_o the_o elect_n may_v for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o their_o conversion_n stumble_v at_o jesus_n christ_n and_o oppose_v he_o act._n 9.1_o and_o after_o conversion_n may_v for_o a_o time_n under_o the_o fit_a of_o a_o temptation_n do_v the_o same_o mat._n 26.31_o yet_o none_o will_v continue_v so_o to_o do_v but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v from_o eternity_n ordain_v for_o condemnation_n in_o god_n spotless_a decree_n which_o do_v infuse_v no_o evil_a in_o man_n jam._n 1.13_o see_v they_o sin_v with_o no_o less_o freedom_n and_o delight_n than_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o decree_n concern_v their_o reprobation_n act._n 4.27_o 28._o and_o be_v not_o damn_v because_o of_o a_o decree_n 2_o thess_n 2.12_o but_o either_o because_o of_o their_o sin_v against_o nature_n light_n rom._n 1.21_o and_o 2.12_o or_o for_o their_o wilful_a slight_n of_o a_o offer_a saviour_n joh._n 3.20_o the_o continuance_n in_o which_o sin_n be_v the_o clear_a proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o reprobation_n of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o condemnation_n of_o soul_n ordain_v from_o eternity_n to_o the_o same_o for_o their_o wilful_a slight_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v relate_v unto_o in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n as_o be_v thereby_o most_o clear_o evidence_v they_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n be_v disobedient_a whereunto_o also_o they_o be_v appoint_v verse_n 9_o but_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n that_o you_o shall_v show_v forth_o the_o 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