obedience_n fall_v short_a so_o that_o he_o can_v never_o come_v to_o be_v upon_o even_o disengage_v term_n much_o less_o to_o oblige_v a_o new_a and_o deserve_v somewhat_o further_o beside_o that_o same_o grace_n by_o which_o any_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n be_v likewise_o his_o own_o gift_n as_o it_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n come_v of_o thou_o and_o of_o thy_o own_o have_v i_o give_v thou_o both_o the_o ability_n and_o the_o will_n of_o give_v to_o he_o be_v from_o he_o so_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n not_o angel_n nor_o man_n in_o innocency_n can_v proper_o merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n much_o less_o man_n lose_v redeem_v again_o and_o so_o come_v under_o the_o new_a obligation_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o the_o learn_a and_o most_o ingenuous_a jesuit_n and_o schoolman_n have_v in_o divers_a passage_n of_o their_o write_n acknowledge_v it_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o compensation_n and_o much_o less_o merit_n from_o the_o creature_n to_o god_n but_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o free_a purpose_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o word_n and_o covenant_n which_o be_v inviolable_a because_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o truth_n itself_o his_o first_o grace_n he_o give_v free_o and_o no_o less_o free_o the_o increase_v of_o it_o and_o with_o the_o same_o gracious_a hand_n set_v on_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n upon_o all_o the_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v give_v before_o it_o be_v but_o the_o follow_v forth_o of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o fulfil_v his_o own_o thought_n of_o free_a love_n which_o love_n have_v no_o cause_n but_o in_o himself_o and_o find_v none_o worthy_a but_o give_v they_o all_o the_o worthiness_n they_o have_v and_o accept_v of_o their_o love_n not_o as_o worthy_a in_o itself_o to_o be_v accept_v but_o because_o he_o himself_o have_v wrought_v it_o in_o they_o not_o only_o the_o first_o taste_v but_o the_o full_a draught_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n be_v free_o give_v reve._n 22.17_o nothing_o bring_v with_o they_o but_o thirst_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v not_o that_o be_v bring_v or_o that_o shall_v be_v bring_v but_o if_o we_o will_v render_v it_o strict_o it_o be_v that_o be_v a_o bring_n to_o you_o that_o blessedness_n that_o consummation_n of_o grace_n the_o saint_n be_v hasten_v forward_o to_o walk_v on_o in_o their_o way_n wheresoever_o it_o lie_v indifferent_o through_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n through_o evil_a report_n and_o good_a report_n and_o as_o they_o be_v hasten_v to_o it_o it_o be_v hastn'ng_v to_o they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o time_n every_o day_n bring_v it_o near_o to_o they_o than_o before_o and_o notwith_o stand_v all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o the_o way_n they_o that_o have_v their_o eye_n and_o hope_n upon_o it_o shall_v arrive_v at_o it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v safe_a to_o their_o hand_n all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v they_o short_a of_o this_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o bring_n to_o they_o against_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v repeat_v from_o the_o 7_o the_o verse_n and_o it_o be_v a_o day_n of_o revelation_n a_o revelation_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n rom._n two_o 5._o and_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v to_o all_o be_v it_o not_o that_o it_o be_v withal_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o be_v it_o a_o day_n of_o grace_n all_o light_n and_o blessedness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o he_o because_o they_o shall_v appear_v in_o he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v glorious_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v inglorious_a and_o ashamed_a indeed_o be_v our_o secret_a sin_n then_o to_o be_v set_v before_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o their_o affrightfull_a visage_n and_o to_o be_v set_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o we_o lest_o alone_o so_o reveal_v who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v gather_v any_o comfort_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o have_v their_o thought_n fill_v with_o horror_n at_o the_o remembrance_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o day_n and_o thus_o indeed_o all_o unbelieving_a and_o ungodly_a man_n may_v look_v upon_o it_o and_o find_v it_o terrible_a but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v shadow_v under_o the_o robe_n of_o righteous_a jesus_n yea_o that_o be_v make_v one_o with_o he_o and_o shall_v partake_v of_o his_o glory_n in_o his_o appear_v it_o be_v the_o sweet_a the_o most_o comfortable_a thought_n that_o their_o soul_n can_v be_v entertain_v and_o possess_v withal_o to_o remember_v this_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o their_o redeemer_n it_o be_v their_o great_a grief_n here_o not_o that_o themselves_o be_v hate_v and_o vilify_v but_o that_o their_o lord_n jesus_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o therefore_o so_o much_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v veil_v and_o hide_v from_o the_o world_n many_o nation_n acknowledge_v he_o not_o at_o all_o and_o many_o of_o those_o that_o do_v in_o word_n confess_v yet_o in_o deed_n deny_v he_o that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o do_v not_o only_o want_v but_o mock_v and_o scoff_n the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o to_o such_o christ_n be_v not_o know_v his_o excellency_n be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n now_o this_o glory_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v tender_a to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o they_o rejoice_v much_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n at_o hand_n wherein_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o his_o bright_a and_o full_a glory_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o out_o doubt_v and_o unquestioned_a to_o all_o that_o here_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o redeemer_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o day_n of_o revelation_n '_o it_o be_v also_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n in_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o they_o be_v now_o account_v the_o refuse_n of_o the_o world_n expose_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o comtempt_n but_o then_o the_o beam_n of_o christ_n glory_n shall_v beautify_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v know_v for_o his_o 1_o joh._n 3â—_n 2._o col._n 3_o 4._o next_o there_o be_v the_o exhortation_n hope_v to_o the_o end_n the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n faith_n and_o hope_n be_v so_o small_a that_o the_o one_o be_v often_o take_v for_o the_o other_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v but_o a_o divers_a aspect_n of_o the_o same_o confidence_n faith_n apprehend_v the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o those_o divine_a promise_n of_o which_o hope_n do_v assure_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n and_o that_o be_v their_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o immediate_o result_v from_o the_o other·_a this_o be_v the_o anchor_n pitch_v within_o the_o vail_n that_o keep_v the_o soul_n firm_a against_o all_o the_o toss_n on_o these_o swell_a sea_n and_o the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n that_o arise_v upon_o they_o the_o firm_a thing_n in_o this_o inferior_a world_n be_v a_o believe_v soul._n faith_n establish_v the_o heart_n on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o hopelift_n it_o up_o be_v on_o that_o rock_n over_o the_o head_n of_o all_o intervenient_a danger_n cross_n and_o tentation_n and_o see_v the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n that_o follow_v after_o they_o to_o the_o end_n or_o perfect_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a seek_v most_o earnest_o and_o yet_o wait_v most_o patient_o psal._n 130.6_o indeed_o this_o hope_n be_v perfect_a in_o continuance_n it_o be_v a_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n because_o it_o be_v perfect_a in_o its_o nature_n although_o imperfect_a in_o degree_n sometime_o doubt_v intermix_v with_o it_o in_o the_o christian_a soul_n yet_o this_o be_v their_o infirmity_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v not_o the_o infirmity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o object_n of_o their_o hope_n worldly_n hope_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n imperfect_a they_o do_v imply_v in_o their_o very_a be_v doubtfulness_n and_o waver_v because_o the_o thing_n whereon_o they_o be_v build_v be_v inconstant_a and_o uncertain_a and_o full_a of_o deceit_n and_o disappointment_n how_o can_v that_o hope_n be_v immovable_a that_o be_v build_v upon_o move_a sand_n or_o quagmire_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v itself_o unfixed_a can_v give_v stability_n to_o any_o other_o thing_n rest_v on_o it_o but_o because_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o immutable_a god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o spiritual_a hope_n therefore_o it_o be_v assure_v and_o like_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o be_v its_o perfection_n now_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v his_o brethren_n to_o endeavour_v to_o have_v their_o heart_n possess_v with_o as_o high_a a_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o
a_o practical_a commentary_n upon_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n general_n of_o st._n peter_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n robert_n leighton_n sometime_n archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n publish_a after_o his_o death_n at_o the_o request_n of_o his_o friend_n york_z print_v by_o i._n white_n their_o majesty_n printer_n for_o the_o city_n of_o york_n and_o the_o five_o northern_a county_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o london_n by_o sam._n keble_n at_o the_o turks-head_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1693_o to_o the_o pious_a reader_n thou_o may_v remember_v in_o publish_v some_o of_o this_o author_n discourse_n about_o two_o year_n ago_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v well_o receive_v more_o of_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o light_n the_o general_a acceptance_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o especial_o from_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v chief_o design_v and_o the_o necessity_n the_o bookseller_n find_v to_o make_v a_o second_o edition_n though_o by_o the_o printer_n ouresight_n very_o incorrect_a be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o oblige_v i_o to_o the_o make_v good_a that_o promise_n and_o here_o it_o be_v in_o part_n perform_v by_o offer_v to_o thou_o the_o follow_a meditation_n of_o this_o primitive_o devout_a author_n upon_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n general_n of_o st_n peter_n his_o latin_a discourse_n which_o he_o have_v to_o the_o student_n when_o he_o be_v principal_a of_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v now_o in_o the_o press_n matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n among_o protestant_a divine_n this_o good_a man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o his_o life_n time_n either_o absolute_o shun_v or_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v and_o where_o he_o can_v not_o conciliat_fw-la the_o term_n and_o point_n themselves_o in_o dispute_n yet_o he_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v the_o person_n dispute_v for_o out_o of_o his_o great_a charity_n he_o have_v much_o better_a thought_n of_o each_o of_o they_o than_o they_o ordinary_o have_v one_o of_o another_o and_o even_o when_o he_o give_v in_o these_o paper_n his_o own_o opinion_n in_o some_o few_o of_o those_o point_n he_o do_v it_o with_o that_o moderation_n and_o discretion_n that_o can_v give_v no_o offence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o party_n except_o to_o such_o of_o they_o who_o will_v needs_o be_v contentious_a he_o be_v a_o singular_a instance_n how_o far_o good_a man_n may_v differ_v in_o judgement_n about_o some_o abstruse_a point_n in_o religion_n yet_o without_o diminution_n of_o affection_n either_o to_o truth_n or_o to_o one-anoth_a if_o his_o way_n of_o expression_n or_o method_n of_o handle_v the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n here_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o modern_a critical_a exactness_n or_o if_o his_o style_n be_v not_o after_o the_o mode_n and_o dress_n of_o those_o time_n and_o hence_o perhaps_o may_v be_v less_o gratify_v to_o some_o such_o be_v humble_o desire_v that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o enjoy_v those_o other_o write_n