ought_v to_o have_v the_o write_a word_n so_o rich_o dwell_v in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o confirm_v every_o truth_n they_o deliver_v from_o that_o word_n and_o the_o lord_n people_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o same_o that_o though_o minister_n do_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o cite_v particular_o every_o chapter_n and_o verse_n where_o every_o passage_n they_o bring_v forth_o be_v to_o be_v find_v they_o may_v notwithstanding_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o faithful_o and_o for_o the_o substance_n repeat_v to_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o for_o the_o lord_n mind_n for_o even_o the_o apostle_n here_o as_o frequent_o elsewhere_o do_v confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n and_o yet_o suppon_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v well_o acquaint_v at_o least_o with_o the_o letter_n thereof_o he_o do_v not_o condescend_v upon_o the_o particular_a place_n judge_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v wherefore_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n behold_v i_o lay_v etc._n etc._n 2._o true_a faith_n can_v have_v solid_a footing_n no_o where_o but_o upon_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n nor_o shall_v any_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o most_o pleasant_a notion_n about_o christ_n jesus_n till_o they_o see_v they_o ground_v upon_o and_o draw_v from_o that_o word_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o former_a word_n commend_v christ_n as_o the_o object_n of_o save_a faith_n do_v here_o repeat_v again_o the_o same_o commendation_n of_o he_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o so_o faith_n may_v rest_v safe_o upon_o he_o as_o such_o a_o one_o wherefore_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n 3._o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o alone_o be_v that_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o every_o soul_n that_o flee_v to_o he_o which_o the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n whether_o the_o low_a or_o the_o high_a be_v to_o the_o build_n he_o be_v the_o stone_n first_o lay_v in_o regard_n he_o be_v and_o behove_v to_o be_v actual_o exercise_v his_o mediatory_a office_n before_o any_o sinner_n can_v attain_v to_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o god_n col._n 1.18_o he_o be_v the_o stone_n lay_v low_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n in_o his_o humiliation_n psal_n 22.6_o he_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o every_o believe_a soul_n heb._n 1.3_o he_o be_v more_o curious_o wrought_v than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o building_n as_o the_o chief_a cornerstone_n use_v to_o be_v and_o engrave_v by_o the_o art_n of_o his_o father_n adorn_v he_o with_o all_o perfection_n suitable_a for_o the_o necessity_n of_o poor_a sinner_n zech._n 3.9_o he_o be_v the_o bond_n whereby_o most_o differ_v nation_n such_o as_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o building_n eph._n 2.16_o as_o the_o foundation_n cornerstone_n knit_v the_o two_o side-wall_n of_o the_o build_n together_o he_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o who_o the_o building_n and_o every_o lively_a stone_n thereof_o be_v complete_a col._n 2.10_o as_o the_o high_a cornerstone_n and_o as_o that_o also_o he_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o ornament_n of_o all_o the_o building_n isa_n 22.24_o in_o all_o which_o he_o be_v resemble_v by_o that_o whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o set_v he_o forth_o to_o our_o capacity_n the_o chief_a cornerstone_n 4._o we_o have_v this_o great_a blessing_n christ_n for_o the_o chief_a cornerstone_n of_o this_o spiritual_a building_n with_o the_o father_n great_a good_a will_n who_o have_v lay_v he_o first_o in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n or_o decree_n as_o the_o word_n use_v by_o isaiah_n chap._n 28.16_o and_o here_o translate_v to_o lay_v do_v signify_v psal_n 2.2_o second_o in_o his_o actual_a exhibition_n of_o he_o to_o the_o church_n as_o mediator_n first_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o he_o gen._n 3.5_o and_o next_o visible_o in_o our_o flesh_n for_o so_o this_o word_n be_v also_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o publish_n or_o execution_n of_o thing_n former_o decree_v 2_o chron._n 9.23_o prov._n 3.19_o and_o three_o in_o his_o exalt_v of_o he_o when_o he_o have_v perfect_v the_o work_n of_o redemption_n so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o concern_v he_o to_o do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n for_o so_o this_o same_o word_n use_v psal_n 8.2_o be_v translate_v mat._n 21.16_o to_o perfect_v a_o work_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v the_o father_n lay_v christ_n the_o foundation_n or_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o the_o church_n and_o call_v all_o to_o behold_v what_o pleasure_n he_o have_v in_o so_o do_v behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n 5._o the_o father_n condescendency_n to_o give_v his_o own_o bless_a son_n for_o the_o abovementioned_a use_v to_o his_o church_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o which_o this_o similitude_n here_o make_v use_v of_o hold_v forth_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o most_o serious_a consideration_n and_o christ_n this_o chief_a cornerstone_n be_v much_o to_o be_v admire_v as_o differ_v from_o all_o other_o corner-stone_n he_o be_v one_o stone_n who_o be_v both_o the_o low_a and_o high_a of_o the_o building_n philip._n 2.6_o 7._o who_o have_v immediate_a connexion_n with_o the_o least_o stone_n or_o mean_a believer_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o great_a or_o most_o eminent_a whether_o prophet_n apostle_n or_o even_o the_o virgin_n mary_n joh._n 17.20_o 21._o who_o communicate_v a_o influence_n of_o life_n and_o growth_n to_o every_o stone_n lay_v upon_o he_o eph._n 2.21_o and_o who_o never_o suffer_v any_o that_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o to_o fall_v total_o and_o final_o off_o he_o joh._n 10.28_o in_o all_o which_o