through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n so_o here_o he_o say_v it_o be_v give_v at_o first_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o 6._o then_o christ_n be_v save_o know_v and_o so_o save_v grace_n wrought_v when_o the_o heart_n consent_v to_o he_o call_v in_o his_o word_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o way_n to_o it_o they_o may_v quit_v their_o part_n of_o glory_n who_o come_v not_o to_o christ_n to_o be_v make_v virtuous_a or_o gracious_a and_o holy_a for_o he_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n verse_n 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n both_o the_o mean_n of_o work_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o save_a work_n iâ—_n here_o further_o clear_v the_o mean_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n contain_v such_o worthy_a and_o dear-bought_a blessing_n as_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n take_v away_o the_o stony-heart_n etc._n etc._n the_o fulfil_n of_o which_o promise_v to_o sinner_n by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god_n do_v make_v they_o partaker_n not_o of_o the_o infinite_a essence_n of_o god_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v divide_v nor_o communicate_v to_o any_o creature_n but_o of_o such_o heavenly_a quality_n as_o make_v they_o in_o some_o weak_a measure_n like_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o so_o do_v free_v they_o from_o the_o disposition_n fashion_n and_o estate_n wherein_o unregenerate_a man_n live_v and_o perish_v hence_o learn_v 1._o as_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v beyond_o all_o expression_n great_a and_o precious_a because_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a riches_n which_o they_o do_v contain_v and_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o esteem_v and_o commend_v by_o all_o that_o have_v faith_n to_o embrace_v the_o gift_n of_o they_o so_o the_o way_n how_o the_o lord_n work_v save_v grace_n at_o first_o be_v by_o make_v out_o these_o promise_n enable_v the_o guilty_a graceless_a and_o curse_a sinner_n to_o believe_v and_o apply_v the_o pardon_n grace_n and_o blessedness_n free_o offer_v in_o they_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v that_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god_n these_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v change_v 2._o the_o receive_n of_o these_o promise_n by_o faith_n make_v a_o wonderful_a change_n upon_o sinner_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o sinner_n get_v grace_n to_o believe_v and_o apply_v the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o soon_o do_v the_o lord_n begin_v to_o make_v out_o upon_o his_o heart_n the_o thing_n promise_v so_o stamp_v it_o with_o his_o own_o image_n that_o the_o sinner_n receive_v these_o promise_n begin_v present_o to_o look_v like_o god_n his_o father_n and_o in_o some_o weak_a measure_n to_o resemble_v he_o in_o heavenly_a wisdom_n holiness_n uprightness_n and_o other_o of_o his_o communicable_a property_n especial_o in_o humility_n self-denial_n love_n and_o pity_n towards_o other_o miserable_a sinner_n zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n honour_n and_o such_o other_o perfection_n as_o be_v eminent_a in_o the_o man_n christ_n and_o this_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o change_n kythe_n also_o in_o abhor_v and_o fly_v from_o the_o filthy_a fashion_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o unmortified_a corruption_n of_o these_o that_o be_v yet_o live_v in_o nature_n and_o so_o eschew_v the_o wrath_n and_o ruin_n which_o such_o be_v liable_a to_o both_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o escape_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o be_v here_o make_v the_o effect_n of_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o where_o this_o work_n be_v it_o prove_v a_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v ground_n of_o confidence_n that_o that_o work_n shall_v grow_v the_o study_n of_o the_o growth_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n press_v in_o the_o next_o place_n verse_n 5._o and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n 6._o and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n 7._o and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n to_o the_o end_n that_o this_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n describe_v in_o the_o preface_n may_v thrive_v the_o apostle_n do_v here_o serious_o exhort_v gracious_a 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o to_o give_v more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n that_o they_o may_v see_v every_o grace_n draw_v forth_o to_o exercise_n and_o kthe_v in_o fruit_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o reckon_v forth_o a_o number_n of_o these_o grace_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o a_o christian_n growth_n do_v consist_v hence_o learn_v 1._o even_o they_o who_o discern_v in_o themselves_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o know_v the_o privilege_n speak_v of_o before_o to_o be_v they_o be_v not_o now_o to_o sit_v down_o idle_a and_o satisfy_v but_o to_o be_v the_o more_o active_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o holy_a duty_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n beside_o this_o that_o you_o have_v precious_a faith_n and_o promise_n and_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v all_o diligence_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o ordinary_a diligence_n