these_o metaphorical_a babe_n be_v they_o young_a or_o old_a for_o year_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o professer_n inferior_a to_o and_o of_o a_o low_a rank_n than_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d little_a child_n which_o st._n john_n speak_v to_o i_o evince_n not_o only_o from_o the_o different_a word_n use_v and_o that_o so_o frequent_o introduction_n frequent_o of_o which_o before_o in_o the_o introduction_n which_o be_v not_o inconsiderable_a but_o from_o the_o character_n and_o proper_a attainment_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o state_n which_o be_v the_o best_a proof_n and_o indeed_o such_o as_o be_v undeniable_a and_o can_v be_v gainsayed_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o john_n be_v render_v little_a child_n be_v once_o use_v by_o paul_n to_o denote_v want_n or_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n 1_o cor._n 14.20_o my_o brethren_n be_v not_o child_n in_o understanding_n that_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v in_o that_o place_n of_o these_o little_a child_n which_o john_n speak_v of_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n for_o this_o be_v the_o excellency_n which_o john_n attribute_n to_o they_o that_o they_o know_v the_o father_n they_o be_v call_v little_a child_n from_o knowledge_n which_o note_v a_o understanding_n that_o amount_v to_o assurance_n but_o babe_n consider_v in_o nature_n or_o in_o grace_n know_v not_o their_o father_n so_o that_o from_o this_o very_a character_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o state_n or_o rank_n of_o babe_n be_v below_o that_o of_o little_a child_n these_o be_v son_n and_o know_v it_o but_o babe_n though_o they_o be_v yet_o know_v not_o i._n e._n have_v not_o the_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v so_o though_o they_o have_v the_o thing_n that_o do_v assure_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o for_o want_n of_o light_n either_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o assurance_n by_o they_o but_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o reprobate_n as_o we_o read_v it_o but_o without_o proof_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_a babe_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o they_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o paul_n apostleship_n and_o he_o require_v a_o proof_n of_o their_o conversion_n but_o they_o be_v less_o able_a to_o prove_v this_o than_o he_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o as_o verse_n 6._o he_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o proof_n so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v grace_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o weak_a in_o its_o act_n &_o operation_n that_o it_o afford_v they_o no_o assurance_n as_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a grace_n use_v to_o do_v the_o starlight_n of_o their_o grace_n be_v not_o clear_a enough_o in_o babe_n to_o discern_v their_o conversation_n by_o it_o and_o many_o time_n it_o be_v cloud_v too_o that_o the_o star_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o though_o grace_n live_v in_o their_o heart_n yet_o the_o light_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o may_v be_v want_v for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v the_o power_n of_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o action_n can_v discern_v what_o thought_n be_v in_o he_o and_o what_o affection_n and_o can_v tell_v what_o he_o love_v what_o he_o fear_v and_o grieve_v for_o and_o the_o like_a yet_o he_o may_v still_o be_v question_v and_o doubt_v whether_o this_o his_o love_n fear_v grief_n etc._n etc._n be_v gracious_a spiritual_a and_o true_o holy_a act_n or_o not_o whereof_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o though_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o a_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2.11_o yet_o what_o be_v the_o true_a worth_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o he_o and_o whether_o give_v he_o of_o god_n and_o wrought_v in_o he_o by_o god_n unto_o salvation_n this_o we_o can_v know_v but_o by_o a_o superven_a light_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o worker_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o but_o be_v give_v we_o to_o discover_v and_o enlighten_v it_o to_o we_o verse_n 12._o now_o without_o this_o light_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o little_a child_n have_v but_o babe_n have_v not_o it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o with_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n verse_n 14._o whereas_o the_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o light_n thereof_o now_o babe_n not_o be_v spiritual_a but_o as_o carnal_a 1_o cor._n 3.1_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o write_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o spiritual_a chap._n 2.13_o but_o be_v say_v to_o seed_v they_o with_o milk_n like_o babe_n as_o they_o be_v for_o they_o be_v not_o able_a as_o the_o spiritual_a be_v to_o bear_v meat_n viz._n strong_a meat_n have_v weak_a stomach_n chap._n 3.2_o they_o like_v the_o hebrew_n can_v hear_v of_o and_o believe_v in_o christ_n in_o some_o kind_n but_o to_o take_v he_o as_o christ_n crucify_v as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n as_o their_o righteousness_n they_o be_v yet_o in_o great_a part_n to_o learn_v and_o to_o digest_v which_o be_v the_o case_n both_o of_o the_o corinthian_a and_o hebrew_a babe_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o anon_o by_o compare_v 1_o cor._n 3.2_o with_o heb._n 5.10_o 11._o etc._n etc._n for_o then_o by_o these_o distinct_a attainment_n and_o character_n it_o be_v as_o i_o hope_v make_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o classis_fw-la and_o form_n of_o babe_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o degree_n below_o the_o little_a child_n and_o of_o this_o state_n of_o babe_n i_o shall_v treat_v first_o because_o they_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n of_o god_n and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n be_v make_v up_o and_o fill_v up_o more_o of_o these_o than_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n not_o to_o say_v than_o of_o all_o the_o other_o sort_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o babe_n in_o christ_n than_o there_o be_v child_n or_o young_a man_n or_o father_n to_o which_o peradventure_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n may_v bear_v a_o testimony_n in_o a_o full_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v common_o understand_v though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d little_a child_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v mean_v in_o a_o natural_a and_o literal_a sense_n the_o place_n be_v mark_n 10.14_o suffer_v the_o little_a child_n to_o come_v to_o i_o and_o forbid_v they_o not_o for_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n of_o infant_n or_o babe_n for_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d must_v there_o signify_v christ_n take_v they_o into_o his_o arm_n verse_n 16._o i_o say_v of_o infant_n both_o in_o a_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a sense_n do_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n consist_v as_o well_o as_o if_o not_o more_o than_o of_o other_o ii_o of_o their_o attainment_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o treat_v of_o be_v their_o attainment_n and_o character_n in_o relation_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v and_o compare_v 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o with_o heb._n 5.10_o to_o the_o end_n and_o chap._n 6.1_o 2_o 3._o in_o both_o which_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n and_o thing_n concern_v they_o and_o the_o explanation_n of_o the_o milk_n and_o meat_n in_o the_o corinth_n be_v clear_v and_o full_a in_o the_o hebrew_n for_o he_o speak_v plain_o and_o without_o a_o parable_n he_o have_v speak_v much_o of_o the_o spirit_n spiritual_a thing_n and_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a verse_n 6._o i._n e._n to_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v judge_v of_o and_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n verse_n 15._o he_o do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n obviate_v a_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o corinthian_n thus_o why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o preach_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o he_o will_v glad_o and_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n do_v it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o as_o carnal_a be_v babe_n they_o be_v not_o heretofore_o nor_o at_o present_a in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v they_o q._n d._n if_o you_o will_v needs_o know_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o preach_v not_o to_o you_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n or_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n of_o god_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 7._o it_o be_v not_o that_o i_o can_v or_o will_v not_o preach_v it_o but_o that_o you_o can_v bear_v it_o you_o will_v say_v that_o to_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n and_o live_v by_o it_o be_v
and_o eâ—â—tasie_n of_o her_o love_n be_v rapt_v and_o transport_v with_o it_o she_o anoint_v the_o lord_n with_o ointment_n and_o not_o only_o wash_v his_o fect_n with_o her_o tear_n but_o kiss_v they_o wiâ—h_v her_o lip_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n joh._n 11.2_o compare_v with_o luke_n 7.37_o 47._o at_o which_o though_o other_o murmur_v yet_o christ_n commend_v both_o it_o and_o she_o for_o it_o and_o withal_o upbraid_v simon_n for_o fall_v short_a â—â—gely_o short_a of_o she_o though_o he_o make_v he_o a_o feast_n 2._o their_o love_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o no_o danger_n will_v fright_v they_o from_o he_o whem_fw-mi they_o love_v when_o the_o other_o disciple_n flee_v yet_o john_n the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v be_v find_v and_o observe_v by_o christ_n himself_o stand_v by_o the_o cross_n joh._n 20.26_o but_o to_o instance_n in_o mary_n magdalene_n especial_o oh_o how_o be_v she_o carry_v beyond_o above_o and_o out_o of_o herself_o by_o love_n to_o jâ—sus_n who_o love_v she_o first_o the_o story_n be_v in_o john_n chap._n 19.25_o she_o stand_v by_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v not_o affright_v away_o by_o the_o troop_n of_o soldier_n rude_a and_o unruly_a though_o they_o be_v joh._n 20.1_o when_o other_o be_v double_v she_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o sepulchre_n early_o and_o as_o it_o be_v remark_v there_o while_o it_o be_v yet_o dark_a this_o do_v not_o â—right_v she_o be_v make_v hold_v by_o love_n though_o she_o be_v of_o the_o weak_a and_o more_o fearful_a sex_n and_o go_v not_o empty_a hand_v but_o carry_v sweet_a spice_n mark_v 16_o 1._o she_o 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d peter_n and_o john_n how_o '_o it_o be_v joh._n 20.2_o which_o when_o they_o have_v see_v they_o return_v but_o she_o stay_v weep_v and_o as_o she_o weep_v she_o stoop_v down_o and_o as_o she_o stoop_v down_o she_o look_v verse_n 11._o busy_a love_n and_o when_o the_o angel_n ask_v nor_o why_o she_o weep_v alas_o say_v she_o do_v you_o ask_v i_o what_o i_o all_o as_o he_o in_o judg._n 18.23_o 24._o they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o dear_a dear_a lord_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o though_o he_o be_v as_o one_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o love_v he_o and_o love_v at_o that_o time_n be_v so_o much_o a_o passion_n that_o she_o know_v not_o her_o lord_n though_o she_o see_v and_o hear_v he_o but_o think_v it_o have_v be_v the_o gardener_n but_o when_o jesus_n call_v she_o by_o her_o name_n oh_o how_o be_v she_o transport_v rabboni_n ob_fw-la my_o lord_n be_v this_o so_o be_o i_o not_o in_o a_o dream_n rabboni_n and_o it_o seem_v she_o will_v have_v embrace_v he_o but_o that_o love_n know_v how_o to_o obey_v as_o well_o as_o to_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o be_v command_v away_o away_o she_o go_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o a_o 3._o discovery_n of_o their_o love_n which_o be_v in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o that_o without_o regret_n or_o grief_n according_a to_o 1_o joh._n 5.1_o 3._o love_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o