through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n so_o here_o he_o say_v it_o be_v give_v at_o first_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o 6._o then_o christ_n be_v save_o know_v and_o so_o save_v grace_n wrought_v when_o the_o heart_n consent_v to_o he_o call_v in_o his_o word_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o way_n to_o it_o they_o may_v quit_v their_o part_n of_o glory_n who_o come_v not_o to_o christ_n to_o be_v make_v virtuous_a or_o gracious_a and_o holy_a for_o he_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n verse_n 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n both_o the_o mean_n of_o work_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o save_a work_n iâ—_n here_o further_o clear_v the_o mean_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n contain_v such_o worthy_a and_o 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the_o apostle_n press_v in_o the_o next_o place_n verse_n 5._o and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n 6._o and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n 7._o and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n to_o the_o end_n that_o this_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n describe_v in_o the_o preface_n may_v thrive_v the_o apostle_n do_v here_o serious_o exhort_v gracious_a 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o to_o give_v more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n that_o they_o may_v see_v every_o grace_n draw_v forth_o to_o exercise_n and_o kthe_v in_o fruit_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o reckon_v forth_o a_o number_n of_o these_o grace_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o a_o christian_n growth_n do_v consist_v hence_o learn_v 1._o even_o they_o who_o discern_v in_o themselves_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o know_v the_o privilege_n speak_v of_o before_o to_o be_v they_o be_v not_o now_o to_o sit_v down_o idle_a and_o satisfy_v but_o to_o be_v the_o more_o active_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o holy_a duty_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n beside_o this_o that_o you_o have_v precious_a faith_n and_o promise_n and_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v all_o diligence_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o ordinary_a diligence_n wherewith_o most_o professor_n satisfy_v themselves_o that_o will_v be_v blessed_v to_o make_v a_o thrive_a christian_a but_o such_o as_o go_v through_o all_o mean_n and_o wait_v upon_o all_o opportunity_n of_o profit_v that_o their_o ability_n and_o calling_n will_v permit_v they_o to_o follow_v and_o get_v the_o flower_n of_o a_o christian_n wit_n affection_n and_o time_n which_o be_v here_o call_v all_o diligence_n so_o a_o christian_n end_n in_o be_v thus_o diligent_a must_v not_o be_v his_o own_o credit_n before_o other_o or_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o conscience_n only_o but_o that_o the_o exercise_n and_o fruit_n of_o one_o grace_n may_v be_v still_o add_v to_o another_o and_o so_o christ_n may_v be_v honour_v in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 3._o save_v faith_n which_o gripe_v christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o strength_n and_o daily_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o both_o must_v be_v hold_v fast_o and_o renew_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o all_o that_o will_v thrive_v in_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o be_v fit_a for_o any_o duty_n if_o either_o we_o lose_v the_o grip_n of_o faith_n or_o do_v not_o frequent_o renew_v they_o we_o can_v thrive_v in_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v faith_n here_o make_v the_o first_o stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v add_v add_v to_o your_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 4._o with_o the_o maintain_n and_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o save_a faith_n a_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v must_v so_o mind_v his_o duty_n as_o that_o he_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o near_a disposition_n for_o it_o for_o no_o less_o be_v signify_v by_o virtue_n than_o the_o work_a habit_n of_o every_o grace_n which_o keep_v a_o christian_a in_o such_o a_o fitness_n for_o do_v or_o suffer_v that_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o they_o either_o of_o they_o be_v lovely_a to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n ready_a for_o they_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v elsewhere_o the_o have_v of_o the_o heart_n at_o the_o right-hand_a eccl._n 10.2_o and_o stand_v with_o the_o loin_n gird_v eph._n 6.14_o and_o here_o be_v call_v add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n 5._o there_o be_v more_o than_o this_o readiness_n of_o disposition_n for_o duty_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o grow_a christian_a even_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a reason_n to_o time_n and_o manage_v duty_n wise_o that_o as_o the_o heart_n lie_v to_o duty_n there_o may_v be_v skill_n to_o go_v about_o it_o with_o prudence_n and_o circumspection_n as_o the_o word_n knowledge_n here_o signify_v which_o be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o virtue_n 6._o because_o there_o remain_v in_o the_o best_a many_o immoderate_a and_o unruly_a affection_n and_o passion_n which_o as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o exceed_v bound_n even_o about_o lawful_a object_n so_o the_o excess_n of_o they_o do_v darken_v reason_n indispose_v the_o heart_n for_o duty_n mar_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o hinder_v all_o the_o former_a three_o therefore_o a_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v must_v labour_v to_o have_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o he_o such_o a_o command_n over_o his_o passion_n of_o anger_n fear_n grief_n etc._n etc._n and_o over_o his_o affection_n of_o love_n joy_n and_o the_o like_a