they_o so_o deserve_o value_v and_o whereof_o they_o have_v so_o great_a store_n in_o this_o age_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v hope_v from_o their_o good_a nature_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v with_o such_o who_o do_v and_o must_v own_o to_o their_o great_a comfort_n that_o they_o find_v a_o sweetness_n in_o this_o divine_a author_n thought_n and_o way_n of_o write_v peculiar_a to_o he_o which_o make_v those_o scripture_n thus_o treat_v by_o he_o drop_v sweet_a to_o their_o soul_n than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n while_o they_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o purify_v and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n while_o they_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a they_o convert_v their_o soul_n this_o be_v his_o design_n in_o preach_v those_o discourse_n above_o thirty_o year_n ago_o and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n in_o publish_v they_o now_o god_n grant_v that_o the_o success_n in_o peruse_v they_o may_v answer_v the_o good_a intention_n of_o both_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o that_o abundance_n which_o shall_v make_v both_o planter_n and_o waterer_n rejoice_v in_o that_o great_a and_o last_o harvest_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o publisher_n j._n f._n i._o ep._n st._n peter_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 1._o peter_n a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o tender_a plant_n in_o a_o strange_a unkindly_a soil_n and_o therefore_o can_v well_o prosper_v and_o grow_v without_o much_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o that_o of_o a_o skilful_a hand_n and_o that_o have_v the_o art_n of_o cherish_v it_o for_o this_o end_n have_v god_n give_v the_o constant_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o his_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o first_o work_n of_o conversion_n but_o also_o for_o confirm_v and_o increase_v of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n and_o though_o the_o extraordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n have_v principal_o the_o former_a for_o their_o charge_n the_o convert_n of_o unbeliever_n jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o so_o the_o plant_n of_o church_n to_o be_v after_o keep_v and_o water_v by_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v 1_o cor._n 3.6_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o neglect_v the_o other_o work_n of_o strengthen_v the_o begin_v grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a convert_v of_o those_o time_n both_o by_o revisit_v they_o and_o exhort_v they_o in_o person_n as_o they_o can_v and_o by_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o writing_n to_o they_o when_o absent_a and_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o extend_v not_o by_o accident_n but_o by_o the_o purpose_n and_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n this_o excellent_a epistle_n full_a of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n and_o apostolical_a authority_n be_v a_o brief_a and_o yet_o very_o clear_a summary_n both_o of_o the_o consolation_n and_o instruction_n needful_a for_o the_o encouragement_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n elevate_a his_o thought_n and_o desire_n to_o that_o happiness_n and_o strengthen_v he_o against_o all_o opposition_n in_o the_o way_n both_o that_o of_o corruption_n within_o and_o tentation_n and_o affliction_n from_o without_o the_o head_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v many_o but_o the_o main_a that_o be_v most_o insist_v on_o be_v these_o three_o faith_n obedience_n and_o patience_n to_o establish_v the_o believe_a to_o direct_v they_o in_o do_v and_o comfort_v they_o in_o suffer_v and_o because_o the_o first_o be_v the_o groundwork_n and_o support_v of_o the_o other_o two_o this_o first_o chapt._n be_v much_o in_o that_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o mystery_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v believe_v viz._n their_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n that_o inheritance_n of_o immortality_n buy_v by_o his_o blood_n for_o they_o and_o the_o evidence_n and_o stability_n of_o their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o it_o and_o then_o he_o use_v this_o belief_n this_o assurance_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v as_o the_o great_a persuasive_a to_o the_o other_o two_o both_o to_o holy_a obedience_n and_o constant_a patience_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v too_o much_o either_o to_o forgo_v or_o undergo_v either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o as_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o object_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o believer_n he_o encourage_v to_o patience_n and_o exhort_v to_o holiness_n in_o this_o chapter_n in_o general_n so_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n he_o express_v more_o particular_o both_o the_o universal_a and_o special_a duty_n of_o christian_n both_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v often_o set_v before_o they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v the_o matchless_a example_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o engagement_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o two_o first_o verse_n we_o have_v the_o inscription_n and_o salutation_n the_o usual_a stile_n of_o apostolic_a epistle_n the_o inscription_n have_v the_o author_n and_o the_o address_n from_o who_o and_o to_o who_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v design_v by_o his_o name_n peter_n and_o his_o call_v a_o apostle_n we_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o his_o name_n that_o it_o be_v impose_v by_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v its_o signification_n this_o the_o evangelist_n teach_v we_o s._n joh._n 1.42_o s·_fw-la mat._n 16.18_o etc._n etc._n by_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o in_o divers_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v very_o remarkable_a among_o the_o
life_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v we_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o be_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o holiness_n increase_v the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v strong_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o act_v more_o strong_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o he_o grow_v spiritual_o and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o beget_v this_o spiritual_a life_n so_o likewise_o of_o its_o increase_n 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a treat_v of_o the_o high_a thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o elevate_v man_n mind_n from_o the_o earth_n be_v often_o conversant_a with_o it_o to_o assimilate_v they_o to_o itself_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n ready_o do_v to_o these_o that_o be_v much_o in_o it_o and_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o study_v it_o doubtless_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v frequent_a with_o man_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v light_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o call_v light_n as_o be_v transform_v into_o its_o nature_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o by_o more_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o so_o they_o grow_v if_o we_o look_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o strain_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o christian_a for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o particular_a truth_n relative_a to_o they_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o excite_v they_o and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n and_o so_o to_o make_v they_o grow_v as_o all_o habit_n do_v by_o act_v it_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n word_n may_v be_v translate_v stir_v up_o the_o spark_n and_o blow_v they_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n make_v they_o burn_v clear_a and_o hot_a that_o it_o do_v both_o by_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n and_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n sometime_o press_v one_o and_o sometime_o another_o and_o by_o right_n represent_v to_o they_o their_o object_n the_o word_n feed_v faith_n by_o set_v before_o it_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n his_o rich_a promise_n and_o his_o power_n and_o truth_n to_o perform_v they_o all_o show_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n not_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o hold_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o draw_v faith_n still_o to_o rest_v more_o entire_o upon_o his_o righteousness_n it_o feed_v repentance_n by_o make_v the_o vileness_n and_o deformity_n of_o sin_n daily_o more_o clear_a and_o visible_a still_o as_o more_o of_o the_o word_n have_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o it_o hate_v sin_n be_v the_o more_o discover_v and_o the_o better_o know_v in_o its_o own_o native_a colour_n as_o the_o more_o light_n be_v in_o a_o house_n the_o more_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v unclean_o or_o deform_a be_v see_v and_o dislike_v likewise_o it_o increase_v love_n to_o god_n by_o open_v up_o still_o more_o and_o more_o of_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o lovelyness_n and_o as_o it_o borrow_v the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o vile_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o express_v the_o foulness_n and_o hatefulness_n of_o sin_n so_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o dignity_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v call_v together_o in_o the_o word_n to_o give_v we_o some_o small_a scantling_n of_o that_o uncreated_a beauty_n that_o alone_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v thus_o may_v it_o be_v instanced_a in_o all_o other_o grace_n but_o above_o all_o other_o consideration_n this_o be_v in_o the_o word_n observable_a as_o the_o increaser_n of_o grace_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v forth_o jesus_n christ_n to_o our_o vieu_n to_o look_v upon_o not_o only_o as_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n but_o as_o the_o full_a fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n from_o who_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v the_o contemplate_v of_o he_o as_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o god_n and_o then_o draw_v from_o he_o as_o have_v in_o himself_o a_o treasure_n for_o we_o these_o give_v the_o soul_n more_o of_o that_o image_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a growth_n this_o the_o apostle_n express_v excellent_o 2_o cor._n 3._o ult_n speak_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v christ_n that_o behold_v in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v chap._n 4._o vers._n 6._o in_o his_o face_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o copy_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o have_v a_o share_n of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o spiritual_a growth_n but_o i_o will_v add_v only_o a_o few_o 1._o in_o the_o judge_n of_o this_o growth_n some_o conlude_v too_o rigid_o against_o themselves_o that_o they_o grow_v not_o by_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o sensible_a to_o they_o as_o they_o desire_v but_o 1._o this_o be_v know_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o grow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o discern_v in_o motu_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o termino_fw-la not_o in_o the_o grow_a but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v 2._o beside_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o although_o other_o grace_n seem_v not_o to_o advance_v yet_o if_o thou_o grow_v more_o self-denying_a and_o humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o slowness_n all_o be_v not_o lose_v although_o the_o branch_n shut_v not_o up_o so_o fast_o as_o thou_o wish_v yet_o if_o the_o root_n grow_v deep_o and_o fasten_v more_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a growth_n he_o that_o be_v still_o learning_n to_o be_v more_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o less_o in_o himself_o to_o have_v all_o his_o dependence_n and_o comfort_n in_o he_o be_v doubtless_o a_o grow_a believer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o far_o great_a number_n conclude_v wrong_a in_o their_o own_o favour_n imagine_v that_o they_o do_v grow_v if_o they_o gain_v in_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n we_o mention_v above_o namely_o if_o more_o knowledge_n and_o more_o faculty_n of_o discourse_v if_o they_o find_v often_o some_o present_a stir_n of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n if_o they_o reform_v their_o life_n grow_v more_o civil_a and_o blameless_a etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n who_o notwithstanding_o grow_v