towards_o his_o church_n for_o he_o enliven_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o from_o the_o great_a even_o to_o the_o least_o and_o give_v they_o not_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n only_o as_o prince_n give_v their_o subject_n but_o the_o very_a strength_n and_o ability_n to_o act_v communicate_v to_o each_o of_o his_o faithful_a one_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o sensation_n and_o motion_n and_o all_o the_o other_o function_n of_o heavenly_a life_n as_o st._n paul_n teach_v we_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n 12._o eph._n 4._o 1_o cor._n 12._o moreover_o the_o head_n have_v this_o advantage_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o more_o exquisite_a constitution_n and_o temper_n than_o the_o other_o member_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o nature_n prudent_o observe_v in_o general_a which_o be_v to_o frame_v those_o thing_n best_o that_o be_v design_v to_o the_o choic_a employment_n king_n and_o captain_n do_v deserve_v also_o the_o name_n of_o head_n in_o this_o respect_n their_o dignity_n be_v very_a high-raised_n above_o their_o subject_n but_o their_o advantage_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v above_o his_o church_n not_o only_o by_o his_o be_v incomparable_o more_o holy_a more_o wise_a and_o more_o powerful_a than_o any_o of_o all_o the_o faithful_a but_o especial_o in_o that_o he_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o final_o as_o you_o see_v the_o head_n be_v place_v high_a in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n this_o situation_n be_v necessary_a for_o its_o commodious_a exercise_v the_o function_n of_o its_o government_n a_o thing_n that_o king_n and_o prince_n imitate_v dwell_v ordinary_o in_o palace_n and_o sit_v on_o throne_n raise_v above_o the_o house_n and_o seat_n of_o their_o subject_n so_o jesus_n christ_n have_v this_o advantage_n but_o in_o a_o far_o great_a degree_n sit_v on_o high_a in_o the_o heaven_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n above_o the_o whole_a church_n both_o militant_a and_o triumphant_a and_o whereas_o he_o converse_v sometime_o on_o earth_n that_o be_v only_o for_o a_o while_n and_o by_o dispensation_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o body_n which_o oblige_v he_o to_o do_v it_o even_o as_o the_o head_n bow_v down_o itself_o sometime_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o of_o its_o member_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a place_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o lofty_a sanctuary_n of_o immortality_n where_o he_o now_o appear_v in_o high_a glory_n from_o thence_o govern_v by_o his_o spirit_n all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o church_n both_o those_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o on_o earth_n thus_o my_o brethren_n you_o see_v wherein_o this_o dignity_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v consist_v and_o with_o how_o much_o 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express_o oppose_v hereafter_o the_o error_n of_o those_o that_o will_v subject_v the_o faithful_a to_o angel_n and_o to_o moses_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n the_o worship_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o other_o for_o since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o sacred_a society_n who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o depend_v on_o he_o alone_o that_o it_o be_v to_o he_o it_o owe_v its_o obedience_n and_o service_n and_o of_o he_o it_o ought_v to_o receive_v its_o discipline_n and_o guidance_n but_o it_o must_v also_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o title_n to_o jesus_n christ_n with_o a_o design_n to_o glorify_v he_o enrol_v it_o among_o the_o other_o praise_n of_o his_o sovereign_a dignity_n indeed_o since_o the_o church_n be_v the_o most_o divine_a society_n in_o the_o world_n since_o it_o be_v acompany_v of_o king_n of_o priest_n and_o of_o prophet_n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first-fruit_n and_o a_o new_a world_n much_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o old_a a_o world_n immortal_a and_o incorruptible_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o be_v the_o head_n thereof_o be_v a_o quality_n more_o sublime_a then_o to_o have_v be_v the_o creator_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o universe_n at_o first_o whereby_o you_o see_v in_o the_o three_o place_n how_o unrighteous_a to_o say_v no_o more_o the_o rashness_n of_o those_o be_v who_o give_v this_o name_n to_o another_o beside_o jesus_n christ_n acknowledge_v a_o mortal_a man_n for_o the_o true_a head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n let_v they_o colour_v this_o usurpation_n how_o they_o will_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v it_o this_o be_v evident_o to_o despoil_v jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o royal_a robe_n and_o to_o take_v the_o diadem_n from_o he_o which_o none_o but_o he_o can_v bear_v they_o allege_v that_o the_o scripture_n very_o communicate_v to_o other_o beside_o jesus_n christ_n the_o name_n of_o pastor_n of_o priest_n and_o of_o teacher_n and_o of_o light_n and_o such_o other_o it_o be_v true_a but_o it_o never_o give_v that_o of_o head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o any_o but_o he_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o title_n be_v evident_a the_o former_a signify_v charge_n whereof_o the_o faithful_a do_v exercise_v some_o portion_n and_o some_o shadow_n whereas_o that_o of_o head_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o supremacy_n which_o be_v incommunicable_a to_o any_o other_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god._n as_o you_o see_v that_o in_o a_o state_n the_o name_n of_o prince_n and_o of_o governor_n and_o captain_n and_o other_o of_o like_a sort_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o king_n only_o they_o pertain_v to_o other_o also_o but_o no_o other_o may_v be_v call_v the_o sovereign_n or_o the_o head_n of_o the_o state_n beside_o he_o without_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o sacrilege_n or_o treason_n yet_o they_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v they_o and_o say_v they_o make_v the_o pope_n but_o the_o ministerial_a and_o subordiate_a head_n not_o a_o essential_a and_o sovereign_a one_o but_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o word_n arise_v from_o their_o interest_n and_o not_o found_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o prince_n that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o language_n if_o any_o one_o of_o his_o subject_n that_o have_v make_v himself_o the_o head_n and_o monarch_n of_o his_o state_n shall_v allege_v for_o his_o excuse_n that_o he_o have_v no_o intention_n save_v to_o pass_v for_o a_o ministerial_a head_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n whence_o this_o similitude_n be_v take_v we_o see_v no_o body_n that_o have_v two_o head_n of_o a_o different_a rank_n and_o if_o any_o such_o be_v find_v at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v account_v for_o monster_n which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n the_o most_o perfect_a masterpiece_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god._n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o ministerial_a head_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v be_v prove_v we_o plain_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o believe_v it_o and_o adore_v he_o under_o that_o quality_n but_o that_o there_o be_v another_o head_n in_o the_o church_n be_v he_o visible_a or_o invisible_a be_v he_o ministerial_a or_o sovereign_a this_o we_o meet_v not_o with_o at_o all_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o to_o say_v that_o we_o meet_v with_o divers_a thing_n in_o they_o wherewith_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v incompatible_a faith_n be_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v permit_v we_o to_o suspend_v our_o believe_v this_o other_o pretend_a head_n of_o the_o church_n since_o we_o have_v hear_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god._n but_o that_o which_o the_o
the_o same_o infirmity_n and_o to_o the_o same_o necessity_n of_o die_a and_o indeed_o they_o die_v after_o they_o have_v live_v again_o awhile_o their_o death_n be_v rather_o defer_v than_o abolish_v their_o body_n do_v corrupt_a and_o in_o the_o end_n return_v to_o that_o dust_n from_o which_o they_o be_v preserve_v for_o some_o year_n but_o with_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v not_o so_o he_o in_o come_v forth_o from_o the_o dead_a retake_v not_o the_o life_n he_o have_v quit_v that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n that_o infirm_a natural_a and_o earthly_a life_n a_o life_n still_o subject_a unto_o death_n he_o leave_v it_o in_o the_o sepulchre_n where_o it_o must_v remain_v as_o in_o eternal_a oblivion_n he_o put_v on_o a_o new_a life_n and_o nature_n such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o celestial_a as_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o term_v it_o a_o life_n whole_o full_a of_o strength_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a either_o to_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n or_o sleep_v not_o subject_a to_o dolour_n or_o death_n a_o life_n appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o world_n and_o not_o to_o the_o first_o a_o nature_n peculiar_a to_o the_o future_a age_n not_o to_o the_o present_a according_o you_o see_v that_o be_v vest_v therewith_o he_o remain_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o old_a adam_n element_n the_o habitation_n of_o corruption_n and_o death_n but_o have_v only_o sojourn_v there_o forty_o day_n so_o long_o as_o be_v needful_a to_o assure_v his_o apostle_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o to_o show_v they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o mystical_a canaan_n he_o ascend_v up_o above_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o true_a element_n of_o the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o eternity_n conclude_v we_o then_o that_o he_o be_v true_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a since_o he_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v bear_v and_o raise_v again_o in_o incorruption_n but_o these_o title_n signify_v yet_o another_o thing_n namely_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v he_o who_o shall_v raise_v again_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o like_a glory_n that_o he_o be_v the_o master_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o invest_n they_o one_o day_n in_o their_o order_n with_o a_o nature_n resemble_v his_o own_o according_a to_o what_o st._n paul_n elsewhere_o say_v that_o he_o will_v make_v our_o vile_a body_n 3._o phil._n 3._o like_v unto_o his_o own_o glorious_a body_n for_o he_o will_v not_o be_v the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a if_o