be_v like_a unto_o the_o deity_n god_n be_v light_a and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o more_o we_o partake_v of_o it_o the_o more_o like_a we_o be_v to_o he_o now_o by_o how_o much_o the_o likely_a note_n note_n we_o be_v unto_o god_n by_o so_o much_o the_o near_o we_o come_v up_o to_o perfection_n knowledge_n be_v exceed_o precious_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o since_o it_o tend_v to_o perfection_n indeed_o as_o aquinas_n say_v of_o see_v though_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n be_v mean_a in_o itself_o yet_o the_o very_a act_n of_o see_v be_v sweet_a so_o also_o he_o determine_v of_o know_v that_o however_o the_o object_n be_v low_a and_o poor_a yet_o the_o very_a act_n itself_o of_o knowledge_n be_v high_a and_o precious_a now_o of_o all_o knowledge_n there_o be_v none_o so_o precious_a nor_o so_o perfect_v as_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a other_o knowledge_n viz._n human_a can_v make_v we_o perfect_v only_o as_o man_n this_o knowledge_n viz._n divine_a give_v we_o a_o perfection_n as_o saint_n but_o of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o light_n of_o love_n as_o most_o precious_a as_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o lustre_n in_o the_o heavenly_a light_n so_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o glory_n in_o divine_a truth_n every_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n have_v a_o glorious_a light_n but_o yet_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n exceed_v they_o all_o in_o glory_n and_o every_o truth_n which_o be_v as_o a_o star_n in_o the_o heaven_n of_o divinity_n have_v a_o peculiar_a excellency_n in_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o be_v precious_a but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o divinity_n be_v heaven_n have_v a_o transcendent_a excellency_n in_o he_o and_o to_o know_v he_o do_v sarre_o more_o tend_v to_o the_o perfect_a of_o our_o soul_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o or_o all_o divine_a truth_n else_o beside_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n accent_n this_o knowledge_n with_o a_o excellency_n phil._n 3.8_o yea_o doubtless_o say_v he_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n and_o certain_o paul_n may_v well_o say_v thus_o for_o albeit_o he_o have_v attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o thing_n yet_o without_o this_o he_o have_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o point_n of_o soul-sacred_n perfection_n so_o that_o however_o other_o knowledge_n as_o be_v some_o way_n perfect_v and_o precious_a be_v desirable_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n which_o be_v so_o to_o be_v desire_v at_o least_o by_o saint_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o yet_o as_o although_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n yet_o mortal_n receive_v more_o comfort_n by_o its_o heat_n than_o by_o its_o light_n in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o transcendent_a of_o divine_a truth_n yet_o our_o soul_n receive_v more_o sweetness_n by_o the_o warmth_n of_o his_o love_n than_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o his_o light_n look_v as_o moses_n can_v not_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o live_v and_o yet_o must_v die_v except_o he_o see_v his_o grace_n even_o so_o our_o soul_n can_v see_v the_o lustre_n of_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o christ_n glory_n and_o live_v we_o must_v die_v ere_o we_o can_v behold_v that_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o must_v see_v the_o light_n of_o the_o bosome-love_n of_o jesus_n or_o else_o we_o die_v if_o this_o light_a dawn_n not_o upon_o our_o bosom_n if_o this_o knowledge_n shine_v not_o into_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v sink_v and_o die_v in_o our_o soul_n especial_o if_o we_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o any_o trouble_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o precious_a petition_n which_o he_o put_v up_o to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o ephesian_n lest_o they_o shall_v faint_v at_o his_o tribulation_n he_o add_v this_o that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o the_o context_n that_o it_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n have_v hint_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n context_n context_n that_o he_o be_v a_o prisoner_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o ephesian_n who_o be_v gentile_n and_o have_v also_o upon_o that_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o warrant_n which_o he_o have_v to_o preach_v the_o same_o unto_o they_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v as_o two_o great_a supporter_n of_o he_o in_o his_o suffering_n he_o come_v in_o the_o fourteen_o verse_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v not_o faint_v at_o his_o tribulation_n now_o there_o may_v be_v a_o double_a ground_n of_o the_o apostle_n fear_v why_o the_o ephesian_n may_v faint_v at_o news_n of_o his_o tribulation_n 1_o sympathy_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o saint_n to_o sympathize_v each_o with_o other_o in_o their_o tribulation_n and_o paul_n upon_o this_o ground_n may_v right_o think_v that_o the_o tiding_n of_o his_o imprisonment_n will_v be_v sad_a to_o these_o ephesian_n and_o happy_o he_o may_v fear_v that_o out_o of_o their_o tender_a love_n both_o to_o his_o person_n and_o preach_v they_o will_v be_v over-sad_a by_o sympathy_n to_o understand_v that_o now_o their_o preacher_n be_v in_o prison_n 2_o fear_v lest_o themselves_o may_v meet_v with_o the_o like_a suffering_n for_o what_o may_v they_o think_v be_v paul_n in_o prison_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n then_o sure_o may_v we_o fear_v the_o like_a for_o receive_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v common_o see_v that_o the_o receiver_n of_o gospel-truth_n suffer_v as_o well_o as_o the_o revealer_n note_n note_n and_o certain_o the_o ephesian_n may_v say_v we_o shall_v be_v account_v as_o faulty_a for_o our_o faith_n in_o as_o paul_n be_v for_o his_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n this_o peradventure_o they_o may_v argue_v and_o fear_v and_o faint_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n bend_v his_o knee_n to_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v from_o and_o support_v in_o faint_n i._n e._n to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o three_o thing_n he_o beg_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o any_o ground_n faint_v at_o his_o tribulation_n 1_o divine_a strength_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n ver_fw-la 16._o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n know_v be_v weak_a and_o so_o will_v faint_v unless_o god_n do_v strengthen_v it_o therefore_o he_o beg_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o power_n from_o on_o high_a for_o their_o strengthen_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o faint_v in_o their_o outward_a man_n 2_o christ_n inhabitation_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n say_v he_o v._o 17._o if_o any_o thing_n will_v keep_v up_o the_o heart_n from_o faint_a note_n note_n it_o be_v the_o indwel_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o soul_n christ_n presence_n create_v comfort_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o fence_n against_o faint_v under_o any_o fear_n as_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o inhabitation_n of_o christ_n within_o will_v support_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o faint_n at_o tribulation_n for_o christ_n without_o 3_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n paul_n well_o know_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n love_n and_o the_o efficacy_n thereof_o this_o way_n so_o that_o now_o you_o may_v gather_v up_o the_o apostle_n petition_n into_o one_o prayer_n and_o you_o may_v conceive_v he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n after_o this_o manner_n thou_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n since_o thou_o be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o comforte_v thou_o in_o all_o their_o tribulation_n so_o that_o they_o faint_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o thy_o grace_n that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v not_o faint_v at_o my_o tribulation_n and_o to_o this_o end_n strengthen_v they_o by_o thy_o spirit_n of_o power_n in_o their_o inner_a man_n fill_v they_o by_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o but_o above_o all_o let_v they_o know_v the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n thus_o you_o see_v by_o the_o context_n the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o text._n but_o before_o i_o speak_v any_o further_a to_o it_o i_o must_v clear_v