respect_n we_o be_v here_o call_v to_o admire_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o give_v our_o most_o serious_a attention_n and_o consideration_n to_o the_o father_n in_o give_v he_o by_o this_o word_n which_o serve_v both_o to_o draw_v attention_n and_o admiration_n behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n 6._o though_o christ_n be_v god_n gift_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v up_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n eph._n 2.14_o which_o often_o have_v the_o name_n of_o zion_n in_o scripture_n obad._n 17._o yet_o with_o a_o special_a reference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o first_o have_v that_o name_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o zion_n be_v first_o preach_v public_o and_o hold_v forth_o in_o promise_n sacrifice_n and_o type_n to_o they_o psal_n 147.19_o 20._o be_v come_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 9.5_o and_o first_o offer_v to_o they_o after_o his_o incarnation_n matth._n 10.5_o 6._o from_o who_o the_o news_n of_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n mica_n 4.2_o and_o by_o who_o christ_n shall_v yet_o have_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o public_a glory_n in_o the_o world_n hos_fw-la 3.5_o rom._n 11.12_o 15._o all_o which_o shall_v make_v we_o pity_v their_o present_a case_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o conversion_n for_o with_o a_o special_a eye_n to_o they_o be_v this_o speak_v behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n 7._o christ_n fitness_n for_o this_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n evidence_v by_o the_o father_n choose_v of_o he_o for_o it_o from_o among_o all_o other_o as_o the_o word_n elect_v signify_v and_o by_o his_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o as_o our_o mediator_n shall_v strong_o draw_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n in_o to_o he_o and_o move_v they_o to_o dwell_v much_o upon_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o worth_n and_o of_o the_o father_n esteem_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o receiver_n of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o god_n through_o he_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v commend_v christ_n before_o from_o these_o two_o epithits_n that_o he_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a as_o motive_n to_o draw_v sinner_n in_o to_o he_o repeat_v they_o here_o again_o as_o delight_v to_o write_v and_o think_v of_o so_o sweet_a a_o subject_n as_o christ_n elect_v precious_a 8._o that_o which_o build_v sinner_n upon_o christ_n this_o chief_a cornerstone_n be_v that_o grace_n of_o believe_v which_o according_a to_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n whence_o the_o apostle_n translate_v this_o text_n be_v the_o fixedness_n or_o stayedness_n as_o this_o same_o word_n be_v translate_v exod._n 17.12_o of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o salvation_n through_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v upon_o he_o as_o its_o necessary_a food_n which_o be_v also_o in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o language_n for_o the_o apostle_n instead_o of_o insist_v further_o upon_o the_o
do_v 4._o the_o lively_a and_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o faith_n draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o make_v the_o believer_n resemble_v he_o in_o those_o communicable_a perfection_n of_o his_o wherewith_o the_o scripture_n hold_v he_o forth_o adorn_v and_o to_o be_v close_v with_o by_o sinner_n so_o that_o under_o whatsoever_o consideration_n of_o christ_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n sinner_n do_v close_o with_o he_o they_o be_v thereby_o in_o some_o measure_n change_v to_o some_o likeness_n with_o he_o in_o that_o consideration_n if_o the_o unclean_a soul_n close_o with_o he_o offer_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o fountain_n it_o become_v in_o some_o measure_n like_o he_o in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n if_o the_o dead_a sinner_n receive_v he_o offer_v as_o life_n he_o become_v to_o live_v like_o he_o if_o the_o unstable_a soul_n come_v to_o he_o as_o the_o foundation-stone_n it_o grow_v stable_a as_o a_o stone_n and_o so_o of_o every_o consideration_n under_o which_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o word_n be_v close_v with_o for_o he_o be_v before_o propose_v under_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o live_a stone_n as_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v close_v with_o the_o apostle_n here_o affirm_v that_o they_o who_o do_v so_o close_o with_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n shall_v be_v build_v up_o 5._o those_o soul_n who_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v keep_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o dwell_v familiar_o in_o they_o as_o in_o his_o house_n must_v labour_v to_o be_v make_v spiritual_a in_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v and_o elevate_v to_o discern_v thing_n spiritual_a which_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o 15._o pro._n 8.12_o in_o their_o affection_n humble_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o unworthiness_n and_o sinfulness_n isa_n 57.15_o confident_a of_o their_o acceptation_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n heb._n 6.3_o cheerful_a in_o he_o as_o reconcile_v to_o they_o psal_n 22.3_o loathe_v sin_n and_o love_a holiness_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o person_n that_o be_v holy_a 1_o joh._n 4.16_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n cite_v make_v clear_a to_o be_v part_n of_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n which_o be_v to_o be_v study_v by_o all_o those_o who_o may_v expect_v the_o lord_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o in_o his_o house_n for_o believer_n in_o order_n to_o their_o enjoy_n of_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 6._o the_o more_o hearty_o and_o frequent_o sinner_n flee_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o gospel_n offer_v he_o the_o more_o fit_a be_v they_o