all_o guile_n etc._n etc._n his_o reason_n follow_v the_o text_n and_o the_o first_o be_v edification_n in_o these_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o second_o be_v take_v from_o the_o subject_a or_o main_a argument_n of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o be_v christ_n propound_v unto_o we_o by_o taste_n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a ver_fw-la 3._o now_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o primary_n subject_a and_o chief_a argument_n of_o the_o word_n be_v declare_v from_o the_o four_o verse_n unto_o the_o eleven_o first_o in_o believer_n adhere_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o under_o the_o term_n of_o come_v to_o who_o come_v say_v the_o apostle_n then_o we_o have_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o duty_n first_o because_o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a edifice_n or_o building_n call_v therefore_o a_o live_a one_o verse_n 4._o second_o because_o believer_n be_v thereby_o also_o make_v lively_a stone_n verse_n 5._o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o believer_n be_v the_o superstructure_n both_o these_o reason_n be_v illustrate_v first_o christ_n be_v choose_v and_o precious_a second_o beleiver_n be_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n now_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o lively_a and_o precious_a stone_n the_o apostle_n confirm_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n verse_n 6._o behold_v i_o lie_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elect_v and_o precious_a this_o testimony_n be_v explicate_v by_o the_o contrary_a affection_n of_o man_n viz._n to_o beleiver_n he_o be_v precious_a to_o unbeleiver_n a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n unto_o you_o which_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a here_o for_o exposition_n sake_n we_o must_v observe_v in_o the_o word_n two_o thing_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n precious_a second_o what_o manner_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o he_o be_v precious_a the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d honour_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v he_o be_v to_o you_o that_o believe_v a_o honour_n or_o honourable_a praise_v glory_n and_o honour_n be_v promiscuous_o and_o indifferent_o take_v for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o we_o respect_v their_o propriety_n they_o differ_v thus_o first_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d praise_n be_v when_o we_o make_v honourable_a mention_n of_o other_o this_o be_v external_a and_o express_v by_o the_o tongue_n or_o pen._n second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d glory_n be_v a_o reverend_a and_o venerable_a opinion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o other_o this_o be_v internal_a lie_v in_o the_o mind_n three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d honour_n comprehend_v both_o those_o be_v a_o testification_n of_o the_o opinion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o other_o man_n excellency_n and_o worth_n declare_v by_o outward_a sign_n as_o respectful_a salutation_n uncover_v the_o head_n bow_v the_o knee_n and_o the_o like_a we_o have_v a_o double_a expression_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 17._o christ_n re-received_n from_o his_o father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d honour_n and_o glory_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v transcendent_a glory_n glory_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n the_o hebrew_n word_n import_v honour_n and_o glory_n be_v proper_o of_o weightinesse_n as_o paul_n mention_v the_o weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d kabad_n signify_v to_o aggravate_v add_v or_o increase_v so_o must_v lâ—xiâ—_n must_v thâ—â—â—a_fw-la â—stud_fw-la significate_n gâ—â—uâ—sâ—ere_o fecâ—t_fw-la in_o hâ—pâ—_n buxâ—_n in_o lâ—xiâ—_n we_o add_v excellency_n price_n estimation_n and_o weight_n of_o honour_n unto_o christ_n not_o that_o we_o can_v real_o and_o substantial_o add_v the_o least_o cubit_n unto_o the_o stature_n of_o his_o glory_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n for_o he_o be_v rich_a and_o full_a and_o absolute_a without_o we_o but_o we_o must_v add_v condign_a and_o worthy_a praise_n to_o he_o and_o so_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v we_o add_v not_o any_o worth_n unto_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o agnition_n or_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o worth_n i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n namely_o what_o