say_v ah_o but_o will_v christ_n dwell_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o will_v fain_o believe_v it_o but_o what_o ground_n have_v i_o for_o such_o a_o belief_n he_o be_v the_o high_a and_o the_o lofty_a one_o and_o i_o be_o mean_a and_o a_o poor_a creature_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n but_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o father_n holiness_n and_o will_v such_o a_o pure_a person_n as_o he_o be_v come_v and_o dwell_v in_o such_o a_o pollute_a house_n as_o i_o be_o thus_o the_o soul_n will_v or_o may_v reason_v but_o now_o all_o this_o reason_n be_v quiet_v and_o this_o doubt_v will_v be_v easy_o resolve_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n for_o he_o that_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n know_v how_o willing_a christ_n be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o poor_a believer_n and_o how_o that_o daily_a and_o hourly_o he_o do_v stand_v at_o the_o door_n knock_v for_o entrance_n so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o other_o cordial_n and_o as_o it_o be_v their_o quintessence_n lie_v in_o this_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o special_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n of_o believer_n from_o faint_v under_o tribulation_n but_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o demonstrate_v this_o point_n first_o by_o open_v wherein_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n do_v consist_v second_o by_o show_v wherein_o the_o special_a efficacy_n of_o that_o knowledge_n do_v appear_v for_o the_o support_v of_o the_o soulâ—_n from_o faint_a fit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o then_o in_o the_o close_n of_o all_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o use_n and_o application_n for_o the_o first_o wherein_o do_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n consist_v or_o what_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o which_o keep_v the_o heart_n from_o faint_v in_o the_o general_a i_o hint_v it_o in_o that_o expression_n the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n as_o the_o soul_n have_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n act_v by_o the_o shed_n abroad_o of_o that_o love_n even_o upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o believer_n look_v as_o the_o carnal_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n person_n the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o after_o the_o flesh_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n be_v be_v not_o save_v neither_o be_v it_o sweet_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o carnal_a knowledge_n of_o his_o love_n it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o his_o love_n which_o further_v the_o everlasting_a happiness_n of_o a_o soul_n hereafter_o and_o the_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n of_o a_o soul_n here_o but_o more_o particular_o i_o shall_v hint_n two_o word_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n what_o it_o be_v first_o negative_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o bare_a notion_n of_o it_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v be_v without_o any_o efficacy_n if_o it_o be_v but_o bare_o in_o the_o notion_n look_v as_o in_o reference_n to_o duty_n knowledge_n be_v not_o effectual_o imperative_fw-it to_o put_v the_o soul_n upon_o do_v unless_o it_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o word_n fall_v among_o stone_n and_o want_v root_n do_v not_o arise_v up_o in_o fruit_n in_o like_a manner_n with_o reference_n unto_o joy_n knowledge_n be_v no_o way_n efficacious_o restorative_n although_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n unless_o it_o sink_v down_o from_o the_o head_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n put_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n as_o to_o salvation_n in_o this_o viz._n that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v into_o their_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o put_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o make_v the_o soul_n patient_a in_o its_o waiting_n and_o by_o consequence_n not_o faint_v in_o his_o trouble_n in_o this_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v direct_v the_o thessalonian_o heart_n into_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n say_v he_o direct_v your_o heart_n into_o the_o love_n of_o god_n 2_o thes_n 3.5_o wherefore_o then_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o negation_n that_o you_o may_v know_v wherein_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o consist_v it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a notion_n or_o apprehension_n thereof_o in_o the_o head_n second_o and_o positive_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o conceive_v chief_o do_v consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n i.e._n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o lay_v home_o that_o to_o himself_o in_o particular_a which_o he_o understand_v to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n to_o every_o believer_n in_o general_n the_o soul_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v i_o for_o else_o as_o he_o say_v quid_fw-la haec_fw-la mihi_fw-la nisi_fw-la mea_fw-la what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o i_o if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o in_o like_a manner_n will_v the_o soul_n say_v what_o be_v it_o to_o i_o if_o there_o be_v a_o transcendent_a love_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o share_n in_o it_o look_v as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n do_v not_o profit_v they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n i.e._n in_o the_o particular_a application_n thereof_o to_o themselves_o in_o like_a manner_n neither_o do_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n comfort_n any_o if_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n i.e._n particular_o apply_v to_o their_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n say_v paul_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o which_o i_o be_o chief_a 1_o tim._n 1.15_o herein_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_n that_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n but_o herein_o be_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o paul_n that_o he_o can_v say_v i_o be_o chief_a it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v comfort_v but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o do_v lie_v in_o the_o application_n just_o as_o now_o how_o choice_n soever_o the_o cordial_a be_v that_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o doctor_n it_o be_v of_o no_o comfort_n to_o cure_v the_o patient_a if_o it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o of_o the_o choice_a cordial_n which_o be_v reveal_v yet_o it_o be_v of_o no_o virtue_n to_o the_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v take_v i.e._n particular_o apply_v by_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n wherein_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v efficacious_a to_o comfort_v in_o trouble_n do_v consist_v but_o second_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o the_o particular_a application_n but_o in_o a_o serious_a meditation_n thereof_o be_v apply_v application_n take_v the_o cordial_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mouth_n and_o let_v it_o down_o into_o the_o stomach_n but_o meditation_n suck_v out_o the_o sweetness_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v my_o meditation_n on_o he_o shall_v be_v sweet_a psal_n 104.4_o not_o only_o the_o know_v and_o believe_v of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o soul_n but_o also_o the_o meditation_n be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o more_o sweet_a if_o the_o cordial_a which_o the_o patient_a take_v be_v never_o so_o sweet_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v spit_v out_o again_o and_o not_o chew_v as_o it_o be_v or_o swallow_v down_o it_o afford_v but_o little_a refresh_n in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v surpass_v sweet_a yea_o and_o albeit_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o general_a if_o it_o be_v not_o meditate_a upon_o it_o will_v be_v but_o of_o little_a efficacy_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n from_o faint_v we_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o thou_o say_v the_o spouse_n cant._n 1._o v._n 4._o yea_o but_o wherein_o will_v they_o find_v they_o joy_n it_o follow_v in_o thy_o love_n but_o how_o will_v they_o find_v out_o the_o sweetness_n of_o that_o joy_n out_o of_o that_o love_n it_o be_v hint_v in_o this_o i_o will_v remember_v thy_o love_n more_o than_o wine_n the_o remembrance_n or_o the_o meditation_n upon_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n
soul_n from_o faint_v under_o trouble_n there_o be_v a_o strengthen_v power_n in_o spiritual_a joy_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n from_o faint_a fit_n as_o be_v hint_v in_o the_o beginning_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v that_o divine_a joy_n and_o that_o divine_a joy_n keep_v the_o heart_n from_o sink_v under_o sadness_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o gather_v up_o this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v of_o special_a efficacy_n for_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o faint_v under_o trouble_n now_o you_o have_v see_v in_o a_o general_a way_n the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o support_v the_o spirit_n from_o faint_v in_o time_n of_o trouble_n if_o you_o will_v see_v the_o sum_n of_o these_o five_o thing_n reduce_v into_o one_o argument_n take_v it_o thus_o if_o freedom_n from_o fear_n about_o a_o man_n eternal_a condition_n if_o assurance_n of_o a_o reward_n after_o all_o tribulation_n if_o rest_v upon_o christ_n in_o a_o time_n of_o trouble_n if_o strength_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o also_o of_o divine_a joy_n through_o the_o spirit_n be_v efficacious_a to_o keep_v the_o heart_n from_o faint_v under_o trouble_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v efficacious_a because_o it_o produce_v all_o these_o but_o now_o we_o have_v see_v that_o freedom_n of_o the_o soul_n 1_o from_o doubt_n about_o the_o eternal_a condition_n and_o 2_o assurance_n of_o a_o reward_n after_o all_o tribulation_n and_o 3_o a_o acquiescence_n or_o rest_v on_o christ_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n together_o with_o 4_o strength_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o 5_o divine_a joy_n be_v ever_o efficacious_a that_o way_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n but_o now_o more_o particular_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o cordial_a the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o love_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n from_o faint_v under_o trouble_n in_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o in_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n do_v especial_o in_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v describe_v go_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o refresh_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o