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 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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
oftentimes_o a_o burden_n to_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n jer._n 23.33_o yet_o must_v not_o the_o lord_n minister_n weary_a to_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n to_o they_o not_o know_v when_o life_n and_o power_n from_o god_n may_v accompany_v that_o truth_n to_o their_o heart_n which_o have_v be_v often_o tell_v they_o before_o and_o as_o often_o slight_v by_o they_o see_v philip._n 3.1_o for_o this_o apostle_n press_v the_o same_o truth_n upon_o the_o hebrew_n which_o he_o know_v paul_n have_v press_v before_o upon_o they_o and_o upon_o all_o other_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n which_o be_v all_o intend_a for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o also_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n speak_v in_o they_o of_o these_o thing_n 2._o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n so_o to_o express_v some_o part_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o his_o word_n that_o the_o sharpest-sighted_a will_v not_o at_o the_o first_o nor_o easy_o take_v up_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o that_o all_o that_o study_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v make_v humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o blindness_n earnest_n in_o employ_v christ_n for_o his_o spirit_n and_o may_v be_v quicken_v to_o pain_n in_o meditation_n compare_v one_o scripture_n with_o another_o and_o the_o use_n of_o other_o command_v mean_n that_o after_o the_o use_n of_o all_o any_o insight_n they_o get_v in_o place_n former_o dark_a to_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o esteem_v of_o for_o there_o be_v in_o paul_n epistle_n some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 3._o although_o no_o man_n without_o special_a illumination_n from_o god_n can_v saving_o take_v up_o any_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o yet_o iâ—_n there_o much_o of_o the_o lord_n mind_n reveal_v therein_o in_o itself_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o who_o humble_o depend_v upon_o christ_n teach_v in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o mean_n so_o that_o the_o simple_a who_o desire_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o may_v save_v and_o comfort_v their_o soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hinder_v or_o discourage_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v only_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v import_v that_o there_o be_v therein_o many_o thing_n plain_a and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v 4._o those_o truth_n which_o be_v most_o dark_o propound_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v if_o man_n will_v serious_o exercise_v their_o wit_n about_o they_o and_o humble_o employ_v christ_n for_o understanding_n as_o the_o saint_n have_v do_v psal_n 119.33_o 34_o 97._o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v only_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a import_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n plain_a but_o also_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v 5_o although_o humane_a learning_n be_v sanctify_v in_o the_o use_n thereof_o may_v prove_v a_o bless_a mean_n of_o fit_v man_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n dan._n 1.17_o act._n 7.22_o and_o 22.3_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o want_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o any_o obscurity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o cause_v man_n dangerous_o to_o mistake_v and_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o man_n will_v not_o become_v humble_a disciple_n of_o christ_n renounce_v their_o own_o wit_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n teach_n for_o the_o word_n here_o in_o the_o original_a unlearned_a be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o scripture_n act._n 4.13_o to_o signify_v the_o want_n of_o humane_a literature_n but_o it_o be_v a_o word_n that_o signify_v to_o be_v undisciple_v or_o not_o teach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o sense_n they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n 6._o another_o special_a cause_n of_o wrest_v and_o mistake_v these_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v that_o man_n labour_v not_o to_o fix_v themselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n love_n and_o practice_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v plain_a but_o have_v their_o heart_n distract_v with_o the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n for_o it_o be_v they_o that_o be_v unstable_a in_o this_o sense_n that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n 7._o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o force_v they_o to_o speak_v contrary_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o in_o defence_n of_o vile_a error_n or_o profane_a practice_n for_o there_o be_v a_o metaphor_n in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v wrest_v take_v from_o those_o who_o by_o torture_n labour_n to_o compel_v the_o innocent_a to_o speak_v against_o their_o mind_n 8._o they_o that_o wrest_v one_o plate_n of_o scripture_n will_v ready_o wrest_v many_o more_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o one_o error_n and_o another_o as_o there_o be_v between_o one_o truth_n and_o another_o for_o they_o that_o wrest_v paul_n epistle_n they_o wrest_v also_o other_o scripture_n 9_o the_o hazard_n of_o man_n force_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o the_o scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o everlasting_a destruction_n of_o they_o that_o do_v it_o for_o they_o that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n do_v it_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n verse_n 17._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n the_o five_o use_n of_o the_o apostle_n former_a doctrine_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o constancy_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o since_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o forewarn_v of_o their_o spiritual_a danger_n and_o inform_v concern_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o wary_a lest_o they_o be_v draw_v away_o from_o that_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v through_o the_o lord_n grace_n in_o some_o good_a measure_n establish_v hence_o learn_v 1._o clear_a forewarning_n of_o spiritual_a danger_n and_o information_n concern_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o do_v lay_v upon_o the_o lord_n people_n strong_a obligation_n to_o watchfulness_n it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o guiltiness_n if_o after_o these_o they_o be_v ensnare_v for_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o foreknowledge_n they_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o his_o former_a doctrine_n a_o special_a motive_n to_o watchfulness_n wherefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v 2._o there_o be_v no_o error_n nor_o temptation_n so_o gross_a that_o have_v overtake_v other_o whereof_o those_o that_o be_v dear_o belove_v of_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v so_o much_o fear_n as_o to_o make_v they_o very_o strict_a in_o watch_v