of_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o mistake_n about_o the_o exercise_n and_o operation_n of_o grace_n especial_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o mote_n in_o their_o eye_n of_o faith_n they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o faith_n because_o they_o want_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o a_o reflex_n act_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o itself_o attain_v by_o a_o long_a continue_a course_n of_o holy_a and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n which_o few_o believer_n have_v but_o faith_n be_v a_o recumbant_fw-la act_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o christ_n and_o be_v usual_o express_v by_o the_o instance_n of_o one_o that_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n cast_v himself_o upon_o a_o float_a plank_n of_o the_o ship_n and_o there_o stick_v in_o a_o tremble_a doubtful_a hope_n of_o come_v ashore_o 2._o because_o they_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o grace_n in_o ideâ_fw-la and_o grace_n in_o subjecto_fw-la in_fw-la actu_fw-la signato_fw-la and_o in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 13.7_o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n the_o wonderful_a operation_n of_o charity_n be_v describe_v there_o now_o because_o weak_a christian_n can_v find_v no_o such_o effect_n in_o themselves_o they_o present_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o sound_a brass_n and_o tinkle_a cymbal_n mere_a empty_a nothing_o and_o no_o real_a christian_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o this_o grace_n in_o its_o own_o abstract_a nature_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o subject_n mix_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o contrary_a element_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o so_o operative_a in_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n as_o be_v obstruct_v by_o its_o contrary_a quality_n fire_n by_o itself_o be_v visible_a and_o active_a but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o flint_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v it_o be_v there_o though_o conceal_v under_o the_o other_o element_n so_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o charity_n and_o other_o grace_n with_o the_o mixture_n of_o contrary_a imperfection_n which_o do_v retard_v and_o make_v they_o come_v short_a of_o their_o genuine_a production_n 3._o it_o be_v because_o they_o compare_v themselves_o with_o the_o uppermost_a in_o christ_n school_n for_o proficiency_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o such_o glorious_a light_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n as_o st._n paul_n st._n john_n and_o other_o scripture_n saint_n therefore_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n they_o be_v but_o meteor_n and_o wander_a star_n hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n mystical_a as_o in_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v not_o of_o equal_a strength_n and_o bigness_n all_o christian_n shall_v therefore_o labour_v to_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o mean_a finger_n or_o the_o low_a toe_n for_o their_o head_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o at_o last_o to_o himself_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o get_v the_o same_o grace_n as_o other_o for_o truth_n though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o same_o grace_n for_o measure_n we_o must_v try_v ourselves_o by_o the_o same_o touchstone_n though_o not_o weigh_v ourselves_o in_o the_o same_o balance_n we_o must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o metal_n as_o other_o though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o weight_n 4._o because_o they_o examine_v themselves_o in_o a_o unseasonable_a time_n when_o overcome_v with_o sadness_n and_o black_a melancholic_a thought_n then_o indeed_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o least_o grace_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o though_o this_o self-examination_n be_v necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v use_v have_v thus_o brief_o dispatch_v what_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o apply_v the_o whole_a this_o truth_n concern_v four_o sort_n of_o people_n 1._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o strong_a christian_n 3._o weak_a christian_n 4._o such_o as_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n 1._o minister_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o mind_n in_o they_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n when_o they_o see_v a_o bruise_a reed_n to_o support_v it_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o christian_a heart_n we_o must_v encourage_v the_o weak_a heart_a and_o strengthen_v feeble_a knee_n for_o we_o be_v the_o immediate_a subordinate_a outward_a agent_n to_o do_v this_o work_n for_o christ_n and_o to_o fulfil_v this_o promise_n of_o he_o epiphanius_n call_v st._n james_n the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wall_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v a_o impregnable_a wall_n about_o our_o people_n for_o to_o defend_v they_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n of_o apostasy_n from_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n there_o be_v wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n that_o will_v soon_o make_v a_o havoc_n of_o christ_n lamb_n that_o will_v by_o their_o sophistry_n seduce_v young_a christian_n unless_o we_o fortify_v they_o not_o only_o by_o our_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o public_a but_o also_o by_o our_o personal_a application_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o they_o in_o private_a 2._o strong_a christian_n shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v so_o by_o serve_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o this_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n by_o take_v their_o weak_a