especial_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n which_o right_a reason_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n do_v prescribe_v to_o they_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o add_v to_o knowledge_n temperance_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n whereby_o a_o christian_n passion_n and_o affection_n be_v hold_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sanctify_a reason_n 7._o because_o all_o that_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n may_v expect_v trial_n and_o cross_n in_o it_o therefore_o must_v a_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v labour_n for_o a_o rational_a and_o willing_a submission_n to_o these_o know_v that_o he_o deserve_v worse_a that_o they_o may_v come_v from_o love_n and_o work_v together_o for_o his_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a upon_o which_o scripture-ground_n believer_n christian_a patience_n be_v build_v which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a 8._o the_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v must_v never_o conceit_v himself_o to_o be_v above_o the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v the_o external_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o must_v conscionable_o wait_v upon_o these_o not_o rest_v upon_o the_o outside_n of_o they_o but_o look_v especial_o to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o go_v about_o they_o for_o so_o much_o do_v this_o woâ—d_n godliness_n signify_v be_v distinguish_v from_o inward_a grace_n and_o duty_n to_o our_o neighbour_n as_o here_o it_o be_v 9_o a_o thrive_a christian_n must_v with_o his_o godliness_n make_v conscience_n of_o duty_n to_o his_o neighbour_n especial_o of_o entertain_v a_o kindly_a and_o tender_a affection_n towards_o all_o who_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o esteem_v child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n with_o himself_o and_o kith_v this_o affection_n to_o weak_a and_o strong_a by_o sympathize_v with_o they_o in_o trouble_n supply_v their_o necessity_n edify_v their_o soul_n and_o every_o way_n study_v to_o promote_v their_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o ability_n which_o be_v to_o add_v to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n 10._o the_o duty_n of_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v all_o confine_v to_o the_o saint_n only_o but_o if_o we_o will_v prove_v ourselves_o grow_v christian_n we_o must_v thirst_v after_o and_o endeavour_v the_o true_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o all_o to_o who_o our_o prayer_n or_o pain_n may_v be_v profitable_a within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o call_n which_o be_v to_o add_v to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n a_o grace_n the_o exercise_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n press_v upon_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o man_n gal._n 6.10_o 1_o thess_n 3.12_o verse_n 8._o for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n because_o even_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o these_o grace_n be_v ready_a to_o become_v lazy_a and_o too_o content_v with_o their_o measure_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o 16._o vers_fw-la do_v by_o many_o move_a argument_n labour_v to_o rouse_v they_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o the_o study_n of_o growth_n the_o first_o motive_n be_v from_o the_o advantage_n thereof_o that_o the_o christian_a in_o who_o these_o grace_n be_v and_o be_v in_o lively_a exercise_n and_o growth_n shall_v never_o be_v without_o work_n as_o the_o word_n here_o translate_v barren_a do_v proper_o signify_v nor_o shall_v his_o work_n be_v without_o such_o fruit_n as_o shall_v manifest_v for_o his_o own_o comfort_n and_o god_n honour_n &_o the_o good_a of_o other_o that_o he_o do_v save_o know_v and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o own_o lord_n therefore_o the_o growth_n and_o exercise_v of_o grace_n be_v much_o to_o be_v study_v hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o most_o unquestionable_a duty_n have_v need_v to_o be_v press_v upon_o christian_n by_o many_o argument_n for_o what_o we_o do_v most_o easy_o assent_v to_o in_o judgement_n we_o be_v oftentimes_o most_o careless_a of_o in_o practice_n therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n multiply_v motive_n to_o press_v this_o one_o clear_a duty_n that_o gracious_a person_n ought_v to_o study_v growth_n in_o grace_n 2._o even_o these_o of_o who_o the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v charitable_a that_o they_o be_v gracious_a ought_v notwithstanding_o to_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o trial_n both_o concern_v the_o truth_n and_o growth_n of_o their_o grace_n therefore_o even_o these_o who_o be_v before_o speak_v to_o as_o have_v precious_a faith_n and_o other_o grace_n be_v here_o put_v to_o try_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o they_o and_o abound_v 3._o though_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n be_v in_o and_o from_o christ_n as_o the_o treasure_n and_o fountain_n thereof_o yet_o it_o be_v real_o inherent_a in_o the_o regenerate_v as_o the_o subject_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v try_v and_o labour_n to_o see_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o we_o from_o christ_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o approven_v way_n to_o try_v the_o