manner_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o divine_a speak_v of_o three_o kind_n of_o faith_n natural_a legal_a and_o evangelicall_n the_o natural_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n hebr._n 11._o 6._o general_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n both_o angel_n and_o man_n have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o the_o devil_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o tremble_v say_v the_o apostle_n legal_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n speak_v truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a history_n prophecy_n promise_n threaten_n every_o line_n of_o that_o sacred_a text_n as_o it_o be_v indite_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o all_o breath_n out_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o falsehood_n in_o they_o now_o the_o faith_n that_o assent_v to_o this_o be_v call_v legal_a because_o the_o law_n and_o particular_o the_o first_o commandment_n enjoin_v i_o to_o honour_n god_n and_o i_o do_v honour_n he_o when_o i_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o say_v be_v true_a evangelicall_n faith_n be_v to_o believe_v god_n in_o christ_n god_n be_v objectum_fw-la ultimum_fw-la fidei_fw-la the_o ultimate_a or_o the_o high_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o christ_n be_v objectum_fw-la mediatum_fw-la the_o mediate_a object_n thereof_o christ_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la by_o which_o we_o go_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n 1_o peter_n 1._o 21._o and_o say_v paul_n we_o trust_v through_o christ_n to_o godward_o 2_o cor._n 3_o 4._o true_a evangelicall_n faith_n be_v that_o whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v roll_n or_o cast_v itself_o upon_o christ_n as_o upon_o a_o sufficient_a and_o faithful_a saviour_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n be_v declare_v by_o these_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o lean_v upon_o the_o lord_n the_o hebrew_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o lean_v produce_v and_o bring_v forth_o the_o word_n that_o signify_v a_o a_o staff_n because_o we_o lean_a upon_o it_o now_o faith_n in_o scripture_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o both_o these_o term_n in_o respect_n of_o faith_n the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o his_o people_n 2_o sam._n 22._o 19_o and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o lean_a or_o to_o stay_v themselves_o upon_o he_o esa_n 10._o 20._o again_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v both_o confidence_n hope_v and_o security_n all_o which_o be_v effect_n of_o faith_n the_o radical_a word_n be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n psal_n 40._o 3._o and_o very_o significant_a and_o choice_a to_o declare_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o apply_v unto_o david_n and_o to_o christ_n psal_n 22._o 8._o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v to_o roll_v one_o self_n on_o the_o lord_n arius_n montanus_n render_v it_o volve_v ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la roll_n to_o the_o lord_n the_o hebrew_a word_n beside_o the_o primative_a sigsignification_n of_o roll_v import_v also_o a_o confident_a commit_n of_o one_o self_n unto_o another_o again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n signify_v a_o steady_a or_o firm_a rest_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v exodus_fw-la loc._n exodus_fw-la aâ—nsw_n in_o loc._n 17._o 12._o that_o moses_n his_o hand_n be_v steady_a until_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o sun_n where_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v for_o steady_a as_o for_o faith_n now_o then_o see_v that_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n be_v to_o lean_v upon_o he_o as_o on_o a_o staff_n or_o a_o supporter_n to_o roll_n ourselves_o to_o he_o or_o on_o he_o as_o creature_n that_o can_v subsist_v happy_o separate_v from_o he_o and_o also_o to_o rest_v steady_o in_o he_o as_o in_o god_n al-sufficient_a and_o the_o very_a life_n and_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n certain_o this_o can_v be_v do_v by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n confidence_n indeed_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n but_o yet_o you_o must_v take_v it_o thus_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n in_o dependence_n on_o he_o for_o some_o future_a good_a so_o it_o be_v hope_n but_o as_o it_o respect_v he_o offer_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o christ_n at_o present_a so_o it_o be_v faith_n and_o hence_o be_v those_o phrase_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v full_o persuade_v rom._n 4._o 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o substance_n or_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