he_o do_v not_o communicate_v the_o privilege_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o second_o birth_n to_o all_o his_o brethren_n that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o faithful_a the_o apostle_n add_v to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o all_o thing_n those_o that_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o read_n of_o these_o divine_a book_n do_v know_v that_o the_o word_n to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v often_o put_v in_o they_o for_o so_o as_o that_o or_o in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o even_o to_o signify_v the_o event_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o action_n rather_o than_o the_o intention_n or_o design_n of_o the_o agent_n i_o account_v that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o be_v make_v head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o new_a life_n be_v rather_o to_o save_o we_o and_o glorify_v his_o father_n then_o to_o obtain_v unto_o himself_o the_o first_o place_n in_o all_o thing_n yet_o true_a it_o be_v that_o such_o be_v the_o success_n of_o this_o his_o undertake_n as_o he_o actual_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o thing_n one_o of_o those_o that_o pertâ—â—â—â—o_v the_o first_o world_n and_o its_o creation_n the_o other_o of_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o second_o world_n and_o of_o the_o regeneration_n christ_n therefore_o be_v already_o the_o master_n and_o creator_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o have_v be_v also_o establish_v head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o state_n that_o consist_v of_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o beginning_n and_o first-born_a of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a he_o do_v obtain_v by_o this_o mean_n the_o first_o place_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o say_v both_o in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o creation_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o in_o those_o of_o the_o second_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n which_o the_o apostle_n deduce_v from_o his_o whole_a precedent_n discourse_n there_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o element_n and_o the_o angel_n and_o moreover_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principle_n and_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n now_o he_o add_v so_o as_o he_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v as_o seem_v to_o i_o from_o hence_o clear_a enough_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n we_o shall_v make_v any_o long_o stay_v upon_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o text._n it_o remain_v that_o to_o conclude_v we_o do_v brief_o touch_v at_o the_o duty_n to_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v oblige_v we_o and_o the_o comfort_n which_o it_o do_v afford_v we_o jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n these_o few_o word_n if_o we_o meditate_v they_o as_o we_o ought_v will_v teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o owe_v both_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o charity_n to_o our_o brethren_n and_o of_o care_n and_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o as_o for_o the_o lord_n since_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o become_v our_o head_n it_o be_v evident_a we_o ought_v to_o honour_v he_o with_o utmost_a devotion_n and_o submit_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n to_o his_o conduct_n see_v with_o what_o promptitude_n the_o body_n obey_v the_o head_n and_o with_o how_o absolute_a a_o submission_n it_o follow_v all_o its_o move_n the_o body_n neither_o stir_v nor_o rest_v but_o as_o the_o head_n order_v it_o depend_v entire_o on_o its_o guidance_n and_o never_o cross_v its_o order_n or_o resist_v its_o command_n the_o head_n have_v no_o soon_o conceive_v a_o thing_n but_o the_o spirit_n forthwith_o present_v themselves_o at_o the_o place_n it_o desire_v and_o each_o of_o the_o member_n employ_v all_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n it_o have_v to_o execute_v its_o will_n this_o be_v a_o image_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o the_o lord_n our_o mystical_a head_n demand_v of_o we_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v elsewhere_o 5.24_o eph._n 5.24_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a therefore_o that_o they_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o church_n who_o do_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o lord_n ordain_v who_o be_v subject_a to_o another_o beside_o he_o and_o instead_o of_o his_o order_n follow_v the_o will_n of_o a_o mortal_a man_n own_v another_o head_n adore_v another_o oracle_n keep_v what_o he_o have_v forbid_v bless_a be_v his_o name_n for_o that_o he_o have_v grant_v we_o to_o disclaim_v their_o error_n and_o to_o hang_v all_o our_o religion_n upon_o his_o sacred_a lip_n believe_v only_o that_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o engrave_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n but_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o resist_v in_o our_o manner_n how_o can_v he_o avouch_v for_o his_o church_n a_o body_n subject_a to_o mammon_n to_o pleasure_n to_o ambition_n and_o other_o idol_n of_o the_o world_n a_o body_n whole_o bend_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n whereas_o this_o divine_a head_n be_v lift_v up_o above_o the_o heaven_n dear_a brethren_n let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o we_o can_v be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n except_o we_o be_v his_o body_n and_o we_o can_v be_v his_o body_n except_o we_o depend_v absolute_o on_o he_o except_o we_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o member_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o world_n and_o take_v in_o his_o to_o follow_v its_o light_n and_o obey_v its_o move_n henceforth_o then_o let_v we_o so_o compose_v our_o life_n that_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v our_o profession_n let_v the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v true_o our_o head_n let_v he_o be_v still_o above_o we_o let_v he_o preside_v in_o all_o our_o design_n let_v he_o conduct_v our_o step_n and_o govern_v all_o our_o motion_n and_o inspire_v into_o we_o
maintain_v its_o flatulency_n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o come_v to_o the_o three_o point_n which_o contain_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o this_o serve_v of_o angel_n here_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n namely_o that_o they_o that_o promote_v it_o or_o stick_v in_o and_o practice_n be_v do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o the_o whâ—le_a body_n be_v furnish_v and_o fit_o knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n increase_v with_o increase_n of_o god._n you_o know_v this_o head_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n eternal_a and_o true_a god_n make_v man_n who_o die_v and_o râ—se_v again_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o body_n of_o this_o head_n be_v the_o church_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o faithful_a this_o comparison_n be_v so_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n and_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v stand_v upon_o deduce_v they_o we_o have_v to_o observe_v only_o the_o operation_n of_o this_o divine_a head_n upon_o the_o body_n and_o the_o benefit_n it_o communicate_v thereto_o both_o which_o the_o apostle_n touch_v at_o he_o say_v first_o that_o this_o head_n furnish_v the_o body_n of_o his_o church_n then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o â—â—â—tly_o knit_v the_o same_o together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n and_o last_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n he_o make_v it_o to_o increase_v with_o a_o increase_n of_o god._n all_o this_o be_v take_v from_o the_o resemblance_n of_o natural_a body_n whence_o this_o comparison_n be_v draw_v for_o you_o see_v that_o in_o nature_n the_o head_n do_v first_o distribute_v to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n such_o strength_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o exercise_v of_o their_o motion_n and_o sensation_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o common_a source_n whence_o the_o animal_n spirit_n as_o they_o be_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o motion_n and_o sensation_n be_v by_o the_o nerve_n as_o by_o so_o many_o channel_n shed_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n as_o well_o high_o as_o lower_v the_o far_a off_o as_o well_o as_o the_o near_a and_o when_o this_o influence_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o head_n happen_v to_o cease_v you_o see_v the_o member_n which_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o to_o be_v present_o paralytic_a and_o insensible_a then_o further_o the_o head_n do_v the_o body_n this_o office_n that_o it_o bind_v and_o keep_v decent_o fasten_v to_o each_o other_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o same_o nerve_n all_o the_o part_n whereof_o it_o be_v make_v up_o both_o the_o hard_a one_o as_o the_o bone_n and_o cartilage_n and_o likewise_o the_o soft_a as_o the_o muscle_n and_o other_o substance_n final_o the_o head_n by_o mean_n of_o this_o continual_a influence_n do_v give_v its_o body_n the_o ability_n to_o grow_v and_o extend_v its_o self_n and_o rise_v up_o by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o its_o due_a magnitude_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o make_v use_n of_o this_o natural_a image_n for_o the_o represent_v unto_o we_o of_o those_o spiritual_a benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n our_o mystical_a head_n and_o say_v first_o that_o he_o furnish_v his_o body_n that_o be_v give_v it_o abundant_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o motion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o grace_n necessary_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o heavenly_a life_n diffuse_v they_o into_o all_o his_o mystical_a member_n that_o be_v into_o all_o the_o faithful_a by_o mean_n of_o his_o not_o animal_n as_o that_o of_o nature_n be_v but_o divine_a and_o eternal_a spirit_n this_o spirit_n which_o he_o distribute_v to_o all_o and_o every_o of_o his_o member_n do_v replenish_v our_o eye_n and_o sense_n with_o that_o light_n and_o vigour_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o see_v feel_a and_o taste_v of_o divine_a thing_n it_o shed_v abroad_o peace_n and_o joy_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o cure_v our_o benumb_a limb_n and_o open_v our_o hand_n which_o vice_n have_v lock_v up_o do_v give_v we_o the_o operation_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o in_o fine_a form_v in_o we_o all_o the_o conception_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o new_a man_n but_o he_o say_v in_o the_o second_o place_n continue_v this_o