reality_n and_o growth_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o wit_n a_o christian_n activity_n in_o command_v duty_n and_o his_o fruitfulness_n in_o his_o conversation_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o here_o the_o apostle_n put_v they_o to_o try_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o they_o and_o abound_v which_o he_o say_v they_o will_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n 5._o as_o grace_n may_v be_v in_o the_o habit_n and_o seed_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v not_o lively_a and_o grow_a so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o be_v of_o it_o in_o we_o but_o the_o liveliness_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o that_o make_v a_o christian_a busy_a and_o bear_v the_o fruit_n of_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n edify_v and_o supply_v other_o and_o the_o like_a which_o fruit_n will_v kith_v in_o some_o measure_n where_o grace_n be_v and_o be_v in_o vigour_n and_o will_v evidence_n a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 9_o but_o he_o that_o lack_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v far_o off_o and_o have_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v purge_v from_o his_o old_a sin_n the_o second_o motive_n to_o diligence_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v take_v from_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o want_n or_o decay_v of_o these_o grace_n those_o that_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o save_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n mention_v be_v utter_o blind_a in_o all_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o can_v be_v take_v up_o with_o any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o present_a world_n and_o so_o do_v declare_v that_o they_o undervalue_v that_o great_a privilege_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n which_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o profession_n they_o do_v seem_v and_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v yea_o and_o even_o those_o in_o who_o these_o grace_n real_o be_v but_o be_v under_o a_o decay_n and_o without_o exercise_n they_o be_v so_o far_o blind_a in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o intent_n upon_o thing_n worldly_a that_o they_o do_v for_o the_o time_n walk_v as_o if_o they_o have_v forget_v their_o pardon_n concern_v both_o which_o the_o apostle_n argument_n may_v be_v understand_v and_o have_v force_n to_o move_v all_o to_o diligence_n and_o the_o study_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n hence_o learn_v 1._o how_o sharp-sighted_a soever_o graceless_a soul_n may_v be_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o back_n and_o belly_n and_o this_o present_a world_n yet_o till_o christ_n make_v a_o gracious_a change_n upon_o they_o they_o can_v see_v nothing_o of_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o perish_v the_o worth_n of_o salvation_n or_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v fly_v to_o he_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o service_n and_o so_o make_v preparation_n for_o death_n and_o eternity_n for_o he_o that_o lack_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afaâ—_n off_o 2._o while_o folk_n be_v of_o this_o temper_n and_o way_n however_o they_o may_v be_v esteem_v pardon_v soul_n by_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v such_o yet_o by_o their_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o this_o present_a life_n and_o make_v
a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n general_n of_o peter_n by_o alexander_n nisbet_n minister_n at_o irwin_n joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o for_o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v edinburgh_n print_v by_o christopher_n higgins_n in_o harts-close_a over_o against_o the_o throne_n church_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1658._o to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n god_n who_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v and_o who_o way_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o his_o path_n in_o great_a water_n do_v so_o in_o all_o age_n order_n the_o holy_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o however_o our_o eye_n be_v soon_o daâ—led_v and_o our_o weak_a judgement_n soon_o confound_v in_o study_v thereof_o yet_o his_o holy_a purpose_n 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worship_v he_o and_o though_o he_o do_v let_v loose_v many_o â—_z upon_o his_o vineyard_n which_o threaten_v to_o consume_v all_o yet_o not_o only_o will_v it_o he_o find_v in_o and_o that_o very_a enemy_n be_v but_o instrument_n to_o execute_v his_o purpose_n and_o to_o do_v only_o what_o his_o hand_n and_o counsel_n determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v in_o due_a time_n give_v meat_n out_o of_o such_o eater_n and_o make_v the_o letting-loose_a of_o error_n and_o trouble_n contribute_v to_o draw_v his_o people_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n more_o cordial_o and_o lay_v up_o their_o treasure_n where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v but_o he_o can_v and_o do_v also_o carrion_a his_o work_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o servant_n amid_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n and_o cause_v his_o wall_n to_o be_v build_v even_o in_o troublous_a time_n herein_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v very_o ample_a proof_n of_o his_o magnify_a mercy_n towards_o his_o church_n in_o this_o island_n who_o though_o he_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v exercise_v with_o such_o variety_n of_o distemper_n confusion_n and_o error_n as_o if_o all_o the_o locust_n