for_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v greet_v you_o one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 4._o the_o occasion_n of_o frequent_a converse_n and_o correspondence_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n ought_v not_o to_o diminish_v their_o love_n or_o hinder_v the_o expression_n thereof_o but_o rather_o to_o increase_v the_o same_o they_o who_o live_v together_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o offend_v or_o mistake_v one_o another_o and_o so_o to_o be_v mutual_o jealous_a of_o the_o alienation_n of_o one_o another_o affection_n than_o those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o love_n shall_v provoke_v those_o that_o be_v near_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v signify_v the_o love_n of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o babylon_n to_o their_o disperse_a brethren_n do_v here_o exhort_v they_o that_o have_v more_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o meeting_n and_o correspondence_n to_o greet_v one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 5._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n hearty_o to_o wish_v all_o sort_n of_o true_a peace_n upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o external_a profession_n and_o participation_n of_o common_a gift_n and_o benefit_n from_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o joh._n 15.2_o so_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o calmness_n and_o contentment_n of_o the_o soul_n arise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o acceptation_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n when_o fear_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o jealousy_n of_o his_o love_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n banish_v rom._n 5.1_o together_o with_o as_o much_o outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o true_a good_a be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n only_o to_o real_a believer_n and_o to_o all_o of_o they_o whether_o weak_a or_o strong_a and_o may_v be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n attain_v unto_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o trouble_n by_o those_o who_o be_v chase_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o by_o faith_n plant_v in_o the_o live_a vine_n christ_n jesus_n for_o as_o this_o apostolick-benediction_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o apostle_n wish_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o it_o do_v especial_o respect_v true_a believer_n therein_o peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 6._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n to_o press_v duty_n upon_o all_o professor_n so_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o guard_v promise_n and_o privilege_n by_o qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v for_o the_o apostle_n have_v press_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o expression_n thereof_o upon_o all_o indefinite_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n restrict_n his_o wish_n of_o peace_n qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o do_v especial_o belong_v peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 7._o as_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o enter_v upon_o every_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o call_v and_o commission_n from_o he_o as_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o epistle_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o close_v the_o same_o with_o some_o confidence_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o labour_n and_o of_o his_o grant_v their_o desire_n for_o that_o end_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n close_v his_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n in_o this_o epistle_n with_o this_o word_n of_o confidence_n amen_n a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n general_n of_o peter_n the_o argument_n this_o epistle_n may_v be_v call_v the_o latter_a will_n of_o a_o die_a apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o when_o peter_n write_v it_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v short_o to_o seal_v the_o truth_n in_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n as_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o compare_v the_o 14._o verse_n of_o this_o chap._n with_o christ_n prediction_n concern_v his_o death_n joh._n 21.18_o it_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o all_o believer_n especial_o believe_v jew_n scatter_v at_o that_o time_n through_o many_o nation_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v 1_o pet._n 1.1_o with_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o and_o of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o principal_a head_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o make_v clear_a the_o scope_n and_o part_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o christian_n growth_n in_o grace_n and_o diligence_n in_o holy_a duty_n which_o be_v clear_v and_o press_v chap._n 1._o the_o second_o be_v concern_v error_n the_o way_n of_o work_v and_o hazard_v whereof_o be_v handle_v chap._n 2._o the_o three_o be_v concern_v the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n some_o error_n about_o it_o be_v confute_v and_o the_o right_a