the_o argument_n or_o demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v hebr._n 11._o 1._o have_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o precious_a and_o what_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o esteem_v christ_n so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o text._n in_o the_o word_n observe_v first_o the_o person_n esteem_v or_o honour_v christ_n second_o the_o person_n so_o esteem_v or_o honour_v believer_n three_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o employ_v in_o the_o word_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o relative_a particle_n import_v some_o antecedent_n or_o foregoing_a reason_n of_o the_o preciousness_n of_o christ_n to_o believer_n as_o 1._o that_o he_o be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o precious_a stone_n verse_n 4._o 2._o that_o beleiver_n also_o be_v make_v by_o he_o lively_a stone_n as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o five_o verse_n 3._o there_o be_v likewise_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n allege_v to_o confirm_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n therefore_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v precious_a the_o word_n afford_v we_o these_o doctrine_n or_o observation_n first_o christ_n be_v very_o honourable_a and_o precious_a christ_n be_v honour_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o god_n the_o father_n by_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n by_o his_o angel_n and_o by_o believer_n all_o these_o put_v such_o worth_n upon_o he_o that_o hehe_fw-ge be_v the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o cantic_a the_o five_o chap._n verse_n the_o ten_o second_o however_o christ_n be_v undervalue_v by_o such_o as_o have_v no_o faith_n and_o do_v not_o believe_v yet_o he_o be_v exceed_o precious_a to_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v three_o christ_n be_v precious_a to_o believer_n because_o of_o his_o proper_a and_o inherent_a excellency_n call_v therefore_o a_o precious_a stone_n because_o of_o his_o usefulness_n be_v a_o foundation_n to_o build_v â—pon_n because_o of_o his_o bless_a efficiency_n or_o operation_n make_v they_o that_o build_v upon_o he_o to_o become_v live_v or_o lively_a stone_n and_o final_o because_o all_o these_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o shuck_n and_o shadow_n but_o truth_n and_o reality_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o sure_a and_o infallible_a word_n of_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o wave_v the_o first_o doctrine_n because_o the_o substance_n and_o matter_n thereof_o shall_v be_v lay_v open_a in_o the_o second_o which_o be_v this_o that_o though_o christ_n be_v slight_v and_o undervalue_v doctrine_n doctrine_n by_o unbeliever_n yet_o he_o be_v exceed_o precious_a to_o believer_n where_o there_o be_v faith_n to_o believe_v there_o christ_n be_v high_o esteem_v of_o and_o precious_a above_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 44._o mat._n 13._o 44._o be_v liken_v to_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n and_o to_o a_o goodly_a margarite_n or_o pearl_n which_o the_o merchant_n have_v find_v he_o sell_v all_o to_o buy_v it_o mark_v i_o pray_v first_o it_o be_v a_o merchant_n man_n and_o merchant_n common_o be_v well_o store_v with_o money_n and_o of_o the_o rich_a sort_n of_o man_n it_o be_v much_o then_o for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o he_o have_v sure_o that_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v superlative_o excellent_a that_o can_v move_v he_o to_o do_v thus_o second_o it_o be_v a_o merchant_n the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o merchant_n do_v also_o signify_v a_o seeker_n or_o searcher_n because_o merchant_n do_v search_v up_o and_o down_o in_o diverse_a country_n for_o their_o precious_a thing_n this_o note_v the_o great_a pain_n that_o be_v take_v about_o the_o pearl_n three_o when_o he_o have_v make_v up_o his_o resolution_n thus_o to_o forsake_v all_o observe_v his_o policy_n he_o hide_v the_o pearl_n and_o the_o treasure_n crafty_o he_o conceal_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o close_o that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v it_o sure_a to_o himself_o and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v deprive_v he_o of_o it_o four_o he_o sell_v all_o to_o show_v that_o he_o value_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v