excellent_a metaphor_n that_o this_o divine_a head_n do_v fit_o knit_v together_o his_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o band_n express_v by_o these_o word_n that_o spiritual_a union_n which_o bind_v and_o join_v the_o faithful_a all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o head_n and_o each_o of_o they_o to_o the_o other_o for_o as_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n have_v its_o particular_a temperature_n and_o quality_n very_o different_a from_o the_o rest_n one_o be_v hard_o another_o soft_a one_o cold_a another_o hot_a one_o dry_a another_o moist_a and_o yet_o be_v link_v by_o those_o secret_n and_o unperceptible_a band_n which_o descend_v from_o the_o head_n do_v fasten_v they_o all_o together_o do_v make_v up_o but_o one_o only_a and_o the_o same_o body_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n the_o faithful_a of_o who_o it_o be_v compose_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o of_o grace_n infinite_o different_a one_o from_o another_o in_o nature_n for_o some_o be_v of_o one_o nation_n of_o one_o age_n of_o one_o sex_n of_o one_o condition_n and_o other_o of_o another_o one_o rich_a another_o poor_a one_o learned_a another_o ignorant_a one_o noble_a another_o of_o low_a extraction_n in_o grace_n likewise_o for_o who_o can_v utter_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o gift_n in_o this_o respect_n but_o jesus_n christ_n their_o mystical_a head_n notwithstanding_o this_o diversity_n reduce_v they_o all_o into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n as_o s._n paul_n say_v elsewhere_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n he_o set_v we_o together_o and_o unit_v we_o apt_o one_o with_o another_o by_o these_o mystical_a joint_n and_o band_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v that_o be_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o first_o of_o all_o charity_n the_o univeral_a bond_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a which_o tie_v they_o inseparable_o together_o by_o the_o sentiment_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o ardent_a love_n and_o by_o all_o the_o motion_n office_n service_n and_o assistance_n which_o depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v this_o spirit_n of_o charity_n that_o mix_v all_o their_o soul_n into_o one_o that_o render_v they_o sensible_a of_o each_o other_o weal_n and_o woe_n that_o inspire_v into_o they_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o wish_n and_o so_o govern_v their_o action_n that_o though_o different_a they_o yet_o all_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o mark_n the_o glory_n of_o their_o head_n and_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o his_o member_n among_o these_o joint_n and_o ligament_n of_o the_o lord_n body_n i_o also_o place_n the_o divers_a grace_n wherewith_o he_o do_v invest_v they_o give_v to_o this_o man_n one_o talon_n and_o to_o that_o man_n another_o different_z to_o one_o zeal_n to_o another_o knowledge_n to_o one_o utterance_n to_o another_o judgement_n to_o the_o same_o too_o must_v be_v refer_v the_o divers_a office_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v in_o his_o church_n pastor_n teacher_n elder_n and_o deacon_n this_o various_a distribution_n approximate_v they_o to_o one_o another_o the_o need_n they_o have_v of_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o succour_n they_o may_v afford_v they_o admirable_o knit_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o commerce_n of_o their_o common_a charity_n 4.12_o eph._n 4.12_o as_o s._n paul_n express_o note_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n where_o speak_v of_o the_o divers_a ministries_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n form_v and_o erect_v among_o his_o people_n he_o say_v that_o he_o make_v they_o for_o the_o coaptation_n or_o set_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o body_n in_o fine_a he_o add_v here_o a_o three_o benefit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v as_o the_o sequel_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o two_o former_a that_o his_o body_n thus_o furnish_v and_o compact_v by_o its_o head_n do_v increase_v with_o a_o increase_n of_o god_n that_o be_v with_o a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a increase_n arise_v from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o his_o glory_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o church_n thus_o unite_v to_o its_o head_n and_o fill_v with_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v establish_v be_v strengthen_v and_o complete_v by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o faith_n in_o hope_n in_o charity_n in_o light_n and_o in_o sanctity_n until_o it_o attain_v unto_o the_o measure_n of_o its_o perfect_a stature_n in_o christ_n such_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n with_o its_o head_n
it_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n though_o under_o a_o different_a resemblance_n that_o same_o mystery_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o communicate_v to_o we_o at_o his_o holy_a table_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o accomplish_v his_o design_n and_o full_o show_v we_o the_o infinite_a excellence_n and_o dignity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o he_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o father_n namely_o the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n and_o what_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n to_o wit_n the_o first-born_a that_o be_v the_o prince_n and_o master_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n as_o have_v create_v they_o all_o make_v and_o form_v they_o from_o the_o very_o low_a to_o the_o high_a of_o they_o the_o apostle_n i_o say_v after_o this_o dispatch_v consider_v he_o final_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o church_n and_o inform_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n thereof_o and_o the_o church_n his_o body_n and_o for_o the_o great_a illustration_n of_o it_o add_v moreover_o that_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a whence_o he_o deduce_v this_o conclusion_n that_o so_o he_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o all_o thing_n these_o be_v the_o three_o point_n which_o we_o purpose_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o action_n for_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o text_n and_o your_o edification_n the_o first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o that_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o three_o and_o last_o that_o he_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o point_n it_o be_v not_o here_o alone_o that_o the_o apostle_n call_v jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n he_o use_v the_o same_o language_n in_o diverse_a other_o place_n of_o his_o epistle_n as_o in_o that_o he_o write_v to_o the_o ephesian_n 23._o eph._n 1.22_o 23._o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o father_n have_v set_v his_o son_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n the_o fullness_n of_o he_o that_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o and_o elsewhere_o again_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o 16._o eph._n 4.15_o 16._o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n and_o a_o little_a after_o in_o this_o chapter_n of_o our_o text_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o repeat_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n 1.24_o col._n 1.24_o speak_v to_o the_o faithful_a you_o be_v say_v he_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n each_o one_o on_o his_o part_n in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o figure_n very_o common_a in_o all_o language_n to_o call_v he_o the_o head_n of_o a_o society_n who_o guide_v and_o govern_v it_o or_o who_o at_o least_o possess_v the_o first_o place_n in_o it_o as_o you_o see_v that_o every_o one_o call_v a_o king_n the_o head_n of_o his_o estate_n and_o a_o general_n the_o head_n of_o the_o army_n wherein_o he_o command_v and_o those_o the_o head_n of_o their_o regiment_n or_o company_n who_o have_v the_o lead_n of_o they_o whence_o come_v our_o vulgar_a word_n captain_n which_o according_a to_o its_o derivation_n signify_v nought_o else_o but_o the_o head_n the_o master_n of_o a_o household_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n term_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o society_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o they_o be_v but_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v be_v exceed_o familiar_a with_o the_o hebrew_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o very_a many_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o first_o place_n whether_o iâ—_n be_v for_o its_o authority_n or_o for_o its_o excellency_n or_o even_o for_o its_o birth_n and_o mere_a precedency_n in_o time_n be_v call_v the_o head_n of_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o figure_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o head_n stand_v high_a of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o other_o sense_n upon_o which_o the_o direct_n of_o our_o life_n depend_v the_o name_n thereof_o be_v very_o justy_a use_v to_o signify_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n whatsoever_o hold_v the_o first_o place_n in_o any_o society_n and_o which_o consequent_o have_v in_o this_o respect_n a_o manifest_a resemblance_n of_o the_o head_n properly_z so_o call_v it_o need_v not_o therefore_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o this_o holy_a apostle_n make_v use_n of_o this_o figure_n to_o express_v the_o superiority_n the_o dignity_n and_o imperial_a power_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v over_o the_o church_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n thereof_o and_o sure_a if_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a in_o the_o whole_a universe_n who_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v call_v head_n of_o the_o society_n which_o be_v under_o he_o jesus_n christ_n do_v merit_v it_o infinite_o beyond_o any_o other_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o in_o who_o the_o reason_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o sound_n of_o this_o appellation_n be_v so_o clear_o find_v as_o in_o he_o for_o all_o the_o quality_n action_n and_o function_n proper_a to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o give_v it_o its_o name_n and_o dignity_n jesus_n christ_n have_v and_o do_v exercise_v they_o much_o more_o noble_o and_o magnificent_o than_o any_o general_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o army_n or_o any_o monarch_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o state_n the_o first_o and_o most_o know_a office_n which_o the_o head_n do_v the_o member_n be_v that_o it_o direct_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o operation_n and_o govern_v their_o motion_n and_o their_o rest_n by_o the_o light_n of_o its_o