preparation_n for_o it_o hold_v forth_o chap._n 3._o what_o can_v be_v more_o necessary_a than_o to_o study_v growth_n and_o diligence_n in_o so_o decline_v and_o secure_a a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v to_o guard_n against_o error_n when_o it_o so_o prevail_v and_o to_o prepare_v for_o the_o last_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o now_o it_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o much_o forget_v chap._n 1._o the_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v three_o in_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o inscription_n ver_fw-la 1._o a_o apostolic_a wish_n for_o the_o best_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o grow_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o the_o salutation_n ver_fw-la 2._o ground_n of_o encouragement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o wish_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n already_o begin_v in_o they_o which_o he_o describe_v from_o the_o cause_n nature_n part_n and_o way_n of_o work_v of_o it_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4._o in_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n he_o exhort_v to_o diligence_n and_o the_o study_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n reckon_v out_o several_a step_n of_o their_o progress_n ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o with_o many_o move_a argument_n thereto_o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o growth_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v only_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o write_v therefore_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n ver_fw-la 16._o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a subject_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o and_o of_o the_o whole_a write_a word_n from_o the_o certainty_n and_o usefulness_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o from_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o verse_n 1._o simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n describe_v himself_o 1._o from_o two_o name_n which_o design_n his_o person_n simon_n his_o old_a name_n when_o he_o be_v a_o fisher_n peter_n his_o new_a surname_n give_v he_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o mark_v 1.16_o and_o 3.16_o the_o one_o mind_v he_o of_o his_o former_a ignorant_a and_o mean_a condition_n the_o other_o of_o the_o honour_n christ_n put_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o make_v he_o a_o lively_a stone_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o believer_n and_o preacher_n of_o that_o truth_n upon_o which_o as_o a_o rock_n he_o build_v his_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o exposition_n of_o the_o name_n peter_n mat._n 16.18_o hence_o learn_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o carry_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o time_n with_o we_o the_o sensible_a remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v before_o christ_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o of_o what_o his_o grace_n have_v make_v we_o that_o we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n both_o humble_a and_o thankful_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o these_o two_o name_n here_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o testament_n simon_n peter_n next_o he_o describe_v himself_o from_o two_o style_n which_o design_n his_o office_n the_o one_o common_a to_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o proper_a to_o those_o who_o have_v immediate_a commission_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o christ_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o work_v miracle_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v honour_n enough_o for_o the_o high_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o christ_n so_o do_v this_o apostle_n esteem_v it_o who_o never_o
offer_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o the_o messiah_n invitation_n to_o repentance_n and_o holy_a walk_n and_o some_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n work_v with_o his_o word_n and_o yet_o though_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o gross_a and_o filthy_a sin_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n their_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v persuade_v thereby_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v be_v here_o set_v down_o as_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o their_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n in_o hell_n those_o spirit_n be_v in_o prison_n who_o sometime_o be_v disobedient_a 7._o the_o lord_n do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o give_v over_o deal_n with_o despiser_n of_o his_o save_a counsel_n and_o rejecter_n of_o his_o bless_a offer_n but_o do_v defer_v their_o deserve_a punishment_n and_o draw_v out_o his_o patience_n in_o length_n towards_o they_o as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o inexcusable_a and_o he_o may_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o long-suffering_a and_o patience_n after_o it_o be_v expire_v for_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v now_o in_o prison_n the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n once_o wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n 