Selected quad for the lemma: knowledge_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
knowledge_n faith_n know_v revelation_n 1,335 5 9.6714 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A35753 XLIX sermons upon the whole Epistle of the Apostle St. Paul to the Colossians in three parts / by ... Mr. John Daille ...; Sermons. English. Selections Daillé, Jean, 1594-1670.; F. S. 1672 (1672) Wing D114; ESTC R13556 714,747 490

There are 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

will_n in_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n but_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v to_o say_v very_o abundant_o and_o in_o so_o great_a and_o 〈◊〉_d a_o measure_n as_o none_o of_o the_o part_n none_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o this_o divine_a ability_n be_v want_v to_o they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o when_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o have_v all_o faith_n to_o signify_v so_o high_a and_o raise_v a_o measure_n of_o it_o as_o no_o kind_n and_o no_o degree_n of_o faith_n be_v want_v such_o be_v well-beloved_a brethren_n the_o ardent_a and_o affectionate_a prayer_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v continual_o for_o these_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o be_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o this_o knowledge_n may_v form_v in_o they_o a_o exquisite_a sageness_n and_o spiritual_a prudence_n it_o remain_v that_o to_o end_v we_o brief_o touch_v at_o the_o principal_a lesson_n we_o be_v to_o take_v out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o our_o manner_n first_o you_o see_v how_o far_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o rome_n the_o apostle_n will_v that_o the_o faithful_a do_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o this_o knowledge_n rome_n teach_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v better_a define_v by_o ignorance_n than_o by_o knowledge_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o have_v and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o implicit_a faith_n as_o they_o call_v it_o which_o without_o know_v aught_o its_o self_n refer_v its_o self_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o the_o apostle_n will_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v endow_v with_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n rome_n sear_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o this_o and_o desire_v that_o without_o know_v or_o understand_v aught_o themselves_o they_o leave_v this_o whole_a study_n to_o their_o curate_n content_v themselves_o with_o say_v they_o believe_v what_o the_o church_n believe_v not_o know_v mean_a time_n what_o it_o believe_v indeed_o darkness_n be_v not_o more_o contrary_a to_o light_n than_o this_o pretend_a faith_n to_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n their_o practice_n be_v conform_v to_o their_o doctrine_n for_o they_o hide_v the_o scripture_n from_o their_o people_n the_o sacred_a and_o authentic_a evidence_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o live_n and_o teem_a source_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o heavenly_a understanding_n and_o if_o in_o their_o service_n they_o repeat_v any_o passage_n of_o it_o they_o repeat_v they_o in_o a_o strange_a language_n that_o their_o people_n may_v hear_v it_o and_o not_o understand_v it_o faithful_n sir_n thank_v god_n for_o that_o he_o have_v withdraw_v you_o from_o this_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n enjoy_v with_o gratitude_n the_o light_n he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o learn_v in_o the_o brightness_n thereof_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o head_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o true_a wisdom_n make_v account_n that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n the_o entrance_n of_o eternity_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o celestial_a life_n without_o it_o how_o will_v you_o love_v god_n since_o none_o love_v what_o he_o know_v not_o without_o it_o how_o will_v you_o obey_v god_n since_o to_o obey_v he_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o to_o do_v his_o will_n without_o it_o how_o will_v you_o resist_v the_o enemy_n how_o will_v you_o free_v yourselves_o from_o his_o wile_n how_o will_v you_o discern_v his_o imposture_n from_o divine_a truth_n judge_n what_o account_v the_o apostle_n make_v of_o it_o since_o it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n he_o ask_v of_o god_n for_o these_o colossian_n who_o he_o so_o ardent_o affect_v if_o you_o will_v attain_v the_o salvation_n to_o which_o he_o direct_v they_o have_v that_o which_o he_o with_o so_o much_o passion_n desire_v in_o they_o remember_v you_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n of_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o word_n the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o comforter_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o understanding_n 1._o deut._n 33._o isai_n 1._o and_o that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a reproach_n god_n ever_o make_v to_o his_o israel_n be_v the_o calling_z they_o a_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a that_o have_v neither_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n and_o since_o you_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n demand_v of_o god_n this_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o the_o colossian_n address_v yourselves_o also_o to_o that_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o come_v down_o hither_o every_o good_a gift_n press_v he_o importune_v he_o quit_v he_o not_o till_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o mystery_n to_o you_o till_o he_o have_v lighten_v your_o eye_n and_o your_o heart_n to_o make_v you_o see_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o wisdom_n but_o unto_o prayer_n add_v also_o study_n read_v and_o hear_v his_o word_n careful_o meditate_v it_o both_o here_o and_o at_o home_n render_v it_o familiar_a to_o you_o common_a of_o it_o with_o your_o neighbour_n and_o instruct_v your_o child_n in_o it_o as_o i_o grant_v this_o labour_n be_v unprofitable_a without_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o i_o maintain_v that_o with_o it_o it_o be_v most_o efficacious_a paul_n will_v preach_v to_o lydia_n in_o vain_a if_o god_n do_v not_o open_v her_o heart_n but_o if_o god_n set_v to_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o paul_n labour_v for_o it_o and_o to_o attract_v this_o save_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n join_v unto_o prayer_n the_o offering_n of_o your_o alm_n the_o perfume_n of_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n make_v use_n of_o what_o you_o know_v manage_v these_o first_o fruit_n of_o light_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v already_o employ_v the_o talon_n that_o have_v be_v give_v you_o and_o the_o master_n will_v give_v you_o on_o it_o other_o great_a how_o will_v you_o he_o shall_v communicate_v new_a grace_n to_o people_n that_o so_o vile_o abuse_v the_o first_o you_o know_v his_o will_n and_o do_v that_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh_n he_o ●●th_v make_v you_o a_o present_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o you_o drag_v it_o in_o the_o dirt_n he_o have_v mark_v you_o with_o his_o seal_n and_o you_o foul_a they_o in_o the_o ordure_n of_o vice_n you_o impudent_o bear_v his_o livery_n into_o the_o debauch_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o heaven_n be_v as_o ardent_a as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o generation_n after_o the_o dissoluteness_n of_o the_o time_n god_n forbid_v that_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n shall_v lodge_v in_o heart_n so_o profane_a it_o be_v a_o jewel_n too_o precious_a to_o shine_v otherwhere_o than_o in_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o pure_a and_o holy_a soul_n so_o far_o will_v you_o be_v from_o increase_a your_o light_n if_o you_o change_v not_o manner_n that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o this_o little_a which_o remain_v and_o let_v you_o return_v into_o egypt_n to_o live_v once_o more_o in_o its_o miserable_a darkness_n but_o god_n keep_v we_o from_o so_o great_a a_o unhappiness_n my_o brethren_n well-beloved_a and_o to_o prevent_v it_o let_v we_o in_o good_a earnest_n convert_v we_o unto_o he_o renounce_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n live_v in_o a_o exemplary_a purity_n and_o honesty_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_v abound_v in_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o after_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o this_o life_n receive_v we_o in_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o other_o unto_o the_o vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o his_o glory_n so_o be_v it_o and_o unto_o he_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n the_o true_a god_n bless_v for_o ever_o be_v all_o honour_n and_o praise_n amen_n the_o iv_o sermon_n col_fw-fr i._o ver._n x_o xi_o verse_n x._o that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_o as_o be_v beseem_v the_o lord_n unto_o the_o please_a of_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n fructify_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god._n xi_o be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o glory_n unto_o all_o sufferance_n and_o patience_n of_o mind_n with_o joy_n philosopher_n both_o pagan_a and_o christian_n do_v common_o divide_v the_o science_n into_o two_o sort_n the_o speculative_a which_o seek_v only_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o subject_n rest_v in_o it_o when_o they_o have_v once_o acquire_v it_o without_o pretend_v any_o further_o and_o the_o practical_a which_o aim_v at_o action_n and_o consider_v thing_n
link_v he_o either_o with_o the_o world_n or_o with_o superstition_n and_o this_o verity_n that_o our_o heart_n can_v have_v true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n but_o in_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o error_n itself_o when_o it_o be_v press_v home_n be_v constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o after_o sufficient_a dispute_n about_o the_o merit_n of_o its_o work_n and_o large_a boast_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o its_o satisfaction_n and_o of_o the_o value_n of_o its_o pontifical_a indulgence_n 7._o bellarmin_n of_o justif_a i._o 5._o c._n 7._o and_o of_o the_o intercession_n of_o its_o saint_n it_o confess_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n the_o safe_a course_n be_v to_o put_v all_o our_o confidence_n in_o the_o sole_a mercy_n of_o god._n in_o other_o case_n which_o concern_v our_o divertisement_n only_o i_o think_v a_o man_n may_v sometime_o without_o blame_n choose_v the_o long_a and_o most_o hazardous_a way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o folly_n without_o doubt_n not_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a since_o by_o your_o own_o confession_n my_o doctrine_n or_o rather_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o safe_a suffer_v i_o to_o hold_v to_o it_o and_o to_o pity_v your_o imprudence_n who_o do_v amuse_v the_o world_n with_o that_o which_o yourself_o confess_v to_o have_v less_o of_o safety_n and_o more_o of_o hazard_n in_o it_o but_o i_o return_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v say_v that_o he_o combate_v for_o these_o faithful_a people_n that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v comfort_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o charity_n their_o seducer_n trouble_v their_o union_n and_o cast_v in_o a_o new_a doctrine_n among_o they_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o contention_n ruin_v their_o fraternal_a concord_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v draw_v they_o into_o diversity_n of_o mind_n from_o whence_o arise_v contrariety_n of_o affection_n it_o be_v therefore_o also_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o this_o disorder_n and_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o union_n in_o charity_n among_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v so_o great_a a_o conflict_n for_o as_o the_o sea_n abide_v peaceable_a and_o unite_a during_o a_o calm_a but_o rise_v all_o in_o wave_n that_o violent_o dash_v on_o one_o another_o when_o the_o wind_n begin_v to_o bluster_v so_o false_a teacher_n which_o be_v as_o the_o wind_n and_o gust_n of_o hell_n do_v no_o soon_o fall_v upon_o a_o church_n but_o they_o disturb_v its_o peace_n and_o put_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o commotion_n part_v they_o asunder_o mutiny_v they_o and_o make_v they_o miserable_o clash_v with_o each_o other_o to_o their_o common_a ruin_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o enemy_n but_o s._n paul_n teach_v we_o here_o that_o the_o mutual_a conjunction_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o charity_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o consolation_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o end_n say_v he_o that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v comfort_v they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o love_n indeed_o what_o joy_n and_o what_o comfort_n can_v a_o good_a soul_n have_v in_o the_o trouble_n of_o division_n consider_v withal_o that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a source_n of_o our_o joy_n do_v not_o communicate_v himself_o to_o any_o but_o such_o as_o have_v a_o true_a charity_n who_o abide_v conjoin_v in_o his_o body_n by_o the_o land_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o fame_n and_o love_n in_o fine_a the_o three_o benefit_n which_o the_o apostle_n desire_v to_o preserve_v among_o the_o colossian_n and_o their_o neighbour_n be_v the_o abound_v of_o a_o full_a and_o a_o assure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v join_v in_o charity_n and_o in_o all_o riches_n of_o certainty_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o god_n and_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n this_o order_n be_v well_o worth_a the_o note_n for_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v rank_v together_o here_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o the_o first_o depend_v upon_o the_o second_o and_o the_o second_o upon_o the_o three_o consolation_n upon_o union_n in_o charity_n and_o union_n in_o charity_n upon_o knowledge_n this_o last_o be_v as_o the_o first_o degree_n upon_o which_o charity_n be_v raise_v up_o and_o charity_n as_o the_o second_o which_o sustain_v the_o three_o to_o wit_n consolation_n of_o these_o three_o jewel_n one_o can_v be_v have_v without_o the_o other_o and_o as_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v be_v enjoy_v without_o the_o sweetness_n of_o charity_n so_o charity_n can_v be_v have_v without_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o simple_o name_v that_o knowledge_n which_o he_o desire_v in_o the_o faithful_a he_o describe_v it_o in_o stately_a manner_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a and_o intimate_v as_o he_o proceed_v the_o principal_a quality_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v which_o he_o brief_o comprise_v in_o these_o word_n all_o the_o riches_n of_o full_a certainty_n of_o understanding_n that_o be_v to_o express_v this_o