lest_o they_o be_v ensnare_v with_o the_o same_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o these_o in_o their_o unmortified_a part_n beloved_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a 3._o although_o the_o lord_n people_n can_v neither_o total_o nor_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o truth_n or_o holiness_n joh._n 17.11_o 12._o yet_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n establish_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o practice_n of_o holy_a duty_n may_v for_o a_o time_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n fall_v from_o both_o as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o warning_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_n 4._o the_o possibility_n of_o believer_n fall_v for_o a_o time_n shall_v provoke_v they_o to_o much_o circumspection_n and_o as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v to_o keep_v very_o strict_a watch_n over_o themselves_o which_o exercise_n the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o his_o people_n preservation_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v let_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_n 5._o the_o lord_n people_n have_v a_o steadfastness_n proper_a to_o themselves_o which_o no_o hypocrite_n can_v attain_v unto_o whereby_o they_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n not_o for_o the_o applause_n or_o example_n of_o other_o or_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n whatsoever_o but_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v to_o know_v and_o their_o heart_n renew_v to_o believe_v and_o love_v the_o truth_n for_o its_o own_o worth_n and_o for_o his_o authority_n that_o reveal_v it_o for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v beware_v lest_o you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o proper_a steadfastness_n verse_n 18._o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o six_o and_o last_o use_n of_o the_o former_a doctrine_n be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n of_o a_o continual_a growth_n and_o progress_n in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n press_v as_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o he_o press_v in_o the_o former_a use_n to_o wit_n steadfastness_n and_o close_v with_o a_o song_n of_o praise_n to_o jesus_n christ_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o maintain_v that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v but_o they_o must_v labour_v to_o find_v the_o lively_a exercise_n and_o daily_a growth_n of_o every_o grace_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v to_o steadfastness_n in_o what_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v do_v add_v this_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n 2._o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v a_o special_a preservative_n from_o apostasy_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n to_o keep_v what_o we_o have_v attain_v except_o it_o be_v improven_v and_o be_v upon_o the_o grow_a hand_n mat._n 25.29_o for_o this_o exhortation_n be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a as_o a_o special_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o steadfastness_n grow_v in_o grace_n etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o that_o will_v have_v grace_n to_o thrive_v in_o their_o heart_n must_v labour_v for_o a_o daily_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n in_o their_o mind_n concern_v christ_n sovereignty_n his_o office_n and_o the_o benefit_n we_o have_v by_o he_o for_o as_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v here_o press_v as_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o steadfastness_n so_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n be_v press_v as_o a_o special_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o growth_n in_o grace_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o have_v any_o right_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o break_v forth_o some_o way_n in_o his_o praise_n and_o to_o ascribe_v glory_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v become_v the_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n and_o have_v clothe_v himself_o with_o office_n answerable_a to_o all_o their_o necessity_n as_o be_v import_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v here_o for_o the_o apostle_n that_o know_v he_o well_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o take_v up_o the_o song_n which_o all_o that_o know_v he_o shall_v follow_v and_o keep_v up_o in_o their_o heart_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n 5._o praise_n be_v a_o duty_n wherewith_o all_o our_o other_o duty_n shall_v be_v close_v both_o for_o the_o help_n we_o find_v in_o they_o and_o for_o the_o pardon_n we_o believe_v to_o obtain_v for_o our_o fail_n upon_o both_o which_o ground_n the_o apostle_n close_v his_o epistle_n with_o praise_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n 6._o praise_n be_v a_o exercise_n for_o the_o discharge_n whereof_o not_o only_o all_o our_o time_n but_o the_o long_a age_n or_o day_n of_o eternity_n as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la
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
and_o ought_v not_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o write_a word_n or_o of_o the_o preach_v thereof_o in_o the_o general_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v a_o slender_a esteem_n of_o these_o portion_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n carve_v out_o to_o they_o by_o the_o messenger_n who_o he_o send_v to_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n lead_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o look_v upon_o that_o commendation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o isaiah_n have_v give_v out_o before_o he_o as_o agree_v to_o the_o word_n write_v and_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o himself_o and_o other_o of_o the_o lord_n servant_n in_o that_o time_n and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o 9_o although_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n have_v their_o own_o efficiency_n as_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n to_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o new_a life_n by_o break_v and_o humble_v of_o it_o act._n 2.37_o yet_o it_o be_v main_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o glad_a tiding_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v of_o free_a salvation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o all_o lose_a sinner_n who_o get_v grace_n to_o receive_v the_o offer_n thereof_o whereby_o a_o new_a life_n be_v convey_v to_o and_o increase_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o whereby_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o that_o excellent_a state_n of_o regeneration_n for_o the_o apostle_n apply_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o regeneration_n main_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o chap._n ii_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n go_v on_o to_o press_v such_o duty_n of_o holiness_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a for_o that_o excellent_a state_n of_o the_o regenerate_v describe_v in_o the_o former_a in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o he_o exhort_v to_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o