they_o be_v indeed_o all_o the_o son_n of_o jaacob_n and_o profess_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n who_o they_o shall_v with_o one_o mouth_n have_v worship_v and_o glorify_v as_o saint_n paul_n say_v rom._n 15._o vers_fw-la 6._o but_o they_o be_v divide_v and_o rend_v asunder_o for_o there_o be_v bloody_a war_n and_o long_a time_n continue_v among_o the_o tribe_n 2._o sam._n 2._o and_o 3_o brethren_n with_o deadly_a hatred_n and_o enmity_n pursue_v their_o brethren_n seek_v the_o blood_n each_o of_o other_o it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o great_a calamity_n in_o this_o time_n of_o discord_n do_v overspread_v the_o whole_a land_n they_o may_v by_o experience_n then_o and_o do_v behold_v how_o evil_a and_o how_o mischievous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o be_v at_o variance_n the_o cut_v down_o of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a &_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n be_v a_o very_a great_a good_a therefore_o when_o abner_n and_o ishebosheth_n be_v slay_v all_o israel_n come_v 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be_v the_o church_n of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o etc._n etc._n luke_n 4._o vers_n 18._o mark_v further_o than_o wherein_o the_o comparison_n hold_v thus_o pour_v the_o precious_a ointment_n upon_o aaron_n head_n run_v down_o upon_o his_o beard_n and_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o clothing_n be_v pleasant_a to_o behold_v and_o cast_v forth_o a_o sweet_a savour_n unto_o all_o that_o stand_v round_o about_o also_o in_o that_o it_o descend_v upon_o his_o beard_n and_o so_o downward_o upon_o all_o part_n even_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o clothing_n it_o resemble_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n flow_v down_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n upon_o all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n knit_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a unity_n when_o it_o go_v down_o from_o aaron_n head_n upon_o his_o body_n unite_v to_o the_o same_o it_o descend_v even_o to_o the_o low_a part_n of_o his_o garment_n because_o there_o be_v no_o rent_n nor_o separation_n even_o so_o the_o church_n unite_v unto_o christ_n her_o head_n and_o every_o member_n of_o the_o same_o unite_a unto_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o holy_a union_n and_o make_v one_o body_n the_o heavenly_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n far_o sweet_a than_o that_o precious_a ointment_n flow_v from_o he_o upon_o they_o and_o all_o be_v partaker_n thereof_o even_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a member_n even_o to_o the_o skirt_n for_o where_o they_o be_v join_v in_o this_o spiritual_a unity_n look_v what_o grace_n soever_o god_n from_o his_o son_n christ_n do_v power_n upon_o the_o high_a member_n that_o be_v upon_o prince_n and_o pastor_n they_o distil_v also_o upon_o the_o other_o part_n and_o member_n and_o so_o from_o each_o to_o other_o that_o which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o head_n from_o the_o body_n and_o from_o the_o garment_n of_o aaron_n receive_v no_o drop_n of_o that_o precious_a ointment_n which_o descend_v from_o the_o head_n to_o a_o body_n unite_v and_o to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o garment_n wrought_v together_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n upon_o nothing_o that_o be_v separate_v and_o divide_v and_o rend_v from_o he_o but_o upon_o all_o the_o member_n unite_v in_o one_o body_n we_o may_v then_o brief_o set_v forth_o what_o this_o similitude_n declare_v in_o this_o wise_a the_o sweet_a ointment_n be_v pour_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o aaron_n it_o go_v down_o upon_o his_o beard_n then_o upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o all_o part_n of_o his_o body_n even_o to_o the_o low_a border_n of_o his_o garment_n jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v anoint_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o from_o he_o the_o sweet_a grace_n descend_v and_o come_v upon_o all_o the_o body_n and_o upon_o every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n even_o to_o the_o mean_a this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o church_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n 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together_o in_o this_o holy_a unity_n the_o lord_n have_v command_v the_o blessing_n and_o life_n for_o evermore_o it_o be_v god_n unchangeable_a decree_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o blessing_n that_o be_v the_o great_a great_a high_a blessing_n even_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o blessing_n in_o everlasting_a continuance_n this_o can_v never_o fail_v for_o god_n almighty_a be_v unchaungeable_a and_o what_o he_o have_v decree_v and_o command_v shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o this_o may_v persuade_v much_o to_o dwell_v in_o unity_n for_o it_o be_v a_o goodly_a matter_n to_o be_v under_o the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o there_o that_o be_v upon_o the_o unity_n of_o brethren_n he_o have_v commend_v his_o blessing_n and_o no_o where_o else_o for_o this_o there_o be_v
give_v over_o the_o dig_v up_o of_o these_o thorn_n because_o he_o perceive_v they_o grow_v deep_a in_o his_o heart_n and_o spring_n as_o fast_o as_o he_o can_v cut_v they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o enter_v into_o life_n he_o which_o will_v not_o continual_o till_o and_o weed_n this_o ground_n may_v well_o have_v the_o gospel_n in_o some_o sort_n for_o to_o grow_v in_o he_o but_o not_o to_o save_v he_o dear_o belove_v we_o must_v be_v sure_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o as_o there_o be_v many_o godly_a man_n so_o they_o have_v attain_v it_o with_o great_a labour_n and_o toil_n yea_o they_o be_v still_o set_v a_o work_n &_o can_v come_v to_o a_o end_n because_o these_o thorn_n can_v be_v utter_o root_v out_o those_o be_v great_o oversee_v which_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o profess_v christ_n unto_o salvation_n and_o make_v no_o further_o account_v but_o to_o be_v gospeler_n at_o ease_n if_o they_o can_v vanquish_v in_o disputation_n to_o think_v they_o have_v win_v the_o field_n no_o no_o they_o have_v a_o heart_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o overcome_v they_o have_v thorn_n which_o will_v not_o easy_o be_v destroy_v here_o lie_v the_o victory_n and_o get_n of_o the_o spur_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v crown_v because_o he_o have_v willing_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o purge_v his_o heart_n and_o to_o make_v room_n for_o the_o holy_a word_n that_o it_o may_v grow_v there_o alone_o and_o not_o be_v overshadow_a and_o choke_v now_o let_v we_o mark_v well_o that_o which_o be_v say_v here_o both_o of_o the_o stony_a and_o also_o of_o the_o thorny_a ground_n how_o far_o they_o proceed_v in_o profess_v christ_n and_o embrace_v his_o gospel_n and_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v how_o great_o those_o carnal_a gospeler_n which_o will_v not_o have_v faith_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o fruit_n be_v deceive_v faith_n faith_n say_v they_o be_v that_o which_o do_v justify_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o but_o not_o a_o fruitless_a faith_n whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v even_o so_o but_o not_o after_o every_o kind_n of_o belief_n for_o then_o why_o shall_v not_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o hearer_n be_v save_v it_o be_v marueilons_a when_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o evident_a and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v so_o plain_o that_o this_o gross_a and_o doltish_a error_n shall_v possess_v the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o but_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a doctrine_n when_o a_o man_n may_v let_v loose_a the_o reins_n to_o all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n at_o the_o least_o thus_o far_o not_o to_o vex_v and_o torment_v himself_o in_o subdue_a they_o and_o yet_o by_o faith_n to_o be_v save_v when_o heaven_n and_o hell_n meet_v together_o and_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v reconcile_v then_o shall_v these_o flesh_n lie_v epicure_n and_o vain_a proud_a man_n come_v to_o their_o happiness_n when_o christ_n shall_v deny_v that_o which_o he_o have_v here_o utter_v then_o shall_v these_o be_v true_a believer_n let_v man_n therefore_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v nor_o make_v slack_a in_o look_v to_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o mortification_n of_o vain_a fleshly_a lust_n through_o the_o profane_a prattle_a of_o such_o worldly_a belly_n god_n believe_v not_o they_o but_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n who_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n &_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o joy_n &_o to_o let_v it_o grow_v in_o we_o unless_o it_o bring_v forth_o reasonable_a &_o timely_a fruit_n in_o us._n again_o let_v we_o mark_v how_o strong_a and_o invincible_a a_o argument_n may_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o this_o text_n against_o all_o contemner_n and_o despiser_n of_o the_o word_n such_o as_o care_v not_o for_o hear_v these_o three_o sort_n of_o hearer_n be_v before_o they_o and_o near_o to_o christianity_n than_o they_o &_o yet_o come_v short_a therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o such_o ignorant_a atheist_n as_o neither_o know_v nor_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n above_o this_o world_n be_v very_o far_o from_o god_n although_o they_o will_v seem_v with_o their_o mouth_n and_o lip_n to_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o for_o if_o this_o matter_n be_v well_o observe_v man_n will_v not_o regard_v nor_o have_v those_o man_n in_o estimation_n to_o be_v good_a and_o honest_a who_o be_v very_a dog_n or_o swine_n not_o regard_v the_o precious_a pearl_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o ready_a to_o bark_v and_o bite_v at_o those_o which_o bring_v it_o let_v a_o man_n inquire_v thus_o not_o of_o a_o few_o but_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n how_o say_v you_o to_o such_o a_o man_n what_o think_v you_o of_o he_o he_o be_v say_v they_o a_o very_a good_a man_n a_o good_a nature_a man_n a_o gentle_a person_n trusty_a to_o his_o friend_n sure_a of_o his_o word_n and_o do_v keep_v as_o good_a a_o house_n as_o any_o man_n of_o his_o call_n in_o all_o this_o shire_n but_o how_o be_v he_o affect_v unto_o god_n word_n be_v he_o zealous_a in_o religion_n nay_o sure_o i_o do_v never_o hear_v that_o he_o do_v deal_v that_o way_n he_o be_v a_o very_a quiet_a man_n no_o meddler_n at_o all_o o_o notable_a honest_a man_n as_o devout_a in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o horse_n which_o he_o ride_v upon_o as_o careful_a to_o have_v god_n glory_n advance_v as_o the_o swine_n in_o the_o sty_n a_o great_a deal_n behind_o these_o unprofitable_a hearer_n which_o be_v castaway_n and_o yet_o forsooth_o being_n very_a bruit_n beast_n before_o god_n in_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o yet_o unless_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o be_v zealous_a of_o his_o glory_n they_o must_v be_v repute_v for_o the_o best_a man_n our_o field_n be_v full_a of_o such_o cattle_n as_o these_o &_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o put_v to_o his_o help_a hand_n our_o case_n be_v very_o miserable_a if_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o hear_v that_o they_o will_v to_o their_o hindrance_n in_o worldly_a matter_n leave_v on_o their_o business_n &_o follow_v preach_v as_o these_o which_o flock_v to_o hear_v christ_n be_v yet_o nevertheless_o reject_v because_o they_o do_v not_o sincere_o as_o they_o shall_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o those_o which_o will_v not_o step_v out_o at_o their_o door_n even_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o sit_v at_o card_n or_o table_n if_o such_o a_o man_n may_v be_v damn_v as_o be_v move_v with_o some_o delight_n when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o those_o wooden_a block_n &_o sottish_a man_n who_o feel_v no_o more_o joy_n in_o it_o then_o a_o post_n when_o it_o be_v utter_v unto_o they_o if_o there_o be_v some_o go_v to_o destruction_n which_o conform_v themselves_o &_o have_v a_o show_n of_o fruit_n by_o the_o word_n where_o shall_v those_o wretch_n appear_v who_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n can_v move_v one_o whit_n to_o reform_v their_o disorder_a and_o beastly_a behaviour_n ineede_v not_o stand_v to_o inveigh_v out_o of_o this_o place_n against_o those_o hellish_a hellhound_n which_o dare_v open_a their_o mouth_n to_o reproach_n and_o slander_v the_o set_n forth_o of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n diminish_v the_o number_n of_o they_o the_o last_o kind_n of_o ground_n be_v the_o good_a hearer_n which_o do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o seed_n but_o also_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o although_o not_o every_o one_o alike_o or_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n for_o some_o bring_v forth_o a_o hundred_o fold_n some_o sixty_o fold_n some_o thirty_o fold_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o they_o although_o here_o be_v great_a odds_n in_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o accept_v and_o account_v for_o good_a ground_n true_a christian_n and_o sincere_a professor_n of_o godliness_n now_o as_o we_o be_v teach_v here_o that_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o to_o be_v doer_n as_o saint_n james_n say_v and_o not_o hearer_n only_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 22._o so_o be_v we_o also_o teach_v not_o to_o despise_v or_o rash_o to_o condemn_v those_o which_o do_v not_o bring_v forth_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o fruit_n as_o other_o do_v true_a it_o be_v as_o christ_n say_v herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n joh._n 15.8_o but_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a which_o he_o say_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n every_o branch_n that_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n he_o purge_v that_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n then_o to_o bring_v forth_o most_o be_v most_o of_o all_o to_o be_v desire_v