of_o the_o bottomlesse-pit_n be_v let_v loose_a upon_o we_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v his_o singular_a favour_n in_o that_o he_o not_o only_o continue_v his_o truth_n among_o we_o hide_v we_o and_o it_o in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n and_o preserve_v a_o ministry_n who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o own_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o call_v but_o that_o he_o stir_v up_o and_o enable_v so_o many_o according_a to_o the_o talent_n they_o have_v receive_v to_o lay_v forth_o themselves_o for_o propagate_a of_o knowledge_n truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o a_o orthodox_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o catechism_n and_o a_o directory_n for_o worship_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n so_o we_o may_v say_v that_o no_o age_n have_v have_v great_a help_n for_o vindicate_v and_o clear_v the_o truth_n we_o profess_v and_o for_o help_a christian_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o as_o some_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o communicate_v the_o labour_n of_o foreign_a a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n general_n of_o peter_n the_o argument_n although_o this_o apostle_n be_v in_o a_o very_o mean_v external_a condition_n before_o his_o call_n mat._n 4_o 18._o and_o want_v not_o his_o manifold_a fail_n thereafter_o mat._n 16.22_o and_o 26.70_o gal._n 2.14_o yet_o by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v honour_v to_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o christ_n great_a glory_n on_o earth_n mat._n 17.1_o and_o of_o his_o sad_a suffering_n mat._n 26.27_o to_o convert_v many_o thousand_o soul_n act._n 2.41_o to_o write_v this_o excellent_a scripture_n and_o to_o die_v a_o martyr_n 2_o pet._n 1.14_o compare_v with_o joh._n 21.18_o 19_o all_o which_o consideration_n of_o he_o may_v serve_v to_o commend_v to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n deliver_v by_o he_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o christian_a jew_n of_o who_o he_o have_v get_v a_o special_a charge_n gal._n 2.7_o and_o of_o who_o conversion_n he_o have_v be_v a_o prime_a instrument_n act._n 2.9_o etc._n etc._n the_o special_a occasion_n of_o his_o writing_n to_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o strain_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n the_o prevail_a of_o error_n and_o some_o decay_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n among_o they_o together_o with_o the_o present_a opportunity_n of_o a_o sin_n messenger_n to_o carry_v the_o epistle_n 1_o pet._n 5.12_o who_o have_v a_o calling_n to_o interpret_v and_o public_o to_o explain_v the_o same_o to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 1.19_o his_o principal_a scope_n be_v to_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o truth_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o constancy_n and_o cheerfulness_n under_o their_o suffering_n for_o it_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o adorn_v their_o profession_n by_o a_o holy_a walk_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v 1_o pet._n 5.12_o where_o he_o resume_v his_o scope_n in_o this_o epistle_n with_o 2_o pet._n 3.1_o where_o he_o express_v his_o scope_n in_o both_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v three_o in_o the_o first_o after_o the_o preface_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o the_o apostle_n give_v such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o excellent_a spiritual_a condition_n of_o believer_n as_o may_v provoke_v they_o to_o joy_n under_o their_o sad_a suffering_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o these_o duty_n of_o holiness_n which_o he_o press_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o this_o be_v to_o the_o 13._o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 1._o chap._n the_o second_o part_n contain_v several_a exhortation_n with_o motive_n press_v the_o same_o to_o such_o duty_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o most_o excellent_a state_n do_v oblige_v all_o christian_n unto_o whatsoever_o their_o relation_n or_o condition_n be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v to_o the_o 13._o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 2._o chap._n in_o the_o three_o part_n the_o apostle_n press_v such_o duty_n of_o holiness_n as_o be_v suitable_a for_o christian_n consider_v under_o their_o civil_a domestic_a or_o church_n relation_n and_o especial_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v to_o the_o 10._o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 5._o chap._n after_o which_o be_v the_o close_a of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n chap._n i._n the_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v two_o in_o the_o first_o after_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o the_o apostle_n incite_v suffer_v christian_n to_o praise_n god_n by_o raise_v the_o song_n before_o they_o wherein_o he_o make_v clear_a how_o excellent_a their_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v and_o hold_v forth_o what_o reason_n they_o have_v from_o it_o of_o chearfulnesse_n and_o constancy_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n to_o wit_n 1._o their_o regeneration_n ver_fw-la 3._o 2._o their_o matchless_a inheritance_n ver_fw-la 4._o 3._o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o perseverance_n ver_fw-la 5._o 4._o the_o shortness_n and_o 5._o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n ver_fw-la 6._o 6._o their_o spiritual_a advantage_n by_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o trial_n of_o their_o grace_n especial_o of_o their_o faith_n ver_fw-la 7._o 7._o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o by_o trial_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v sound_n