wherewith_o most_o professor_n satisfy_v themselves_o that_o will_v be_v blessed_v to_o make_v a_o thrive_a christian_a but_o such_o as_o go_v through_o all_o mean_n and_o wait_v upon_o all_o opportunity_n of_o profit_v that_o their_o ability_n and_o calling_n will_v permit_v they_o to_o follow_v and_o get_v the_o flower_n of_o a_o christian_n wit_n affection_n and_o time_n which_o be_v here_o call_v all_o diligence_n so_o a_o christian_n end_n in_o be_v thus_o diligent_a must_v not_o be_v his_o own_o credit_n before_o other_o or_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o conscience_n only_o but_o that_o the_o exercise_n and_o fruit_n of_o one_o grace_n may_v be_v still_o add_v to_o another_o and_o so_o christ_n may_v be_v honour_v in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 3._o save_v faith_n which_o gripe_v christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o strength_n and_o daily_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o both_o must_v be_v hold_v fast_o and_o renew_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o all_o that_o will_v thrive_v in_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o be_v fit_a for_o any_o duty_n if_o either_o we_o lose_v the_o grip_n of_o faith_n or_o do_v not_o frequent_o renew_v they_o we_o can_v thrive_v in_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v faith_n here_o make_v the_o first_o stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v add_v add_v to_o your_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 4._o with_o the_o maintain_n and_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o save_a faith_n a_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v must_v so_o mind_v his_o duty_n as_o that_o he_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o near_a disposition_n for_o it_o for_o no_o less_o be_v signify_v by_o virtue_n than_o the_o work_a habit_n of_o every_o grace_n which_o keep_v a_o christian_a in_o such_o a_o fitness_n for_o do_v or_o suffer_v that_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o they_o either_o of_o they_o be_v lovely_a to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n ready_a for_o they_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v elsewhere_o the_o have_v of_o the_o heart_n at_o the_o right-hand_a eccl._n 10.2_o and_o stand_v with_o the_o loin_n gird_v eph._n 6.14_o and_o here_o be_v call_v add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n 5._o there_o be_v more_o than_o this_o readiness_n of_o disposition_n for_o duty_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o grow_a christian_a even_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a reason_n to_o time_n and_o manage_v duty_n wise_o that_o as_o the_o heart_n lie_v to_o duty_n there_o may_v be_v skill_n to_o go_v about_o it_o with_o prudence_n and_o circumspection_n as_o the_o word_n knowledge_n here_o signify_v which_o be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o virtue_n 6._o because_o there_o remain_v in_o the_o best_a many_o immoderate_a and_o unruly_a affection_n and_o passion_n which_o as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o exceed_v bound_n even_o about_o lawful_a object_n so_o the_o excess_n of_o they_o do_v darken_v reason_n indispose_v the_o heart_n for_o duty_n mar_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o hinder_v all_o the_o former_a three_o therefore_o a_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v must_v labour_v to_o have_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o he_o such_o a_o command_n over_o his_o passion_n of_o anger_n fear_n grief_n etc._n etc._n and_o over_o his_o affection_n of_o love_n joy_n and_o the_o like_a
call_v himself_o lord_n or_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o discharge_v it_o in_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o and_o here_o take_v a_o low_a title_n to_o himself_o a_o servant_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n ambassador_n to_o know_v and_o assert_v their_o call_v from_o he_o that_o truth_n may_v have_v weight_n with_o people_n and_o they_o may_v have_v courage_n whatever_o their_o faithfulness_n may_v cost_v they_o for_o while_o the_o apostle_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v avow_v himself_o by_o name_n and_o surname_n even_o when_o he_o 〈◊〉_d publish_v truth_n that_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o he_o describe_v these_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v main_o direct_v from_o the_o worth_n of_o their_o faith_n equal_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o all_o save_a effect_n and_o clear_v the_o way_n how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o give_v for_o convert_v sinner_n and_o work_a grace_n where_o it_o be_v not_o psal_n 19.7_o but_o also_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o gracious_a fine_a place_n be_v main_o intend_v for_o they_o to_o further_a their_o growth_n guard_v they_o against_o temptation_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o last_o meeting_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o epistle_n direct_v main_o to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v precious_a faith_n 2._o although_o some_o believer_n be_v more_o strong_a in_o believe_v and_o so_o have_v more_o joy_n and_o peace_n than_o other_o 1_o joh._n 2.13_o 14._o yet_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o they_o all_o of_o alike_o worth_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o unit_v they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o saviour_n from_o who_o the_o