though_o god_n remain_v faithful_a and_o true_a but_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v all_o sure_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o can_v be_v break_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o keep_v his_o own_o part_n but_o likewise_o perform_v we_o in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o and_o establish_v we_o that_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o we_o first_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o to_o i_o say_v he_o there_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o indissoluble_a marriage_n that_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v break_v either_o by_o divorce_n or_o death_n my_o people_n there_o be_v a_o treasure_n of_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n wrap_v up_o in_o that_o word_n not_o only_o more_o than_o the_o profane_a world_n can_v imagine_v for_o they_o indeed_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o but_o more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v of_o that_o number_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v of_o a_o deep_a unsoundible_a my_o people_n they_o his_o portion_n and_o he_o they_o he_o account_v nothing_o of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o they_o and_o they_o of_o nothing_o at_o all_o beside_o he_o for_o they_o he_o continue_v the_o world_n many_o and_o great_a be_v the_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n contain_v in_o that_o great_a charter_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o rich_a be_v that_o land_n where_o their_o inheritance_n lie_v but_o all_o be_v in_o this_o reciprocal_a that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n all_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v engage_v for_o their_o good_a how_o great_a and_o many_o soever_o be_v their_o enemy_n they_o may_v well_o oppose_v this_o to_o all_o he_o be_v their_o god_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v protect_v and_o prosper_v and_o in_o end_n to_o have_v full_a victory_n happy_a then_o be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n which_o have_v not_o obtain_v mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o choose_a be_v from_o everlasting_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o his_o decree_n of_o mercy_n run_v hide_v and_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o they_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v receive_v or_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o act_v and_o work_v in_o their_o effectual_a call_n than_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v they_o it_o be_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n move_v forward_o towards_o they_o before_o as_o the_o sun_n after_o midnight_n be_v still_o come_v near_o to_o we_o though_o we_o perceive_v not_o its_o approach_n till_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n mercy_n the_o former_a word_n teach_v we_o how_o great_a the_o change_n be_v that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o call_v of_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o how_o free_a it_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o good_a attain_v in_o the_o change_n obtain_v mercy_n that_o be_v the_o spring_n whence_o it_o flow_v it_o be_v imply_v indeed_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o change_n of_o no_o people_n such_o as_o have_v no_o right_n to_o such_o a_o dignity_n at_o all_o nor_o in_o themselves_o no_o disposition_n for_o it_o to_o be_v make_v his_o people_n can_v be_v by_o no_o other_o but_o free_a grace_n such_o mercy_n as_o suppose_v nothing_o nor_o seek_v nothing_o but_o misery_n in_o we_o and_o work_n upon_o that_o as_o it_o be_v express_v to_o have_v be_v very_o free_a to_o this_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o choose_v they_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n deut._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n of_o god_n and_o to_o every_o one_o particular_o belong_v to_o that_o company_n why_o be_v it_o that_o he_o choose_v i_o of_o a_o family_n and_o leave_v another_o but_o because_o it_o please_v he_o he_o blot_v out_o their_o transgression_n for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o 2._o as_o it_o be_v free_a mercy_n it_o be_v tender_a mercy_n the_o word_n in_o the_o prophet_n signify_v tenderness_n or_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n and_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o we_o jer._n 31.20_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n psal._n 103.13_o and_o if_o you_o think_v not_o that_o tenderness_n enough_o those_o of_o a_o mother_n yea_o more_o than_o a_o mother_n isa._n 49.15_o 3._o it_o be_v rich_a mercy_n delight_n to_o glorify_v itself_o in_o the_o great_a misery_n pardon_n as_o easy_o the_o great_a as_o the_o small_a of_o debt_n 4._o a_o constant_a unalterable_a mercy_n a_o stream_n still_o run_v now_o in_o both_o these_o the_o apostle_n draw_v the_o eye_n of_o believer_n to_o reflect_v on_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o view_v it_o together_o with_o their_o present_a estate_n this_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o scirpture_n ezek._n 16._o eph._n 2._o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n work_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o much_o humility_n and_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o force_v he_o to_o abase_v himself_o and_o magnify_v the_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o suspend_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o for_o many_o year_n of_o their_o life_n yea_o to_o suffer_v some_o of_o they_o to_o stain_v those_o year_n with_o grievous_a and_o gross_a sin_n that_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o choice_n may_v be_v the_o more_o legible_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o likewise_o those_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n due_a to_o sin_n and_o sight_n of_o hell_n as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o bring_v some_o unto_o either_o at_o or_o after_o their_o conversion_n make_v for_o this_o same_o end_n that_o glorious_a description_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n revel_v 21.16_o be_v abundant_o delightful_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o the_o fiery_a lake_n speak_v of_o their_o make_v all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o other_o sound_a much_o the_o sweet_a but_o universal_o all_o the_o godly_a have_v this_o to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o think_v whence_o be_v it_o that_o i_o a_o lump_n of_o the_o same_o pollute_a clay_n with_o those_o that_o perish_v shall_v be_v take_v and_o purify_v and_o mould_v by_o the_o lord_n own_o hand_n for_o a_o vessel_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v nothing_o here_o but_o free_a mercy_n make_v the_o difference_n and_o where_o can_v there_o be_v love_n and_o praise_n