to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o the_o more_o familiar_o will_v he_o converse_v with_o they_o and_o that_o because_o the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v to_o and_o grow_v in_o a_o spiritual_a frame_n which_o make_v sinner_n a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o dwell_v in_o be_v to_o be_v daily_o fly_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v the_o spirit_n for_o work_v of_o that_o frame_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o for_o believer_n by_o come_v to_o he_o ver_fw-la 4._o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 7._o near_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o daily_a usemaking_a of_o he_o by_o faith_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v the_o saint_n one_o among_o themselves_o the_o division_n difference_n of_o judgement_n and_o alienation_n of_o affection_n among_o they_o prove_v one_o or_o other_o or_o all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o for_o while_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o who_o come_v etc._n etc._n you_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n he_o do_v import_v that_o believer_n by_o their_o close_n with_o and_o usemaking_a of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v as_o close_o unite_v one_o of_o they_o to_o another_o as_o the_o stone_n of_o a_o building_n be_v 3._o every_o particular_a believer_n shall_v esteem_v himself_o a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a which_o make_v up_o one_o house_n to_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o so_o shall_v seek_v the_o good_a thereof_o psal_n 122.9_o and_o sympathize_v with_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o member_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 12.25_o 26._o see_v they_o be_v build_v up_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 9_o although_o the_o most_o eminent_a believer_n may_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o any_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n without_o a_o lawful_a and_o orderly_a call_n thereunto_o rom._n 10.15_o heb._n 5_o 4._o yet_o all_o professor_n of_o christianity_n do_v in_o some_o respect_n resemble_v the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v separate_v by_o the_o lord_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o true_a believer_n among_o they_o do_v receive_v that_o unction_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_n his_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o joh._n 2.20_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o oil_n wherewith_o the_o priest_n be_v anoint_v exod._n 28.41_o and_o have_v their_o service_n accept_v while_o other_o be_v reject_v prov._n 15.8_o in_o which_o respect_v they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n 10._o although_o internal_a or_o real_a holiness_n be_v not_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n which_o make_v one_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n act._n 8.13_o joh._n 15.2_o yet_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o to_o study_v that_o holiness_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o all_o the_o true_a and_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v endue_v therewith_o therefore_o they_o be_v here_o call_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n 11._o the_o great_a employment_n of_o believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n not_o typical_a which_o be_v now_o abolish_v by_o christ_n heb._n 10.1_o etc._n etc._n nor_o expiatory_a which_o christ_n alone_o have_v once_o offer_v never_o to_o be_v repeat_v heb._n 7.27_o but_o gratulatory_a in_o testimony_n of_o their_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o that_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o for_o they_o such_o as_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o themselves_o for_o his_o service_n rom._n 12.1_o their_o penitent_a and_o humble_a supplication_n psal_n 51.17_o and_o 141.2_o their_o praise_n heb._n 13.15_o and_o their_o charity_n to_o his_o saint_n philip._n 4.18_o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v they_o to_o oft_o who_o be_v a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n 12._o what_o ever_o sacrifice_n of_o this_o sort_n believer_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n they_o must_v be_v spiritual_a do_v from_o a_o spiritual_a principle_n a_o new_a nature_n ezek._n 36.26_o 27._o upon_o spiritual_a furniture_n the_o strength_n of_o christ_n philip._n 4.13_o and_o for_o a_o spiritual_a end_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a respect_n they_o be_v here_o call_v spiritual_a sacrifice_n 13._o such_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n as_o believer_n offer_v up_o to_o god_n be_v well-pleasing_a to_o he_o not_o for_o any_o worth_n that_o be_v in_o they_o isa_n 64.6_o or_o advantage_n they_o can_v be_v to_o he_o psal_n 16.2_o act._n 17.25_o but_o because_o they_o be_v present_v to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o take_v away_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o holy_a thing_n exod._n 28.38_o and_o do_v perfume_v their_o service_n with_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o merit_n rev._n 8.3_o therefore_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n verse_n 6._o wherefore_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n behold_v i_o lay_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n elect_v precious_a and_o be_v that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o he_o confound_v the_o apostle_n do_v confirm_v his_o former_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o church_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o by_o a_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o though_o no_o particular_a place_n be_v here_o cite_v be_v to_o be_v find_v isa_n 28.16_o and_o withal_o he_o add_v two_o further_a argument_n to_o move_v they_o to_o that_o hearty_a receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n offer_v in_o it_o which_o he_o have_v press_v in_o the_o former_a word_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o have_v jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o father_n choice_n and_o high_o esteem_v by_o he_o with_o the_o father_n great_a good_a will_n lay_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o foundation_n and_o chief_a cornerstone_n thereof_o for_o every_o soul_n to_o flee_v to_o and_o rest_n upon_o the_o other_o be_v that_o whosoever_o betake_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o faith_n shall_v never_o need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o so_o do_v hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n