brethren_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o help_v they_o out_o of_o the_o mire_n of_o temptation_n you_o know_v who_o language_n it_o be_v be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n a_o curse_a cain_n be_v you_o therefore_o bless_a in_o encourage_v the_o feeble_a instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o confirm_v the_o doubtful_a comfort_v weak_a believer_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o persecutor_n arm_v they_o against_o the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o seducer_n and_o by_o your_o exemplary_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n to_o bridle_v the_o tongue_n to_o adorn_v their_o profession_n with_o a_o holy_a conversation_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o against_o approach_a misery_n in_o all_o your_o station_n and_o relation_n do_v all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v for_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n sake_n 3._o here_o be_v a_o word_n to_o weak_a christian_n here_o be_v a_o cordial_a for_o they_o to_o restore_v their_o faint_a spirit_n when_o surprise_v with_o any_o fear_n touch_v their_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o warfare_n 1._o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o life_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n say_v not_o thou_o be_v a_o bruise_a reed_n for_o with_o this_o will_n christ_n break_v satan_n head_n and_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v till_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o complete_a victory_n in_o thy_o soul_n all_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o any_o soul_n 2._o take_v the_o cup_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_v god_n whilst_o thou_o live_v for_o thy_o new_a creation_n and_o preservation_n take_v up_o david_n language_n my_o soul_n praise_v thou_o the_o lord_n all_z that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o care_n and_o kindness_n his_o preservation_n and_o providence_n alas_o how_o soon_o have_v satan_n winnow_v i_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o pray_v for_o i_o and_o uphold_v i_o his_o almighty_a arm_n support_v i_o else_o i_o have_v long_o ago_o inevitable_o drop_v into_o everlasting_a burn_n 3._o love_v he_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n with_o all_o your_o soul_n all_o this_o care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o you_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n oh_o then_o let_v love_n in_o he_o beget_v the_o like_a love_n in_o you_o beget_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n with_o great_a delight_n oh_o pant_v and_o breath_n after_o he_o and_o rest_v not_o where_o but_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o love_n 4._o be_v you_o tender_a of_o he_o and_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o as_o the_o spouse_n be_v cant._n 2.6_o 7._o she_o be_v weak_a in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o grace_n and_o therefore_o christ_n left_a hand_n be_v under_o her_o head_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n embrace_v she_o then_o she_o charge_v herself_o in_o her_o particular_a member_n not_o to_o disturb_v he_o 5._o take_v heed_n you_o quench_v not_o this_o smoke_a flax_n yourselves_o which_o be_v do_v first_o by_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o god_n service_n we_o must_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o else_o it_o will_v die_v of_o itself_o if_o we_o do_v not_o blow_v this_o fire_n into_o a_o flame_n it_o will_v quench_v unknown_a to_o we_o second_o by_o return_v to_o folly_n again_o this_o be_v the_o water_n that_o quench_v the_o sparkle_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v abominable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o compare_v by_o he_o to_o the_o vomit_v of_o a_o dog_n and_o to_o the_o wallow_n of_o a_o sow_n in_o the_o mire_n three_o by_o accompany_v wicked_a man_n which_o be_v as_o flood_n of_o water_n and_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o quench_v this_o sparkle_n and_o so_o term_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o several_a psalm_n therefore_o avoid_v they_o as_o you_o will_v avoid_v the_o devil_n for_o they_o be_v his_o instrument_n 4._o the_o four_o use_n be_v to_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o will_v consider_v what_o a_o bless_a condition_n it_o be_v to_o have_v christ_n for_o a_o guardian_n and_o how_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o his_o tuition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o wonderful_o careful_a and_o tender_a he_o be_v of_o the_o weak_a believer_n the_o relation_n of_o a_o shepherd_n a_o father_n of_o a_o mother_n husband_n etc._n etc._n do_v prove_v it_o and_o preach_v it_o oh_o then_o let_v all_o be_v hence_o incite_v to_o take_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n that_o they_o may_v be_v under_o his_o care_n and_o tenderness_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v you_o in_o all_o your_o way_n defer_v not_o therefore_o to_o close_v with_o he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v thus_o and_o eternal_o happy_a now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o dominion_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la