not_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a he_o be_v not_o in_o that_o estate_n a_o subject_a capable_a of_o this_o growth_n for_o he_o be_v dead_a he_o have_v none_o of_o this_o new_a life_n to_o which_o this_o growth_n relate_v herod_n hear_v glad_o and_o obey_v many_o thing_n consider_v then_o what_o true_a delight_n we_o may_v have_v in_o this_o you_o find_v a_o pleasure_n when_o you_o see_v your_o child_n grow_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o stand_v and_o walk_v etc._n etc._n you_o love_v well_o to_o perceive_v your_o estate_n or_o your_o honour_n grow_v but_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v grow_v like_a god_n and_o near_a heaven_n if_o we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n far_o beyond_o they_o all_o to_o find_v pride_n and_o earthliness_n and_o vanity_n abate_v and_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o spiritual_a mindedness_n increase_v especial_o if_o we_o think_v whither_o this_o growth_n be_v not_o as_o our_o natural_a life_n that_o be_v often_o cut_v off_o before_o it_o attain_v full_a age_n as_o we_o call_v it_o and_o if_o it_o attain_v that_o fall_v again_o to_o move_v downward_o and_o decay_v as_o the_o sun_n be_v at_o its_o meridian_n begin_v to_o decline_v again_o but_o this_o life_n shall_v grow_v on-in_a whosoever_o it_o be_v and_o come_v certain_o to_o its_o fullness_n after_o which_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o this_o word_n either_o for_o growth_n or_o nourishment_n no_o death_n no_o decay_n no_o old_a age_n but_o perpetual_a youth_n and_o a_o perpetual_a spring_n ver_fw-la aeternum_fw-la fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a pleasure_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n verse_n 3._o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a our_o natural_a desire_n of_o food_n arise_v principal_o from_o its_o necessity_n for_o that_o end_n which_o nature_n seek_v the_o growth_n or_o at_o least_o the_o nourishment_n of_o our_o body_n but_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o present_a sweetness_n and_o pleasingness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o serve_v to_o sharpen_v our_o desire_n and_o be_v place_v in_o nature_n for_o that_o purpose_n thus_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o desire_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o nourishment_n and_o of_o their_o growth_n
nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v whence_o this_o shall_v be_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v believe_v unless_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n and_o if_o give_v he_o than_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o give_v it_o he_o and_o if_o so_o then_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o save_v he_o and_o for_o that_o end_n he_o give_v faith_n not_o therefore_o purpose_v to_o save_o because_o man_n shall_v believe_v 4._o this_o seem_v cross_a to_o these_o scripture_n where_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o subordination_n or_o rather_o coordination_n of_o those_o two_o as_o here_o foreknown_a and_o elect_v not_o because_o of_o obedience_n or_o sprinkle_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o to_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n so_o he_o predestinate_v not_o because_o he_o foresee_v man_n will_v be_v conform_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o as_o rom._n 8.29_o for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a and_o the_o same_o order_n act._n 2.47_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o 13.48_o and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v this_o foreknowledge_n then_o be_v his_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n and_o that_o thus_o he_o choose_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o be_v for_o that_o great_a end_n to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n but_o why_o he_o appoint_v this_o man_n for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o other_o make_v peter_n a_o vessel_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o judas_n of_o wrath_n this_o be_v even_o so_o because_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o this_o if_o it_o be_v harsh_a yet_o be_v apostolic_a doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o potter_n say_v st._n paul_n power_n over_o the_o same_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n and_o another_o unto_o dishonour_n this_o deep_a we_o must_v admire_v and_o always_o in_o consider_v it_o close_o with_o this_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n now_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o we_o be_v for_o our_o profit_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o effectual_a call_v be_v inseparable_o tie_v to_o this_o eternal_a foreknowledge_n or_o election_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o salvation_n on_o the_o other_o these_o two_o link_n of_o the_o chain_n be_v up_o in_o heaven_n in_o god_n own_o hand_n but_o this_o middle_a one_o be_v let_v down_o to_o earth_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n and_o they_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o have_v sure_o hold_v on_o the_o other_o two_o for_o no_o power_n can_v sever_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o read_v the_o character_n of_o god_n image_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n those_o be_v the_o counterpain_n of_o the_o golden_a character_n of_o his_o love_n in_o which_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n their_o believe_v write_v their_o name_n under_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o reveal_v book_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n and_o so_o ascertain_v they_o that_o the_o same_o name_n be_v in_o the_o secret_a book_n of_o life_n that_o god_n have_v by_o himself_o from_o eternity_n so_o find_v the_o stream_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o see_v not_o the_o fountain_n whence_o it_o flow_v nor_o the_o ocean_n into_o which_o it_o return_v yet_o they_o know_v that_o it_o have_v its_o source_n and_o shall_v return_v to_o that_o ocean_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o eternal_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o shall_v empty_v itself_o into_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n hence_o much_o joy_n arise_v to_o the_o believer_n this_o tie_n indissolvable_a as_o the_o agent_n be_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n so_o election_n and_o vocation_n and_o sanctification_n and_o justification_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o condition_n they_o may_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o look_v back_o to_o that_o election_n and_o forward_o to_o that_o salvation_n but_o they_o that_o remain_v unholy_a and_o dissobedient_a have_v as_o yet_o no_o evidence_n of_o this_o love_n and_o therefore_o can_v without_o vain_a presumption_n and_o self_n delusion_n judge_v thus_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o peculiar_a love_n of_o god_n but_o in_o this_o let_v the_o righteous_a be_v glad_a and_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_v all_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n it_o be_v one_o main_a point_n of_o happiness_n that_o he_o that_o be_v happy_a do_v know_v and_o judge_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a good_a of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o reasonable_a way_n it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o dull_a rest_v of_o a_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a body_n in_o its_o natural_a place_n but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o be_v the_o fruition_n of_o it_o the_o very_a relish_v and_o taste_v its_o sweetness_n the_o perfect_a blessedness_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v abide_v they_o above_o but_o even_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v true_o happy_a though_o incompleat_o and_o but_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v and_o this_o their_o present_a happiness_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o more_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o it_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pleasant_a fruit_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o comfort_v his_o disperse_a brethren_n set_v before_o they_o a_o description_n of_o that_o excellent_a spiritual_a condition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v if_o they_o be_v inseparable_o link_v together_o then_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o may_v know_v that_o his_o hold_n be_v sure_a and_o this_o be_v that_o way_n wherein_o 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confident_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o shall_v enjoy_v he_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o he_o for_o ever_o for_o that_o our_o love_n and_o elect_v of_o he_o be_v but_o the_o return_n and_o repercussion_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o love_n shine_v upon_o we_o find_v thou_o but_o within_o thou_o sanctification_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o argue_v necessary_o both_o justification_n by_o the_o son_n and_o the_o election_n of_o god_n the_o father_n 1_o joh._n 4.13_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a demonstration_n ab_fw-la effectu_fw-la reciproco_fw-la he_o call_v those_o he_o have_v elect_v he_o elect_v those_o he_o call_v where_o this_o sanctify_a spirit_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v no_o persuasion_n of_o this_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n they_o that_o be_v child_n of_o disobedience_n can_v conclude_v no_o otherwise_o 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they_o mock_v and_o despise_v be_v that_o spirit_n that_o seal_v man_n to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o if_o any_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o straight_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o giddiness_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v his_o child_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v for_o that_o purpose_n send_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o guide_v they_o thither_o square_n their_o thoughtt_n and_o way_n to_o that_o rule_n and_o that_o word_n whereof_o it_o be_v author_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o it_o sanctify_v they_o to_o obedience_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2.4_o now_o this_o spirit_n that_o sanctify_v and_o sanctify_v to_o obedience_n be_v within_o we_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o election_n and_o earnest_a of_o our_o salvation_n and_o whoso_o be_v not_o sanctify_v and_o lead_v by_o this_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v their_o condition_n rom._n 8.9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o let_v we_o not_o delude_v ourselves_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o religion_n they_o that_o be_v not_o make_v saint_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n shall_v never_o be_v saint_n in_o glory_n the_o stone_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o that_o glorious_a temple_n above_o be_v hew_v and_o polish_a and_o prepare_v for_o it_o here_o as_o the_o stone_n be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v in_o the_o mountain_n for_o build_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o be_v the_o order_n psal._n 84.12_o he_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n as_o moralist_n can_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o way_n to_o the_o temple_n of_o honour_n be_v through_o the_o temple_n of_o virtue_n they_o that_o think_v they_o 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no_o other_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o by_o holiness_n no_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n without_o it_o take_v the_o apostle_n advice_n study_v it_o seek_v it_o follow_v earnest_o after_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n grace_n unto_o you_o and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v it_o have_v always_o be_v a_o civil_a custom_n among_o man_n to_o season_v their_o intercourse_n with_o good_a wish_n one_o for_o another_o this_o the_o apostle_n use_v in_o their_o epistle_n in_o a_o spiritual_a divine_a way_n suitable_a to_o their_o holy_a write_n it_o well_o become_v the_o messenger_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wish_v both_o and_o to_o make_v their_o salutation_n conform_v to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o subject_n of_o their_o discourse_n the_o hebrew_n word_n of_o salutation_n we_o have_v here_o peace_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o spring_n both_o of_o this_o and_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v all_o in_o the_o other_o word_n of_o salutation_n 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his_o name_n they_o bless_v one_o another_o yea_o our_o saviour_n rule_n go_v high_a to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v they_o and_o