flight_v any_o where_o but_o in_o god_n then_o may_v we_o use_v some_o other_o way_n to_o resist_v he_o beside_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o resist_v he_o by_o prayer_n will_v some_o say_v that_o be_v true_a for_o prayer_n be_v a_o special_a fruit_n of_o faith_n the_o lively_a faith_n do_v bring_v forth_o true_a prayer_n and_o if_o the_o prayer_n be_v not_o of_o faith_n it_o can_v help_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n faith_n send_v up_o prayer_n yea_o with_o fast_v strong_a prayer_n which_o draw_v down_o the_o power_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o which_o shield_v and_o defend_v we_o from_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o fiend_n all_o other_o mean_n that_o have_v be_v devise_v to_o put_v devil_n to_o flight_n be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a yea_o mere_a illusion_n of_o satan_n own_o devise_v which_o wicked_o deface_v the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o when_o man_n can_v resist_v by_o faith_n then_o do_v they_o fly_v unto_o those_o other_o mean_v as_o more_o sure_a woeful_a be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o this_o thing_n that_o when_o man_n will_v not_o learn_v of_o god_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n they_o learn_v at_o the_o devil_n himself_o but_o that_o this_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o evident_a we_o be_v to_o see_v how_o many_o way_n the_o devil_n seek_v to_o devour_v us._n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v in_o particular_n see_v those_o way_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n devour_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o who_o be_v able_a so_o to_o express_v they_o sure_o not_o any_o mortal_a man_n for_o he_o have_v manifold_a sleight_n subtlety_n and_o craft_n yea_o even_o ten_o thousand_o devise_n of_o all_o sort_n to_o snare_n and_o to_o entrap_v the_o soul_n withal_o he_o have_v also_o his_o force_n and_o fiery_a dart_n of_o terror_n to_o wound_n withal_o it_o be_v no_o deal_n in_o particular_n but_o to_o be_v arm_v strong_o to_o resist_v he_o howsoever_o he_o come_v my_o purpose_n therefore_o be_v but_o to_o touch_v certain_a general_a head_n which_o contain_v the_o rest_n so_o that_o this_o cruel_a adversary_n this_o roar_a lion_n the_o devil_n may_v catch_v the_o prey_n &_o devour_v it_o he_o care_v not_o which_o way_n it_o be_v for_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o if_o he_o may_v carry_v soul_n to_o hell_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n that_o man_n be_v in_o he_o frame_v himself_o to_o set_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v no_o man_n i_o suppose_v which_o will_v make_v any_o doubt_n that_o the_o devil_n covet_v to_o plunge_v all_o man_n as_o deep_a as_o he_o can_v into_o all_o evil_a but_o according_a as_o man_n be_v apt_a and_o inclive_v he_o be_v fain_o to_o deal_v as_o he_o may_v with_o some_o one_o way_n with_o some_o another_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a &_o in_o darkness_n with_o they_o he_o deal_v that_o he_o may_v keep_v the_o pure_a clear_a and_o heavenly_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n &_o so_o hold_v they_o still_o under_o the_o power_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n touch_v these_o saint_n paul_n say_v if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o that_o perish_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n even_o of_o the_o infidel_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n 2._o cor._n 4._o vers_fw-la 3.4_o to_o bring_v this_o to_o pass_v this_o enemy_n use_v special_a mean_n by_o which_o he_o may_v diffame_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v suffer_v breed_v and_o draw_v with_o it_o so_o many_o evil_n as_o namely_o he_o sow_v error_n heresy_n and_o wicked_a opinion_n he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o such_o thing_n he_o raise_v up_o the_o heretic_n and_o schismatickes_n and_o then_o sugge_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v his_o chief_a servant_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v breed_v they_o and_o they_o proclaim_v it_o with_o open_a mouth_n behold_v and_o see_v say_v they_o what_o a_o doctrine_n be_v this_o yea_o this_o new_a learning_n that_o have_v bring_v forth_o so_o many_o foul_a heresy_n and_o division_n the_o devil_n say_v they_o the_o devil_n go_v with_o it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v of_o god_n how_o can_v it_o be_v good_a doctrine_n which_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n satan_n do_v practice_v this_o while_n the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v alive_a upon_o the_o earth_n as_o we_o read_v how_o the_o false_a apostle_n do_v seek_v almost_o every_o where_o to_o pull_v down_o that_o which_o s_n paul_n have_v build_v s._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n mention_v the_o nicholaitane_n and_o a_o woman_n which_o say_v she_o be_v a_o prophetess_n that_o teach_v &_o seduce_v the_o seruamt_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v commit_v fornication_n and_o eat_v of_o thing_n offer_v unto_o idol_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v that_o in_o his_o time_n there_o be_v many_o antichrist_n for_o so_o he_o call_v the_o heretic_n which_o then_o be_v 1._o joh._n 2._o s._n paul_n say_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n i_o know_v this_o that_o after_o my_o departure_n there_o shall_v enter_v in_o among_o you_o grievous_a wolf_n not_o spare_v the_o flock_n and_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o of_o yourselves_o that_o shall_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o act._n 20._o when_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o life_n than_o be_v this_o prophecy_n full_o accomplish_v for_o than_o do_v the_o devil_n send_v forth_o even_o rout_v of_o wicked_a heretic_n which_o do_v seduce_v many_o &_o great_o trouble_v all_o church_n then_o have_v he_o those_o which_o cry_v out_o behold_v what_o a_o gospel_n be_v this_o which_o have_v bring_v forth_o so_o foul_a and_o monstrous_a opinion_n thus_o cunning_o do_v satan_n work_v to_o keep_v many_o still_o in_o their_o former_a blindness_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o these_o day_n when_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n again_o break_v forth_o he_o raise_v up_o horrible_a heresy_n and_o sect_n and_o then_o set_v his_o servant_n a_o work_n to_o cry_v out_o see_v what_o fruit_n this_o new_a gospel_n bring_v forth_o this_o have_v make_v many_o so_o much_o offend_v at_o it_o that_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v it_o and_o so_o the_o devil_n hold_v they_o still_o in_o their_o former_a blindness_n and_o devour_v they_o as_o a_o prey_n also_o he_o raise_v up_o lie_n and_o slander_n to_o diffame_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o this_o have_v be_v his_o ancient_a practice_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o devil_n to_o be_v a_o raiser_n of_o sedition_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o cesar_n his_o apostle_n be_v deem_v to_o be_v raiser_n of_o faction_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o common_a peace_n enemy_n to_o the_o state_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o christian_n ever_o be_v accuse_v to_o be_v man_n whichsecret_o among_o themselves_o do_v commit_v most_o foul_a and_o abominable_a sin_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o all_o time_n he_o have_v many_o which_o be_v hypocrite_n that_o profess_v the_o truth_n for_o a_o time_n and_o then_o fall_v into_o notorious_a offence_n all_o the_o professor_n be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o thus_o have_v he_o in_o all_o time_n hold_v many_o in_o darkness_n by_o make_v they_o out_o of_o love_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o as_o when_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a satan_n do_v raise_v and_o spread_v a_o lie_n namely_o that_o while_o the_o watchman_n be_v asleep_a the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v steal_v he_o away_o and_o then_o say_v he_o be_v rise_v and_o this_o lie_n be_v believe_v though_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a &_o have_v no_o show_n of_o liklihood_n so_o look_v what_o lie_v and_o slander_n he_o raise_v up_o now_o many_o do_v believe_v they_o for_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v 2._o thess_n 2._o because_o man_n receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n god_n send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n now_o for_o a_o man_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n in_o these_o practice_n that_o he_o be_v not_o seduce_v and_o hold_v in_o blindness_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o if_o he_o come_v once_o to_o that_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a light_n even_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n as_o s._n paul_n say_v to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o and_o that_o these_o sect_n and_o heresy_n and_o trouble_n that_o follow_v it_o be_v raise_v up_o by_o the_o devil_n himself_o even_o of_o