can_v i_o obtain_v a_o mortify_n strengthen_v grace_n and_o a_o dead_a blow_n to_o every_o lust_n it_o be_v enough_o this_o be_v the_o christian_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o ordinance_n these_o thing_n premise_v i_o now_o come_v to_o my_o first_o proposal_n viz._n to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o infirmity_n they_o be_v which_o do_v not_o necessary_o exclude_v it_o or_o with_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a 2._o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o purpose_n what_o be_v its_o effect_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o first_o those_o infirmity_n be_v chief_o three_o 1._o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n may_v consist_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o ignorance_n for_o the_o best_a and_o strong_a do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n include_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n 1_o cor._n 13.9_o 12._o and_o christ_n own_o disciple_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a till_o they_o see_v it_o with_o their_o eye_n in_o christ_n resurrection_n 2._o it_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o great_a many_o doubt_n and_o fear_n touch_v our_o everlasting_a condition_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o love-token_n which_o christ_n send_v from_o heaven_n but_o to_o very_o few_o strong_a well-grown_a christian_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v abuse_v to_o licentiousness_n slothfulness_n and_o carnal_a security_n and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v want_v of_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o heb._n 10.22_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n so_o much_o of_o doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v there_o in_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o hot_a water_n whatever_o be_v short_a of_o the_o extreme_a degree_n of_o heat_n there_o be_v so_o many_o degree_n of_o cold_a in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v for_o faith_n and_o doubt_n though_o faith_n indeed_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v objective_o for_o a_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n admit_v of_o no_o degree_n but_o consider_v as_o a_o habit_n infuse_v it_o increase_v or_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o believer_n care_n and_o industry_n yea_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o abraham_n himself_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v very_o much_o falter_v in_o his_o faith_n gen._n 15.4_o the_o lord_n make_v he_o a_o promise_n of_o seed_n by_o sarah_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o diffidence_n of_o god_n promise_n he_o go_v in_o unto_o his_o maid_n else_o certain_o have_v his_o faith_n be_v exercise_v he_o may_v soon_o have_v silence_v sarah_n when_o she_o make_v the_o motion_n in_o gen._n 16.2_o behold_v now_o the_o lord_n restrain_v i_o from_o bear_v i_o pray_v thou_o go_v in_o unto_o my_o maid_n and_o in_o gen._n 17.18_o he_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n again_o for_o when_o god_n have_v tell_v he_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o son_n by_o sarah_n v._o 16._o he_o pray_v for_o ishmael_n there_o and_o that_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n appear_v clear_o from_o the_o lord_n answer_n to_o that_o prayer_n v._o 19_o and_o god_n say_v sarah_n thy_o wife_n shall_v bear_v thou_o a_o son_n indeed_o and_o thou_o shall_v call_v his_o name_n isaac_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o do_v thou_o doubt_v of_o my_o promise_n and_o misbelieve_v my_o word_n and_o out_o of_o that_o diffidence_n of_o a_o child_n by_o sarah_n do_v thou_o pray_v for_o ishmael_n i_o tell_v thou_o again_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n by_o sarah_n and_o that_o indeed_o and_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o how_o often_o do_v christ_n upbraid_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o where_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n there_o be_v much_o doubt_n but_o none_o dare_v deny_v they_o have_v grace_n therefore_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v consistent_a with_o much_o doubt_n and_o fear_n 3._o there_o may_v be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n where_o there_o be_v many_o and_o strong_a corruption_n as_o we_o read_v of_o rahab_n samson_n and_o other_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o repeat_v the_o same_o sin_n and_o those_o of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o reckon_v among_o the_o faithful_a heb._n 11._o it_o be_v true_a the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a grace_n disposs_v the_o old_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o sin_n shall_v not_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n there_o any_o more_o the_o believer_n be_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n nor_o allow_v the_o least_o sin_n in_o himself_o in_o the_o ungracious_a person_n sin_n and_o satan_n rule_v the_o roast_n and_o all_o be_v quiet_a but_o when_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o come_v to_o wit_v the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o be_v dispossess_v and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o long_o satan_n house_n he_o lose_v his_o title_n and_o sin_n be_v but_o a_o usurper_n though_o it_o remain_v there_o and_o thence_o come_v the_o last_a combat_n betwixt_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n have_v their_o vicissitude_n of_o prevalency_n over_o each_o other_o this_o make_v a_o eminent_a champion_n in_o christianity_n complain_v rom._n 7.19_o for_o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v how_o much_o more_o prevalent_a be_v lust_n in_o a_o weak_a christian_a but_o second_o as_o to_o its_o effect_n they_o be_v again_o chief_o three_o for_o 1._o where_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o filial_a fear_n of_o god_n which_o when_o strong_a temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o prevail_v will_v come_v in_o to_o the_o soul_n rescue_n and_o make_v a_o believer_n to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a evil_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n against_o that_o good_a god_n that_o have_v do_v i_o good_a and_o not_o evil_a all_o my_o day_n against_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n which_o can_v abide_v iniquity_n and_o will_v render_v unto_o i_o and_o to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o our_o work_n against_o a_o all-seeing_a god_n that_o see_v in_o secret_a and_o reward_v open_o and_o as_o this_o fear_n fortify_v the_o soul_n