8._o 〈◊〉_d length_n of_o time_n can_v make_v the_o lord_n forget_v his_o 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o penitent_a sinner_n have_v abuse_v even_o when_o 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o hell_n he_o will_v remember_v they_o and_o make_v 〈…〉_o remember_v their_z for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o 〈…〉_o torment_v and_o vexation_n luke_n 16.25_o for_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o this_o apostle_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v mindful_a of_o the_o despise_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o pain_n manifest_v many_o thousand_o year_n ago_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n once_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n etc._n etc._n 9_o even_o those_o who_o may_v have_v good_a hope_n through_o grace_n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n aught_o to_o consider_v the_o woeful_a case_n of_o they_o that_o be_v there_o as_o a_o mean_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o provoke_v the_o lord_n by_o those_o sin_n which_o bring_v soul_n to_o that_o prison_n and_o as_o a_o motive_n unto_o thankfulness_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o constancy_n in_o duty_n to_o he_o notwithstanding_o of_o temporary_a suffering_n who_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o same_o for_o here_o the_o case_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v present_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o who_o as_o he_o suppose_v in_o the_o former_a word_n may_v comfort_v themselves_o in_o their_o exemption_n from_o wrath_n by_o christ_n suffering_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o constancy_n in_o holiness_n notwithstanding_o of_o hard_a usage_n from_o man_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n scope_n to_o press_v 10._o when_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o send_v his_o word_n unto_o a_o people_n he_o use_v also_o with_o it_o to_o frame_v his_o working_n and_o dispensation_n so_o as_o may_v be_v most_o fit_v for_o bearing-in_a his_o word_n upon_o they_o that_o if_o they_o reject_v and_o slight_a both_o their_o stripe_n may_v be_v double_a for_o beside_o that_o christ_n go_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o old_a world_n he_o make_v a_o work_n to_o be_v wrought_v before_o their_o eye_n which_o be_v a_o visible_a preach_n of_o wrath_n to_o come_v upon_o they_o except_o they_o do_v repent_v and_o a_o real_a invitation_n of_o they_o to_o repentance_n that_o they_o see_v such_o a_o small_a vessel_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a multitude_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n every_o one_o may_v have_v study_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o may_v have_v have_v entry_n into_o it_o he_o go_v and_o preach_v and_o his_o long-suffering_a wait_v while_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o prepare_v 11._o whensoever_o the_o lord_n have_v judgement_n to_o bring_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o a_o people_n it_o be_v his_o way_n to_o provide_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o safety_n for_o his_o own_o that_o be_v among_o they_o sometime_o from_o the_o outward_a judgement_n as_o here_o and_o always_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o psal_n 91.10_o for_o while_o judgement_n be_v approach_v upon_o the_o old_a world_n the_o ark_n be_v a_o prepare_v wherein_o few_o that_o be_v eight_o soul_n be_v save_v 12._o though_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o will_v be_v at_o any_o time_n want_v some_o true_a believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o stand_a relation_n of_o a_o husband_n and_o head_n to_o the_o church_n yet_o so_o far_o may_v profanity_n or_o error_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o number_n of_o visible_a professor_n may_v be_v very_o few_o and_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n of_o such_o can_v be_v no_o real_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n for_o here_o in_o all_o the_o world_n there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o and_o of_o those_o a_o great_a part_n wicked_a for_o what_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o scripture_n history_n that_o be_v eight_o soul_n save_v by_o water_n 13._o it_o may_v fare_v the_o better_a with_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o life_n though_o nothing_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o they_o have_v be_v in_o society_n with_o the_o godly_a and_o have_v outward_a relation_n to_o they_o partly_o for_o the_o more_o satisfaction_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v tie_v to_o they_o by_o natural_a bond_n or_o affection_n and_o partly_o that_o they_o may_v be_v some_o way_n serviceable_a to_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o which_o cause_n among_o other_o there_o be_v here_o eight_o soul_n whereof_o some_o be_v of_o a_o wicked_a disposition_n and_o curse_a gen._n 9.22_o 25._o save_v by_o water_n 14._o the_o lord_n can_v make_v that_o which_o be_v the_o mean_a of_o destruction_n to_o the_o wicked_a a_o mean_a of_o safety_n to_o his_o own_o for_o the_o water_n which_o drown_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n bear_v up_o the_o