such_o duty_n of_o holiness_n as_o concern_v all_o christian_n in_o whatsoever_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o the_o world_n as_o namely_o the_o study_n of_o mortification_n ver_fw-la 1._o a_o hearty_a indrinking_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o their_o so_o do_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n ver_fw-la 2._o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v experimental_o taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n grace_n ver_fw-la 3._o and_o because_o by_o their_o daily_a usemaking_a of_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v find_v a_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o fitness_n for_o every_o duty_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o and_o that_o because_o the_o scripture_n witness_v he_o to_o be_v give_v with_o the_o father_n good_a will_n for_o a_o solid_a foundation_n of_o salvation_n and_o comfort_n to_o every_o soul_n that_o fly_v to_o he_o ver_fw-la 6._o whence_o the_o apostle_n infer_v that_o christ_n can_v but_o be_v very_o dear_a to_o believer_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o less_o glorious_a that_o many_o slight_v he_o who_o by_o their_o so_o do_v shall_v only_o ruin_v themselves_o and_o prove_v themselves_o reprobate_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o he_o have_v so_o high_o honour_v that_o they_o may_v be_v forthcoming_a for_o his_o praise_n who_o have_v make_v so_o remarkable_a a_o change_n upon_o they_o ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o their_o great_a study_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o battle_n against_o their_o inward_a lust_n ver_fw-la 11._o and_o to_o walk_v so_o as_o the_o most_o wicked_a among_o who_o they_o converse_v may_v be_v allure_v to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o christianity_n ver_fw-la 12._o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n press_v such_o duty_n as_o be_v suitable_a for_o christian_n consider_v under_o some_o of_o their_o special_a relation_n and_o first_o he_o exhort_v they_o as_o subject_n under_o heathen_a ruler_n to_o respect_v every_o form_n of_o lawful_a government_n whether_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o supreme_a or_o inferior_a magistrate_n and_o this_o he_o press_v by_o many_o argument_n first_o because_o they_o shall_v thereby_o evidence_n their_o respect_n to_o god_n command_n second_o because_o magistrate_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o so_o good_a end_n as_o he_o express_v ver_fw-la 13_o 14._o three_o they_o shall_v thereby_o silence_v their_o slanderer_n ver_fw-la 15._o four_o because_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v abuse_v their_o christian_a liberty_n unto_o licentiousness_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o five_o because_o other_o unquestionable_a duty_n do_v necessary_o infer_v this_o ver_fw-la 17._o second_o he_o exhort_v they_o as_o servant_n under_o heathen_a persecute_v master_n in_o which_o case_n many_o christian_n then_o be_v to_o carry_v themselves_o dutiful_o towards_o such_o master_n and_o patient_o under_o wrong_n from_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o worst_a or_o better_a sort_n ver_fw-la 18._o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n press_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n by_o several_a reason_n first_o because_o they_o may_v expect_v a_o gracious_a reward_n from_o god_n if_o they_o be_v put_v to_o unjust_a suffering_n from_o man_n for_o respect_n to_o his_o command_n ver_fw-la 19_o second_o because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disgrace_n for_o christianity_n if_o christian_n do_v deserve_v hard_a usage_n from_o heathen_n for_o their_o miscarriage_n ver_fw-la 20._o three_o because_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o patience_n under_o the_o cross_n by_o their_o call_v four_o because_o christ_n have_v suffer_v hard_a thing_n for_o they_o five_o because_o he_o have_v cast_v they_o a_o sweet_a copy_n of_o the_o right_a way_n of_o suffering_n ver_fw-la 21._o six_o because_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o innocent_a sufferer_n ver_fw-la 22._o seven_o because_o he_o be_v the_o most_o patient_a and_o eighthly_a the_o most_o confident_a under_o great_a wrong_n that_o ever_o be_v ver_fw-la 23._o nine_o because_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v purchase_v reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o tenthly_a heal_v to_o all_o his_o people_n wound_n especial_o for_o his_o cause_n ver_fw-la 24._o eleven_o since_o they_o who_o be_v once_o in_o the_o way_n to_o perdition_n be_v now_o bring_v to_o a_o state_n of_o safety_n by_o he_o ver_fw-la last_o therefore_o they_o ought_v patient_o to_o suffer_v wrong_n in_o follow_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o the_o press_v whereof_o be_v the_o apostle_n scope_n verse_n 1._o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n the_o apostle_n scope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o press_v upon_o all_o christian_n the_o study_n of_o progress_n and_o growth_n in_o holiness_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o second_o and_o five_o verse_n he_o do_v in_o order_n to_o this_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o battle_n against_o their_o unmortified_a corruption_n give_v instance_n of_o such_o as_o be_v most_o contrary_a unto_o that_o love_n of_o the_o regenerate_v one_o towards_o another_o which_o he_o have_v press_v before_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o their_o regeneration_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o to_o that_o hearty_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n which_o he_o press_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n as_o the_o principal_a mean_n of_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n not_o exclude_v other_o evil_n not_o here_o mention_v but_o lead_v they_o by_o these_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v unbeseeming_a a_o regenerate_a state_n doct._n 1._o there_o do_v remain_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o after_o their_o regeneration_n but_o even_o after_o some_o progress_n in_o mortification_n many_o strong_a corruption_n and_o filthy_a frame_n or_o spirit_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o humble_v they_o rom._n 7.24_o and_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o earnest_a employment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n both_o for_o mercy_n and_o power_n to_o subdue_v they_o 2_o cor._n 12.8_o for_o upon_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n suppon_v to_o be_v not_o only_o bear_v again_o chap._n 1.23_o but_o to_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o mortification_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 22._o he_o do_v here_o press_v that_o they_o shall_v lay_v aside_o malice_n and_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n 2._o our_o corruption_n ought_v to_o be_v renounce_v with_o detestation_n as_o thing_n very_o noisome_a to_o be_v long_o keep_v isa_n 30.22_o and_o with_o a_o purpose_n never_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o again_o hos_fw-la 14.8_o for_o there_o be_v a_o metaphor_n in_o the_o word_n take_v from_o a_o man_n put_v off_o a_o old_a suit_n of_o clothes_n full_a of_o filth_n and_o vermin_n which_o will_v be_v both_o hurtful_a and_o disgraceful_a to_o be_v long_o wear_v wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n etc._n etc._n 3._o even_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v ready_a to_o cleave_v very_o close_o to_o