against_o presumptuous_a sin_n so_o it_o spur_v the_o soul_n on_o to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v couple_v with_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n command_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n as_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n fear_v god_n that_o thou_o may_v keep_v his_o commandment_n this_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o primum_fw-la vivens_fw-la and_o ultimum_fw-la moriens_fw-la the_o very_a heart_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o spiritual_a life_n be_v breathe_v into_o the_o soul_n this_o fear_n and_o awe_n of_o god_n mingle_v itself_o with_o all_o the_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o this_o fear_v too_o lay_v the_o top-stone_n in_o the_o spiritual_a building_n for_o we_o be_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o fear_n god_n neh._n 1.11_o lord_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n they_o can_v not_o say_v they_o fear_v his_o name_n but_o may_v bold_o say_v they_o desire_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n a_o desire_n though_o it_o proceed_v no_o far_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o gracious_a desire_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o the_o will_v to_o do_v good_a be_v take_v for_o the_o deed_n as_o heart-adultery_n and_o heart-murther_n though_o terminate_v in_o the_o will_n yet_o be_v great_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o be_v the_o gracious_a ebullition_n and_o holy_a breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o precious_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o the_o other_o be_v odious_a but_o lest_o any_o shall_v turn_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n you_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o desire_n have_v its_o concomitant_n and_o property_n to_o attend_v it_o which_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o cold_a lazy_a velleity_n of_o the_o ungodly_a for_o it_o be_v first_o a_o serious_a hearty_a desire_n second_o a_o last_a grow_a desire_n three_o it_o be_v mingle_v with_o sorrow_n that_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o four_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o restlessness_n till_o it_o can_v proceed_v to_o act_v five_o it_o drive_v the_o believer_n therefore_o often_o on_o his_o knee_n to_o beg_v strength_n to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o will_v sixthly_a it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v oppose_v and_o resist_v by_o temptation_n that_o
the_o bruise_a reed_n or_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n asaph_n for_o the_o support_n of_o weak_a christian_n by_o d._n maurice_n d._n d._n sometime_o chaplain_n in_o new_a college_n oxon_n oxford_z print_v at_o the_o theater_n 1700._o matth._n 12.20_o a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v till_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n if_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v serious_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n a_o division_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a the_o whole_a christian_a world_n for_o in_o the_o pharisee_n here_o all_o hearer_n may_v see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o in_o christ_n all_o preacher_n may_v see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v by_o what_o be_v culpable_a in_o the_o one_o and_o commendable_a in_o the_o other_o 1._o the_o pharisee_n entertain_v hard_a thought_n of_o that_o great_a prophet_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v send_v to_o bring_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o those_o devious_a path_n of_o superstition_n and_o error_n which_o they_o run_v into_o unto_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n second_o this_o prejudice_n against_o their_o teacher_n be_v a_o strong_a bolt_n upon_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o hinder_v they_o from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o three_o they_o proceed_v to_o blaspheme_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o follower_n and_z from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o disciple_n in_o pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n they_o take_v occasion_n to_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o door_n open_v by_o christ_n to_o licentiousness_n and_o profaneness_n four_o they_o have_v a_o cloak_n for_o their_o malice_n namely_o the_o strict_a command_n of_o observe_v the_o sabbath_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o christ_n prove_v but_o their_o own_o superstitious_a conceit_n and_o false_a exposition_n of_o the_o command_n for_o the_o law_n allow_v of_o work_n of_o necessity_n such_o as_o pluck_v the_o ear_n of_o corn_n to_o satisfy_v hunger_n and_o work_v of_o mercy_n such_o as_o heal_v the_o man_n with_o the_o wither_a hand_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n five_o they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n and_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o he_o that_o be_v truth_n itself_o though_o he_o endeavour_v it_o by_o scripture_n reason_n and_o example_n and_o those_o so_o strong_a and_o forcible_a that_o they_o can_v not_o gainsay_v they_o six_o the_o prejudice_n in_o their_o heart_n break_v out_o at_o their_o lip_n in_o call_v he_o a_o devil_n and_o their_o malice_n be_v vent_v in_o their_o counsel_n and_o purpose_n to_o kill_v he_o so_o that_o as_o all_o the_o expositor_n that_o i_o have_v read_v on_o the_o 31._o and_o 32._o v._o conclude_v they_o stop_v not_o till_o they_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n speak_v of_o there_o therefore_o let_v hearer_n take_v heed_n lest_o they_o give_v place_n to_o the_o devil_n by_o entertain_v any_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o person_n conversation_n or_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n for_o that_o if_o cherish_v will_v break_v out_o into_o opprobrious_a speech_n