rather_o part_v with_o all_o then_o miss_v of_o such_o a_o bargain_n five_o he_o sell_v all_o with_o joy_n that_o which_o he_o do_v he_o do_v with_o a_o very_a good_a will_n so_o far_o from_o any_o stick_n at_o it_o so_o far_o from_o any_o repent_v or_o waver_v so_o far_o from_o any_o change_n of_o mind_n that_o he_o persist_v in_o his_o resolution_n with_o a_o cheerful_a and_o joyful_a heart_n now_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o very_o it_o be_v christ_n a_o treasure_n a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a and_o unvaluable_a price_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o the_o soul_n like_o a_o politic_a merchantman_n eye_n all_o this_o while_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o leave_v all_o to_o enjoy_v it_o see_v this_o in_o the_o apostle_n he_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n yea_o he_o count_v they_o but_o dung_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dogs-meate_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o i_o may_v win_v or_o gain_v christ_n say_v he_o that_o be_v that_o i_o may_v get_v more_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o large_a portion_n of_o his_o fullness_n moses_n also_o count_v the_o worst_a of_o christ_n better_a than_o the_o best_a of_o sin_n nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v worse_o of_o christ_n then_o reproach_n and_o affliction_n yet_o moses_n set_v these_o against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n esteem_v the_o reproacb_n of_o christ_n better_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n hebr._n 11._o 26._o now_o beside_o these_o example_n i_o will_v endeavour_v further_a to_o prove_v and_o illustrate_v the_o doctrine_n in_o this_o method_n first_o i_o will_v show_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v so_o second_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o it_o be_v so_o and_o three_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d why_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o shall_v appear_v by_o these_o demonstration_n first_o believer_n be_v very_o impatient_a of_o christ_n absence_n christ_n may_v veil_v demonstration_n i_o demonstration_n himself_o for_o a_o while_n and_o withdraw_v his_o light_n and_o comfort_n from_o the_o soul_n though_o he_o take_v not_o away_o his_o love_n yet_o he_o may_v suspend_v the_o act_n of_o it_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o frown_v he_o may_v so_o abscond_v so_o hide_v and_o eclipse_v himself_o that_o the_o soul_n for_o a_o while_o lose_v sense_n and_o feel_v not_o its_o own_o happiness_n now_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o a_o beleiver_n christ_n be_v go_v the_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n be_v go_v joy_n and_o light_n be_v go_v o_o how_o deject_v how_o disconsolate_a be_v the_o soul_n then_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v spiritual_a the_o flame_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v kindle_v in_o he_o genes_n he_o malim_fw-la praesente_fw-la christo_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o inferno_fw-la quà m_fw-la absente_n christo_fw-la in_o coelo_fw-la luther_n in_o genes_n and_o then_o he_o can_v sit_v down_o without_o he_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o supply_n he_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o strength_n the_o support_n of_o joy_n and_o the_o very_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n o_o that_o i_o may_v see_v he_o say_v the_o beleiver_n oh_o that_o i_o may_v live_v in_o his_o presence_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n will_v content_v he_o neither_o honour_n nor_o riches_n nor_o pleasure_n nor_o friend_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o will_v content_v he_o till_o he_o find_v he_o who_o his_o soul_n love_v till_o he_o find_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o former_o with_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n he_o enjoy_v demo._n two_o second_o consider_v that_o earnest_a inquisition_n and_o diligent_a search_n which_o the_o beleiver_n make_v after_o christ_n when_o absent_a he_o seek_v he_o diligent_o and_o constant_o first_o his_o diligence_n appear_v in_o that_o he_o search_v for_o christ_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o holy_a ordinance_n who_o so_o esteem_v christ_n the_o same_o person_n can_v slight_v no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n hear_v prayer_n meditation_n conference_n with_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o like_a he_o have_v find_v such_o sweetness_n in_o all_o these_o that_o he_o can_v give_v over_o his_o search_n and_o inquiry_n until_o he_o have_v find_v christ_n those_o ordinance_n be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v a_o walk_n wherein_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o meet_v with_o his_o people_n a_o beleiver_n therefore_o do_v with_o great_a eagerness_n delight_n and_o study_v put_v himself_o upon_o that_o