and_o service_n find_v to_o answer_v this_o all_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o mercy_n gift_n and_o call_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 4.1_o but_o alas_o we_o neither_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o this_o mercy_n as_o obtain_v nor_o be_v grieve_v for_o want_v it_o and_o stir_v up_o to_o seek_v after_o it_o as_o not_o yet_o obtain_v what_o do_v we_o think_v seem_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o your_o eye_n to_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o that_o you_o thus_o slight_a this_o mercy_n and_o let_v it_o pass_v by_o you_o unregarded_a or_o will_v that_o a_o imagine_v obtain_v divert_v you_o from_o the_o real_a pursuit_n of_o it_o will_v you_o be_v willing_o deceive_v and_o be_v your_o own_o deceiver_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n you_o can_v think_v too_o high_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o divine_a mercy_n it_o be_v above_o all_o your_o thought_n but_o remember_v and_o consider_v this_o that_o thereis_n a_o peculiar_a people_n of_o his_o own_o to_o who_o alone_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v and_o therefore_o how_o great_a soever_o it_o be_v unless_o you_o find_v yourselves_o of_o that_o number_n you_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o small_a share_n of_o it_o and_o you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o be_v their_o character_n what_o a_o kind_n of_o people_n they_o be_v that_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o himself_o give_v they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n a_o holy_a people_n as_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n such_o as_o have_v the_o riches_n of_o that_o his_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o be_v save_v in_o most_o precious_a esteem_n and_o their_o heart_n by_o it_o inflame_v with_o his_o love_n and_o therefore_o their_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o study_v how_o they_o may_v obey_v and_o honour_v he_o rather_o choose_v to_o displease_v all_o the_o world_n than_o offend_v he_o and_o account_v nothing_o too_o dear_a yea_o nothing_o good_a enough_o to_o do_v he_o service_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o you_o than_o you_o have_v indeed_o obtain_v mercy_n but_o if_o you_o be_v such_o as_o can_v wallow_v in_o the_o same_o puddle_n with_o the_o profane_a world_n and_o take_v a_o share_n of_o their_o
that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n shall_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n by_o who_o stripe_n you_o be_v heal_v that_o which_o be_v deep_a in_o the_o heart_n be_v ready_o most_o in_o the_o mouth_n that_o which_o abound_v within_o run_v over_o most_o by_o the_o tongue_n or_o pen_n when_o man_n light_v upon_o the_o speak_n of_o that_o subject_a that_o possess_v the_o affection_n they_o can_v hardly_o be_v take_v off_o or_o draw_v from_o it_o again_o thus_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n when_o they_o make_v mention_v any_o way_n of_o christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o they_o love_v to_o dwell_v on_o it_o as_o that_o which_o they_o take_v most_o delight_n to_o speak_v of_o such_o delicacy_n and_o sweetness_n be_v in_o it_o to_o a_o spiritual_a taste_n that_o they_o like_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o be_v never_o out_o of_o their_o theme_n when_o they_o insist_v on_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o have_v but_o name_v he_o by_o occasion_n of_o some_o other_o doctrine_n for_o he_o be_v the_o great_a subject_n of_o all_o they_o have_v to_o say_v thus_o here_o the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o forego_n word_n very_o fit_o to_o this_o present_a subject_n set_v he_o before_o christian_a servant_n and_o all_o suffer_a christian_n as_o their_o complete_a example_n both_o in_o point_n of_o much_o suffering_n and_o of_o perfect_a innocency_n and_o patience_n in_o suffering_n and_o express_v their_o engagement_n to_o study_v and_o follow_v that_o example_n yet_o he_o can_v leave_v it_o so_o but_o have_v say_v that_o all_o those_o his_o suffering_n wherein_o he_o be_v so_o exemplary_a be_v for_o we_o as_o a_o chief_a consideration_n for_o which_o we_o shall_v study_v to_o be_v like_o he_o he_o return_v to_o that_o again_o and_o enlarge_v himself_o in_o it_o in_o word_n partly_o the_o same_o partly_o very_a near_o those_o of_o that_o evangelist_n among_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 53._o and_o it_o suit_v very_o well_o with_o his_o main_a scope_n to_o press_v this_o point_n as_o give_v both_o very_a much_o strength_n and_o sweetness_n to_o the_o exhortation_n as_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o we_o willing_o conform_v to_o he_o in_o suffer_v that_o have_v never_o be_v a_o example_n of_o suffering_n nor_o subject_n at_o all_o to_o suffering_n nor_o capable_a of_o they_o but_o for_o we_o and_o most_o comfortable_a in_o the_o light_a suffering_n of_o this_o moment_n to_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v free_v we_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o eternity_n by_o suffer_v himself_o in_o our_o stead_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o do_v and_o suffer_v our_o supreme_a and_o matchless_a example_n and_o that_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o be_v a_o truth_n but_o that_o he_o be_v nothing_o further_a and_o come_v for_o no_o other_o end_n be_v you_o see_v a_o high_a point_n of_o falsehood_n for_o how_o shall_v man_n be_v enable_v to_o learn_v and_o follow_v that_o example_n of_o obedience_n unless_o there_o be_v more_o in_o christ_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o that_o great_a reckon_n of_o disobedience_n that_o man_n stand_v guilty_a of_o no_o these_o be_v too_o narrow_a he_o come_v to_o bear_v our_o sin_n on_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n have_v a_o body_n fit_v for_o he_o and_o give_v he_o to_o bear_v this_o burden_n to_o do_v this_o as_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n to_o stand_v for_o we_o in_o stead_n of_o all_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o by_o that_o will_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o be_v sanctify_v through_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n once_o for_o all_o this_o be_v his_o business_n not_o only_o to_o rectify_v sinful_a mankind_n by_o his_o example_n but_o to_o redeem_v he_o by_o his_o blood_n he_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n as_o a_o prophet_n he_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o as_o the_o best_a and_o great_a of_o prophet_n be_v perfect_o like_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o action_n that_o in_o all_o teacher_n be_v the_o lively_a part_n of_o doctrine_n his_o carriage_n in_o life_n and_o death_n be_v our_o great_a pattern_n and_o instruction_n but_o what_o be_v say_v of_o his_o forerunner_n be_v more_o