believer_n therefore_o be_v any_o thing_n cordial_a and_o refresh_v because_o it_o go_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o have_v a_o power_n on_o the_o spirit_n as_o now_o wine_n hot_a water_n spirit_n and_o quintessence_n etc._n etc._n do_v therefore_o cherish_v because_o they_o warm_v the_o heart_n and_o revive_v the_o spirit_n thus_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o go_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o if_o revive_v there_o be_v no_o faint_v therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o efficacious_a as_o it_o be_v as_o now_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v most_o sovereign_a to_o keep_v from_o evil_a because_o as_o the_o phrase_n be_v it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n so_o likewise_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v most_o sovereign_a and_o efficacious_a to_o support_v from_o faint_v under_o trouble_n because_o it_o go_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cheer_v the_o spirit_n hence_o be_v that_o phrase_n of_o the_o shed_n abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o your_o heart_n second_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n do_v appear_v to_o be_v efficacious_a to_o keep_v from_o faint_v under_o trouble_n in_o that_o it_o make_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o intense_a intention_n make_v insensible_a and_o so_o free_v from_o faint_v saul_n though_o he_o be_v oppose_v and_o much_o mock_v of_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n yet_o be_v new_o lift_v up_o to_o the_o kingdom_n be_v so_o intense_a upon_o that_o that_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o mind_n the_o son_n of_o belial_n much_o less_o do_v he_o faint_v at_o their_o fordo_v carriage_n 10.27_o 1_o sam._n 10.27_o some_o conceive_v that_o therefore_o man_n in_o a_o frenzy_n do_v not_o faint_v at_o any_o thing_n as_o other_o do_v because_o of_o their_o intensivenesse_n what_o be_v it_o that_o keep_v the_o apostle_n from_o faint_v in_o affliction_n but_o the_o intensivenesse_n of_o his_o spirit_n about_o everlasting_a and_o eternal_a object_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o do_v not_o faint_a while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v 2_o cor._n 4._o c._n 16_o 18._o paul_n be_v so_o intense_a upon_o high_a object_n that_o he_o do_v not_o faint_a at_o his_o tribulation_n now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o soul_n very_o intensive_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o all_o its_o sweet_a dimension_n thus_o say_v the_o soul_n that_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n o_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o length_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n o_o that_o so_o great_a a_o person_n as_o christ_n be_v shall_v love_v so_o mean_a a_o creature_n as_o i_o be_o oh_o that_o one_o who_o be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o god_n shall_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o i_o who_o be_o not_o only_o a_o man_n but_o a_o worm_n and_o thus_o now_o being_n intense_a in_o that_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n love_n it_o be_v keep_v from_o faint_v under_o tribulation_n three_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v efficacious_a etc._n etc._n because_o it_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o forget_v all_o the_o love_n of_o man_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o faint_v under_o tribulation_n be_v because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o overprize_v the_o love_n of_o man_n do_v we_o not_o set_v our_o heart_n so_o much_o on_o the_o love_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v not_o faint_v for_o the_o want_n of_o that_o love_n what_o though_o man_n yea_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v hate_v and_o oppose_v so_o long_o as_o i_o do_v not_o prize_v their_o love_n nor_o fear_v their_o hatred_n i_o shall_v never_o faint_v now_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n do_v work_v this_o effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n it_o make_v a_o man_n to_o forget_v all_o love_n of_o man_n peter_n forget_v the_o earth_n when_o he_o see_v but_o a_o glimpse_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o mount_n man_n glory_n be_v not_o see_v when_o christ_n glory_n do_v appear_v the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n be_v not_o see_v when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v and_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n he_o do_v not_o mind_n the_o love_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v free_a from_o faint_v at_o the_o want_n of_o they_o four_o and_o last_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n love_n etc._n etc._n will_v appear_v in_o that_o it_o have_v a_o power_n to_o make_v a_o man_n forget_v all_o those_o tribulation_n which_o he_o lie_v under_o we_o give_v wine_n say_v king_n lemuel_n to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o heavy_a heart_n &_o strong_a drink_n to_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v prov._n 30.6_o let_v he_o drink_v and_o forget_v his_o poverty_n and_o remember_v his_o misery_n no_o more_o a_o soul_n that_o can_v make_v application_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n drink_v as_o it_o be_v that_o wine_n that_o make_v he_o forget_v his_o sorrow_n and_o remember_v his_o trouble_n no_o more_o hence_o it_o be_v you_o shall_v have_v the_o poor_a believer_n say_v i_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o i_o forget_v i_o be_v in_o prison_n as_o paul_n when_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n be_v a_o prisoner_n at_o rome_n yet_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o forget_v in_o a_o manner_n his_o imprisonment_n this_o note_v this_o he_o pray_v not_o for_o himself_o lest_o he_o shall_v faint_v at_o tribulation_n but_o he_o pour_v out_o his_o heart_n that_o way_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o may_v not_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a spiritual_a intoxicate_a power_n in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o cause_v a_o man_n not_o to_o mind_n or_o to_o remember_v the_o tribulation_n under_o which_o he_o lie_v and_o sure_o the_o soul_n do_v never_o faint_a under_o that_o which_o it_o do_v forget_v thus_o now_o we_o have_v go_v over_o the_o second_o thing_n and_o show_v you_o both_o general_o and_o particular_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o help_v in_o keep_v the_o heart_n from_o faint_v under_o trouble_n do_v consist_v we_o will_v wind_v up_o all_o in_o a_o word_n of_o applition_n now_o use_v first_o for_o information_n this_o point_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o
when_o it_o be_v first_o declare_v the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o in_o which_o we_o be_v most_o unlovely_a when_o we_o lie_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o be_v not_o so_o lovely_a as_o to_o provoke_v any_o eye_n to_o pity_v we_o then_o do_v christ_n pass_v by_o and_o it_o be_v the_o time_n of_o his_o love_n and_o then_o do_v his_o love_n break_v forth_o with_o the_o light_n of_o life_n for_o than_o he_o say_v live_v as_o it_o be_v ezek._n 16._o sure_o he_o do_v show_v wit_n who_o fancy_v the_o feign_a belove_a all_o besmear_v with_o a_o poison_a hand_n and_o make_v leprous_a thereby_o and_o yet_o story_n that_o the_o love_n be_v as_o constant_a in_o love_n as_o ever_o but_o we_o shall_v show_v only_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o transcendency_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n if_o we_o affirm_v from_o scripture_n history_n when_o believer_n be_v all_o poison_a with_o the_o leprosy_n of_o sin_n and_o lay_v as_o leper_n by_o the_o way_n side_n than_o jesus_n christ_n come_v and_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o open_v the_o love_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o let_v out_o a_o stream_n of_o blood_n to_o wash_v they_o and_o make_v they_o clean_o now_o that_o before_o ever_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a be_v lay_v a_o fountain_n of_o love_n shall_v spring_v up_o in_o christ_n bosom_n to_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v in_o his_o side_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o their_o filth_n what_o do_v this_o declare_v but_o that_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n be_v transcendent_a and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text_n pass_v knowledge_n it_o be_v set_v and_o declare_v at_o or_o in_o such_o a_o time_n yet_o last_o take_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o end_n which_o christ_n aim_v at_o in_o his_o love_n to_o believer_n and_o this_o will_v declare_v it_o also_o to_o be_v transcendent_a christ_n love_n to_o believer_n be_v its_o own_o end_n he_o love_v that_o he_o may_v love_v and_o this_o make_v the_o love_n glorious_a jesus_n christ_n believer_n in_o all_o the_o love_n which_o he_o let_v out_o to_o you_o aim_v not_o at_o himself_o but_o at_o you_o he_o love_v you_o now_o that_o he_o may_v love_v you_o ever_o the_o end_n which_o he_o drive_v at_o in_o declare_v love_n in_o a_o lesser_a measure_n here_o be_v that_o he_o may_v declare_v love_n to_o you_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n hereafter_o he_o make_v you_o vessel_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n that_o you_o may_v be_v vessel_n of_o glory_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v all_o the_o glory_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o for_o himself_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v towards_o you_o christ_n delight_v to_o set_v the_o golden_a apple_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o silver_n picture_n of_o your_o good_a he_o be_v love_n only_o aim_v that_o man_n may_v see_v the_o light_n thereof_o and_o he_o choose_v your_o bosom_n believer_n as_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n to_o set_v up_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o