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
1.4_o and_o the_o dominion_n of_o our_o own_o lust_n rom._n 6.14_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v much_o abuse_v while_o it_o be_v stretch_v to_o give_v liberty_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o loose_v christian_n from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o they_o be_v now_o press_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n forewarn_v it_o shall_v be_v abuse_v along_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o 1._o and_o 21._o verse_n 2._o they_o that_o be_v much_o in_o cry_v up_o christian_a liberty_n and_o little_a or_o nothing_o in_o press_v the_o holy_a commandment_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o redeem_a one_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o one_o main_a end_n of_o our_o liberation_n from_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n luke_n 1.74_o 75._o they_o can_v but_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o so_o must_v those_o be_v that_o embrace_v that_o doctrine_n for_o while_o they_o promise_v they_o liberty_n they_o themselves_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o corruption_n 3._o although_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o law_n to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n who_o can_v make_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o man_n can_v do_v subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o end_n psal_n 119.91_o yet_o he_o who_o do_v voluntary_o and_o ordinary_o giveup_a himself_o to_o serve_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n without_o resistance_n or_o cry_v to_o christ_n for_o help_v be_v then_o in_o a_o manner_n a_o lawful_a captive_n to_o satan_n to_o be_v detain_v by_o he_o till_o the_o supreme_a judge_n execute_v deserve_v wrath_n upon_o he_o as_o one_o that_o render_v himself_o to_o a_o conqueror_n be_v his_o bondslave_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v while_o he_o say_v of_o who_o a_o man_n be_v overcome_v of_o the_o same_o be_v he_o bring_v in_o bondage_n verse_n 20._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n 21._o for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o apostate_n who_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v attain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v power_n upon_o they_o to_o cleanse_v their_o outside_n to_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o it_o be_v before_o that_o change_n because_o their_o sin_n and_o judgement_n have_v be_v less_o if_o they_o have_v never_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o way_n of_o justification_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o will_v be_v now_o after_o that_o have_v be_v clear_v to_o their_o understanding_n and_o yet_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o do_v cast_v off_o another_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n upon_o justify_v person_n hence_o learn_v 1._o even_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o mortification_n of_o heart-pollution_n may_v find_v so_o much_o power_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o to_o make_v they_o cleanse_v their_o external_a conversation_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o ravish_v a_o subject_n able_a to_o divert_v even_o a_o unrenewed_a mind_n from_o many_o sinful_a speculation_n that_o even_o a_o hypocrite_n live_v in_o love_n with_o his_o secret_a lust_n may_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v break_v forth_o in_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n 2._o they_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o a_o heart-outcast_n with_o sin_n and_o some_o inward_a mortification_n thereof_o will_n upon_o fit_a occasion_n and_o temptation_n be_v ready_o ensnare_v again_o and_o make_v slave_n to_o these_o same_o sin_n which_o be_v external_o reform_v and_o from_o the_o outward_a act_n whereof_o only_o they_o have_v make_v a_o escape_n for_o these_o here_o speak_v of_o have_v only_o escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v and_o overcome_v 3._o before_o man_n be_v overcome_v by_o temptation_n they_o be_v first_o entice_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v have_v by_o their_o sin_n with_o which_o apprehension_n the_o hazard_n and_o danger_n of_o commit_v the_o sin_n be_v cover_v and_o hide_v as_o the_o fisher_n hook_n be_v by_o the_o bait_n which_o be_v the_o metaphor_n in_o the_o apostle_n expression_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v and_o overcome_v 4._o the_o guilt_n and_o deserve_v wrath_n against_o those_o who_o after_o illumination_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o external_a renunciation_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v return_v back_o again_o to_o they_o be_v much_o great_a than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v so_o far_o enlighten_v and_o reform_v their_o sin_n be_v now_o against_o light_n and_o some_o taste_n of_o sweetness_n which_o be_v sometime_o let_v out_o even_o to_o those_o who_o do_v but_o external_o renounce_v their_o sin_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6.4_o etc._n etc._n for_o of_o such_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v here_o the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n 5._o those_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n do_v make_v know_v the_o way_n of_o free_a justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o also_o he_o do_v deliver_v his_o holy_a commandment_n the_o obedience_n whereof_o they_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o in_o his_o strength_n for_o so_o much_o be_v import_v in_o the_o apostle_n word_n that_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o 6._o it_o be_v less_o difficult_a and_o more_o ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o adhere_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o profession_n to_o the_o way_n of_o free_a justification_n by_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n when_o that_o way_n be_v once_o clear_v to_o their_o mind_n than_o it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o insist_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o holy_a duty_n which_o christ_n press_v upon_o they_o and_o offer_v they_o strength_n for_o there_o be_v even_o in_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v most_o averse_a from_o holy_a duty_n some_o inclination_n to_o be_v make_v bless_v and_o that_o free_o which_o be_v import_v in_o the_o apostle_n change_v of_o the_o expression_n for_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o after_o they_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n they_o have_v turn_v from_o it_o import_v that_o these_o false_a teacher_n do_v still_o profess_v and_o preach_v justification_n by_o his_o righteousness_n but_o after_o they_o have_v know_v that_o way_n they_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o their_o adhere_n to_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o make_v their_o guilt_n great_a than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o know_v that_o one_o and_o no_o less_o than_o if_o they_o have_v turn_v from_o both_o verse_n 22._o but_o it_o be_v happen_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o true_a proverb_n the_o dog_n be_v turn_v to_o his_o own_o vomit_n again_o and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o apostle_n guard_v against_o any_o offence_n which_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o apostasy_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n and_o their_o follower_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v now_o prove_v themselves_o never_o to_o have_v be_v inward_o renew_v as_o the_o true_a sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o only_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o profession_n to_o have_v external_o renunce_v that_o vileness_n whereunto_o they_o be_v now_o return_v again_o after_o the_o custom_n of_o dog_n and_o swine_n according_a to_o that_o common_a proverb_n which_o be_v make_v useof_a in_o scripture_n prov._n 26.11_o doct._n 1._o sin_n ought_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o lord_n minister_n in_o its_o abominable_a vileness_n especial_o when_o man_n labour_v to_o palliate_v their_o filthy_a practice_n with_o fair_a pretence_n therefore_o these_o vile_a practice_n which_o these_o false_a teacher_n call_v their_o christian_n liberty_n the_o apostle_n here_o call_v a_o lick_n up_o of_o their_o vomit_n and_o a_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n 2._o they_o who_o after_o external_a reformation_n and_o great_a profession_n of_o holiness_n do_v return_n unto_o and_o continue_v in_o their_o renounce_v sin_n do_v thereby_o give_v evidence_n that_o they_o be_v never_o inward_o or_o real_o
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