oftentimes_o a_o burden_n to_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n jer._n 23.33_o yet_o must_v not_o the_o lord_n minister_n weary_a to_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n to_o they_o not_o know_v when_o life_n and_o power_n from_o god_n may_v accompany_v that_o truth_n to_o their_o heart_n which_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v they_o before_o and_o as_o often_o slight_v by_o they_o see_v philip._n 3.1_o for_o this_o apostle_n press_v the_o same_o truth_n upon_o the_o hebrew_n which_o he_o know_v paul_n have_v press_v before_o upon_o they_o and_o upon_o all_o other_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n which_o be_v all_o intend_a for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o also_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n speak_v in_o they_o of_o these_o thing_n 2._o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n so_o to_o express_v some_o part_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o his_o word_n that_o the_o sharpest-sighted_a will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o nor_o easy_o take_v up_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o that_o all_o that_o study_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v make_v humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o blindness_n earnest_n in_o employ_v christ_n for_o his_o spirit_n and_o may_v be_v quicken_v to_o pain_n in_o meditation_n compare_v one_o scripture_n with_o another_o and_o the_o use_n of_o other_o command_v mean_n that_o after_o the_o use_n of_o all_o any_o insight_n they_o get_v in_o place_n former_o dark_a to_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o esteem_v of_o for_o there_o be_v in_o paul_n epistle_n some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 3._o although_o no_o man_n without_o special_a illumination_n from_o god_n can_v saving_o take_v up_o any_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o yet_o iâ—_n there_o much_o of_o the_o lord_n mind_n reveal_v therein_o in_o itself_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o who_o humble_o depend_v upon_o christ_n teach_v in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o mean_n so_o that_o the_o simple_a who_o desire_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o may_v save_v and_o comfort_v their_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hinder_v or_o discourage_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v only_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v import_v that_o there_o be_v therein_o many_o thing_n plain_a and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v 4._o those_o truth_n which_o be_v most_o dark_o propound_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v if_o man_n will_v serious_o exercise_v their_o wit_n about_o they_o and_o humble_o employ_v christ_n for_o understanding_n as_o the_o saint_n have_v do_v psal_n 119.33_o 34_o 97._o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v only_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a import_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n plain_a but_o also_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v 5_o although_o humane_a learning_n be_v sanctify_v in_o the_o use_n thereof_o may_v prove_v a_o bless_a mean_n of_o fit_v man_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n dan._n 1.17_o act._n 7.22_o and_o 22.3_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o want_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o any_o obscurity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o cause_v man_n dangerous_o to_o mistake_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o man_n will_v not_o become_v humble_a disciple_n of_o christ_n renounce_v their_o own_o wit_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n teach_n for_o the_o word_n here_o in_o the_o original_a unlearned_a be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o scripture_n act._n 4.13_o to_o signify_v the_o want_n of_o humane_a literature_n but_o it_o be_v a_o word_n that_o signify_v to_o be_v undisciple_v or_o not_o teach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o sense_n they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n 6._o another_o special_a cause_n of_o wrest_v and_o mistake_v these_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v that_o man_n labour_v not_o to_o fix_v themselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n love_n and_o practice_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v plain_a but_o have_v their_o heart_n distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v unstable_a in_o this_o sense_n that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n 7._o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o force_v they_o to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o in_o defence_n of_o vile_a error_n or_o profane_a practice_n for_o there_o be_v a_o metaphor_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v wrest_v take_v from_o those_o who_o by_o torture_n labour_n to_o compel_v the_o innocent_a to_o speak_v against_o their_o mind_n 8._o they_o that_o wrest_v one_o plate_n of_o scripture_n will_v ready_o wrest_v many_o more_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o one_o error_n and_o another_o as_o there_o be_v between_o one_o truth_n and_o another_o for_o they_o that_o wrest_v paul_n epistle_n they_o wrest_v also_o other_o scripture_n 9_o the_o hazard_n of_o man_n force_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o the_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o everlasting_a destruction_n of_o they_o that_o do_v it_o for_o they_o