eye_n and_o the_o perception_n of_o its_o other_o sense_n now_o prince_n and_o captain_n have_v some_o shadow_n of_o this_o perfection_n in_o that_o they_o discover_v and_o observe_v and_o send_v at_o distance_n the_o thing_n that_o concern_v those_o body_n over_o which_o they_o preside_v watch_v and_o view_v all_o that_o respect_v their_o interest_n while_o their_o people_n mean_v time_n quiet_o labour_n each_o of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o employment_n but_o jesus_n christ_n do_v these_o office_n to_o his_o church_n much_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_o for_o it_o be_v in_o he_o that_o all_o the_o light_n of_o this_o mystical_a body_n do_v reside_v he_o consider_v not_o only_o its_o interest_n in_o general_a he_o know_v all_o that_o concern_v the_o least_o of_o his_o member_n he_o never_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v he_o have_v eye_n and_o sense_n always_o open_a he_o see_v all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o his_o state_n and_o discern_v the_o posture_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o that_o be_v its_o friend_n or_o foe_n be_v it_o near_a hand_n or_o further_o off_o he_o chary_o preserve_v it_o by_o this_o providence_n of_o he_o govern_v it_o so_o prudent_o that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n from_o which_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v it_o nor_o any_o difficulty_n but_o he_o surmount_v it_o it_o be_v he_o that_o order_v his_o people_n war_n and_o over-ruleth_a their_o fight_n and_o dispense_v their_o truce_n and_o will_v one_o day_n give_v they_o a_o entire_a and_o eternal_a peace_n the_o second_o duty_n the_o head_n perform_v to_o the_o body_n be_v that_o it_o influx_v into_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o motion_n and_o sensation_n that_o they_o have_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o from_o the_o head_n as_o from_o their_o spring_n do_v spread_v themselves_o through_o the_o whole_a body_n flow_v in_o the_o nerve_n as_o in_o so_o many_o channel_n which_o nature_n have_v cut_v out_o and_o lay_v forth_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o this_o communication_n and_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n which_o a_o prince_n distribute_v into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o state_n and_o which_o cause_n his_o subject_n to_o act_v diverse_o each_o one_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n they_o receive_v thereof_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a resemblance_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o head_n govern_v the_o body_n but_o it_o be_v far_o beneath_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o conduct_n
apostle_n add_v namely_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o further_a clear_o show_v that_o none_o but_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o pope_n for_o example_n be_v head_n of_o it_o the_o universal_a church_n shall_v be_v the_o pope_n body_n as_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n but_o where_o be_v the_o christian_a ear_n that_o do_v not_o tingle_v at_o so_o strange_a so_o unheard_a of_o and_o so_o profane_a language_n and_o so_o we_o see_v how_o vehement_a and_o inordinate_a soever_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n have_v be_v for_o this_o title_n of_o head_n of_o the_o church_n no_o man_n have_v ever_o hitherto_o call_v the_o church_n his_o body_n every_o one_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v no_o one_o body_n but_o jesus_n christ_n alone_a they_o shall_v then_o grant_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o none_o be_v its_o head_n but_o he_o only_o since_o it_o can_v have_v any_o for_o head_n but_o he_o who_o body_n it_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n note_v i_o pray_v in_o opposition_n to_o another_o error_n of_o the_o same_o adversary_n of_o we_o that_o christ_n his_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o at_o all_o infer_v that_o the_o church_n touch_v he_o corporeal_o or_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v proper_o and_o substantial_o join_v to_o he_o as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n be_v join_v to_o their_o head_n every_o one_o confess_v that_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v figurative_o and_o mystical_o and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n all_o man_n take_v the_o other_o expression_n for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o which_o our_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n be_v represent_v as_o when_o he_o be_v call_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o corner_n stone_n the_o vine-stock_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o raiment_n no_o one_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o verify_n of_o these_o passage_n our_o body_n shall_v real_o touch_v his_o substance_n why_o then_o will_v they_o infer_v it_o from_o other_o place_n where_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o same_o mystery_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v our_o bread_n our_o meat_n and_o our_o drink_n if_o he_o be_v our_o head_n if_o he_o be_v our_o raiment_n if_o he_o govern_v and_o clothe_v we_o without_o touch_v our_o body_n with_o he_o why_o may_v not_o he_o be_v our_o bread_n and_o nourish_v we_o without_o real_a enter_v into_o our_o bodily_a throat_n and_o stomach_n if_o the_o one_o be_v mystical_o and_o figurative_o understand_v why_o will_v you_o force_v i_o to_o take_v the_o other_o corporal_o and_o literal_o i_o say_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o apostle_n express_v declare_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n our_o adversary_n do_v conclude_v no_o transubstantion_n from_o hence_o and_o they_o confess_v that_o for_o salve_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o word_n there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o either_o the_o church_n shall_v lose_v its_o own_o substance_n and_o nature_n or_o be_v real_o change_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n nevertheless_o they_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n have_v it_o that_o the_o same_o word_n when_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o the_o bread_n which_o our_o lord_n take_v that_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a and_o easy_a to_o say_v that_o the_o bread_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n figurative_o and_o in_o a_o mystical_a way_n if_o they_o admit_v this_o sense_n in_o one_o of_o these_o place_n why_o do_v they_o reject_v it_o in_o the_o other_o where_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o heavenly_a doctrine_n do_v no_o less_o necessary_o require_v it_o in_o fine_a not_o to_o make_v any_o long_o stay_v here_o st._n paul_n clear_v up_o to_o we_o in_o two_o word_n another_o question_n which_o the_o passion_n of_o rome_n have_v so_o horrible_o embroil_v in_o these_o latter_a time_n namely_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o true_a definition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v say_v he_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n these_o two_o word_n overthrow_v all_o the_o philosophize_v of_o our_o adversary_n about_o this_o subject_n in_o order_n either_o to_o the_o straighten_n or_o enlarge_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n beyond_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v i_o say_v the_o straighten_n for_o they_o admit_v to_o the_o possess_n of_o this_o name_n those_o only_a that_o acknowledge_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n whereas_o st._n paul_n allow_v it_o to_o all_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o have_v his_o spirit_n no_o one_o of_o these_o but_o be_v of_o his_o body_n and_o by_o consequent_a of_o his_o church_n in_o whatever_o place_n and_o under_o whatever_o pastor_n he_o live_v i_o say_v also_o the_o enlarge_n it_o for_o these_o doctor_n who_o be_v so_o severe_a on_o one_o hand_n as_o that_o they_o give_v the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n only_o to_o the_o roman_a communion_n be_v so_o loose_a and_o so_o very_o indulgent_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o they_o yield_v it_o up_o to_o the_o most_o desperate_a and_o profane_a hypocrite_n that_o be_v provide_v they_o addict_v themselves_o to_o their_o pope_n not_o require_v as_o they_o affirm_v 2._o bellarm._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccl_n 〈…〉_o 2._o as_o any_o interior_a virtue_n in_o they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o only_o a_o exterior_a profession_n of_o the_o roman_a belief_n and_o communion_n but_o st._n paul_n fulminate_v down_o this_o no_o less_o impious_a then_o extravagant_a doctrine_n by_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o no_o one_o can_v be_v of_o his_o body_n without_o be_v quicken_v by_o his_o spirit_n 8.9_o rom._n 8.9_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o be_v none_o of_o his._n certain_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o profane_a or_o hypocritical_a be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o communion_n between_o christ_n and_o belial_n the_o body_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o one_o can_v be_v the_o body_n and_o member_n of_o the_o other_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v conclude_v that_o these_o people_n of_o who_o our_o adversary_n compose_v their_o church_n which_o have_v not_o as_o they_o say_v any_o piety_n or_o internal_a virtue_n and_o by_o consequence_n be_v member_n of_o belial_n may_v well_o be_v since_o they_o will_v have_v it_o so_o true_a member_n of_o the_o roman_a but_o assure_o not_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o the_o pope_n do_v own_o they_o for_o his_o sheep_n we_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v never_o avouch_v they_o for_o his._n but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o come_v to_o the_o two_o other_o title_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n add_v that_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n or_o the_o principle_n and_o this_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a even_o as_o when_o he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o first-born_a that_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o every_o creature_n he_o present_o bring_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o take_v from_o thence_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n now_o have_v say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n he_o found_v this_o truth_n upon_o his_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o church_n he_o that_o form_v and_o constitute_v it_o and_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o new_a generation_n he_o that_o will_v give_v it_o the_o true_a and_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o its_o be_v for_o the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v render_v the_o beginning_n signify_v also_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o cause_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o a_o thing_n and_o first-born_a denote_v likewise_o both_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v before_o the_o rest_n and_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n or_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o rest_n he_o say_v therefore_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o beginning_n or_o the_o principle_n certain_o this_o appertain_v unto_o he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n inasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o word_n and_o wisdom_n which_o do_v produce_v the_o universe_n and_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o call_v himself_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n 22.13_o rev._n 3.14_o &_o 1.8_o &_o 21.6_o &_o 22.13_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o same_o book_n alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n but_o speech_n here_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o resurrection_n the_o word_n beginning_n must_v