they_o be_v here_o press_v as_o a_o mean_a towards_o the_o duty_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n etc._n etc._n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n verse_n 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o apostle_n have_v dissuade_v from_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o right_a receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v here_o in_o the_o next_o place_n exhort_v the_o regenerate_v to_o labour_n for_o such_o a_o sharp_a edge_n upon_o their_o appetite_n after_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o be_v beget_v and_o must_v be_v nourish_v as_o lively_a infant_n have_v after_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o mother_n breast_n and_o this_o exhortation_n the_o apostle_n bear_v in_o by_o three_o motive_n in_o this_o verse_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o that_o those_o truth_n be_v the_o sincere_a milk_n that_o be_v most_o pure_a truth_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o falsehood_n or_o error_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o spiritual_a reason_n and_o so_o suit_v to_o the_o sanctify_a understanding_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v that_o rational_a milk_n 3._o that_o the_o greedy_a in_o drink_v of_o they_o will_v prove_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o spiritual_a growth_n and_o progress_n in_o grace_n and_o comfort_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o the_o true_o regenerate_v what_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o breast_n be_v to_o the_o young_a infant_n those_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a and_o fit_v for_o the_o cherish_n and_o entertain_v of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n no_o less_o refresh_n and_o strengthen_v through_o god_n blessing_n to_o they_o than_o this_o be_v to_o the_o new_a bear_v babe_n for_o however_o the_o first_o principle_n or_o ground_n of_o religion_n which_o use_v to_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o a_o catechise_v be_v for_o their_o plainness_n and_o fitness_n for_o the_o weak_a call_v milk_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o more_o profound_a truth_n which_o have_v the_o name_n of_o strong_a meat_n heb._n 5.13_o 14._o yet_o for_o the_o cause_n former_o mention_v the_o whole_a word_n be_v here_o call_v milk_n to_o be_v much_o thirsted-aft_a by_o all_o the_o regenerate_v as_o new_a bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o desire_n of_o a_o true_o regenerate_v person_n after_o the_o word_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n resemble_v that_o desire_n after_o the_o breast_n which_o be_v in_o new_a bear_v babe_n for_o as_o the_o best_a thing_n on_o earth_n beside_o the_o breast_n can_v be_v satisfactory_a to_o a_o lively_a infant_n as_o it_o be_v most_o grieve_a for_o the_o want_n thereof_o most_o unwilling_a to_o shed_v with_o it_o and_o most_o delight_a to_o have_v it_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o 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restriction_n to_o one_o part_n of_o it_o more_o than_o another_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o as_o the_o object_n of_o this_o desire_n of_o the_o regenerate_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 4._o this_o desire_n of_o the_o word_n former_o describe_v be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o regeneration_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n no_o soon_o be_v a_o sinner_n bear_v again_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o word_n but_o as_o soon_o be_v there_o a_o kindly_a appetite_n after_o the_o word_n wrought_v in_o the_o sinner_n heart_n even_o as_o the_o infant_n present_o after_o the_o birth_n do_v evidence_n some_o inclination_n and_o desire_n after_o the_o breast_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v assert_v their_o new_a birth_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 23._o do_v here_o put_v they_o to_o evidence_n it_o as_o new_a bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 5._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o deceive_v any_o that_o get_v grace_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o faith_n and_o walk_v by_o it_o there_o be_v no_o mixture_n of_o error_n with_o the_o truth_n therein_o deliver_v or_o of_o falsehood_n either_o in_o the_o promise_n threaten_n or_o prediction_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o minister_n in_o handle_v of_o it_o shall_v keep_v it_o free_a of_o the_o mixture_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o passion_n and_o people_n shall_v love_v it_o and_o rest_n upon_o it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n or_o as_o the_o original_a be_v the_o word_n without_o guile_n or_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o deceive_v 6._o although_o natural_a reason_n of_o itself_o except_o it_o be_v elevate_v above_o itself_o and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o lord_n can_v comprehend_v the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o reasonable_a 1_o cor._n 1.18_o 23._o and_o 2.14_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v most_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o can_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v such_o by_o all_o that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o sanctify_a reason_n when_o they_o consider_v what_o subjection_n and_o credit_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o of_o who_o we_o have_v our_o be_v when_o they_o compare_v his_o precept_n and_o command_n with_o his_o promise_n of_o furniture_n for_o obedience_n and_o of_o a_o gracious_a reward_n thereof_o and_o when_o they_o consider_v how_o justice_n and_o mercy_n be_v agree_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n do_v kiss_v each_o other_o in_o that_o way_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v devise_v through_o christ_n incarnate_a and_o that_o neither_o these_o truth_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o pure_a natural_a reason_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o for_o this_o text_n may_v be_v translate_v as_o the_o like_a word_n be_v rom._n 12._o 1._o desire_v that_o rational_a and_o sincere_a milk_n 7._o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o far_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n grace_n or_o holiness_n as_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o measure_n but_o aught_o still_o to_o aspire_v towards_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o growth_n both_o downward_o in_o humility_n 2_o sam._n 6.22_o and_o stability_n col._n 2.7_o and_o abroad_o in_o publick-mindedness_a kthe_v itself_o in_o real_a endeavour_n after_o the_o salvation_n and_o comfort_n of_o other_o hos_fw-la 14.5_o 6_o 7._o and_o upward_o in_o joy_n and_o praise_n psal_n 71.14_o for_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v already_o far_o advance_v in_o grace_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o be_v growth_n here_o press_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v 8._o according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o desire_n after_o