into_o hell_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n as_o to_o hold_v some_o in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n to_o lead_v other_o into_o sect_n error_n and_o heresy_n to_o draw_v man_n into_o vice_n and_o abominable_a sin_n to_o plague_v the_o body_n and_o the_o cattle_n of_o man_n but_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o come_v faith_n do_v quench_v all_o his_o fiery_a dart_n arm_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n cover_v and_o compass_v it_o round_o about_o with_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n al_n those_o vain_a yea_o those_o most_o wicked_a mean_n by_o which_o man_n seek_v to_o repel_v satan_n be_v to_o be_v renounce_v as_o mere_a illusion_n man_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o learn_v of_o divelles_n but_o divelle_n have_v devise_v those_o mean_n and_o by_o such_o as_o have_v familiarity_n with_o they_o have_v deliver_v the_o same_o to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n as_o there_o be_v such_o devise_n among_o the_o sorcerer_n which_o satan_n have_v crafty_o convey_v in_o so_o also_o in_o the_o popery_n they_o do_v not_o seek_v as_o saint_n peter_n will_v to_o resist_v he_o by_o faith_n but_o invent_v other_o way_n thus_o far_o we_o proceed_v in_o handle_v this_o scripture_n and_o now_o it_o remain_v as_o a_o principal_a question_n to_o be_v handle_v whether_o this_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v can_v be_v overcome_v in_o any_o that_o be_v to_o speak_v more_o plain_o whether_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o true_a and_o livelie_a faith_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v resist_v can_v utter_o loose_v it_o and_o fall_v from_o god_n final_o whether_o his_o faith_n may_v utter_o fail_v and_o be_v vanquish_v &_o so_o have_v resist_v satan_n for_o a_o time_n steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n yet_o in_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v overcome_v and_o devour_v by_o he_o touch_v this_o question_n the_o papist_n do_v hold_v that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o &_o whole_o quench_v in_o he_o yea_o final_o and_o so_o by_o their_o doctrine_n such_o as_o do_v stand_v in_o this_o faith_n which_o saint_n peter_n require_v and_o with_o the_o same_o do_v resist_v the_o devil_n may_v by_o the_o devil_n have_v that_o same_o their_o sound_n and_o true_a faith_n overcome_v and_o so_o perish_v eternal_o other_o there_o be_v who_o will_v seem_v to_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o the_o popish_a sort_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o they_o do_v hold_v that_o the_o very_a reprobate_n some_o of_o they_o at_o the_o least_o be_v partaker_n for_o a_o time_n of_o the_o true_a livelie_a and_o justify_v faith_n which_o be_v afterward_o whole_o and_o final_o extinguish_v in_o they_o moreover_o they_o do_v hold_v that_o the_o same_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n may_v be_v whole_o extinguish_v in_o the_o elect_a but_o not_o final_o because_o it_o be_v unpossible_a that_o the_o elect_v shall_v perish_v and_o therein_o they_o differ_v indeed_o from_o the_o papist_n which_o make_v election_n conditional_a if_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o be_v true_a then_o be_v there_o no_o man_n that_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o his_o salvation_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v sure_a he_o shall_v stand_v to_o the_o end_n no_o man_n can_v resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o to_o day_n do_v get_v the_o victory_n over_o the_o devil_n by_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n to_o morrow_n may_v utter_o loose_v his_o faith_n and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o devil_n if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o have_v not_o saint_n peter_n here_o teach_v how_o we_o shall_v have_v undoubted_a victory_n if_o he_o will_v we_o to_o resist_v by_o such_o a_o weapon_n as_o may_v be_v break_v or_o destroy_v or_o pluck_v away_o from_o we_o we_o be_v then_o but_o in_o a_o very_a weak_a case_n it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v say_v there_o be_v undoubted_a victory_n so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n do_v resist_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o saint_n peter_n have_v no_o further_a intent_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v of_o and_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o whosoever_o have_v the_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n shall_v undoubted_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o satan_n that_o it_o be_v unpossible_a that_o his_o faith_n shall_v be_v whole_o extinguish_v it_o be_v unpossible_a that_o he_o shall_v perish_v this_o be_v it_o which_o we_o affirm_v that_o whosoever_o do_v attain_v unto_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o saint_n peter_n here_o require_v that_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v overcome_v for_o if_o it_o be_v overcome_v it_o be_v not_o steadfast_a it_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o saint_n peter_n not_o to_o teach_v that_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n so_o long_o he_o shall_v resist_v the_o devil_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n take_v this_o so_o long_o as_o if_o it_o be_v uncertain_a that_o he_o which_o be_v once_o steadfast_a shall_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n but_o this_o be_v his_o full_a meaning_n that_o so_o many_o as_o attain_v to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n shall_v undoubted_o vanquish_v satan_n and_o never_o be_v vanquish_v by_o he_o hitherto_o then_o tend_v his_o doctrine_n even_o to_o show_v that_o as_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o and_o beset_v with_o devil_n who_o like_v most_o greedy_a devour_a lion_n do_v seek_v continual_o for_o to_o swallow_v we_o up_o so_o if_o we_o seek_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n we_o attain_v to_o that_o estate_n out_o of_o which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v cast_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o devil_n can_v never_o overcome_v a_o steadfast_a faith_n obtain_v that_o and_o you_o be_v sure_a to_o stand_v to_o the_o end_n belove_a we_o be_v not_o then_o to_o labour_v only_o for_o faith_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o end_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o obtain_v a_o steadfast_a faith_n but_o how_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o warrant_v man_n that_o they_o shall_v get_v the_o victory_n over_o the_o devil_n even_o to_o the_o end_n if_o they_o attain_v unto_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n i_o answer_v that_o he_o agree_v with_o himself_o teach_v here_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o he_o exhort_v unto_o in_o the_o first_o chapte_v rof_o his_o second_o epistle_n hereunto_o say_v he_o give_v all_o diligence_n in_o your_o faith_n minister_v virtue_n in_o virtue_n knowledge_n in_o knowledge_n temperance_n in_o temperance_n patience_n in_o patience_n godliness_n in_o godliness_n brotherlie_a kindness_n in_o brother_n lie_v kindness_n love_n for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v among_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o will_v make_v that_o you_o neither_o shall_v be_v idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o that_o have_v not_o these_o thing_n be_v blind_a and_o 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lose_v what_o assurance_n can_v any_o man_n have_v that_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o choose_v to_o life_n eternal_a or_o how_o can_v the_o holy_a apostle_n say_v if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v do_v not_o they_o fall_v which_o loose_a the_o faith_n or_o in_o who_o it_o be_v whole_o quench_v christ_n reign_v in_o all_o those_o which_o have_v the_o lively_a faith_n and_o if_o his_o kingdom_n may_v be_v break_v down_o again_o where_o it_o once_o take_v place_n how_o can_v it_o be_v say_v in_o every_o respect_n to_o be_v eternal_a now_o to_o join_v these_o two_o place_n together_o that_o man_n have_v the_o steadfast_a faith_n whereby_o he_o do_v resist_v the_o devil_n
glory_n upon_o some_o and_o to_o appoint_v other_o some_o unto_o eternal_a ignominy_n &_o torment_n which_o they_o shall_v endure_v just_o for_o their_o sin_n for_o if_o any_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a or_o any_o where_n it_o be_v in_o predestination_n it_o may_v be_v right_o say_v that_o if_o the_o counsel_n and_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o unsearchable_a in_o that_o eternal_a decree_n then_o be_v there_o no_o judgement_n of_o god_n unsearchable_a which_o be_v to_o deny_v not_o only_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o after_o a_o sort_n to_o deny_v god_n for_o he_o that_o will_v make_v his_o iudgmente_n to_o be_v searchable_a make_v also_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v searchable_a will_v thou_o measure_v and_o comprehend_v the_o counsel_n the_o decree_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n then_o measure_n and_o comprehend_v god_n himself_o even_o that_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a majesty_n with_o 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that_o any_o such_o matter_n shall_v fall_v out_o for_o that_o can_v stand_v with_o equity_n or_o justice_n it_o agree_v not_o with_o mercy_n well_o thou_o have_v a_o child_n and_o when_o it_o be_v in_o thy_o power_n to_o let_v yet_o thou_o witting_o do_v suffer_v a_o terrible_a lion_n to_o enter_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o devour_v he_o who_o will_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o clear_v thou_o from_o cruelty_n to_o say_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o decree_v it_o but_o only_o suffer_v it_o to_o come_v so_o to_o pass_v if_o this_o be_v no_o excuse_n to_o defend_v thou_o how_o foolish_a be_v thou_o in_o use_v it_o to_o defend_v the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o thus_o call_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o mercy_n under_o the_o account_n of_o thy_o reason_n that_o thou_o may_v by_o thy_o own_o wit_n comprehend_v it_o or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v justice_n o_o how_o much_o better_a be_v it_o that_o thou_o shall_v cry_v out_o with_o the_o 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jesus_n the_o only_a light_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n why_o do_v he_o not_o now_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o all_o why_o do_v he_o not_o give_v that_o effectual_a grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o all_o as_o to_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n unto_o salvation_n when_o he_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n why_o do_v he_o not_o also_o open_a the_o heart_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o hear_v paul_n preach_v some_o will_v say_v they_o will_v not_o yea_o but_o he_o of_o those_o that_o be_v most_o unwilling_a make_v willing_a where_o it_o please_v he_o as_o we_o have_v a_o perfect_a example_n in_o saint_n paul_n who_o be_v a_o cruel_a persecuter_n
christ_n say_v no_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o except_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o draw_v he_o joh._n 6._o why_o do_v he_o not_o draw_v herode_fw-la and_o pilate_n and_o the_o high_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o paul_n we_o see_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n that_o there_o be_v great_a nation_n as_o the_o west_n indies_n which_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o christ_n until_o of_o late_a time_n and_o then_o by_o a_o most_o cruel_a and_o idolatrous_a people_n which_o have_v murder_v they_o most_o wicked_o so_o that_o they_o have_v be_v make_v to_o stumble_v and_o to_o be_v further_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o depth_n of_o these_o judgement_n shall_v not_o we_o lay_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o the_o potter_n power_n over_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o same_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n and_o a_o other_o unto_o dishonour_n or_o shall_v the_o thing_n form_v say_v to_o he_o that_o form_v it_o why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o o_o belove_a let_v we_o lay_v aside_o all_o such_o vain_a and_o curious_a presumption_n and_o let_v we_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n direct_v we_o make_v our_o singular_a comfort_n of_o that_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o be_v with_o it_o to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o the_o devil_n god_n of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n have_v choose_v in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n even_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v those_o who_o he_o will_v save_v as_o the_o heir_n of_o eternal_a glory_n he_o have_v in_o his_o prefix_a time_n redeem_v they_o not_o with_o gold_n or_o precious_a stone_n as_o saint_n peter_n say_v but_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n immaculate_a and_o without_o spot_n he_o do_v also_o call_v they_o he_o do_v sanctify_v they_o this_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a it_o be_v unpossible_a that_o any_o of_o his_o elect_a shall_v perish_v who_o can_v pluck_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o be_v assure_v that_o none_o can_v have_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n not_o any_o do_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o witness_v to_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o elect_a the_o elect_n be_v only_o regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n then_o come_v down_o to_o thyself_o if_o thou_o can_v true_o say_v i_o have_v the_o livelie_a faith_n i_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o do_v witness_n with_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o be_o the_o child_n of_o god_n i_o be_o regenerate_v i_o have_v the_o true_a repentance_n i_o be_o sanctify_v satan_n do_v tempt_v i_o strong_o many_o way_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a though_o he_o often_o as_o it_o be_v soil_n i_o and_o cause_v i_o to_o go_v awry_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o