sweetness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o secret_a operation_n and_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n incline_v the_o heart_n and_o sway_v the_o will_n i_o conclude_v then_o that_o if_o the_o will_v be_v so_o impassable_a and_o can_v be_v force_v christ_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o loadstone_n as_o i_o may_v say_v very_o attractive_a and_o a_o object_n very_o tempt_v and_o allure_a else_o certain_o he_o can_v never_o have_v such_o power_n over_o man_n will_n to_o incline_v they_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o bend_v they_o and_o bow_v they_o as_o he_o do_v he_o can_v never_o make_v the_o wolf_n to_o dwell_v with_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o leopard_n to_o lie_v down_o wiâ—h_v the_o kid_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n he_o can_v never_o tame_v the_o fierce_a nature_n and_o the_o ravenous_a disposition_n of_o persecutor_n he_o can_v never_o change_v man_n mind_n and_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o as_o he_o do_v if_o there_o be_v not_o excellency_n in_o he_o super-humane_a and_o above_o all_o that_o which_o any_o creature_n can_v boast_v of_o doubtless_o it_o must_v argue_v the_o excel_a dignity_n and_o preciousness_n of_o christ_n when_o our_o will_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o enforcement_n be_v so_o kind_o and_o so_o sweet_o sway_v and_o command_v by_o he_o again_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v something_o that_o be_v good_a bonum_fw-la est_fw-la objecium_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la say_v the_o moralist_n whether_o it_o be_v bonumreale_v a_o real_a and_o substantial_a good_a or_o bonum_fw-la apparens_fw-la a_o shadowish_a and_o seem_a good_a it_o be_v so_o both_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o will_v but_o christ_n be_v altogether_o substance_n and_o no_o shadow_n no_o lie_n no_o falsehood_n no_o fuke_n no_o varnish_a appearance_n of_o good_a but_o the_o most_o solid_a and_o absolute_a blessing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o apprehend_v by_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o choice_n and_o precious_a to_o they_o that_o excellent_a glory_n that_o transcendent_a good_a that_o spiritual_a beauty_n that_o supereminent_a worthiness_n that_o overflow_a fountain_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o shine_a of_o god_n face_n in_o christ_n these_o make_v he_o to_o be_v the_o best_a object_n these_o set_v a_o high_a rate_n and_o price_n upon_o he_o these_o incline_v the_o will_n attract_v the_o heart_n and_o draw_v the_o love_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o again_o observe_v that_o the_o object_n of_o the_o will_n must_v be_v a_o thing_n suitable_a bonum_fw-la sibi_fw-la conveniâ—ns_fw-la a_o good_a agreeable_a to_o itself_o now_o such_o a_o object_n be_v christ_n he_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o agree_v too_o we_o in_o all_o his_o office_n in_o all_o his_o communication_n suitable_a in_o his_o blood_n for_o pardon_n in_o his_o grace_n to_o adorn_v we_o yea_o in_o his_o very_a debasement_n to_o lift_v we_o up_o suitable_a in_o his_o love_n for_o lose_a sinner_n in_o his_o fullness_n for_o for_o empty_a and_o beggarly_a soul_n yea_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la the_o chief_a good_a that_o we_o can_v desire_v or_o be_v possess_v of_o this_o make_v a_o child_n of_o god_n to_o love_v nothing_o so_o well_o as_o he_o there_o be_v none_o on_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o say_v the_o psalmist_n if_o christ_n be_v not_o very_o precious_a to_o believer_n doubtless_o they_o will_v not_o overlook_v all_o the_o world_n to_o clasp_v and_o close_o with_o he_o as_o they_o do_v a_o second_o thing_n illustrate_v the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o make_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v precious_a viz._n the_o rarity_n the_o esteem_n the_o price_n and_o the_o usefulness_n thereof_o first_o the_o rarity_n and_o scarcenesse_n of_o a_o illustration_n i_o thing_n make_v it_o to_o be_v precious_a for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n call_v precious_a 1_o sam._n 3._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v precious_a that_o be_v