his_o love_n to_o shine_v in_o now_o then_o that_o so_o infinite_a a_o majesty_n as_o christ_n be_v shall_v love_v such_o mean_a worm_n as_o believer_n be_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v set_v his_o love_n before_o the_o first_o of_o the_o time_n and_o let_v it_o out_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n and_o that_o only_a for_o their_o good_a as_o the_o end_n oh_o who_o can_v consider_v this_o but_o must_v sit_v down_o and_o wonder_v and_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o transcendency_n of_o christ_n love_n how_o how_o do_v it_o pass_v knowledge_n have_v thus_o demonstrate_v a_o little_a i_o will_v now_o apply_v this_o point_n at_o present_a in_o three_o use_n viz._n 1_o of_o consolation_n 2_o of_o conviction_n 3_o of_o counsel_n 1_o in_o as_o much_o as_o christ_n love_v believer_n with_o a_o transcendent_a love_n how_o may_v this_o comfort_n believer_n at_o all_o time_n thou_o complain_v o_o believe_a soul_n that_o the_o world_n do_v not_o love_v thou_o nay_o thou_o say_v it_o do_v hate_v thou_o why_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n though_o the_o world_n hate_v christ_n love_v and_o the_o world_n can_v hate_v thou_o so_o much_o as_o he_o will_v love_v thou_o his_o love_n do_v transcend_v the_o world_n hatred_n what_o the_o angel_n tell_v daniel_n that_o say_v i_o to_o every_o believe_a soul_n who_o groan_v under_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o world_n dan._n 10.19_o fear_v not_o o_o man_n great_o belove_v why_o complain_v you_o o_o believer_n for_o want_v of_o the_o puddle_n drop_v of_o the_o creature_n love_n you_o have_v the_o pure_a spring_n of_o christ_n love_n what_o weakness_n be_v it_o to_o cry_v for_o want_v of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n so_o long_o as_o you_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n thou_o have_v the_o creator_n love_n believer_n be_v not_o sad_a therefore_o in_o want_v the_o love_n of_o the_o creature_n especial_o consider_v what_o a_o transcendent_a love_n it_o be_v comfort_v yourselves_o o_o my_o brethren_n with_o these_o thought_n jesus_n christ_n love_v you_o and_o that_o love_n of_o he_o which_o he_o bear_v to_o you_o pass_v knowledge_n 2_o let_v this_o be_v a_o word_n of_o conviction_n unto_o sinner_n wretch_n be_v you_o convince_v that_o however_o you_o say_v no_o body_n regard_v believer_n yet_o there_o be_v one_o who_o be_v great_a than_o all_o who_o regard_v they_o and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a manner_n know_v that_o christ_n love_v they_o with_o a_o transcendent_a love_n you_o break_v their_o soul_n in_o piece_n you_o slay_v they_o and_o you_o murder_v they_o and_o yet_o you_o say_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o see_v neither_o do_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n regard_v it_o psal_n 94.7_o but_o be_v convince_v now_o to_o the_o contrary_a the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v see_v and_o he_o do_v regard_v they_o and_o ere_o long_o he_o will_v make_v you_o know_v that_o however_o you_o deal_v with_o they_o they_o be_v dear_a unto_o he_o though_o you_o love_v they_o not_o at_o all_o yet_o he_o love_v they_o high_o be_v you_o not_o afraid_a say_v god_n to_o speak_v against_o my_o servant_n moses_n num._n 12.8_o god_n wonder_n that_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o speak_v against_o a_o man_n who_o he_o love_v so_o much_o and_o who_o can_v choose_v but_o wonder_n that_o ever_o any_o wretch_n shall_v be_v so_o vile_a as_o to_o speak_v and_o act_n against_o those_o cruel_o who_o christ_n love_v transcendent_o but_o i_o pity_v you_o poor_a creature_n it_o may_v be_v you_o think_v that_o christ_n slight_v they_o as_o you_o do_v yet_o be_v convince_v now_o and_o take_v heed_n hereafter_o what_o you_o do_v certain_o whoever_o they_o be_v who_o you_o oppose_v if_o they_o be_v believer_n be_v convince_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n love_v they_o all_o with_o a_o transcendent_a love_n 3_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v a_o counsellor_n and_o it_o counsel_v all_o to_o look_v after_o and_o prize_v a_o part_n in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n o_o friend_n i_o why_o do_v you_o spend_v yourselves_o and_o lay_v out_o your_o soul_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o love_n at_o least_o not_o transcendent_a love_n i_o wish_v you_o will_v now_o bewise_o you_o who_o court_n the_o creature_n court_v they_o now_o no_o more_o i_o show_v you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n of_o love_n consider_v the_o transcendent_a love_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o be_v you_o counsel_v to_o labour_v to_o get_v a_o share_n in_o it_o o_o that_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n love_v believer_n with_o a_o transcendent_a love_n may_v make_v you_o sick_a in_o your_o soul_n till_o you_o participate_v of_o this_o love_n when_o one_o hear_v of_o the_o great_a love_n which_o be_v between_o two_o choice_n friend_n he_o say_v utinam_fw-la tertius_fw-la essem_fw-la i._n e._n o_o that_o i_o be_v but_o a_o three_o that_o i_o may_v share_v with_o they_o in_o their_o great_a love_n consider_v it_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o high_a transcendent_a love_n which_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v on_o fire_n therefore_o and_o burn_v with_o desire_n that_o you_o may_v partake_v of_o that_o love_n and_o that_o at_o least_o you_o may_v enjoy_v that_o love_n which_o those_o that_o have_v most_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v or_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o transcendent_a love_n pass_v knowledge_n sermon_n iii_o ephes._n 3._o for_o 19_o and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n we_o be_v launch_v out_o into_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n wherein_o our_o soul_n may_v swim_v very_o sweet_o and_o although_o i_o can_v neither_o sound_a ground_n nor_o see_v
breadth_n and_o length_n o_o the_o transcendency_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n 3._o but_o how_o come_v christ_n here_o come_v he_o in_o pomp_n with_o glory_n come_v he_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o though_o he_o do_v come_v into_o a_o cottage_n yet_o he_o be_v a_o prince_n no_o but_o rather_o in_o a_o poor_a mean_a way_n indeed_o when_o christ_n be_v bear_v a_o heavenly_a host_n appear_v praise_v of_o god_n and_o sing_v but_o that_o be_v rather_o to_o discover_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o the_o saint_n lover_n be_v come_v into_o their_o country_n than_o any_o way_n to_o dignify_v he_o who_o indeed_o be_v above_o all_o glory_n some_o expound_v that_o place_n isa_n 42.12_o he_o shall_v not_o cry_v nor_o lift_v up_o nor_o cause_v his_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o street_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o it_o do_v mean_a that_o christ_n shall_v not_o carry_v the_o matter_n about_o which_o he_o come_v in_o a_o outward_a glorious_a 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when_o be_v swaddle_v with_o some_o homely_a clothes_n his_o mother_n lay_v he_o in_o the_o cratch_n he_o that_o be_v wont_a to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n amid_o the_o cherubim_n be_v content_a to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o cratch_n among_o brute_n very_o while_o we_o consider_v this_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o christ_n love_n be_v surpass_v great_a in_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o seem_v at_o least_o yea_o and_o in_o a_o human_a way_n to_o be_v so_o little_a and_o to_o lie_v so_o low_a for_o your_o sake_n but_o 4_o join_v to_o all_o these_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o this_o will_n exceed_o heighten_v the_o demonstration_n and_o evince_n that_o indeed_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n pass_v knowledge_n why_o for_o what_o do_v he_o come_v upon_o what_o design_n come_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n in_o so_o mean_v a_o way_n come_v he_o to_o take_v the_o crown_n off_o from_o the_o head_n of_o king_n and_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o his_o own_o indeed_o herod_n fear_v this_o but_o without_o ground_n for_o christ_n come_v for_o no_o such_o end_n but_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o come_v be_v love_v his_o design_n be_v to_o declare_v &_o make_v know_v that_o love_n which_o lie_v hide_v from_o eternity_n in_o his_o own_o and_o father_n bosom_n unto_o believer_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o time_n viz._n that_o believer_n may_v see_v and_o know_v that_o love_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o they_o from_o before_o time_n i_o will_v in_o a_o word_n mention_n omit_v other_o six_o particular_a end_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o you_o will_v see_v they_o like_o so_o many_o several_a line_n in_o a_o compass_n meet_v all_o in_o love_n as_o in_o their_o alone_a centre_n 1_o the_o first_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v be_v to_o redeem_v the_o precious_a soul_n of_o believer_n from_o that_o slavery_n in_o which_o they_o lay_v yea_o and_o their_o body_n also_o from_o that_o vanity_n unto_o which_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n they_o be_v subject_v christ_n see_v his_o belove_a captive_n in_o satan_n kingdom_n bind_v with_o chain_n and_o make_v slave_n unto_o his_o will_n this_o sight_n go_v to_o his_o soul_n and_o his_o love_n can_v not_o contain_v itself_o but_o he_o must_v come_v that_o his_o belove_a may_v be_v set_v free_a that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o nativity_n the_o apostle_n witness_v gal._n 4.4_o when_o say_v he_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v his_o son_n and_o he_o ready_o come_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n you_o be_v once_o slave_n believer_n and_o christ_n be_v bear_v that_o you_o may_v be_v son_n and_o a_o part_n of_o that_o adoption_n to_o which_o you_o be_v redeem_v be_v