urge_v it_o by_o that_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o their_o father_n that_o in_o this_o they_o may_v resemble_v he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a way_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o bless_v their_o people_n not_o only_o by_o their_o public_a and_o solemn_a benediction_n but_o by_o daily_a and_o instant_a prayer_n for_o they_o in_o secret_a and_o the_o great_a father_n who_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v they_o open_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ever_o both_o endeavour_v and_o wish_v their_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o which_o they_o have_v st._n paul_n a_o frequent_a pattern_n they_o that_o be_v messenger_n of_o this_o grace_n if_o they_o have_v experience_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n that_o will_v dilate_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o large_a in_o love_n and_o spiritual_a desire_n for_o other_o especial_o their_o own_o flock_n let_v we_o 1_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o apostle_n desire_v for_o they_o grace_n and_o peace_n 2._o the_o measure_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v multiply_v 1_o grace_n we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o noise_n with_o the_o many_o school-distinction_n of_o grace_n and_o describe_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v for_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v all_o save_a grace_n to_o those_o disperse_a brethren_n so_o that_o in_o the_o large_a notion_n that_o it_o can_v have_v that_o way_n we_o may_v safe_o here_o take_v it_o what_o be_v prevent_v grace_n assist_v grace_n work_v and_o coworking_a grace_n as_o we_o may_v admit_v these_o difference_n in_o a_o sound_a sense_n but_o divers_a name_n of_o the_o same_o effectual_a save_a grace_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o different_a estate_n as_o the_o same_o sea_n receive_v different_a name_n from_o the_o different_a part_n of_o the_o shore_n it_o beat_v upon_o first_o it_o prevent_v and_o work_v than_o it_o assist_v and_o prosecute_v what_o it_o have_v wrought_v he_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v but_o the_o whole_a sense_n of_o save_a grace_n i_o conceive_v be_v comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o 1_o grace_n in_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n 2._o in_o the_o stream_n the_o fruit_n of_o this_o love_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o empty_a but_o a_o most_o rich_a and_o liberal_a love_n viz._n all_o the_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o he_o have_v free_o choose_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v neither_o diminish_v nor_o increase_v but_o it_o be_v multiply_v or_o abound_v in_o the_o manifestation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o so_o then_o to_o desire_v grace_n to_o be_v multiply_v to_o they_o be_v to_o wish_v to_o they_o the_o live_a spring_n of_o it_o that_o love_n that_o can_v be_v exhaust_v but_o be_v ever_o flow_v forth_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v make_v each_o day_n rich_a than_o another_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o top_n and_o sum_n of_o christian_a desire_n to_o have_v or_o want_v any_o other_o thing_n indifferent_o but_o to_o be_v resolve_v and_o resolute_a in_o this_o to_o seek_v a_o share_n in_o this_o grace_n the_o free_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sure_a evidence_n of_o it_o within_o you_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o the_o most_o of_o we_o be_v otherwise_o take_v up_o we_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v how_o base_o and_o foolish_o we_o be_v busy_v though_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o respect_a employment_n
cherubim_n wonder_v how_o guilty_a man_n escape_v their_o flame_a sword_n and_o re-enter_v paradise_n the_o angel_n see_v that_o their_o companion_n that_o fall_v be_v not_o restore_v but_o their_o room_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n and_o they_o envy_v it_o not_o which_o mystery_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o and_o this_o be_v add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o these_o word_n for_o the_o extol_n of_o it_o the_o angel_n look_v upon_o what_o they_o have_v see_v already_o fulfil_v with_o delight_n and_o admiration_n and_o what_o remain_v namely_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a work_n in_o the_o end_n of_o time_n they_o look_v upon_o with_o desire_n to_o see_v it_o finish_v it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a glance_n they_o take_v of_o it_o but_o they_o fix_v their_o eye_n and_o look_v steadfast_o on_o it_o viz._n that_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v add_v see_v of_o angel_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n draw_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o glorious_a spirit_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o wonder_n to_o see_v the_o almighty_a godhead_n join_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o of_o a_o infant_n he_o that_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n bind_v up_o in_o swaddle_a clothes_n and_o to_o pass_v all_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o life_n this_o be_v beyond_o all_o admiration_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o that_o his_o love_n and_o rebellious_a mankind_n move_v he_o both_o to_o take_v on_o and_o lay_v down_o that_o life_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o angel_n admire_v those_o thing_n and_o delight_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o they_o view_v they_o steadfast_o and_o we_o neglect_v they_o either_o we_o consider_v they_o not_o at_o all_o or_o give_v they_o but_o a_o transient_a look_n half_o a_o eye_n that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n both_o for_o their_o own_o time_n and_o to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o we_o regard_v not_o and_o turn_v our_o eye_n to_o foolish_a wander_a thought_n which_o angel_n be_v ashamed_a at_o they_o be_v not_o so_o concern_v in_o this_o great_a mystery_n as_o we_o be_v they_o be_v but_o mere_a beholder_n in_o comparison_n of_o we_o yea_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v loser_n someway_o that_o our_o nature_n in_o itself_o inferior_a to_o they_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n exalt_v above_o they_o heb._n 2.16_o we_o bow_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o study_v and_o grovel_v in_o it_o take_v into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o it_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o look_v not_o within_o it_o but_o they_o have_v no_o will_n nor_o desire_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a flame_n of_o fire_n burn_v only_o in_o love_n to_o he_o be_v no_o less_o delight_v then_o amaze_v with_o the_o bottomless_a wonder_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n shine_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v our_o shame_n and_o our_o folly_n that_o we_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o our_o thought_n in_o poor_a childish_a thing_n and_o trifle_v away_o our_o day_n we_o know_v not_o how_o and_o let_v these_o rich_a mystery_n lie_v unregarded_a they_o look_v up_o upon_o the_o deity_n in_o itself_o with_o continual_a admiration_n but_o that_o they_o look_v down_o to_o this_o mystery_n be_v another_o wonder_n we_o give_v they_o a_o ear_n in_o public_a and_o in_o a_o cold_a formal_a way_n stop_v conscience_n mouth_n with_o some_o religious_a performance_n in_o private_a and_o no_o more_o but_o to_o have_v deep_a and_o frequent_a thought_n and_o to_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n once_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o now_o in_o glory_n how_o few_o of_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o we_o see_v here_o excellent_a company_n and_o example_n not_o only_o of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v but_o we_o have_v they_o fellow-servant_n and_o fellow-student_n if_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o we_o may_v all_o study_v the_o same_o lesson_n with_o the_o very_a angel_n and_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n with_o they_o this_o the_o soul_n do_v that_o often_o entertain_v itself_o with_o the_o delightful_a admiration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o verse_n 13._o wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a and_o hope_v to_o the_o end_n for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o you_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o great_a error_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o error_n of_o life_n be_v the_o divert_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n and_o turn_v downward_o to_o in_o feriour_a confidence_n and_o comfort_n and_o this_o mischoyce_n be_v the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n therefore_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o untie_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n from_o the_o world_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o god_n as_o their_o only_a rest_n and_o solid_a comfort_n and_o this_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n mark_v at_o which_o all_o the_o precede_a discourse_n aim_v it_o all_o meet_v and_o terminate_v in_o this_o exhortation_n wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o word_n be_v those_o 3_o thing_n 1._o the_o great_a stay_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o apostle_n repeat_v and_o represent_v to_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n 2._o his_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o right_a apprehension_n and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o inference_n of_o that_o exhortation_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o comfort_n be_v the_o grace_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n some_o for_o grace_n read_v joy_n have_v as_o it_o seem_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v not_o more_o near_o one_o to_o a_o other_o than_o the_o thing_n they_o signify_v grace_n and_o joy_n but_o '_o its_o most_o common_o thus_o read_v the_o estate_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o of_o glory_n be_v not_o only_o so_o inseparable_o connex_v but_o so_o like_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yea_o so_o essentia_o the_o same_o that_o the_o same_o expression_n in_o scripture_n do_v often_o fit_a both_o of_o they_o and_o so_o fit_v they_o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a for_o which_o of_o the_o two_o to_o understand_v they_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v not_o great_a see_v they_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o one_o grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v and_o glory_n grace_v complete_v both_o often_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o grace_n here_o bring_v to_o they_o be_v either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reveal_v and_o that_o grace_n in_o he_o for_o all_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o hold_v in_o he_o his_o precious_a name_n run_v throw_v it_o all_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v full_o perfect_v at_o the_o last_o and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o this_o rather_o i_o take_v it_o here_o for_o that_o the_o apostle_n near_o forego_v word_n be_v concern_v that_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o here_o as_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n which_o though_o often_o put_v for_o faith_n yet_o in_o its_o proper_a notion_n look_v out_o to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v call_v by_o itself_o and_o not_o turn_v into_o the_o name_n of_o merit_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o obedience_n and_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o have_v go_v before_o it_o yea_o even_o the_o salvation_n to_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o be_v call_v grace_n but_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o certain_o none_o that_o partake_v of_o grace_n will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n or_o ever_o admit_v the_o mixture_n of_o the_o least_o notion_n of_o self_n deserve_v though_o much_o dispute_n have_v be_v bestow_v on_o this_o and_o question_n multiply_v in_o the_o disputant_n hand_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o controversy_n one_o grow_v out_o of_o another_o yet_o true_o i_o think_v the_o debate_n in_o this_o to_o be_v but_o waste_n it_o be_v not_o only_a against_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o grace_n itself_o in_o the_o soul_n but_o even_o against_o sound_a reason_n to_o imagine_v any_o merit_a proper_o take_v in_o any_o mere_a creature_n at_o his_o creator_n hand_n who_o have_v give_v he_o his_o be_v of_o which_o gift_n all_o his_o service_n and_o