and_o greedy_a indrinking_a of_o the_o word_n by_o application_n and_o use_n make_v thereof_o so_o will_v be_v our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n they_o can_v but_o be_v under_o a_o great_a decay_n in_o both_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o appetite_n after_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n be_v here_o press_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o mean_a of_o growth_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o verse_n 3._o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a the_o four_o motive_n to_o sharpen_v their_o appetite_n after_o the_o word_n be_v that_o if_o they_o do_v greedy_o drink_v it_o in_o that_o they_o may_v grow_v by_o it_o their_z so_o do_v shall_v prove_v to_o they_o the_o reality_n of_o any_o experience_n they_o seem_v unto_o themselves_o to_o have_v of_o the_o graciousness_n or_o sweetness_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o they_o of_o which_o whosoever_o get_v a_o taste_n they_o can_v but_o thirst_v earnest_o after_o more_o of_o it_o through_o the_o word_n and_o they_o who_o do_v
to_o unworthy_a sinner_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v hearten_v both_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o expect_v a_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n thereof_o than_o what_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v for_o this_o first_o ground_n of_o confidence_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o to_o strengthen_v his_o own_o and_o the_o people_n faith_n for_o obtain_v of_o what_o he_o seek_v here_o include_v both_o the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o his_o gracious_a inclination_n to_o communicate_v the_o same_o free_o in_o both_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v here_o call_v the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n 6._o whether_o the_o lord_n people_n consider_v that_o woeful_a case_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n col._n 1.13_o or_o that_o bless_a state_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 1.9_o they_o may_v take_v his_o call_n of_o they_o for_o a_o sure_a ground_n to_o their_o faith_n if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v consent_v to_o his_o call_n concern_v his_o willingness_n to_o give_v they_o every_o thing_n necessary_a for_o their_o perseverance_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o what_o he_o have_v call_v they_o to_o for_o this_o be_v a_o second_o ground_n of_o confidence_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o to_o obtain_v what_o he_o seek_v hereby_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o that_o god_n have_v call_v they_o unto_o his_o eternal_a glory_n 7._o the_o blessedness_n which_o the_o gospel_n call_v sinner_n to_o possess_v be_v such_o as_o they_o that_o obey_v the_o call_n can_v never_o be_v put_v from_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o the_o lord_n himself_o live_v in_o glorious_a for_o ever_o so_o that_o they_o share_v with_o he_o of_o his_o own_o blessedness_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a joh._n 17.22_o for_o that_o blessedness_n whereunto_o sinner_n be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v here_o call_v his_o eternal_a glory_n 8._o it_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n that_o sinner_n be_v call_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o eternal_a glory_n he_o by_o his_o blood_n have_v purchase_v it_o for_o they_o eph._n 1.14_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v clear_a to_o they_o the_o way_n to_o it_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o yea_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o way_n and_o quicken_v his_o redeem_a one_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o job_n 14.6_o for_o we_o be_v call_v to_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n 9_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a glory_n lie_v through_o suffering_n so_o that_o none_o have_v ground_n to_o expect_v it_o any_o other_o way_n for_o this_o clause_n after_o you_o have_v suffer_v may_v be_v knit_v to_o the_o word_n go_v before_o who_o have_v call_v we_o into_o his_o eternal_a glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n after_o you_o have_v suffer_v 10._o those_o who_o get_v grace_n to_o adventure_v upon_o suffering_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n with_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o strength_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v may_v expect_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o strength_n and_o stability_n after_o they_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n the_o lord_n make_v trial_n discover_v to_o his_o people_n the_o weakness_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o that_o discovery_n to_o chase_v they_o to_o himself_o who_o love_v to_o let_v out_o liberal_o upon_o sufferer_n chap._n 4.14_o for_o this_o clause_n may_v be_v also_o knit_v with_o the_o follow_a petition_n after_o you_o have_v suffer_v a_o while_n make_v you_o perfect_a etc._n etc._n 11._o even_o the_o hard_a of_o the_o lord_n people_n suffering_n be_v of_o small_a weight_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o reward_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o and_o of_o short_a continuance_n be_v compare_v with_o eternity_n 2_o pet._n 3.8_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o may_v hearten_v the_o lord_n people_n under_o they_o all_o for_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n may_v this_o encouragement_n be_v understand_v that_o they_o be_v but_o for_o a_o while_n or_o a_o very_a little_a verse_n 11._o to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o next_o article_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o epistle_n coutain_v a_o song_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v he_o worthy_a to_o be_v glorify_v and_o obey_v by_o all_o as_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n unto_o all_o eternity_n and_o by_o his_o so_o do_v express_v his_o faith_n of_o be_v hear_v in_o his_o former_a petition_n that_o so_o the_o people_n for_o who_o he_o pray_v might_n with_o the_o like_a confidence_n join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o song_n hence_o learn_v 1._o christ_n minister_n shall_v carry_v a_o praise_a disposition_n in_o their_o heart_n all-along_a their_o work_n and_o be_v ready_a frequent_o to_o break_v forth_o in_o some_o expression_n thereof_o before_o the_o lord_n people_n especial_o in_o a_o suffer_a time_n for_o the_o apostle_n raise_v one_o long_o of_o praise_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 3._o another_o chap._n 4.11_o and_o here_o in_o the_o conclusion_n take_v it_o up_o again_o to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 2._o while_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v pray_v for_o a_o further_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n they_o shall_v join_v praise_n therewith_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v glorious_a in_o himself_o and_o worthy_a of_o all_o glory_n from_o other_o to_o have_v dominion_n over_o all_o and_o wish_v that_o his_o glory_n may_v be_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v and_o his_o dominion_n submit_v unto_o in_o testimony_n of_o their_o thankfulness_n for_o that_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o