weak_a faith_n shall_v never_o shed_v intere_v they_o all_o in_o the_o same_o spiritual_a promise_n privilege_n and_o glorious_a reward_n and_o be_v buy_v for_o they_o all_o with_o the_o same_o price_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o the_o mean_a believer_n be_v alike_o precious_a with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3._o the_o way_n how_o save_a faith_n come_v to_o the_o elect_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o promise_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n the_o bestow_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o elect_n psal_n 110.3_o and_o to_o the_o elect_a in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n isa_n 54.13_o joh._n 6.45_o it_o being_n god_n righteousness_n to_o prove_v himself_o faithful_a in_o make_v all_o these_o promise_n and_o it_o come_v also_o through_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v his_o do_v and_o suffer_v to_o purchase_v it_o and_o other_o save_a grace_n for_o we_o and_o so_o although_o we_o have_v it_o free_o yet_o christ_n buy_v it_o dear_a and_o god_n be_v righteous_a in_o give_v what_o himself_o promise_v and_o christ_n pay_v for_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o so_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o precious_a faith_n to_o come_v to_o all_o that_o have_v it_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 2._o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n in_o this_o salutation_n he_o wish_v to_o they_o a_o daily_a growth_n in_o their_o heart_n 1._o of_o the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o god_n free_a favour_n make_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o thrive_v 2._o of_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o carry_v with_o it_o every_o necessary_a blessing_n as_o the_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n grace_n and_o peace_n and_o their_o order_n do_v import_n and_o all_o this_o through_o their_o grow_v in_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n which_o have_v faith_n affection_n and_o practice_n with_o it_o hence_o learn_v 1._o no_o less_o than_o what_o be_v here_o wish_a for_o be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n to_o every_o believer_n if_o they_o get_v it_o not_o they_o have_v themselves_o to_o blame_v for_o his_o majesty_n do_v nothing_o to_o mar_v the_o multiply_a of_o grace_n and_o peace_n upon_o all_o that_o have_v precious_a faith_n 2._o they_o that_o will_v have_v this_o rich_a allowance_n must_v not_o only_o expect_v in_o this_o order_n grace_n or_o god_n free_a favour_n first_o and_o then_o peace_n with_o every_o necessary_a blessing_n but_o they_o must_v study_v to_o grow_v daily_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n the_o purchase_n fullness_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o by_o the_o usemaking_a of_o all_o heart_n and_o life_n may_v be_v change_v for_o such_o a_o knowledge_n be_v this_o through_o which_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v 3._o it_o be_v not_o formality_n or_o vain_a repetition_n to_o use_v frequent_o the_o same_o expression_n to_o god_n or_o to_o other_o when_o they_o flow_v from_o new_a sense_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o need_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o this_o apostle_n and_o other_o do_v ordinary_o use_v these_o same_o expression_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o their_o epistle_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 3._o according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v unto_o life_n and_o godliness_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n follow_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n which_o may_v also_o hearten_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o wish_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n powerful_a grâ—â—â—â—ad_n already_o begin_v a_o save_a work_n in_o they_o by_o bestow_v free_o upon_o they_o all_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o gracious_a frame_n of_o spirit_n within_o and_o a_o holy_a life_n without_o and_o this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o make_v they_o so_o to_o know_v christ_n as_o to_o consent_v to_o he_o call_v they_o by_o the_o gospel_n to_o glory_n or_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o end_n by_o virtue_n which_o be_v grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o the_o way_n or_o mean_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o see_v beginning_n of_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v comfortable_a pledge_n and_o confirmation_n to_o faith_n that_o that_o work_n shall_v thrive_v it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o lord_n wisdom_n power_n and_o constancy_n to_o carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v for_o the_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o be_v multiply_v according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v begin_v the_o work_n 2._o to_o give_v grace_n to_o a_o graceless_a soul_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n infinite_a power_n there_o be_v so_o much_o unworthiness_n guiltiness_n and_o opposition_n to_o hinder_v that_o work_n in_o all_o the_o elect_a therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o work_n be_v here_o make_v divine_a power_n 3._o the_o lord_n in_o the_o bestow_n of_o save_a grace_n work_v both_o irresistable_o and_o free_o neither_o can_v any_o for_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o purchase_v so_o oppose_v as_o