eminent_o true_a of_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o more_o than_o a_o prophet_n a_o priest_n satisfy_v justice_n for_o we_o and_o a_o king_n conquer_a sin_n and_o death_n for_o we_o a_o example_n in_o deed_n but_o more_o than_o a_o example_n our_o sacrifice_n and_o our_o life_n and_o all_o in_o all_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v to_o make_v he_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o step_n 1_o joh._n 2.6_o but_o our_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n verse_n 2._o so_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n verse_n 7._o we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n for_o all_o our_o walk_n we_o have_v need_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v that_o bear_v the_o great_a weight_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o so_o still_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o possess_v in_o his_o own_o person_n be_v the_o pledge_n of_o we_o he_o be_v there_o for_o vs._n he_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o i_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o say_v he_o himself_o we_o have_v in_o the_o word_n these_o two_o great_a point_n and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n as_o the_o word_n lie_v 1._o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o 2._o the_o end_n of_o they_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o suffering_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o commutation_n of_o the_o person_n he_o himself_o for_o we_o 2._o the_o work_n undertake_v and_o perform_v he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n 1._o the_o act_n or_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n against_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o force_n and_o divine_a justice_n expect_v satisfaction_n death_n be_v the_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a consequent_a of_o sin_n if_o you_o say_v the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n be_v accountable_a to_o none_o may_v have_v forgive_v all_o without_o satisfaction_n we_o be_v not_o to_o contest_v that_o nor_o foolish_o to_o offer_v to_o sound_v the_o bottomless_a deep_a of_o his_o absolute_a prerogative_n christ_n imply_v in_o his_o prayer_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v escape_v that_o cup_n but_o the_o impossibility_n be_v resolve_v into_o his_o father_n will_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o this_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v follow_v the_o tract_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n our_o only_a safe_a way_n that_o this_o way_n wherein_o our_o salvation_n be_v contrive_v be_v most_o excellent_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o full_a of_o wonder_n of_o wisdom_n and_o love_n that_o the_o angel_n as_o our_o apostle_n tell_v we_o before_o can_v forbear_v look_v on_o it_o and_o admire_v it_o for_o all_o their_o exact_a knowledge_n yet_o they_o still_o find_v it_o infinite_o beyond_o their_o knowledge_n still_o in_o astonishment_n and_o admiration_n of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o still_o in_o search_n look_v in_o to_o see_v more_o those_o cherubim_v still_o have_v their_o eye_n fix_v on_o this_o mercy_n seat_n justice_n may_v indeed_o have_v seize_v on_o rebellious_a man_n and_o lay_v the_o pronounce_v punishment_n on_o he_o mercy_n may_v have_v free_o acquit_v he_o and_o pardon_v all_o but_o can_v we_o name_v any_o place_n where_o mercy_n and_o justice_n as_o relate_v to_o condemn_a man_n can_v have_v meet_v and_o shine_v joint_o in_o full_a aspect_n save_v only_o in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o indeed_o mercy_n and_o truth_n meet_v and_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n kiss_v each_o other_o yea_o in_o who_o person_n the_o party_n concern_v that_o be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n meet_v so_o near_o as_o near_a can_v not_o be_v imagine_v and_o not_o only_o be_v this_o the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o consistence_n of_o these_o two_o justice_z and_o mercy_n but_o take_v each_o of_o they_o several_o and_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v in_o so_o full_a lustre_n as_o in_o this_o god_n just_a hatred_n of_o sin_n do_v out_o of_o doubt_n appear_v more_o in_o punish_v his_o own_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o it_o than_o if_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n have_v suffer_v for_o it_o eternal_o again_o it_o raise_v the_o notion_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o high_a that_o sin_n be_v not_o only_o forgive_v we_o but_o for_o this_o end_n god_n own_o coeternal_a son_n be_v give_v to_o we_o and_o for_o we_o consider_v
spero_fw-la it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n when_o a_o man_n and_o all_o his_o hope_n die_v together_o thus_o say_v solomon_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o he_o die_v many_o of_o they_o before_o but_o at_o the_o utmost_a than_o all_o of_o they_o then_o die_v his_o hope_n prov._n 11.7_o but_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n prov._n 14.32_o death_n that_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o other_o hope_n and_o turn_v man_n out_o of_o all_o other_o inheritance_n it_o alone_o fulfil_v this_o hope_n and_o end_v it_o in_o fruition_n as_o a_o messenger_n send_v to_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o god_n home_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o inheritance_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a this_n refer_v to_o both_o beget_v again_o by_o his_o resurrection_n and_o have_v this_o live_a hope_n by_o his_o resurrection_n and_o well_o suit_v both_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a cause_n of_o both_o in_o this_o order_n first_o then_o of_o the_o birth_n then_o of_o the_o hope_n the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v in_o we_o by_o our_o union_n with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n person_n gal._n 4_o 19_o therefore_o this_o new_a birth_n in_o the_o conception_n be_v express_v by_o the_o form_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o resurrection_n particular_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o new_a life_n this_o new_a birth_n be_v call_v our_o resurrection_n and_o that_o in_o conformity_n to_o christ_n yea_o by_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o his._n his_o resurrection_n be_v call_v a_o birth_n he_o the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a rev._n 1.5_o and_o that_o prophesy_v psal._n 2.7_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o be_v apply_v to_o his_o resurrection_n as_o fulfil_v in_o it_o act._n 13.33_o god_n have_v fulfil_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o their_o child_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o the_o second_o psalm_n thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o not_o