hebrew_n phrase_n in_o the_o idiom_n of_o our_o own_o language_n all_o abundance_n of_o understanding_n with_o full_a assurance_n and_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v have_v therefore_o first_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v understanding_n that_o be_v that_o he_o do_v perceive_v and_o see_v in_o the_o clearness_n of_o celestial_a light_n those_o verity_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o not_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o comprehend_v they_o all_o and_o penetrate_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o to_o the_o bottom_n for_o be_v the_o most_o of_o they_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a this_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o of_o they_o because_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n every_o moment_n to_o be_v delude_v and_o to_o take_v the_o vain_a tradition_n of_o man_n for_o thing_n teach_v of_o god._n whence_o appear_v how_o far_o that_o hoodwinked_a faith_n wherewith_o our_o adversary_n do_v content_a themselves_o be_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o believer_n this_o faith_n if_o interrogated_a about_o evangelical_n truth_n refer_v itself_o to_o the_o church_n in_o it_o be_v ignorant_a all_o the_o while_n of_o what_o it_o believe_v and_o consequent_o have_v no_o spark_n of_o understanding_n black_a be_v not_o more_o contrary_a to_o white_a nor_o darkness_n to_o light_v than_o this_o phantasm_n of_o faith_n shall_v i_o say_v or_o of_o ignorance_n to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o require_v in_o we_o he_o will_v have_v the_o faithful_a to_o be_v intelligent_a and_o these_o people_n understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o nay_o do_v boast_n of_o their_o ignorance_n imagine_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o merit_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o faith_n not_o of_o a_o christian_a away_o with_o such_o a_o thought_n nor_o of_o the_o collier_n as_o they_o call_v it_o no_o nor_o of_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o reason_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o brute_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n as_o the_o psalmist_n sing_v second_o the_o apostle_n will_v that_o we_o have_v not_o mere_o understanding_n but_o riches_n yea_o all_o riches_n of_o understanding_n that_o be_v a_o great_a and_o perfect_a abundance_n of_o knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o wealth_n that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o none_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o divine_a truth_n that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o element_n or_o the_o first_o maxim_n of_o it_o only_o but_o all_o the_o inference_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o guide_v our_o life_n and_o to_o guard_v we_o from_o the_o ambush_n of_o satan_n amid_o which_o we_o go_v otherwise_o how_o shall_v we_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n from_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o stranger_n to_o fl●e_v from_o the_o one_o and_o follow_v the_o other_o whereby_o you_o see_v again_o how_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n the_o preach_v and_o practice_n of_o those_o of_o rome_n be_v who_o licence_n their_o people_n to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o do_v blame_v such_o as_o not_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o first_o and_o plain_a lesson_n of_o christianity_n do_v study_v the_o bottom_n of_o this_o save_a wisdom_n outrageous_o decry_v this_o laudable_a affection_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heresy_n and_o hell_n final_o s._n paul_n will_v have_v this_o intelligentness_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o be_v beside_o its_o abound_v with_o a_o entire_a certainty_n and_o assurance_n make_v use_n of_o a_o word_n which_o he_o often_o put_v to_o signify_v a_o full_a and_o a_o assure_a persuasion_n when_o we_o hold_v thing_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v sure_a and_o indubitable_a for_o though_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o lay_v open_a either_o to_o
the_o sense_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n yet_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v so_o evident_a so_o beautiful_a and_o so_o well_o mark_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o cloud_n of_o those_o passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o hide_v it_o from_o we_o be_v remove_v from_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ●t_z beam_n forth_o and_o shine_v into_o our_o heart_n with_o exceed_a brightness_n and_o make_v itself_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v for_o what_o it_o be_v indeed_o thus_o must_v it_o be_v know_v with_o certainty_n and_o not_o with_o doubt_v that_o we_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n 4.14_o ephes_n 4.14_o waver_v and_o carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o by_o their_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v elsewhere_o whereby_o you_o see_v how_o false_a the_o opinion_n of_o rome_n be_v which_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o her_o prelate_n i_o pass_v by_o the_o extreme_a weakness_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o pretend_a foundation_n which_o have_v be_v verify_v by_o a_o thousand_o experiment_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o other_o respect_n this_o be_v manifest_a that_o since_o they_o fasten_v the_o people_n knowledge_n there_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v that_o their_o faith_n ought_v to_o change_v if_o any_o change_n do_v happen_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o prelate_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o then_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a nor_o assure_v nor_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o the_o apostle_n require_v in_o we_o who_o property_n be_v such_o that_o though_o paul_n himself_o or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v the_o contrary_a it_o will_v abide_v not_o withstand_v even_o under_o such_o a_o supposal_n still_o firm_a and_o unmoved_a and_o rather_o anathematise_v apostle_n and_o angel_n from_o heaven_n than_o let_v go_v that_o divine_a verity_n which_o it_o have_v believe_v and_o know_v so_o strong_a be_v the_o sense_n it_o have_v of_o its_o excellency_n but_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o describe_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a faith_n or_o a_o christian_n understanding_n do_v last_o confine_v it_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o its_o true_a subject_n when_o he_o add_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o secret_a of_o our_o god_n and_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n this_o restriction_n be_v necessary_a because_o seducer_n do_v boast_v of_o their_o tradition_n too_o as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o wisdom_n worthy_a of_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o false_a teacher_n against_o who_o the_o apostle_n intend_v to_o dispute_v do_v deal_v in_o such_o manner_n to_o arm_v we_o against_o their_o vanity_n he_o declare_v express_o that_o the_o understanding_n he_o require_v of_o we_o be_v a_o knowledge_n not_o of_o what_o philosopher_n do_v talk_v in_o their_o school_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o of_o what_o seducer_n do_v bring_v forth_o from_o their_o vain_a imagination_n but_o only_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n without_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o error_n and_o folly_n he_o call_v it_o a_o secret_a or_o a_o mystery_n because_o it_o be_v a_o verity_n hide_v with_o god_n and_o incomprehensible_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o we_o have_v say_v otherwhere_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o secret_a of_o god_n our_o father_n both_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o we_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o because_o he_o have_v manifest_v himself_o therein_o discover_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v of_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n for_o attain_v to_o salvation_n he_o add_v in_o the_o end_n and_o of_o christ_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o bring_v this_o holy_a doctrine_n from_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o set_v it_o in_o our_o view_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o that_o also_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o it_o as_o our_o only_a mediator_n without_o who_o conduct_n and_o merit_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o true_a happiness_n it_o be_v of_o this_o mystery_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o the_o apostle_n desire_v the_o colossian_n may_v have_v a_o full_a firm_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n for_o to_o abide_v knit_v together_o by_o charity_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n enjoy_v a_o true_a and_o solid_a consolation_n this_o be_v the_o treasure_n which_o he_o be_v afraid_a lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v it_o be_v to_o preserve_v it_o to_o they_o that_o he_o undergo_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o so_o many_o combat_n dear_a brethren_n his_o desire_n teach_v we_o our_o duty_n since_o we_o aspire_v to_o the_o same_o happiness_n that_o the_o colossian_n afore_o we_o have_v do_v since_o we_o serve_v the_o same_o master_n and_o live_v under_o the_o same_o discipline_n let_v we_o labour_n to_o get_v and_o keep_v for_o ever_o the_o same_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n wish_v they_o god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n offer_v they_o liberal_o to_o we_o and_o the_o fault_n will_v be_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o partake_v of_o they_o ●_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mystery_n he_o present_v we_o the_o treasury_n of_o it_o in_o his_o ho●_n scripture_n this_o source_n of_o light_n be_v not_o shut_v up_o and_o inaccessible_a unto_o you_o as_o it_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o to_o many_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n but_o open_v and_o make_v obvious_a draw_v out_o of_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n reading_z studying_z and_o search_v those_o divine_a book_n night_n and_o day_n we_o do_v not_o envy_v you_o this_o sweet_a and_o happy_a communication_n as_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o adver_n sary_n dea_fw-la with_o their_o flock_n we_o can_v wish_v as_o yerwhile_o moses_n do_v that_o all_o god_n people_n wer●_n prophet_n it_o be_v a_o science_n that_o admit_v all_o age_n all_o sex_n and_o all_o condition_n of_o man_n the_o author_n of_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n have_v so_o temper_v it_o as_o it_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o sort_n of_o person_n there_o be_v in_o it_o deep_n to_o exercise_n and_o humble_v the_o great_a spirit_n there_o be_v facility_n to_o instruct_v and_o content_v the_o least_o it_o be_v a_o abyss_n where_o elephant_n may_v swim_v and_o a_o shallow_a where_o lamb_n may_v wade_v but_o as_o all_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o science_n so_o there_o be_v no_o person_n but_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o it_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o spring_n of_o piety_n the_o root_n of_o sanctity_n the_o seed_n of_o true_a life_n study_v it_o careful_o harken_v to_o the_o teach_n of_o it_o here_o meditate_v on_o it_o at_o home_n with_o deep_a intentiveness_n beseech_v god_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n to_o open_v your_o heart_n and_o write_v his_o doctrine_n in_o they_o content_v not_o yourselves_o with_o have_v learn_v some_o point_n of_o it_o take_v no_o rest_n till_o you_o know_v all_o its_o wonder_n till_o you_o have_v attain_v not_o simple_o understanding_n but_o all_o riches_n of_o understanding_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v urge_v not_o to_o i_o that_o vain_a and_o cold_a excuse_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o that_o you_o be_v not_o minister_n and_o therefore_o need_v not_o be_v so_o know_v these_o colossian_n be_v minister_n no_o more_o than_o you_o and_o yet_o you_o see_v what_o the_o apostle_n do_v desire_n for_o they_o and_o afterward_o he_o will_v enjoin_v that_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n do_v dwell_v plenteous_o in_o they_o in_o all_o wisdom_n why_o be_v you_o less_o expose_v to_o temptation_n for_o your_o not_o be_v minister_n be_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n less_o ardent_a or_o less_o obstinate_a in_o set_v upon_o you_o we_o be_v all_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o war_n and_o have_v all_o need_n of_o the_o same_o arm_n be_v it_o captain_n only_o and_o officer_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v arm_v be_v it_o not_o necessary_a for_o private_a soldier_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o armour_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o public_a magazine_n whence_o both_o one_o and_o the_o other_o shall_v fetch_v it_o but_o that_o it_o may_v do_v you_o service_n at_o your_o need_n this_o knowledge_n must_v be_v also_o deep_o radicate_v in_o your_o heart_n you_o must_v have_v it_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o shall_v not_o slight_o