not_o only_o the_o redemption_n of_o your_o soul_n though_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a but_o also_o the_o redemption_n of_o your_o body_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a roman_n 8.23_o this_o be_v the_o end_n why_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o say_v it_o be_v a_o end_n of_o love_n for_o you_o can_v consider_v this_o but_o you_o must_v confess_v that_o 2_o another_o end_n which_o christ_n aim_v at_o in_o his_o nativity_n be_v to_o be_v fit_v to_o suffer_v for_o believer_n sake_n as_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o shine_v with_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o deity_n buffet_n spitting_n bind_v etc._n etc._n can_v not_o dare_v not_o take_v hold_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v but_o that_o word_n i_o be_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o godhead_n shine_v through_o it_o as_o through_o a_o crevise_n it_o be_v say_v they_o that_o come_v to_o seize_v he_o go_v backward_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n joh._n 18.6_o christ_n know_v that_o as_o he_o be_v god_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v and_o yet_o a_o necessity_n he_o 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have_v this_o law_n of_o love_n write_v in_o it_o that_o he_o take_v the_o body_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o bleed_v sure_o you_o be_v blind_a if_o you_o see_v not_o love_v in_o this_o end_n viz._n that_o christ_n be_v bear_v to_o be_v fit_a to_o die_v 3_o a_o three_o end_n why_o he_o be_v bear_v be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v like_o believer_n love_n tend_v to_o likeness_n christ_n because_o he_o love_v will_v be_v bear_v that_o he_o may_v be_v like_a to_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n who_o he_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n he_o be_v make_v say_v the_o spirit_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n phil._n 2.7_o he_o behold_v his_o belove_a in_o the_o form_n of_o servant_n and_o he_o will_v be_v bear_v that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o their_o form_n christ_n see_v his_o dear_a one_o clothe_v with_o the_o sackcloth_n of_o human_a nature_n for_o that_o compare_v with_o the_o angelical_a be_v but_o as_o hair_n to_o silk_n and_o therefore_o stoop_v to_o a_o nativity_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o fashion_n and_o appear_v in_o the_o same_o suit_n though_o the_o human_a nature_n especial_o clothe_v with_o infirmity_n be_v but_o a_o very_a mean_a array_n yet_o his_o divine_a love_n make_v he_o esteem_v it_o above_o the_o angelical_a therefore_o pass_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o be_v bear_v that_o he_o may_v be_v like_a unto_o believer_n sure_o this_o be_v love_n but_o 4_o christ_n in_o his_o nativity_n aim_v at_o another_o end_n as_o like_a in_o love_n the_o former_a as_o may_v be_v and_o that_o
discourse_v exact_o concern_v this_o subject_n viz._n the_o transcendency_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v hear_v that_o that_o precious_a divine_a dr._n preston_n be_v wont_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o great_a defect_n this_o way_n sure_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o think_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o such_o necessary_a and_o high_a concernment_n have_v be_v so_o little_o inquire_v into_o o_o what_o a_o gallant_a gospel-designe_n be_v it_o for_o some_o one_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n to_o go_v over_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o observe_v the_o glorious_a shining_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n in_o all_o it_o will_v be_v precious_a if_o some_o will_v take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o perfect_v it_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o think_v it_o have_v be_v neglect_v so_o long_o second_o we_o may_v lament_v not_o only_o to_o think_v this_o knowledge_n have_v be_v but_o little_o advance_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o any_o but_o especial_o that_o it_o be_v such_o that_o after_o all_o labour_n it_o can_v be_v but_o little_a gain_v we_o may_v weep_v to_o think_v how_o little_a of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v most_o knowledge_n of_o it_o do_v or_o can_v know_v we_o read_v of_o a_o book_n which_o be_v seal_v and_o john_n weep_v much_o say_v the_o text_n because_o no_o man_n be_v find_v worthy_a in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n that_o be_v able_a to_o open_v the_o book_n or_o to_o look_v thereon_o belove_a the_o heart_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o glorious_a book_n in_o which_o the_o mysterious_a history_n of_o his_o transcendent_a love_n be_v write_v but_o alas_o who_o be_v there_o not_o only_o in_o earth_n but_o in_o heaven_n that_o be_v able_a to_o open_v this_o book_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o mystery_n thereof_o belove_a when_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v then_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n but_o alas_o even_o than_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o that_o be_v so_o full_o as_o it_o may_v be_v know_v then_o indeed_o we_o shall_v apprehend_v it_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n i.e._n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o the_o finite_a knowledge_n of_o creature_n but_o yet_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o know_v it_o so_o full_a as_o it_o be_v the_o schoolman_n speak_v of_o knowledge_n as_o they_o do_v of_o see_v objecti_fw-la duplex_fw-la plenitudo_fw-la scientioe_fw-la &_o visionis_fw-la viz_o plenitudo_fw-la 1_o subjecti_fw-la 2_o objecti_fw-la there_o be_v a_o twofold_a fullness_n of_o knowledge_n first_o a_o fullness_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o object_n i.e._n such_o a_o fullness_n as_o regard_v the_o thing_n itself_o second_o a_o fullness_n of_o knowledge_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o it_o be_v now_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o incline_v at_o least_o for_o present_a to_o conclude_v that_o although_o without_o doubt_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o fullness_n of_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o knowledge_n i.e._n according_a to_o the_o utmost_a bound_n or_o extent_n which_o our_o knowledge_n when_o it_o be_v perfect_v to_o the_o high_a be_v capable_a of_o yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o knowledge_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o viz._n the_o love_n of_o christ_n quoad_fw-la essentiam_fw-la &_o virtutem_fw-la intensivam_fw-la &_o extensivam_fw-la i.e._n when_o it_o be_v consider_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o may_v be_v have_v unto_o all_o the_o effect_n and_o purpose_n whereunto_o that_o knowledge_n do_v extend_v itself_o this_o i_o say_v i_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v but_o to_o all_o eternity_n we_o shall_v be_v admire_v and_o adore_v of_o this_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n wherefore_o then_o we_o must_v needs_o lament_v to_o consider_v that_o although_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o such_o necessary_a concernment_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v but_o little_o search_v after_o by_o many_o and_o when_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o great_a search_n after_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a full_o to_o attain_v it_o use_v second_o it_o may_v be_v a_o use_n of_o reproof_n unto_o those_o who_o neglect_v this_o study_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n altogether_o many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v little_a in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n less_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o least_o of_o all_o in_o this_o which_o be_v the_o light_n and_o lustre_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o gospel_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n and_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o think_v those_o blame-worthy_a and_o to_o be_v reprove_v who_o in_o these_o time_n speak_v much_o of_o their_o part_n and_o ability_n in_o the_o beat_n out_o of_o some_o truth_n mere_o controversall_a which_o yet_o i_o speak_v not_o against_o in_o its_o place_n and_o yet_o neglect_v this_o knowledge_n which_o be_v of_o such_o necessary_a concernment_n i_o do_v not_o altogether_o blame_v those_o who_o study_v this_o headship_n of_o christ_n i_o mean_v this_o government_n it_o be_v i_o think_v this_o present_a truth_n which_o be_v most_o controvert_v in_o these_o time_n yet_o notwithstanding_o to_o study_v so_o far_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o neglect_v his_o heart_n so_o far_o to_o mind_v his_o government_n as_o to_o neglect_v his_o love_n be_v without_o doubt_n a_o thing_n to_o be_v reprove_v but_o much_o more_o be_v those_o to_o be_v reprove_v who_o study_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n their_o pain_n and_o their_o part_n in_o controversy_n and_o nicety_n pry_v either_o into_o unrevealed_a position_n or_o be_v busy_v about_o needless_a question_n neglect_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o one_o necessary_a thing_n viz._n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o may_v as_o one_o say_v of_o the_o schoolman_n be_v like_a unto_o traveller_n or_o man_n in_o a_o journey_n who_o have_v good_a bread_n about_o they_o but_o go_v gnaw_v and_o bite_v upon_o hard_a stone_n so_o indeed_o some_o man_n who_o have_v at_o least_o mean_n to_o have_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n christ_n love_n but_o they_o neglect_v it_o and_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o gnaw_v upon_o hard_a trivial_o at_o least_o not_o useful_a question_n be_v reprove_v o_o all_o you_o who_o so_o far_o spend_v yourselves_o about_o the_o obtain_n of_o any_o knowledge_n when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o do_v neglect_v the_o