desire_v not_o only_o to_o be_v beâ—oved_v but_o to_o be_v command_v it_o have_v so_o great_a a_o right_n and_o inclination_n too_o as_o well_o as_o obligation_n to_o do_v good_a and_o well_o that_o it_o think_v itself_o either_o wrong_v or_o suspect_v if_o it_o be_v not_o put_v upon_o the_o most_o high_a and_o difficult_a service_n love_n never_o say_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o love_n never_o repine_v neither_o do_v nor_o suffer_v be_v grievous_a to_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v noteworthy_a that_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v about_o to_o tell_v peter_n what_o he_o must_v do_v and_o suffer_v he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n make_v sure_a of_o his_o love_n joh._n 21.15_o 19_o when_o the_o father_n give_v out_o command_v amor_fw-la addidit_fw-la all_o as_o love_v wing_n the_o soul_n that_o it_o fly_v to_o obedience_n with_o speed_n and_o pleasure_n love_n have_v a_o ambition_n to_o please_v to_o the_o utmost_a 2_o cor._n 5.9_o with_o 14._o to_o do_v something_o worthy_a of_o the_o father_n love_n 1_o thes_n 2.11_o 12._o therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o unparalleled_a love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n such_o as_o pass_v knowledge_n i._n e._n there_o be_v never_o the_o like_a know_v ephes_n 3.18_o 19_o he_o present_o exhort_v they_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o their_o vocation_n ephes_n 4.1_o sect_n 2._o a_o continuation_n 2._o little_a child_n be_v modest_a and_o humble_a they_o seek_v not_o after_o greatness_n nor_o great_a thing_n in_o this_o world_n for_o they_o be_v wean_v psal_n 131.1_o 2._o being_n wean_a and_o pass_v the_o state_n of_o a_o babe_n and_o suckling_n they_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o catch_v after_o and_o grasp_v at_o thing_n waich_a be_v not_o suitable_a to_o their_o state_n the_o disciple_n while_o but_o babe_n be_v often_o query_v who_o shall_v be_v great_a but_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o little_a child_n unto_o he_o and_o set_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o say_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o unless_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i._n e._n you_o shall_v have_v no_o abundant_a entrance_n as_o 2_o pet._n 2.11_o and_o so_o the_o subsequent_a verse_n expound_v it_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v humble_v himself_o as_o this_o little_a child_n the_o emblem_n of_o god_n little_a child_n 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 1.1_o 4._o they_o be_v convert_v before_o but_o they_o need_v to_o be_v convert_v from_o this_o be_v as_o carnal_a and_o but_o babe_n conversion_n be_v continue_v and_o advance_v in_o growth_n not_o only_o as_o to_o degree_n in_o the_o same_o state_n but_o in_o pass_v from_o one_o clâ—ssis_fw-la to_o another_o as_o from_o be_v babe_n to_o little_a child_n for_o till_o we_o be_v thus_o convert_v we_o be_v not_o wean_a from_o be_v as_o carnal_a nor_o can_v we_o strengthen_v our_o brethren_n as_o christ_n speak_v to_o peter_n to_o do_v 3._o the_o little_a child_n be_v full_a of_o bowel_n and_o compassion_n very_o tender-hearted_a god_n as_o a_o father_n be_v so_o and_o in_o be_v so_o we_o be_v his_o child_n mat._n 5.44_o 48._o eph._n 5.1_o col._n 3.12_o and_o this_o be_v pure_a religion_n before_o god_n as_o a_o father_n jam._n 1.27_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n commit_v his_o bless_a mother_n to_o the_o belove_a disciple_n john_n who_o of_o all_o be_v most_o like_a to_o be_v tender_a of_o she_o joh._n 19.27_o yet_o again_o they_o be_v very_o tender-hearted_a in_o this_o respect_n that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o grieve_v their_o father_n or_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n their_o heart_n smite_v they_o and_o they_o be_v more_o angry_a with_o themselves_o than_o their_o father_n be_v for_o they_o will_v not_o forgive_v themselves_o though_o he_o forgive_v they_o though_o god_n have_v tell_v david_n the_o belove_a one_o and_o the_o weak_a babe_n be_v not_o yet_o as_o david_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v yet_o he_o repent_v and_o abhor_v himself_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n as_o joh_n also_o do_v chap._n 42.5_o 6._o 4._o child_n be_v full_a of_o imitation_n they_o tread_v in_o their_o father_n step_n as_o ascanius_n do_v in_o aeneas_n sequitur_n licet_fw-la non_fw-la passibus_fw-la aequis_fw-la they_o make_v the_o father_n their_o example_n and_o to_o walk_v as_o they_o have_v he_o for_o a_o example_n 1_o pet._n 1.14_o 17._o ephes_n 5.1_o and_o in_o fine_a child_n be_v very_o teachable_a the_o babe_n be_v not_o so_o teach_v a_o child_n the_o trade_n of_o his_o way_n the_o child-state_n be_v a_o learning_n state_n the_o babe_n be_v dull_a of_o hear_v 〈◊〉_d 5.11_o 2_o cor._n 3.2_o joh._n 16.12_o great_a 〈◊〉_d can_v be_v teach_v to_o babe_n isa_n 28.9_o 〈…〉_o you_o child_n prov._n 4.1_o and_o câ—me_v near_o 〈◊〉_d child_n i_o will_v teach_v you_o psal_n 34.11_o these_o be_v capable_a of_o strong_a meat_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_a have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o that_o spirit_n by_o which_o they_o bring_v forth_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o 26._o these_o few_o thing_n shall_v suffice_v concern_v the_o disposition_n and_o conversation_n of_o these_o little_a child_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v what_o doctrine_n be_v most_o proper_a to_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o non_fw-la omnibus_fw-la omne_fw-la as_o belong_v to_o their_o state_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o apply_v the_o whole_a but_o that_o there_o be_v one_o question_v which_o
into_o the_o battle_n and_o not_o entangle_v yourselves_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n that_o you_o may_v please_v he_o who_o shall_v choose_v you_o to_o be_v soldier_n and_o endure_v hardship_n as_o the_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o tim._n 2.3_o 4._o but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o in_o handle_v the_o next_o rank_n of_o saint_n viz._n young_a man_n and_o their_o glory_n which_o be_v strength_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o attainment_n enjoyment_n disposition_n and_o conversation_n of_o little_a child_n who_o know_v the_o father_n i._n e._n who_o have_v assurance_n of_o the_o father_n love_n and_o live_v in_o unton_a and_o communion_n with_o he_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o classis_fw-la the_o third_z classis_fw-la in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n viz._n young_a men._n from_o 1_o john_n 2.13_o 14._o verse_n 13._o i_o write_v to_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o verse_n 14._o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o be_v strong_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o by_o compare_v this_o with_o several_a other_o scripture_n it_o have_v be_v make_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v four_o sort_n rank_n or_o degree_n of_o christian_n who_o name_n be_v give_v to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o four_o most_o usual_a division_n of_o the_o age_n of_o man_n viz._n babe_n little_a child_n young_a man_n and_o father_n the_o low_a though_o many_o time_n not_o the_o young_a for_o stand_v be_v babe_n who_o eat_v milk_n and_o nothing_o but_o milk_n they_o can_v digest_v nor_o bear_v strong_a meat_n the_o second_o be_v the_o little_a child_n the_o first_o degree_n of_o they_o call_v spiritual_a or_o perfect_a who_o have_v attain_v to_o know_v the_o father_n and_o to_o have_v the_o assurance_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o love_n both_o these_o state_n have_v be_v already_o treat_v of_o and_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o the_o three_o classis_fw-la form_n or_o rank_n viz._n the_o young_a man_n who_o be_v twice_o mention_v in_o these_o two_o verse_n where_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n 1._o of_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o young_a men._n 2._o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o thing_n be_v three_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v strong_a 2._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o 3._o that_o they_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o young_a man_n saint_n be_v strong_a one_o 2._o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o 3._o that_o they_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 4._o that_o they_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o by_o sirength_n 5._o that_o their_o strength_n a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o i_o design_v not_o any_o long_a discourse_n about_o this_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o handle_v these_o proposition_n distinct_o and_o in_o the_o method_n wherein_o they_o lie_v but_o give_v a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o whole_a text_n under_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d young_a man_n the_o true_a notion_n and_o import_n of_o the_o expression_n as_o intend_v in_o the_o text._n 2._o what_o their_o strength_n be_v you_o be_v strong_a and_o wherein_o their_o strength_n lie_v 3._o how_o they_o come_v by_o this_o strength_n viz._n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o where_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o by_o the_o abide_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o they_o 4._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o evil_a one_o 5._o what_o the_o dispute_n be_v about_o between_o the_o evil_a one_o and_o the_o young_a man_n 6._o what_o by_o their_o have_v overcome_v the_o evil_a one_o 7._o how_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o do_v strengthen_v they_o 8._o how_o this_o strength_n or_o be_v strong_a conduce_v to_o the_o victory_n 9_o how_o great_a a_o attainment_n this_o victory_n be_v to_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 10._o what_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o this_o victory_n 11._o what_o the_o issue_n and_o success_n of_o this_o victory_n iâ—_n and_o then_o 12._o make_v some_o application_n chap._n i._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o young_a man_n i_o shall_v not_o concern_v myself_o about_o the_o notation_n or_o etymology_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o not_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o age_n but_o the_o state_n and_o attainment_n of_o these_o young_a man_n among_o very_o good_a author_n eistorian_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o military_a sense_n to_o signify_v soldier_n and_o so_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n to_o which_o use_n it_o be_v most_o proper_o applicable_a in_o the_o text_n yea_o it_o be_v use_v not_o only_o for_o a_o soldier_n at_o large_a and_o in_o common_a but_o for_o the_o flower_n of_o a_o atmy_n the_o choice_a soldier_n romana_fw-la juventus_fw-la be_v the_o roman_a army_n yea_o the_o flower_n and_o glory_n of_o both_o their_o infantry_n and_o cavalry_n juventutem_fw-la legere_fw-la be_v to_o list_n soldier_n the_o choice_a soldier_n when_o the_o two_o army_n of_o ishbosheth_a and_o david_n under_o their_o two_o general_n abner_n and_o joab_n meet_v together_o by_o the_o pool_n of_o gibeon_n abner_n say_v to_o joab_n let_v the_o young_a man_n now_o arise_v and_o play_v before_o we_o as_o if_o war_n be_v but_o a_o sport_n and_o pastime_n and_o the_o field_n where_o they_o fight_v and_o fall_v be_v call_v helkath_v hazzurim_n the_o field_n of_o strong_a man_n 2_o sam._n 2.12_o 16._o according_o in_o a_o moral_a sense_n the_o young_a man_n in_o our_o text_n be_v say_v to_o be_v strong_a man_n yea_o that_o they_o have_v seek_v with_o and_o overcome_v the_o evil_a one_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n abner_n and_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n be_v beat_v before_o the_o servant_n of_o david_n to_o allude_v to_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o fight_n in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n these_o young_a man_n saint_n than_o be_v the_o soldier_n yea_o the_o worthy_n of_o israel_n and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o it_o st._n john_n have_v say_v i_o write_v to_o you_o the_o soldier_n warrior_n and_o champion_n indeed_o the_o babe_n may_v pâ—s_v inter_fw-la gregarios_fw-la milites_fw-la for_o common_a soldier_n but_o these_o be_v the_o choice_n young_a man_n