the_o service_n or_o religious_a worship_n of_o angel_n we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n that_o which_o the_o shortness_n of_o time_n hinder_v we_o from_o explicate_v then_o to_o wit_v the_o mark_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n and_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o their_o error_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n intimation_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v sufficient_a his_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n whoever_o he_o be_v to_o teach_v or_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o this_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o content_a with_o enjoin_v the_o colossian_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o let_v themselves_o be_v master_v over_o by_o these_o pretend_a doctor_n who_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o serve_v angel_n for_o the_o add_v of_o more_o weight_n to_o his_o exhortation_n he_o discover_v to_o they_o those_o seducer_n their_o true_a motive_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o error_n and_o remonstrate_v also_o the_o dismal_a issue_n in_o which_o it_o do_v engage_v they_o for_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v he_o note_v first_o their_o audaciousness_n and_o ignorance_n when_o he_o say_v that_o they_o intrude_v into_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v next_o he_o show_v the_o source_n of_o they_o to_o wit_n their_o foolish_a presumption_n when_o he_o add_v that_o they_o be_v rash_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o flesh_n and_o last_o he_o represent_v we_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o fruit_n and_o success_n wherein_o all_o their_o strive_n do_v terminate_v which_o be_v that_o in_o effect_n by_o their_o glorious_a service_n they_o debauch_v and_o disunit_a man_n from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o true_a and_o only_a head_n of_o believer_n and_o so_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o life_n that_o light_n and_o salvation_n which_o this_o divine_a head_n influx_v into_o the_o member_n of_o his_o mystical_a body_n for_o this_o be_v in_o substance_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o these_o people_n do_v not_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v furnish_v and_o fit_o knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god._n in_o these_o three_o head_n the_o whole_a meaning_n of_o this_o text_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o consist_v wherefore_o if_o it_o please_v god_n we_o will_v examine_v they_o distinct_o one_o after_o another_o and_o in_o the_o apostle_n order_n treat_v first_o of_o these_o seducer_n boldness_n second_o of_o their_o presumption_n and_o last_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o disunit_a of_o man_n from_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o first_o point_n this_o temerity_n to_o intrude_v into_o thing_n one_o have_v not_o see_v be_v ordinary_a enough_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n ever_o since_o the_o venom_n of_o pride_n empoison_v their_o heart_n and_o in_o special_a with_o all_o heretic_n but_o it_o be_v remarkable_a particular_o in_o those_o that_o teach_v the_o service_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o bless_a spirit_n who_o worship_n they_o erect_v be_v of_o a_o nature_n much_o superior_a to_o we_o the_o order_n and_o operation_n whereof_o be_v open_a to_o no_o sense_n of_o we_o but_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o have_v not_o see_v the_o thing_n into_o which_o they_o intrude_v his_o meaning_n be_v not_o simple_o that_o the_o eye_n either_o of_o their_o body_n or_o of_o their_o natural_a reason_n never_o receive_v the_o species_n of_o these_o object_n nor_o apprehend_v or_o conceive_v the_o consequence_n and_o conduct_v of_o their_o be_v but_o moreover_o that_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v by_o the_o word_n or_o revelation_n of_o god_n any_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o affirm_v for_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v above_o our_o sense_n yet_o when_o god_n have_v discover_v they_o to_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v render_v they_o visible_a in_o his_o word_n it_o become_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o know_v they_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o the_o scripture_n too_o do_v call_v the_o knowledge_n that_o we_o have_v of_o they_o this_o way_n a_o sight_n of_o they_o 13.3_o ezek._n 13.3_o thus_o ezekiel_n mean_v when_o he_o reproach_v the_o false_a prophet_n with_o follow_v their_o own_o heart_n when_o they_o have_v see_v nothing_o that_o be_v they_o predict_v and_o assure_v thing_n for_o true_a which_o the_o foolish_a imagination_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n suggest_v to_o they_o though_o in_o truth_n god_n have_v show_v they_o no_o such_o matter_n in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o revelation_n it_o be_v just_a so_o that_o those_o seducer_n do_v who_o the_o apostle_n tax_v in_o this_o place_n they_o dogmatize_v and_o affirm_v it_o as_o a_o clear_a case_n that_o angel_n be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o invocate_v and_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o it_o they_o deliver_v many_o thing_n concern_v their_o nature_n and_o their_o intervention_n between_o god_n and_o we_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o of_o all_o this_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o certainty_n as_o be_v thing_n which_o they_o have_v never_o see_v either_o in_o the_o school_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o god._n all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n necessary_o come_v from_o one_o of_o these_o three_o source_n namely_o either_o from_o sense_n and_o such_o be_v the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n we_o see_v hear_v smell_v touch_n and_o taste_v or_o from_o reason_n and_o so_o do_v humane_a science_n which_o be_v acquire_v or_o form_v by_o discourse_n and_o natural_a reason_n or_o last_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n who_o discover_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n divers_a object_n and_o divers_a verity_n which_o neither_o our_o sense_n nor_o our_o reason_n can_v perceive_v in_o nature_n now_o though_o reason_n do_v cause_n man_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o discern_v some_o principle_n and_o verity_n of_o religion_n yet_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o be_v so_o small_a a_o matter_n and_o withal_o so_o confuse_v and_o imperfect_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v hold_v for_o the_o sole_a assure_a foundation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n signify_v to_o we_o elsewhere_o 10.17.1_o rom._n 10.17.1_o even_o that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god._n when_o therefore_o he_o say_v here_o that_o the_o seducer_n do_v intrude_v into_o thing_n they_o have_v not_o see_v he_o do_v it_o be_v true_a respect_v in_o general_a all_o those_o source_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o absolute_o deny_v that_o these_o man_n have_v by_o they_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n they_o dogmatize_v but_o he_o do_v particular_o refer_v to_o the_o three_o that_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god._n and_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o show_v they_o nor_o make_v they_o see_v by_o his_o word_n any_o of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v and_o will_v set_v up_o in_o the_o religion_n of_o christian_n and_o though_o indeed_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o they_o nevertheless_o they_o discourse_v of_o they_o blindfold_o and_o do_v divulge_v their_o fantasy_n the_o vision_n of_o their_o brain_n and_o dream_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n for_o indubitable_a necessary_a and_o wholesome_a truth_n a_o carriage_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v excellent_o well_o set_v forth_o by_o that_o word_n of_o he_o which_o we_o have_v translate_v intrude_a a_o word_n that_o proper_o signify_v enter_v into_o set_v foot_n on_o and_o march_v forth_o in_o some_o quarter_n as_o in_o ground_n we_o have_v title_n to_o whereby_o he_o note_v out_o the_o vanity_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n who_o do_v not_o mere_o busy_v themselves_o in_o a_o research_n of_o thing_n above_o their_o capacity_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a labour_n but_o also_o dare_v to_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o make_v peremptory_a decision_n about_o they_o so_o go_v above_o ground_n and_o walk_v as_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o vacuum_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n mount_v their_o thought_n unto_o a_o region_n far_o above_o they_o like_o that_o poor_a phrenetick_a of_o who_o the_o poet_n speak_v who_o have_v presume_v to_o enter_v upon_o a_o strange_a element_n and_o fly_v there_o soon_o find_v his_o rashness_n punish_v with_o his_o ruin_n the_o prophet_n make_v use_v of_o a_o like_a phrase_n
be_v the_o only_a source_n thereof_o to_o render_v he_o thanks_o for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o just_a and_o reasonable_a tribute_n this_o liberal_a lord_n demand_v of_o we_o for_o so_o many_o benefit_n as_o he_o communicate_v daily_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o ourselves_o if_o our_o lowness_n and_o poverty_n render_v we_o incapable_a of_o other_o acknowledgement_n let_v we_o at_o least_o faithful_o acquit_v we_o of_o this_o so_o easy_a a_o one_o and_o so_o rightful_a and_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n 13._o psalm_n 116.12_o 13._o what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o benefit_n be_v upon_o i_o i_o will_v take_v the_o cup_n of_o deliverance_n and_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o eternal_a one._n let_v we_o study_v with_o so_o much_o the_o more_o care_n to_o render_v this_o sacred_a due_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o how_o much_o more_o black_a and_o detestable_a the_o ingratitude_n of_o man_n be_v in_o this_o behalf_n far_o from_o blessing_n he_o for_o the_o benefit_n he_o do_v their_o neighbour_n they_o scarce_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o those_o they_o receive_v of_o he_o themselves_o they_o impute_v they_o to_o their_o own_o industry_n or_o fortune_n and_o as_o say_v the_o prophet_n sacrifice_n to_o their_o drag_v for_o the_o good_a success_n that_o betide_v they_o yea_o some_o so_o insensible_a there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v not_o godliness_n itself_o but_o they_o give_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o free_a determination_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o render_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o our_o brethren_n there_o must_v be_v also_o prayer_n for_o they_o for_o as_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v they_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n they_o possess_v so_o there_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o that_o can_v preserve_v or_o augment_v they_o to_o they_o and_o thus_o our_o thanksgiving_n shall_v be_v ever_o follow_v or_o accompany_v with_o petition_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v in_o say_v that_o be_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o colossian_n pray_v always_o for_o they_o the_o title_n he_o give_v to_o god_n call_v he_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o put_v here_o in_o vain_a but_o to_o distinguish_v and_o specify_v the_o object_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n the_o appellation_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n of_o isaac_n and_o of_o jacob_n the_o patriarch_n with_o who_o he_o contract_v the_o old_a covenant_n and_o to_o who_o he_o promise_v the_o new_a now_o his_o name_n be_v the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o he_o have_v abolish_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o accomplish_v the_o new_a beside_o hereby_o st._n paul_n remind_v we_o of_o that_o we_o can_v never_o enough_o meditate_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_a of_o this_o sweet_a and_o charitable_a saviour_n god_n have_v communicate_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v his_o child_n it_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n of_o who_o he_o be_v proper_o the_o father_n have_v not_o adopt_v he_o as_o we_o but_o beget_v he_o from_o all_o eternity_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n by_o reason_n whereof_o that_o also_o which_o he_o assume_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n have_v the_o same_o glory_n according_a to_o what_o the_o angel_n say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o say_v he_o to_o the_o holy_a virgin_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o high_a shall_v overshadow_v thou_o 35._o luke_n 1_o 35._o whence_o also_o that_o holy_a thing_n that_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god._n but_o the_o apostle_n add_v in_o his_o process_n what_o be_v those_o blessing_n of_o the_o colossian_n for_o which_o himself_o and_o timothy_n so_o assiduous_o render_v their_o thanks_o to_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v hear_v speak_v of_o your_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o and_o of_o the_o charity_n you_o have_v towards_o all_o the_o saint_n he_o have_v never_o be_v among_o they_o as_o he_o will_v say_v hereafter_o put_v they_o after_o the_o opinion_n of_o most_o interpreter_n 2.1_o col._n 2.1_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o see_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o flesh_n therefore_o he_o say_v it_o be_v by_o hear_v that_o he_o understand_v of_o their_o faith_n and_o charity_n here_o be_v faithful_a sir_n the_o true_a matter_n of_o our_o joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o our_o neighbour_n not_o that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o vigour_n of_o health_n abundance_n of_o riches_n the_o favour_n of_o the_o great_a the_o glory_n of_o fame_n the_o knowledge_n of_o science_n and_o such_o other_o worldly_a good_a thing_n which_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n be_v but_o figure_n dream_n and_o shadow_n that_o secure_v no_o person_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v either_o from_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n or_o death_n or_o from_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v of_o conscience_n or_o true_a misery_n but_o indeed_o for_o that_o heaven_n have_v reveal_v jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o and_o shed_v into_o their_o soul_n that_o holiness_n without_o which_o none_o shall_v see_v god._n for_o these_o two_o grace_n faith_n and_o charity_n comprise_v within_o their_o compass_n the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o god._n faith_n be_v the_o entrance_n thereof_o and_o charity_n the_o accomplishment_n the_o one_o clear_v our_o understanding_n the_o other_o sanctifi_v our_o affection_n the_o one_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o be_v the_o heat_n thereof_o the_o one_o believe_v and_o the_o other_o love_v the_o one_o begin_v and_o the_o other_o finish_v the_o happiness_n of_o our_o life_n now_o faith_n respect_v indeed_o general_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n believe_v it_o undoubted_o true_a but_o yet_o it_o fix_v particular_o on_o the_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v we_o to_o give_v we_o eternal_a life_n in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n it_o be_v this_o proper_o that_o render_v faith_n save_v and_o vivify_a without_o this_o it_o will_v not_o differ_v at_o all_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o tremble_v at_o it_o but_o this_o love_n of_o god_n which_o it_o apprehend_v and_o embrace_v give_v it_o salvation_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o produce_v in_o we_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o get_v in_o to_o the_o celestial_a kingdom_n according_a to_o the_o assertion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v already_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n that_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n for_o he_o and_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god._n hence_o st._n paul_n to_o describe_v here_o true_a faith_n add_v express_o these_o word_n faith_n in_o jeus_n christ_n he_o show_v we_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o object_n of_o charity_n by_o say_v the_o charity_n you_o have_v towards_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v intimate_v afore_o towards_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o faithful_a i_o confess_v that_o charity_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o man_n general_o there_o be_v none_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v not_o love_n and_o on_o occasion_n the_o office_n which_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a affection_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v since_o all_o man_n be_v the_o work_n and_o image_n of_o god_n since_o in_o adam_n they_o all_o have_v one_o common_a nature_n with_o we_o and_o all_o be_v call_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o eternity_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n which_o without_o distinction_n or_o exception_n invit_v all_o nation_n and_o person_n to_o repentance_n and_o grace_n but_o so_o it_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o charity_n embrace_v not_o all_o man_n equal_o it_o have_v divers_a degree_n in_o its_o affection_n and_o love_v its_o neighbour_n more_o or_o less_o as_o it_o perceive_v more_o or_o less_o in_o they_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o token_n of_o his_o christ_n and_o spirit_n see_v therefore_o they_o appear_v no_o where_n more_o clear_o than_o in_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o true_a believer_n it_o be_v evident_a these_o make_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o object_n of_o charity_n 6.10_o gal._n 6.10_o according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v elsewhere_o let_v we_o do_v good_a to_o all_o but_o principal_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n beside_o that_o union_n we_o have_v with_o they_o a_o much_o more_o strict_a and_o intimate_v one_o than_o with_o any_o other_o their_o necessity_n also_o do_v particular_o oblige_v we_o thereto_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n put_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o such_o