i_o be_v not_o this_o a_o singular_a comfort_n to_o a_o man_n if_o any_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n may_v lose_v he_o then_o where_o be_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o faith_n which_o saint_n peter_n here_o require_v in_o resist_v the_o devil_n if_o it_o come_v once_o to_o lie_v in_o ourselves_o we_o can_v be_v undoubted_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a we_o may_v well_o waner_n and_o doubt_n but_o when_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v 1._o pet._n 1._o then_o have_v we_o a_o rock_n whereon_o to_o rest_v then_o do_v we_o stand_v steadfast_a arm_v with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n this_o faith_n may_v be_v try_v and_o seem_v oftentimes_o to_o be_v sore_o shake_v but_o it_o can_v never_o be_v overcome_v yea_o will_v some_o man_n say_v but_o every_o man_n can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n we_o see_v many_o go_v far_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o think_v that_o they_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n which_o yet_o fall_v quite_o away_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v many_o which_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o profess_v it_o with_o such_o feel_n that_o they_o suppose_v god_n have_v call_v they_o as_o his_o child_n there_o be_v for_o the_o time_n such_o a_o touch_n &_o such_o a_o move_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o yet_o in_o time_n they_o manifest_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n one_o occasion_n or_o other_o drive_v they_o awry_o so_o that_o some_o of_o they_o become_v heretic_n some_o of_o they_o although_o they_o fall_v not_o into_o heresy_n yet_o they_o fall_v into_o vice_n and_o become_v so_o irreligious_a that_o all_o the_o former_a grace_n which_o they_o have_v taste_v of_o do_v vanish_v and_o be_v lose_v and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n we_o be_v will_v by_o saint_n peter_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a for_o see_v the_o reprobate_n receive_v a_o kind_n of_o faith_n and_o zeal_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n we_o be_v will_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o we_o rest_v not_o in_o that_o faith_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o attain_v to_o that_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n we_o must_v seek_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o even_o seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o so_o come_v to_o that_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v which_o never_o confound_v and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o saint_n peter_n teach_v the_o way_n to_o come_v unto_o in_o the_o place_n before_o allege_v where_o he_o will_v we_o to_o join_v virtue_n with_o our_o faith_n with_o virtue_n knowledge_n etc._n etc._n for_o if_o we_o follow_v that_o rule_n which_o he_o there_o prescribe_v we_o shall_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o fall_v we_o shall_v then_o with_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n resist_v our_o adversary_n the_o devil_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o he_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n i_o pray_v and_o beseech_v you_o as_o you_o tender_v the_o happy_a estate_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n look_v unto_o it_o set_a your_o heart_n upon_o the_o livelie_a oracle_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v day_n and_o night_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o how_o to_o please_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n then_o shall_v you_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la four_o sermon_n upon_o the_o seven_o chiese_n virtue_n or_o principal_a effect_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n wherein_o every_o man_n may_v learn_v whether_o he_o be_v god_n child_n or_o no._n 2._o pet._n chap._n 1._o 1_o simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o you_o which_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o grace_n &_o peace_n be_v multiply_v to_o you_o through_o the_o 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which_o i_o stir_v up_o your_o sincere_a mind_n by_o put_v you_o in_o remembrance_n now_o these_o be_v the_o jew_n which_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o in_o the_o dispersion_n through_o diverse_a country_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o former_a epistle_n for_o the_o jew_n be_v special_o his_o charge_n as_o the_o care_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v commit_v unto_o paul_n galat._n 2.7.8_o the_o word_n be_v these_o when_o they_o see_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o uncircumcision_n be_v commit_v to_o i_o as_o the_o gospel_n over_o the_o circumcision_n be_v unto_o peter_n for_o he_o that_o be_v mighty_a by_o peter_n in_o the_o apostleship_n over_o the_o
circumcision_n be_v also_o mighty_a by_o i_o towards_o the_o gentile_n for_o the_o second_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o peter_n in_o his_o extreme_a age_n when_o he_o have_v even_o finish_v his_o course_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o his_o tabernacle_n as_o he_o speak_v here_o in_o the_o 14._o verse_n as_o for_o the_o occasion_n which_o move_v he_o to_o write_v they_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_a handle_n of_o the_o matter_n 1._o now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o 1._o verse_n have_v two_o member_n in_o the_o former_a he_o set_v forth_o his_o own_o dignity_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o setuant_fw-la of_o god_n but_o a_o principal_a servant_n and_o one_o which_o come_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n and_o not_o with_o man_n and_o so_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o message_n which_o he_o bring_v for_o whatsocuer_v god_n speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n he_o so_o guide_v their_o tongue_n and_o pen_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o nothing_o which_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v be_v their_o own_o but_o altogether_o he_o in_o the_o second_o member_n he_o set_v forth_o the_o dignity_n which_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v have_v with_o himself_o in_o these_o word_n to_o those_o which_o have_v obtain_v the_o like_a precious_a faith_n with_o we_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v although_o i_o be_v above_o you_o in_o the_o apostolical_a dignity_n and_o function_n yet_o you_o be_v equal_a with_o i_o and_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a dignity_n and_o in_o that_o wherein_o all_o happiness_n do_v consist_v even_o our_o precious_a faith_n here_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o saint_n peter_n can_v ascribe_v unto_o they_o a_o faith_n equal_a or_o like_a precious_a with_o his_o own_o see_v he_o do_v so_o far_o excel_v they_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n as_o in_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n of_o faith_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a enough_o namely_o that_o this_o comparison_n be_v not_o make_v in_o the_o measure_n and_o quantity_n of_o faith_n for_o therein_o some_o have_v excel_v other_o far_a because_o god_n do_v not_o give_v his_o gift_n to_o all_o alike_o but_o in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v the_o apprehend_n of_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o merit_n which_o the_o weak_a faith_n do_v as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v equal_o precious_a this_o i_o speak_v not_o to_o make_v any_o slothful_a when_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v prick_v we_o forward_o so_o much_o to_o seek_v increase_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o hearten_v of_o the_o weak_a which_o feel_v their_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v may_v doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n with_o they_o now_o hear_v this_o they_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v although_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n it_o couple_v they_o to_o christ_n &_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o redemption_n to_o have_v their_o sin_n wash_v away_o in_o his_o blood_n of_o righteousness_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o his_o obedience_n of_o life_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o unto_o this_o be_v also_o join_v that_o wherein_o the_o stableness_n of_o this_o their_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o indeed_o the_o build_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o weighty_a and_o the_o frame_n so_o heavy_a that_o it_o can_v stand_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n but_o this_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o righteousness_n faithfulness_n or_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o can_v lie_v for_o if_o we_o will_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o speak_v be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o diverse_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o singular_a godliness_n yet_o because_o we_o know_v that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n except_o we_o be_v fure_z that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o speak_v be_v those_o which_o god_n have_v speak_v we_o shall_v still_o waver_v and_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v no_o faith_n which_o alone_o can_v rest_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n 2_o the_o second_o verse_n contain_v his_o salutation_n even_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o paul_n &_o the_o other_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o write_v and_o this_o they_o do_v because_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n and_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o bring_v man_n again_o into_o god_n favour_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o of_o this_o thing_n speak_v s._n paul_n 2._o cor_n 5.18_o say_n all_o thing_n be_v of_o god_n which_o have_v reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n for_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n and_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o sin_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v commit_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n now_o then_o be_v we_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o through_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n his_o steed_n that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o tranell_n cause_v they_o so_o earnest_o to_o wish_v it_o for_o the_o people_n and_o to_o be_v so_o serious_a not_o only_o in_o teach_v they_o this_o general_o but_o also_o point_v out_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o finger_n the_o way_n to_o the_o same_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o their_o life_n whosoever_o digress_v or_o cast_v his_o eye_n aside_o from_o this_o mark_n and_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o example_n if_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o purchase_v renow_v i_o estimation_n wealth_n or_o ease_n to_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o seek_v this_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o have_v grace_n and_o peace_n multiply_v upon_o they_o he_o may_v well_o sometime_o preach_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o true_o likewise_o those_o parent_n which_o set_v forth_o their_o child_n to_o learning_n with_o this_o mind_n my_o son_n snall_a live_v a_o easy_a and_o merry_a life_n he_o shall_v get_v some_o livinge_n promotion_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n do_v lay_v acorrupt_a and_o rot_a foundation_n and_o have_v not_o learn_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o the_o building_n follow_v agreeable_o for_o the_o most_o when_o they_o come_v to_o have_v learning_n not_o forget_v this_o lesson_n which_o they_o learn_v of_o their_o father_n do_v become_v greedy_a cather_n of_o benefice_n and_o promotion_n rather_o than_o careful_a feeder_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o the_o apostle_n can_v wish_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v multiply_v upon_o they_o see_v that_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n do_v not_o increase_v nor_o diminish_v but_o he_o love_v and_o favour_v always_o alike_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o alteration_n or_o change_n this_o may_v well_o be_v answer_v that_o saint_n peter_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o in_o god_n towards_o man_n but_o of_o their_o feeling_n the_o same_o which_o grow_v by_o degree_n from_o less_o to_o great_a and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o precious_a the_o apostle_n wish_v that_o it_o may_v be_v multiply_v upon_o they_o he_o express_v the_o mean_a to_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o acknowledge_v of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_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 acknowledge_v of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o glory_n and_o virtue_n this_o be_v fit_o join_v to_o the_o former_a verse_n to_o show_v that_o the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v not_o without_o cause_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v you_o be_v not_o to_o content_v nor_o to_o satisfy_v yourselves_o with_o a_o scant_a measure_n of_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n see_v that_o there_o be_v offer_v unto_o you_o and_o set_v forth_o in_o christ_n unto_o who_o you_o may_v resort_v as_o to_o a_o storehouse_n