ark_n and_o so_o prove_v a_o mean_a of_o the_o safety_n of_o there_o eight_o who_o be_v save_v by_o water_n verse_n 21._o the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o even_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eight_o encouragement_n to_o constancy_n in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n be_v that_o since_o believer_n have_v a_o spiritual_a privilege_n answerable_a to_o the_o ark_n seal_v their_o safety_n from_o the_o diludge_n of_o god_n wrath_n to_o wit_n their_o baptism_n not_o the_o external_a part_n of_o it_o alone_o which_o can_v only_o remove_v the_o filth_n of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o internal_a to_o wit_n the_o application_n of_o christ_n blood_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o believer_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_v here_o by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o that_o thereby_o believer_n may_v challenge_v all_o christ_n purchase_n as_o they_o and_o answer_v all_o challenge_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o their_o cautioner_n be_v absolve_v from_o their_o debt_n whereof_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o evidence_n therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o faint_v in_o follow_v their_o duty_n or_o fear_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n hence_o learn_v 1._o whatever_o outward_a privilege_n any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n have_v of_o old_a when_o he_o be_v work_v in_o a_o more_o extraordinary_a way_n than_o now_o every_o ordinary_a believer_n may_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n a_o spiritual_a privileage_n answerable_a to_o it_o faith_n can_v seed_v upon_o christ_n the_o bread_n from_o heaven_n joh._n 6.32_o 35._o as_o the_o israelite_n do_v upon_o the_o manna_n it_o can_v draw_v spiritual_a life_n and_o health_n from_o he_o as_o the_o sting_a israelite_n have_v health_n to_o their_o body_n by_o look_v to_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n joh._n 3.15_o 16._o and_o can_v find_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a safety_n in_o he_o through_o his_o own_o mean_n as_o in_o a_o ark_n when_o other_o be_v perish_v in_o the_o deludge_n of_o his_o wrath_n for_o though_o believer_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v not_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o preservation_n from_o persecution_n as_o noah_n and_o the_o few_o with_o he_o have_v from_o the_o flood_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a privilege_n answerable_a to_o it_o and_o of_o a_o far_o better_a nature_n the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o 2._o baptism_n do_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n resemble_v the_o ark_n in_o so_o far_o as_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o
the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n do_v partake_v even_o of_o that_o outward_a ordinance_n as_o few_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n in_o that_o it_o be_v equal_o dispense_v to_o good_a and_o bad_a who_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o but_o such_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o ark_n in_o that_o it_o do_v exempt_v all_o that_o partake_v of_o it_o according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n from_o the_o common_a case_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v seal_v to_o the_o elect_n safety_n from_o that_o wrath_n which_o do_v destroy_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a respect_n it_o be_v here_o compare_v with_o the_o ark_n the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o 3._o although_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o believer_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n blood_n apply_v to_o the_o conscience_n yet_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o scripture_n oftentimes_o ascribe_v the_o same_o to_o the_o instrument_n or_o mean_v by_o which_o he_o do_v convey_v that_o salvation_n to_o they_o compare_n with_o this_o place_n luke_n 7.50_o 1_o tim._n 4.16_o that_o so_o he_o may_v keep_v up_o due_a respect_n to_o his_o own_o mean_n which_o if_o they_o be_v neglect_v or_o despise_v by_o they_o that_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o they_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n baptism_n do_v now_o save_v we_o 4._o there_o be_v no_o small_a hazard_n of_o people_n place_v too_o much_o in_o the_o external_a and_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o ordinance_n as_o if_o that_o of_o itself_o be_v of_o some_o efficacy_n for_o salvation_n against_o which_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o less_o need_n to_o guard_v in_o their_o doctrine_n than_o against_o people_n under_o value_v of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o after_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v assert_v baptism_n to_o be_v the_o mean_a of_o our_o salvation_n answerable_a to_o the_o ark_n lest_o any_o may_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o salvation_n because_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o external_a baptism_n he_o add_v as_o a_o guard_n not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n 5._o the_o internal_a baptism_n to_o wit_n the_o application_n of_o christ_n merit_n