the_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o paul_n will_v have_v timothy_n be_v in_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 2.1_o 5._o they_o be_v the_o valiant_o of_o israel_n as_o the_o babe_n saint_n be_v take_v out_o of_o sinner_n and_o become_v a_o middle_a state_n between_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a of_o the_o first_o degree_n viz._n little_a child_n and_o as_o little_a child_n be_v take_v out_o of_o babe_n and_o be_v a_o middle_a state_n between_o babe_n and_o young_a man_n so_o young_a man_n be_v take_v out_o of_o little_a child_n and_o be_v a_o middle_a state_n between_o they_o and_o the_o father_n these_o young_a man_n have_v know_v the_o father_n and_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n they_o be_v now_o prepare_v for_o the_o battle_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o satan_n the_o tempter_n as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o heaven_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n god_n do_v not_o take_v his_o young_a man_n out_o of_o babe_n immediate_o but_o out_o of_o little_a child_n who_o be_v make_v strong_a by_o the_o word_n and_o witness_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o these_o young_a man_n be_v their_o strength_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o viz._n what_o their_o strength_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o lie_v chap._n ii_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o their_o be_v strong_a the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o young_a man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strong_a the_o great_a critic_n hesyâ—hius_n make_v the_o word_n equivalent_a with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d calcator_n a_o treader_n down_o and_z with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d firmus_n a_o settle_a and_o fix_a person_n and_o both_o these_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n for_o our_o young_a man_n be_v a_o conqueror_n and_o have_v tread_v down_o strength_n viz._n the_o devil_n under_o foot_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a phrase_n to_o denote_v conquest_n victory_n and_o triumph_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o
receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o grow_v up_o to_o another_o high_o state_n than_o yet_o you_o be_v in_o babe_n can_v bear_v the_o mathematical_a and_o metaphysical_a demonstration_n they_o can_v understand_v they_o but_o they_o be_v for_o similitude_n illustration_n and_o parable_n and_o so_o christ_n teach_v they_o mark_v 4.33_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n will_v not_o down_o with_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o lose_a and_o afterward_o find_v sheep_n etc._n etc._n babe_n be_v for_o live_v by_o sense_n more_o than_o by_o faith_n the_o hebrew_n understand_v but_o little_a of_o the_o priesthood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o office_n which_o be_v the_o strong_a meat_n no_o though_o the_o apostle_n illustrate_v it_o by_o their_o own_o shadowy_a priesthood_n which_o they_o have_v under_o the_o law_n so_o the_o apostle_n peter_n speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o renovation_n the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n of_o which_o his_o belove_a brother_n paul_n have_v also_o write_v in_o his_o epistle_n of_o which_o not_o epistle_n for_o there_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o gender_n and_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o refer_v to_o the_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o or_o among_o which_o thing_n some_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o who_o viz._n by_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a and_o therefore_o he_o press_v they_o not_o only_o to_o steadfastness_n but_o growth_n in_o grace_n without_o which_o they_o will_v not_o attain_v to_o know_v the_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 14.6_o prov._n 14.6_o 2_o pet._n 3.13_o 17._o but_o they_o can_v eat_v strong_a meat_n yet_o they_o can_v eat_v milk_n though_o but_o milk_n yet_o milk_n which_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o alive_a but_o have_v some_o a_o very_a little_a strength_n and_o take_v in_o some_o nourishment_n and_o have_v some_o experience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o though_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o faint_a say_v the_o apostle_n i_o have_v feed_v you_o with_o milk_n which_o note_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o give_v it_o they_o but_o that_o though_o they_o do_v not_o thrive_v much_o yet_o it_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v it_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o their_o present_a state_n which_o be_v low_a and_o weak_a what_o this_o milk_n be_v i_o be_o to_o show_v anon_o 4._o these_o babe_n be_v own_v for_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spiritual_a one_o by_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o right_a yet_o they_o have_v the_o left-hand_a of_o fellowship_n and_o i_o brethren_n say_v he_o though_o you_o be_v but_o weak_a yet_o you_o and_o i_o be_v brethren_n the_o spiritual_a paul_n and_o as_o carnal_a corinthian_n babe_n be_v brethren_n yea_o not_o only_o paul_n but_o christ_n himself_o the_o first_o bear_v among_o the_o many_o brethren_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v the_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o other_o brethren_n heb._n 2.11_o which_o take_v in_o all_o the_o child_n verse_n 13.14_o for_o christ_n take_v the_o whole_a seed_n of_o abraham_n verse_n 16._o and_o if_o any_o be_v christ_n as_o these_o babe_n be_v for_o they_o be_v in_o he_o say_v our_o text_n then_o be_v they_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_n gal._n 3.29_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o as_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n have_v from_o head_n to_o foot_n this_o then_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v say_v that_o these_o babe_n have_v truth_n of_o grace_n the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o they_o god_n have_v put_v truth_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v the_o truth_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o love_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v true_a bear_v and_o not_o bastard_n as_o the_o distinction_n be_v heb._n 12._o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o their_o grace_n be_v weak_a it_o be_v grace_n and_o but_o grace_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n beside_o also_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n strong_a corruption_n be_v argument_n of_o weak_a grace_n they_o be_v as_o carnal_a of_o all_o saint_n the_o babe-saint_n have_v the_o least_o grace_n and_o the_o most_o corruption_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v note_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n also_o these_o babe_n have_v not_o their_o denomination_n nor_o be_v so_o call_v mere_o from_o their_o be_v but_o new_o bear_v but_o from_o their_o continuance_n in_o such_o a_o state_n no_o state_n be_v measure_v by_o one_o or_o two_o act_n but_o from_o the_o tenor_n frame_n and_o course_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o such_o a_o time_n and_o duration_n we_o call_v no_o man_n a_o dunce_n or_o a_o bad_a scholar_n from_o one_o day_n dulness_n or_o for_o one_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o exercise_n but_o when_o he_o be_v constant_o dull_a and_o blockish_a as_o the_o hebrew_n be_v who_o be_v babe_n for_o a_o long_a time_n it_o be_v the_o habit_n that_o give_v the_o denomination_n to_o this_o and_o every_o classis_fw-la or_o form_n and_o now_o i_o â—â—all_v proceed_v to_o show_v the_o attainment_n of_o these_o babe_n which_o in_o both_o text_n be_v express_v by_o their_o feed_v on_o milk_n where_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o milk_n and_o how_o they_o feed_v on_o this_o milk_n be_v discover_v 1._o more_o general_o 2._o more_o particular_o milk_n we_o see_v be_v the_o food_n of_o babe_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o this_o milk_n be_v for_o the_o better_a discovery_n of_o their_o state_n and_o attainment_n in_o the_o general_a all_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v milk_n 1_o pet._n 2.2_o as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o this_o milk_n be_v for_o growth_n the_o word_n be_v not_o only_o for_o beget_v as_o chap._n 1.23_o and_o 25._o but_o it_o be_v for_o nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o also_o even_o to_o a_o perfect_a stature_n ephes_n 4.11_o 16._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o peter_n do_v not_o speak_v mere_o of_o the_o word_n write_v in_o the_o bible_n but_o of_o the_o word_n preach_v chap._n 1.25_o but_o then_o this_o word_n preach_v must_v be_v sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n not_o mix_v and_o corrupt_v with_o and_o by_o the_o device_n invention_n gloss_n and_o comment_n of_o jew_n or_o gentile_n this_o the_o apostle_n paul_n disclaim_v and_o declaim_v against_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o we_o be_v not_o as_o many_o who_o corrupt_v or_o deal_v deceitful_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o sincerity_n but_o as_o of_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n speak_v we_o in_o christ_n which_o he_o also_o have_v again_o chap_n 4.2_o we_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n or_o shame_n not_o walk_v in_o craftiness_n nor_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n we_o be_v no_o huckster_n like_o they_o mention_v 2_o pet._n 2.1_o 3._o as_o this_o word_n must_v not_o be_v mix_v with_o and_o corrupt_v by_o false_a doctrine_n and_o base_a end_n so_o this_o milk_n must_v not_o be_v make_v luscious_a and_o fulsome_a with_o the_o sugar_n and_o honey_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o eloquence_n for_o this_o do_v the_o apostle_n no_o less_o disown_a and_o disallow_v as_o may_v be_v see_v 1_o cor._n 2.4_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n i_o be_v not_o as_o sound_v brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n i_o do_v not_o use_v feign_v and_o make_v word_n to_o show_v wit_n and_o learning_n i_o come_v not_o with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o lie_v in_o word_n with_o witticism_n chap._n 1.17_o but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sound_n of_o word_n but_o sound_n and_o sincere_a doctrine_n or_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n by_o which_o we_o grow_v and_o thrive_v but_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o our_o subject_n milk_n be_v use_v to_o denote_v weak_a nourishment_n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o strong_a meat_n and_o thus_o milk_n note_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o alphabet_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o this_o the_o babe_n have_v their_o mouth_n and_o belly_n full_a but_o be_v weak_a and_o paâ—y_a thing_n notwithstanding_o that_o milk_n therefore_o in_o these_o text_n be_v put_v for_o the_o principle_n the_o first_o element_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n the_o word_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n heb._n 5.12_o with_o 6.1_o the_o very_a foundation_n