the_o service_n or_o religious_a worship_n of_o angel_n we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n that_o which_o the_o shortness_n of_o time_n hinder_v we_o from_o explicate_v then_o to_o wit_v the_o mark_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n and_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o their_o error_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n intimation_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v sufficient_a his_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n whoever_o he_o be_v to_o teach_v or_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o this_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o content_a with_o enjoin_v the_o colossian_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o let_v themselves_o be_v master_v over_o by_o these_o pretend_a doctor_n who_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o serve_v angel_n for_o the_o add_v of_o more_o weight_n to_o his_o exhortation_n he_o discover_v to_o they_o those_o seducer_n their_o true_a motive_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o error_n and_o remonstrate_v also_o the_o dismal_a issue_n in_o which_o it_o do_v engage_v they_o for_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v he_o note_v first_o their_o audaciousness_n and_o ignorance_n when_o he_o say_v that_o they_o intrude_v into_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v next_o he_o show_v the_o source_n of_o they_o to_o wit_n their_o foolish_a presumption_n when_o he_o add_v that_o they_o be_v rash_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o flesh_n and_o last_o he_o represent_v we_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o fruit_n and_o success_n wherein_o all_o their_o strive_n do_v terminate_v which_o be_v that_o in_o effect_n by_o their_o glorious_a service_n they_o debauch_v and_o disunit_a man_n from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o true_a and_o only_a head_n of_o believer_n and_o so_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o life_n that_o light_n and_o salvation_n which_o this_o divine_a head_n influx_v into_o the_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n for_o this_o be_v in_o substance_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o these_o people_n do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v furnish_v and_o fit_o knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god._n in_o these_o three_o head_n the_o whole_a meaning_n of_o this_o text_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o consist_v wherefore_o if_o it_o please_v god_n we_o will_v examine_v they_o distinct_o one_o after_o another_o and_o in_o the_o apostle_n order_n treat_v first_o of_o these_o seducer_n boldness_n second_o of_o their_o presumption_n and_o last_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o disunit_a of_o man_n from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o first_o point_n this_o temerity_n to_o intrude_v into_o thing_n one_o have_v not_o see_v be_v ordinary_a enough_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n ever_o since_o the_o venom_n of_o pride_n empoison_v their_o heart_n and_o in_o special_a with_o all_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v remarkable_a particular_o in_o those_o that_o teach_v the_o service_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o bless_a spirit_n who_o worship_n they_o erect_v be_v of_o a_o nature_n much_o superior_a to_o we_o the_o order_n and_o operation_n whereof_o be_v open_a to_o no_o sense_n of_o we_o but_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o have_v not_o see_v the_o thing_n into_o which_o they_o intrude_v his_o meaning_n be_v not_o simple_o that_o the_o eye_n either_o of_o their_o body_n or_o of_o their_o natural_a reason_n never_o receive_v the_o species_n of_o these_o object_n nor_o apprehend_v or_o conceive_v the_o consequence_n and_o conduct_v of_o their_o be_v but_o moreover_o that_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v by_o the_o word_n or_o revelation_n of_o god_n any_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o affirm_v for_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v above_o our_o sense_n yet_o when_o god_n have_v discover_v they_o to_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v render_v they_o visible_a in_o his_o word_n it_o become_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o know_v they_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o the_o scripture_n too_o do_v call_v the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v of_o they_o this_o way_n a_o sight_n of_o they_o 13.3_o ezek._n 13.3_o thus_o ezekiel_n mean_v when_o he_o reproach_v the_o false_a prophet_n with_o follow_v their_o own_o heart_n when_o they_o have_v see_v nothing_o that_o be_v they_o predict_v and_o assure_v thing_n for_o true_a which_o the_o foolish_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n suggest_v to_o they_o though_o in_o truth_n god_n have_v show_v they_o no_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o revelation_n it_o be_v just_a so_o that_o those_o seducer_n do_v who_o the_o apostle_n tax_v in_o this_o place_n they_o dogmatize_v and_o affirm_v it_o as_o a_o clear_a case_n that_o angel_n be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o invocate_v and_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o it_o they_o deliver_v many_o thing_n concern_v their_o nature_n and_o their_o intervention_n between_o god_n and_o we_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o of_o all_o this_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o certainty_n as_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o have_v never_o see_v either_o in_o the_o school_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o god._n all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n necessary_o come_v from_o one_o of_o these_o three_o source_n namely_o either_o from_o sense_n and_o such_o be_v the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n we_o see_v hear_v smell_v touch_n and_o taste_v or_o from_o reason_n and_o so_o do_v humane_a science_n which_o be_v acquire_v or_o form_v by_o discourse_n and_o natural_a reason_n or_o last_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o discover_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n divers_a object_n and_o divers_a verity_n which_o neither_o our_o sense_n nor_o our_o reason_n can_v perceive_v in_o nature_n now_o though_o reason_n do_v cause_n man_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o discern_v some_o principle_n and_o verity_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o be_v so_o small_a a_o matter_n and_o withal_o so_o confuse_v and_o imperfect_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o the_o sole_a assure_a foundation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n signify_v to_o we_o elsewhere_o 10.17.1_o rom._n 10.17.1_o even_o that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god._n when_o therefore_o he_o say_v here_o that_o the_o seducer_n do_v intrude_v into_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v he_o do_v it_o be_v true_a respect_v in_o general_a all_o those_o source_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o absolute_o deny_v that_o these_o man_n have_v by_o they_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n they_o dogmatize_v but_o he_o do_v particular_o refer_v to_o the_o three_o that_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god._n and_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o show_v they_o nor_o make_v they_o see_v by_o his_o word_n any_o of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v and_o will_v set_v up_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o christian_n and_o though_o indeed_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o they_o nevertheless_o they_o discourse_v of_o they_o blindfold_o and_o do_v divulge_v their_o fantasy_n the_o vision_n of_o their_o brain_n and_o dream_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n for_o indubitable_a necessary_a and_o wholesome_a truth_n a_o carriage_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v excellent_o well_o set_v forth_o by_o that_o word_n of_o he_o which_o we_o have_v translate_v intrude_a a_o word_n that_o proper_o signify_v enter_v into_o set_v foot_n on_o 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of_o the_o world_n why_o do_v any_o one_o burden_n you_o with_o ordinance_n as_o if_o you_o live_v in_o the_o world_n xxi_o to_o wit_n eat_v not_o taste_v not_o touch_v not_o xxii_o which_o all_o be_v thing_n that_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n be_v institute_v after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n dear_o brethren_n see_v the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v in_o diverse_a place_n that_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o that_o if_o we_o eat_v 8.8_o 1_o cor._n 8.8_o we_o have_v not_o thereby_o the_o more_o nor_o the_o less_o if_o we_o eat_v not_o and_o even_o injoyn_v we_o somewhere_o to_o accommodate_v ourselves_o to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o brethren_n 14.21_o rom._n 14.21_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v good_a neither_o to_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o to_o drink_v wine_n nor_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o our_o brother_n stumble_v or_o be_v offend_v or_o make_v weak_a it_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o some_o that_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o in_o the_o first_o to_o timothy_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o do_v so_o earnest_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o employ_v so_o many_o word_n and_o reason_n against_o those_o who_o do_v prohibit_v certain_a sort_n of_o meat_n to_o christian_n but_o if_o you_o thorough_o consider_v this_o holy_a man_n his_o whole_a