be_v know_v to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o sinner_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o upon_o their_o conscience_n which_o do_v appear_v first_o when_o they_o do_v answer_v to_o the_o lord_n offer_n and_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o hearty_a acceptation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o engagement_n in_o his_o strength_n to_o obey_v the_o other_o second_o when_o they_o become_v humble_o familiar_a with_o god_n in_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n death_n as_o they_o and_o three_o when_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o he_o to_o answer_v the_o accusation_n and_o challenge_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v against_o they_o in_o do_v of_o the_o former_a two_o for_o all_o there_o three_o which_o make_v a_o good_a conscience_n to_o wit_n stipulation_n or_o engagement_n claim_n or_o challenge_v and_o apology_n or_o answer_n be_v in_o the_o signification_n of_o this_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o here_o to_o express_v the_o internal_a part_n of_o baptism_n to_o wit_n the_o application_n of_o christ_n merit_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o which_o effect_n manife_v the_o cause_n even_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n 6._o christ_n resurrection_n be_v to_o the_o believer_n one_o chief_a ground_n of_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n former_o describe_v from_o whence_o he_o may_v just_o claim_v to_o absolution_n from_o guiltiness_n since_o his_o cautioner_n discharge_n be_v evidence_v by_o his_o resurrection_n rom._n 4.25_o and_o to_o virtue_n for_o subdue_a of_o his_o corruption_n since_o he_o who_o purchase_v it_o be_v rise_v to_o apply_v it_o rom._n 6.9_o 11_o 12._o and_o to_o through-bearing_a strength_n under_o all_o trial_n since_o the_o head_n be_v rise_v the_o member_n must_v needs_o be_v where_o it_o be_v joh._n 14.3_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o may_v answer_v all_o objection_n draw_v from_o his_o guiltiness_n and_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o corruption_n and_o from_o his_o weakness_n to_o go_v through_o trial_n which_o may_v discourage_v his_o heart_n or_o brangle_v his_o faith_n rom._n 8.33_o for_o here_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o the_o believer_n have_v this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n verse_n 22._o who_o be_v go_v into_o heaven_n and_o be_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o the_o last_o encouragement_n to_o christian_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n have_v three_o branch_n first_o that_o since_o their_o head_n and_o mediator_n be_v go_v in_o their_o nature_n and_o name_n to_o possess_v heaven_n second_o since_o he_o be_v in_o high_a dignity_n and_o power_n with_o god_n and_o three_o since_o he_o have_v all_o the_o heavenly_a host_n of_o angel_n at_o his_o command_n therefore_o none_o of_o his_o follower_n need_v to_o fear_v suffer_v in_o follow_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o hence_o learn_v 1._o christ_n withdraw_v of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n from_o his_o people_n at_o his_o ascension_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v matter_n of_o discouragement_n to_o they_o as_o the_o disciple_n do_v mistake_v it_o joh._n 16.5_o 6._o that_o by_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o they_o a_o wellspring_n of_o much_o consolation_n whence_o they_o may_v with_o joy_n draw_v answer_n to_o every_o discouragement_n he_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v pour_v out_o of_o his_o spirit_n more_o plentiful_o than_o he_o do_v before_o his_o ascension_n joh._n 7.39_o eph._n 4.10_o and_o have_v in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o his_o ascension_n triumph_v over_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n psal_n 68.18_o and_o make_v 〈◊〉_d patent_n access_n to_o we_o to_o enter_v heaven_n by_o our_o faith_n and_o prayer_n since_o he_o be_v go_v there_o in_o our_o nature_n and_o name_n heb._n 6.19_o 20._o &_o 10.19_o etc._n etc._n for_o as_o a_o consolation_n against_o suffering_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v this_o bring_v in_o that_o christ_n be_v go_v into_o heaven_n 2._o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n have_v with_o the_o father_n signify_v by_o his_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n eph._n 1.20_o etc._n etc._n have_v the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n give_v he_o to_o dispense_v to_o his_o redeem_a one_o act._n 5.31_o be_v another_o strong_a ground_n of_o believer_n consolation_n whence_o also_o they_o have_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o challenge_v given-in_a against_o they_o his_o sit_v there_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n to_o they_o that_o the_o work_n of_o their_o redemption_n be_v complete_o do_v heb._n 10._o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o father_n be_v abundant_o satisfy_v therewith_o psal_n 110.1_o rom._n 8.33_o 34._o for_o this_o be_v another_o branch_n of_o their_o encouragement_n that_o christ_n be_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 3._o whatever_o be_v the_o order_n or_o several_a degree_n that_o be_v among_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o