that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n verse_n 17._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n the_o five_o use_n of_o the_o apostle_n former_a doctrine_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o constancy_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o since_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o forewarn_v of_o their_o spiritual_a danger_n and_o inform_v concern_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o wary_a lest_o they_o be_v draw_v away_o from_o that_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v through_o the_o lord_n grace_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n establish_v hence_o learn_v 1._o clear_a forewarning_n of_o spiritual_a danger_n and_o information_n concern_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o do_v lay_v upon_o the_o lord_n people_n strong_a obligation_n to_o watchfulness_n it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o guiltiness_n if_o after_o these_o they_o be_v ensnare_v for_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o foreknowledge_n they_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o his_o former_a doctrine_n a_o special_a motive_n to_o watchfulness_n wherefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v 2._o there_o be_v no_o error_n nor_o temptation_n so_o gross_a that_o have_v overtake_v other_o whereof_o those_o that_o be_v dear_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v so_o much_o fear_n as_o to_o make_v they_o very_o strict_a in_o watch_v lest_o they_o be_v ensnare_v with_o the_o same_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o these_o in_o their_o unmortified_a part_n beloved_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a 3._o although_o the_o lord_n people_n can_v neither_o total_o nor_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o truth_n or_o holiness_n joh._n 17.11_o 12._o yet_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n establish_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o practice_n of_o holy_a duty_n may_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fall_v from_o both_o as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o warning_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_n 4._o the_o possibility_n of_o believer_n fall_v for_o a_o time_n shall_v provoke_v they_o to_o much_o circumspection_n and_o as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v to_o keep_v very_o strict_a watch_n over_o themselves_o which_o exercise_n the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o his_o people_n preservation_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v let_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_n 5._o the_o lord_n people_n have_v a_o steadfastness_n proper_a to_o themselves_o which_o no_o hypocrite_n can_v attain_v unto_o whereby_o they_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n not_o for_o the_o applause_n or_o example_n of_o other_o or_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n whatsoever_o but_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v to_o know_v and_o their_o heart_n renew_v to_o believe_v and_o love_v the_o truth_n for_o its_o own_o worth_n and_o for_o his_o authority_n that_o reveal_v it_o for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v beware_v lest_o you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o proper_a steadfastness_n verse_n 18._o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o six_o and_o last_o use_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n of_o a_o continual_a growth_n and_o progress_n in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n press_v as_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o he_o press_v in_o the_o former_a use_n to_o wit_n steadfastness_n and_o close_v with_o a_o song_n of_o praise_n to_o jesus_n christ_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o maintain_v that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v but_o they_o must_v labour_v to_o find_v the_o lively_a exercise_n and_o daily_a growth_n of_o every_o grace_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v to_o steadfastness_n in_o what_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v do_v add_v this_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n 2._o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v a_o special_a preservative_n from_o apostasy_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n to_o keep_v what_o we_o have_v attain_v except_o it_o be_v improven_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o grow_a hand_n mat._n 25.29_o for_o this_o exhortation_n be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a as_o a_o special_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o steadfastness_n grow_v in_o grace_n etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o that_o will_v have_v grace_n to_o thrive_v in_o their_o heart_n must_v labour_v for_o a_o daily_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n in_o their_o mind_n concern_v christ_n sovereignty_n his_o office_n and_o the_o benefit_n we_o have_v by_o he_o for_o as_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v here_o press_v as_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o steadfastness_n so_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n be_v press_v as_o a_o special_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o growth_n in_o grace_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o have_v any_o right_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o break_v forth_o some_o way_n in_o his_o praise_n and_o to_o ascribe_v glory_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o 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and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la