to_o hinder_v the_o bestow_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v divine_a power_n that_o work_v it_o nor_o can_v any_o in_o nature_n so_o use_v their_o natural_n as_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o or_o merit_v the_o bestow_n of_o it_o for_o divine_a power_n work_v by_o give_v free_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o so_o the_o very_a preparation_n for_o the_o new_a life_n 4._o the_o substance_n of_o every_o save_a grace_n though_o not_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o a_o right_a to_o what_o may_v enable_v for_o honour_v god_n in_o practice_n be_v give_v at_o once_o in_o conversion_n as_o a_o child_n when_o it_o first_o live_v or_o be_v new_o bear_v have_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o a_o man_n therefore_o to_o these_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n wish_v increase_v of_o grace_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v to_o press_v growth_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v already_o give_v all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 5._o the_o very_a first_o beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o make_v a_o sinner_n drink-in_a the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o law_n indeed_o prepare_v for_o this_o work_n by_o discover_v sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o terrify_v the_o conscience_n but_o the_o gospel_n which_o holde_o out_o christ_n the_o saviour_n from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n have_v in_o he_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o heart_n to_o let_v it_o out_o free_o upon_o graceless_a sinner_n be_v the_o spirit_n be_v instrument_n of_o work_a grace_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n to_o thrive_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n
especial_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n which_o right_a reason_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n do_v prescribe_v to_o they_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o add_v to_o knowledge_n temperance_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n whereby_o a_o christian_n passion_n and_o affection_n be_v hold_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sanctify_a reason_n 7._o because_o all_o that_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n may_v expect_v trial_n and_o cross_n in_o it_o therefore_o must_v a_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v labour_n for_o a_o rational_a and_o willing_a submission_n to_o these_o know_v that_o he_o deserve_v worse_a that_o they_o may_v come_v from_o love_n and_o work_v together_o for_o his_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a upon_o which_o scripture-ground_n believer_n christian_a patience_n be_v build_v which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a 8._o the_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v must_v never_o conceit_v himself_o to_o be_v above_o the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v the_o external_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o must_v conscionable_o wait_v upon_o these_o not_o rest_v upon_o the_o outside_n of_o they_o but_o look_v especial_o to_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o go_v about_o they_o for_o so_o much_o do_v this_o woâ—d_n godliness_n signify_v be_v distinguish_v from_o inward_a grace_n and_o duty_n to_o our_o neighbour_n as_o here_o it_o be_v 9_o a_o thrive_a christian_n must_v with_o his_o godliness_n make_v conscience_n of_o duty_n to_o his_o neighbour_n especial_o of_o entertain_v a_o kindly_a and_o tender_a affection_n towards_o all_o who_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o charity_n to_o esteem_v child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n with_o himself_o and_o kith_v this_o affection_n to_o weak_a and_o strong_a by_o sympathize_v with_o they_o in_o trouble_n supply_v their_o necessity_n edify_v their_o soul_n and_o every_o way_n study_v to_o promote_v their_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n according_a to_o his_o place_n and_o ability_n which_o be_v to_o add_v to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n 10._o the_o duty_n of_o love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v all_o confine_v to_o the_o saint_n only_o but_o if_o we_o will_v prove_v ourselves_o grow_v christian_n we_o must_v thirst_v after_o and_o endeavour_v the_o true_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o all_o to_o who_o our_o prayer_n or_o pain_n may_v be_v profitable_a within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o call_n which_o be_v to_o add_v to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n a_o grace_n the_o exercise_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n press_v upon_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o man_n gal._n 6.10_o 1_o thess_n 3.12_o verse_n 8._o for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n because_o even_o those_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o these_o grace_n be_v ready_a to_o become_v lazy_a and_o too_o content_v with_o their_o measure_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o 16._o vers_fw-la do_v by_o many_o move_a argument_n labour_v to_o rouse_v they_o up_o to_o diligence_n and_o the_o study_n of_o growth_n the_o first_o motive_n be_v from_o the_o advantage_n thereof_o that_o the_o christian_a in_o who_o these_o grace_n be_v and_o be_v in_o lively_a exercise_n and_o growth_n shall_v never_o be_v without_o work_n as_o the_o word_n here_o