a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o epistle_n general_n of_o peter_n by_o alexander_n nisbet_n minister_n at_o irwin_n joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o for_o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v edinburgh_n print_v by_o christopher_n higgins_n in_o harts-close_a over_o against_o the_o throne_n church_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1658._o to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n god_n who_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v and_o who_o way_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o his_o path_n in_o great_a water_n do_v so_o in_o all_o age_n order_n the_o holy_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o however_o our_o eye_n be_v soon_o daâ—led_v and_o our_o weak_a judgement_n soon_o confound_v in_o study_v thereof_o yet_o his_o holy_a purpose_n concern_v the_o advancement_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n be_v still_o effectual_a and_o carried-on_a in_o tempestuous_a and_o gloomy_a time_n he_o allow_v such_o as_o have_v flee_v to_o he_o for_o refuge_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n in_o all_o affair_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n well_o and_o will_v make_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o who_o love_v he_o although_o they_o can_v distinct_o perceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o when_o he_o letteth-out_a deluge_n of_o affliction_n and_o other_o sharp_a trial_n upon_o his_o people_n it_o be_v but_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o his_o mercy_n since_o other_o messenger_n can_v not_o prevail_v to_o bring_v they_o up_o to_o abide_v and_o delight_v in_o he_o that_o he_o may_v crush_v and_o take_v away_o fuel_n from_o those_o soul-destroying_a lust_n which_o they_o will_v not_o moâ—tifieâ—_n and_o may_v famish_v all_o their_o idol_n that_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o and_o though_o he_o do_v let_v loose_v many_o â—_z upon_o his_o vineyard_n which_o threaten_v to_o consume_v all_o yet_o not_o only_o will_v it_o he_o find_v in_o and_o that_o very_a enemy_n be_v but_o instrument_n to_o execute_v his_o purpose_n and_o to_o do_v only_o what_o his_o hand_n and_o counsel_n determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v in_o due_a time_n give_v meat_n out_o of_o such_o eater_n and_o make_v the_o letting-loose_a of_o error_n and_o trouble_n contribute_v to_o draw_v his_o people_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n more_o cordial_o and_o lay_v up_o their_o treasure_n where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n can_v corrupt_v nor_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v but_o he_o can_v and_o do_v also_o carrion_a his_o work_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o servant_n amid_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n and_o cause_v his_o wall_n to_o be_v build_v even_o in_o troublous_a time_n herein_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v very_o ample_a proof_n of_o his_o magnify_a mercy_n towards_o his_o church_n in_o this_o island_n who_o though_o he_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v exercise_v with_o such_o variety_n of_o distemper_n confusion_n and_o error_n as_o if_o all_o the_o locust_n of_o the_o bottomlesse-pit_n be_v let_v loose_a upon_o we_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v his_o singular_a favour_n in_o that_o he_o not_o only_o continue_v his_o truth_n among_o we_o hide_v we_o and_o it_o in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n and_o preserve_v a_o ministry_n who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o own_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o call_v but_o that_o he_o stir_v up_o and_o enable_v so_o many_o according_a to_o the_o talent_n they_o have_v receive_v to_o lay_v forth_o themselves_o for_o propagate_a of_o knowledge_n truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o a_o orthodox_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o catechism_n and_o a_o directory_n for_o worship_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v in_o the_o mount_n so_o we_o may_v say_v that_o no_o age_n have_v have_v great_a help_n for_o vindicate_v and_o clear_v the_o truth_n we_o profess_v and_o for_o help_a christian_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n and_o as_o some_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o communicate_v the_o labour_n of_o foreign_a a_o brief_a exposition_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n general_n of_o peter_n the_o argument_n although_o this_o apostle_n be_v in_o a_o very_o mean_v external_a condition_n before_o his_o call_n mat._n 4_o 18._o and_o want_v not_o his_o manifold_a fail_n thereafter_o mat._n 16.22_o and_o 26.70_o gal._n 2.14_o yet_o by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v honour_v to_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o christ_n great_a glory_n on_o earth_n mat._n 17.1_o and_o of_o his_o sad_a suffering_n mat._n 26.27_o to_o convert_v many_o thousand_o soul_n act._n 2.41_o to_o write_v this_o excellent_a scripture_n and_o to_o die_v a_o martyr_n 2_o pet._n 1.14_o compare_v with_o joh._n 21.18_o 19_o all_o which_o consideration_n of_o he_o may_v serve_v to_o commend_v to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n deliver_v by_o he_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o christian_a jew_n of_o who_o he_o have_v get_v a_o special_a charge_n gal._n 2.7_o and_o of_o who_o conversion_n he_o have_v be_v a_o prime_a instrument_n act._n 2.9_o etc._n etc._n the_o special_a occasion_n of_o his_o writing_n