and_o at_o last_o end_n in_o a_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o in_o a_o bid_n defiance_n to_o the_o almighty_a take_v heed_n you_o stand_v not_o against_o conviction_n and_o avoid_v that_o rock_n of_o offence_n on_o which_o the_o pharisee_n suffer_v shipwreck_n but_o open_a the_o window_n of_o your_o soul_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n may_v shine_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o that_o you_o may_v walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n in_o your_o life_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n propose_v to_o preacher_n the_o grand_a exemplar_n for_o we_o to_o write_v after_o the_o lord_z jesus_n and_o that_o in_o the_o prophecy_n and_o the_o history_n first_o in_o support_v the_o weak_a disciple_n and_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o aspersion_n and_o calumny_n of_o their_o adversary_n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n second_o in_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a with_o invincible_a argument_n draw_v from_o scripture_n reason_n authority_n and_o example_n v._o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n three_o in_o meekness_n patience_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o violence_n and_o go_v where_o he_o may_v do_v more_o good_a v._o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n four_o in_o mercyfulness_n and_o tenderness_n to_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n in_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o preach_v and_o do_v good_a without_o any_o leaven_n of_o ostentation_n or_o vain_a glory_n v._o 15_o 16._o for_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v he_o know_v five_o in_o encourage_v and_o cherish_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n wherever_o he_o find_v it_o and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o perfection_n as_o in_o the_o text_n a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v etc._n etc._n for_o there_o be_v in_o the_o word_n a_o litote_n where_o less_o be_v speak_v than_o be_v mean_v and_o a_o double_a metaphor_n express_v the_o wonderful_a mildness_n gentleness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o weak_a servant_n who_o be_v so_o feeble_a as_o a_o reed_n and_o that_o bruise_a too_o not_o only_o toss_v too_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o reed_n by_o every_o wind_n of_o temptation_n but_o bruise_v deject_a and_o cast_v down_o not_o able_a to_o stand_v or_o look_v up_o towards_o heaven_n be_v so_o full_a of_o deadness_n and_o diffidence_n and_o despondency_n such_o weak_a believer_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o slight_v trample_v upon_o and_o lay_v aside_o as_o well_o he_o may_v as_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o useless_a for_o what_o be_v a_o reed_n crush_v and_o bruise_v good_a for_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o fire_n that_o he_o will_v encourage_v support_v and_o strengthen_v they_o and_o when_o poor_a believer_n be_v as_o smoke_a flax_n have_v the_o least_o sparkle_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o for_o as_o the_o proverb_n be_v there_o be_v no_o smoke_n without_o some_o fire_n though_o it_o be_v bury_v in_o ash_n christ_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o extinguish_v this_o sparkle_n that_o he_o will_v cherish_v and_o nourish_v it_o and_o blow_v it_o to_o a_o flame_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d donec_fw-la pronunciet_a sententiam_fw-la quâ_fw-la se_fw-la victorem_fw-la declaret_fw-la omnium_fw-la inimicorum_fw-la suorum_fw-la till_o he_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n and_o declare_v himself_o the_o conqueror_n of_o he_o and_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n that_o will_v real_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n and_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n have_v thus_o stripe_v the_o text_n of_o its_o rhetorical_a garment_n the_o observation_n be_v naked_a and_o plain_a and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o weak_a christian_n and_o exceed_v careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o take_v the_o word_n for_o christ_n merciful_a deal_n with_o trouble_a conscience_n and_o afflict_a soul_n that_o be_v bruise_v and_o crush_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a wrath_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o fear_n touch_v their_o everlasting_a condition_n without_o any_o candle-light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o favour_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o metaphor_n may_v reach_v both_o sense_n especial_o the_o first_o and_o methinks_v the_o learned_a jesuit_n maldonate_fw-it hit_v the_o nail_n on_o the_o head_n when_o he_o say_v adeo_fw-la quietè_fw-la &_o attentè_fw-fr ambulabit_n ut_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la super_fw-la arundinem_fw-la quassatam_fw-la ambulet_fw-la tamen_fw-la non_fw-la confringet_fw-la he_o will_v tread_v so_o tender_o so_o wary_o so_o gingerly_o that_o though_o he_o tread_v upon_o a_o bruise_a reed_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o bruise_v for_o he_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o handle_v the_o point_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v by_o show_v i._n what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n ii_o that_o christ_n be_v tender_a of_o such_o iii_o how_o he_o do_v show_v it_o iv_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o v._o and_o last_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o ourselves_o i._n first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o be_v that_o which_o we_o may_v term_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la of_o grace_n without_o which_o a_o man_n can_v upon_o scripture_n ground_n be_v denominate_v gracious_a and_o have_v which_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v