affection_n may_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o it_o to_o this_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o death_n verse_n 25._o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o like_o himself_o and_o carry_v so_o the_o image_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o together_o it_o be_v sometime_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o word_n so_o heb._n 14.12_o and_o so_o here_o but_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n see_v there_o be_v truth_n in_o both_o and_o pertinency_n too_o for_o they_o that_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o extol_n of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o subject_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v like_o he_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v here_o that_o these_o word_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v call_v live_v as_o here_o heb._n 4._o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v express_o repeat_v of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o prophet_n word_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o learned_a man_n that_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n i_o remember_v not_o that_o this_o abide_n for_o ever_o be_v use_v to_o express_v god_n eternity_n in_o himself_o howsoever_o this_o incorruptible_a seed_n be_v the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a word_n of_o the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a god_n and_o be_v therefore_o such_o because_o he_o who_o it_o be_v be_v such_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n of_o the_o word_n only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a life_n because_o the_o word_n be_v enliven_a and_o live_v therefore_o they_o with_o who_o it_o be_v effectual_a and_o into_o who_o heart_n it_o be_v receive_v be_v beget_v again_o and_o make_v alive_a by_o it_o and_o because_o the_o word_n be_v incorruptible_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o therefore_o that_o life_n beget_v by_o it_o be_v such_o too_o can_v perish_v nor_o be_v cut_v down_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n no_o this_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o certain_a beginning_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n of_o glory_n and_o shall_v end_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o end_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v abolish_v but_o surpass_v the_o endurance_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o man_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o that_o word_n to_o undo_v it_o be_v as_o vain_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v consult_v to_o pluck_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v immortal_a and_o incorruptible_a where_o it_o be_v once_o receive_v by_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v obliterated_a again_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v destroy_v it_o although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o diligent_a in_o their_o attempt_n that_o way_n and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n by_o his_o word_n have_v breathe_v into_o their_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v many_o and_o strong_a enemy_n such_o as_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o hold_v out_o against_o yet_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o promise_n sake_n he_o will_v maintain_v that_o life_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o its_o perfection_n god_n will_v perfect_v that_o which_o concern_v i_o say_v the_o psalm_a it_o be_v gross_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o that_o be_v thus_o renew_v can_v be_v unborn_a again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v but_o once_o of_o one_o kind_n though_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n here_o in_o this_o spiritual_a life_n yet_o not_o to_o death_n any_o more_o not_o to_o such_o way_n of_o finning_n as_o will_v extinguish_v this_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v here_o give_v the_o permanence_n and_o incorruptibleness_n of_o this_o word_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o general_a way_n and_o not_o to_o know_v what_o that_o word_n be_v but_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o that_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o we_o be_v this_o very_a word_n of_o so_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o of_o which_o these_o high_a thing_n be_v speak_v that_o it_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o surpass_v all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o although_o deliver_v by_o weak_a man_n the_o apostle_n and_o by_o far_o weak_a than_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a ministry_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o lose_v none_o of_o its_o own_o virtue_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o first_o owner_n and_o author_n of_o it_o the_o â—verliving_a god_n who_o by_o it_o beget_v his_o choose_a unto_o life_n eternal_a this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v learn_v thus_o to_o hear_v and_o thus_o to_o receive_v and_o esteem_v and_o love_v this_o holy_a this_o live_a word_n to_o despise_v all_o the_o glister_a vanity_n of_o this_o perish_a life_n all_o outward_a pomp_n yea_o all_o inward_a worth_n all_o wisdom_n and_o natural_a endowment_n of_o mind_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o we_o rather_o to_o hazard_v all_o than_o lose_v that_o and_o banish_v all_o other_o thing_n from_o that_o place_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o to_o lodge_v it_o alone_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o our_o only_a treasure_n here_o and_o the_o certain_a pledge_n of_o that_o treasure_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n to_o which_o bless_a state_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o amen_n chap._n second_o 1_o pet._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1.2_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n verse_n 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o same_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o manifest_v itself_o in_o give_v be_v to_o his_o creature_n appear_v likewise_o in_o their_o sustain_n and_o preservation_n to_o give_v be_v be_v the_o first_o and_o to_o support_v it_o be_v the_o continue_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o goodness_n thus_o it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n and_o in_o the_o second_o in_o the_o first_o the_o creature_n to_o which_o he_o give_v life_n he_o provide_v with_o convenient_a nourishment_n to_o uphold_v that_o life_n gen·_n 1_o so_o here_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o the_o proper_a food_n of_o that_o life_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n by_o which_o we_o there_o find_v it_o to_o be_v beget_v that_o be_v here_o the_o nourishment_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v here_o exhort_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o to_o esteem_v and_o so_o to_o use_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n obs._n in_o general_n the_o word_n the_o principle_n and_o the_o support_n of_o our_o spiritual_a be_v be_v both_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n and_o the_o incorruptible_a food_n of_o that_o new_a life_n of_o grace_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o incorruptible_a life_n and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a thought_n even_o of_o we_o that_o hear_v this_o word_n be_v far_o below_o the_o true_a excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o the_o stream_n of_o custom_n and_o our_o profession_n bring_v we_o hither_o and_o we_o sit_v out_o our_o hour_n under_o the_o sound_n of_o this_o word_n but_o how_o few_o consider_v and_o prize_v it_o as_o the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o beginner_n and_o the_o sustainer_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n of_o grace_n within_o we_o and_o certain_o until_o we_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o seek_v to_o feel_v it_o thus_o ourselves_o although_o we_o hear_v it_o most_o frequent_o and_o slip_v no_o occasion_n yea_o hear_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o some_o present_a delight_n yet_o still_o we_o miss_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o from_o its_o true_a end_n while_o we_o take_v it_o not_o as_o that_o engraft_a word_n
which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n thus_o ought_v they_o that_o preach_v to_o speak_v it_o to_o endeavour_v their_o utmost_a to_o accommodate_v it_o to_o this_o end_n that_o sinner_n may_v be_v convert_v beget_v again_o and_o believer_n nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n to_o regard_v no_o low_a end_n but_o aim_v steady_o at_o that_o mark_n their_o heart_n and_o tongue_n ought_v to_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o love_n to_o soul_n kindle_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o come_v down_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v remember_v this_o as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o hear_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n by_o the_o word_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o poor_a despicable_a business_n that_o a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o yourselves_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n in_o your_o hear_n yet_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o way_n wherein_o god_n communicate_v happiness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o work_v that_o believe_v unto_o happiness_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o new_a creation_n as_o it_o beget_v it_o again_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n consider_v it_o thus_o which_o be_v its_o true_a notion_n and_o then_o what_o can_v be_v so_o precious_a let_v the_o world_n disesteem_v it_o as_o they_o will_v know_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foollishness_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o if_o you_o will_v have_v life_n and_o growth_n by_o it_o you_o must_v look_v above_o the_o poor_a worthless_a messenger_n and_o call_v in_o his_o almighty_a help_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n as_o the_o philosopher_n affirm_v that_o if_o the_o heaven_n shall_v stand_v still_o there_o will_v be_v no_o generation_n nor_o flourish_v of_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o it_o be_v the_o move_a and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o make_v the_o church_n fruitful_a will_v you_o do_v this_o before_o you_o come_v here_o present_v the_o blindness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o the_o deadness_n of_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n here_o be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o thou_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o word_n i_o will_v find_v life_n and_o strength_n in_o it_o but_o neither_o can_v i_o that_o hear_v nor_o he_o that_o speak_v make_v it_o thus_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n say_v thou_o the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o it_o be_v light_a in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n continue_v the_o resemblance_n of_o that_o new_a birth_n he_o mention_v chap._n 1._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n be_n not_o satisfy_v with_o your_o self_n till_o you_o find_v some_o evidence_n of_o this_o new_a this_o supernatural_a life_n there_o be_v delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n in_o its_o low_a condition_n that_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o look_v after_o it_o if_o we_o know_v they_o the_o most_o can_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o those_o consider_v therefore_o the_o end_n of_o it_o better_o never_o to_o have_v be_v than_o not_o to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o this_o new_a be_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sure_o they_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o shall_v one_o day_n wish_v they_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v what_o a_o poor_a wretched_a thing_n be_v the_o life_n that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a heap_n of_o folly_n and_o misery_n now_o if_o we_o will_v share_v in_o a_o happy_a being_n after_o it_o that_o life_n that_o end_v not_o it_o must_v begin_v here_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o life_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o one_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o other_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v call_v they_o two_o several_a life_n yet_o the_o one_o be_v the_o undoubted_a pledge_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a word_n for_o a_o heathen_a to_o say_v that_o that_o day_n of_o death_n we_o fear_v so_o aeterninatalis_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o birth_n day_n of_o eternity_n thus_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o those_o that_o be_v here_o bear_v again_o this_o new_a birth_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o sure_a earnest_n