to_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o strain_n of_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n the_o prevail_a of_o error_n and_o some_o decay_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n among_o they_o together_o with_o the_o present_a opportunity_n of_o a_o sin_n messenger_n to_o carry_v the_o epistle_n 1_o pet._n 5.12_o who_o have_v a_o calling_n to_o interpret_v and_o public_o to_o explain_v the_o same_o to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 1.19_o his_o principal_a scope_n be_v to_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o truth_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o constancy_n and_o cheerfulness_n under_o their_o suffering_n for_o it_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o adorn_v their_o profession_n by_o a_o holy_a walk_n in_o their_o several_a relation_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v 1_o pet._n 5.12_o where_o he_o resume_v his_o scope_n in_o this_o epistle_n with_o 2_o pet._n 3.1_o where_o he_o express_v his_o scope_n in_o both_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v three_o in_o the_o first_o after_o the_o preface_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o the_o apostle_n give_v such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o excellent_a spiritual_a condition_n of_o believer_n as_o may_v provoke_v they_o to_o joy_n under_o their_o sad_a suffering_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o these_o duty_n of_o holiness_n which_o he_o press_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o this_o be_v to_o the_o 13._o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 1._o chap._n the_o second_o part_n contain_v several_a exhortation_n with_o motive_n press_v the_o same_o to_o such_o duty_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o most_o excellent_a state_n do_v oblige_v all_o christian_n unto_o whatsoever_o their_o relation_n or_o condition_n be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v to_o the_o 13._o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 2._o chap._n in_o the_o three_o part_n the_o apostle_n press_v such_o duty_n of_o holiness_n as_o be_v suitable_a for_o christian_n consider_v under_o their_o civil_a domestic_a or_o church_n relation_n and_o especial_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v to_o the_o 10._o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 5._o chap._n after_o which_o be_v the_o close_a of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n chap._n i._n the_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v two_o in_o the_o first_o after_o the_o preface_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n contain_v a_o description_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o party_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o the_o apostle_n incite_v suffer_v christian_n to_o praise_n god_n by_o raise_v the_o song_n before_o they_o wherein_o he_o make_v clear_a how_o excellent_a their_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v and_o hold_v forth_o what_o reason_n they_o have_v from_o it_o of_o chearfulnesse_n and_o constancy_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n to_o wit_n 1._o their_o regeneration_n ver_fw-la 3._o 2._o their_o matchless_a inheritance_n ver_fw-la 4._o 3._o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o perseverance_n ver_fw-la 5._o 4._o the_o shortness_n and_o 5._o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n ver_fw-la 6._o 6._o their_o spiritual_a advantage_n by_o they_o to_o wit_n the_o trial_n of_o their_o grace_n especial_o of_o their_o faith_n ver_fw-la 7._o 7._o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o by_o trial_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v sound_n
the_o consideration_n of_o their_o second_o birth_n be_v strong_o move_v to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o father_n and_o especial_o to_o live_v in_o love_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o father_n child_n for_o the_o apostle_n bring_v this_o as_o a_o further_a argument_n to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o study_n of_o that_o branch_n of_o it_o which_o he_o have_v press_v in_o the_o former_a word_n concern_v mutual_a love_n among_o professor_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 24._o for_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fall_v away_o 25._o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o last_o motive_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n press_v upon_o believer_n the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o constancy_n under_o suffering_n be_v take_v from_o a_o further_a commendation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n which_o the_o apostle_n set_v out_o by_o compare_v the_o same_o with_o the_o best_a estate_n of_o man_n natural_o consider_v with_o all_o their_o ornament_n wherein_o they_o use_v to_o glory_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n isa_n 40.6_o like_v unto_o wither_a grass_n and_o fade_a flower_n in_o the_o application_n of_o which_o comparison_n the_o apostle_n insist_o upon_o his_o former_a commendation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n whereby_o believer_n be_v beget_v from_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n in_o the_o effect_n thereof_o upon_o they_o which_o may_v easy_o lead_v they_o to_o judge_v of_o their_o state_n according_o and_o apply_v this_o commendation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o by_o himself_o or_o other_o of_o the_o lord_n servant_n all_o which_o do_v strong_o press_v his_o scope_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v live_v holy_o and_o suffer_v cheerful_o as_o become_v those_o who_o be_v in_o so_o excellent_a a_o estate_n hence_o learn_v 1._o although_o it_o be_v much_o in_o the_o thought_n and_o desire_n of_o natural_a man_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o psal_n 49.11_o yet_o themselves_o and_o all_o that_o they_o can_v glory_v in_o be_v frail_a and_o fade_a like_o the_o grass_n and_o flower_n of_o the_o grass_n whereupon_o they_o shall_v read_v their_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n and_o