of_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o messiah_n dispensation_n be_v at_o hand_n mark_n 1.15_o so_o that_o milk_n note_v preparation_n doctrine_n and_o the_o very_a first_o dement_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o orack_n of_o god_n as_o the_o word_n be_v heb._n 5.12_o the_o initiate_a doctrine_n wherein_o say_v jac._n capellus_n the_o jew_n and_o christian_n do_v agree_v as_o a_o foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o now_o what_o this_o doctrine_n be_v be_v express_v under_o several_a head_n chap._n 6.1_o 2._o viz._n repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n faith_n towards_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v object_v here_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o can_v they_o be_v christian_n in_o any_o degree_n though_o but_o babe_n who_o believe_v not_o in_o christ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o these_o principle_n or_o foundation_n doctrine_n be_v call_v the_o wâ—â—d_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christ_n verse_n 1._o and_o therefore_o this_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o without_o respect_n to_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n mention_n these_o two_o elsewhere_o he_o speak_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n testify_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n act_v 20.21_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o corinthian_n at_o first_o 1_o cor._n 15.2_o 3._o which_o open_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o beside_o in_o call_v this_o foundation_n doctrine_n christ_n must_v needs_o be_v take_v in_o for_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v 1_o cor._n 3.11_o because_o god_n have_v lay_v he_o and_o no_o other_o act_v 4.11_o 12._o and_o it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o 1_o pet._n 1.21_o withal_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o these_o be_v but_o babe_n and_o be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n though_o not_o without_o some_o confuse_a notion_n of_o it_o indeed_o both_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o though_o god_n be_v the_o ultimate_a object_n of_o faith_n for_o christ_n design_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o god_n 1_o pet._n 3.18_o yet_o christ_n be_v the_o more_o immediate_a object_n of_o it_o but_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o look_v to_o god_n and_o revelation_n of_o grace_n only_o to_o look_v to_o christ_n many_o person_n especial_o babe_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v more_o recourse_n to_o god_n than_o to_o christ_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o babe_n be_v of_o no_o high_a a_o elevation_n than_o they_o general_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o have_v not_o such_o distinct_a notion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v he_o be_v now_o manifest_v to_o manage_v all_o affair_n for_o we_o between_o the_o father_n and_o we_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n but_o in_o he_o also_o joh._n 14.1_o and_o according_o all_o along_o afterward_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v direct_a man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o this_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o know_v or_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o know_v he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v our_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n which_o babe_n too_o much_o look_v after_o but_o that_o which_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n phil._n 3.8.9_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o corinthian_n to_o 1_o cor._n 1.30_o and_o 3.10_o 11._o and_o so_o the_o hebrew_n in_o set_v he_o forth_o to_o they_o as_o a_o high_a priest_n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedec_n the_o king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o lord_n ouâ—_n righteousness_n hence_o than_o i_o conclude_v that_o their_o eat_n of_o milk_n be_v the_o receive_n and_o practise_v these_o principle_n or_o element_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n viz._n repentance_n faith_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o the_o general_n take_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n together_o with_o sorrow_n for_o and_o repentance_n from_o it_o as_o also_o prayer_n for_o pardon_n a_o secret_a rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o give_v they_o hope_n a_o obedience_n to_o ordinance_n as_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n a_o believe_v of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n but_o there_o be_v sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o babe_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o they_o attain_v to_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n heb._n 6.9_o they_o have_v enough_o to_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o hell_n and_o to_o land_n they_o safe_a in_o heaven_n but_o as_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o a_o saint_n viz._n a_o assurance_n of_o the_o father_n love_n which_o the_o little_a child_n have_v strength_n of_o faith_n to_o overcome_v temptation_n which_o the_o young_a man_n have_v great_a wisdom_n from_o long_a or_o much_o experience_n which_o the_o father_n have_v of_o these_o they_o know_v nothing_o they_o be_v god_n build_v indeed_o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o but_o only_o of_o the_o first_o floor_n or_o story_n just_a lay_v upon_o the_o foundation_n yet_o so_o that_o they_o also_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v but_o almost_o indiscernable_o in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o they_o will_v i_o say_v have_v a_o entrance_n into_o heaven_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o they_o but_o not_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n because_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o abound_v in_o they_o as_o peter_n intimate_v 2_o pet._n 1.8_o 11._o and_o all_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o state_n wherein_o they_o may_v live_v and_o die_v and_o not_o reach_v beyond_o it_o quest_n before_o i_o proceed_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v up_o one_o scruple_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o hence_o which_o be_v this_o see_v growth_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o grace_n how_o can_v these_o be_v say_v to_o grow_v if_o they_o may_v continue_v in_o this_o state_n all_o their_o day_n answ_n you_o may_v remember_v how_o i_o premise_v that_o none_o can_v tell_v but_o he_o may_v be_v build_v up_o a_o story_n or_o more_o high_o and_o therefore_o none_o shall_v take_v up_o with_o this_o stint_n but_o press_v forward_o yet_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o state_n which_o be_v to_o abide_v so_o the_o question_n be_v of_o these_o and_o to_o it_o i_o answer_v first_o by_o concession_n that_o growth_n of_o grace_n be_v require_v of_o all_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n but_o then_o i_o say_v there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o growth_n and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o this_o state_n as_o the_o state_n be_v such_o be_v the_o growth_n require_v there_o be_v a_o growth_n by_o addition_n and_o a_o growth_n of_o continuation_n and_o perseverance_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o end_n that_o growth_n be_v require_v of_o and_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o other_o state_n but_o this_o only_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o state_n of_o babe_n the_o other_o growth_n be_v by_o addition_n 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 11._o but_o growth_n of_o these_o be_v by_o abide_v in_o grace_n they_o but_o con_v the_o same_o lesson_n over_o and_o over_o when_o other_o take_v out_o new_a one_o and_o turn_v over_o leaf_n or_o as_o a_o tree_n that_o grow_v in_o a_o continuance_n of_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o its_o kind_n gen._n 1.11_o but_o if_o a_o graft_n or_o scyon_n of_o a_o noble_a fort_n be_v ingra_v on_o or_o into_o it_o than_o it_o bring_v forth_o other_o and_o better_a fruit_n so_o that_o growth_n in_o these_o be_v not_o a_o superaddition_n of_o new_a grace_n but_o a_o renew_n of_o and_o abound_v in_o their_o first_o grace_n this_o must_v be_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o corinthian_n and_o hebrew_n or_o else_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o after_o a_o long_a time_n that_o they_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o paul_n put_v the_o corinthian_n only_o to_o prove_v for_o the_o present_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o 2_o cor._n 13.5_o and_o though_o he_o put_v the_o hebrew_n upon_o give_v diligence_n to_o a_o full_a assurance_n chap._n 6.11_o yet_o on_o supposition_n they_o shall_v not_o attain_v it_o he_o often_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o hold_v sast_z and_o not_o to_o apostatise_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o advance_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o abide_v in_o the_o present_a state_n though_o
speak_v to_o they_o a_o little_a by_o way_n of_o application_n come_v poor_a babe_n you_o that_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o though_o it_o be_v with_o fear_n hear_v this_o for_o your_o consolation_n that_o the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n do_v not_o despise_v such_o a_o tremble_a soul_n but_o will_v dwell_v with_o it_o isa_n 66.2_o 3.13_o jer._n 3.13_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o resurrection_n nor_o of_o judgement_n it_o will_v be_v a_o happy_a day_n for_o thou_o read_v it_o they_o self_n what_o be_v say_v 1_o thes_n 4.13_o 18._o and_o 5.1_o 11._o thou_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n jesus_n christ_n thy_o advocate_n and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v thy_o jodge_n who_o to_o be_v sure_o will_v not_o condemn_v any_o that_o be_v in_o he_o although_o they_o be_v but_o babe_n he_o will_v rememâ—_n thyâ—_n bâ—ur_n of_o little_a love_n heb._n 6.9_o 10._o as_o thou_o maâ—sâ—_n he_o tell_v theâ—_n aforehand_o matth._n 25.34_o 37._o where_o thou_o have_v that_o he_o remember_v what_o thou_o have_v for_o 〈◊〉_d and_o place_v thaâ—_n account_n which_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o 〈◊〉_d worth_n nothing_o he_o be_v so_o 〈…〉_o he_o will_v remember_v no_o more_o but_o he_o be_v so_o righteous_a that_o he_o will_v not_o forget_v thy_o labour_n of_o love_n no_o nor_o thy_o fear_n for_o he_o have_v a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n write_v for_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o thought_n mark_n that_o that_o do_v think_v and_o it_o may_v be_v can_v do_v little_o more_o than_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n mal._n 3.16_o well_o then_o as_o the_o wicked_a shall_v rejoice_v with_o tremble_a psal_n 2._o do_v thou_o tremble_v with_o rejoice_v abide_v in_o he_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v choose_v for_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a before_o he_o at_o his_o come_n 1_o joh._n 2.28_o be_v steadfast_a and_o immovable_a yea_o abound_v always_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o thy_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a at_o the_o resurrection_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n live_v as_o one_o that_o look_v for_o and_o hasten_v to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o pet._n 3.11_o 12._o and_o see_v he_o will_v come_v without_o sin_n a_o saviour_n and_o change_v thy_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v it_o like_v to_o his_o most_o glorious_a body_n let_v not_o only_o thy_o affection_n but_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n col._n 3.1_o 4._o phil._n 3.20_o 21._o which_o no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v that_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n be_v glad_a therefore_o and_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v give_v thou_o this_o milk_n and_o teach_v thou_o to_o take_v it_o in_o for_o else_o thou_o have_v be_v still_o without_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o will_v be_v a_o world_n of_o happiness_n to_o thou_o and_o all_o saint_n who_o have_v not_o their_o portion_n of_o good_a in_o this_o life_n as_o the_o wicked_a have_v but_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o they_o to_o be_v they_o at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a judgement_n so_o much_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o babe_n from_o this_o text._n v._o of_o their_o taste_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o their_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n to_o grow_v thereby_o from_o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o 3._o the_o apostle_n peter_n have_v to_o do_v with_o babe_n as_o well_o as_o paul_n for_o such_o be_v the_o jewish_a convert_v general_o and_o have_v tell_v they_o chap._n 1.23_o that_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o he_o do_v in_o this_o text_n exhort_v they_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speak_n to_o which_o they_o be_v yet_o as_o carnal_a be_v too_o prone_a as_o be_v note_v before_o and_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n to_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o if_o so_o be_v or_o see_v and_o because_o they_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a this_o taste_n be_v their_o come_n to_o christ_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a cornerstone_n v._o 4.6_o and_o their_o growth_n be_v their_o be_v build_v up_o on_o he_o a_o