case_n as_o none_o of_o creature_n do_v more_o need_v the_o office_n of_o our_o charity_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o object_n worthy_a of_o the_o affection_n and_o succour_v of_o a_o good_a and_o generous_a soul_n than_o innocence_n hate_v and_o oppress_v unjust_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n note_v here_o by_o name_n the_o charity_n of_o the_o colossian_n towards_o all_o the_o saint_n he_o join_v these_o two_o virtue_n together_o faith_n and_o charity_n because_o in_o effect_n they_o be_v inseparable_a it_o be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o imaginable_a whatsoever_o error_n listen_v to_o say_v of_o it_o that_o man_n shall_v believe_v and_o true_o embrace_v god_n as_o his_o saviour_n in_o jesus_n christ_n without_o love_v he_o and_o his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o sake_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v love_v he_o sincere_o without_o believe_v in_o he_o he_o put_v faith_n before_o charity_n not_o for_o that_o it_o be_v more_o excellent_a on_o the_o contrary_a he_o elsewhere_o open_o give_v the_o advantage_n unto_o charity_n but_o because_o it_o go_v first_o in_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n requisite_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o bless_a root_n whence_o charity_n spring_v forth_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a build_n the_o gate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o second_o creation_n as_o in_o the_o old_a creation_n light_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n he_o create_v so_o in_o the_o new_a one_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n he_o produce_v which_o the_o apostle_n divine_o express_v to_o we_o elsewhere_o 4.6_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o god_n say_v he_o who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o the_o faith_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o colossian_n the_o apostle_n add_v in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o happiness_n that_o be_v keep_v for_o they_o in_o the_o heaven_n for_o the_o hope_n say_v he_o which_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o some_o knit_v these_o word_n with_o what_o he_o have_v now_o say_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o colossian_n and_o understand_v that_o these_o faithful_a people_n labour_v with_o alacrity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o virtue_n for_o the_o hope_n they_o have_v of_o the_o celestial_a crown_n and_o reward_v according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v elsewhere_o of_o moses_n that_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v afflict_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n hebr._n hebr._n than_o to_o enjoy_v for_o a_o little_a time_n the_o delight_n of_o sin_n and_o esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n because_o say_v he_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n and_o he_o teach_v we_o in_o general_a of_o all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n that_o they_o must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v he_o 6._o ibid._n v._o 6._o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o at_o all_o either_o that_o our_o work_n do_v merit_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n or_o that_o our_o affection_n be_v mercenary_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o hope_v but_o for_o what_o we_o merit_v our_o hope_n will_v be_v very_o miserable_a but_o know_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o constant_a we_o hope_v with_o assurance_n for_o the_o bliss_n which_o he_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n promise_v we_o and_o the_o less_o we_o merit_v it_o the_o more_o love_n we_o conceive_v towards_o god_n who_o give_v it_o to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o acknowledgement_n and_o service_n ought_v we_o to_o render_v he_o for_o the_o same_o and_o for_o this_o gratuitous_a salary_n which_o he_o promise_v we_o we_o look_v not_o on_o it_o as_o a_o prey_n after_o which_o we_o hunt_v and_o without_o which_o we_o will_v have_v no_o love_n for_o the_o lord_n but_o as_o a_o excellent_a evidence_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o admirable_a liberality_n that_o love_n of_o god_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n please_v and_o ravish_v we_o most_o of_o all_o and_o which_o inflame_v our_o faith_n our_o zeal_n and_o our_o affection_n to_o the_o service_n of_o so_o good_a and_o amiable_a a_o lord_n though_o then_o we_o shall_v bind_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o colossian_n with_o the_o hope_n they_o have_v of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o but_o what_o be_v conform_v to_o evangelical_n truth_n yet_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o simple_a and_o fluent_a to_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o three_o verse_n where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o colossian_n have_v understand_v their_o faith_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o hope_n he_o add_v now_o which_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o for_o to_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o believer_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o great_a cause_n to_o congratulate_v they_o for_o their_o faith_n and_o charity_n the_o affliction_n which_o they_o draw_v on_o they_o render_v they_o in_o appearance_n the_o most_o miserable_a of_o man_n but_o though_o the_o flesh_n make_v this_o judgement_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n that_o see_v above_o visible_a thing_n the_o crown_n of_o glory_n prepare_v for_o the_o faith_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o faithful_a hold_v they_o for_o the_o happy_a of_o all_o creature_n congratulate_v they_o and_o render_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n he_o have_v communicate_v to_o they_o i_o know_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o your_o piety_n have_v its_o trial_n and_o exercise_n in_o this_o world_n but_o i_o forbear_v not_o to_o bless_v the_o lord_n affectionate_o for_o that_o he_o have_v give_v it_o to_o you_o i_o know_v the_o bliss_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o you_o on_o high_a in_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god._n he_o take_v the_o word_n hope_n here_o as_o often_o elsewhere_o for_o the_o thing_n we_o hope_v for_o to_o wit_n the_o bless_a immortality_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v i_o confess_v we_o possess_v it_o not_o yet_o for_o hope_n be_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o good_a to_o come_v 8.23_o rom._n 8.23_o that_o we_o be_v save_v say_v the_o apostle_n be_v in_o hope_n but_o hope_v that_o a_o man_n see_v be_v not_o hope_n for_o what_o a_o man_n see_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o hope_v for_o but_o this_o good_a though_o absent_a and_o to_o come_v be_v as_o assure_v to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v it_o already_o in_o our_o hand_n the_o apostle_n show_v it_o when_o he_o add_v that_o this_o hope_n be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o it_o be_v a_o treasure_n which_o god_n have_v set_v apart_o have_v full_o prepare_v it_o already_o keep_v it_o faithful_o for_o we_o in_o his_o own_o bosom_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o make_v a_o assure_a account_n thereof_o for_o he_o have_v deposit_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v our_o life_n and_o immortality_n so_o as_o if_o we_o make_v a_o assure_a account_n of_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n of_o probity_n and_o honour_n keep_v in_o trust_n for_o we_o how_o much_o more_o certain_a shall_v we_o be_v of_o the_o life_n and_o glory_n to_o come_v see_v god_n have_v put_v it_o for_o we_o in_o the_o keep_n of_o so_o faithful_a and_o powerful_a a_o depositary_a the_o place_n where_o this_o rich_a treasure_n be_v keep_v deposit_v for_o we_o confirm_v yet_o more_o the_o hope_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o to_o we_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v reserve_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heaven_n fear_v not_o you_o faithful_a your_o bliss_n be_v not_o on_o earth_n where_o the_o thief_n steal_v or_o infidelity_n and_o violence_n make_v spoil_v where_o time_n itself_o ruine_v all_o thing_n where_o crown_n the_o best_a establish_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o thousand_o and_o a_o thousand_o accident_n you_o be_v on_o high_a in_o the_o heaven_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o eternity_n lift_v up_o above_o all_o the_o odd_a variation_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o humane_a thing_n where_o neither_o our_o change_n nor_o the_o cause_n that_o produce_v they_o have_v any_o access_n but_o this_o same_o place_n show_v you_o beside_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o bliss_n you_o hope_v for_o inasmuch_o as_o all_o celestial_a thing_n be_v great_a and_o magnificent_a weakness_n poverty_n and_o imperfection_n lodge_v here_o below_o heaven_n be_v the_o habitation_n of_o glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o fine_a the_o apostle_n touch_v brief_o in_o the_o
last_o word_n of_o this_o text_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o colossian_n have_v conceive_v so_o high_a a_o hope_n of_o which_o say_v he_o you_o have_v hear_v heretofore_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o gospel_n this_o sovereign_a bliss_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heaven_n be_v so_o high_o raise_v above_o nature_n that_o neither_o subtlety_n of_o sense_n nor_o vivacity_n of_o reason_n nor_o even_o the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n can_v discover_v it_o to_o we_o much_o less_o give_v we_o the_o hope_n thereof_o 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o same_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v destroy_v death_n have_v bring_v to_o light_n life_n and_o immortality_n by_o the_o gospel_n before_o this_o they_o be_v either_o entire_o unperceived_a or_o imperfect_o know_v and_o hope_v for_o it_o be_v therefore_o precise_o from_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o draw_v both_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o they_o he_o call_v the_o gospel_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n not_o as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n for_o this_o exposition_n be_v more_o subtle_a than_o solid_a but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o verity_n those_o that_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v mean_a and_o unprofitable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o the_o gospel_n do_v discover_v to_o we_o it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v also_o secret_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o those_o of_o the_o seducer_n which_o still_o recommend_v shadow_n and_o figure_n as_o we_o shall_v hear_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n whereas_o the_o gospel_n present_v we_o the_o substance_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o st._n john_n after_o he_o have_v say_v the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n add_v in_o form_n of_o opposition_n 1.17_o john_n 1.17_o but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n because_o the_o law_n have_v only_o dark_a lineament_n and_o shadow_n whereas_o the_o lord_n jesus_n bring_v we_o the_o lively_a image_n the_o body_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o celestial_a thing_n the_o apostle_n remind_v the_o colossian_n that_o they_o have_v already_o heretofore_o hear_v this_o word_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v to_o protest_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o will_v promote_v no_o novelty_n among_o they_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o confirm_v they_o more_o and_o more_o in_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v with_o faith_n from_o epaphras_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n see_v well_o belove_v brethren_n that_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o you_o for_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o text._n it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o touch_v at_o for_o you_o the_o principal_a point_n we_o shall_v gather_v of_o it_o as_o well_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o the_o consolation_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o for_o faith_n it_o be_v for_o its_o security_n that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o at_o the_o entrance_n he_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n advertise_v we_o by_o this_o quality_n he_o assume_v to_o receive_v no_o doctrine_n into_o our_o belief_n which_o have_v not_o be_v annunciate_v by_o these_o great_a and_o high_a minister_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o examine_v the_o spirit_n and_o admit_v only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o any_o one_o evangelize_n beyond_o what_o they_o have_v preach_v let_v we_o hold_v he_o for_o a_o anathema_n we_o have_v their_o scripture_n let_v we_o assure_o believe_v all_o that_o we_o read_v in_o they_o let_v the_o doctrine_n which_o appear_v not_o there_o be_v suspect_v to_o we_o and_o praise_v be_v god_n that_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o have_v banish_v from_o our_o religion_n that_o which_o error_n and_o superstition_n have_v thrust_v into_o christianity_n you_o know_v that_o the_o god_n the_o christ_n the_o heaven_n the_o worship_n and_o sacrament_n we_o preach_v have_v be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n establish_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v appear_v throughout_o in_o their_o gospel_n and_o in_o their_o epistle_n whereas_o the_o mediator_n who_o our_o adversary_n