will_v quench_v it_o this_o be_v the_o smoke_a flax_n 3._o and_o last_o where_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o real_a love_n to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o such_o if_o you_o love_v god_n image_n of_o holiness_n wherever_o you_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o rich_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o you_o be_v translate_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o death_n to_o life_n as_o say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 3.14_o ii_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v tender_a and_o careful_a of_o those_o that_o have_v this_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o from_o his_o many_o promise_n to_o such_o which_o be_v his_o own_o handwriting_n and_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v plead_v they_o and_z with_o a_o humble_a boldness_n press_v god_n to_o perform_v they_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v in_o psal_n 40.11_o there_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n where_o he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v his_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a and_o v._o 29._o he_o give_v power_n to_o the_o faint_a and_o to_o they_o who_o have_v no_o might_n he_o increase_v strength_n here_o be_v most_o pregnant_a promise_n of_o christ_n care_n towards_o weak_a believer_n they_o have_v his_o arm_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o his_o bosom_n to_o nourish_v they_o his_o hand_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o his_o heart_n to_o love_v they_o and_z lest_o they_o shall_v doubt_v of_o this_o as_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v he_o far_a press_v his_o truth_n and_o power_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o goodness_n to_o all_o that_o wait_v on_o he_o but_o especial_o the_o weak_a and_o weary_v v._o 28_o 29_o 31._o ps_n 72.12_o 13_o 14._o david_n pray_v for_o his_o son_n solomon_n and_o from_o a_o priest_n turn_v prophet_n in_o foretell_v the_o happiness_n of_o solomon_n reign_n as_o the_o type_n and_o of_o christ_n as_o the_o antitype_n the_o one_o for_o temporal_a the_o other_o for_o spiritual_a he_o shall_v deliver_v the_o needy_a when_o he_o cry_v the_o poor_a and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o helper_n he_o shall_v spare_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a and_o shall_v save_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o needy_a etc._n etc._n psal_n 10.17_o lord_n thou_o have_v hear_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o humble_a thou_o will_v prepare_v their_o heart_n and_o cause_v thy_o ear_n to_o hear_v this_o promise_n be_v to_o such_o weak_a humble_a christian_n that_o have_v not_o heart_n to_o pray_v the_o lord_n will_v prepare_v their_o heart_n and_o fill_v their_o mouth_n so_o ez._n 34.16_o i_o will_v seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o and_o will_v bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v and_o will_v strengthen_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a and_o to_o these_o belong_v all_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a the_o weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v for_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n be_v grace_n so_o these_o promise_n of_o peace_n comfort_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v entail_v upon_o it_o matt._n 5.6_o ps_n 101.9_o isa_n 55.1_o 2._o luke_n 1.53_o john_n 7.47_o matt._n 11.28_o 29._o rev._n 21.6_o rev._n 22.17_o ps_n 44.3_o 4._o 2._o this_o appear_v from_o the_o strict_a charge_n he_o give_v his_o substitute_n and_o deputy_n on_o earth_n to_o wit_n magistrate_n and_o minister_n to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o be_v tender_a of_o they_o isa_n 49.22_o 23._o he_o command_v king_n to_o be_v their_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n to_o be_v their_o nurse_n mother_n it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o commission_n at_o first_o isa_n 61.1_o 2._o and_o he_o will_v have_v his_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n that_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o wit_n to_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a to_o heal_v the_o break_a heart_a and_o to_o comfort_v they_o that_o mourn_v the_o only_a way_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v to_o manifest_v his_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o make_v some_o amends_o for_o his_o shameful_a denial_n of_o he_o be_v by_o his_o feed_v his_o lamb_n john_n 21.5_o and_o who_o be_v those_o but_o young_a and_o weak_a christian_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o age_n and_o stature_n in_o body_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o growth_n and_o strength_n in_o grace_n and_o the_o double_a charge_n he_o give_v he_o call_v for_o his_o double_a care_n so_o he_o command_v his_o church_n in_o cant._n 1.8_o to_o be_v careful_a of_o his_o kid_n and_o feed_v they_o beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o turn_v aside_o by_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n that_o be_v be_v seduce_v by_o false_a apostle_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o companion_n and_o friend_n but_o indeed_o be_v his_o real_a enemy_n wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n zech._n 4.10_o he_o expostulate_v with_o the_o people_n there_o and_o clear_v himself_o say_v who_o have_v despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n not_o i_o neither_o will_v i_o have_v any_o other_o despise_v that_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o every_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o glorious_a as_o the_o first_o temple_n and_o therefore_o the_o people_n that_o have_v see_v the_o first_o weep_v when_o they_o see_v this_o hag._n 2.3_o but_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o despise_v it_o iii_o the_o three_o particular_a be_v to_o show_v how_o christ_n do_v manifest_v this_o care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o