full_o furnish_v with_o all_o treasure_n all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n second_o we_o have_v to_o observe_v in_o this_o verse_n when_o he_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n that_o here_o be_v nothing_o leave_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o these_o which_o defend_v free_a will_n do_v not_o speak_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o for_o set_v forth_o a_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o it_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v here_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o want_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v supply_v but_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o at_o all_o but_o that_o we_o be_v quite_o strip_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n he_o speak_v not_o of_o repair_v or_o help_v in_o some_o part_n but_o of_o a_o whole_a and_o free_a gift_n in_o every_o part_n when_o he_o say_v without_o exception_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o pertain_v unto_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o so_o this_o doctrine_n do_v challenge_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o god_n alone_o thirtllie_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n or_o godhead_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o fetch_v all_o thing_n from_o his_o manhood_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o sixth_o chapter_n of_o saint_n john_n verse_n 46._o i_o be_o that_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o again_o in_o the_o 54._o verse_n of_o that_o same_o chapter_n he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o in_o the_o last_o day_n for_o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o by_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o life_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a that_o christ_n in_o his_o manhood_n be_v a_o creature_n and_o therefore_o have_v nothing_o of_o his_o own_o but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o he_o as_o to_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v in_o he_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n this_o come_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v now_o the_o cause_n why_o all_o these_o be_v put_v into_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o they_o for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v residence_n only_o in_o god_n we_o be_v so_o far_o remoove_v from_o he_o that_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o can_v approach_v or_o come_v near_o unto_o he_o to_o draw_v out_o of_o he_o any_o drop_n of_o the_o same_o therefore_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v we_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v put_v they_o into_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v come_v down_o near_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v lay_v fast_o hold_v of_o he_o yet_o nevertheless_o because_o the_o propriety_n of_o they_o remain_v still_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o gift_n of_o they_o be_v here_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o power_n thereof_o fourthlie_o we_o be_v to_o note_v in_o this_o verse_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v brief_o set_v down_o the_o end_n and_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o all_o these_o gift_n when_o he_o say_v which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n for_o in_o these_o two_o word_n unto_o which_o the_o other_o two_o do_v answer_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o verse_n glory_n and_o virtue_n all_o those_o gift_n be_v contain_v for_o that_o which_o he_o express_v first_o by_o life_n here_o by_o glory_n that_o which_o before_o he_o call_v godliness_n here_o he_o call_v virtue_n they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v eternal_a felicity_n and_o life_n with_o glory_n &_o the_o way_n which_o we_o must_v pass_v through_o to_o the_o same_o which_o be_v godliness_n and_o virtue_n here_o we_o be_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o sever_v or_o sunder_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v so_o near_o couple_v and_o link_v together_o and_o this_o admonition_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a because_o there_o be_v very_o many_o carnal_a professor_n and_o beastly_a abuser_n of_o christianity_n which_o do_v seem_v very_o willing_o and_o glad_o to_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v redemption_n and_o eternal_a life_n purchase_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o they_o make_v great_a boast_n that_o they_o look_v for_o their_o part_n in_o the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o they_o look_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o this_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n through_o which_o we_o must_v pass_v unto_o it_o for_o god_n have_v not_o call_v we_o but_o as_o he_o say_v here_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n so_o that_o whosoever_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v to_o know_v he_o aright_o and_o so_o to_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o eternal_a glory_n he_o have_v also_o garnish_v they_o with_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n until_o such_o time_n therefore_o as_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o a_o new_a peter_n which_o with_o contrary_a pen_n shall_v write_v a_o new_a and_o contrary_a gospel_n these_o man_n shall_v never_o assure_v themselves_o nor_o yet_o persuade_v other_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n see_v they_o go_v a_o quite_o contrary_a way_n 4_o whereby_o most_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n now_o he_o show_v by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o instrument_n the_o divine_a power_n do_v bestow_v those_o gift_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o same_o be_v as_o he_o call_v they_o most_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v call_v to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n these_o be_v call_v most_o great_a and_o precious_a because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o greatness_n and_o dignity_n be_v incomparable_a for_o what_o can_v we_o seek_v out_o to_o match_v with_o this_o that_o here_o be_v offer_v unto_o we_o namely_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n deliverance_n and_o freedom_n from_o the_o thraldom_n of_o satan_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n that_o of_o damn_a creature_n and_o child_n of_o his_o wrath_n he_o have_v give_v we_o this_o high_a dignity_n to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o daughter_n and_o as_o s._n john_n say_v revel_v 1._o christ_n have_v wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n his_o father_n what_o a_o change_n be_v this_o from_o the_o low_a misery_n even_o in_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n to_o be_v glorify_v with_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n because_o therefore_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o honourable_a saint_n peter_n call_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n most_o great_a and_o precious_a but_o wherefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o by_o these_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o include_v all_o because_o it_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v call_v home_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o although_o he_o utter_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o in_o his_o law_n yet_o therein_o he_o show_v himself_o none_o otherwise_o unto_o we_o but_o as_o a_o severe_a judge_n we_o can_v see_v nothing_o there_o but_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n and_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n his_o brightness_n appear_v therein_o but_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v the_o same_o but_o be_v dazzle_v with_o the_o sight_n thereof_o amaze_v and_o confound_v so_o that_o we_o can_v but_o run_v from_o he_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v terrible_a contrariwise_o in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o son_n where_o he_o show_v a_o exceed_a glory_n but_o with_o such_o fatherlie_a love_n and_o pity_n such_o abundance_n of_o mercy_n and_o sweet_a allurement_n by_o which_o he_o call_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o that_o here_o we_o be_v able_a to_o look_v upon_o he_o with_o open_a face_n and_o here_o his_o countenance_n be_v so_o cheerful_a that_o the_o soul_n
latter_a the_o outward_a practice_n of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o doctrine_n in_o both_o these_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v open_v if_o we_o take_v then_o the_o former_a sense_n we_o be_v will_v to_o join_v with_o our_o love_n towards_o the_o godly_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n who_o we_o ought_v chief_o and_o more_o dear_o to_o favour_n a_o love_n also_o which_o may_v reach_v even_o over_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a friend_n and_o so_o this_o saint_n paul_n teach_v when_o he_o will_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o to_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o some_o sort_n even_o to_o the_o wicked_a according_a as_o our_o saviour_n do_v teach_v matth._n 5._o bless_v they_o which_o curse_v you_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o hate_n &_o persecute_v and_o saint_n paul_n say_v rom._n 12._o if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o drink_v well_o then_o although_o this_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o man_n nature_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v straight_o require_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v want_v we_o do_v but_o deceive_v ourselves_o if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o first_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o love_n the_o other_o the_o outward_a practice_n then_o we_o have_v here_o a_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v observe_v not_o to_o overshoote_v ourselves_o in_o our_o love_n in_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v right_a and_o sincere_a when_o it_o be_v halt_v and_o lame_a for_o many_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o we_o be_v so_o straight_o charge_v for_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n and_o that_o without_o the_o same_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a in_o we_o or_o which_o god_n accept_v look_v no_o further_o but_o thus_o whether_o they_o bear_v any_o grudge_n or_o evil_a will_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o if_o they_o can_v say_v i_o hurt_v no_o man_n nor_o i_o mean_v no_o hurt_n to_o any_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a love_n and_o so_o a_o stone_n mean_v no_o hurt_n may_v be_v say_v to_o love_v other_o somewhat_o wise_a do_v not_o only_o look_v to_o that_o one_o thing_n whether_o they_o bear_v evil_a will_n but_o also_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o kind_n of_o affection_n in_o they_o &_o here_o they_o stay_v when_o they_o shall_v go_v yet_o this_o step_n further_o to_o see_v that_o this_o kindness_n in_o they_o break_v forth_o into_o good_a and_o charitable_a deed_n for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o love_a affection_n in_o a_o man_n and_o yet_o bring_v forth_o but_o slender_a fruit_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a sloth_n in_o nature_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o put_v their_o love_n in_o ure_n for_o love_n be_v laboursome_a and_o painful_a as_o saint_n paul_n set_v it_o