curious_o to_o inquire_v see_v it_o be_v not_o make_v know_v in_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n have_v all_o of_o they_o subject_n to_o he_o as_o his_o messenger_n and_o mighty_a host_n have_v authority_n from_o he_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a psal_n 34.7_o heb._n 1.14_o and_o for_o the_o terror_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o and_o their_o enemy_n psal_n 68.16_o 17._o for_o of_o he_o as_o our_o mediator_n be_v this_o speak_v that_o he_o have_v angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n subject_a unto_o he_o 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o subjection_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o heavenly_a host_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n may_v be_v very_o comfortable_a to_o the_o few_o oppress_v godly_a especial_o when_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n on_o earth_n and_o their_o messenger_n and_o host_n be_v employ_v against_o they_o as_o in_o this_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v for_o this_o be_v here_o give_v to_o believer_n as_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o their_o encouragement_n in_o this_o chapter_n that_o they_o serve_v and_o suffer_v for_o such_o a_o master_n as_o have_v angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n subject_a unto_o he_o chap._n iu._n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o contain_v a_o enlargement_n of_o the_o former_a purpose_n the_o apostle_n do_v by_o several_a argument_n press_v upon_o the_o redeem_a the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o give_v
in_o duty_n a_o great_a remnant_n of_o hypocrisy_n deadness_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o know_a duty_n for_o the_o apostle_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o write_v two_o epistle_n for_o the_o up-stirring_a of_o pure_a mind_n or_o as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v mind_v so_o sincere_a that_o they_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o sun_n 5._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v most_o weight_n with_o people_n when_o not_o only_o they_o that_o carry_v it_o to_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o so_o esteem_v by_o the_o people_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v carry_v above_o the_o messenger_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o their_o heart_n in_o hear_v or_o read_v be_v fill_v with_o some_o sense_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n who_o do_v employ_v those_o messenger_n and_o of_o his_o usefulness_n for_o they_o in_o all_o his_o office_n therefore_o that_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o study_v may_v have_v the_o more_o weight_n he_o lead_v they_o not_o only_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o messenger_n that_o carry_v it_o as_o holy_a man_n but_o to_o consider_v the_o sovereignty_n excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v anoint_v be_v mindful_a of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o we_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 6._o the_o way_n to_o keep_v life_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v to_o have_v their_o wit_n and_o memory_n actual_o exercise_v about_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n both_o the_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n of_o good_a to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o press_v the_o precept_n enjoin_v their_o duty_n for_o that_o the_o apostle_n may_v gain_v his_o principal_a scope_n to_o wit_n the_o rouse_a up_o of_o their_o affection_n he_o make_v this_o his_o speech_n subordinate_a thereto_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mindful_a of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 7._o although_o the_o lord_n have_v let_v forth_o his_o mind_n to_o his_o church_n by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o several_a messenger_n heb._n 1.1_o yet_o be_v there_o such_o a_o complete_a harmony_n among_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o all_o serve_v for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o principal_a scope_n the_o up-stirring_a of_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o a_o hearty_a receive_n and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n for_o unto_o this_o scope_n the_o apostle_n here_o affirm_v that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v harmonious_o tend_v verse_n 3._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n 4._o and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n that_o the_o apostle_n may_v attain_v his_o forementioned_a scope_n he_o do_v forewarn_v of_o the_o rise_n of_o profane_a mocker_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o time_n who_o that_o they_o may_v sin_v the_o more_o secure_o shall_v question_v the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o plead_v for_o a_o eternity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n pretend_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o since_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n have_v keep_v one_o constant_a tenor_n and_o course_n since_o the_o death_n of_o adam_n seth_n enos_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o first_o father_n it_o be_v not_o to_o