only_o be_v it_o the_o exemplary_a but_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n thus_o rom._n 6._o at_o large_a and_o often_o elsewhere_o and_o thus_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o live_a hope_n that_o which_o indeed_o inspire_v and_o maintain_v life_n in_o it_o because_o he_o have_v conquer_a death_n and_o be_v rise_v again_o and_o that_o employ_v which_o follow_v be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v enter_v possession_n of_o that_o inheritance_n this_o give_v we_o a_o live_a hope_n that_o according_a to_o his_o own_o request_n where_o he_o be_v there_o we_o shall_v be_v also_o thus_o this_o hope_n be_v strong_o underset_v on_o the_o one_o side_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o other_o by_o the_o abundant_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o father_n our_o hope_n depend_v not_o on_o our_o own_o strength_n or_o wisdom_n nor_o on_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o for_o than_o if_o it_o do_v it_o will_v be_v short-lived_a will_v die_v and_o die_v quick_o but_o on_o his_o resurrection_n that_o can_v die_v no_o more_o for_o in_o that_o he_o die_v he_o die_v unto_o sin_n once_o but_o in_o that_o he_o live_v he_o live_v unto_o god_n rom._n 6.10_o this_o make_v this_o hope_n not_o to_o imply_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o uncertainty_n as_o worldly_a hope_n but_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a stable_n inviolable_a hope_n a_o anchor_n pitch_v within_o the_o vail_n according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n mercy_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o yea_o great_a mercy_n and_o manifold_a mercy_n for_o as_o st._n bernard_n say_v great_a sin_n and_o great_a misery_n need_v great_a mercy_n and_o many_o sin_n and_o misery_n need_v many_o mercy_n and_o be_v not_o this_o great_a mercy_n to_o make_v of_o satan_n slave_n son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n and_o how_o great_a love_n the_o father_n have_v show_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o because_o it_o know_v not_o he_o they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v the_o father_n of_o a_o child_n can_v know_v its_o resemble_v he_o for_o the_o world_n know_v not_o god_n and_o therefore_o discern_v not_o his_o image_n in_o his_o child_n to_o esteem_v they_o for_o it_o but_o whatever_o be_v their_o opinion_n this_o we_o must_v say_v ourselves_o behold_v what_o love_n to_o take_v firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o to_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v one_o day_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o raise_v the_o poor_a out_o of_o the_o dunghill_n and_o set_v they_o with_o prince_n psal._n 11.38_o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n last_o we_o see_v it_o stir_v up_o the_o apostle_n to_o praise_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o stile_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o former_o under_o the_o law_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o the_o god_n that_o bring_v thou_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n this_o now_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o hold_v first_o with_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o in_o he_o with_o we_o so_o he_o say_v i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n and_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n which_o as_o st._n cyril_n of_o hierosol_n in_o his_o catechism_n observe_v show_v we_o not_o only_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o may_v have_v be_v express_v thus_o i_o go_v to_o my_o god_n and_o father_n but_o the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n first_o my_o father_n and_o my_o god_n and_o then_o you_o thus_o ought_v we_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n still_o take_v in_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o thus_o eph._n 1.3_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n jesus_n bless_a he_n bless_v we_o real_o benefaciendo_fw-la benedicit_fw-la we_o bless_v he_o by_o acknowledge_v his_o goodness_n and_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v at_o all_o time_n psal._n 34.1_o i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n at_o all_o time_n his_o praise_n shall_v continual_o be_v in_o my_o mouth_n all_o this_o be_v far_o below_o he_o and_o his_o mercy_n what_o be_v our_o lame_a praise_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o love_n nothing_o and_o less_o than_o nothing_o but_o love_n will_v stammer_v rather_o than_o be_v dumb_a they_o that_o be_v among_o his_o child_n beget_v again_o they_o have_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n a_o lively_a hope_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v col._n 1.27_o which_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n this_o lead_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o admire_v that_o rich_a mercy_n whence_o it_o flow_v and_o this_o consideration_n awake_v they_o and_o strain_v they_o to_o break_v forth_o into_o praise_n to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a as_o he_o that_o take_v away_o a_o garment_n in_o cold_a weather_n and_o as_o vinegar_n upon_o nitre_n so_o be_v he_o that_o sing_v song_n to_o a_o heavy_a heart_n prov._n 25.20_o worldly_n mirth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o cure_v spiritual_a grief_n that_o even_o worldly_a grief_n where_o it_o be_v great_a and_o take_v deep_a root_n be_v not_o allay_v but_o increase_v by_o it_o a_o man_n that_o be_v full_a of_o inward_a heaviness_n the_o more_o he_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o mirth_n it_o exasperate_v and_o enrage_v his_o grief_n the_o more_o like_o ineffectual_a weak_a physic_n that_o remove_v not_o the_o humour_n but_o stir_v it_o and_o make_v it_o more_o unquiet_a but_o spiritual_a joy_n be_v seasonable_a for_o all_o estate_n in_o prosperity_n it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o crown_v and_o sanctify_v all_o other_o enjoyment_n with_o this_o that_o so_o far_o suspass_n they_o and_o in_o distress_n it_o be_v the_o only_a nepenthe_n the_o cordial_a of_o faint_a spirit_n so_o psal._n 4._o he_o have_v put_v joy_n into_o my_o heart_n this_o mirth_n make_v way_n for_o itself_o which_o other_o mirth_n can_v do_v these_o song_n be_v sweet_a in_o the_o night_n of_o distress_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o his_o scatter_a afflict_a brethren_n begin_v his_o epistle_n with_o this_o song_n of_o praise_n bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o joyful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o happiness_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o inheritance_n now_o this_o inheritance_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o singular_a quality_n of_o it_o they_o contain_v 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n 2._o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o attainment_n the_o former_a in_o these_o three_o incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v