so_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o provide_v for_o a_o better_a life_n and_o a_o more_o endure_a substance_n than_o what_o they_o have_v here_o for_o all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n 2._o though_o every_o common_a gift_n of_o god_n wherein_o man_n use_v to_o glory_n whether_o riches_n wisdom_n strength_n beauty_n or_o the_o like_a be_v fade_v as_o the_o grass_n and_o flower_n thereof_o yet_o because_o man_n credit_n or_o glory_n before_o the_o world_n be_v that_o wherein_o they_o use_v to_o glory_v most_o and_o of_o the_o perpetuate_n whereof_o they_o be_v most_o strong_o desirous_a psal_n 49.11_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v a_o special_a fadingness_n and_o vanity_n upon_o that_o and_o will_v have_v it_o as_o easy_o blast_v as_o any_o other_o thing_n wherein_o man_n glory_n for_o though_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n here_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v take_v large_o as_o comprehend_v every_o thing_n for_o which_o man_n lift_v up_o themselves_o and_o wherein_o they_o use_v to_o glory_n as_o the_o word_n be_v use_v mat._n 4.8_o yet_o it_o seem_v especial_o to_o point_n out_o that_o honour_n and_o credit_n which_o man_n affect_v to_o have_v before_o the_o world_n in_o which_o signification_n it_o be_v use_v 2_o thess_n 2.6_o the_o property_n whereof_o the_o lord_n pronounce_v to_o be_v fadingness_n or_o wither_a and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n 3._o though_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a truth_n teach_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o common_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o natural_a estate_n with_o all_o the_o ornament_n thereof_o be_v frail_a and_o fade_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o make_v this_o truth_n take_v due_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n who_o be_v natural_o unwilling_a to_o admit_v thought_n of_o a_o change_n amos_n 6.2_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v it_o in_o upon_o man_n mind_n under_o the_o same_o similitude_n in_o very_a many_o place_n of_o scripture_n job_n 14.2_o psal_n 103.15_o isa_n 40.6_o jam._n 1.10_o and_o here_o by_o many_o expression_n all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fall_v away_o 4._o the_o believe_a consideration_n of_o this_o frailty_n and_o fadingness_n of_o man_n natural_a estate_n and_o earthly_a contentment_n shall_v heighten_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o esteem_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o better_a estate_n whereunto_o by_o receive_v the_o gospel_n they_o may_v be_v advance_v and_o shall_v be_v to_o they_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n which_o will_v abide_v when_o other_o thing_n do_v fade_v 1_o joh._n 3.9_o and_o especial_o to_o the_o study_n of_o mutual_a love_n among_o themselves_o those_o earthly_a thing_n for_o which_o usual_o they_o contend_v gen._n 13.8_o and_o particular_o their_o credit_n the_o love_n whereof_o be_v often_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o strife_n among_o they_o luk._n 22.24_o be_v so_o fade_v and_o uncertain_a for_o as_o a_o commendation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o regenerate_v or_o motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o particular_o of_o brotherly_a love_n be_v this_o here_o bring_v in_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fall_v away_o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 5._o what_o ever_o can_v be_v speak_v to_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o word_n serve_v also_o for_o the_o commendation_n of_o they_o who_o have_v by_o faith_n receive_v it_o and_o be_v regenerate_v by_o it_o that_o which_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o spiritual_a be_v their_o charter_n and_o right_a to_o all_o their_o privilege_n and_o inheritance_n be_v excellent_a and_o worthy_a their_o state_n must_v needs_o be_v such_o likewise_o for_o it_o be_v clear_v the_o apostle_n purpose_v here_o be_v to_o commend_v the_o state_n of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o best_a natural_a state_n and_o this_o he_o esteem_v to_o be_v sufficient_o do_v by_o commend_v the_o word_n from_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o frail_a state_n of_o man_n natural_o consider_v all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 6._o they_o who_o have_v receive_v a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n and_o so_o be_v enter_v in_o a_o new_a state_n by_o their_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o fix_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o frequent_a meditation_n the_o perpetuity_n of_o that_o word_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n promise_v therein_o which_o shall_v endure_v to_o they_o for_o all_o eternity_n that_o so_o they_o may_v the_o better_o see_v and_o be_v the_o more_o affect_v with_o their_o own_o blessedness_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v commend_v the_o word_n from_o this_o property_n of_o it_o before_o repeat_v it_o here_o again_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 7._o as_o christ_n own_o worth_n and_o excellency_n be_v best_a see_v when_o he_o be_v compare_v with_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v worth_a in_o they_o cant._n 2.3_o so_o the_o worth_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v best_a see_v and_o most_o esteem_v of_o by_o we_o when_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o frailty_n and_o fectlesness_n of_o the_o best_a state_n on_o earth_n beside_o for_o to_o heighten_v believer_n esteem_v of_o the_o one_o he_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o other_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o consequent_o their_o state_n who_o be_v beget_v again_o by_o the_o word_n endure_v for_o ever_o 8._o what_o ever_o good_a esteem_v the_o lord_n people_n have_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o general_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o same_o or_o the_o particular_a message_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o from_o or_o according_a to_o that_o word_n by_o the_o lord_n servant_n who_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o