procedure_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o take_v such_o order_n you_o will_v find_v it_o full_a in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o of_o reason_n and_o profound_a discretion_n for_o first_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o such_o as_o he_o bear_v with_o and_o those_o who_o he_o reject_v the_o one_o be_v infirm_a and_o the_o other_o insolent_a the_o former_a through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n can_v hardly_o count_v those_o thing_n permit_v which_o the_o school_n of_o moses_n whence_o they_o be_v but_o new_o come_v forth_o have_v prohibit_v the_o latter_a do_v in_o their_o headiness_n enterprise_n the_o bring_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o yoke_n again_o the_o error_n of_o those_o reach_v no_o further_o than_o their_o own_o person_n these_o will_v dogmatise_v and_o give_v the_o church_n new_a law_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n be_v sweet_a towards_o the_o one_o and_o severe_a against_o the_o other_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o crime_n to_o abstain_v from_o than_o it_o be_v to_o eat_v any_o of_o the_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v for_o our_o use_n yet_o to_o make_v this_o abstinence_n pass_v for_o a_o matter_n of_o necessity_n be_v a_o penicious_a attempt_n first_o it_o be_v a_o overthrow_v or_o a_o diminish_n of_o our_o liberty_n which_o have_v be_v purchase_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o precious_a to_o we_o for_o since_o he_o will_v buy_v it_o we_o at_o so_o high_a a_o price_n it_o be_v not_o just_a that_o the_o fancy_n or_o the_o tyrannical_a humour_n of_o man_n shall_v bereave_v we_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o cost_v he_o so_o dear_a moreover_o such_o injunction_n do_v make_v that_o to_o be_v think_v necessary_a which_o be_v indifferent_a and_o that_o to_o pass_v for_o a_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o so_o a_o opinion_n which_o have_v dangerous_a consequence_n for_o man_n once_o possess_v with_o this_o imagination_n do_v in_o such_o exercise_n loose_a a_o good_a part_n of_o their_o time_n which_o shall_v be_v whole_o spend_v in_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a commandment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n but_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o they_o easy_o imagine_v that_o they_o get_v a_o licence_n to_o commit_v thing_n prohit_v without_o danger_n by_o such_o abstain_v from_o thing_n permit_v and_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v dispense_v with_o for_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o that_o they_o render_v unto_o man_n a_o conceit_n which_o as_o you_o see_v do_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o true_a and_o real_a sanctification_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god._n the_o apostle_n well-knowing_a therefore_o the_o venom_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o see_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o strong_a inclination_n that_o man_n have_v to_o they_o be_v likewise_o not_o ignorant_a as_o experience_n have_v but_o too_o much_o verify_v that_o there_o will_v be_v always_o people_n sound_n to_o set_v they_o on_o foot_n among_o christian_n do_v account_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o secure_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o give_v we_o in_o diverse_a place_n of_o his_o divine_a epistle_n strong_a preservative_n against_o the_o contagion_n of_o this_o pernicious_a error_n you_o have_v hear_v already_o heretofore_o how_o he_o say_v concern_v it_o let_v no_o man_n condemn_v you_o in_o cate_v or_o in_o drink_v irrecoverable_o overbear_v by_o those_o few_o word_n the_o temerity_n of_o all_o those_o who_o for_o such_o thing_n bring_v the_o faithful_a to_o the_o bar_n and_o condemn_v they_o to_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n for_o have_v but_o taste_v of_o meat_n which_o they_o prohibit_v he_o now_o resume_v the_o same_o discourse_n and_o have_v in_o the_o two_o precedent_a verse_n refute_v the_o serve_n of_o angel_n which_o the_o seducer_n do_v set_v up_o in_o religion_n he_o come_v to_o their_o other_o ordinance_n which_o concern_v certain_a abstinence_n and_o devotion_n that_o they_o impose_v on_o christian_n as_o salutiferous_a and_o of_o necessary_a use_n for_o humble_v the_o spirit_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o first_o he_o refute_v they_o by_o three_o excellent_a reason_n which_o he_o urge_v against_o they_o next_o he_o reject_v the_o vain_a and_o specious_a pretext_n under_o colour_n of_o of_o which_o they_o be_v recommend_v the_o first_o of_o those_o three_o reason_n which_o he_o advance_v against_o these_o pretend_a devotion_n be_v take_v from_o the_o liberty_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o death_n free_v we_o from_o all_o carnal_a and_o ceremonial_a service_n if_o therefore_o you_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n say_v he_o why_o do_v any_o one_o burden_n you_o with_o ordinance_n as_o if_o you_o live_v in_o the_o world_n to_o wit_n eat_v not_o taste_v not_o touch_v not_o the_o second_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n themselves_o from_o which_o a_o abstain_v be_v order_v they_o all_o be_v thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o the_o three_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o such_o ordinance_n institute_v not_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o after_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n these_o be_v the_o three_o point_n we_o purpose_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o action_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n beseech_v he_o to_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v meditate_v they_o to_o our_o common_a edification_n and_o consolation_n the_o apostle_n last_o word_n be_v concern_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n with_o jesus_n christ_n its_o head_n who_o furnish_v his_o whole_a body_n and_o fit_o knit_v it_o together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n cause_v it_o to_o increase_v with_o a_o increase_n of_o god._n hereupon_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o set_v before_o we_o again_o that_o enfranchisement_n from_o the_o yoke_n of_o ceremony_n which_o we_o have_v by_o this_o holy_a and_o mystical_a communion_n with_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v his_o meaning_n in_o these_o word_n we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o we_o have_v show_v afore_o the_o apostle_n do_v usual_o call_v the_o ceremonial_a ordinance_n of_o moses_n law_n the_o element_n or_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o and_o low_a lesson_n of_o god_n people_n stand_v all_o of_o they_o in_o material_a and_o worldly_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o usage_n of_o or_o in_o a_o abstinence_n from_o either_o element_n or_o plant_n and_o animal_n and_o other_o fruit_n and_o production_n of_o the_o world_n but_o he_o seem_v in_o this_o place_n to_o signify_v by_o these_o word_n general_o all_o service_n of_o this_o nature_n whether_o those_o that_o moses_n sometime_o institute_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o childhood_n and_o minority_n of_o israel_n or_o those_o that_o other_o man_n erect_v afterward_o of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o devotion_n and_o ceremony_n which_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o pharisee_n add_v to_o the_o law_n and_o make_v to_o pass_v for_o tradition_n of_o antiquity_n as_o we_o understand_v by_o the_o gospel_n where_o our_o saviour_n note_v they_o and_o very_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o in_o diverse_a place_n such_o again_o be_v the_o discipline_n and_o devotion_n of_o those_o seducer_n who_o the_o apostle_n here_o oppose_v and_o all_o other_o like_o they_o which_o though_o set_v up_o by_o diverse_a author_n and_o at_o different_a time_n yet_o joint_o consist_v in_o one_o
creature_n dear_o brethren_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n do_v oblige_v he_o to_o expiate_v sin_n and_o destroy_v the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n so_o the_o perform_n of_o these_o great_a work_n do_v require_v a_o infinite_a dignity_n and_o power_n in_o his_o person_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n without_o void_v our_o guilt_n and_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o father_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o hold_n of_o devil_n so_o it_o be_v alike_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v perfect_v these_o effect_n without_o a_o infinite_a merit_n and_o a_o divine_a strength_n that_o be_v to_o say_v without_o be_v god_n none_o but_o a_o true_a god_n be_v capable_a of_o have_v a_o infinite_a either_o dignity_n or_o power_n as_o then_o the_o stream_n conduct_v we_o to_o their_o spring_n branch_n to_o their_o stock_n and_o root_n the_o house_n to_o the_o foundation_n that_o sustain_v it_o so_o the_o salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o act_n by_o which_o he_o obtain_v it_o for_o we_o and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o quality_n that_o be_v necessary_a in_o his_o person_n for_o the_o execute_n of_o those_o act_n salvation_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o this_o tree_n of_o life_n the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o cross_n be_v as_o the_o branch_n that_o bear_v this_o noble_a fruit_n and_o his_o almighty_a most_o holy_a and_o most_o divine_a person_n be_v the_o stock_n or_o root_n that_o do_v shoot_v forth_o this_o beautiful_a and_o bless_a branch_n this_o order_n the_o apostle_n observe_v here_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o first_o his_o fruit_n that_o be_v our_o salvation_n or_o redemption_n the_o last_o end_n of_o his_o whole_a mediation_n next_o he_o represent_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o acquire_v this_o salvation_n for_o we_o to_o wit_n the_o effusion_n of_o his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n from_o thence_o he_o now_o ascend_v to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o person_n which_o he_o magnificent_o describe_v in_o the_o text_n that_o you_o have_v hear_v say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o every_o creature_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v create_v wonder_v not_o faithful_a brethren_n that_o jesus_n shall_v give_v we_o life_n and_o eternity_n we_o i_o say_v poor_a sinner_n that_o have_v deserve_v death_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o god._n for_o he_o purchase_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n and_o do_v by_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n perfect_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o withstand_v our_o enter_v into_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n neither_o account_v it_o any_o more_o strange_a that_o this_o jesus_n so_o infirm_a clothe_v with_o frail_a flesh_n subject_n