invocate_v the_o high_a priest_n they_o acknowledge_v the_o tradition_n they_o maintain_v the_o purgatory_n they_o fear_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o celebrate_v the_o adoration_n of_o the_o host_n the_o veneration_n of_o image_n and_o the_o voluntary_a worship_n which_o they_o practise_v be_v not_o find_v at_o all_o either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v we_o therefore_o firm_o retain_v our_o religion_n as_o institute_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o constant_o reject_v what_o be_v beyond_o it_o as_o come_v of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o the_o lord_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o from_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o we_o must_v plant_v this_o doctrine_n in_o our_o heart_n by_o a_o lively_a belief_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o truth_n that_o we_o have_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o the_o saint_n we_o render_v thanks_o to_o god_n with_o the_o apostle_n for_o that_o of_o his_o great_a mercy_n he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o communicate_v this_o treasure_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o not_o in_o vain_a since_o there_o be_v among_o we_o that_o have_v true_o make_v their_o profit_n of_o these_o spiritual_a riches_n but_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o the_o praise_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o give_v the_o colossian_n for_o be_v this_o to_o have_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o serve_v he_o so_o loose_o as_o we_o do_v and_o testify_v so_o little_a zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n so_o little_a respect_n to_o his_o commandment_n so_o little_a belief_n of_o his_o document_n and_o so_o little_a affection_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o for_o charity_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o so_o cool_v be_v we_o for_o if_o we_o love_v all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v we_o leave_v the_o life_n of_o some_o of_o they_o and_o the_o reputation_n of_o other_o without_o succour_n shall_v we_o injure_v they_o instead_o of_o defend_v they_o shall_v we_o take_v away_o their_o substance_n instead_o of_o communicate_v to_o they_o our_o own_o shall_v we_o black_a their_o honour_n instead_o of_o preserve_v it_o will_v their_o prosperity_n offend_v we_o will_v their_o misery_n content_v we_o faithful_n sir_n remember_v they_o be_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n his_o child_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o his_o christ_n respect_v those_o so_o sacred_a name_n and_o spare_v person_n that_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o belong_v so_o near_o to_o your_o lord_n he_o will_v judge_v you_o by_o the_o treatment_n you_o shall_v give_v they_o and_o write_v on_o his_o account_n the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a which_o they_o shall_v receive_v from_o your_o hand_n recompense_v it_o or_o punish_v in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n as_o if_o you_o have_v honour_v or_o violate_v he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n he_o will_v cut_v you_o off_o from_o his_o communion_n if_o you_o do_v not_o careful_o regard_v and_o practice_v they_o and_o will_v never_o avouch_v you_o for_o his_o child_n if_o you_o acknowledge_v they_o not_o for_o your_o brethren_n and_o here_o allege_v not_o to_o i_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o have_v faith_n i_o know_v well_o that_o this_o divine_a light_n can_v be_v in_o soul_n which_o be_v cold_a and_o destitute_a of_o charity_n but_o suppose_v that_o this_o be_v possible_a i_o tell_v you_o and_o declare_v that_o all_o your_o pretend_a faith_n shall_v you_o have_v the_o high_a degree_n thereof_o that_o may_v be_v in_o the_o world_n without_o charity_n will_v be_v but_o a_o shadow_n a_o idol_n and_o a_o illusion_n and_o as_o st._n james_n say_v a_o stink_a carcase_n 2.26_o james_n 2.26_o do_v all_o you_o will_v have_v as_o much_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n as_o you_o please_v if_o you_o have_v not_o charity_n you_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a you_o be_v but_o a_o false_a and_o deceitful_a image_n of_o one_o charity_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_n it_o be_v the_o badge_n of_o this_o holy_a discipline_n it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o and_o the_o apostle_n as_o you_o see_v set_v it_o down_o here_o among_o its_o essential_a part_n faith_n shall_v cease_v in_o heaven_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v instead_o of_o believe_v but_o charity_n shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o have_v then_o a_o
never_o show_v that_o the_o monarchy_n or_o infallibility_n of_o their_o pope_n or_o the_o adoration_n of_o their_o host_n or_o the_o service_n of_o their_o image_n or_o their_o invocation_n of_o saint_n or_o purgatory_n or_o the_o traffic_n of_o their_o indulgency_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o point_n which_o we_o debate_v with_o they_o be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n no_o tract_n at_o all_o of_o they_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n or_o memorial_n that_o remain_v of_o that_o age_n or_o of_o a_o long_a time_n beyond_o it_o only_o a_o man_n may_v perceive_v they_o some_o age_n after_o grow_v up_o one_o in_o one_o place_n and_o another_o in_o another_o at_o divers_a time_n and_o in_o different_a climate_n a_o evident_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v preach_v entire_a in_o all_o the_o world_n in_o st._n paul_n life_n time_n but_o invention_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n that_o come_v since_o after_o this_o sudden_a and_o admirable_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n add_v the_o efficacy_n it_o have_v in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o have_v be_v preach_v it_o be_v not_o only_o come_v into_o all_o the_o world_n say_v he_o but_o which_o be_v more_o it_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n there_o as_o it_o do_v also_o in_o you_o it_o bear_v the_o same_o fruit_n there_o which_o it_o have_v produce_v among_o you_o you_o discern_v that_o these_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n signify_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o that_o faith_n charity_n honesty_n modesty_n temperance_n and_o the_o other_o spiritual_a virtue_n which_o it_o produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o in_o which_o the_o sanctification_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v it_o be_v this_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v represent_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n to_o which_o he_o compare_v it_o 13._o matt._n 13._o and_o which_o according_a to_o the_o divers_a disposition_n of_o the_o place_n where_o it_o fall_v bring_v forth_o more_o or_o less_o fruit_n in_o some_o a_o bundred_a fold_n in_o other_o fixty_n and_o elsewhere_o but_o thirty_o never_o be_v see_v a_o thing_n more_o marvellous_a the_o gospel_n change_v the_o whole_a earth_n in_o a_o few_o year_n it_o crown_a plant_n with_o flower_n and_o fruit_n that_o be_v barren_a and_o accurse_a it_o fill_v the_o desert_n the_o plain_n and_o the_o most_o desolate_a heath_n with_o exquisite_a and_o delicious_a tree_n that_o which_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n that_o which_o the_o most_o excellent_a philosophy_n have_v husband_v whole_a age_n in_o vain_a no_o soon_o feel_v the_o hand_n of_o these_o evangelique_n vine-dresser_n and_o labourer_n but_o sudden_o lose_v the_o bitterness_n of_o its_o first_o juice_n be_v sweeten_v and_o become_v load_v with_o celestial_a fruit_n there_o be_v piety_n sweetness_n and_o humanity_n see_v to_o flourish_v where_o never_o have_v appear_v aught_o but_o the_o horror_n of_o superstition_n of_o atheism_n of_o cruelty_n and_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o vice_n this_o be_v the_o change_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v foretell_v in_o isaiah_n 41.19_o isa_n 41.19_o in_o those_o allegorical_a word_n i_o will_v make_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o desert_n the_o cedar_n the_o pine_n tree_n the_o myrtle_n and_o the_o olive_n i_o will_v set_v in_o the_o plain_n the_o fir-tree_n the_o elm_n and_o the_o box_n together_o and_o elsewhere_o again_o compare_v the_o gospel_n to_o a_o rain_n that_o water_v the_o earth_n and_o make_v it_o bud_n and_o bring_v forth_o corn_n and_o bread_n so_o shall_v my_o word_n be_v say_v he_o it_o shall_v not_o return_v to_o i_o without_o effect_n 11._o isa_n 55.10_o 11._o but_o it_o shall_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n and_o prosper_v to_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v send_v it_o for_o and_o this_o divine_a fruitfulness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o miraculous_o change_v the_o world_n be_v also_o a_o most_o evident_a argument_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o of_o its_o heavenly_a original_n there_o never_o have_v be_v religion_n or_o discipline_n on_o earth_n that_o have_v so_o lively_a and_o universal_a a_o efficacy_n but_o the_o apostle_n particular_o commend_v here_o the_o fruit_n it_o have_v bring_v forth_o among_o the_o colossian_n it_o fructifi_v in_o you_o say_v he_o since_o the_o day_n that_o you_o hear_v and_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n he_o praise_v both_o their_o teachableness_n in_o that_o this_o word_n have_v fructify_v in_o they_o from_o the_o first_o day_n they_o hear_v it_o and_o their_o constancy_n for_o that_o it_o continue_v still_o fructify_a to_o that_o time_n the_o earth_n produce_v not_o fruit_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v receive_v the_o seed_n there_o must_v be_v time_n to_o mollify_v the_o grain_n to_o make_v it_o thrust_v forth_o and_o sprout_v to_o raise_v it_o up_o and_o garnish_v it_o with_o fruit_n in_o this_o spiritual_a husbandry_n it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o gospel_n if_o right_o receive_v into_o your_o heart_n will_v fructify_v there_o from_o that_o very_a moment_n receive_v it_o then_o faithful_a brethren_n defer_v not_o till_o the_o morrow_n this_o day_n that_o you_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n 95._o psalm_n 95._o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o pernicious_a artifices_fw-la of_o the_o enemy_n to_o suggest_v to_o man_n that_o they_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o future_a give_v i_o say_v he_o this_o day_n and_o thou_o shall_v give_v god_n the_o next_o give_v i_o the_o present_a and_o he_o the_o future_a to_o i_o the_o flower_n and_o vigour_n of_o thy_o life_n to_o he_o the_o remain_v and_o thy_o old_a age_n so_o they_o find_v at_o last_o when_o all_o have_v be_v give_v to_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n nothing_o remain_v for_o they_o to_o give_v the_o lord_n to_o who_o they_o have_v leave_v the_o future_a only_a that_o be_v what_o be_v not_o they_o dispose_v of_o the_o present_a which_o alone_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o mortal_a enemy_n christian_n take_v heed_n of_o his_o wile_n and_o hasten_v you_o out_o of_o his_o snare_n imitate_v these_o faithful_a colossian_n receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o deep_a into_o your_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v fructify_v there_o from_o this_o very_a day_n you_o can_v be_v the_o lord_n be_v too_o soon_o put_v not_o off_o the_o design_n of_o be_v happy_a to_o another_o time_n consider_v that_o time_n flee_v and_o life_n run_v out_o and_o death_n come_v while_o you_o deliberate_a but_o if_o we_o must_v begin_v betimes_o to_o bear_v fruit_n worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o may_v cease_v again_o soon_o after_o as_o forward_z tree_n which_o make_v a_o end_n first_o as_o they_o do_v begin_v the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n begin_v early_o but_o never_o cease_v to_o fructify_v they_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o their_o through-white_a old_a age_n and_o be_v even_o then_o in_o good_a like_n and_o bide_v fresh_a as_o the_o psalmist_n sing_v 92.15_o psal_n 92.15_o if_o you_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n with_o ardour_n retain_v it_o with_o a_o invincible_a constancy_n for_o salvation_n be_v not_o prepare_v save_v for_o they_o that_o shall_v persevere_v that_o shall_v keep_v the_o verdure_n of_o the_o heavenly_a sap_n in_o they_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o scorch_a heat_n of_o summer_n and_o the_o cooling_n of_o winter_n so_o as_o no_o season_n how_o rude_a and_o contrary_a soever_o do_v ever_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o mystical_a flower_n and_o fruit_n as_o to_o what_o remain_v the_o apostle_n call_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o relish_v this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n if_o a_o man_n have_v not_o receive_v and_o experiment_v the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v we_o in_o jesus_n christ_n this_o grace_n be_v the_o heart_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n whence_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o corrupt_a it_o and_o a_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o thrust_v into_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n of_o man_n thing_n either_o whole_o incompatible_a with_o grace_n or_o such_o as_o at_o least_o extreme_o darken_v and_o enfeeble_v it_o when_o he_o faith_n that_o they_o hear_v and_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n he_o mean_v either_o that_o they_o receive_v it_o true_o in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n without_o hypocrisy_n or_o that_o this_o grace_n they_o know_v be_v deliver_v they_o pure_a and_o sincere_a without_o any_o mixture_n either_o of_o pharisaical_a superstition_n or_o philosophical_a vanity_n or_o final_o