it_o be_v rare_a in_o those_o day_n so_o be_v christ_n rare_a in_o the_o world_n few_o and_o rare_a they_o be_v that_o find_v he_o one_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o of_o a_o tribe_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n christ_n be_v a_o pearl_n yea_o a_o pearl_n of_o high_a price_n as_o in_o matth._n 13._o pearl_n be_v rare_a in_o the_o world_n the_o merchant_n only_o that_o seek_v far_o obtain_v they_o there_o be_v more_o way_n to_o miss_v then_o to_o hit_v the_o mark_n the_o stoney_n ground_n and_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n come_v near_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o miss_v it_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o see_v a_o soul_n embellish_v and_o adorn_v with_o such_o a_o jewel_n as_o christ_n be_v this_o than_o must_v needs_o make_v he_o to_o be_v precious_a if_o thing_n excellent_a be_v common_a the_o plentinesse_n of_o they_o will_v take_v off_o the_o price_n of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o king_n 10._o 21._o that_o all_o solomon_n drink_v vessel_n and_o all_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o forest_n house_n in_o lebanon_n be_v of_o pure_a gold_n none_o be_v of_o silver_n it_o be_v nothing_o account_v of_o in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n the_o king_n make_v it_o as_o common_a as_o stone_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o read_v in_o verse_n 27._o the_o excessive_a and_o superabounding_a quantity_n of_o that_o mettle_n make_v it_o so_o cheap_a and_o so_o worthless_a as_o it_o be_v have_v it_o be_v rare_a it_o will_v have_v be_v more_o precious_a this_o than_o confirm_v the_o exceed_a preciousness_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o be_v thin_a swoon_n and_o come_v up_o as_o thin_o that_o have_v he_o for_o their_o portion_n the_o paucity_n and_o fewne_n of_o such_o as_o be_v enrich_v with_o he_o argue_v his_o dignity_n and_o worth_n not_o a_o little_a second_o the_o high_a esteem_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o a_o thing_n make_v it_o also_o to_o be_v precious_a illustration_n two_o so_o be_v gold_n and_o silver_n precious_a because_o man_n make_v great_a account_n of_o it_o neither_o do_v christ_n come_v short_a of_o this_o argument_n whatsoever_o worldling_n account_v of_o he_o it_o skill_v not_o fool_n and_o madman_n can_v judge_v of_o excellency_n let_v the_o foolish_a gadarens_n esteem_v more_o of_o their_o swine_n then_o of_o christ_n we_o will_v not_o lay_v he_o in_o such_o a_o balance_n look_v upon_o god_n the_o father_n and_o see_v what_o reckon_v he_o make_v of_o he_o he_o call_v he_o choice_n and_o precious_a as_o we_o read_v 1_o peter_n 2._o 6._o behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n elect_v and_o precious_a god_n have_v honour_v christ_n &_o commit_v all_o judgement_n even_o the_o full_a administration_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o all_o man_n may_v honour_v he_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n privy_a to_o all_o his_o counsel_n and_o decree_n as_o we_o find_v prov._n 8._o 22_o 23_o 24._o etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n possess_v i_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o way_n before_o his_o work_n of_o old_a the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v there_o use_v put_v for_o eternity_n à _fw-la parte_fw-la antè_fw-la as_o we_o say_v as_o if_o christ_n shall_v have_v say_v even_o from_o all_o eternity_n before_o his_o work_n make_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o be_v my_o father_n darling_n when_o he_o make_v the_o heaven_n gird_v the_o sea_n and_o give_v the_o unresistable_a decree_n that_o it_o shall_v keep_v in_o its_o bound_n i_o be_v as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o i_o be_v as_o a_o child_n with_o the_o father_n i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n the_o original_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d delight_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n intimate_v that_o the_o eternal_a son_n be_v the_o great_a delight_n of_o his_o father_n he_o be_v variety_n of_o delight_n unto_o he_o while_o god_n be_v make_v of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v infinite_a pleasure_n in_o he_o in_o so_o much_o that_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n by_o he_o every_o creature_n have_v a_o beam_n of_o the_o father_n wisdom_n in_o it_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sun_n this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o god_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o term_n very_o quaint_a and_o familiar_a christ_n speak_v of_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n and_o everlastingness_n say_v that_o he_o be_v always_o rejoice_v before_o god_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o much_o as_o