may_v disgrace_v or_o bring_v in_o contempt_n that_o ordinance_n in_o the_o person_n of_o any_o as_o these_o base_a man_n do_v who_o guiltiness_n and_o wrath_n must_v therefore_o be_v exceed_v great_a doct._n 1._o the_o good_a angel_n be_v some_o way_n present_a at_o and_o employ_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n not_o only_o within_o the_o church_n as_o guardian_n and_o servant_n to_o the_o saint_n psal_n 34.7_o as_o witness_n of_o their_o worship_n 1_o cor._n 11.10_o and_o condisciple_n with_o they_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o pet._n 1.13_o but_o also_o without_o the_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o her_o good_a execute_v judgement_n at_o the_o lord_n command_n upon_o her_o enemy_n isa_n 37.36_o mar_v their_o counsel_n against_o she_o dan._n 10.20_o although_o they_o use_v not_o now_o visible_o to_o appear_v since_o the_o worship_v of_o they_o have_v so_o prevail_v in_o the_o antichristian_a church_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o some_o way_n present_a and_o employ_v as_o be_v say_v the_o carriage_n of_o these_o heretic_n can_v not_o be_v aggrege_v from_o the_o dissimilitude_n thereof_o to_o the_o present_a carriage_n of_o the_o good_a angel_n towards_o magistrate_n as_o here_o it_o be_v they_o despise_v government_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n whereas_o angel_n which_o be_v great_a 〈◊〉_d power_n and_o might_n bring_v no_o rail_a accusation_n against_o they_o 2._o although_o the_o power_n of_o angel_n be_v smite_v as_o themselves_o be_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v incommunicable_a property_n to_o be_v almighty_a gen._n 17.1_o yet_o that_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o they_o attend_v heb._n 1.14_o and_o for_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o they_o oppose_v psal_n 68.17_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a on_o earth_n for_o whether_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o false_a teacher_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o follower_n be_v very_o powerful_a or_o with_o magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o mighty_a on_o earth_n they_o be_v according_a to_o this_o scripture_n great_a in_o power_n and_o might_n 3._o the_o more_o nearness_n any_o creature_n have_v to_o god_n and_o the_o more_o eminent_a for_o gracious_a qualification_n they_o be_v the_o more_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n will_v they_o bear_v towards_o creature_n that_o be_v void_a of_o those_o perfection_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v and_o compass_v with_o infirmity_n whereof_o they_o be_v free_a and_o the_o less_o delight_n will_v they_o have_v in_o their_o disgrace_n or_o destruction_n therefore_o the_o angel_n who_o do_v with_o much_o alacrity_n and_o height_n of_o divine_a zeal_n execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o be_v command_v psal_n 103.20_o who_o be_v witness_n of_o more_o of_o the_o wickedness_n and_o sinful_a infirmity_n of_o magistrate_n than_o false_a teacher_n can_v be_v and_o who_o do_v far_o excel_v both_o in_o perfection_n do_v not_o as_o false_a teacher_n use_v to_o do_v bring_v any_o rail_a accusation_n against_o they_o before_o the_o lord_n 4._o as_o the_o eminency_n of_o sinner_n do_v in_o some_o respect_v aggrege_n their_o sin_n because_o of_o the_o power_n of_o their_o example_n and_o their_o great_a engagement_n to_o god_n 2_o sam._n 12.7_o so_o also_o do_v the_o meanness_n of_o their_o condition_n in_o other_o respect_n prov._n 30.21_o they_o be_v thereby_o call_v to_o the_o more_o humble_a dependence_n and_o duty_n towards_o god_n for_o thus_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n aggrege_v that_o they_o be_v such_o base_a and_o mean_a creature_n shall_v despise_v dominion_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n whereas_o angel_n that_o be_v great_a in_o power_n and_o might_n bring_v no_o rail_a accusation_n against_o they_o before_o the_o lord_n verse_n 12._o but_o these_o as_o natural_a bruit_n beast_n make_v to_o be_v take_v and_o destroy_v speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o shall_v utter_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o corruption_n the_o apostle_n have_v show_v how_o unlike_o these_o false_a teacher_n who_o despise_v magistracy_n and_o government_n among_o christian_n be_v to_o the_o most_o glorious_a creature_n of_o god_n the_o good_a angel_n he_o show_v here_o how_o like_a they_o be_v in_o this_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o carriage_n to_o the_o base_a of_o the_o creature_n the_o bruit_n beast_n and_o the_o resemblance_n betwixt_o they_o which_o the_o apostle_n word_n may_v lead_v we_o unto_o be_v especial_o three_o 1._o as_o the_o beast_n be_v void_a of_o humane_a reason_n so_o be_v they_o of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n 2._o as_o the_o beast_n do_v ready_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o most_o precious_a thing_n so_o do_v they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o whereby_o be_v especial_o mean_v their_o oppose_v of_o magistracy_n and_o government_n among_o christian_n and_o their_o slander_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o holiness_n so_o much_o press_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n 3._o as_o the_o beast_n be_v frame_v for_o destruction_n so_o be_v they_o for_o utter_a perdition_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o they_o that_o have_v immortal_a soul_n can_v come_v to_o nothing_o as_o the_o beast_n but_o that_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o eternal_a torment_n which_o they_o do_v procure_v to_o themselves_o as_o the_o beast_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o slaughter_n hence_o learn_v 1._o however_o man_n of_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o vile_a affection_n may_v be_v in_o so_o high_a esteem_n in_o the_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o fair_a pretence_n and_o specious_a title_n they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o draw_v a_o very_a considerable_a