weak_a christian_n this_o he_o do_v first_o by_o preserve_v they_o from_o strong_a temptation_n that_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o they_o to_o bear_v which_o well-grown_a christian_n may_v undergo_v a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o st._n peter_n jo._n 21.18_o when_o he_o be_v young_a he_o have_v his_o liberty_n to_o go_v whither_o he_o will_v because_o his_o weakness_n in_o faith_n can_v not_o endure_v restraint_n and_o hardship_n but_o when_o he_o become_v a_o old_a grow_v strong_a believer_n he_o shall_v be_v lead_v in_o chain_n whither_o he_o will_v not_o for_o then_o his_o strength_n can_v bear_v it_o when_o he_o can_v reckon_v his_o shackle_n of_o iron_n as_o great_a ornament_n as_o chain_n of_o gold_n and_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o shall_v he_o be_v load_v with_o they_o and_o no_o soon_o but_o more_o particular_o he_o exercise_v his_o very_a tender_a care_n of_o their_o weakness_n 1._o in_o not_o impose_v such_o hard_a service_n upon_o they_o as_o on_o other_o of_o a_o great_a stand_n in_o christianity_n as_o we_o see_v clear_o in_o christ_n tenderness_n of_o his_o weak_a disciple_n he_o grant_v they_o a_o immunity_n from_o the_o severe_a duty_n of_o fast_v and_o watch_v when_o the_o baptist_n disciple_n charge_v they_o with_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o matt._n 9.14_o christ_n make_v a_o apology_n for_o they_o v._o 15_o 16_o 17._o by_o compare_v their_o weakness_n to_o old_a bottle_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a nor_o able_a to_o hold_v strong_a new_a liquor_n and_o to_o old_a garment_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o new_a cloth_n because_o subject_a to_o rent_n and_o breach_n and_o so_o be_v they_o to_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n if_o put_v upon_o such_o hard_a service_n and_o salute_v with_o such_o unwelcome_a duty_n upon_o the_o very_a threshold_n of_o their_o profession_n their_o entrance_n into_o christianity_n so_o do_v he_o indulge_v their_o weakness_n in_o matt._n 26.40_o 41._o what_o can_v you_o not_o watch_v with_o i_o one_o hour_n methinks_v the_o shortness_n of_o the_o time_n may_v lessen_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o overcome_v with_o sleep_n that_o they_o can_v not_o watch_v one_o hour_n but_o for_o all_o that_o instead_o of_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sloth_n he_o put_v a_o excuse_n into_o their_o mouth_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a so_o merciful_a be_v our_o high_a priest_n that_o where_o the_o ability_n be_v want_v he_o will_v accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o he_o be_v so_o indulgent_a of_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n mark_v 8.1_o 2_o 3._o his_o bowel_n yearn_v within_o he_o for_o pity_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v because_o they_o be_v come_v from_o far_o and_o if_o dismiss_v they_o without_o meat_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o faint_v by_o the_o way_n and_o so_o may_v
its_o essence_n and_o cause_n yet_o it_o do_v quoad_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o exercitium_fw-la as_o to_o it_o be_v well_o be_v and_o exercise_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n 3._o grace_n may_v be_v hinder_v in_o its_o growth_n by_o reason_n of_o weak_a gift_n and_o want_v of_o natural_a part_n such_o as_o memory_n to_o carry_v away_o the_o word_n read_v or_o hear_v and_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n a_o sigh_n from_o such_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o god_n do_v not_o regard_v the_o logic_n nor_o rhetoric_n nor_o arithmetic_n but_o the_o divinity_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v the_o sincere_a break_a petition_n that_o flow_v from_o a_o break_a heart_n that_o prevail_v with_o god_n more_o than_o all_o the_o gaudy_a eloquence_n of_o any_o hypocrite_n whatever_o 4._o a_o christian_n grace_n may_v be_v weak_a for_o want_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n many_o people_n have_v be_v unfruitful_a under_o and_o unthankful_a for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n may_v in_o judgement_n say_v of_o they_o what_o david_n say_v of_o gilboa_n 2_o sam._n 1.21_o let_v there_o be_v no_o dew_n neither_o let_v there_o be_v rain_n upon_o you_o a_o dreadful_a curse_n and_o if_o a_o weak_a christian_a chance_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n the_o lord_n will_v bear_v with_o his_o bruise_a reed_n because_o he_o have_v not_o the_o mean_n of_o growth_n and_o strength_n to_o wit_n the_o milk_n and_o strong_a meat_n of_o the_o word_n luke_n 12.48_o unto_o who_o much_o be_v give_v much_o shall_v be_v require_v that_o be_v he_o that_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n and_o enjoy_v powerful_a preach_v and_o plentiful_a mean_n of_o grace_n the_o lord_n do_v expect_v from_o such_o a_o answerable_a growth_n in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o without_o question_n he_o do_v from_o you_o all_o that_o do_v frequent_a this_o church_n but_o if_o a_o poor_a christian_n lot_n have_v fall_v upon_o a_o mount_n gilboa_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o expect_v so_o much_o from_o he_o but_o will_v consider_v such_o weakling_n in_o grace_n that_o be_v so_o for_o want_v of_o spiritual_a food_n and_o bear_v with_o their_o weakness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o tender_a of_o weak_a christian_n and_o very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o to_o wit_n because_o grace_n may_v be_v hinder_v in_o its_o growth_n by_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o believer_n can_v prevent_v and_o those_o be_v first_o a_o believer_n may_v be_v live_v in_o a_o wicked_a family_n as_o abijah_n be_v second_o it_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o believer_n body_n three_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o natural_a part_n fourthly_a from_o the_o want_n of_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o