of_o their_o confidence_n ground_v upon_o their_o knowledge_n of_o his_o gracious_a nature_n and_o their_o former_a experience_n of_o his_o grace_n already_o bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o upon_o these_o ground_n the_o apostle_n have_v pray_v for_o the_o people_n perseverance_n stability_n and_o perfection_n do_v here_o praise_n and_o lead_v they_o so_o to_o do_v to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 3._o when_o ever_o the_o lord_n people_n see_v aright_o how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v and_o have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o offer_v of_o his_o grace_n to_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n they_o can_v but_o have_v their_o heart_n raise_v to_o glorify_v he_o and_o to_o wish_v that_o many_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o he_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v forth_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n who_o have_v gracious_o call_v sinner_n to_o partake_v of_o his_o own_o eternal_a glory_n do_v now_o break_v forth_o in_o praise_n as_o that_o wherein_o all_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o what_o he_o have_v say_v can_v not_o but_o join_v with_o he_o to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 4._o where_o there_o be_v a_o real_a and_o kindly_a desire_n of_o ascribe_v glory_n and_o dominion_n to_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v extend_v it_o self_n beyond_o all_o time_n and_o age_n even_o towards_o the_o length_n of_o eternity_n consider_v that_o his_o love_n and_o the_o proof_n thereof_o will_v follow_v his_o own_o that_o length_n and_o that_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o worth_n of_o his_o favour_n bestow_v upon_o his_o people_n be_v such_o as_o unto_o all_o eternity_n they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a sufficient_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o will_v desire_v that_o glory_n and_o dominion_n may_v be_v give_v to_o he_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 5._o while_o we_o ascribe_v glory_n and_o dominion_n to_o the_o lord_n there_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o heart_n strong_a desire_n that_o his_o glory_n may_v be_v know_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o dominion_n enlarge_v and_o submit_v unto_o and_o much_o confidence_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o he_o have_v engage_v his_o faithfulness_n for_o that_o effect_n isa_n 45.23_o for_o this_o word_n wherewith_o both_o prayer_n and_o praise_n use_v to_o be_v close_v signify_v both_o desire_n and_o confidence_n amen_n verse_n 12._o by_o silvanus_n a_o faithful_a brother_n unto_o you_o as_o i_o suppose_v i_o have_v write_v brief_o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v the_o three_o article_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n contain_v two_o branch_n in_o the_o first_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o bearer_n of_o the_o epistle_n who_o be_v to_o explain_v and_o apply_v the_o purpose_n of_o it_o to_o they_o he_o be_v a_o public_a minister_n 2_o cor._n 1.19_o from_o his_o fidelity_n and_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o and_o they_o as_o he_o have_v good_a ground_n in_o charity_n to_o judge_v of_o he_o
for_o so_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v greet_v you_o one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 4._o the_o occasion_n of_o frequent_a converse_n and_o correspondence_n among_o the_o lord_n people_n ought_v not_o to_o diminish_v their_o love_n or_o hinder_v the_o expression_n thereof_o but_o rather_o to_o increase_v the_o same_o they_o who_o live_v together_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o offend_v or_o mistake_v one_o another_o and_o so_o to_o be_v mutual_o jealous_a of_o the_o alienation_n of_o one_o another_o affection_n than_o those_o who_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n who_o love_n shall_v provoke_v those_o that_o be_v near_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v signify_v the_o love_n of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o babylon_n to_o their_o disperse_a brethren_n do_v here_o exhort_v they_o that_o have_v more_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o meeting_n and_o correspondence_n to_o greet_v one_o another_o with_o a_o kiss_n of_o charity_n 5._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n hearty_o to_o wish_v all_o sort_n of_o true_a peace_n upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o external_a profession_n and_o participation_n of_o common_a gift_n and_o benefit_n from_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o he_o joh._n 15.2_o so_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o calmness_n and_o contentment_n of_o the_o soul_n arise_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o acceptation_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n when_o fear_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o jealousy_n of_o his_o love_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n banish_v rom._n 5.1_o together_o with_o as_o much_o outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o true_a good_a be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n only_o to_o real_a believer_n and_o to_o all_o of_o they_o whether_o weak_a or_o strong_a and_o may_v be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n attain_v unto_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o trouble_n by_o those_o who_o be_v chase_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o by_o faith_n plant_v in_o the_o live_a vine_n christ_n jesus_n for_o as_o this_o apostolick-benediction_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o apostle_n wish_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o it_o do_v especial_o respect_v true_a believer_n therein_o peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 6._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christ_n minister_n to_o press_v duty_n upon_o all_o professor_n so_o it_o be_v their_o part_n to_o guard_v promise_n and_o privilege_n by_o qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o do_v belong_v for_o the_o apostle_n have_v press_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o expression_n thereof_o upon_o all_o indefinite_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o verse_n he_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n restrict_n his_o wish_n of_o peace_n qualify_a the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o do_v especial_o belong_v peace_n be_v to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 7._o as_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ought_v to_o enter_v upon_o every_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o call_v and_o commission_n from_o he_o as_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o epistle_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o close_v the_o same_o with_o some_o confidence_n in_o their_o heart_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o labour_n and_o of_o his_o grant_v their_o desire_n for_o that_o end_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n close_v his_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n in_o this_o epistle_n with_o this_o word_n of_o confidence_n amen_n a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n general_n of_o peter_n the_o