spiritual_a house_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 5._o which_o note_v both_o the_o nature_n and_o inclination_n of_o these_o babe_n viz._n to_o come_v to_o and_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o withal_o to_o grow_v up_o in_o and_o to_o be_v build_v on_o he_o that_o as_o he_o be_v precious_a or_o a_o honour_n to_o they_o verse_n 7._o so_o they_o may_v be_v precious_a or_o a_o honour_n to_o he_o and_o show_v forth_o the_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o the_o praise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v they_o out_o of_o their_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n verse_n 9_o but_o of_o their_o faith_n i_o have_v speak_v before_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o their_o experience_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v couch_v in_o this_o word_n of_o taste_v the_o perfect_a christian_a have_v many_o sense_n exercise_v he_o be_v full_a of_o many_o and_o rich_a experience_n heb._n 5.14_o but_o the_o babe_n have_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o one_o sense_n taste_v especial_o which_o beget_v in_o he_o a_o desire_n and_o longing_n after_o the_o word_n for_o growth_n that_o he_o may_v suck_v and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n that_o he_o may_v milk_v out_o and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o abundance_n of_o glory_n to_o allude_v to_o isa_n 66.11_o the_o babe_n have_v a_o taste_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o have_v milk_n give_v he_o to_o eat_v in_o which_o he_o taste_v a_o sweetness_n and_o from_o which_o he_o find_v so_o much_o nourishment_n and_o strength_n as_o hold_v his_o sonl_n in_o life_n if_o he_o be_v not_o alive_a he_o can_v not_o taste_v and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o taste_v he_o can_v not_o live_v experience_n be_v often_o express_v by_o taste_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n beyond_o hear_v and_o be_v join_v with_o see_v psal_n 34.8_o oh_o taste_n and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a now_o as_o see_v so_o taste_v affect_v the_o heart_n and_o quicken_v the_o appetite_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o desire_v the_o milk_n which_o do_v not_o only_o express_v the_o duty_n but_o the_o nature_n and_o inclination_n of_o babe_n and_o that_o ground_a on_o taste_v see_v or_o because_o they_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a several_a experience_n as_o taste_n they_o have_v have_v of_o this_o as_o 1._o that_o the_o lord_n will_v admit_v they_o to_o repentance_n this_o be_v of_o his_o grace_n when_o man_n have_v sin_v the_o law_n be_v inexorable_a a_o man_n repentance_n can_v find_v no_o place_n there_o for_o reacceptance_n though_o it_o have_v be_v seek_v with_o tear_n god_n may_v have_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v have_v admit_v man_n to_o repent_v but_o now_o he_o have_v it_o favour_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o this_o the_o babe_n taste_v that_o he_o be_v gracious_a 2._o they_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a in_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n wherein_o to_o come_v to_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v at_o another_o cost_n and_o charge_n that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n that_o through_o he_o they_o may_v believe_v in_o god_n and_o that_o thence_o they_o may_v have_v hope_n in_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.21_o 3._o they_o taste_v grace_n in_o this_o that_o god_n call_v for_o no_o great_a thing_n at_o their_o hand_n than_o to_o eat_v milk_n 28.14_o pro._n 28.14_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o do_v not_o put_v they_o to_o do_v penance_n in_o hell_n for_o thousand_o of_o year_n or_o do_v some_o extraordinary_a task_n of_o duty_n in_o this_o world_n and_o weep_v out_o their_o eye_n wearing_z out_o their_o knee_n etc._n etc._n 4._o they_o taste_v his_o grace_n in_o that_o he_o not_o only_a command_n but_o invite_v and_o entreat_v they_o to_o come_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v live_v that_o god_n shall_v condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o beseech_v and_o go_v a_o beg_n to_o they_o as_o the_o word_n be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v give_v they_o a_o taste_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o 5._o they_o taste_v it_o in_o this_o that_o god_n incourage_v they_o to_o come_v by_o many_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n isa_n 55.1_o 2_o 3._o matth._n 11.28_o 30_o etc._n etc._n yea_o he_o swear_v to_o they_o as_o he_o live_v that_o
love_v his_o brother_n and_o perhaps_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n speak_v of_o chap._n 5.16_o 19_o be_v mean_v of_o this_o sin_n for_o such_o a_o one_o abide_v in_o death_n chap._n 3.14_o compare_n chap._n 3.7_o 16._o with_o chap._n 5.16_o 19_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o clear_a but_o to_o proceed_v as_o to_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n viz_o that_o babe_n love_v the_o brethren_n it_o be_v clear_o manife_v by_o this_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o minister_v to_o their_o necessity_n as_o occasion_n opportunity_n and_o ability_n give_v they_o leave_v to_o do_v the_o apostle_n boast_v of_o his_o corinthian-babe_n that_o he_o know_v the_o forwardness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o boast_v of_o their_o readiness_n to_o this_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 9.1_o 2._o and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew-babe_n tell_v they_o chap._n 6.10_o that_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v their_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o they_o have_v show_v to_o his_o name_n in_o that_o they_o have_v minister_v and_o do_v continue_v to_o minister_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o upon_o this_o score_n he_o be_v persuade_v such_o good_a thing_n of_o they_o as_o accompany_v and_o contain_v salvation_n verse_n 9_o of_o so_o great_a a_o esteem_n be_v this_o grace_n of_o love_n warrant_v and_o adjust_v by_o minister_a to_o the_o saint_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n for_o which_o jesus_n christ_n say_v come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o why_o lord_n for_o i_o be_v hungry_a etc._n etc._n and_o you_o minister_v to_o i_o in_o do_v it_o to_o i_o matth._n 25.34_o 40._o this_o labour_n of_o love_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n i_o may_v enlarge_v on_o this_o theme_n but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v touch_v it_o and_o now_o that_o babe_n may_v behold_v themselves_o in_o this_o glass_n i_o shall_v sum_v up_o their_o attainment_n and_o character_n brief_o thus_o they_o have_v the_o foundation_n lay_v they_o be_v newborn_a and_o do_v eat_v milk_n in_o obey_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o accompany_v or_o contain_v salvation_n though_o not_o enough_o to_o a_o well-being_n here_o or_o to_o have_v a_o entrance_n minister_v to_o they_o abundant_o in_o heaven_n as_o other_o saint_n have_v they_o have_v all_o constitute_v and_o essential_a grace_n as_o repentance_n faith_n love_n though_o not_o in_o so_o perfect_a a_o degree_n as_o the_o other_o class_n have_v they_o press_v forward_o after_o their_o manner_n in_o desire_n to_o grow_v though_o they_o can_v run_v the_o race_n yet_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n they_o press_v after_o to_o follow_v the_o other_o saint_n though_o slow_o as_o the_o poet_n say_v of_o ascanius_n sequitur_fw-la non_fw-la passibus_fw-la aequis_fw-la and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v pace_n with_o they_o this_o be_v their_o picture_n the_o draught_n of_o their_o attainment_n the_o particular_a feature_n and_o lineament_n whereof_o be_v describe_v before_o in_o their_o respective_a place_n to_o which_o i_o reser_fw-ge you_fw-mi i_o must_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v they_o their_o desectiveness_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o saint_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v as_o carnal_a that_o i_o may_v provoke_v they_o to_o jealousy_n and_o emulation_n and_o thereby_o to_o perfection_n iii_o of_o the_o babe_n defectiveness_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o saint_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v as_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n 1._o of_o their_o defectiveness_n and_o wherein_o they_o fall_v short_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o high_a class_n of_o saint_n that_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o father_n and_o young_a man_n who_o be_v strong_a saint_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o take_v up_o much_o time_n or_o many_o word_n to_o declare_v because_o it_o be_v so_o obvious_o know_v and_o easy_o grant_v by_o all_o but_o that_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o little_a child_n be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o to_o evince_v the_o character_n of_o little_a child_n be_v that_o they_o know_v the_o father_n viz._n to_o be_v their_o father_n 1_o joh._n 2.13_o but_o the_o babe-child_n the_o infant_n of_o attainment_n as_o well_o as_o day_n the_o suck_a child_n that_o be_v say_v only_o with_o milk_n though_o he_o have_v a_o father_n and_o a_o father_n that_o provide_v for_o he_o yet_o he_o know_v he_o not_o to_o be_v his_o father_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n professor_n be_v but_o babe_n and_o their_o usual_a way_n of_o address_n to_o god_n be_v as_o the_o god_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o creator_n and_o sometime_o as_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n the_o promiser_n but_o seldom_o not_o above_o twice_o as_o a_o collective_a body_n address_v to_o god_n as_o their_o father_n the_o place_n where_o they_o do_v so_o address_n be_v isa_n 63.16_o and_o 64.8_o both_o which_o be_v rather_o prophecy_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o than_o assertion_n of_o what_o they_o do_v do_v as_o some_o conceive_v and_o in_o this_o latter_a they_o address_v to_o he_o as_o a_o father_n viz_o a_o maker_n and_o sovereign_n as_o appear_v by_o call_v themselves_o the_o clay_n and_o god_n the_o potter_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o to_o prevent_v a_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o prodigal_n who_o do_v at_o first_o address_n to_o god_n as_o his_o father_n i_o will_v go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o in_o my_o father_n house_n it_o may_v be_v in_o this_o sense_n of_o a_o creator_n as_o in_o dent._n 32.6_o beside_o i_o may_v say_v that_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o representative_a of_o a_o return_v back-slide_a 22.32_o luk._n 22.32_o rather_o than_o of_o a_o convert_n at_o the_o very_a first_o and_o though_o return_v also_o be_v a_o conversion_n and_o work_n much_o like_o what_o it_o do_v at_o the_o very_a first_o yet_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o a_o former_a relation_n which_o be_v not_o whole_o cut_v off_o as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o return_v israel_n in_o hâ—s_n 1.7_o jer._n 3.1_o 5._o where_o they_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o they_o though_o they_o have_v be_v call_v by_o he_o lâ—ammi_n not_o my_o people_n and_o almost_o divorce_v by_o he_o which_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v sâ—or_a a_o while_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o disciple_n be_v but_o as_o babe_n for_o they_o know_v not_o the_o father_n job_n 14.6_o 11._o and_o 〈…〉_o they_o to_o pray_v our_o father_n yet_o it_o be_v long_a ere_o they_o have_v learned_a to_o ask_v of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n joh._n 16.23_o 24._o or_o to_o know_v their_o union_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o so_o often_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v and_o enjoy_v more_o at_o that_o day_n what_o day_n viz._n when_o he_o be_v ascend_v to_o the_o father_n for_o than_o it_o be_v my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n joh._n 20.17_o and_o the_o spirit_n descend_v from_o the_o father_n the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o be_v give_v till_o christ_n be_v glorify_v job_n 7.39_o say_v christ_n at_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v know_v 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o iâ—_n you_o which_o yet_o you_o know_v not_o though_o it_o be_v so_o joh._n 14.20_o in_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v ask_v i_o nâ—â—ing_v very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o chap._n 16.23_o and_o verse_n 25._o the_o time_n come_v viz._n that_o day_n when_o i_o shall_v no_o more_o speak_v to_o you_o in_o parable_n but_o show_v you_o plain_o of_o the_o father_n and_o again_o verse_n 26._o in_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n and_o according_o after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o do_v usual_o cry_v abba_n father_n rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o they_o address_v to_o god_n as_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n our_o father_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o pâ—â—ces_n more_o than_o too_o many_o to_o be_v quote_v here_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n even_a assurance_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n of_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n 1_o joh._n 1.3_o which_o for_o a_o great_a while_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o this_o then_o be_v the_o conclusion_n which_o i_o draw_v from_o these_o premise_n thaâ—_n 1._o the_o babe-saint_n though_o they_o have_v interest_n in_o and_o