study_n of_o this_o knowledge_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v of_o necessary_a concernment_n last_o we_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n you_o who_o have_v spend_v or_o rather_o misspend_v many_o a_o precious_a hour_n in_o read_v of_o romanse_v and_o fond_a history_n of_o feign_a love_n yea_o you_o who_o spend_v all_o your_o time_n though_o it_o be_v about_o some_o matter_n of_o concernment_n but_o neglect_v this_o be_v stir_v up_o now_o to_o lay_v out_o yourselves_o in_o the_o study_n of_o that_o which_o be_v sweet_a and_o necessary_a viz._n the_o study_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n you_o must_v conceive_v that_o as_o i_o hint_v in_o the_o explication_n my_o desire_n be_v that_o you_o will_v labour_v to_o be_v well_o verse_v and_o to_o be_v exact_a student_n in_o this_o business_n i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o content_v your_o self_n in_o some_o general_n but_o labour_v to_o make_v a_o particular_a discovery_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o its_o substance_n in_o its_o circumstance_n and_o in_o its_o sundry_a action_n and_o declaration_n o_o remember_v that_o this_o knowledge_n include_v in_o it_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o salvation_n when_o you_o have_v study_v it_o well_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o this_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o calvin_n have_v well_o observe_v upon_o the_o place_n this_o knowledge_n be_v both_o safe_a and_o sweet_a it_o be_v not_o such_o knowledge_n as_o will_v puff_n up_o the_o head_n but_o it_o will_v purify_v the_o heart_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v that_o any_o can_v grow_v wanton_a who_o attain_v to_o any_o spiritual_a save_a degree_n of_o this_o knowledge_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n will_v constrain_v to_o duty_n and_o restrain_v from_o sin_n therefore_o betake_v yourselves_o to_o
one_o thing_n which_o happy_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o doubt_n and_o that_o be_v the_o seem_a unreasonableness_n of_o this_o part_n of_o paul_n prayer_n doubt_n doubt_n for_o may_v some_o say_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o paul_n shall_v pray_v for_o that_o which_o he_o hint_n be_v impossible_a why_o shall_v he_o pray_v that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v know_v that_o which_o he_o express_o say_v be_v above_o knowledge_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o may_v satisfy_v this_o scruple_n satisfaction_n satisfaction_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o request_n 1_o admit_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v above_o knowledge_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o desire_v to_o know_v it_o for_o look_v as_o albeit_o the_o fulfil_n of_o divine_a precept_n be_v above_o our_o power_n yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o our_o endeavour_n in_o like_a manner_n albeit_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n love_n though_o it_o be_v above_o our_o intellectual_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v in_o our_o desire_n the_o same_o infiniteness_n which_o grace_n put_v in_o the_o will_n make_v it_o endeavour_v to_o fulfil_v that_o which_o it_o can_v nay_o yea_o and_o do_v also_o put_v on_o the_o desire_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o which_o can_v be_v obtain_v but_o 2_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o knowledge_n with_o reference_n to_o man_n as_o man_n not_o unto_o saint_n as_o such_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o know_v or_o search_v into_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v above_o its_o knowledge_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v able_a both_o to_o search_v into_o and_o to_o reveal_v his_o love_n and_o though_o christian_n as_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n yet_o as_o saint_n by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n they_o 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word_n 2_o as_o it_o conclude_v the_o height_n and_o royalty_n or_o transcendency_n of_o that_o love_n 3_o as_o it_o hold_v out_o the_o apostle_n desire_v that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v know_v both_o 4_o as_o it_o contain_v the_o ground_n of_o keep_v up_o the_o ephesian_n heart_n from_o faint_v at_o paul_n tribulation_n which_o be_v the_o drift_n and_o scope_n that_o paul_n drive_v or_o aim_v at_o in_o they_o and_o thus_o there_o will_v be_v four_o doctrine_n which_o i_o shall_v take_v up_o and_o speak_v unto_o from_o these_o word_n i._o there_o be_v love_n in_o christ_n bosom_n towards_o all_o believer_n word_n doctrine_n from_o the_o word_n ii_o that_o love_n which_o christ_n bear_v to_o believer_n be_v a_o transcendent_a love_n iii_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o necessary_a concernment_n for_o every_o christian_n to_o know_v the_o transcendent_a love_n of_o christ_n iv_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o transcendent_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o believer_n be_v of_o special_a efficacy_n to_o keep_v up_o their_o heart_n from_o faint_v under_o any_o trouble_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o however_o it_o may_v more_o full_o be_v gather_v from_o another_o text_n yet_o because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o be_v clear_a enough_o in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v unto_o it_o now_o viz._n there_o be_v love_n in_o christ_n bosom_n towards_o all_o believer_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_o couch_v at_o least_o in_o these_o word_n science_n suppose_v ens_fw-la paul_n will_v not_o doubtless_o pray_v that_o the_o ephesian_n may_v know_v that_o which_o be_v not_o thing_n must_v be_v ere_o they_o can_v be_v know_v nothing_o fall_v under_o the_o understanding_n till_o it_o first_o be_v in_o be_v i_o shall_v brief_o open_v the_o point_n opnen_v point_n opnen_v and_o then_o prove_v it_o and_o apply_v it_o christ_n how_o love_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n how_o love_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o any_o other_o affection_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o inquire_v though_o happy_o love_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o god_n for_o as_o he_o be_v man_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o in_o far_o more_o proper_a sense_n than_o any_o other_o passion_n may_v because_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o essence_n god_n be_v as_o john_n say_v love_v 1_o joh._n 4.16_o be_v what_o christ_n love_n be_v what_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v i_o shall_v not_o curious_o define_v the_o moral'_v have_v so_o many_o definition_n of_o love_n that_o indeed_o it_o be_v hard_o among_o they_o as_o the_o proverb_n be_v to_o find_v this_o wood_n for_o tree_n i._n e._n to_o know_v what_o love_n be_v among_o their_o various_a definition_n thereof_o pass_v by_o therefore_o their_o nicety_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o this_o plain_a description_n of_o love_n it_o be_v the_o command_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n describe_v love_n describe_v consist_v in_o the_o expansion_n or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n towards_o a_o person_n or_o thing_n in_o wish_n and_o working_n for_o its_o good_a amorem_fw-la cunctorumque_fw-la deum_fw-la primum_fw-la quaesivit_fw-la amorem_fw-la i_o call_v it_o a_o affection_n and_o the_o command_a one_o it_o be_v indeed_o on_o all_o hand_n assent_v unto_o love_n be_v queen_n regent_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n command_v all_o it_o be_v the_o centurion_n in_o the_o bosom_n and_o have_v the_o same_o power_n over_o all_o the_o affection_n which_o the_o centurion_n have_v over_o all_o his_o servant_n i_o say_v it_o consist_v in_o the_o expansion_n or_o stretch_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n look_v as_o hatred_n contract_v and_o gather_v in_o so_o love_n open_v and_o dilate_v the_o heart_n i_o add_v that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o general_a in_o wish_n and_o working_n for_o good_a i_o do_v not_o specify_v the_o end_n for_o that_o describe_v and_o denominate_v the_o particular_a kind_n of_o love_n therefore_o only_o in_o the_o general_n i_o say_v it_o consist_v in_o the_o go_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o wish_v and_o work_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n love_v so_o that_o now_o when_o i_o say_v that_o there_o be_v love_n in_o christ_n bosom_n towards_o all_o believer_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o command_a affection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v open_a and_o stretch_v out_o unto_o they_o and_o that_o the_o wish_n and_o working_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v towards_o they_o for_o good_a describe_v believer_n who_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o believer_n in_o a_o word_n i_o understand_v all_o those_o who_o close_o with_o christ_n as_o tender_v in_o the_o gospel_n however_o there_o be_v difference_n between_o they_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o faith_n &_o the_o way_n of_o their_o light_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o see_v themselves_o lose_v without_o christ_n and_o that_o god_n the_o father_n do_v free_o tender_v he_o in_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n they_o do_v thereupon_o go_v our_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o embrace_v he_o as_o he_o be_v tender_v they_o be_v believer_n all_o of_o they_o and_o in_o this_o thing_n christ_n put_v no_o difference_n as_o it_o be_v act._n 15.9_o between_o they_o but_o burn_v in_o his_o bosom_n with_o real_a love_n towards_o they_o all_o for_o proof_n prove_v point_v prove_v i_o shall_v but_o darkeâ—_n the_o point_n if_o i_o shall_v bring_v all_o that_o cloud_n of_o witness_n which_o will_v glad_o come_v and_o set_v seal_n to_o this_o sweet_a truth_n ask_v john_n and_o he_o will_v witness_v that_o christ_n love_v he_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o bosome-beloved_n believer_n 19.26_o