forth_o 1._o thess_n 1._o when_o he_o say_v your_o labour_a love_n if_o then_o we_o will_v love_v the_o brethren_n here_o be_v the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o we_o may_v prove_v our_o love_n that_o we_o spare_v not_o for_o any_o labour_n or_o cost_n nor_o yet_o wax_v weary_a because_o love_n be_v not_o like_a one_o that_o be_v lazy_a and_o luskish_a loiter_v at_o home_n within_o a_o man_n breast_n but_o step_v abroad_o and_o be_v very_o diligent_a neither_o do_v it_o prefer_v every_o light_a commodity_n and_o vain_a pleasure_n before_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o brethren_n then_o by_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a how_o that_o all_o those_o which_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o yet_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o care_n over_o their_o brethren_n at_o the_o least_o thus_o far_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o travel_v nor_o be_v at_o any_o charge_n for_o other_o man_n sake_n who_o wealth_n they_o shall_v procure_v especial_o of_o the_o soul_n for_o therein_o lie_v the_o chief_a trial_n of_o love_n because_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n to_o be_v very_o tender_a over_o the_o body_n a_o rot_a carcase_n and_o to_o pity_v the_o misery_n thereof_o so_o much_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n not_o to_o care_v for_o that_o that_o be_v more_o precious_a namely_o the_o soul_n the_o relieve_v and_o heal_v of_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n for_o ever_o this_o i_o speak_v because_o we_o see_v many_o that_o will_v bestow_v somewhat_o upon_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o bodily_a misery_n which_o have_v no_o pity_n upon_o man_n which_o wander_v in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n who_o soul_n be_v famish_v and_o pine_v for_o want_v of_o food_n full_a of_o deadly_a wound_n and_o sore_n which_o be_v not_o salve_v bind_v in_o the_o band_n and_o chain_n of_o sin_n hold_v under_o captivity_n by_o satan_n even_o ready_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o hell_n the_o cause_n indeed_o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o learned_a to_o pity_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o can_v pity_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o for_o if_o they_o do_v know_v the_o spiritual_a misery_n they_o will_v neither_o spare_v night_n nor_o day_n in_o travel_v to_o have_v it_o ease_v whereas_o now_o contrariwise_o they_o can_v pull_v back_o man_n from_o godliness_n and_o discourage_v they_o from_o seek_v after_o salvation_n they_o can_v laugh_v and_o sport_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o neighbour_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o misery_n therein_o final_o be_v cruel_a murderer_n of_o soul_n will_v nevertheless_o glad_o be_v deem_v charitable_a but_o their_o bountiful_a alm_n do_v want_v season_v let_v we_o learn_v therefore_o to_o pity_v and_o show_v kindness_n to_o the_o bodily_a necessity_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o forget_v especial_o and_o above_o all_o to_o procure_v with_o all_o diligence_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n otherwise_o we_o can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o join_v love_n and_o godliness_n together_o in_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o four_o next_o verse_n there_o be_v show_v partly_o the_o great_a and_o singular_a commodity_n which_o we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o be_v garnish_v with_o these_o foresay_a virtue_n and_o partly_o the_o discommodity_n which_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o want_n of_o the_o same_o and_o this_o saint_n peter_n set_v forth_o not_o stay_v in_o the_o bare_a declaration_n of_o the_o virtue_n which_o indeed_o of_o themselves_o be_v so_o precious_a and_o excellent_a shall_v move_v we_o but_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o those_o which_o be_v lumpish_a and_o dull_a need_v many_o spur_n to_o be_v prick_v forward_o withal_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a therefore_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o that_o he_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v with_o you_o and_o abound_v they_o will_v make_v etc._n etc._n in_o this_o eight_o verse_n he_o begin_v to_o show_v the_o commodity_n which_o shall_v redound_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o so_o give_v our_o diligence_n that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_o deck_v with_o these_o grace_n they_o will_v make_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a thing_n when_o god_n have_v show_v himself_o unto_o we_o in_o his_o son_n have_v call_v we_o into_o his_o service_n out_o of_o miserable_a bondage_n for_o we_o to_o be_v idle_a and_o unfruitful_a if_o the_o lord_n have_v plant_v we_o if_o he_o have_v dress_v we_o then_o as_o it_o be_v also_o say_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n john_n 15._o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o go_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n then_o it_o be_v by_o this_o place_n very_o apparent_a that_o a_o man_n may_v draw_v out_o a_o sure_a &_o infallible_a argument_n against_o all_o those_o which_o be_v idle_a and_o slothful_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o they_o say_v key_z cold_a or_o slack_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n or_o unfruitful_a in_o good_a work_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v graceless_a void_a of_o faith_n and_o those_o virtue_n which_o do_v ever_o accompany_v the_o same_o for_o when_o saint_n peter_n say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v with_o you_o they_o will_v make_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v idle_a nor_o unfruitful_a it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o such_o as_o be_v idle_a which_o arise_v for_o want_v of_o zeal_n or_o be_v unfruitful_a continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v never_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v well_o boast_v themselves_o of_o their_o strong_a faith_n make_v a_o brave_a show_n of_o their_o skill_n and_o fine_a wit_n so_o that_o man_n may_v think_v there_o be_v some_o deep_a
to_o his_o promise_n and_o because_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n compel_v they_o they_o affirm_v it_o constant_o and_o condemn_v the_o contrary_a as_o a_o soul_n error_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v man_n and_o man_n come_v to_o feel_v and_o to_o know_v this_o and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v a_o true_a doctrine_n they_o say_v also_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o but_o when_o they_o take_v not_o the_o way_n to_o become_v sure_a which_o s._n peter_n have_v here_o set_v down_o but_o go_v in_o a_o contrary_a path_n and_o be_v spot_v with_o filthy_a crime_n we_o may_v bold_o say_v they_o be_v liar_n for_o although_o they_o brag_v with_o their_o tongue_n of_o that_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o bird_n in_o their_o breast_n which_o do_v sing_v in_o a_o contrary_a note_n &_o tell_v they_o plain_o what_o they_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o man_n there_o be_v which_o in_o no_o case_n can_v be_v persuade_v that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o with_o scoff_n they_o ask_v of_o they_o which_o profess_v the_o word_n when_o god_n tell_v they_o so_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v or_o can_v not_o be_v know_v than_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_o overshoot_v himself_o in_o tell_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v sure_a but_o ask_v a_o question_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o god_n every_o one_o will_v answer_v i_o put_v all_o my_o whole_a trust_n in_o he_o reason_n then_o a_o little_a further_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o can_v not_o lie_v say_v that_o all_o which_o trust_v in_o god_n shall_v be_v save_v how_o then_o will_v they_o join_v these_o together_o that_o they_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v can_v god_n deceive_v or_o say_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o undoubted_o if_o they_o do_v know_v that_o they_o have_v trust_v they_o shall_v also_o know_v they_o can_v not_o perish_v but_o let_v we_o learn_v by_o this_o the_o misery_n of_o our_o time_n in_o which_o man_n do_v still_o think_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v strange_a now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o which_o every_o one_o must_v come_v home_o to_o himself_o remember_v first_o that_o such_o as_o god_n have_v call_v home_o to_o himself_o and_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o child_n he_o do_v also_o give_v unto_o they_o true_a faith_n and_o feeling_n that_o they_o be_v his_o elect_a and_o such_o as_o perceive_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v in_o a_o very_a miserable_a case_n and_o as_o yet_o we_o may_v say_v forlorn_a creature_n therefore_o every_o man_n in_o himself_o must_v ask_v this_o question_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n how_o go_v the_o matter_n with_o thou_o be_v thou_o sure_a god_n have_v choose_v thou_o do_v thou_o feel_v any_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n the_o conscience_n will_v answer_v upright_o if_o we_o be_v not_o negligent_a to_o make_v inquiry_n then_o if_o we_o find_v this_o within_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a for_o i_o doubt_v and_o stagger_v we_o must_v inquire_v with_o ourselves_o thus_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n god_n be_v faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n unto_o all_o which_o believe_v our_o heart_n will_v make_v answer_n thou_o regard_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v full_a of_o foul_a sin_n evil_a lust_n do_v reign_v in_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o study_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n thou_o be_v unfruitful_a and_o barren_a in_o good_a work_n therefore_o thou_o can_v not_o say_v i_o be_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o sure_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o he_o be_v wise_a he_o will_v not_o stay_v here_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o fool_n be_v say_v i_o be_o not_o sure_a indeed_o neither_o do_v i_o think_v any_o man_n can_v be_v i_o commit_v it_o to_o god_n let_v he_o do_v with_o i_o what_o he_o will_v these_o speech_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o wit_n &_o godliness_n in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v indeed_o devilish_a and_o mad_a because_o god_n have_v teach_v we_o a_o contrary_a lesson_n in_o this_o place_n but_o go_v this_o step_n further_o may_v i_o come_v to_o this_o assurance_n and_o which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o lord_n do_v answer_v by_o his_o apostle_n thou_o may_v come_v to_o this_o assurance_n and_o point_v he_o out_o the_o way_n even_o that_o which_o you_o have_v hear_v wherein_o he_o must_v painful_o travel_v and_o go_v forward_o not_o for_o a_o gird_n or_o a_o braid_v and_o wax_v idle_a again_o but_o still_o labour_n for_o these_o man_n have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v will_v to_o proceed_v still_o if_o the_o lord_n give_v not_o this_o assurance_n we_o be_v to_o labour_v so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o importunate_a to_o suspect_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n to_o call_v 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cause_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o the_o wicked_a man_n think_v they_o have_v hope_n be_v it_o because_o they_o have_v less_o faith_n nay_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o because_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o that_o which_o god_n have_v threaten_v against_o they_o they_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v pour_v out_o his_o wrath_n upon_o they_o because_o he_o have_v say_v it_o but_o the_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v more_o foolish_a and_o where_o god_n have_v pronounce_v against_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n eternal_a fire_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o and_o so_o indeed_o their_o faith_n come_v short_a of_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n they_o shall_v believe_v the_o lord_n when_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o those_o which_o do_v not_o turn_v from_o their_o ungodliness_n when_o he_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o hell_n but_o they_o blind_v themselves_o and_o will_v seem_v