example_n for_o a_o warrant_n and_o think_v he_o be_v edify_v thereby_o when_o alas_o it_o be_v to_o his_o loss_n and_o detriment_n 1_o cor._n 8.9_o 13._o 5._o acquaint_v the_o babe_n with_o your_o experience_n as_o paul_n do_v 2_o cor._n 1.6_o 10._o and_o with_o satan_n device_n as_o he_o do_v 1_o cor._n 7.5_o 2_o cor._n 2.11_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o babe_n have_v but_o little_a skill_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_n between_o impression_n from_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n especial_o if_o satan_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n israel_n of_o old_a be_v to_o tell_v the_o story_n to_o and_o write_v a_o history_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o and_o amalek_n against_o they_o for_o after_o age_n and_o to_o instruct_v the_o child_n how_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o the_o father_n so_o do_v you_o let_v the_o little_a child_n tell_v story_n of_o the_o father_n love_n the_o young_a man_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o father_n of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n how_o god_n overthrow_v pharaoh_n lead_v they_o through_o the_o wilderness_n seek_v for_o and_o provide_v for_o they_o from_o heaven_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o good_a land_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v time_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o babe_n who_o case_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v exhort_v babe_n unto_o i._o to_o be_v glad_a that_o they_o be_v babe_n ii_o to_o be_v humble_v that_o they_o be_v but_o babe_n iii_o to_o press_v after_o be_v more_o than_o babe_n 1._o to_o be_v glad_a that_o they_o be_v babe_n newborn_a and_o in_o christ_n jesus_n glad_a alas_o there_o be_v no_o comfort_n for_o i_o who_o be_o but_o a_o babe_n no_o yes_o but_o there_o be_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o babe_n though_o but_o a_o babe_n it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o thou_o as_o carnal_a but_o as_o a_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o least_o work_n of_o god_n be_v great_a consolation_n to_o the_o least_o of_o saint_n viz._n to_o babe_n consider_v whether_o this_o be_v nothing_o 1._o that_o thou_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o first_o resurrection_n viz._n from_o be_v dead_a and_o lose_v in_o sin_n thou_o be_v call_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o be_v call_v his_o son_n and_o as_o such_o bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n the_o work_n be_v begin_v thou_o be_v newborn_a and_o eat_v milk_n the_o foundation_n be_v lay_v and_o be_v this_o nothing_o who_o know_v to_o what_o a_o great_a tree_n this_o little_a mustardseed_n of_o grace_n may_v grow_v the_o babe_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o cradle_n may_v become_v a_o father_n in_o israel_n and_o be_v this_o nothing_o he_o that_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n will_v lay_v the_o top-stone_n and_o thou_o shall_v cry_v out_o with_o shout_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o god_n be_v not_o like_o the_o foolish_a builder_n he_o have_v cast_v up_o his_o cost_n and_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o finish_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v he_o will_v not_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o mock_v as_o one_o that_o lay_v a_o foundation_n begin_v to_o build_v but_o can_v not_o finish_v it_o though_o thou_o be_v a_o knotty_a piece_n yet_o he_o will_v fit_v thou_o for_o thy_o place_n and_o perfect_a that_o which_o concern_v thou_o for_o this_o work_n be_v not_o only_o that_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o be_v this_o nothing_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o believe_v as_o psal_n 138.7_o 8._o 2._o thou_o be_v not_o only_o bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n but_o he_o have_v draw_v thou_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o though_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n yet_o even_o there_o be_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n thou_o be_v bewilder_v and_o thy_o motion_n be_v full_a of_o wind_n and_o turn_n now_o forward_o and_o then_o backward_o almost_o to_o egypt_n again_o that_o thou_o seem_v to_o wander_v rather_o than_o to_o walk_v or_o to_o go_v a_o journey_n true_a but_o yet_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o way_n and_o god_n be_v lead_v thou_o to_o his_o holy_a hill_n mount_n zion_n it_o be_v observable_a how_o different_o the_o condition_n of_o israel_n and_o so_o thou_o be_v express_v psal_n 107.4_o with_o 7._o in_o the_o 4._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v they_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o in_o the_o 7._o verse_n it_o be_v say_v he_o lead_v they_o forth_o in_o the_o 4._o verse_n it_o be_v call_v a_o solitary_a way_n but_o in_o the_o 7._o verse_n it_o be_v call_v the_o right_a way_n in_o the_o 4._o verse_n they_o find_v not_o and_o despair_v to_o find_v any_o city_n to_o dwell_v in_o yet_o verse_n 7._o that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o a_o city_n of_o habitation_n so_o it_o be_v with_o thou_o poor_a soul_n and_o notwithstanding_o thy_o unbelief_n and_o murmur_n yet_o he_o hold_v thy_o soul_n in_o life_n and_o when_o thou_o be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a he_o provide_v food_n and_o drink_v convenient_a for_o thou_o and_o thy_o clothes_n shall_v nor_o wear_v out_o 3._o thy_o be_v a_o babe_n have_v more_o of_o encouragement_n than_o discouragement_n in_o it_o thy_o be_v a_o babe_n in_o christ_n be_v more_o to_o thy_o safety_n than_o thy_o be_v as_o carnal_a be_v to_o thy_o danger_n though_o it_o must_v be_v thy_o sorrow_n babe_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o saint_n not_o of_o a_o carnal_a man_n and_o it_o make_v more_o for_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o babe_n than_o it_o do_v against_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v as_o carnal_a be_v it_o nothing_o to_o thy_o joy_n that_o thou_o be_v bear_v though_o thou_o be_v not_o yet_o clothe_v with_o a_o robe_n nor_o kiss_v with_o thy_o father_n lip_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o prodigal_n that_o he_o be_v alive_a than_o against_o he_o that_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o come_v home_o without_o rag_n even_o naked_a and_o bare_a it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o disciple_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a than_o against_o they_o that_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o as_o to_o our_o babe_n their_o be_v we_o do_v more_o endear_v they_o to_o we_o than_o their_o be_v froward_a and_o peevish_a do_v disengage_v we_o to_o they_o and_o though_o the_o elder_a brother_n charge_v his_o father_n as_o guilty_a of_o a_o indiscreet_a and_o partial_a fondness_n to_o make_v so_o much_o of_o a_o prodigal_n yet_o he_o still_o own_v it_o as_o meet_v that_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a 4._o though_o thou_o be_v as_o carnal_a yet_o on_o conviction_n of_o this_o thy_o carnality_n thou_o be_v angry_a with_o it_o and_o thyself_o and_o do_v repent_v and_o abhor_v thyself_o as_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o corinthians_n babe_n be_v no_o soon_o convince_v of_o they_o but_o they_o make_v the_o apostle_n glad_a by_o their_o sorrow_n see_v their_o sorrow_n wrought_v repentance_n never_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o because_o it_o be_v to_o salvation_n 2_o cor._n 7._o yea_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o incestuous_a person_n himself_o 2_o cor._n 2.4_o 7._o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o ingenuous_a repentance_n pronounce_v they_o clear_a and_o he_o a_o person_n to_o be_v comfort_v now_o the_o same_o consolation_n belong_v to_o thou_o if_o thou_o do_v likewise_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v in_o thy_o new_a nature_n to_o do_v it_o when_o ever_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o sin_n and_o i_o can_v safe_o tell_v thou_o that_o sin_n repent_v of_o as_o they_o be_v will_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n 5._o though_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o babe_n yet_o god_n have_v some_o praise_n from_o thou_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o have_v more_o from_o other_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o have_v some_o from_o thou_o thou_o do_v help_v to_o perfect_v his_o praise_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o burden_n of_o these_o poor_a soul_n that_o they_o be_v such_o unprofitable_a servant_n not_o only_o as_o other_o be_v in_o that_o they_o do_v but_o their_o duty_n but_o alas_o in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v their_o due_o but_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v god_n glorify_v when_o much_o fruit_n be_v bring_v forth_o but_o as_o for_o we_o say_v they_o we_o bring_v forth_o but_o little_a it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o thy_o mite_n of_o grace_n give_v a_o measure_n of_o glory_n all_o the_o good-ground_n hearer_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o some_o more_o than_o other_o matth._n 13.8_o when_o the_o pharisee_n be_v displease_v at_o the_o hosanna_n ascribe_v to_o christ_n by_o little_a one_o and_o be_v angry_a with_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o rebuke_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a