and_o counter-pawn_n of_o that_o birth_n day_n of_o glory_n why_o do_v we_o not_o then_o labour_v to_o make_v this_o certain_a by_o the_o former_a be_v it_o not_o a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o spend_v our_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o than_o lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n for_o ever_o to_o disregard_n the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n while_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v provident_a for_o it_o and_o then_o when_o its_o go_v out_o cry_v quo_fw-la nunc_fw-la abibis_fw-la whither_o be_v thou_o go_v o_o my_o soul_n but_o this_o new_a life_n put_v we_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o fear_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n say_v st._n john_n speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v pass_v there_o be_v no_o repass_v no_o go_v back_o from_o this_o life_n to_o death_n again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v the_o same_o that_o st._n john_n call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o partake_v of_o it_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n the_o second_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o the_o weak_a beginning_n of_o grace_n in_o comparison_n of_o further_a strength_n attainable_a even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v sometime_o express_v as_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o and_o so_o believer_n ought_v not_o to_o continue_v infant_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v reprovable_a in_o they_o as_o we_o see_v eph._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o &_o 1_o cor._n 14.20_o heb._n 5.12_o though_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o new_a convert_v and_o so_o may_v possible_o imply_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o beginning_n of_o grace_n yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o infancy_n be_v here_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o agree_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o best_a estate_n of_o his_o spiritual_a life_n here_o below_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o milk_n here_o recommend_v be_v answerable_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o infancy_n and_o not_o to_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o those_o cite_a place_n where_o it_o mean_v the_o easy_a and_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o it_o as_o to_o strong_a meat_n but_o here_o it_o signfy_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o its_o wholesome_a and_o save_a truth_n as_o the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o child_n 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the_o time_n of_o our_o natural_a infancy_n be_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v still_o call_v but_o new_a or_o late_o bear_v our_o best_a pace_n and_o strong_a walk_v in_o obedience_n here_o be_v but_o as_o the_o step_v of_o child_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o go_v by_o hold_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n in_o glory_n when_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o lamb_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v all_o our_o knowledge_n here_o be_v but_o the_o ignorance_n of_o infant_n and_o all_o our_o expression_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o as_o the_o first_o stammering_n of_o child_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o he_o hereafter_o
unveil_v and_o appear_v what_o they_o be_v indeed_o before_o man_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o poor_a thing_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o applaud_v by_o man_n while_o god_n condemn_v to_o who_o sentence_n all_o man_n must_v stand_v or_o fall_v oh_o seek_v to_o be_v approve_v and_o justify_v by_o he_o and_o then_o who_o shall_v condemn_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n who_o do_v how_o easy_o may_v we_o bear_v the_o mistake_n and_o dislike_v of_o all_o the_o world_n if_o he_o declare_v himself_o well-pleased_a with_o we_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n for_o i_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n or_o man_n day_n he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o these_o evil_n be_v here_o particular_o to_o be_v put_v off_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_n and_o profitable_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n lay_v aside_a desire_v look_n to_o that_o which_o follow_v and_o be_v special_o so_o to_o be_v consider_v there_o be_v this_o double_a task_n in_o religion_n when_o a_o man_n enter_v to_o it_o he_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v teach_v true_a wisdom_n but_o he_o be_v withal_o yea_o first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v untaught_a the_o error_n and_o wickedness_n that_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o his_o mind_n which_o he_o have_v not_o only_o learn_v by_o the_o corrupt_a conversation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o bring_v the_o seed_n of_o they_o into_o the_o world_n with_o he_o and_o they_o improve_v and_o grow_v indeed_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o that_o example_n that_o be_v round_o about_o a_o man_n but_o they_o be_v original_o in_o our_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v now_o they_o be_v connaturall_a to_o we_o beside_o continual_a custom_n which_o be_v another_o nature_n there_o be_v none_o come_v to_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n suit_v the_o philosopher_n word_n ut_fw-la taâ—ula_fw-la rasa_fw-la as_o blank_a paper_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o scribbled_a and_o blur_v with_o such_o base_a habit_n as_o these_o malice_n hypocrisy_n envy_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o first_o work_n be_v to_o raze_v out_o these_o to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o heart_n from_o these_o blott_n those_o foul_a character_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o both_o begin_v and_o follow_v forth_o this_o work_n draws_z the_o lineament_n of_o that_o divine_a image_n on_o the_o soul_n therefore_o to_o the_o receive_v this_o word_n aright_o and_o this_o proper_a effect_n by_o it_o the_o conform_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o true_a growth_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n this_o be_v prerequire_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o be_v purge_v of_o these_o such_o and_o like_a impurity_n malice_n hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o profitable_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o while_o they_o possess_v and_o rule_v the_o soul_n it_o can_v at_o all_o embrace_v those_o divine_a truth_n while_o it_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o guest_n there_o be_v no_o room_n to_o entertain_v the_o word_n they_o can_v dwell_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a nature_n the_o word_n will_v not_o mix_v with_o thâ—se_a the_o save_a mixture_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o give_v the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o unprofitable_a hear_v the_o word_n heb._n 4.2_o the_o mix_n of_o it_o with_o say_v for_o by_o that_o the_o word_n be_v concoct_v into_o the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n unite_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o mix_v with_o it_o by_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n expression_n import_v that_o be_v the_o proper_a mixture_n it_o require_v but_o with_o these_o quality_n here_o mention_v it_o will_v not_o mix_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n betwixt_o they_o as_o strong_a as_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o agree_v and_o mingle_v together_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a than_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o and_o those_o evil_a speaking_n than_o the_o word_n that_o be_v of_o such_o excellent_a sweetness_n and_o the_o bitter_a word_n of_o a_o malignant_a tongue_n than_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o word_n full_a of_o deadly_a poison_n for_o so_o slander_n and_o diffaming_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v and_o be_v not_o all_o malice_n and_o envy_v most_o opposite_a to_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o message_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n how_o can_v the_o gall_n of_o malice_n and_o this_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v hypâ—crisie_n and_o guile_n stand_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o name_n of_o this_o word_n that_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o here_o the_o very_a word_n show_v this_o contrariety_n sincere_a milk_n and_o a_o double_a unsincere_a mind_n these_o two_o be_v necessary_a condition_n of_o good_a nourishment_n 1._o that_o the_o â—ood_n be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a 2._o that_o the_o inward_a constitution_n of_o they_o that_o use_v it_o be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o this_o fail_v the_o other_o profit_n not_o this_o sincere_a milk_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a nourishment_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n nor_o undue_a quality_n in_o it_o but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o hearer_n be_v inward_o unwholesome_a disease_v with_o the_o evil_n here_o mention_v and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o therefore_o either_o have_v no_o kind_n of_o appetite_n to_o the_o word_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o feed_v upon_o such_o trash_n as_o suit_n with_o their_o distemper_n as_o some_o kind_n of_o disease_n incline_v those_o that_o have_v they_o to_o eat_v coal_n or_o lime_n etc._n etc._n or_o if_o they_o be_v any_o way_n desirous_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o seem_v to_o feed_v on_o it_o yet_o the_o noxious_a humour_n that_o abound_v in_o they_o make_v it_o altogether_o unprofitable_a and_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o it_o as_o this_o evil_a of_o malice_n and_o envy_v so_o ordinary_a among_o man_n and_o which_o be_v most_o strange_a among_o christian_n as_o a_o overflow_a of_o the_o gaul_n possess_v their_o whole_a mind_n and_o not_o only_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o the_o word_n they_o hear_v but_o be_v the_o worse_a by_o it_o their_o disease_n be_v feed_v by_o it_o as_o a_o unwholesome_a stomach_n turn_v the_o best_a meat_n it_o receive_v into_o that_o bad_a humour_n that_o abound_v in_o it_o do_v not_o they_o thus_o that_o observe_v what_o the_o word_n say_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o fail_n of_o other_o and_o speak_v malicious_o and_o uncharitable_o of_o they_o and_o vent_v themselves_o as_o be_v too_o common_a this_o word_n meet_v well_o with_o such_o a_o one_o fault_n and_o this_o with_o another_o be_v not_o this_o to_o feed_v these_o disease_n of_o malice_n envy_n and_o evill-speakings_a with_o this_o pure_a milk_n and_o make_v they_o grow_v in_o stead_n of_o grow_v by_o it_o ourselves_o in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n thus_o likewise_o the_o hypocrite_n turn_v all_o that_o he_o hear_v of_o this_o word_n not_o to_o the_o inward_a renovation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o redress_v what_o be_v amiss_o there_o but_o only_o to_o the_o compose_n of_o his_o outward_a carriage_n and_o to_o enable_v himself_o to_o act_v his_o part_n better_a to_o be_v cunning_a in_o his_o own_o faculty_n a_o more_o refine_a and_o expert_a hypocrite_n not_o to_o grow_v more_o a_o christian_n in_o deed_n but_o more_o in_o appearance_n only_o and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a needful_a advertisement_n see_v these_o evil_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n and_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v purge_v out_o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v be_v profitable_o receive_v a_o very_a like_o exhortation_n to_o this_o have_v the_o apostle_n s_o james_n and_o some_o of_o the_o same_o word_n but_o in_o another_o methapor_n jam._n 1.21_o wherefore_o lie_v apart_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n he_o compare_v the_o word_n to_o a_o plant_n of_o excellent_a virtue_n the_o very_a tree_n of_o life_n the_o word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n but_o the_o only_a soil_n wherein_o it_o will_v grow_v be_v a_o heart_n full_a of_o meekness_n a_o heart_n that_o be_v purge_v of_o those_o luxuriant_a weed_n that_o grow_v so_o rank_a in_o it_o by_o nature_n they_o pluck_v up_o and_o throw_v they_o out_o to_o make_v place_n for_o this_o