with_o unspeakable_a delight_n his_o riches_n his_o love_n his_o goodness_n his_o greatness_n his_o power_n and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o be_v i_o i_o have_v interest_n in_o all_o those_o transcendent_a grace_n of_o he_o his_o mercy_n his_o truth_n his_o promise_n they_o be_v all_o i_o now_o this_o must_v needs_o render_v christ_n very_o precious_a when_o he_o be_v not_o only_o in_o himself_o whatsoever_o be_v excellent_a and_o desirable_a but_o also_o the_o saint_n may_v just_o challenge_v and_o claim_v he_o for_o their_o own_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o use_v 1_o point_n and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o show_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o most_o in_o the_o world_n do_v despise_v christ_n and_o care_v not_o for_o he_o namely_o because_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n they_o be_v infidel_n and_o unbeliever_n and_o therefore_o they_o set_v light_a by_o he_o christ_n be_v very_o precious_a but_o it_o be_v only_o to_o believer_n worldling_n have_v no_o faith_n and_o therefore_o christ_n seem_v a_o despicable_a and_o worthless_a thing_n to_o they_o now_o that_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n this_o appear_v first_n by_o their_o ignorance_n most_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o theory_n or_o doctrinal_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v like_o festus_n who_o tell_v agrippa_n that_o paul_n adversary_n have_v question_n against_o he_o concern_v one_o jesus_n act._n 25._o 19_o so_o let_v these_o be_v ask_v and_o they_o can_v answer_v nothing_o true_o nothing_o rational_o nothing_o punctual_o of_o christ_n christ_n be_v to_o they_o as_o logician_n speak_v and_o individuum_fw-la vagum_fw-la quidam_fw-la homo_fw-la a_o certain_a man_n one_o jesus_n but_o they_o for_o their_o part_n know_v little_a of_o he_o only_o they_o have_v a_o wild_a hope_n that_o if_o he_o be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o share_n in_o it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o be_v a_o frequent_a and_o high_a point_n of_o their_o devotion_n they_o have_v it_o by_o tradition_n to_o receive_v christ_n but_o what_o he_o be_v and_o how_o make_v we_o they_o know_v not_o other_o there_o be_v that_o have_v pretty_a store_n of_o knowledge_n they_o can_v reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o christ_n distinct_o and_o satisfactory_o but_o they_o have_v no_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o he_o they_o have_v not_o felâ—_n the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n they_o have_v not_o taste_v how_o gracious_a thâ—_n lord_n be_v they_o may_v perhaps_o have_v a_o flashiâ—â—_n relish_v and_o light_n taste_v of_o he_o such_o as_o their_o be_v of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6_o 4_o 5._o temporary_a gust_n &_o apprehension_n of_o christ_n sweetness_n cause_v joy_n for_o â—â—_o while_o but_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o with_o christ_n at_o his_o table_n to_o eat_v even_o to_o saturation_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o to_o make_v a_o full_a meal_n of_o his_o spiritual_a dainty_n the_o heavenly_a manna_n the_o marrow_n of_o fatness_n neither_o have_v they_o drink_v abundant_o as_o the_o charge_n be_v cantic_a 5._o 1._o of_o wine_n on_o the_o lees_n well_o refine_v out_o of_o christ_n wine-cellar_n in_o a_o word_n they_o have_v not_o a_o thorough_a and_o save_a experience_n of_o christ_n though_o their_o brain_n have_v some_o print_n of_o he_o yet_o their_o heart_n be_v stranger_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n they_o that_o know_v christ_n name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9_o 10._o but_o these_o know_v it_o not_o they_o know_v not_o the_o power_n they_o know_v not_o the_o virtue_n they_o know_v not_o the_o worth_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v they_o know_v their_o own_o misery_n without_o he_o and_o what_o faith_n can_v there_o be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o breed_v and_o beget_v faith_n that_o sometime_o it_o include_v faith_n and_o faith_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o it_o as_o esa_n 53._o 11._o by_o his_o knowledge_n shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o and_o again_o not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o god_n by_o faith_n that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n