those_o in_o act_n 19.2_o that_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n or_o no._n 2._o the_o second_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v so_o tender_a be_v because_o he_o be_v the_o purchaser_n of_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n this_o smoke_a flax_n be_v the_o price_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o what_o cost_v he_o so_o dear_o shall_v never_o be_v lose_v by_o his_o good_a will_n and_o the_o same_o good_a will_n that_o he_o have_v to_o spend_v his_o heart_n blood_n to_o redeem_v they_o will_v sure_o engage_v his_o almighty_a power_n to_o defend_v they_o this_o add_v weight_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v 20.28_o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v the_o mean_a among_o you_o be_v of_o a_o inestimable_a value_n no_o less_o than_o the_o price_n of_o god_n own_o blood_n and_o therefore_o see_v you_o have_v a_o especial_a care_n of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o charge_n on_o his_o minister_n to_o look_v to_o they_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o forget_v they_o himself_o but_o will_v make_v it_o his_o constant_a business_n in_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o that_o none_o shall_v pluck_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n who_o he_o pay_v so_o dear_a for_o he_o that_o be_v make_v a_o priest_n by_o god_n oath_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o own_o life_n to_o redeem_v sinner_n from_o death_n continue_v for_o ever_o a_o priest_n to_o intercede_v for_o and_o procure_v they_o the_o full_a price_n of_o his_o purchase_n to_o wit_n grace_n and_o glory_n and_o this_o exceed_o great_a care_n he_o take_v for_o weak_a believer_n appear_v present_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n by_o the_o speedy_a dispatch_n he_o make_v of_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o weak_a orphan_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o so_o the_o disciple_n be_v till_o he_o send_v the_o comforter_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o he_o call_v they_o jo._n 14.18_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o the_o comforter_n he_o send_v to_o wit_v the_o holy_a spirit_n assoon_o as_o he_o be_v warm_a if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o his_o seat_n in_o heaven_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n of_o they_o and_o we_o and_o all_o believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o three_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o work_n unfinished_a or_o neglect_v what_o he_o have_v so_o gracious_o begin_v but_o have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n 1_o pet._n 1.3_o 5._o he_o will_v keep_v we_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n if_o all_o the_o create_a power_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v unite_v and_o concentre_v in_o one_o person_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v this_o flax_n to_o smoke_n it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n grace_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o spirit_n jo._n 3.5_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o father_n of_o such_o gracious_a dispensation_n he_o will_v engage_v the_o same_o strength_n to_o preserve_v what_o he_o have_v beget_v jer._n 31.18_o 19_o 20._o we_o see_v how_o soon_o do_v the_o lord_n hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v as_o a_o smoke_a flax_n a_o new_o tame_v heifer_n bring_v to_o god_n under_o the_o yoke_n of_o affliction_n his_o cry_n soon_o pierce_v god_n ear_n and_o his_o ear_n affect_v his_o bowel_n and_o his_o bowel_n awake_v his_o power_n to_o be_v his_o guardian_n when_o christ_n bring_v a_o wander_a sheep_n into_o his_o fold_n he_o put_v it_o on_o his_o shoulder_n and_o rejoice_v all_o the_o way_n he_o bring_v it_o home_o luke_n 15.5_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v that_o shoulder_n on_o which_o he_o carry_v it_o the_o everlasting_a arm_n wherein_o he_o bear_v his_o lamb_n and_o those_o eagle_n wing_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v both_o tender_o and_o secure_o convey_v to_o glory_n ex._n 19.4_o nay_o he_o use_v more_o care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o weak_a believer_n than_o the_o strong_a because_o of_o their_o weakness_n for_o the_o weak_a child_n can_v call_v god_n father_n and_o the_o more_o weak_a and_o feeble_a the_o child_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o care_n and_o strict_a be_v the_o eye_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o mother_n upon_o he_o what_o job_n say_v job_n 31.15_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o faint_a believer_n may_v say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o strong_a champion_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n do_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n fashion_v we_o in_o the_o womb_n and_o if_o they_o be_v once_o the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o almighty_a hand_n then_o will_v he_o make_v they_o strong_a and_o fertile_a a_o little_a one_o shall_v become_v a_o thousand_o and_o a_o small_a one_o a_o strong_a nation_n isa_n 60.22_o in_o a_o word_n the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o new_a creation_n or_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o be_v sure_a none_o shall_v be_v abortive_a which_o he_o beget_v but_o go_v on_o to_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o glory_n and_o christ_n call_v this_o child_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o his_o own_o name_n gal._n 4.19_o my_o little_a child_n of_o who_o i_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o this_o clear_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v be_v as_o careful_a and_o tender_a of_o this_o divine_a nature_n this_o piece_n of_o himself_o as_o if_o it_o be_v himself_o 4._o the_o four_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o least_o measure_n