his_o brethren_n present_v he_o god_n be_v gracious_a unto_o thou_o my_o son_n 43.29_o gen._n 43.29_o from_o such_o sentiment_n do_v flow_v those_o benediction_n which_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o pronounce_v upon_o person_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o thing_n beneficial_a and_o useful_a whether_o natural_a or_o civil_a as_o to_o instance_n with_o the_o psalmist_n when_o we_o see_v the_o busy_a reaper_n of_o a_o fair_a field_n in_o harvest_n time_n and_o say_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o you_o 129.8_o psal_n 129.8_o we_o bless_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o this_o kind_n of_o natural_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n do_v engage_v our_o affection_n and_o good_a wish_n to_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o we_o perceive_v it_o the_o gift_n of_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a shall_v much_o more_o lively_a touch_n we_o my_o brethren_n and_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n great_a flame_n of_o love_n and_o of_o desire_n for_o those_o that_o possess_v they_o for_o as_o high_a as_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n and_o as_o much_o as_o eternity_n be_v preferable_a to_o time_n so_o much_o advantage_n have_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o grace_n above_o those_o of_o nature_n if_o therefore_o we_o judge_v right_o of_o they_o and_o estimate_v they_o according_a to_o their_o worth_n it_o can_v be_v that_o we_o shall_v see_v they_o shine_v out_o in_o any_o without_o run_v to_o they_o and_o fasten_v forthwith_o on_o they_o as_o holy_a and_o as_o happy_a person_n a_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o motion_n of_o christian_a charity_n we_o have_v in_o our_o text_n for_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n here_o show_v we_o he_o no_o soon_o understand_v by_o epaphras_n report_n the_o colossian_n faith_n and_o love_n but_o his_o soul_n be_v present_o seize_v with_o ardent_a love_n unto_o they_o and_o his_o absence_n hinder_v he_o from_o give_v they_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o he_o incessant_o present_v prayer_n and_o earnest_a suit_n to_o god_n for_o their_o persevere_v and_o perfit_v in_o piety_n that_o be_v for_o the_o continuation_n and_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o their_o happiness_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o desire_n for_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o three_o verse_n as_o they_o evident_o relate_v to_o three_o sort_n of_o benefit_n for_o he_o wish_v they_o first_o in_o the_o nine_o verse_n the_o benefit_n that_o respect_v perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n next_o in_o the_o ten_o those_o that_o respect_v the_o exercise_n of_o sanctity_n and_o final_o in_o the_o eleven_o such_o as_o concern_v perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o affliction_n for_o present_v we_o will_v meditate_v only_o on_o the_o first_o of_o these_o three_o article_n remit_v the_o two_o next_o to_o another_o action_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o also_o since_o the_o day_n we_o hear_v it_o cease_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o crave_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n for_o right_o understand_v this_o text_n we_o will_v consider_v in_o it_o three_o particular_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o we_o implore_v for_o this_o effect_n first_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n second_o their_o form_n manner_n and_o quality_n and_o in_o fine_a which_o be_v principal_a and_o most_o important_a the_o subject_n of_o they_o that_o be_v what_o he_o request_v of_o god_n in_o his_o prayer_n as_o for_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n he_o signify_v it_o to_o we_o in_o these_o first_o word_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n since_o the_o day_n we_o hear_v it_o we_o cease_v not_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o for_o these_o word_n send_v we_o back_o to_o the_o precedent_a verse_n with_o which_o they_o have_v a_o tie_n do_v show_v we_o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v by_o epaphras_n relation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o colossian_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o their_o charity_n towards_o the_o saint_n of_o their_o heavenly_a hope_n and_o of_o their_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n whereof_o he_o speak_v afore_o that_o this_o knowledge_n i_o say_v have_v fill_v he_o with_o love_n towards_o they_o make_v he_o continual_o pour_v out_o his_o vow_n and_o prayer_n before_o god_n for_o the_o complete_n of_o their_o salvation_n i_o confess_v the_o affection_n they_o bear_v he_o in_o particular_a and_o whereof_o he_o make_v mention_v in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o precede_v contribute_v something_o also_o to_o this_o care_n he_o have_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o it_o be_v principal_a cause_n be_v their_o piety_n and_o sanctification_n that_o they_o have_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n see_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o build_n of_o god_n so_o happy_o lay_v and_o establish_v among_o they_o he_o beseech_v the_o supreme_a master_n and_o architect_n of_o this_o spiritual_a work_n to_o finish_v it_o and_o powerful_o set_v the_o last_o hand_n to_o it_o the_o same_o reason_n make_v he_o in_o like_a manner_n present_v his_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o ephesian_n as_o he_o testify_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o epistle_n 17._o ephes_n 1.15_o 16_o 17._o he_o write_v they_o use_v almost_o all_o the_o same_o word_n that_o serve_v he_o here_o have_v say_v he_o to_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o faith_n you_o have_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o charity_n you_o have_v towards_o all_o the_o saint_n i_o cease_v not_o to_o render_v thanks_o for_o you_o make_v mention_n of_o you_o in_o my_o prayer_n that_o the_o god_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n will_v give_v you_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o revelation_n faithful_n sir_n learn_v by_o this_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v the_o lord_n principal_o 〈◊〉_d those_o in_o who_o you_o see_v the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n appear_v rejoice_v you_o for_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o zeal_n and_o love_v they_o for_o the_o honesty_n and_o purity_n of_o their_o life_n but_o remember_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a office_n which_o your_o charity_n owe_v they_o be_v the_o continual_a succour_n of_o your_o prayer_n object_n not_o that_o they_o be_v too_o far_o advance_v to_o need_v they_o during_o the_o course_n of_o this_o life_n the_o progress_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v never_o so_o great_a but_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o brethren_n be_v necessary_a for_o he_o it_o be_v then_o when_o he_o be_v most_o advance_v that_o the_o enemy_n make_v most_o attempt_n and_o lay_v most_o ambushment_n for_o he_o the_o near_a he_o be_v to_o the_o crown_n the_o more_o need_n he_o have_v of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o list_n who_o we_o favour_v more_o with_o our_o wish_n acclamation_n and_o applause_n than_o those_o that_o come_v near_a to_o victory_n so_o in_o this_o carrier_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v affectionate_a and_o accompany_v with_o our_o vow_n prayer_n and_o benediction_n those_o most_o that_o run_v best_a and_o be_v nigh_a to_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n we_o never_o make_v more_o wish_n for_o a_o vessel_n than_o when_o after_o a_o long_a and_o dangerous_a voyage_n it_o come_v upon_o our_o coast_n or_o we_o see_v it_o ready_a to_o arrive_v in_o the_o haven_n when_o the_o believer_n have_v escape_v the_o shelf_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o world_n steer_v the_o true_a course_n of_o heaven_n and_o make_v if_o we_o may_v so_o say_v with_o oar_n and_o sail_n to_o the_o port_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v then_o we_o shall_v redouble_v our_o wish_n and_o benediction_n for_o his_o safety_n it_o be_v then_o we_o shall_v fear_v more_o than_o ever_o lest_o some_o mishap_n mar_v all_o his_o progress_n and_o bereave_v he_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o pain_n but_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o manner_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n since_o the_o day_n say_v he_o that_o we_o hear_v these_o good_a news_n we_o cease_v not_o to_o pray_v god_n and_o to_o make_v request_n for_o you_o first_o he_o do_v not_o pray_v alone_o we_o cease_v not_o to_o pray_v say_v he_o where_o you_o see_v he_o speak_v of_o more_o pray_v with_o he_o comprise_v in_o this_o number_n timothy_n who_o he_o have_v express_o name_v already_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o the_o other_o faithful_a that_o be_v at_o rome_n with_o he_o be_v put_v on_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o charity_n animate_v with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o desire_n they_o all_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n and_o vote_n to_o god_n together_o with_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o
good_a work_n so_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a work_n cleanse_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o increase_v true_a wisdom_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o neglect_n of_o sanctification_n diminish_v this_o divine_a clearness_n in_o we_o and_o bring_v back_o by_o little_a and_o little_a the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n upon_o we_o for_o as_o the_o lord_n give_v new_a grace_n to_o he_o that_o faithful_o manage_v his_o first_o present_n so_o take_v he_o away_o his_o talon_n from_o he_o that_o abuse_v it_o those_o that_o cast_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n make_v shipwreck_n also_o of_o faith_n and_o they_o that_o withhold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o mind_n disfurnish_v of_o all_o judgement_n and_o god_n send_v the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n to_o those_o that_o receive_v not_o his_o holy_a doctrine_n with_o love_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o reveal_v his_o secret_n and_o augment_v his_o light_n to_o they_o that_o seek_v his_o commandment_n and_o be_v bend_v to_o do_v his_o will_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o therefore_o these_o two_o precious_a gift_n of_o the_o lord_n knowledge_n and_o good_a work_n faith_n and_o charity_n and_o studious_o apply_v we_o to_o increase_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o meditate_v and_o learn_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v obey_v his_o will_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n that_o we_o may_v confirm_v ourselves_o more_o and_o more_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mystery_n dear_a brethren_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v desire_v for_o his_o colossian_n be_v very_o much_o a_o accomplish_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n a_o life_n worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n a_o spiritual_a secondity_n fructify_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o a_o continual_a advancement_n in_o heavenly_a wisdom_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o how_o great_a and_o excellent_a soever_o these_o thing_n be_v they_o suffice_v not_o without_o perseverance_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o salvation_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o persevere_v in_o they_o without_o a_o supernatural_a strength_n and_o firmness_n therefore_o st._n paul_n wish_v again_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o these_o faithful_a people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v in_o all_o might_n according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o all_o suffering_n and_o patience_n of_o mind_n with_o joy_n this_o succour_n be_v necessary_a for_o we_o as_o well_o because_o of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n as_o for_o the_o multitude_n violence_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o our_o enemy_n for_o as_o to_o ourselves_o though_o that_o celestial_a spirit_n wherewith_o god_n baptize_v we_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o vocation_n do_v invest_v we_o with_o a_o new_a vigour_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o there_o remain_v much_o weakness_n in_o we_o while_o we_o live_v on_o earth_n our_o inward_a man_n be_v yet_o but_o in_o its_o infancy_n a_o weak_a age_n and_o which_o easy_o let_v itself_o sink_v if_o it_o be_v not_o sustain_v and_o as_o for_o our_o enemy_n we_o have_v a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o they_o that_o watch_n night_n and_o day_n to_o destroy_v we_o and_o range_v in_o diverse_a band_n under_o the_o ensign_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n the_o principal_a head_n of_o this_o black_a army_n conjure_v to_o our_o ruin_n cease_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o leave_v nor_o wile_n nor_o forcible_a attempt_n nor_o malice_n nor_o violence_n nor_o threaten_a nor_o promise_n un-employed_n against_o we_o if_o we_o have_v repulse_v one_o of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d return_v again_o upon_o we_o diverse_a other_o which_o essay_n we_o on_o all_o side_n espy_v where_o 〈…〉_o weak_a and_o oftentimes_o turn_v our_o own_o weapon_n against_o we_o if_o we_o have_v overthrow_v avarice_n voluptuousness_n set_v its_o self_n on_o foot_n if_o we_o defeat_v it_o also_o ambition_n enter_v in_o its_o place_n hatred_n unite_v with_o it_o desire_v of_o revenge_n push_v we_o on_o wrath_n provoke_v we_o envy_n seize_v we_o persecution_n trouble_v we_o prosperity_n puss_v we_o up_o the_o success_n of_o our_o own_o combat_n tickle_v we_o oftentimes_o that_o which_o help_v we_o on_o one_o hand_n hurt_v we_o on_o another_o as_o in_o a_o complicate_v disease_n in_o which_o the_o remedy_n cross_v one_o another_o or_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o the_o liver_n be_v dangerous_a for_o the_o stomach_n who_o see_v not_o that_o to_o preserve_v ourselves_o in_o such_o a_o mingle_a combat_n and_o against_o so_o many_o charge_n so_o confuse_v and_o so_o obstinate_a for_o they_o last_o as_o long_o as_o our_o life_n we_o have_v need_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a might_n we_o who_o of_o ourselves_o have_v so_o little_a that_o we_o be_v insufficient_a even_o for_o one_o good_a thought_n but_o god_n arm_v we_o with_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o with_o a_o impenetrable_a buckler_n under_o which_o we_o stand_v in_o covert_n amid_o that_o thick_a hail_n of_o blow_n that_o fall_v continual_o about_o we_o it_o be_v this_o divine_a power_n the_o apostle_n wish_v here_o to_o the_o colossian_n when_o he_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v in_o all_o might_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v confirm_v their_o heart_n harden_v as_o a_o diamond_n to_o resist_v all_o assault_n their_o courage_n vest_v with_o a_o heroic_a ardour_n and_o firmness_n which_o all_o the_o rage_n of_o hell_n or_o earth_n may_v never_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v he_o pray_v they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v in_o all_o might_n because_o as_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o divers_a enemy_n and_o be_v sick_a of_o divers_a infirmity_n we_o have_v need_v to_o receive_v not_o one_o or_o two_o kind_n of_o strength_n only_o but_o many_o different_a one_o for_o even_o as_o in_o nature_n you_o see_v the_o strength_n of_o body_n be_v different_a one_o resist_v one_o thing_n and_o yield_v to_o another_o one_o have_v the_o virtue_n to_o repulse_v the_o force_n of_o one_o element_n but_o not_o to_o guard_v itself_o from_o another_o so_o in_o a_o manner_n be_v it_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n such_o a_o man_n will_v brave_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o tentation_n of_o one_o vice_n that_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v himself_o from_o another_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v resist_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o world_n as_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o charm_n of_o its_o caress_n since_o that_o to_o lose_v a_o victory_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v overcome_v though_o by_o but_o one_o of_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v with_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o