verse_n 16._o with_o heb._n 1.5_o wherefore_o come_v cut_v from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o viz._n into_o my_o favour_n embrace_n and_o bosom_n and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n to_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v treat_v according_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v christ_n himself_o anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n heb._n 1.9_o and_o as_o any_o of_o his_o be_v conformable_a to_o he_o in_o the_o separation_n which_o love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o hatred_n of_o iniquity_n make_v the_o more_o be_v they_o like_v to_o be_v anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o their_o fellow_n 5._o god_n usual_o give_v out_o manifestation_n and_o assurance_n of_o love_n to_o such_o of_o his_o as_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o and_o this_o he_o give_v they_o as_o a_o preparation_n thereunto_o christ_n jesus_n have_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n a_o little_a before_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n the_o apostle_n have_v the_o spirit_n send_v to_o prepare_v they_o for_o do_v great_a thing_n than_o they_o have_v do_v in_o christ_n time_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o paul_n have_v so_o early_a a_o assurance_n of_o his_o election_n and_o be_v dear_o belove_v of_o god_n be_v because_o he_o be_v present_o to_o go_v about_o great_a undertake_n and_o to_o undergo_v great_a suffering_n act_n 9.15_o 16._o so_o that_o he_o in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n in_o a_o few_o day_n pass_v from_o the_o babe-state_n to_o that_o of_o a_o little_a child_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o that_o of_o a_o youngman_n saint_n which_o few_o so_o sudden_o do_v but_o on_o such_o a_o occasion_n as_o this_o thus_o have_v i_o discover_v some_o of_o they_o i_o can_v say_v all_o for_o there_o be_v no_o confine_v nor_o limit_v of_o god_n to_o who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v as_o a_o father_n to_o call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o form_n of_o babe_n and_o to_o place_v they_o in_o the_o second_o high_o form_n that_o of_o child_n and_o to_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n that_o they_o may_v say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n though_o i_o can_v say_v for_o who_o of_o we_o god_n will_v do_v this_o yet_o according_a to_o these_o precedent_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o if_o we_o be_v find_v among_o this_o number_n we_o shall_v in_o due_a and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n know_v the_o father_n but_o i_o must_v proceed_v to_o show_v something_o more_o large_o how_o he_o be_v thus_o make_v know_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o spirit_n chap._n ii_o continue_v and_o enlarge_v show_v how_o they_o come_v to_o know_v the_o father_n by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o five_o section_n sect_n i._o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n i_o begin_v to_o show_v how_o they_o come_v to_o know_v the_o father_n or_o which_o be_v equivalent_a and_o all_o one_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o dear_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v by_o not_o bare_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o but_o after_o and_o over_o and_o above_o that_o by_z the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o they_o clear_v up_o that_o work_n to_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o spirit_n rom._n 8.18_o here_o be_v two_o witness_n and_o both_o spirit_n that_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o know_a witness_n this_o thing_n may_v be_v establish_v our_o spirit_n affirm_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n confirm_v our_o spirit_n know_v what_o act_n and_o working_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o by_o we_o our_o spirit_n affirm_v that_o such_o repentance_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v in_o we_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v wrought_v according_a to_o god_n our_o spirit_n by_o itself_o can_v tell_v without_o and_o until_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o with_o 1_o cor._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v some_o account_n above_o in_o this_o and_o more_o in_o the_o former_a treatise_n of_o babe_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o saint_n for_o babe_n have_v it_o not_o though_o they_o have_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v assure_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o assurance_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o their_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n that_o run_v parallel_n with_o saintship_n as_o have_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v none_o of_o he_o that_o be_v true_a rom._n 8.9_o but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o we_o may_v be_v he_o though_o we_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o for_o we_o be_v his_o before_o we_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o witness_n do_v not_o make_v we_o so_o but_o the_o spirit_n find_v we_o to_o be_v his_o do_v witness_n and_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v he_o the_o witness_n do_v not_o make_v we_o but_o manifest_v we_o to_o be_v and_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o the_o text_n and_o thing_n itself_o be_v clear_a plain_a and_o full_a rom._n 8.16_o that_o which_o be_v witness_v to_o must_v be_v before_o it_o be_v witness_v unto_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o text_n more_o to_o confirm_v this_o ephes_n 1.13_o 14._o where_o this_o be_v evident_a and_o apparent_a that_o as_o they_o hear_v before_o they_o believe_v so_o they_o believe_v before_o they_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n and_o which_o we_o have_v a_o little_a before_o we_o have_v this_o seal_n and_o earnest_n so_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n gal._n 3.26_o before_o we_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o be_v child_n and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o joh._n 5.10_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o as_o if_o every_o believer_n have_v it_o yet_o i_o have_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n to_o say_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o st._n john_n perhaps_o write_v not_o to_o babe_n but_o to_o all_o the_o high_a form_n of_o child_n youngman_n and_o father_n and_o all_o these_o indeed_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o themselves_o but_o 2._o if_o we_o take_v in_o all_o babe_n among_o the_o rest_n it_o may_v also_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v witness_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o assurance_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o three_o witness_n in_o earth_n in_o we_o below_o agree_v in_o one_o as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o three_o witness_n in_o heaven_n be_v one_o ver._n 7_o 8._o yet_o all_o three_o do_v not_o give_v out_o their_o witness_n all_o at_o once_o the_o water_n and_o blood_n may_v and_o do_v witness_n before_o the_o spirit_n do_v yet_o again_o 3._o the_o witness_n in_o himself_o may_v be_v understand_v and_o i_o think_v most_o proper_o of_o that_o which_o be_v witness_v which_o be_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o by_o and_o in_o his_o son_n verse_n 11._o and_o according_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v both_o the_o son_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o himself_o verse_n 12._o it_o be_v already_o begin_v in_o every_o believer_n though_o every_o one_o have_v not_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o thirteen_o verse_n therefore_o 2._o i_o infer_v that_o this_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o bare_o or_o only_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o something_o add_v thereunto_o and_o superad_v thereupon_o beyond_o the_o gracious_a qualification_n which_o be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.22_o 23._o whether_o it_o be_v a_o light_n shine_v upon_o their_o grace_n and_o make_v they_o clear_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o application_n of_o some_o one_o or_o other_o promise_v make_v to_o such_o grace_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v some_o immediate_a eradiation_n and_o beam_a forth_o of_o love_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o matter_n not_o it_o may_v be_v by_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o way_n let_v i_o a_o little_a illustrate_v it_o
word_n than_o there_o be_v to_o express_v it_o significant_o this_o work_n can_v be_v word_v it_o be_v such_o a_o experience_n as_o come_v not_o under_o expression_n all_o the_o eluquence_n in_o the_o world_n can_v acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o honey_n so_o well_o as_o the_o taste_n can_v and_o do_v do_v it_o be_v like_o the_o new_a name_n which_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o a_o stranger_n do_v not_o intermiddle_a with_o this_o joy_n and_o as_o none_o know_v it_o but_o he_o have_v have_v it_o so_o he_o that_o have_v it_o can_v make_v it_o know_v as_o he_o have_v it_o 〈◊〉_d single_a witness_n that_o of_o a_o man_n own_o conscience_n afford_v so_o much_o joy_n as_o the_o apostle_n find_v it_o do_v 2_o cor._n 1.12_o what_o incomparable_a joy_n must_v that_o be_v which_o flow_v from_o a_o double_a witness_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o joyful_a sound_n it_o be_v such_o music_n as_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o leap_v and_o dance_v for_o joy_n hos_n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o they_o be_v babe_n and_o under_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n but_o now_o they_o sing_v like_o the_o child_n that_o have_v hear_v the_o joyful_a sound_n of_o the_o silver_n trumpet_n proclaim_v love_n and_o peace_n in_o their_o youth_n they_o sing_v when_o god_n have_v proclaim_v they_o his_o son_n and_o first-born_a and_o call_v they_o his_o son_n out_o of_o egypt_n 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o joy_n yet_o consistent_o enough_o they_o blush_v and_o be_v ingenuous_o ashamed_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o former_a sinfulness_n which_o make_v they_o unworthy_a of_o such_o favour_n yea_o worthy_a to_o have_v be_v child_n of_o wrath_n for_o ever_o the_o father_n lip_n be_v no_o soon_o off_o from_o they_o of_o the_o return_v prodigal_n but_o the_o first_o word_n he_o utter_v be_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n luk._n 15.20_o 21._o and_o this_o confession_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o gratitude_n and_o so_o take_v by_o his_o father_n for_o this_o interrupt_v not_o their_o feast_n and_o rejoice_v together_o this_o ingenuity_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o this_o assure_a reconciliation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ezek_n 16.62_o 63._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o jehovah_n viz._n gracious_a and_o merciful_a that_o thou_o may_v remember_v thy_o way_n verse_n 61._o and_o be_v ashamed_a etc._n etc._n but_o when_o this_o when_o i_o be_o pacify_v towards_o thou_o for_o or_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v say_v the_o lord_n 3._o by_o reason_n of_o this_o testimony_n the_o little_a child_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n towards_o and_o with_o god_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n 1_o joh._n 3.21_o but_o how_o much_o more_o when_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o we_o know_v that_o he_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o verse_n 24._o this_o be_v the_o perfect_a of_o love_n viz._n assurance_n be_v love_v with_o we_o make_v perfect_a which_o give_v we_o not_o only_o a_o boldness_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 1_o joh._n 3.21_o 22._o with_o 5.14_o 15._o but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n chap._n 4.17_o for_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n in_o love_n thus_o make_v perfect_a but_o it_o cast_v out_o fear_n and_o fill_v with_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n familiarity_n and_o freedom_n 4._o the_o little_a child_n have_v receive_v this_o testimony_n long_v exceed_o to_o be_v with_o their_o father_n not_o only_o to_o have_v their_o affection_n and_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n but_o to_o be_v personal_o there_o few_o saint_n be_v willing_a to_o die_v that_o be_v but_o babe_n and_o know_v not_o the_o father_n and_o i_o fear_v if_o god_n shall_v not_o take_v they_o to_o heaven_n before_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o die_v i_o say_v i_o doubt_v that_o heaven_n will_v be_v very_o thin_o people_v as_o to_o that_o sort_n of_o his_o people_n but_o when_o they_o have_v get_v assurance_n that_o god_n be_v and_o heaven_n shall_v be_v they_o they_o sing_v their_o nune_n demittis_fw-la with_o the_o reverend_a good_a old_a man_n simeon_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n and_o not_o only_a paul_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 8._o and_o phil._n 1.23_o but_o all_o the_o seed_n that_o have_v receive_v this_o testimony_n 14._o ephes_n 1.13_o 14._o the_o first-fruit_n and_o earnest_n of_o happiness_n do_v sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o long_o yea_o and_o think_v it_o long_o till_o they_o be_v set_v free_a rom._n 8.23_o while_o here_o they_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o self-denial_n that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o stay_v here_o but_o while_o they_o must_v be_v here_o they_o be_v huge_o ambitious_a to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 2_o cor._n 5.9_o and_o to_o serve_v the_o church_n good_a as_o it_o be_v phil._n 1.23_o 24._o they_o be_v sure_a that_o though_o they_o suffer_v with_o christ_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v glorify_v together_o rom._n 8.16_o 17._o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v as_o they_o be_v bid_v hasten_v his_o come_n and_o pray_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o and_o sure_o may_v they_o have_v their_o wish_n