to_o believe_v quite_o contrary_a unto_o that_o 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be_v not_o that_o belief_n which_o s._n paul_n say_v do_v justify_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o say_v the_o devil_n be_v partaker_n of_o he_o you_o may_v well_o perceive_v therefore_o that_o saint_n james_n do_v speak_v nothing_o against_o that_o which_o saint_n paul_n have_v prove_v how_o christ_n alone_o be_v our_o righteousness_n who_o we_o take_v hold_v of_o only_a by_o faith_n for_o he_o do_v but_o show_v that_o the_o dead_a picture_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o save_v remember_v well_o then_o what_o faith_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o the_o controversy_n be_v soon_o decide_v the_o apostle_n now_o proceed_v to_o his_o last_o reason_n which_o because_o it_o be_v wonderful_a strong_a he_o use_v as_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a preface_n unto_o it_o lest_o we_o shall_v pass_v light_o over_o it_o without_o due_a consideration_n but_o will_v thou_o understand_v say_v he_o o_o thou_o vain_a man_n that_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v without_o work_n be_v dead_a see_v how_o vehement_o he_o thunder_v here_o against_o the_o carnal_a professor_n call_v he_o a_o vain_a man_n likewise_o will_v thou_o understand_v can_v not_o those_o former_a reason_n satisfy_v thou_o be_v they_o not_o strong_a enough_o to_o persuade_v thou_o or_o plain_a enough_o to_o teach_v thou_o i_o will_v let_v thou_o see_v such_o a_o reason_n that_o neither_o thou_o norall_n the_o world_n shall_v be_v able_a for_o to_o gainsay_v it_o be_v so_o strong_a and_o so_o manifest_a that_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o the_o caviller_n and_o force_v they_o to_o confess_v will_v they_o will_v they_o that_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v without_o work_n be_v dead_a see_v how_o marvelous_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v labour_n to_o drive_v we_o from_o trust_v to_o this_o break_a staff_n and_o to_o force_v we_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o true_a and_o right_a belief_n if_o we_o have_v any_o care_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o doubtless_o daily_a experience_n do_v teach_v we_o how_o needful_a a_o thing_n this_o be_v for_o the_o great_a number_n of_o professor_n think_v nothing_o less_o needful_a than_o to_o seek_v increase_n of_o faith_n they_o suppose_v and_o they_o will_v say_v they_o believe_v well_o enough_o they_o feel_v no_o want_n at_o all_o what_o shall_v preach_a do_v they_o can_v but_o believe_v in_o very_a deed_n this_o dead_a faith_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o be_v very_o strong_a it_o can_v be_v shake_v neither_o be_v it_o try_v or_o tempt_v for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v the_o devil_n much_o labour_n to_o overthrow_v it_o but_o those_o which_o have_v any_o faith_n indeed_o do_v feel_v what_o need_n there_o be_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o strengthen_v it_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o matter_n he_o proove_v now_o by_o example_n that_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v know_v by_o good_a work_n the_o first_o example_n be_v of_o abraham_n thus_o it_o be_v to_o be_v open_v you_o know_v that_o abraham_n be_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o a_o right_a man_n indeed_o he_o be_v high_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o he_o that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v you_o will_v then_o confess_v that_o he_o have_v the_o right_a faith_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o in_o that_o likewise_o you_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o mediator_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o faith_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o many_o as_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n or_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o abraham_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o else_o for_o although_o every_o one_o of_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n do_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o strength_n that_o their_o father_n do_v 2.5_o ephes_n 4.5_o 1._o tim._n 2.5_o yet_o they_o be_v like_o he_o and_o have_v the_o same_o belief_n then_o i_o beseech_v you_o observe_v well_o the_o second_o part_n wherein_o be_v declare_v how_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n be_v fruitful_a and_o do_v declare_v and_o show_v forth_o itself_o by_o good_a work_n 21._o gen._n 21._o for_o he_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n upon_o the_o altar_n whereupon_o it_o do_v also_o follow_v that_o all_o his_o child_n and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v declare_v and_o show_v forth_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o good_a deed_n and_o whosoever_o they_o be_v which_o do_v not_o so_o they_o be_v degenerate_v and_o bastard_n none_o of_o his_o child_n nor_o yet_o partaker_n of_o any_o blessing_n with_o he_o for_o their_o faith_n be_v dead_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o alive_a do_v you_o not_o see_v dear_o belove_v the_o marvelous_a force_n of_o this_o reason_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n here_o be_v no_o start_a hole_n leave_v for_o a_o man_n to_o hide_v himself_o in_o nor_o to_o creep_v out_o at_o but_o he_o be_v hold_v fast_o to_o this_o that_o if_o he_o will_v be_v save_v he_o must_v so_o believe_v that_o he_o declare_v and_o show_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o good_a work_n a_o holy_a life_n how_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o faithful_a father_n abraham_n but_o why_o do_v he_o choose_v this_o one_o work_n of_o abraham_n before_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o his_o life_n do_v shine_v with_o holy_a work_n he_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o poor_a he_o entertain_v &_o lodge_v stranger_n he_o be_v peaceable_a with_o all_o man_n just_a and_o true_a in_o all_o his_o deal_n doubtless_o this_o do_v excel_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o far_o pass_v they_o that_o it_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v mention_v instead_o of_o they_o all_o it_o do_v
not_o be_v endure_v as_o look_v upon_o these_o great_a master_n which_o s._n james_n do_v speak_v of_o that_o carp_n daily_a at_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o when_o they_o have_v whip_v other_o man_n with_o the_o scourge_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o pierce_v they_o through_o as_o with_o a_o sword_n if_o any_o do_v but_o touch_v they_o but_o even_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o prick_n of_o a_o pin_n how_o they_o startle_v &_o how_o they_o call_v for_o charity_n they_o feel_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v unto_o their_o brethren_n when_o they_o make_v small_a fault_n to_o be_v heinous_a offence_n yea_o when_o they_o perverse_o deprave_v that_o which_o be_v well_o do_v it_o be_v very_a light_n but_o if_o any_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o some_o fault_n of_o they_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v it_o be_v sore_a injury_n if_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o deal_v charitable_o hereby_o it_o do_v appear_v what_o a_o high_a price_n man_n do_v set_v themselves_o at_o and_o how_o base_o they_o do_v esteem_v of_o all_o other_o other_o man_n because_o of_o their_o sin_n be_v stark_o naught_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v nor_o pity_v we_o have_v the_o same_o sin_n or_o as_o great_a be_v still_o very_o precious_a thus_o may_v we_o see_v how_o far_o man_n be_v a_o wry_a from_o that_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n call_v we_o from_o it_o and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n if_o we_o will_v be_v wise_a to_o seek_v to_o be_v cure_v of_o so_o grievous_a a_o disease_n a_o right_a precious_a &_o a_o acceptable_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o god_n when_o we_o can_v so_o consider_v and_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o among_o other_o as_o that_o we_o value_v ourselves_o with_o they_o as_o poor_a sinner_n to_o be_v pity_v and_o so_o become_v pitiful_a also_o &_o full_o of_o mercy_n towards_o they_o for_o that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o lord_n say_v by_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n &_o not_o sacrifice_v osee_n 6.7_o but_o here_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o it_o be_v charity_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o show_v towards_o our_o brethren_n and_o not_o a_o irreligious_a cloak_v of_o sin_n or_o soothe_v man_n up_o in_o evil_a for_o many_o under_o pretence_n of_o this_o that_o we_o be_v command_v not_o to_o judge_v will_v have_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v reproove_v but_o every_o man_n have_v to_o do_v only_o with_o himself_o and_o let_v other_o alone_o this_o be_v a_o bad_a collection_n this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o will_v we_o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o mat._n 18._o vers_fw-la 15._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n as_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n but_o thou_o shall_v plain_o rebuke_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o sin_n levit._fw-la 19_o vers_fw-la 17._o and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n when_o he_o say_v judge_v not_o do_v not_o will_n we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o admonish_v and_o reproove_v our_o brethren_n for_o their_o fault_n so_o we_o do_v it_o right_o for_o he_o do_v not_o say_v what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v with_o the_o moat_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o brother_n eye_n or_o why_o medle_v thou_o with_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o but_o cast_v first_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o may_v thou_o see_v clear_o to_o cast_v the_o moat_n out_o of_o thy_o brother_n eye_n here_o be_v the_o matter_n if_o we_o will_v be_v right_a reformer_n we_o must_v first_o begin_v with_o ourselves_o for_o shall_v we_o be_v fit_a to_o teach_v other_o that_o teach_v not_o ourselves_o what_o good_a mind_n can_v it_o come_v from_o can_v a_o man_n be_v right_o careful_a that_o another_o shall_v be_v godly_a and_o save_v and_o not_o care_n for_o godliness_n and_o salvation_n in_o himself_o can_v he_o pity_v the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n which_o pity_v not_o his_o own_o again_o what_o a_o rebuke_v be_v that_o when_o he_o be_v so_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a 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second_o part_n declare_v the_o wonder_a and_o exceed_a power_n that_o the_o tongue_n have_v when_o it_o be_v not_o well_o order_v unto_o all_o mischief_n where_o also_o lest_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o so_o infinite_a evil_a shall_v proceed_v from_o so_o small_a a_o thing_n he_o use_v a_o similitude_n from_o a_o spark_n of_o fire_n from_o which_o a_o great_a matter_n be_v set_v on_o flame_n further_o he_o show_v by_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o most_o wild_a &_o cruel_a thing_n what_o a_o horrible_a unrulie_a evil_n the_o tongue_n be_v do_v that_o which_o be_v monstrous_a &_o as_o