transcendent_a since_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o pass_v knowledge_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v the_o point_n and_o give_v you_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o by_o bring_v you_o to_o the_o top_n of_o this_o high_a hyperbolical_a expression_n in_o three_o step_n or_o stair_n first_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n be_v transcendent_a it_o be_v above_o expression_n those_o who_o enjoy_v christ_n love_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v it_o such_o be_v the_o transcendency_n of_o the_o love_n that_o it_o pass_v their_o knowledge_n how_o to_o express_v it_o in_o any_o language_n the_o scripture_n set_v out_o the_o height_n of_o thing_n by_o this_o that_o they_o be_v unspeakable_a so_o when_o it_o will_v heighten_v and_o declare_v the_o transcendency_n of_o that_o rapture_n in_o which_o paul_n be_v when_o wrap_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o which_o he_o then_o hear_v it_o set_v it_o down_o by_o this_o that_o it_o be_v unutterable_a he_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n which_o may_v be_v a_o hebraism_n for_o thing_n word_n and_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n convertible_a which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o utter_v res_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apud_fw-la hebraeos_fw-la est_fw-la &_o verbum_fw-la &_o res_fw-la 2_o cor._n 12.14_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o transcendent_a joy_n which_o believer_n rejoice_v withal_o by_o believe_v it_o use_v this_o phrase_n that_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a 1_o pet._n 1.8_o you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o it_o must_v not_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o silence_n that_o the_o joy_n of_o which_o peter_n speak_v be_v that_o which_o believer_n have_v by_o faith_n which_o certain_o be_v found_v upon_o christ_n love_n so_o that_o if_o the_o joy_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n love_n be_v unspeakable_a the_o love_n itself_o be_v much_o more_o for_o quod_fw-la efficit_fw-la tale_n est_fw-la magis_fw-la tale_n as_o the_o logician_n speak_v i._n e._n that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n so_o or_o such_o be_v much_o more_o itself_o so_o or_o such_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o ascend_v the_o height_n of_o the_o expression_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o transcendency_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n it_o pass_v knowledge_n in_o this_o that_o no_o man_n no_o though_o he_o have_v the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angle_n know_v how_o to_o express_v it_o 2_o christ_n love_n be_v transcendent_a and_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o knowledge_n in_o that_o it_o be_v above_o apprehension_n as_o the_o language_n of_o believer_n can_v express_v so_o neither_o can_v their_o knowledge_n apprehend_v the_o height_n of_o their_o saviour_n love_n man_n often_o can_v apprehend_v more_o than_o they_o can_v express_v when_o the_o tongue_n be_v silence_v the_o understanding_n may_v be_v comprehensive_a but_o now_o in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v that_o which_o pose_v and_o confound_v the_o very_a intelectuals_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v so_o high_a as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reach_v of_o it_o so_o deep_a as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_v of_o it_o so_o long_o as_o that_o it_o exceed_v measure_v and_o so_o broad_a that_o there_o be_v no_o comprehend_v it_o the_o most_o spiritual_a mathematician_n be_v not_o able_a to_o commensurate_a christ_n love_n in_o all_o its_o dimension_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o that_o little_a crevise_n of_o the_o body_n the_o eye_n to_o let_v in_o all_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o it_o be_v for_o that_o great_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n knowledge_n to_o let_v in_o the_o lustre_n of_o christ_n love_n the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o will_v set_v out_o a_o thing_n as_o transcendent_a he_o use_v this_o phrase_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v comprehend_v as_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o god_n do_v it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v job_n 37.5_o without_o doubt_n as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o father_n hand_n so_o the_o expansion_n of_o the_o son_n heart_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o the_o father_n work_n and_o the_o son_n love_n do_v equal_o transcend_v that_o they_o pass_v knowledge_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o be_v apprehend_v 3_o christ_n bear_v to_o believer_n a_o transcendent_a love_n &_o it_o pass_v knowledge_n in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v above_o conception_n fancy_n can_v conceive_v that_o which_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v the_o understanding_n be_v bound_v by_o reason_n can_v go_v beyond_o its_o limit_n and_o therefore_o where_o reason_n can_v suggest_v the_o understanding_n can_v apprehend_v but_o now_o fancy_n be_v wing_v and_o it_o will_v fly_v it_o do_v as_o scaliger_n speak_v aspernare_fw-la caeterorum_fw-la finium_fw-la praescriptionem_fw-la it_o scorn_v to_o be_v bound_v though_o by_o reason_n itself_o it_o fly_v high_a and_o will_v guess_v at_o least_o at_o the_o transcendent_a height_n of_o that_o which_o reason_n can_v reach_v yet_o such_o my_o beloved_a be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v so_o high_a so_o superlatively-transcendent_a that_o let_v fancy_n loose_v and_o let_v it_o fly_v as_o high_a as_o it_o can_v it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o soar_v to_o the_o top_n thereof_o as_o the_o understanding_n go_v to_o its_o utmost_a bound_n so_o fancy_n fly_v beyond_o all_o bound_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v what_o be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n so_o that_o now_o when_o i_o say_v the_o love_n which_o christ_n bear_v to_o believer_n be_v transcendent_a and_o when_o you_o read_v in_o the_o text_n that_o it_o pass_v knowledge_n you_o may_v take_v the_o meaning_n thus_o that_o it_o be_v above_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o fine_a oratory_n the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o deep_a theory_n and_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o sublimest_n fancy_n in_o so_o much_o as_o let_v oratory_n speak_v wisdom_n study_n fancy_n fly_v yet_o neither_o the_o one_o 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and_o bless_v their_o soul_n than_o the_o little_a fish_n can_v comprehend_v the_o great_a sea_n in_o which_o it_o swim_v wherefore_o ere_o i_o proceed_v further_a let_v i_o premise_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o thought_n nor_o dare_v i_o presume_v this_o neither_o will_v i_o have_v you_o expect_v that_o by_o any_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v or_o can_v say_v i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o set_v out_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o that_o love_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v treat_v according_a to_o his_o full_a latitude_n and_o worth_a no_o this_o i_o despair_v of_o only_o i_o desire_v to_o let_v you_o see_v some_o of_o the_o glimmer_a beam_n of_o that_o transcendent_a love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n bosom_n towards_o believer_n so_o as_o that_o you_o may_v wonder_v at_o it_o and_o set_v about_o the_o exacter_n study_v of_o it_o and_o look_v as_o a_o painter_n when_o he_o intend_v to_o draw_v out_o the_o sea_n or_o the_o world_n in_o a_o map_n he_o make_v only_o some_o little_a 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there_o be_v all_o the_o dimension_n in_o christ_n love_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o declare_v any_o thing_n vast_a and_o infinite_a there_o be_v a_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o note_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o tell_v how_o great_a those_o dimension_n be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v how_o broad_a or_o how_o long_o or_o how_o deep_a or_o how_o high_a but_o as_o if_o the_o dimension_n of_o christ_n love_n do_v transcend_v his_o knowledge_n he_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o only_o add_v this_o that_o this_o love_n pass_v knowledge_n i_o find_v not_o this_o phrase_n to_o my_o best_a remembrance_n but_o once_o more_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o be_v philip._n 4.7_o where_o paul_n speak_v of_o the_o transcendency_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n he_o say_v it_o pass_v understanding_n certain_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n love_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o father_n peace_n that_o it_o also_o 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spiritual_a eye_n when_o i_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o four_o chapter_n only_o of_o that_o song_n i_o can_v choose_v but_o wonder_n at_o the_o high_a transcendency_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n sure_o i_o conclude_v the_o affection_n be_v sweet_a strong_a glorious_a unconceivable_a when_o the_o expression_n thereof_o be_v so_o ravish_v so_o great_a so_o high_a as_o in_o that_o chapter_n they_o be_v i_o shall_v give_v one_o general_a demonstration_n to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n be_v transcendent_a the_o demonstration_n take_v thus_o that_o love_n which_o include_v in_o it_o and_o comprehend_v all_o kind_n act_n or_o demonstration_n of_o love_n whatsoever_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o transcendent_a love_n but_o such_o be_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o etc._n etc._n i_o suppose_v the_o major_n be_v