to_o all_o our_o suffering_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o offer_v so_o great_a and_o so_o precious_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o god._n for_o how_o weak_a and_o despicable_a soever_o that_o form_n be_v under_o which_o he_o appear_v here_o below_o he_o be_v nevertheless_o in_o reality_n the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n his_o wisdom_n his_o word_n and_o his_o power_n the_o perfect_a portrait_n of_o his_o person_n his_o live_n and_o essential_a image_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o creator_n of_o the_o universe_n in_o this_o description_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o apostle_n compare_v he_o first_o with_o god_n the_o father_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god._n in_o the_o second_o place_n with_o the_o creature_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o they_o and_o add_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o two_o follow_a verse_n which_o be_v take_v from_o his_o have_v make_v and_o establish_v they_o all_o as_o their_o creator_n their_o preserver_n their_o last_o and_o high_a end_n afterward_o he_o final_o propose_v the_o relation_n he_o have_v to_o the_o church_n say_v in_o the_o eighteen_o verse_n that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n thereof_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o all_o thing_n in_o these_o three_o point_n the_o sovereign_a dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v as_o you_o see_v comprise_v but_o because_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o explain_v they_o all_o three_o in_o one_o only_a action_n the_o richness_n and_o profoundness_n of_o the_o matter_n constrain_v we_o to_o fix_v for_o this_o time_n on_o the_o two_o first_o and_o remit_v the_o remainder_n to_o another_o season_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v to_o handle_v in_o this_o exercise_n the_o two_o head_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o verse_n which_o we_o have_v read_v one_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n the_o other_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o every_o creature_n the_o same_o lord_n who_o shall_v be_v by_o his_o grace_n the_o subject_n of_o our_o discourse_n please_v to_o be_v the_o direction_n and_o light_v thereof_o too_o inspire_v we_o with_o conception_n and_o expression_n worthy_a of_o he_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o high_a and_o supereminent_a majesty_n and_o enflâ—ming_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o fervent_a love_n to_o himself_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o great_a name_n and_o our_o salvation_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o two_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o one_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o other_o that_o the_o god_n who_o image_n jesus_n christ_n be_v be_v invisible_a for_o understand_v aright_o how_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n we_o must_v observe_v at_o the_o entrance_n that_o the_o word_n image_n be_v of_o great_a extent_n signify_v 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grace_n the_o same_o god_n have_v give_v we_o one_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o the_o true_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o he_o have_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o life_n that_o he_o may_v be_v as_o a_o exceed_a abundant_a and_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o joy_n and_o immortality_n whence_o be_v diffuse_v upon_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o new_a world_n which_o be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o holiness_n all_o the_o spiritual_a perfection_n and_o benediction_n they_o have_v this_o be_v that_o dear_a brethren_n which_o the_o apostle_n divine_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o text_n you_o have_v now_o hear_v wherein_o speak_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v he_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o precedent_a word_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n person_n in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n and_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a then_o next_o his_o dignity_n in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o first-born_a from_o the_o dead_a conclude_v that_o he_o have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o apostle_n now_o produce_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o take_v from_o the_o decree_n and_o will_v of_o the_o eternal_a father_n for_o it_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n say_v he_o that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o that_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n in_o this_o disposal_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v the_o work_n for_o the_o effect_n whereof_o he_o defign_v and_o send_v his_o son_n a_o work_n so_o great_a and_o so_o wonderful_a as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o without_o this_o fullness_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o dwell_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o end_n for_o it_o be_v by_o he_o 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all_o the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o party_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o work_n show_v we_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o finish_v it_o and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o mean_n do_v regulate_v the_o faculty_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o do_v it_o to_o reconcile_v earthly_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n in_o god_n there_o be_v need_n to_o make_v peace_n to_o make_v peace_n there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o blood_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o infinite_a value_n to_o offer_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o person_n in_o who_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v that_o be_v who_o have_v in_o he_o full_o and_o perfect_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o excellency_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n certain_o then_o it_o be_v a_o order_n high_o reasonable_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n to_o make_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v in_o his_o christ_n for_o the_o reconcile_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o make_v peace_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o full_a view_n of_o it_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o own_o consolation_n we_o will_v consider_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o this_o action_n those_o three_o point_n that_o be_v distinct_o propose_v we_o in_o the_o apostle_n text._n first_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n that_o all_o fullness_n shall_v dwell_v in_o christ_n second_o the_o work_n he_o have_v wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o christ_n thus_o furnish_v namely_o the_o reconcile_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o himself_o as_o well_o those_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n as_o those_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o final_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o have_v execute_v this_o great_a design_n to_o wit_n make_v peace_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o his_o well-beloved_a son_n for_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o point_n we_o must_v inquire_v at_o our_o entrance_n what_o this_o fullness_n be_v which_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n have_v make_v to_o dwell_v whole_o in_o christ_n especial_o see_v that_o interpreter_n do_v not_o well_o accord_v about_o it_o some_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o lord_n other_o to_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v accumulate_v on_o he_o after_o his_o manifestation_n in_o our_o flesh_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o word_n fullness_n be_v various_o take_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o other_o sense_n it_o have_v which_o be_v beside_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v sometime_o refer_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o thing_n and_o signify_v their_o just_a their_o whole_a and_o due_a measure_n as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o saul_n fall_v on_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o stature_n that_o be_v all_o along_o 2d_o 1_o sam._n 28_o 2d_o so_o as_o his_o whole_a body_n lie_v stretch_v out_o on_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o it_o be_v thus_o that_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o church_n the_o fullness_n or_o the_o compleatness_n of_o christ_n 1.23_o eph._n 1.23_o forasmuch_o as_o be_v his_o body_n it_o be_v in_o it_o that_o his_o just_a and_o due_a magnitude_n consist_v without_o the_o church_n he_o will_v be_v a_o head_n without_o a_o body_n that_o be_v withot_v a_o magnitude_n and_o a_o stature_n proportionate_a to_o his_o supereminent_a majesty_n it_o seem_v we_o may_v so_o take_v the_o fullness_n mention_v in_o this_o text_n even_o as_o signify_v all_o the_o grace_n and_o excellency_n requisite_a to_o the_o full_a and_o entire_a greatness_n that_o become_v the_o christ_n of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n dwell_v which_o be_v annex_v to_o it_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o it_o for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o harsh_a phrase_n and_o without_o example_n in_o any_o language_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n stature_n dwell_v in_o he_o upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n i_o exclude_v hence_o another_o sense_n which_o else_o will_v suit_v not_o ill_o with_o the_o matter_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o term_n fullness_n have_v when_o it_o be_v put_v for_o a_o full_a and_o whole_a measure_n and_o such_o as_o want_v nothing_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v therefore_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n fullness_n do_v very_o common_o in_o scripture_n set_v forth_o that_o which_o fill_v any_o thing_n as_o when_o one_o prophet_n call_v man_n and_o other_o creature_n which_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o another_o the_o fullness_n of_o a_o city_n all_o the_o people_n 10_o psal_n 24._o â—_o amos_n 6.8_o isa_n 4â—_n 10_o that_o dwell_v in_o it_o and_o again_o another_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o isle_n whereof_o it_o be_v full_a with_o all_o their_o inhabitant_n and_o because_o the_o form_n of_o thing_n as_o philosopher_n speak_v their_o perfection_n and_o quality_n do_v fill_v they_o up_o and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o beauty_n they_o have_v like_v as_o plant_n and_o live_a creature_n be_v the_o ornament_n of_o the_o earth_n people_n the_o glory_n of_o city_n and_o isle_n so_o many_o crown_n of_o the_o sea_n thence_o it_o come_v that_o by_o a_o very_a elegant_a figure_n the_o grace_n and_o perfection_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o subject_n be_v term_v the_o fullness_n thereof_o for_o that_o without_o they_o it_o will_v be_v empty_a and_o of_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o that_o rude_a and_o uncouth_a mass_n that_o moses_n describe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o genesis_n the_o earth_n say_v he_o be_v without_o form_n and_o void_a 1.2_o gen._n 1.2_o before_o the_o lord_n clothe_v it_o with_o these_o stately_a ornament_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o that_o rich_a abundance_n which_o