argument_n this_o epistle_n may_v be_v call_v the_o latter_a will_n of_o a_o die_a apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o when_o peter_n write_v it_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v short_o to_o seal_v the_o truth_n in_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n as_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o compare_v the_o 14._o verse_n of_o this_o chap._n with_o christ_n prediction_n concern_v his_o death_n joh._n 21.18_o it_o be_v not_o direct_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o all_o believer_n especial_o believe_v jew_n scatter_v at_o that_o time_n through_o many_o nation_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v 1_o pet._n 1.1_o with_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o this_o and_o of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o principal_a head_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o make_v clear_a the_o scope_n and_o part_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o christian_n growth_n in_o grace_n and_o diligence_n in_o holy_a duty_n which_o be_v clear_v and_o press_v chap._n 1._o the_o second_o be_v concern_v error_n the_o way_n of_o work_v and_o hazard_v whereof_o be_v handle_v chap._n 2._o the_o three_o be_v concern_v the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n some_o error_n about_o it_o be_v confute_v and_o the_o right_a preparation_n for_o it_o hold_v forth_o chap._n 3._o what_o can_v be_v more_o necessary_a than_o to_o study_v growth_n and_o diligence_n in_o so_o decline_v and_o secure_a a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v to_o guard_n against_o error_n when_o it_o so_o prevail_v and_o to_o prepare_v for_o the_o last_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o now_o it_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o much_o forget_v chap._n 1._o the_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v three_o in_o the_o first_o which_o be_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o the_o inscription_n ver_fw-la 1._o a_o apostolic_a wish_n for_o the_o best_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o grow_a sense_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o in_o the_o salutation_n ver_fw-la 2._o ground_n of_o encouragement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o wish_n to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n already_o begin_v in_o they_o which_o he_o describe_v from_o the_o cause_n nature_n part_n and_o way_n of_o work_v of_o it_o ver_fw-la 3_o 4._o in_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n he_o exhort_v to_o diligence_n and_o the_o study_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n reckon_v out_o several_a step_n of_o their_o progress_n ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o with_o many_o move_a argument_n thereto_o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o growth_n but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v only_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o write_v therefore_o in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n there_o be_v a_o commendation_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n ver_fw-la 16._o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o chief_a subject_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o and_o of_o the_o whole_a write_a word_n from_o the_o certainty_n and_o usefulness_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o from_o the_o divine_a authority_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o verse_n 1._o simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n describe_v himself_o 1._o from_o two_o name_n which_o design_n his_o person_n simon_n his_o old_a name_n when_o he_o be_v a_o fisher_n peter_n his_o new_a surname_n give_v he_o when_o christ_n call_v he_o mark_v 1.16_o and_o 3.16_o the_o one_o mind_v he_o of_o his_o former_a ignorant_a and_o mean_a condition_n the_o other_o of_o the_o honour_n christ_n put_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o make_v he_o a_o lively_a stone_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o believer_n and_o preacher_n of_o that_o truth_n upon_o which_o as_o a_o rock_n he_o build_v his_o church_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o exposition_n of_o the_o name_n peter_n mat._n 16.18_o hence_o learn_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o carry_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o time_n with_o we_o the_o sensible_a remembrance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v before_o christ_n do_v manifest_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o of_o what_o his_o grace_n have_v make_v we_o that_o we_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n both_o humble_a and_o thankful_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o these_o two_o name_n here_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o testament_n simon_n peter_n next_o he_o describe_v himself_o from_o two_o style_n which_o design_n his_o office_n the_o one_o common_a to_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o proper_a to_o those_o who_o have_v immediate_a commission_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o christ_n to_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o work_v miracle_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v honour_n enough_o for_o the_o high_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o christ_n so_o do_v this_o apostle_n esteem_v it_o who_o never_o
change_v in_o their_o nature_n for_o these_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o be_v still_o dog_n and_o swine_n be_v only_o washen_v external_o and_o do_v vomit_v up_o by_o confession_n and_o seem_a renunciation_n their_o filthy_a practice_n to_o which_o they_o do_v return_v again_o as_o the_o dog_n return_v to_o his_o vomit_n and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n and_o so_o this_o place_n can_v make_v nothing_o for_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o saint_n last_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v use_n of_o common_a similitude_n or_o proverb_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n and_o fix_v it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o sense_n provide_v they_o do_v make_v use_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o be_v scriptural_a propose_v all_o their_o similitude_n in_o a_o decent_a and_o cleanly_a way_n suitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o purity_n of_o truth_n and_o apposite_a to_o their_o present_a purpose_n and_o bring_v they_o forth_o only_o for_o illustration_n of_o truth_n otherwise_o prove_v for_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o similitude_n as_o he_o find_v in_o scripture_n which_o though_o it_o be_v take_v from_o thing_n in_o themselves_o vile_a be_v express_v in_o the_o most_o honest_a term_n that_o can_v fit_o set_v out_o the_o vileness_n of_o apostasy_n the_o evil_a whereof_o he_o have_v clear_o prove_v before_o it_o be_v happen_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o true_a proverb_n etc._n etc._n chap._n iii_o because_o the_o believe_a consideration_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o make_v christian_n thrive_v in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n and_o to_o guard_v their_o heart_n against_o temptation_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v press_v growth_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n