give_v beginning_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o time_n with_o it_o make_v all_o to_o set_v forth_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o his_o creature_n to_o contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v it_o but_o among_o all_o the_o work_n that_o he_o intend_v before_o time_n and_o in_o time_n effect_v this_o be_v the_o master_n piece_n that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v foreordain_v the_o manifest_v of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n for_o man_n redemption_n and_o that_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n chirst_n as_o the_o first_o bear_v among_o many_o brethren_n that_o those_o appoint_v for_o salvation_n shall_v be_v rescue_v from_o the_o common_a misery_n and_o be_v make_v one_o mystical_a body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o so_o entitle_v to_o that_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n that_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o great_a work_n wherein_o all_o those_o glorious_a attribute_n shine_v joint_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o in_o great_a map_n or_o picture_n you_o will_v see_v the_o border_n decore_v with_o meadow_n and_o fountain_n and_o flower_n etc._n etc._n represent_v in_o it_o but_o in_o the_o middle_n you_o have_v the_o main_a design_n thus_o be_v this_o fore-ordained_n redemption_n among_o the_o work_n of_o god_n all_o his_o other_o work_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o succession_n of_o age_n and_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o border_n to_o this_o as_o the_o main_a piece_n but_o as_o a_o foolish_a unskillful_a beholder_n not_o discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o principal_a piece_n in_o such_o map_n or_o picture_n gaze_v only_o on_o the_o fair_a border_n and_o go_v no_o further_o thus_o do_v the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o our_o eye_n be_v take_v with_o the_o goodly_a show_n of_o the_o world_n and_o appearnce_n of_o earthly_a thing_n but_o this_o great_a work_n of_o god_n christ_n foreordain_v in_o time_n send_v for_o our_o redemption_n though_o it_o most_o deserve_v our_o attentive_a regard_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o view_v and_o consider_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v be_v manifest_v in_o those_o last_o time_n for_o you_o this_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o that_o purpose_n he_o be_v manifest_v both_o by_o his_o incarnation_n according_a to_o that_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n manifest_v by_o his_o marvellous_a work_n and_o doctrine_n and_o by_o his_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n by_o the_o send_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v wherein_o all_o the_o prophecy_n that_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o all_o the_o type_n and_o ceremony_n that_o prefigure_v he_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o last_o time_n often_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o that_o the_o jewish_a priesthood_n and_o ceremony_n be_v abolish_v that_o which_o succeed_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o remain_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o this_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n may_v be_v call_v the_o last_o tieme_v because_o although_o it_o be_v not_o near_o the_o end_n of_o time_n by_o many_o age_n yet_o in_o all_o probability_n it_o be_v much_o near_o the_o end_n of_o time_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o some_o resemble_v the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n in_o the_o evening_n it_o be_v doubtless_o the_o 〈◊〉_d time_n but_o not_o withstand_v the_o schoolman_n offer_v at_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o fitness_n of_o it_o as_o their_o humour_n be_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n none_o dare_v i_o think_v conclude_v but_o if_o god_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o may_v have_v be_v either_o soon_o or_o late_a and_o our_o safe_a be_v to_o rest_v in_o that_o that_o it_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n because_o so_o it_o please_v he_o and_o to_o seek_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o have_v promise_v the_o messiah_n so_o quick_o after_o man_n fall_n he_o defer_v his_o come_n about_o four_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n shut_v up_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o true_a religion_n within_o the_o narrow_a compass_n of_o that_o one_o nation_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o which_o he_o teach_v we_o in_o a_o like_a case_n even_o so_o father_n because_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o thou_o for_o you_o the_o apostle_n represent_v these_o thing_n to_o those_o he_o write_v to_o particular_o for_o their_o use_n therefore_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o they_o but_o without_o prejudice_n of_o the_o believer_n that_o go_v before_o or_o of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o follow_v in_o after_o age_n he_o that_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v foreappoint_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v therefore_o call_v a_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n look_v backward_o to_o all_o precede_a age_n who_o faith_n and_o sacrifice_n look_v forward_o to_o it_o so_o the_o same_o death_n be_v of_o force_n and_o perpetual_a value_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n after_o he_o have_v offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebâ—_n he_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o by_o one_o offering_n he_o have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v the_o cross_n on_o which_o he_o be_v extend_v point_n in_o the_o length_n of_o it_o to_o heaven_n and_o earth_n reconcile_a they_o together_o and_o in_o the_o breadth_n of_o it_o to_o former_a and_o follow_a age_n as_o be_v equal_o salvation_n to_o both_o if_o this_o appropriate_a and_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o happiness_n without_o which_o it_o avail_v not_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v from_o eternity_n and_o in_o time_n manifest_v it_o be_v not_o the_o general_n contemplation_n but_o the_o peculiar_a possession_n of_o christ_n that_o give_v both_o solid_a comfort_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n particular_a scâ—â—e_n verse_n 21._o who_o by_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o god_n that_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n that_o your_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n now_o because_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o give_v the_o soul_n this_o particular_a title_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n add_v