translate_v barren_a do_v proper_o signify_v nor_o shall_v his_o work_n be_v without_o such_o fruit_n as_o shall_v manifest_v for_o his_o own_o comfort_n and_o god_n honour_n &_o the_o good_a of_o other_o that_o he_o do_v save_o know_v and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o own_o lord_n therefore_o the_o growth_n and_o exercise_v of_o grace_n be_v much_o to_o be_v study_v hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o most_o unquestionable_a duty_n have_v need_v to_o be_v press_v upon_o christian_n by_o many_o argument_n for_o what_o we_o do_v most_o easy_o assent_v to_o in_o judgement_n we_o be_v oftentimes_o most_o careless_a of_o in_o practice_n therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o follow_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n multiply_v motive_n to_o press_v this_o one_o clear_a duty_n that_o gracious_a person_n ought_v to_o study_v growth_n in_o grace_n 2._o even_o these_o of_o who_o the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v charitable_a that_o they_o be_v gracious_a ought_v notwithstanding_o to_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o trial_n both_o concern_v the_o truth_n and_o growth_n of_o their_o grace_n therefore_o even_o these_o who_o be_v before_o speak_v to_o as_o have_v precious_a faith_n and_o other_o grace_n be_v here_o put_v to_o try_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o they_o and_o abound_v 3._o though_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n be_v in_o and_o from_o christ_n as_o the_o treasure_n and_o fountain_n thereof_o yet_o it_o be_v real_o inherent_a in_o the_o regenerate_v as_o the_o subject_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v try_v and_o labour_n to_o see_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o we_o from_o christ_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o approven_v way_n to_o try_v the_o reality_n and_o growth_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o wit_n a_o christian_n activity_n in_o command_v duty_n and_o his_o fruitfulness_n in_o his_o conversation_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o for_o here_o the_o apostle_n put_v they_o to_o try_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o they_o and_o abound_v which_o he_o say_v they_o will_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n 5._o as_o grace_n may_v be_v in_o the_o habit_n and_o seed_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v not_o lively_a and_o grow_a so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o be_v of_o it_o in_o we_o but_o the_o liveliness_n and_o growth_n of_o it_o that_o make_v a_o christian_a busy_a and_o bear_v the_o fruit_n of_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n edify_v and_o supply_v other_o and_o the_o like_a which_o fruit_n will_v kith_v in_o some_o measure_n where_o grace_n be_v and_o be_v in_o vigour_n and_o will_v evidence_n a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v neither_o be_v barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 9_o but_o he_o that_o lack_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v far_o off_o and_o have_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v purge_v from_o his_o old_a sin_n the_o second_o motive_n to_o diligence_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v take_v from_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o want_n or_o decay_v of_o these_o grace_n those_o that_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o save_a knowledge_n faith_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grace_n mention_v be_v utter_o blind_a in_o all_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o can_v be_v take_v up_o with_o any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o present_a world_n and_o so_o do_v declare_v that_o they_o undervalue_v that_o great_a privilege_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n which_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o profession_n they_o do_v seem_v and_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v yea_o and_o even_o those_o in_o who_o these_o grace_n real_o be_v but_o be_v under_o a_o decay_n and_o without_o exercise_n they_o be_v so_o far_o blind_a in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o intent_n upon_o thing_n worldly_a that_o they_o do_v for_o the_o time_n walk_v as_o if_o they_o have_v forget_v their_o pardon_n concern_v both_o which_o the_o apostle_n argument_n may_v be_v understand_v and_o have_v force_n to_o move_v all_o to_o diligence_n and_o the_o study_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n hence_o learn_v 1._o how_o sharp-sighted_a soever_o graceless_a soul_n may_v be_v in_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o back_n and_o belly_n and_o this_o present_a world_n yet_o till_o christ_n make_v a_o gracious_a change_n upon_o they_o they_o can_v see_v nothing_o of_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o perish_v the_o worth_n of_o salvation_n or_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v fly_v to_o he_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o his_o service_n and_o so_o make_v preparation_n for_o death_n and_o eternity_n for_o he_o that_o lack_v these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o can_v see_v afaâ—_n off_o 2._o while_o folk_n be_v of_o this_o temper_n and_o way_n however_o they_o may_v be_v esteem_v pardon_v soul_n by_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v such_o yet_o by_o their_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o this_o present_a life_n and_o make_v