apostle_n for_o preserve_v to_o these_o colossian_n the_o honour_n of_o their_o crown_n and_o triumph_n wish_v they_o all_o strength_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a strength_n which_o may_v be_v of_o proof_n against_o all_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o enemy_n which_o may_v bold_o undertake_v good_a and_o holy_a action_n how_o high_a and_o difficult_a soever_o they_o be_v which_o may_v valiant_o combat_v vice_n resolute_o despise_v earthly_a thing_n vigorous_o repel_v tentation_n and_o generous_o suffer_v affliction_n he_o show_v we_o also_o by_o the_o way_n the_o source_n of_o this_o heavenly_a might_n when_o after_o have_v wish_v that_o the_o colossian_n may_v be_v strengthen_v in_o all_o might_n he_o add_v according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o glorious_a power_n by_o a_o manner_n of_o speak_v ordinary_a in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o hebrew_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o these_o faithful_a people_n do_v receive_v this_o admirable_a strength_n necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n from_o the_o glorious_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v from_o that_o immense_a and_o efficacious_a puissance_n of_o god_n which_o nothing_o can_v resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v so_o name_v in_o st._n luke_n 24.49_o l●k_n 24.49_o where_o the_o lord_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o tarry_v at_o jerusalem_n until_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a that_o be_v the_o spirit_n he_o have_v promise_v they_o and_o st._n paul_n elsewhere_o make_v for_o the_o ephesian_n a_o petition_n altogether_o like_o this_o which_o he_o here_o present_v to_o god_n for_o the_o colossian_n clear_o term_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 3.16_o ephes_n 3.16_o which_o in_o this_o passage_n he_o call_v the_o virtue_n or_o power_n of_o his_o glory_n god_n grant_v you_o say_v he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v powerful_o strengthen_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n he_o call_v this_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n glorious_a to_o express_v its_o admirable_a and_o unsurmountable_a force_n which_o triumph_v magnificent_o over_o all_o that_o oppose_v its_o action_n which_o with_o the_o weak_a mean_n accomplish_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o change_v when_o it_o will_v shepherd_n into_o lawgiver_n and_o king_n cowherd_n into_o prophet_n and_o persecutor_n
into_o apostle_n which_o beat_v down_o the_o proud_a fierceness_n and_o preserve_v invincible_a the_o most_o despicable_a weakness_n which_o harden_v the_o body_n of_o its_o humble_a warrior_n as_o steel_n maintain_v they_o in_o the_o flame_n and_o confound_v with_o their_o lowness_n the_o fury_n of_o element_n of_o man_n and_o of_o devil_n for_o this_o be_v that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n ordinary_o call_v glory_n even_o a_o abundance_n of_o beauty_n of_o power_n and_o perfection_n so_o rich_a as_o it_o over-bears_a our_o sense_n and_o make_v to_o bend_v under_o it_o all_o the_o vigour_n of_o our_o spirit_n reduce_v they_o to_o admiration_n and_o astonishment_n and_o st._n paul_n somewhat_o frequent_o use_v this_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v by_o his_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a power_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o virtue_n which_o convert_v we_o to_o god_n and_o that_o which_o conserve_v we_o in_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a might_n but_o a_o invincible_a efficacy_n which_o nothing_o can_v resist_v seek_v it_o not_o in_o your_o own_o nature_n christian_a soul_n seek_v it_o in_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v your_o weakness_n ask_v of_o he_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o if_o it_o betide_v you_o to_o resist_v the_o enemy_n and_o to_o remain_v victorious_a in_o any_o combat_n render_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o this_o sovereign_a lord_n without_o attribute_v aught_o of_o it_o to_o yourself_o but_o the_o apostle_n show_v we_o in_o what_o follow_v what_o be_v the_o use_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o succour_n which_o the_o glorious_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o who_o strengthen_v we_o unto_o all_o suffering_n say_v he_o and_o patience_n of_o mind_n with_o joy_n these_o be_v the_o two_o production_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o faithful_a soul_n patience_n and_o long_o wait_v in_o which_o principal_o our_o strength_n consist_v these_o be_v as_o the_o two_o hand_n of_o heaven_n that_o sustain_v we_o in_o peril_n and_o keep_v we_o from_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o those_o evil_n wherewith_o we_o often_o find_v ourselves_o surcharge_v and_o though_o both_o the_o two_o be_v of_o a_o very_a like_o nature_n yet_o they_o have_v each_o of_o they_o something_o particular_a sufferance_n bear_v the_o evil_a without_o bend_v submit_v to_o it_o at_o its_o inflict_a humble_o and_o stand_v firm_a under_o this_o rude_a load_n the_o spirit_n patient_a or_o long-waiting_a for_o so_o the_o term_n use_v here_o in_o the_o original_a do_v proper_o signify_v lend_v it_o the_o hand_n afterward_o and_o attend_v without_o murmur_v for_o deliverance_n from_o the_o evil_a it_o suffer_v and_o for_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a it_o hope_v sufferance_n respect_v the_o very_a weight_n and_o heaviness_n of_o the_o affliction_n the_o long-waiting_a of_o the_o patient_a spirit_n respect_v the_o duration_n of_o it_o these_o two_o virtue_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o christian_a for_o without_o they_o how_o shall_v he_o support_v either_o the_o chastisement_n of_o god_n or_o the_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v firm_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o other_o virtue_n to_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o they_o against_o the_o impediment_n that_o thwart_v they_o every_o hour_n patient_a tertull._n the_o patient_a patience_n say_v a_o ancient_n be_v the_o superintendant_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o god_n and_o without_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o execute_v his_o command_n or_o to_o wait_v for_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v it_o that_o defeat_v all_o its_o enemy_n without_o toil_n it_o be_v repose_n be_v more_o efficacious_a than_o the_o motion_n and_o action_n of_o other_o it_o be_v it_o that_o make_v healthful_a to_o we_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n most_o pernicious_a it_o change_v for_o we_o poison_n into_o remedy_n and_o defeat_v into_o victory_n it_o rejoice_v the_o angel_n it_o confound_v devil_n it_o overcome_v the_o world_n it_o mollifi_v the_o hard_a courage_n and_o convert_v the_o most_o obstinate_a heart_n it_o be_v the_o strength_n and_o the_o triumph_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n by_o keep_v you_o quiet_a and_o by_o rest_n you_o shall_v be_v deliver_v your_o strength_n shall_v be_v in_o silence_n and_o in_o hope_n but_o the_o apostle_n to_o show_v we_o what_o this_o patience_n be_v to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n form_v his_o child_n say_v that_o it_o be_v with_o joy_n this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o christian_a patience_n the_o hypocrite_n suffer_v sometime_o but_o it_o be_v murmur_v and_o the_o philosopher_n year_n while_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o their_o patience_n but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o effect_n either_o of_o their_o stiffness_n or_o of_o their_o stupidity_n which_o be_v no_o way_n accompany_v with_o the_o joy_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shed_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o god._n not_o that_o they_o be_v insensible_a or_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o evil_a on_o they_o without_o grief_n but_o if_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v do_v sad_a they_o this_o very_a thing_n rejoice_v they_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o their_o lord_n they_o have_v the_o strength_n and_o the_o courage_n to_o suffer_v it_o and_o do_v know_v that_o their_o suffering_n shall_v turn_v to_o their_o good_a and_o that_o from_o these_o thorn_n they_o shall_v one_o day_n reap_v the_o flower_n and_o fruit_n of_o bless_a immortality_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o sweetness_n which_o be_v then_o shed_v into_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o vive_a and_o profound_a impression_n of_o that_o only_a comforter_n who_o communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o on_o such_o occasion_n more_o free_o than_o ever_o and_o can_v by_o the_o ineffable_a virtue_n of_o his_o balm_n their_o most_o bitter_a wound_n this_o be_v that_o dear_a brethren_n which_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o you_o on_o this_o text_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n let_v we_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n with_o faith_n and_o religious_o obey_v his_o voice_n he_o show_v we_o what_o our_o task_n be_v here_o below_o let_v we_o acquit_v ourselves_o in_o it_o with_o care_n god_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v raise_v up_o among_o 〈◊〉_d a_o great_a light_n of_o knowledge_n let_v we_o employ_v it_o to_o its_o true_a use_n and_o walk_v with_o it_o in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o so_o holy_a and_o merciful_a a_o lord_n who_o name_n we_o bear_v let_v this_o great_a name_n awaken_v our_o sense_n and_o affection_n let_v it_o pluck_v they_o off_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o elevate_v they_o to_o heaven_n where_o he_o reign_v who_o have_v give_v it_o to_o we_o let_v this_o name_n put_v into_o our_o heart_n a_o secret_a shame_n to_o do_v or_o think_v aught_o that_o may_v be_v unworthy_a thereof_o faithful_n sir_n remember_v you_o be_v christian_n as_o oft_o as_o flesh_n or_o earth_n solicit_v you_o to_o evil_n put_v the_o world_n by_o it_o be_v not_o to_o please_v it_o that_o you_o have_v be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n from_o on_o high_a the_o world_n be_v so_o unjust_a so_o humorous_a and_o so_o change_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o content_v it_o see_v in_o what_o pain_n and_o torment_n they_o continual_o live_v that_o attempt_n it_o and_o though_o you_o shall_v compass_v it_o the_o success_n will_v cost_v you_o dear_a by_o please_v the_o world_n you_o will_v displease_v your_o own_o conscience_n the_o content_v whereof_o be_v infinite_o more_o important_a to_o you_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o with_o god_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o his_o will_n be_v constant_a and_o still_o the_o same_o without_o any_o variation_n or_o change_v nothing_o be_v please_v to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a your_o conscience_n will_v find_v in_o it_o its_o entire_a satisfaction_n and_o never_o reproach_n you_o for_o have_v serve_v so_o good_a a_o master_n not_o to_o allege_v to_o you_o that_o the_o world_n after_o you_o shall_v have_v kill_v yourself_o to_o serve_v it_o will_v pay_v you_o only_o with_o ingratitude_n and_o contempt_n as_o experience_n daily_o show_v we_o whereas_o the_o lord_n will_v magnificent_o reward_v the_o care_n you_o shall_v have_v take_v to_o do_v his_o will_n comfort_v and_o blessing_n you_o in_o this_o world_n crown_v and_o glorify_v you_o in_o the_o other_o if_o you_o demand_v what_o must_v be_v do_v to_o please_v he_o the_o apostle_n show_v you_o in_o a_o word_n fructify_v say_v he_o in_o every_o good_a work_n as_o often_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v cast_v his_o eye_n on_o this_o vineyard_n let_v he_o see_v it_o still_o lade_v with_o good_a fruit_n let_v he_o never_o
saint_n of_o god_n who_o do_v true_o know_v his_o mystery_n the_o revelation_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o know_v of_o they_o most_o assure_o purify_n and_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o i_o perceive_v some_o difficulty_n arise_v here_o in_o your_o mind_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v be_v resolve_v for_o your_o satisfaction_n before_o we_o pass_v further_o on_o first_o you_o may_v ask_v i_o in_o general_a how_o it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o mystery_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o forego_n age_n see_v the_o gospel_n be_v eternal_a and_o then_o how_o this_o accord_v with_o so_o many_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o clear_o represent_v and_o moreover_o how_o with_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v of_o abraham_n that_o he_o see_v his_o day_n and_o last_o with_o the_o scripture_n express_v inform_v we_o that_o the_o ancient_a believer_n be_v all_o save_v by_o faith_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o place_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v for_o the_o first_o article_n that_o it_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n be_v foretell_v and_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v elsewhere_o be_v promise_v and_o figure_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o it_o be_v not_o manifest_v it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o be_v but_o lay_v hide_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o only_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o oracle_n by_o which_o he_o promise_v it_o and_o in_o the_o type_n by_o which_o he_o figure_v it_o so_o as_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o eternal_a forasmuch_o as_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n it_o be_v not_o make_v and_o create_v of_o nothing_o but_o only_o bring_v out_o of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o envelopping_n which_o until_o then_o it_o have_v remain_v cover_v with_o and_o as_o for_o the_o prophecy_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v clear_a since_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v in_o the_o horizon_n of_o the_o church_n have_v there_o shed_v abroad_o his_o light_n by_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o we_o easy_o read_v what_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n have_v write_v in_o they_o but_o before_o this_o while_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n do_v cover_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o best_a sight_n to_o penetrate_v thorough_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o as_o when_o it_o be_v broad_a day_n we_o read_v distinct_o and_o without_o difficulty_n the_o same_o writing_n wherein_o we_o see_v nothing_o but_o some_o stroke_n and_o a_o few_o letter_n confuse_o during_o the_o dimness_n of_o the_o night_n will_v you_o know_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o season_n turn_v to_o that_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n 53.7_o isa_n 53.7_o in_o which_o we_o read_v he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o what_o follow_v there_o be_v not_o a_o child_n among_o we_o but_o present_o understand_v it_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o die_v for_o we_o 8.34_o act._n 8.34_o in_o a_o profound_a humbleness_n and_o charity_n yet_o the_o ethiopian_a who_o