that_o to_o declare_v who_o he_o mean_v by_o you_o say_v he_o who_o by_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o have_v 1._o the_o complete_a object_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o ground_n or_o warrant_v of_o it_o the_o object_n god_n in_o christ._n the_o ground_n or_o warrant_n in_o that_o he_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n a_o man_n may_v have_v live_v out_o of_o christ_n yea_o he_o must_v he_o can_v choose_v but_o have_v a_o conviction_n within_o he_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o further_o he_o may_v have_v even_o out_o of_o christ_n some_o kind_n of_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v concern_v god_n but_o to_o repose_v on_o god_n as_o his_o god_n and_o his_o salvation_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o this_o can_v be_v but_o where_o christ_n be_v the_o mid_n through_o which_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n through_o our_o own_o guiltiness_n we_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o apprehend_v he_o as_o a_o arm_a enemy_n and_o be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o rest_v on_o he_o as_o our_o happiness_n that_o the_o more_o we_o view_v it_o it_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o more_o speed_n to_o fly_v from_o he_o and_o to_o cry_v out_o who_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o abide_v with_o a_o consume_a fire_n but_o our_o saviour_n take_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o way_n put_v himself_o betwixt_o our_o sin_n and_o god_n and_o so_o make_v a_o wonderful_a change_n of_o our_o apprehension_n of_o he_o when_o you_o look_v through_o a_o red_a glass_n the_o whole_a heaven_n seem_v bloody_a but_o through_o pure_a uncoloured_a glass_n you_o receive_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o be_v so_o refresh_v and_o comfortable_a to_o behold_v when_o sin_n unpardoned_a be_v betwixt_o and_o we_o look_v on_o god_n through_o that_o we_o can_v perceive_v nothing_o but_o anger_n and_o enmity_n in_o his_o countenance_n but_o
ungodly_a way_n or_o if_o your_o outward_a carriage_n be_v somewhat_o more_o smooth_a though_o you_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o your_o heart_n have_v your_o heart_n ardent_a in_o the_o love_n and_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o freeze_v to_o god_n if_o you_o have_v some_o bosom_n idol_n that_o you_o hide_v and_o entertain_v can_v find_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o part_v with_o some_o one_o belove_a sin_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v for_o all_o the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v manifest_v to_o man_n in_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o word_n if_o you_o can_v please_v and_o delight_v your_o self_n in_o any_o way_n displease_v unto_o god_n though_o his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v here_o have_v spot_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o people_n that_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v oâ—_n i_o can_v give_v you_o no_o assurance_n that_o as_o yet_o you_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o abide_v on_o you_o if_o you_o continue_v and_o you_o be_v in_o apparent_a danger_n to_o perish_v under_o it_o you_o be_v yet_o child_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n and_o in_o the_o way_n to_o utter_v and_o everlasting_a darkness_n know_v we_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v destitute_a of_o this_o mercy_n it_o be_v a_o woeful_a estate_n though_o you_o have_v all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n and_o be_v in_o the_o top_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n but_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v so_o kind_o work_v repentance_n as_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n the_o beam_n of_o that_o love_n be_v more_o powerful_a to_o melt_v the_o heart_n than_o all_o the_o flame_n of_o mount_n sinai_n all_o the_o threaten_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n sin_n be_v the_o root_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o this_o mercy_n to_o rescue_v the_o soul_n from_o it_o both_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o at_o once_o can_v you_o think_v there_o be_v any_o suitableness_n in_o it_o that_o the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n shall_v despise_v his_o law_n and_o practice_v nothing_o but_o rebellion_n that_o those_o in_o who_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o mercy_n shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o abuse_v it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v wash_v any_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n to_o that_o end_n that_o they_o may_v still_o tumble_v themselves_o again_o in_o the_o mire_n as_o if_o we_o be_v redeem_v not_o from_o sin_n but_o to_o sin_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v we_o be_v deliver_v to_o do_v all_o these_o abomination_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v oh_o let_v we_o not_o dare_v thus_o to_o abuse_v and_o indignify_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o as_o many_o as_o will_v be_v fouâ—d_v among_o those_o that_o obtain_v mercy_n walk_v as_o his_o people_n who_o peculiar_a inheritance_n be_v his_o mercy_n and_o see_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v unto_o we_o let_v we_o embrace_v it_o and_o let_v it_o effectual_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o if_o you_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v earnest_a suitor_n for_o this_o mercy_n and_o to_o fly_v in_o to_o jesus_n who_o be_v the_o true_a mercy_n seat_n then_o be_v assure_v it_o be_v you_o let_v not_o the_o great_a guiltiness_n scar_v you_o and_o drive_v you_o from_o it_o but_o rather_o drive_v you_o the_o more_o to_o it_o the_o great_a the_o weight_n of_o that_o misery_n be_v under_o which_o you_o lie_v the_o more_o be_v your_o necessity_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o the_o more_o will_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o you_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o argument_n and_o yet_o a_o sure_a one_o conclude_v well_o and_o strong_o psa._n 25._o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a the_o soul_n press_v with_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o sin_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o it_o may_v by_o that_o very_a greatness_n of_o it_o press_v it_o press_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o free_a mercy_n it_o be_v for_o thy_o name_n sake_n that_o make_v it_o strong_a the_o force_n of_o the_o inference_n lie_v in_o that_o thou_o be_v nothing_o and_o worse_o than_o nothing_o true_a but_o all_o that_o ever_o obtain_v this_o mercy_n be_v once_o so_o they_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o which_o it_o have_v make_v they_o to_o be_v they_o be_v not_o a_o