phil._n 3._o 9_o 10._o that_o be_v one_o token_n then_o that_o man_n have_v no_o faith_n because_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n second_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o stumble_n at_o christ_n christ_n be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o the_o disobedient_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v and_o disobedient_a one_o be_v oppose_v to_o believer_n unbelief_n be_v the_o great_a disobedience_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o damn_n of_o all_o other_o disobedience_n because_o man_n believe_v not_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o vicious_a so_o profane_a so_o ungodly_a and_o so_o disobedient_a as_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n seem_v so_o vile_a and_o so_o base_a to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v therefore_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o and_o stumble_v at_o he_o overmuch_o haste_n make_v a_o man_n to_o stumble_v now_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o he_o which_o believe_v shall_v not_o make_v haste_n esa_n 28._o 16._o have_v the_o jew_n believe_v they_o have_v never_o stumble_v at_o christ_n his_o poverty_n and_o depress_a condition_n have_v never_o be_v any_o scandal_n to_o they_o but_o they_o not_o believe_v look_v for_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o messiah_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o riches_n in_o the_o glory_n in_o the_o pomp_n and_o magnificence_n of_o a_o earthly_a monarch_n which_o wheâ—_n it_o fail_v they_o be_v offend_v and_o say_v we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n to_o reign_v over_o we_o the_o prophet_n eâ—â—y_n bring_v forth_o carnal_a people_n speak_v thus_o of_o christ_n he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o wheâ—_n weâ—_n shall_v see_v he_o there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o â—â—_o shall_v desire_v he_o chap._n 53._o 2._o this_o be_v noâ—_n mean_v of_o the_o bodily_a visage_n and_o countenance_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o hard_a term_n upon_o which_o he_o offer_v himself_o he_o tell_v man_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v his_o follower_n and_o will_v have_v he_o for_o a_o saviour_n than_o they_o must_v deny_v themselves_o renounce_v their_o own_o will_n take_v up_o his_o cross_n suffer_v mock_n and_o reproach_n bond_n and_o imprisonment_n be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v in_o the_o world_n and_o resist_v even_o to_o blood_n and_o loss_n of_o life_n if_o need_v be_v these_o be_v the_o term_n &_o condition_n upon_o which_o christ_n offer_v himself_o and_o these_o be_v very_o unsavoury_a most_o can_v relish_v they_o they_o will_v not_o down_o christ_n be_v very_o offensive_a be_v so_o tender_v without_o form_n without_o comeliness_n without_o beauty_n a_o most_o nauseous_a and_o loathsome_a object_n now_o where_o it_o be_v thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n have_v no_o faith_n a_o man_n will_v not_o rest_v or_o rely_v upon_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o good_a conceit_n of_o three_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o also_o when_o man_n do_v not_o improve_v christ_n true_a faith_n be_v a_o grow_a thing_n and_o make_v all_o other_o grace_n to_o grow_v it_o be_v not_o idle_a and_o lazy_a but_o active_a and_o advance_v and_o still_o press_v forward_o what_o be_v ground_n if_o not_o good_v and_o manure_v what_o be_v a_o ship_n if_o not_o rig_v and_o send_v to_o sea_n what_o be_v a_o trade_n if_o not_o drive_v and_o make_v use_v of_o so_o what_o be_v christ_n if_o not_o work_v not_o act_v not_o improve_v in_o we_o what_o be_v his_o incarnation_n death_n resurrection_n intercession_n if_o we_o receive_v no_o virtue_n or_o vigorous_a impress_n no_o accession_n or_o augmentation_n from_o they_o the_o business_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o word_n and_o name_n as_o gallio_n think_v but_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o high_a and_o great_a concernment_n that_o can_v be_v the_o aim_n of_o it_o be_v above_o all_o create_a excellency_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o be_v true_a and_o not_o feign_v it_o be_v ever_o in_o agitation_n ever_o gird_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n ever_o build_v ever_o run_v ever_o grow_v if_o not_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o man_n haw_v no_o faith_n and_o if_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v despise_v christ_n four_o when_o a_o man_n be_v careless_a and_o regardless_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n this_o