either_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o they_o or_o they_o will_v go_v to_o christ_n within_o a_o very_a little_a while_n but_o yet_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o and_o that_o they_o serve_v not_o god_n only_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o his_o glory_n they_o be_v make_v willing_a to_o wait_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o appoint_a time_n though_o it_o be_v a_o warfare_n as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o text_n in_o job_n till_o their_o change_n come_v rom._n 8.23_o 24_o 25._o as_o much_o as_o they_o long_v to_o be_v at_o home_n they_o will_v make_v no_o more_o haste_n than_o good-speed_n this_o much_o of_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o second_o follow_v sect_n 4._o show_v how_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o presumption_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n it_o may_v be_v some_o or_o other_o may_v be_v yet_o fearful_a and_o suspicious_a lest_o they_o shall_v mistake_v and_o be_v deceive_v and_o so_o meet_v with_o the_o true_a misery_n of_o false_a joy_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o devil_n which_o way_n any_o go_v to_o hell_n so_o they_o go_v there_o whether_o through_o the_o common_a road_n and_o dirty_a highway_n of_o profaneness_n immorality_n and_o irreligion_n or_o through_o the_o field_n and_o pleasant_a walk_n of_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n which_o have_v its_o joy_n rapture_n transport_v and_o ecstasy_n too_o for_o the_o evil_a spirit_n do_v ape_n the_o good_a one_o and_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o facile_o and_o undiscernable_o deceive_v he_o put_v on_o the_o garb_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n how_o therefore_o shall_v we_o discern_v whether_o the_o testimony_n which_o we_o think_v we_o have_v be_v sound_a and_o good_a or_o but_o feign_v and_o counterfeit_a i_o confess_v it_o be_v good_a to_o watch_v and_o be_v circumspect_a because_o of_o our_o adversary_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v seldom_o more_o our_o adversary_n than_o when_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v our_o friend_n as_o he_o do_v to_o eve_n and_o to_o christ_n himself_o but_o yet_o they_o that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v secure_a and_o safe_a though_o they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o can_v be_v so_o what_o ever_o presume_v confidence_n they_o may_v entertain_v themselves_o with_o i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v this_o thing_n that_o none_o may_v be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o satan_n or_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o relation_n whereunto_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o rule_n to_o which_o though_o i_o purpose_v not_o to_o speak_v much_o yet_o i_o hope_v to_o speak_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n have_v first_o premise_v this_o one_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v have_v the_o witness_n who_o have_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o they_o can_v have_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o upon_o just_a ground_n and_o we_o do_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o a_o otherwise_o tender-hearted_a christian_n i_o say_v if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v
and_o the_o son_n righteousness_n in_o our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v be_v nothing_o that_o god_n and_o christ_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o that_o we_o may_v admire_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n &_o glorify_v his_o son_n jesus_n for_o ever_o and_o for_o ever_o the_o best_a admiration_n be_v those_o which_o spring_n from_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o but_o saint_n languid_a &_o piteous_a devotion_n but_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o knowledge_n be_v strong_a and_o vigorous_a and_o therefore_o do_v the_o spirit_n bear_v witness_n that_o our_o admiration_n devotion_n and_o adoration_n may_v be_v such_o it_o be_v to_o endear_v god_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v love_v he_o the_o more_o and_o serve_v he_o the_o better_a that_o he_o may_v be_v not_o only_o the_o dear_a for_o his_o mercy_n but_o dear_a than_o it_o and_o we_o may_v live_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o be_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n yea_o and_o that_o to_o come_v too_o in_o eternity_n i_o may_v add_v that_o this_o witness_n design_n to_o wean_v we_o from_o this_o world_n that_o we_o may_v put_v the_o scorn_n upon_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o flesh_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o live_v above_o above_o the_o grandeur_n and_o gallantry_n pride_n and_o pomp_n pleasure_n and_o prettiness_n of_o this_o world_n i_o say_v that_o we_o may_v live_v above_o where_o the_o way_n of_o life_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a so_o wise_a as_o to_o have_v their_o affection_n and_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n thus_o it_o follow_v upon_o our_o text_n 1_o joh._n 2.15_o where_o he_o bespeak_v the_o father_n young_a man_n and_o little_a child_n not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n that_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n include_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o father_n so_o that_o if_o any_o conceit_n themselves_o to_o be_v child_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o admire_v themselves_o grow_v proud_a wanton_a and_o worldly_a mind_v they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o they_o have_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o nor_o this_o witness_n from_o the_o spirit_n god_n child_n be_v of_o another_o world_n while_o in_o this_o and_o they_o that_o know_v he_o to_o be_v their_o father_n live_v like_o man_n of_o another_o world_n in_o this_o psal_n 73.25_o phil._n 3.20_o heb._n 11.13_o 16._o and_o hence_o there_o be_v fair_a way_n make_v for_o i_o to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n viz._n to_o show_v more_o at_o large_a the_o result_n of_o this_o know_v the_o father_n or_o that_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o privilege_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o attainment_n of_o the_o little_a child_n chap._n iii_o show_v the_o privilege_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o little_a child_n in_o know_v the_o father_n in_o four_o section_n sect_n 1._o how_o upon_o have_v receive_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o do_v triumph_n over_o the_o law_n sin_n the_o world_n and_o present_a enjoyment_n i_o have_v declare_v long_o since_o in_o a_o little_a short_a discourse_n in_o print_n call_v the_o triumph_n of_o assurance_n be_v a_o appendix_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o orthodox_n paradox_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n and_o proceed_v to_o discover_v other_o the_o privilege_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o assure_a one_o which_o privilege_n must_v be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a or_o common_a because_o to_o know_v the_o father_n be_v more_o than_o common_a knowledge_n and_o the_o more_o excellent_a the_o knowledge_n the_o more_o excellent_a the_o enjoyment_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o kind_n or_o but_o only_o in_o degree_n that_o which_o i_o shall_v chief_o instance_n in_o be_v the_o great_a privilege_n dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o be_v able_a to_o cry_v abba_n father_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n receive_v into_o and_o witness_v in_o ourselves_o not_o bare_o adoption_n nor_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n but_o by_o it_o to_o cry_v abba_n father_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o according_a to_o rom._n 8.14.15_o 16._o compare_v with_o gal._n 4.1_o 7._o now_o whether_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o we_o know_v the_o father_n i._n e._n that_o we_o be_v his_o child_n or_o something_o precedaneous_a to_o it_o or_o something_o succeed_v it_o and_o follow_v thereupon_o be_v a_o great_a question_n in_o so_o critical_a and_o nice_a a_o thing_n we_o need_v be_v wary_a and_o cautious_a yet_o with_o all_o humble_a submission_n i_o shall_v speak_v what_o i_o think_v to_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o this_o case_n which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n may_v in_o part_n and_o a_o little_a precede_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n do_v the_o sun_n rise_v to_o our_o view_n withal_o that_o more_o of_o it_o may_v come_v and_o appear_v together_o with_o the_o witness_n but_o especial_o and_o chief_o that_o most_o of_o all_o as_o to_o exercise_n use_v and_o comfort_n do_v flow_v from_o the_o witness_n after_o the_o receipt_n thereof_o that_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n do_v act_n most_o in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n cry_v abba_n father_n after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o know_v the_o father_n and_o that_o they_o be_v his_o child_n for_o the_o better_a clear_n hereof_o i_o shall_v from_o compare_v rom._n 8._o with_o gal._n 4._o lay_v down_o several_a gradual_a position_n all_o which_o well_o consider_v will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o the_o decide_n of_o the_o question_n according_a to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v position_n 1._o these_o text_n with_o several_a other_o do_v discover_v the_o great_a advantage_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o gospel_n state_n beyond_o that_o of_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n they_o be_v son_n and_o heir_n but_o under_o age_n i._n e._n babe_n gal._n 4.1_o the_o heir_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v a_o babe_n so_o the_o word_n be_v and_o verse_n 3._o so_o we_o while_o we_o be_v babe_n so_o the_o word_n be_v there_o also_o which_o we_o render_v child_n yea_o they_o be_v son_n by_o adoption_n or_o by_o grace_n act_v 15.11_o for_o none_o have_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n any_o other_o way_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n but_o under_o the_o law_n they_o be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n more_o than_o of_o adoption_n and_o differ_v not_o from_o servant_n gal._n 4.1_o be_v under_o bondage_n verse_n 3._o and_o receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n till_o the_o redemption_n by_o christ_n be_v over_o verse_n 4_o 5._o and_o till_o they_o receive_v the_o filiation_n or_o son_n ship_n by_o adoption_n thus_o manifest_v they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o son_n crying_z abba_n father_n verse_n 6._o and_o after_o this_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v servant_n verse_n 7._o that_o be_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v son_n and_o heir_n as_o babe_n only_o which_o differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n verse_n 1._o and_o become_v son_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n chap._n 3._o from_o 23._o to_o the_o end_n the_o state_n under_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n of_o bondage_n the_o law_n be_v call_v a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n gal._n 5.1_o and_o they_o under_o it_o be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n which_o in_o the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a slavish_a and_o cowardly_a spirit_n of_o fear_n oppose_v to_o that_o of_o power_n love_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n 2_o tim._n 1.7_o this_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n be_v usual_o interpret_v to_o signify_v a_o slavish_a frame_n of_o heart_n whereby_o the_o jew_n like_o slave_n and_o superstitious_a person_n do_v serve_v god_n out_o of_o fear_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o deny_v their_o religion_n at_o the_o best_a be_v call_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o unto_o it_o that_o they_o do_v serve_v god_n not_o only_o from_o fear_n or_o out_o of_o fear_n but_o that_o they_o be_v afraid_a and_o under_o bondage_n though_o they_o do_v serve_v god_n their_o service_n do_v not_o free_v they_o from_o fear_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o suffer_a death_n and_o hell_n notwithstanding_o their_o service_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o jesus_n christ_n take_v