people_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o god_n be_v stranger_n to_o mercy_n yea_o heir_n of_o wrath_n yea_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o desire_n after_o god_n until_o this_o mercy_n prevent_v they_o and_o show_v itself_o to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o move_v they_o to_o desire_v it_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o find_v it_o catch_v hold_v on_o they_o and_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o the_o dungeon_n and_o it_o be_v unquestionable_o still_o the_o same_o and_o fail_v not_o ever_o expend_v and_o yet_o never_o all_o spend_v yea_o not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o all_o diminish_v flow_v as_o the_o river_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o serve_v each_o age_n in_o the_o present_a and_o yet_o no_o whit_n the_o less_o to_o those_o that_o come_v after_o the_o lord_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n to_o all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o yet_o still_o keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o that_o come_v after_o you_o that_o have_v obtain_v this_o mercy_n and_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o it_o within_o you_o it_o will_v certain_o conform_v your_o heart_n to_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o will_v work_v you_o to_o a_o merciful_a compassionate_a temper_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o obtain_v it_o you_o will_v indeed_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v hate_v sin_n but_o as_o he_o do_v likewise_o you_o will_v pity_v the_o sinner_n you_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o misconstrue_v and_o grumble_n at_o the_o long_a suffering_n of_o god_n as_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o bridge_n cut_v because_o you_o be_v over_o as_o st._n augustin_n speak_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a your_o great_a desire_n will_v be_v to_o draw_v other_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o mercy_n with_o you_o know_v it_o to_o be_v rich_a enough_o and_o you_o will_v in_o your_o station_n use_v your_o best_a diligence_n to_o bring_v in_o many_o to_o it_o both_o in_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o withal_o you_o will_v be_v still_o admire_v and_o extol_v this_o mercy_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_v unto_o you_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o you_o be_v before_o it_o visit_v you_o they_o confess_v at_o the_o offering_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n to_o set_v off_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n a_o syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v my_o father_n and_o their_o captivity_n in_o egypt_n far_o poor_a and_o base_a be_v our_o natural_a condition_n and_o more_o precious_a be_v that_o land_n of_o which_o this_o free_a mercy_n do_v possess_v we_o do_v but_o call_v back_o your_o thought_n you_o that_o have_v indeed_o escape_v it_o and_o look_v but_o into_o that_o pit_n of_o misery_n whence_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v draw_v you_o out_o and_o you_o can_v miss_v to_o love_v he_o high_o and_o still_o kiss_v that_o gracious_a hand_n even_o while_o it_o be_v scourge_v you_o with_o any_o affliction_n whatsoever_o because_o it_o have_v once_o do_v this_o for_o you_o namely_o pluck_v you_o out_o of_o everlasting_a destruction_n as_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o change_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o praise_n psa._n 40.23_o he_o have_v bring_v i_o up_o out_o of_o a_o horrible_a pit_n than_o follow_v he_o have_v put_v a_o new_a song_n in_o my_o mouth_n even_o praise_n unto_o our_o god_n not_o only_o redeem_v i_o from_o destruction_n but_o withal_o crown_v i_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n psa._n 103.4_o he_o not_o only_o do_v forgive_v all_o our_o debt_n and_o let_v we_o out_o of_o prison_n but_o enrich_v we_o with_o a_o estate_n that_o can_v be_v spend_v and_o dignify_v we_o with_o a_o crown_n that_o can_v wither_v make_v up_o of_o nothing_o of_o we_o these_o two_o will_v stretch_v and_o tune_v the_o heart_n very_o high_a to_o consider_v from_o what_o a_o low_a estate_n grace_n bring_v a_o man_n and_o how_o high_a it_o do_v exalt_v he_o in_o what_o a_o beggarly_a vile_a condition_n the_o lord_n find_v we_o and_o yet_o do_v not_o only_o free_v we_o thence_o but_o put_v such_o dignity_n on_o we_o raise_v the_o poor_a out_o of_o the_o dust_n and_o lift_v the_o needy_a from_o the_o dunghill_n that_o he_o may_v set_v he_o with_o prince_n
even_o with_o the_o prince_n of_o his_o people_n or_o as_o joshua_n the_o priest_n zach._n 3.3_o 4._o so_o those_o of_o this_o priesthood_n be_v deal_v withal_o now_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o deep_a in_o the_o sense_n and_o admiration_n of_o this_o mercy_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o duty_n to_o seek_v earnest_o after_o the_o evidence_n and_o strong_a assurance_n of_o it_o for_o thing_n work_v on_o we_o according_a to_o our_o notice_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o right_a assurance_n of_o mercy_n the_o more_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n spring_v from_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o represent_v this_o great_a and_o happy_a change_n of_o estate_n to_o christian_n as_o a_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v know_v concern_v themselves_o and_o aught_o to_o seek_v the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v due_o affect_v with_o it_o a_o happy_a thing_n to_o have_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o extract_n of_o that_o great_a archive_n and_o act_n of_o grace_n towards_o it_o that_o have_v stand_v in_o heaven_n from_o eternity_n it_o be_v sure_a both_o a_o very_a comfortable_a and_o profitable_a thing_n to_o find_v and_o read_v clear_o the_o seal_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v holiness_n that_o by_o which_o he_o be_v mark_v by_o god_n as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o peculiar_a possession_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o we_o perceive_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o let_v we_o look_v back_o as_o here_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v how_o god_n have_v call_v we_o from_o darkness_n to_o his_o marvellous_a light_n verse_n 11._o dear_o belove_v i_o beseech_v you_o as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n the_o right_a spiritual_a knowledge_n that_o a_o christian_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o himself_o difference_v itself_o from_o whatsoever_o be_v like_a to_o it_o by_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o in_o this_o it_o have_v the_o lively_a impression_n of_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o teach_v it_o wherein_o we_o still_o find_v throughout_o that_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v accompany_v