without_o doubt_n be_v very_o forward_o in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o former_a people_n do_v confess_v that_o he_o understand_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o prophet_n do_v say_v this_o of_o himself_o or_o of_o some_o other_o first_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o commentary_n upon_o prophecy_n and_o the_o light_n of_o figure_n have_v make_v the_o ancient_a oracle_n and_o type_n clear_a to_o we_o which_o by_o consequent_a remain_v obscure_a and_o inexplicable_a until_o that_o event_n second_o the_o law_n do_v further_o augment_v this_o obscurity_n be_v then_o spread_v over_o these_o mystery_n as_o a_o thick_a veil_n through_o which_o how_o sharp-sighted_a soever_o man_n be_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o pierce_v whereas_o now_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n have_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o without_o the_o law_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v and_o this_o troublesome_a veil_n have_v be_v rend_v and_o remove_v by_o jesus_n christ_n we_o clear_o behold_v the_o light_n of_o moses_n face_n which_o indeed_o be_v of_o old_a but_o can_v not_o be_v see_v as_o long_o as_o it_o abide_v cover_v with_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o for_o abraham_n he_o see_v the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v and_o save_v the_o world_n and_o exalt_v the_o people_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o supereminent_a glory_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o joy_n but_o this_o impli_v not_o that_o he_o distinct_o know_v either_o what_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o acquire_v salvation_n for_o we_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o neither_o any_o man_n or_o so_o much_o as_o angel_n know_v but_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o flesh_n 3.10_o eph._n 3.10_o and_o by_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o the_o apostle_n express_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v then_o and_o not_o before_o that_o the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o angel_n who_o according_a to_o his_o ordinary_a stile_n he_o call_v principality_n and_o power_n the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v of_o christ_n be_v like_o that_o which_o abraham_n have_v they_o believe_v in_o sum_n his_o come_n and_o their_o redemption_n and_o the_o restauration_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o mean_n and_o they_o desire_v he_o and_o wait_v affectionate_o for_o he_o salute_v his_o promise_n afar_o off_o but_o they_o do_v not_o distinct_o comprehend_v the_o mystery_n and_o in_o particular_a as_o we_o at_o this_o day_n do_v yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o save_v by_o his_o cross_n and_o feed_v with_o his_o manna_n and_o make_v to_o drink_v of_o his_o source_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o salvation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o same_o which_o he_o do_v procure_v nor_o do_v the_o divers_a degree_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o redeem_v draw_v from_o his_o fullness_n vary_v aught_o at_o all_o in_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o his_o grace_n because_o god_n require_v no_o other_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n but_o such_o as_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o revelation_n he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o same_o be_v more_o or_o less_o clear_a as_o the_o time_n be_v near_o to_o or_o further_o distant_a from_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o his_o son_n thus_o the_o truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o here_o abide_v firm_a and_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n namely_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o from_o all_o generation_n and_o be_v not_o manifest_v but_o now_o to_o the_o saint_n of_o god._n to_o who_o say_v he_o god_n will_v give_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o secret_a among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o text_n and_o do_v express_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o mystery_n he_o set_v the_o will_n of_o god_n at_o the_o entrance_n as_o a_o strong_a bar_n against_o our_o curiosity_n to_o stay_v it_o and_o restrain_v it_o from_o intrude_a into_o a_o search_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o admirable_a dispensation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o busi_v its_o self_n principal_o about_o two_o point_n namely_o the_o time_n and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o manifestation_n have_v be_v make_v for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o do_v demand_v why_o god_n shall_v suffer_v so_o many_o age_n to_o flow_v forth_o and_o so_o many_o generation_n pass_v away_o without_o discover_v the_o secret_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o have_v reserve_v the_o revelation_n of_o it_o to_o these_o latter_a age_n only_o let_v we_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o will_v so_o do_v and_o be_v we_o content_v with_o his_o will_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a though_o we_o know_v not_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o he_o have_v reserve_v the_o season_n of_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o dispose_n beside_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o he_o have_v do_v it_o man_n will_v still_o have_v demand_v why_o no_o soon_o or_o no_o late_a now_o he_o complain_v that_o god_n delay_v so_o long_o if_o god_n have_v discover_v his_o mystery_n at_o the_o beginning_n he_o will_v complain_v of_o his_o have_v make_v so_o much_o haste_n he_o now_o object_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o first_o age_n that_o be_v deprive_v of_o
so_o dwell_v in_o the_o humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o same_o one_o who_o be_v man_n be_v also_o true_o god_n these_o two_o nature_n be_v so_o strict_o unite_v that_o they_o be_v but_o one_o only_a and_o the_o same_o person_n by_o mean_n whereof_o it_o may_v be_v right_o say_v that_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o father_n be_v almighty_a and_o eternal_a as_o indeed_o it_o be_v omnipotency_n and_o eternity_n and_o infiniteness_n be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o be_v true_o the_o word_n of_o the_o father_n but_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v that_o s._n peter_n for_o example_n or_o s._n paul_n have_v in_o they_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o wisdom_n because_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o for_o that_o god_n dwell_v not_o personal_o in_o they_o that_o be_v so_o as_o each_o of_o they_o be_v god_n but_o only_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n final_o i_o add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o all_o this_o dispute_n be_v beside_o the_o apostle_n scope_n who_o meaning_n they_o have_v misapprehend_v for_o his_o intention_n here_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o jesus_n christ_n know_v what_o will_v this_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_n he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o namely_o the_o confirm_v of_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o fortify_v of_o we_o against_o those_o tradition_n and_o speculation_n which_o false_a teacher_n will_v add_v to_o it_o that_o we_o may_v reject_v they_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o jesus_n christ_n who_o the_o father_n present_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v of_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v in_o himself_o be_v altogether_o extraneous_a to_o this_o purpose_n for_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v what_o we_o must_v know_v to_o serve_v god_n aright_o and_o be_v save_v in_o the_o sequel_n but_o jesus_n christ_n reveal_v not_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n all_o that_o he_o know_v either_o as_o god_n or_o as_o man_n and_o so_o from_o his_o know_v all_o thing_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o embrace_v his_o gospel_n for_o will_n the_o false_a teacher_n say_v though_o he_o know_v all_o for_o his_o own_o part_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o discover_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o his_o apostle_n do_v preach_v unto_o we_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v or_o to_o practice_v what_o then_o you_o will_v say_v be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n dear_a brethren_n it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v if_o you_o afford_v ever_o so_o little_a attention_n to_o the_o thing_n the_o apostle_n consider_v the_o lord_n jesus_n here_o not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o so_o as_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v in_o this_o respect_n he_o say_v that_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v hide_v in_o he_o thereby_o signify_v that_o this_o christ_n who_o be_v present_a to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o object_n so_o rich_a and_o so_o divine_a as_o he_o contain_v all_o the_o matter_n of_o wisdom_n in_o he_o that_o all_o the_o verity_n whereof_o it_o be_v compose_v be_v find_v full_o and_o abundant_o in_o he_o so_o as_o for_o the_o have_v of_o true_a wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o study_v any_o thing_n but_o christ_n alone_o we_o need_v but_o know_v he_o and_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o as_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n or_o natural_a science_n be_v hide_v in_o the_o world_n my_o meaning_n will_v be_v not_o that_o the_o world_n know_v the_o thing_n and_o verity_n which_o appertain_v unto_o this_o science_n but_o that_o it_o do_v contain_v they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o theatre_n whereon_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o our_o view_n and_o a_o object_n by_o the_o contemplation_n whereof_o we_o may_v acquire_v and_o learn_v they_o and_o as_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o man_n be_v the_o treasury_n of_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o live_a creature_n i_o shall_v understand_v thereby_o not_o what_o man_n know_v of_o they_o but_o what_o he_o exhibit_v of_o it_o be_v as_o a_o exact_a model_n and_o pattern_n of_o all_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o live_a creature_n comprehend_v so_o as_o by_o careful_a study_v and_o meditate_v he_o all_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o they_o may_v be_v draw_v forth_o in_o this_o very_a manner_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o in_o christ_n be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n do_v show_v we_o what_o be_v the_o knowledge_n not_o that_o christ_n have_v in_o himself_o but_o which_o he_o can_v give_v to_o we_o not_o what_o he_o know_v but_o what_o he_o make_v we_o to_o know_v he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o abyss_n of_o wonder_n wherein_o be_v find_v all_o the_o riches_n of_o that_o heavenly_a truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o true_a wisdom_n consist_v from_o whence_o the_o inference_n he_o aim_v to_o make_v upon_o it_o do_v clear_o flow_v namely_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o shut_v our_o ear_n against_o any_o other_o doctrine_n how_o plausible_a and_o probable_a soever_o it_o be_v for_o since_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o magazine_n and_o the_o treasury_n of_o all_o wisdom_n in_o who_o be_v find_v all_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v not_o only_o for_o necessity_n but_o even_o unto_o plenty_n who_o see_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o extreme_a folly_n for_o man_n to_o turn_v themselves_o another_o way_n or_o trouble_v their_o head_n about_o the_o study_n of_o any_o other_o object_n and_o so_o this_o wisdom_n and_o this_o knowledge_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v be_v not_o that_o cognisance_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o know_v either_o as_o god_n or_o as_o man_n but_o it_o be_v that_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v need_n of_o for_o our_o attain_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o the_o have_v whereof_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v consist_v and_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o treasure_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v hide_v in_o he_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o these_o divine_a thing_n be_v know_v unto_o our_o lord_n such_o a_o conception_n will_v be_v frigid_a and_o impertinent_a but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o display_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o he_o that_o they_o dwell_v in_o he_o that_o they_o be_v find_v there_o that_o they_o be_v enclose_v and_o to_o be_v see_v in_o he_o through_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o cross_n which_o in_o a_o manner_n hide_v and_o overspread_v they_o this_o be_v in_o my_o opinion_n the_o true_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n expression_n let_v we_o now_o examine_v each_o of_o the_o term_n of_o it_o which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o wondrous_a elegant_a and_o rich_a and_o afterward_o consider_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o first_o he_o call_v this_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n treasure_n to_o intimate_v both_o the_o excellency_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o they_o the_o word_n treasure_n import_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o as_o you_o know_v we_o proper_o call_v such_o a_o collection_n a_o treasure_n as_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o worthless_a and_o of_o no_o value_n as_o dust_n or_o chass_v but_o precious_a and_o exquisite_a as_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n and_o jewel_n but_o beside_o worth_n this_o term_n signify_v abundance_n also_o for_o you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o that_o man_n have_v a_o treasure_n who_o have_v but_o two_o or_o three_o piece_n of_o gold_n or_o silver_n or_o a_o diamond_n or_o four_o or_o five_o emerald_n to_o have_v a_o treasure_n be_v to_o have_v a_o great_a and_o a_o considerable_a mass_n of_o rare_a and_o precious_a thing_n and_o hereby_o the_o verity_n which_o jesus_n christ_n exhibit_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o which_o be_v find_v otherwhere_o perhaps_o a_o good_a number_n of_o knowledge_n will_v be_v find_v otherwhere_o but_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o of_o no_o value_n they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o treasure_n this_o worthy_a title_n appertain_v only_o to_o thing_n rare_a and_o precious_a but_o the_o verity_n which_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v those_o that_o study_v he_o be_v so_o many_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n they_o be_v divine_a jewel_n such_o as_o neither_o the_o barbarous_a sea_n coast_n nor_o the_o mine_n of_o the_o new_a world_n do_v yield_v such_o as_o neither_o the_o heaven_n nor_o the_o earth_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o storehouse_n of_o nature_n can_v furnish_v we_o with_o but_o abundance_n also_o be_v