with_o what_o manner_n of_o tongue_n they_o do_v it_o they_o curse_v and_o ban_v they_o rail_v revile_v and_o reproach_n they_o swear_v borriblie_o they_o lie_v they_o do_v slander_n and_o diffame_v they_o flatter_v they_o boast_n they_o scoff_v they_o jest_v they_o power_n forth_o word_n of_o all_o vanity_n they_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o unclean_a word_n and_o out_o at_o their_o mouth_n come_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v the_o stink_a mind_n of_o a_o most_o filthy_a puddle_n or_o of_o a_o rot_a dunghill_n and_o then_o with_o the_o same_o tongue_n so_o pollute_v and_o in_o that_o unclean_a vessel_n of_o their_o mouth_n they_o will_v bring_v and_o offer_v up_o those_o sweet_a odour_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o great_a instruction_n minister_v unto_o we_o which_o we_o ought_v careful_o to_o hearken_v unto_o and_o to_o print_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n if_o ever_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n which_o be_v poor_a and_o base_a for_o outward_a 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behold_v how_o good_a and_o how_o etc._n etc._n the_o holy_a prophet_n king_n david_n be_v the_o composer_n and_o writer_n of_o this_o psalm_n as_o the_o title_n thereof_o do_v express_o mention_v it_o be_v call_v a_o song_n of_o degree_n as_o there_o be_v 14._o other_o beside_o this_o here_o set_v together_o of_o the_o same_o title_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o learned_a interpreter_n be_v of_o diverse_a judgement_n i_o will_v follow_v that_o which_o be_v most_o probable_a by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n magnaloth_n which_o the_o prophet_n here_o use_v do_v proper_o signify_v step_n or_o stair_n by_o which_o we_o ascend_v into_o high_a place_n but_o by_o a_o metaphor_n as_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v here_o use_v it_o signify_v high_a estate_n high_a degree_n excellency_n or_o dignity_n for_o proof_n hereof_o we_o read_v 1._o chro._n 17._o vers_fw-la 17._o where_o david_n speak_v unto_o god_n say_v thou_o have_v regard_v i_o according_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o a_o man_n 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forth_o and_o commend_v the_o unity_n and_o concord_n of_o brethren_n the_o brethren_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o which_o be_v to_o keep_v this_o holy_a agreement_n be_v all_o the_o faithful_a child_n of_o the_o church_n fellow_n member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n and_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n among_o who_o be_v the_o spiritual_a brotherhood_n the_o virtue_n itself_o which_o be_v here_o commend_v be_v that_o same_o which_o saint_n paul_n do_v so_o earnest_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v all_o christian_a man_n unto_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n ephes_n 4._o vers_fw-la 3._o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v commend_v for_o the_o practice_n thereof_o in_o which_o we_o have_v a_o lively_a example_n set_v before_o we_o for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n act._n 4._o vers_fw-la 32._o for_o as_o one_o body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n 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to_o express_v the_o fruit_n and_o good_a that_o come_v thereof_o and_o final_o he_o conclude_v from_o the_o high_a cause_n even_o the_o lord_n god_n who_o have_v command_v the_o blessing_n of_o life_n eternal_a to_o be_v upon_o this_o unity_n this_o be_v brief_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o psalm_n or_o of_o this_o praise_n which_o be_v give_v now_o come_v to_o the_o exposition_n by_o the_o first_o word_n behold_v the_o prophet_n do_v stir_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o israelite_n even_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n to_o take_v view_n how_o bless_v a_o thing_n unity_n and_o concord_n be_v even_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n which_o they_o have_v partly_o by_o the_o former_a time_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o time_n then_o present_a for_o in_o former_a day_n they_o have_v feel_v with_o much_o sorrow_n the_o great_a calamity_n harm_n and_o annoyance_n of_o discord_n and_o at_o this_o time_n now_o present_a when_o this_o psalm_n be_v give_v they_o see_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n for_o their_o former_a experience_n in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n saul_n when_o he_o persecute_v david_n which_o have_v do_v none_o evil_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v good_a man_n be_v oppress_v evil_a man_n flourish_v with_o much_o grief_n of_o mind_n unto_o many_o than_o be_v there_o discord_n so_o far_o as_o man_n dare_v speak_v when_o saul_n be_v take_v away_o and_o david_n be_v anoint_v king_n in_o hebron_n abner_n the_o son_n of_o never_o captain_n of_o saul_n army_n take_v ishbosheth_n saul_n son_n and_o set_v he_o up_o for_o king_n the_o discord_n than_o grow_v much_o great_a for_o then_o one_o part_n of_o the_o tribe_n cleave_v unto_o david_n the_o other_o unto_o the_o house_n of_o saul_n
own_o business_n and_o to_o work_v with_o your_o own_o hand_n etc._n etc._n 1._o thess_n 4.11_o as_o god_n have_v distribute_v unto_o every_o man_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v every_o one_o say_v the_o apostle_n so_o let_v he_o walk_v and_o so_o ordain_v i_o in_o all_o church_n 1._o cor._n 7.17_o god_n have_v ordain_v the_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n he_o have_v give_v gift_n of_o ability_n to_o man_n to_o perform_v the_o thing_n he_o require_v in_o the_o same_o he_o have_v also_o set_v the_o bound_n &_o limit_n within_o which_o every_o one_o be_v to_o keep_v himself_o and_o to_o walk_v orderly_o meddle_v with_o that_o which_o appertain_v unto_o he_o this_o be_v a_o holy_a thing_n &_o comely_a a_o preserver_n of_o unity_n but_o it_o be_v much_o break_v and_o great_a evil_n ensue_v thereof_o for_o there_o be_v many_o private_a person_n which_o will_v seem_v very_o religious_a and_o to_o seek_v the_o holy_a unity_n above_o other_o which_o leave_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o busy_v themselves_o whole_o with_o those_o matter_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o for_o as_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o trade_n and_o science_n be_v too_o base_a or_o as_o if_o the_o care_n of_o their_o family_n be_v a_o thing_n over_o vile_a they_o set_v these_o aside_o and_o neglect_v they_o and_o take_v upon_o they_o great_a and_o high_a business_n for_o behold_v any_o thing_n amiss_o in_o the_o church_n as_o if_o god_n have_v set_v they_o to_o be_v overseer_n of_o the_o governor_n and_o teacher_n contrary_a unto_o this_o rule_n of_o saint_n paul_n they_o labour_v not_o with_o their_o hand_n nor_o meddle_v quiet_o with_o their_o own_o business_n but_o they_o bend_v all_o the_o power_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o dispute_v and_o reason_n about_o government_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o governor_n and_o teacher_n wander_v about_o and_o seek_v to_o persuade_v and_o draw_v other_o to_o their_o mind_n they_o think_v thus_o to_o do_v god_n high_a service_n but_o who_o have_v give_v they_o power_n to_o dispense_v with_o this_o rule_n that_o you_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o meddle_v with_o your_o own_o business_n and_o to_o labour_v with_o your_o hand_n have_v god_n call_v they_o and_o set_v they_o a_o work_n about_o great_a thing_n and_o free_v they_o from_o these_o be_v it_o not_o the_o ordinance_n and_o will_n of_o our_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v instruct_v &_o guide_v their_o family_n in_o his_o way_n be_v there_o not_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o care_n to_o be_v take_v that_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n may_v learn_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o walk_n in_o it_o but_o there_o be_v many_o which_o deep_o meddle_v in_o public_a matter_n and_o if_o they_o have_v two_o or_o three_o child_n and_o as_o many_o servant_n they_o be_v leave_v ignorant_a no_o pain_n take_v about_o they_o they_o may_v walk_v awry_o many_o way_n the_o care_n thereof_o be_v little_a also_o a_o man_n own_o matter_n which_o saint_n paul_n will_v to_o meddle_v with_o be_v in_o provide_v earthly_a thing_n necessary_a for_o his_o family_n so_o that_o saint_n paul_n say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o namely_o for_o they_o of_o his_o family_n he_o deni_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n 1._o timoth._n 5.8_o and_o so_o in_o other_o duty_n shall_v we_o think_v the_o truth_n be_v obey_v or_o that_o god_n be_v please_v by_o such_o way_n when_o the_o ruler_n and_o guide_n of_o god_n people_n do_v amiss_o a_o man_n be_v to_o sorrow_n at_o it_o he_o be_v to_o look_v to_o his_o way_n that_o he_o keep_v upright_o before_o god_n but_o when_o in_o reprehend_v that_o which_o other_o fault_n in_o he_o neglect_v his_o own_o call_n how_o shall_v he_o eschew_v this_o sentence_n thou_o be_v therefore_o inexcusable_a o_o man_n whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o iudge_v another_o for_o in_o that_o thou_o iudge_v another_o thou_o condemne_v thyself_o for_o thou_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o thou_o iudge_v rom._n 2._o v._n 1._o thou_o leave_v undo_v thy_o duty_n in_o guide_v that_o small_a charge_n commit_v unto_o thou_o and_o let_v we_o make_v the_o comparison_n be_v he_o not_o more_o worthy_a blame_n that_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o great_a and_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o lesser_a when_o the_o great_a be_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o govern_v a_o whole_a kingdom_n a_o city_n or_o a_o flock_n than_o a_o little_a family_n and_o more_o fault_n will_v appear_v how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n than_o be_v it_o that_o a_o man_n which_o guide_v not_o his_o little_a family_n in_o any_o such_o order_n as_o god_n require_v shall_v let_v go_v the_o sight_n of_o his_o own_o defect_n and_o whole_o give_v himself_o in_o speech_n to_o deprave_v the_o public_a guide_n lament_v and_o sorrow_n for_o evil_a consent_v not_o thereunto_o in_o any_o wise_a follow_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n obey_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o let_v all_o man_n regard_v this_o &_o keep_v their_o place_n &_o stand_v which_o god_n have_v set_v they_o in_o and_o so_o walk_v as_o that_o they_o may_v answer_v before_o the_o high_a judge_n and_o give_v account_n how_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n to_o come_v now_o to_o the_o governor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o first_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o shepherd_n which_o have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a these_o be_v principal_a and_o above_o all_o other_o and_o after_o a_o special_a sort_n to_o procure_v and_o to_o preserve_v this_o bless_a unity_n as_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v of_o christ_n do_v show_v he_o have_v say_v s._n paul_n give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o then_o he_o show_v to_o what_o end_n say_v for_o the_o repair_n of_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n &_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o age_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n ephe._n 4._o vers_fw-la 11.12.13_o this_o be_v their_o whole_a work_n and_o labour_v appoint_v they_o even_o to_o build_v up_o christ_n body_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o frame_v and_o couple_v together_o the_o live_a stone_n unto_o that_o unity_n of_o brethren_n which_o be_v commend_v in_o this_o psalm_n then_o let_v we_o see_v the_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o god_n word_n which_o they_o must_v observe_v to_o perform_v this_o holy_a work_n the_o elder_n say_v s._n peter_n that_o be_v among_o you_o i_o beseech_v which_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n &_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o depend_v upon_o you_o care_v for_o it_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n not_o as_o though_o you_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o that_o you_o may_v be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n 1._o pet_n 5._o vers_fw-la 1.2_o first_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v food_n their_o life_n depend_v thereupon_o it_o be_v require_v therefore_o in_o all_o shepherd_n that_o will_v answer_v their_o call_n before_o god_n to_o have_v the_o same_o affection_n in_o they_o which_o christ_n have_v who_o when_o he_o see_v the_o multitude_n he_o have_v compassion_n on_o they_o because_o they_o be_v as_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n mat._n 9.36_o pitie_n and_o compassion_n upon_o the_o stray_a sheep_n must_v move_v they_o to_o seed_n yea_o love_n must_v constrain_v for_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n simon_n joanna_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o these_o feed_v my_o sheep_n love_v thou_o i_o feed_v my_o lamb_n love_v thou_o i_o feed_v my_o sheep_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v of_o all_o love_n do_v this_o for_o i_o here_o i_o be_o to_o move_v those_o which_o be_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n if_o it_o may_v any_o way_n come_v to_o their_o ear_n i_o do_v humble_o beseech_v they_o for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n to_o have_v compassion_n upon_o the_o flock_n that_o the_o sheep_n may_v have_v their_o appoint_a food_n even_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n plentiful_o break_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o the_o green_a pasture_n &_o unto_o the_o fountain_n and_o stream_n of_o the_o live_a water_n cry_v also_o unto_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n that_o he_o will_v pour_v down_o