word_n and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o necessity_n of_o this_o that_o the_o most_o approve_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n in_o a_o human_a way_n have_v require_v this_o of_o their_o scholar_n that_o to_o the_o end_n their_o mind_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v purify_v from_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o philosopher_n judge_v young_a man_n unfit_a hearer_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o abound_a and_o untamedness_n of_o their_o passion_n grant_v that_o if_o those_o be_v compose_v and_o order_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o it_o be_v socrates_n his_o custom_n when_o any_o ask_v he_o a_o question_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o he_o before_o he_o will_v answer_v they_o he_o ask_v they_o concern_v their_o own_o quality_n and_o course_n of_o life_n now_o if_o man_n require_v a_o calm_a and_o purify_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o their_o doctrine_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o those_o deep_a mystery_n that_o his_o word_n open_v up_o it_o be_v well_o express_v in_o that_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o forward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n and_o wisdom_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n no_o indeed_o that_o be_v a_o very_a unfit_a dwell_n for_o it_o and_o the_o very_a heathen_a can_v say_v the_o mind_n that_o be_v impure_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n seneca_n therefore_o we_o see_v the_o strain_n of_o that_o book_n of_o proverb_n that_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o this_o wisdom_n it_o require_v in_o the_o first_o chap._n that_o they_o that_o will_v hear_v it_o do_v retire_v themselves_o from_o all_o ungodly_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n apprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n refine_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n that_o abuse_n and_o bemire_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o arise_v to_o heavenly_a thought_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n say_v our_o saviour_n not_o only_o shall_v they_o see_v he_o perfect_o hereafter_o but_o as_o they_o can_v receive_v he_o he_o will_v impart_v and_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o they_o here_o so_o john_n 14.23_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o word_n obscure_v namely_o the_o filthy_a mist_n within_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v in_o just_a judgement_n hide_v himself_o and_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n from_o those_o that_o entertain_v and_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o very_a sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v shall_v obscure_v and_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o though_o it_o shine_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o a_o dungeon_n they_o shall_v not_o discern_v it_o and_o as_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o word_n that_o have_v these_o evil_n here_o mention_v reign_v and_o in_o full_a strength_n in_o they_o so_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o bear_v again_o the_o more_o they_o retain_v of_o these_o the_o less_o shall_v they_o find_v the_o influence_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o word_n for_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v they_o they_o may_v possible_o some_o of_o they_o have_v much_o remainder_n of_o these_o corruption_n unmortified_a therefore_o exhort_v to_o lay_v aside_o entire_o those_o evil_n all_o malice_n all_o hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o though_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a atrophy_n eat_v much_o and_o grow_v nothing_o by_o it_o find_v no_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n will_v we_o know_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o fruitless_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n here_o it_o be_v man_n bring_v not_o meek_a and_o guiless_a spirit_n to_o it_o not_o mind_n empty_v and_o purify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o stuff_v with_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o other_o such_o evil_n and_o where_o shall_v the_o word_n enter_v when_o all_o be_v so_o take_v up_o and_o if_o it_o do_v enter_v how_o shall_v it_o prosper_v among_o so_o many_o enemy_n or_o at_o all_o abide_v among_o they_o either_o they_o will_v turn_v it_o out_o again_o or_o choke_v and_o kill_v the_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o think_v religion_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o secret_a heart-idol_n shall_v agree_v together_o because_o we_o will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o this_o be_v not_o possible_a either_o therefore_o labour_v to_o entertain_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o â—ove_n of_o it_o and_o lodge_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n speak_v join_v those_o together_o with_o david_n psal._n 119_o 113._o i_o hate_v vain_a thought_n but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o as_o here_o our_o apostle_n lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o so_o receive_v the_o word_n or_o else_o look_v for_o no_o benefit_n by_o it_o here_o nor_o for_o salâ—ation_n by_o it_o hereafter_o but_o cast_v out_o all_o impurity_n and_o give_v your_o whole_a heart_n to_o it_o so_o desire_v it_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v and_o then_o as_o you_o desire_v you_o shall_v gâ—ow_v by_o it_o every_o real_a believer_n have_v receive_v a_o life_n from_o heaven_n far_o more_o excel_v our_o natural_a life_n than_o that_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o this_o life_n have_v its_o own_o peculiar_a desire_n and_o delight_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n and_o the_o certain_a character_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o among_o other_o this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o main_a one_o answerable_a to_o the_o like_a desire_n in_o natural_a life_n namely_o a_o desire_n of_o food_n and_o because_o it_o be_v here_o still_o imperfect_a therefore_o the_o natural_a end_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_a nourishment_n but_o growth_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o proper_a life_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o without_o it_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a as_o the_o body_n be_v without_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o without_o untruth_n this_o may_v be_v render_v reasonable_a milk_n as_o some_o read_v it_o but_o certain_o that_o reasonable_a milk_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v before_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o here_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a nourishment_n to_o that_o spiritual_a life_n according_a to_o their_o say_n iisdemalimur_fw-la ex_fw-la quibus_fw-la constamus_fw-la as_o the_o milk_n that_o infant_n draw_v from_o the_o breast_n be_v most_o connatural_a food_n to_o they_o be_v of_o that_o same_o substance_n that_o nourish_v they_o in_o the_o womb_n but_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o that_o food_n follow_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o supply_n in_o that_o way_n that_o be_v provide_v in_o nature_n for_o it_o by_o certain_a vein_n it_o ascend_v into_o the_o breast_n and_o be_v there_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o they_o by_o nature_n direct_v to_o find_v it_o there_o thus_o as_o a_o christian_a begin_v to_o live_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n direct_v to_o that_o same_o word_n as_o its_o nourishment_n to_o follow_v the_o resemblance_n further_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o milk_n after_o the_o monkish_a way_n that_o run_v itself_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o a_o allegory_n i_o conceive_v be_v neither_o solid_a nor_o profitable_a and_o to_o speak_v free_o the_o curious_a search_n of_o the_o similitude_n in_o other_o quality_n of_o milk_n seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o quality_n here_o give_v it_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o well_o resemble_v by_o milk_n namely_o the_o simple_a pureness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o word_n beside_o that_o the_o press_v of_o comparison_n of_o this_o kind_n too_o far_o prove_v often_o so_o constrain_v ere_o they_o have_v do_v with_o it_o that_o by_o too_o much_o draw_v they_o bring_v forth_o blood_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a as_o milk_v draw_v immediate_o from_o the_o breast_n the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o mixture_n not_o only_o of_o error_n but_o of_o all_o other_o composition_n of_o vain_a unprofitable_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v humane_a eloquence_n such_o as_o become_v not_o the_o majesty_n and_o gravity_n of_o god_n word_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v say_v our_o apostle_n let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n light_a conceit_n and_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n wrong_v the_o word_n more_o than_o they_o can_v please_v the_o hearer_n the_o weed_n among_o the_o corn_n make_v it_o
sense_n which_o cross_v not_o this_o it_o must_v not_o be_v whole_a but_o break_v psal._n 51._o but_o if_o thou_o find_v it_o unbroken_a yet_o give_v it_o he_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v break_v and_o if_o it_o be_v break_v and_o when_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o he_o he_o break_v it_o more_o yea_o and_o melt_v it_o too_o yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o repent_v thy_o gift_n for_o he_o break_v and_o melt_v it_o that_o he_o may_v refine_v it_o and_o make_v it_o up_o in_o a_o new_a and_o excellent_a frame_n and_o may_v impress_v his_o own_o image_n on_o it_o make_v it_o holy_a and_o so_o like_a to_o himself_o let_v we_o then_o give_v he_o ourselves_o or_o nothing_o and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o he_o be_v not_o his_o advantage_n but_o we_o as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v to_o his_o poor_a scholar_n that_o when_o other_o give_v he_o great_a gift_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v nothing_o but_o himself_o to_o give_v it_o be_v well_o say_v he_o and_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v thou_o back_o to_o thyself_o better_a than_o i_o receive_v thou_o thus_o do_v god_n with_o we_o and_o a_o christian_a make_v himself_o his_o daily_a sacrifice_n he_o renew_v this_o gift_n of_o himself_o every_o day_n to_o god_n and_o receive_v it_o every_o day_n better_v again_o still_o he_o have_v the_o more_o light_a to_o give_v it_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n the_o more_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o former_a sacrifice_v now_o that_o whereby_o we_o offer_v all_o other_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o ourselves_o withal_o be_v love_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a fire_n that_o burn_v up_o all_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o whole_a self_n a_o whole_a burn_a offering_n to_o god_n and_o as_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n it_o be_v original_o from_o heaven_n be_v kindle_v by_o god_n own_o love_n to_o we_o and_o by_o this_o the_o church_n and_o each_o believer_n ascend_v like_o a_o straight_a pillar_n of_o smoke_n as_o the_o word_n be_v cant._n 3.6_o go_v even_o up_o to_o god_n perfume_v with_o aloe_n and_o all_o the_o spice_n all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n receive_v from_o christ_n but_o above_o all_o with_o his_o own_o merit_n how_o far_o from_o this_o be_v the_o common_a multitude_n of_o we_o though_o profess_v to_o be_v christian_n who_o consider_v his_o holy_a call_n as_o the_o peculiar_a holiness_n of_o the_o ministry_n shall_v be_v much_o in_o their_o eye_n and_o thought_n that_o be_v call_v to_o it_o to_o study_v to_o be_v answerable_o eminent_a in_o holiness_n so_o all_o that_o be_v christian_n consider_v you_o be_v priest_n unto_o god_n be_v call_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n thus_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v what_o we_o be_v indeed_o we_o must_v say_v rather_o we_o be_v a_o unholy_a priesthood_n a_o shame_n to_o that_o name_n and_o holy_a profession_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o the_o incense_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_v in_o family_n and_o alone_o what_o be_v with_o many_o but_o the_o filthy_a vapour_n of_o profane_a speak_n and_o a_o profane_a life_n as_o a_o noisome_a smell_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o dunghill_n but_o you_o that_o have_v once_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v still_o do_v so_o with_o all_o the_o service_n you_o can_v reach_v continue_v so_o and_o be_v affure_v that_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o yourselves_o and_o all_o your_o offering_n be_v yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v the_o 3._o thing_n here_o observable_a be_v the_o success_n of_o that_o service_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n heb._n 13.16_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v delight_n in_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o he_o but_o if_o they_o may_v not_o know_v that_o they_o be_v well_o take_v