they_o credible_a that_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o change_n as_o be_v foretell_v to_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n doct._n 1._o variety_n of_o very_a fierce_a and_o discourage_a opposition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o from_o several_a sort_n of_o enemy_n be_v the_o lot_n wherewith_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o christ_n may_v resolve_v to_o be_v exercise_v for_o the_o apostle_n have_v forewarn_v of_o and_o guard_v against_o open_a persecutor_n in_o the_o former_a epistle_n subtle_a and_o fair_a pretend_v heretic_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o do_v here_o forewarn_a ofâ—_n and_o guard_n against_o a_o three_o sort_n to_o wit_n profane_a scoffer_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o hazard_n that_o the_o best_a be_v in_o of_o be_v draw_v aside_o some_o one_o way_n or_o other_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n by_o such_o variety_n of_o opposition_n as_o they_o ordinary_o meet_v with_o ought_v both_o to_o stir_v up_o minister_n careful_o to_o warn_v and_o guard_v people_n against_o the_o same_o and_o people_n to_o the_o usemaking_a of_o their_o pain_n for_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v guard_v against_o open_a persecutor_n and_o cunning_a deceiver_n he_o do_v here_o bring_v in_o the_o forewarn_n of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o enemy_n scoffer_n which_o may_v be_v take_v both_o for_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o pain_n in_o writing_n two_o epistle_n as_o also_o for_o a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v stir_v up_o by_o what_o he_o have_v write_v know_v this_o that_o beside_o furious_a persecutor_n and_o subtle_a deceiver_n they_o shall_v also_o be_v exercise_v with_o profane_a scoffer_n they_o who_o have_v not_o be_v terrify_v by_o the_o first_o sort_n nor_o deceive_v by_o the_o second_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o three_o 3._o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o be_v exercise_v with_o variety_n of_o opposition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o all_o that_o resolve_v to_o adhere_v to_o any_o other_o save_v truth_n they_o who_o do_v not_o first_o know_v this_o and_z notwithstanding_o thereof_o resolve_v upon_o adherance_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o christ_n strength_n will_v ready_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o lot_n be_v surprise_v therewith_o and_o either_o forsake_v the_o truth_n or_o faint_v in_o their_o adherance_n to_o it_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o know_v this_o first_o that_o after_o several_a other_o sort_n of_o enemy_n there_o be_v also_o to_o come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o such_o pure_a or_o peaceable_a time_n to_o be_v expect_v by_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n within_o time_n wherein_o the_o forementioned_a lot_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o who_o dream_v of_o the_o best_a time_n to_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n look_v for_o they_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o forwarn_v that_o beside_o the_o rage_n of_o persecutor_n and_o prevail_v of_o heretic_n there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n 5._o it_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o man_n be_v slave_n to_o their_o lust_n when_o they_o do_v strong_o desire_v a_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o labour_n to_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n the_o thought_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n yea_o their_o so_o do_v be_v also_o the_o cause_n why_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o lust_n the_o believe_a consideration_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n to_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o special_a help_n to_o mortification_n and_o of_o the_o sweetness_n thereof_o to_o the_o godly_a a_o special_a encouragement_n in_o the_o battle_n against_o corruption_n for_o their_o scoff_v at_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v may_v be_v look_v upon_o here_o both_o as_o the_o evidence_n and_o cause_n of_o their_o walk_n after_o their_o ungodly_a lust_n 6._o when_o man_n be_v leave_v of_o god_n to_o vile_a opinion_n for_o not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n they_o be_v then_o oftentimes_o plague_v further_o not_o only_o with_o devilish_a wit_n to_o find_v out_o seem_a reason_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o very_o plausible_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o like_o themselves_o but_o also_o to_o take_v manifest_a falsehood_n for_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o their_o error_n for_o these_o mocker_n here_o lay_v all_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o blasphemous_a opinion_n upon_o this_o seem_a reason_n that_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v etc._n etc._n which_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n contrary_a instance_n ver_fw-la 6._o to_o be_v a_o manifest_a falsehood_n 7._o although_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a mercy_n much_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o thing_n in_o nature_n do_v ordinary_o keep_v one_o constant_a