clear_a enough_o and_o needs_o no_o proof_n the_o painter_n take_v the_o direct_a and_o undeniable_a way_n to_o make_v the_o picture_n of_o minerva_n transcend_v and_o excel_v all_o other_o beauty_n when_o he_o epitomise_v or_o contract_v all_o the_o several_a ray_n and_o particular_a beauty_n that_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o other_o person_n or_o picture_n in_o that_o one_o pecce_fw-la it_o be_v upon_o this_o ground_n a_o axiom_n indubitable_a and_o beyond_o or_o above_o dispute_v that_o the_o sun_n do_v far_o transcend_v in_o light_n any_o or_o all_o the_o other_o light_n moon_n or_o star_n etc._n etc._n because_o in_o its_o light_n all_o they_o be_v contain_v and_o that_o in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n all_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o minor_a whether_o that_o christ_n love_n be_v such_o to_o believer_n as_o that_o it_o include_v and_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o kind_n or_o act_n of_o love_n whatsoever_o now_o this_o i_o shall_v put_v out_o of_o question_n by_o a_o induction_n or_o enumeration_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n or_o act_n of_o love_n among_o other_o how_o exact_o i_o will_v not_o determine_v the_o moralist_n tell_v we_o of_o these_o four_o kind_n of_o love_n as_o the_o chief_a viz._n 1_o a_o love_n of_o friendship_n 2_o a_o love_n of_o pity_n 3_o a_o love_n of_o sympathy_n 4_o a_o love_n of_o complacency_n in_o these_o four_o only_o i_o shall_v instance_n which_o i_o have_v rather_o call_v several_a demonstration_n or_o degree_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o passion_n of_o love_n than_o particular_a kind_n distinct_a and_o shall_v show_v that_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n include_v and_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o of_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v transcendent_a 1_o the_o love_n of_o friendship_n be_v so_o call_v not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o habit_n of_o friendship_n itself_o but_o because_o it_o be_v that_o kind_n or_o act_v of_o love_n whereby_o we_o prosecute_v or_o follow_v one_o who_o we_o look_v upon_o and_o love_n as_o a_o friend_n and_o to_o who_o we_o wish_v good_a now_o this_o kind_n or_o rather_o degree_n of_o love_n be_v in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n christ_n look_v upon_o and_o love_v all_o believer_n as_o friend_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o count_v and_o call_v they_o all_o by_o that_o name_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n joh._n 15.14_o and_o that_o this_o be_v real_a appear_v by_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o lord_n do_v but_o i_o have_v call_v you_o friend_n for_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o father_n i_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o ver_fw-la 15._o those_o who_o we_o love_v as_o friend_n we_o open_v our_o mind_n unto_o and_o it_o be_v their_o privilege_n we_o communicate_v to_o they_o secret_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v christ_n deal_v thus_o with_o believer_n and_o thus_o deal_v do_v not_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o love_n of_o friendship_n 2_o the_o love_n of_o pity_n this_o fall_v in_o and_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a for_o as_o job_n say_v to_o he_o that_o be_v afflict_v pity_n shall_v be_v show_v by_o his_o friend_n job_n 6.14_o this_o also_o be_v include_v in_o christ_n love_n to_o believer_n for_o upon_o that_o love_n of_o friendship_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o they_o he_o act_v this_o of_o pity_n still_o towards_o they_o when_o no_o eye_n pity_v they_o his_o eye_n do_v when_o sinner_n and_o satan_n rather_o laugh_v at_o their_o misery_n and_o say_v aha_o aha_o so_o will_v we_o have_v it_o christ_n he_o as_o it_o be_v sigh_n to_o see_v their_o sorrow_n and_o indeed_o pity_v their_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v isa_n 63.9_o in_o his_o love_n and_o in_o his_o pity_n he_o redeem_v they_o it_o be_v real_a pity_n it_o do_v work_v and_o he_o bear_v they_o and_o carry_v they_o all_o the_o day_n of_o old_a 3_o the_o love_n of_o sympathy_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v but_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o pity_n be_v also_o contain_v in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n man_n sympathize_v with_o those_o who_o they_o love_v when_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v take_v up_o their_o misery_n upon_o themselves_o and_o be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o their_o friend_n case_n thus_o do_v jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o see_v any_o believer_n groan_n either_o under_o sin_n or_o sadness_n he_o come_v and_o by_o a_o sympathy_n do_v afflict_v himself_o for_o in_o all_o their_o affliction_n say_v the_o prophet_n he_o be_v afflict_v isa_n 63.9_o as_o if_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o their_o sadness_n and_o under_o their_o sin_n the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o we_o have_v not_o a_o high_a priest_n who_o can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n sympathize_v with_o our_o infirmity_n have_v 4.15_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o indeed_o our_o high_a priest_n jesus_n christ_n do_v sympathize_v with_o believer_n in_o their_o sorrow_n and_o in_o chap._n 5.2_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o can_v have_v compassion_n 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shore_n yet_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o desire_v to_o be_v from_o this_o sea_n for_o it_o be_v delight_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o be_v drown_v here_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o surpass_v sweet_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o infinite_o necessary_a for_o our_o soul_n as_o that_o it_o be_v my_o desire_n at_o least_o to_o make_v some_o further_a discovery_n of_o its_o transcendency_n you_o see_v what_o a_o hyperbole_n the_o apostle_n use_v to_o express_v the_o greatness_n of_o christ_n love_n by_o viz._n that_o it_o pass_v knowledge_n the_o last_o time_n we_o give_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o the_o love_n which_o christ_n bear_v to_o believer_n be_v a_o transcendent_a love_n this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n which_o i_o eye_n in_o the_o text_n and_o indeed_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o every_o soul_n ought_v to_o eye_n and_o live_v upon_o i_o 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and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o in_o this_o act_n he_o may_v declare_v love_n to_o believer_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o take_v not_o upon_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n heb._n 2.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n in_o no_o wise_a at_o no_o hand_n will_v he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o angelical_a nature_n but_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n to_o declare_v his_o love_n to_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n that_o we_o may_v see_v a_o little_a more_o clear_o how_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n do_v transcend_v in_o his_o birth_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o this_o head_n in_o some_o particular_n and_o by_o all_o of_o they_o you_o shall_v see_v how_o christ_n love_n unto_o believer_n do_v appear_v and_o shine_v glorious_o in_o this_o act_n of_o he_o when_o he_o become_v man_n and_o be_v bear_v for_o their_o sake_n here_o i_o shall_v consider_v therefore_o particular_o under_o this_o head_n these_o four_o thing_n 1_o whence_o 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i_o if_o he_o lay_v i_o in_o his_o bosom_n why_o be_v it_o that_o he_o suffer_v i_o to_o lie_v at_o the_o world_n foot_n answ_n 1._o this_o may_v consist_v with_o love_n tell_v i_o thou_o weak_a soul_n be_v not_o christ_n the_o dear_o belove_v of_o the_o father_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o the_o father_n permit_v wicked_a man_n to_o persecute_v he_o can_v thou_o be_v revile_v buffet_v scourge_v or_o crucify_v worse_a than_o he_o &_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o he_o be_v belove_v of_o the_o father_n and_o that_o in_o a_o transcendent_a manner_n in_o like_a manner_n thou_o may_v be_v the_o belove_a of_o christ_n soul_n and_o yet_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o thine-enemy_n as_o it_o be_v jer._n 12.7_o nay_o this_o be_v not_o only_o consist_v with_o love_n but_o 2_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n for_o while_o christ_n permit_v these_o suffering_n of_o thou_o he_o make_v thou_o like_a unto_o himself_o it_o be_v desire_v of_o paul_n as_o it_o make_v he_o conformable_a unto_o 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and_o the_o point_n will_v bear_v you_o out_o in_o it_o for_o you_o have_v such_o a_o love_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o have_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n you_o have_v that_o love_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n and_o sure_o believer_n if_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n think_v they_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o glory_n in_o this_o that_o they_o enjoy_v the_o low_a love_n though_o of_o some_o seem_a great_a creature_n you_o have_v much_o more_o ground_n to_o rejoice_v who_o enjoy_v this_o high_a love_n of_o he_o who_o be_v indeed_o great_a than_o all_o the_o creature_n jesus_n christ_n do_v man_n think_v they_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o sit_v and_o glory_n in_o that_o they_o sip_v the_o puddle_n drop_v of_o creature_n love_n have_v not_o you_o more_o ground_n and_o that_o just_a and_o true_a to_o sing_v and_o glory_n in_o this_o that_o you_o drink_v in_o the_o pure_a love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v so_o sweet_a so_o excellent_a and_o 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