at_o their_o hand_n this_o will_v discourage_v they_o much_o therefore_o this_o be_v add_v how_o often_o do_v the_o godly_a find_v it_o in_o their_o sweet_a experience_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o pray_v he_o welcome_v they_o and_o give_v they_o such_o evidence_n of_o his_o love_n as_o they_o will_v not_o exchange_v for_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o when_o this_o do_v not_o so_o present_o appear_v at_o other_o time_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v it_o he_o accept_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n offer_v in_o sincerity_n though_o never_o so_o mean_a though_o they_o sometime_o have_v no_o more_o but_o a_o sigh_n or_o groan_n it_o be_v most_o proper_o a_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n stay_v not_o away_o because_o thou_o and_o thy_o gift_n thou_o offer_v be_v below_o other_o no_o none_o be_v exclude_v for_o that_o only_o give_v what_o thou_o have_v and_o act_n with_o affection_n for_o that_o he_o regard_v most_o under_o the_o law_n they_o that_o have_v not_o a_o lamb_n be_v welcome_a with_o a_o pair_n of_o pigeon_n so_o that_o the_o christian_n may_v say_v what_o i_o be_o lord_n i_o offer_v myself_o unto_o thou_o to_o be_v whole_o thou_o and_o have_v i_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o of_o outward_a or_o inward_a gift_n all_o shall_v be_v thou_o have_v i_o more_o estate_n or_o wit_n or_o learning_n or_o power_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o serve_v thou_o with_o all_o what_o i_o have_v i_o offer_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v most_o true_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o of_o thy_o own_o that_o i_o give_v thou_o none_o needs_o forbear_v sacrifice_n for_o poverty_n for_o that_o he_o desire_v be_v the_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o poor_a but_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o give_v he_o but_o meanness_n be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v a_o guiltiness_n on_o ourselves_o and_o on_o all_o we_o offer_v our_o prayer_n and_o service_n be_v all_o pollute_a but_o this_o hinder_v not_o neither_o for_o our_o acceptance_n be_v not_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o one_o who_o have_v no_o guiltiness_n at_o all_o acceptable_a by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o he_o our_o person_n be_v clothe_v with_o righteousness_n and_o in_o his_o clothing_n we_o be_v as_o isaac_n say_v of_o jacob_n in_o his_o brother_n garment_n as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v and_o all_o our_o other_o sacrifice_n our_o prayer_n and_o service_n if_o we_o offer_v they_o by_o he_o and_o put_v they_o into_o his_o hand_n to_o offer_v to_o the_o father_n then_o doubt_v not_o they_o will_v be_v accept_v in_o he_o for_o this_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v relative_a both_o to_o our_o offer_n and_o acceptance_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o offer_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o he_o heb._n 13.15_o and_o so_o we_o be_v well_o please_v for_o he_o be_v his_o wellbeloved_a son_n in_o who_o his_o soul_n be_v delight_v not_o only_o delight_v and_o please_v with_o himself_o but_o in_o he_o with_o all_o thing_n and_o person_n that_o appear_v in_o he_o and_o be_v present_v by_o he_o and_o this_o alone_a answer_n all_o our_o doubt_n for_o we_o ourselves_o for_o as_o little_a as_o we_o see_v that_o way_n yet_o may_v see_v so_o much_o in_o our_o best_a service_n so_o many_o wander_n in_o prayer_n so_o much_o deadness_n etc._n etc._n as_o will_v make_v we_o still_o doubtful_a of_o acceptance_n and_o may_v say_v with_o job_n although_o he_o have_v answer_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v hearken_v to_o i_o be_v it_o not_o this_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n pass_v through_o christ_n hand_n he_o be_v that_o angel_n that_o have_v much_o sweet_a odour_n to_o mingle_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o purify_v they_o with_o his_o own_o merit_n and_o intercession_n and_o so_o make_v they_o please_v unto_o the_o father_n how_o ought_v our_o heart_n to_o be_v knit_v to_o he_o by_o who_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o keep_v in_o favour_n with_o he_o in_o who_o we_o obtain_v all_o the_o good_a we_o receive_v and_o in_o who_o all_o we_o offer_v be_v accept_v in_o he_o be_v all_o our_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o glory_n verse_n 6._o wherefore_o also_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n behold_v i_o lie_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n elect_v precious_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o very_o reasonable_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o his_o word_n as_o both_o most_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o of_o most_o concernment_n for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o this_o be_v the_o save_n of_o lose_a mankind_n by_o his_o son_n therefore_o be_v his_o name_n as_o precious_a ointment_n or_o perfume_n diffuse_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n all_o these_o holy_a leaf_n smell_v of_o it_o not_o only_o those_o that_o be_v write_v after_o his_o come_n but_o those_o
though_o god_n remain_v faithful_a and_o true_a but_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v all_o sure_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o can_v be_v break_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o keep_v his_o own_o part_n but_o likewise_o perform_v we_o in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o and_o establish_v we_o that_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o we_o first_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o to_o i_o say_v he_o there_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o indissoluble_a marriage_n that_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v break_v either_o by_o divorce_n or_o death_n my_o people_n there_o be_v a_o treasure_n of_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n wrap_v up_o in_o that_o word_n not_o only_o more_o than_o the_o profane_a world_n can_v imagine_v for_o they_o indeed_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o but_o more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v of_o that_o number_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v of_o a_o deep_a unsoundible_a my_o people_n they_o his_o portion_n and_o he_o they_o he_o account_v nothing_o of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o they_o and_o they_o of_o nothing_o at_o all_o beside_o he_o for_o they_o he_o continue_v the_o world_n many_o and_o great_a be_v the_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n contain_v in_o that_o great_a charter_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o rich_a be_v that_o land_n where_o their_o inheritance_n lie_v but_o all_o be_v in_o this_o reciprocal_a that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n all_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v engage_v for_o their_o good_a how_o great_a and_o many_o soever_o be_v their_o enemy_n they_o may_v well_o oppose_v this_o to_o all_o he_o be_v their_o god_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v protect_v and_o prosper_v and_o in_o end_n to_o have_v full_a victory_n happy_a then_o be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n which_o have_v not_o obtain_v mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o choose_a be_v from_o everlasting_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o his_o decree_n of_o mercy_n run_v hide_v and_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o they_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v receive_v or_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o act_v and_o work_v in_o their_o effectual_a call_n than_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v they_o it_o be_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n move_v forward_o towards_o they_o before_o as_o the_o sun_n after_o midnight_n be_v still_o come_v near_o to_o we_o though_o we_o perceive_v not_o its_o approach_n till_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n mercy_n the_o former_a word_n teach_v we_o how_o great_a the_o change_n be_v that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o call_v of_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o how_o free_a it_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o good_a attain_v in_o the_o change_n obtain_v mercy_n that_o be_v the_o spring_n whence_o it_o flow_v it_o be_v imply_v indeed_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o change_n of_o no_o people_n such_o as_o have_v no_o right_n to_o such_o a_o dignity_n at_o all_o nor_o in_o themselves_o no_o disposition_n for_o it_o to_o be_v make_v his_o people_n can_v be_v by_o no_o other_o but_o free_a grace_n such_o mercy_n as_o suppose_v nothing_o nor_o seek_v nothing_o but_o misery_n in_o we_o and_o work_n upon_o that_o as_o it_o be_v express_v to_o have_v be_v very_o free_a to_o this_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o choose_v they_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n deut._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n of_o god_n and_o to_o every_o one_o particular_o belong_v to_o that_o company_n why_o be_v it_o that_o he_o choose_v i_o of_o a_o family_n and_o leave_v another_o but_o because_o it_o please_v he_o he_o blot_v out_o their_o transgression_n for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o 2._o as_o it_o be_v free_a mercy_n it_o be_v tender_a mercy_n the_o word_n in_o the_o prophet_n signify_v tenderness_n or_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n and_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o we_o jer._n 31.20_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n psal._n 103.13_o and_o if_o you_o think_v not_o that_o tenderness_n enough_o those_o of_o a_o mother_n yea_o more_o than_o a_o mother_n isa._n 49.15_o 3._o it_o be_v rich_a mercy_n delight_n to_o glorify_v itself_o in_o the_o great_a misery_n pardon_n as_o easy_o the_o great_a as_o the_o small_a of_o debt_n 4._o a_o constant_a unalterable_a mercy_n a_o stream_n still_o run_v now_o in_o both_o these_o the_o apostle_n draw_v the_o eye_n of_o believer_n to_o reflect_v on_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o view_v it_o together_o with_o their_o present_a estate_n this_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o scirpture_n ezek._n 16._o eph._n 2._o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n work_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o much_o humility_n and_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o force_v he_o to_o abase_v himself_o and_o magnify_v the_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o suspend_v the_o 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though_o all_o man_n disesteem_v you_o as_o this_o humility_n be_v a_o precious_a grace_n it_o be_v the_o preserver_n of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o without_o it_o if_o they_o can_v be_v with_o out_o it_o they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o box_n of_o precious_a powder_n carry_v in_o the_o wind_n without_o a_o cover_n in_o danger_n to_o be_v scatter_v and_o blow_v away_o if_o you_o will_v have_v honour_n there_o be_v a_o ambition_n both_o allow_v you_o and_o worthy_a of_o you_o whosoever_o you_o be_v rom._n 2.7_o 2_o cor._n 4._o other_o honour_n though_o it_o have_v the_o hebrew_n name_n from_o weight_n be_v all_o too_o light_a and_o weigh_v only_o with_o care_n and_o trouble_n love_v the_o brotherhood_n there_o be_v a_o love_n as_o we_o say_v due_a to_o all_o include_v under_o that_o word_n of_o honour_v all_o but_o a_o peculiar_a love_n to_o our_o christian_a brethren_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v by_o a_o like_a word_n the_o household_n of_o faith_n christian_n brethren_n be_v 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the_o close_a of_o the_o 20._o verse_n for_o the_o other_o word_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o please_a thing_n in_o god_n eye_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v thank_v a_o man_n for_o it_o as_o the_o word_n be_v though_o we_o owe_v all_o our_o patience_n under_o all_o kind_n of_o affliction_n as_o a_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o though_o that_o grace_n be_v his_o own_o gift_n yet_o he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o royal_a word_n not_o only_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o to_o praise_v it_o and_o reward_v it_o in_o his_o child_n though_o they_o lose_v their_o thanks_o at_o the_o world_n hand_n and_o be_v rather_o scoff_v and_o taunt_v in_o all_o their_o do_n and_o suffering_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n they_o can_v expect_v no_o other_o there_o but_o their_o reward_n be_v on_o high_a in_o the_o sure_a and_o faithful_a hand_n of_o their_o lord_n how_o often_o do_v man_n work_v earnest_o and_o do_v and_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o uncertain_a wage_n of_o 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