chap._n 1._o and_o guard_v against_o the_o infection_n of_o error_n in_o the_o second_o part_n chap._n 2._o he_o do_v in_o this_o last_o chapter_n wherein_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n 1._o defend_v and_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n and_o 2._o do_v show_v what_o use_v believer_n shall_v make_v thereof_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n have_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o main_a scope_n in_o both_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o give_v forewarn_v of_o the_o rise_n of_o profane_a mocker_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v who_o that_o they_o may_v serve_v their_o lust_n with_o the_o more_o quietness_n will_v plead_v for_o a_o eternity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n because_o they_o have_v never_o observe_v any_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o change_n as_o be_v foretell_v to_o be_v at_o that_o day_n ver_fw-la 3_o 4._o which_o blasphemous_a opinion_n together_o with_o their_o seem_a reason_n for_o it_o the_o apostle_n confute_v by_o several_a reason_n draw_v from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n which_o prove_v there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o day_n as_o will_v be_v very_o terrible_a to_o profane_a mocker_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o godly_a satisfy_v reason_n of_o the_o delay_n of_o that_o day_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v very_o small_a be_v compare_v with_o eternity_n ver_fw-la 8._o that_o the_o delay_n be_v main_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o elect_n ver_fw-la 9_o which_o be_v do_v that_o day_n will_v come_v sudden_o and_o with_o much_o terror_n ver_fw-la 10._o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o his_o former_a doctrine_n concern_v christ_n second_v come_v for_o the_o up-stirring_a of_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n ver_fw-la 11._o to_o wait_v and_o pray_v for_o that_o day_n ver_fw-la 12._o when_o they_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v for_o so_o excellent_a a_o estate_n ver_fw-la 13._o as_o may_v provoke_v they_o to_o much_o diligence_n in_o make_v ready_a for_o it_o ver_fw-la 14._o to_o esteem_v the_o delay_n thereof_o to_o be_v grant_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o salvation_n in_o which_o strain_n paul_n have_v insist_v much_o in_o his_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 15_o 16._o and_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o to_o labour_v for_o steadfastness_n and_o progress_n in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v worthy_a of_o eternal_a praise_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o verse_n 1._o this_o second_o epistle_n beloved_n i_o now_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o both_o which_o i_o stir_v up_o your_o pure_a mind_n by_o way_n of_o remembrance_n 2._o that_o you_o may_v be_v mindful_a of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o we_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o apostle_n do_v here_o present_a to_o they_o his_o chief_a scope_n intend_v by_o he_o in_o both_o the_o epistle_n which_o be_v the_o waken_n and_o rouse_a of_o these_o sincere-hearted_n christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o a_o actual_a consideration_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o know_a truth_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n himself_o and_o other_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o intend_v as_o their_o scope_n some_o particular_a advantage_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n by_o all_o the_o message_n they_o carry_v to_o they_o but_o also_o in_o their_o delivery_n of_o they_o frequent_o to_o make_v clear_a to_o the_o people_n what_o their_o main_a intent_n be_v that_o so_o themselves_o may_v be_v engage_v to_o direct_v all_o they_o deliver_v towards_o that_o scope_n the_o people_n may_v have_v it_o the_o better_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o all_o that_o they_o hear_v relate_v to_o that_o scope_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o have_v the_o great_a weight_n otherwise_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o truth_n and_o most_o take_a expression_n can_v have_v but_o a_o slender_a and_o soon_o evanish_v impression_n upon_o that_o hearer_n who_o can_v be_v able_a to_o condescend_v upon_o the_o principal_a scope_n of_o the_o speaker_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n have_v propose_v their_o up-stirring_a as_o his_o scope_n and_o by_o his_o frequent_a mention_v of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n and_o this_o also_o do_v tie_v himself_o to_o speak_v to_o it_o and_o make_v his_o hearer_n able_a to_o judge_v how_o all_o he_o deliver_v do_v make_v for_o it_o this_o second_o epistle_n beloved_n i_o now_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o both_o which_o i_o stir_v up_o your_o pure_a mind_n 2._o a_o minister_n main_a scope_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v the_o acquit_v of_o himself_o before_o man_n in_o his_o duty_n so_o as_o he_o may_v be_v free_a of_o censure_n neither_o only_a the_o clear_a information_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n in_o the_o truth_n neither_o yet_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o some_o new_a thing_n which_o they_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o former_o hear_v but_o more_o principal_o he_o must_v study_v the_o quicken_a and_o waken_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o a_o delight_n in_o and_o resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n they_o have_v former_o know_v and_o remember_v for_o it_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n scope_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o a_o word_n frequent_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o waken_n those_o that_o be_v asleep_a by_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n which_o signify_v to_o represent_v of_o new_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o memory_n truth_n former_o know_v and_o remember_v 3._o a_o minister_n that_o will_v prevail_v with_o the_o lord_n people_n ought_v both_o to_o keep_v love_n to_o they_o that_o his_o pain_n may_v flow_v therefrom_o and_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o to_o express_v his_o love_n and_o high_a esteem_n of_o any_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n he_o have_v discern_v in_o they_o therefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n style_v these_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o beloved_n and_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v sincere_a and_o pure_a mind_n 4._o even_o those_o who_o for_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o honesty_n of_o their_o aim_n and_o intention_n may_v a_o bide_v the_o trial_n of_o gospel-light_n have_v great_a need_n of_o many_o message_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o of_o much_o up-stirring_a to_o the_o right_n usemaking_a of_o they_o there_o be_v in_o they_o that_o have_v the_o clear_a understanding_n much_o darkness_n and_o many_o mistake_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o sincere_a believer_n who_o heart_n be_v most_o lively_a and_o forward_o
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