with_o practical_a truth_n not_o only_o as_o agree_v with_o they_o but_o as_o draw_v out_o of_o they_o and_o that_o not_o violent_o draw_v but_o natural_o flow_v from_o they_o as_o pure_a stream_n from_o a_o pure_a spring_n thus_o in_o this_o epistle_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n intermix_v his_o divine_a doctrine_n with_o most_o useful_a and_o practical_a exhortation_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 13.22_o and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chap._n again_o and_o now_o in_o these_o word_n and_o upon_o this_o model_n ought_v both_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o form_v their_o preach_n and_o the_o hearer_n their_o ear_n minister_n be_v not_o to_o instruct_v only_o or_o exhort_v only_o but_o to_o do_v both_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o holiness_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n without_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o build_v a_o house_n without_o a_o foundation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o instruct_v the_o mind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o neglect_v the_o press_n of_o that_o practice_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v the_o undivided_a companion_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o forget_v the_o building_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v raise_v upon_o that_o foundation_n once_o lay_v which_o be_v likewise_o a_o point_n of_o very_o great_a folly_n or_o if_o man_n lay_v that_o tight_a foundation_n do_v proceed_v to_o the_o superstructure_n of_o vain_a and_o empty_a speculation_n it_o be_v but_o to_o build_v hay_n and_o stubble_n in_o stead_n of_o those_o solid_a truth_n that_o direct_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n which_o be_v of_o more_o solidness_n and_o worth_n than_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n 1_o tim._n 3.9_o christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o reveal_v he_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o ver._n 16._o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n as_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n so_o he_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o godliness_n the_o apostle_n have_v we_o see_v in_o his_o forego_n discourse_v unfold_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o christian_n in_o he_o proceed_v here_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o course_n of_o life_n that_o become_v christian_n these_o hearer_n be_v to_o blame_v and_o do_v prejudge_v themselves_o that_o be_v attentive_a only_o to_o such_o word_n and_o discourse_n as_o stir_v the_o affection_n for_o the_o present_a and_o find_v no_o relish_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o unfolding_n of_o those_o mystery_n that_o bear_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v the_o ground_n both_o of_o all_o christian_a obedience_n and_o all_o exhortation_n and_o persuasive_n to_o it_o these_o temporary_a sudden_a stir_n of_o the_o affection_n without_o a_o right_n inform_v mind_n and_o some_o measure_n of_o due_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n do_v no_o good_a it_o be_v the_o wind_n of_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o stir_v they_o for_o the_o time_n against_o their_o lust_n but_o the_o first_o wind_n of_o tentation_n that_o come_v carry_v they_o away_o and_o thus_o the_o mind_n be_v but_o toss_v too_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o wind_n not_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n as_o it_o be_v col._n 2.7_o and_o so_o in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3.17_o which_o be_v the_o conquer_a grace_n that_o subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o the_o world_n unto_o a_o christian_a 1_o joh._n 5.4_o 2_o cor._n 5.14.15_o love_n make_v a_o man_n dead_a to_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v to_o christ_n that_o die_v for_o he_o on_o the_o other_o part_n they_o be_v no_o less_o yea_o more_o to_o blame_v that_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v their_o mind_n instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o out_o of_o a_o mere_a natural_a desire_n to_o know_v be_v curious_a to_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o inform_v they_o but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o urge_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortify_v their_o lust_n these_o be_v hard_a say_n they_o have_v rather_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o retain_v their_o lust_n too_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o agreement_n to_o hear_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o people_n in_o christ_n be_v very_o please_a but_o to_o have_v this_o follow_v upon_o it_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n this_o be_v a_o importune_a troublesome_a discourse_n but_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o all_o that_o these_o that_o will_v share_v in_o that_o mercy_n and_o happiness_n must_v abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n etc._n etc._n dear_o belove_v i_o beseech_v you_o there_o be_v a_o faculty_n of_o reprove_v require_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o sometime_o a_o necessity_n of_o very_a sharp_a rebuke_n cut_v one_o they_o that_o have_v much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n may_v have_v a_o rod_n by_o they_o too_o to_o use_v upon_o necessity_n but_o sure_o the_o way_n of_o meekness_n be_v that_o they_o use_v most_o willing_o as_o the_o apostle_n there_o imply_v and_o out_o of_o all_o question_n with_o ingenuous_a mind_n the_o mild_a way_n of_o sweet_a entreaty_n be_v very_o forcible_a as_o oil_n that_o penetrate_v and_o sink_v in_o insensible_o or_o to_o use_v that_o know_a resemblance_n they_o prevail_v as_o the_o sun_n beam_n that_o without_o any_o noise_n make_v the_o traveller_n cast_v his_o cloak_n which_o all_o the_o bluster_a of_o the_o wind_n can_v not_o do_v but_o make_v he_o rather_o gather_v it_o close_o and_o bind_v it_o fast_o about_o he_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v frequent_a in_o this_o strain_n of_o entreaty_n i_o beseech_v you_o rom._n 12.1_o now_o this_o word_n of_o entreaty_n be_v strengthen_v much_o by_o the_o other_o dear_o belove_v scarce_o can_v the_o harsh_a reproof_n much_o less_o gentle_a reproof_n be_v throw_v back_o that_o have_v upon_o they_o the_o stamp_n of_o love_n that_o which_o be_v know_v to_o come_v from_o love_n can_v ready_o but_o be_v so_o receive_v too_o and_o it_o be_v thus_o express_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n that_o the_o request_n may_v be_v the_o more_o welcome_a belove_a it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o a_o friend_n one_o that_o true_o love_v you_o and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o in_o it_o but_o your_o good_a it_o be_v because_o i_o love_v you_o that_o i_o entreat_v you_o and_o