lordly_a and_o absolute_a authority_n and_o a_o dispotical_a power_n to_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_n for_o the_o steward_n or_o dispenser_n have_v power_n not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o head_n and_o after_o his_o own_o phantasy_n but_o only_o to_o dispense_v what_o the_o master_n have_v give_v he_o and_o precise_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o have_v prescribe_v he_o if_o he_o license_v himself_o to_o do_v more_o he_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v or_o say_v beyond_o they_o be_v null_a and_o of_o no_o force_n nor_o do_v it_o oblige_v any_o one_o of_o the_o household_n to_o obey_v it_o but_o the_o apostle_n adjoin_v in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o object_n of_o his_o ministry_n that_o be_v who_o they_o be_v towards_o who_o he_o ought_v to_o exercise_v it_o this_o dispensation_n of_o god_n have_v be_v give_v i_o towards_o you_o say_v he_o these_o colossian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v be_v gentile_n by_o birth_n and_o extraction_n he_o consider_v they_o here_o in_o that_o quality_n and_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o it_o be_v for_o they_o and_o other_o like_v they_o that_o he_o have_v be_v call_v to_o this_o sacred_a ministry_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o a_o word_n for_o the_o gentile_n it_o be_v true_a a_o apostleship_n be_v a_o universal_a charge_n which_o extend_v general_o to_o all_o man_n of_o what_o nation_n or_o condition_n soever_o have_v the_o whole_a earth_n for_o its_o praecinct_n according_a to_o that_o clause_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v his_o apostle_n when_o he_o send_v they_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o s._n 28.29_o mat._n 28.29_o paul_n be_v of_o the_o same_o condition_n do_v appear_v evident_o by_o his_o procedure_n and_o by_o his_o writing_n for_o he_o often_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n and_o he_o direct_v to_o they_o particular_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n but_o though_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v such_o original_o and_o by_o right_a nevertheless_o that_o he_o may_v exercise_v it_o with_o more_o commodiousness_n and_o fruit_n god_n assign_v he_o peculiar_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o will_v have_v he_o labour_n particular_o for_o they_o as_o he_o give_v he_o express_v notice_n when_o he_o direct_v his_o call_n from_o heaven_n to_o he_o 18._o act._n 26.17_o 18._o i_o send_v thou_o say_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n that_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o afterward_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o heavenly_a order_n peter_z and_o paul_n by_o a_o voluntary_a oeconomy_n part_v mankind_n in_o two_o peter_z with_o the_o other_o apostle_n take_v the_o circumcision_n to_o preach_v to_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o jew_n and_o paul_n the_o uncircumcision_n that_o be_v the_o gentile_n as_o himself_o report_v elsewhere_o which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o their_o charge_n it_o be_v otherwise_o not_o prohibit_v either_o that_o peter_n shall_v undertake_v preach_v to_o and_o the_o convert_n of_o the_o gentile_n 2._o gal._n 2._o or_o paul_n the_o like_a for_o the_o jew_n if_o any_o opportunity_n invite_v they_o to_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n present_v they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ministry_n whereby_o you_o see_v in_o general_a how_o necessary_a this_o appropriate_a of_o a_o determinate_a flock_n to_o each_o pastor_n be_v and_o how_o vain_a and_o exorbitant_a the_o pretention_n of_o he_o be_v who_o call_v himself_o the_o universal_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o all_o christendom_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o have_v the_o power_n do_v yet_o account_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o charge_n so_o difficult_a that_o to_o acquit_v they_o of_o it_o they_o voluntary_o part_v the_o district_n of_o their_o commission_n between_o they_o each_o of_o they_o take_v a_o portion_n of_o it_o only_o how_o can_v we_o believe_v that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v infinite_o inferior_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o these_o great_a minister_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v capable_a to_o govern_v alone_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o apostle_n allege_v this_o very_o pertinent_o to_o the_o colossian_n to_o keep_v they_o fast_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n for_o since_o he_o have_v be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o illuminate_v and_o teach_v the_o gentile_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v gentile_n as_o they_o be_v they_o owe_v he_o a_o particular_a respect_n and_o be_v to_o receive_v nothing_o into_o their_o belief_n which_o be_v unconform_v to_o his_o instruction_n consider_v he_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o god_n have_v particular_o set_v over_o they_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o 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of_o it_o in_o his_o life_n for_o what_o be_v there_o ever_o in_o the_o world_n more_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a than_o this_o divine_a lamb_n he_o contend_v not_o 12.19_o mat._n 12.19_o nor_o cry_v and_o his_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v in_o the_o street_n as_o the_o prophet_n foretold_v of_o he_o he_o be_v gentle_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n he_o never_o repulse_v any_o and_o receive_v sinner_n with_o open_a arm_n how_o bad_a and_o abominable_a soever_o they_o have_v be_v he_o invite_v his_o great_a enemy_n unto_o his_o salvation_n and_o offer_v his_o grace_n to_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o bear_v their_o contradiction_n without_o answer_v again_o and_o their_o reproach_n with_o silence_n and_o their_o rage_n without_o exasperation_n and_o do_v weep_v bitter_o for_o that_o jerusalem_n that_o rebellious_a city_n will_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o her_o peace_n such_o be_v the_o pattern_n he_o give_v we_o command_v we_o likewise_o express_o to_o be_v sweet_a 9.50_o mark_v 9.50_o and_o simple_a as_o dove_n without_o gall_n and_o without_o bitterness_n and_o to_o be_v in_o peace_n among_o ourselves_o and_o his_o apostle_n repeat_v this_o lesson_n to_o we_o in_o divers_a place_n 12.8_o rom._n 12.8_o as_o st._n paul_n here_o and_o otherwhere_a again_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n even_o to_o pacify_v heaven_n and_o earth_n jew_n and_o gentile_n 8._o isa_n 2.4_o &_o 11.6_o 7_o 8._o to_o extinguish_v enmity_n and_o war_n and_o change_v sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o spear_n into_o pruning-book_n to_o take_v away_o the_o poison_n of_o asp_n and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o wolf_n and_o the_o fierceness_n of_o lion_n and_o transform_v bear_n and_o the_o savage_a beast_n into_o lamb_n 66.12_o isa_n 66.12_o and_o make_v they_o all_o live_v and_o dwell_v peaceable_o and_o amicable_o together_o final_o to_o make_v peace_n 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the_o very_a estate_n and_o condition_n he_o have_v by_o his_o vocation_n put_v we_o in_o do_v manifest_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n represent_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n when_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v call_v unto_o peace_n he_o add_v in_o one_o body_n or_o to_o express_v the_o full_a and_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o greek_a word_n in_o one_o only_a body_n it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n universal_o receive_v and_o most_o express_o assert_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v make_v up_o but_o one_o only_a mystical_a body_n of_o which_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o member_n be_v animate_v under_o he_o with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o
of_o their_o sex_n moreover_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o religion_n require_v this_o performance_n at_o their_o hand_n though_o law_n and_o reason_n have_v not_o impose_v subjection_n on_o they_o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v appear_v by_o their_o obedience_n that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o disturb_v the_o just_a order_n of_o humane_a society_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a form_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o righteousness_n and_o honesty_n much_o more_o exact_o and_o effectual_o than_o other_o religion_n do_v last_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v in_o divers_a place_n take_v marriage_n for_o a_o symbol_n of_o the_o union_n which_o be_v between_o he_o and_o his_o church_n he_o have_v by_o that_o usage_n authorize_v and_o confirm_v the_o duty_n of_o both_o the_o two_o marry_a party_n and_o particular_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o wife_n since_o she_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n a_o matter_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v elsewhere_o excellent_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o subject_n 23.24_o eph._n 5_o 23.24_o the_o husband_n say_v he_o be_v the_o bead_n of_o the_o wife_n even_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o as_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a unto_o christ_n so_o let_v wife_n be_v to_o their_o own_o husband_n in_o all_o thing_n thus_o you_o see_v with_o how_o much_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n the_o apostle_n here_o allege_v unto_o christian_a woman_n that_o it_o be_v meet_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n it_o be_v clear_a by_o all_o we_o have_v be_v say_v that_o all_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o this_o same_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o communion_n they_o have_v with_o he_o do_v so_o strict_o oblige_v they_o to_o this_o duty_n that_o if_o they_o fail_v of_o performance_n beside_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o disorder_n which_o they_o commit_v 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