faction_n therein_o after_o they_o yet_o do_v the_o lord_n esteem_v such_o and_o will_v in_o his_o own_o time_n discover_v they_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n base_a and_o beastly_a in_o their_o disposition_n and_o carriage_n for_o here_o these_o false_a teacher_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o consolation_n to_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 17._o and_o patron_n of_o christian_n liberty_n ver_fw-la 19_o by_o such_o fair_a pretence_n gain_v to_o themselves_o a_o numerous_a party_n ver_fw-la 2._o be_v declare_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v as_o natural_a bruit_n beast_n 2._o when_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n not_o by_o holy_a reason_n and_o do_v become_v very_o adventurous_a in_o pass_v most_o hard_a sentence_n against_o thing_n they_o understand_v least_o they_o have_v then_o the_o character_n of_o a_o beastly_a disposition_n and_o carriage_n for_o both_o these_o be_v here_o make_v resemblance_n betwixt_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a teacher_n who_o as_o natural_a bruit_n beast_n speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v noâ—_n 3._o when_o man_n do_v thus_o resemble_v the_o beast_n in_o their_o disposition_n and_o carriage_n it_o be_v the_o clear_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v that_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o destruction_n as_o the_o beast_n be_v for_o the_o slaughter_n and_o that_o however_o they_o may_v as_o feed_v beast_n prosper_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v much_o worse_a than_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n make_v the_o resemblance_n also_o in_o this_o that_o as_o the_o beast_n be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o destroy_v so_o shall_v they_o utter_o perish_v 4._o the_o punishment_n that_o abide_v the_o wicked_a do_v consist_v in_o a_o through_o and_o continual_a torment_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o privation_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o that_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o hope_n of_o recovery_n which_o be_v import_v in_o this_o they_o shall_v utter_o perish_v 5._o whatever_o destruction_n come_v upon_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v of_o their_o own_o procure_n they_o do_v in_o time_n by_o their_o sin_n treasure-up_a the_o wrath_n and_o gather_v the_o fuel_n which_o shall_v seize_v upon_o they_o and_o burn_v they_o up_o to_o all_o eternity_n for_o they_o shall_v utter_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o destruction_n verse_n 13._o and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o unrighteousness_n at_o they_o that_o count_v it_o pleasure_n to_o riot_n in_o the_o day_n time_n spot_n they_o be_v and_o blemish_n sport_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o deceive_n while_o they_o feast_v with_o you_o 14._o have_v eye_n full_a of_o adultery_n and_o that_o can_v cease_v from_o sin_n begutle_v unstable_a soul_n a_o heart_n they_o have_v exercise_v with_o covetous_a practice_n curse_a child_n here_o be_v a_o further_a amplification_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o judgement_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n who_o the_o apostle_n have_v former_o describe_v and_o threaten_v the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v want_v
describe_v these_o man_n here_o as_o slave_n to_o all_o these_o three_o idol_n at_o once_o to_o their_o pleasure_n which_o be_v their_o eden_n to_o their_o credit_n which_o make_v they_o hold_v forth_o bait_v to_o take_v many_o follower_n and_o to_o their_o gain_n wherewith_o their_o heart_n be_v exercise_v that_o so_o their_o pleasure_n and_o credit_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o uphold_v last_o they_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v spend_v their_o immortal_a spirit_n upon_o the_o unworthy_a thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n not_o trust_v to_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o moderate_a use_n of_o lawful_a mean_n whereunto_o their_o profession_n do_v oblige_v they_o they_o do_v forfeit_v their_o right_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o child_n and_o serve_v themselves_o heir_n to_o his_o curse_n for_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v exercise_v with_o covetous_a practice_n they_o be_v curse_v child_n verse_n 15._o which_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o be_v go_v astray_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o balaam_n the_o son_n of_o bosor_n who_o love_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n 16._o but_o be_v rebuke_v for_o his_o iniquity_n the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v with_o man_n voice_n forbid_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o apostle_n have_v show_v what_o idol_n these_o false_a teacher_n do_v set_v up_o he_o show_v here_o two_o woeful_a effect_n that_o their_o love_n to_o they_o especial_o to_o their_o gain_n have_v upon_o they_o the_o first_o be_v their_o apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o be_v extreme_a violence_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o idol_n which_o last_o he_o set_v forth_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o bâ—laam_n who_o be_v so_o mad_a in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o same_o idol_n that_o even_o extraordinary_a opposition_n can_v not_o restrain_v he_o hence_o learn_v 1._o however_o man_n that_o real_o enter_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n can_v never_o total_o or_o final_o fall_v from_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v undertake_v joh._n 10.28_o and_o unchangeableness_n rom._n 11.29_o yet_o they_o who_o have_v be_v once_o in_o opinion_n sound_n and_o in_o external_a practice_n blameless_a remain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n without_o any_o inward_a save_a change_n may_v make_v apostasy_n from_o both_o for_o such_o have_v these_o man_n be_v of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o have_v forsake_v the_o right_a way_n 2._o love_n to_o some_o unmortified_a lust_n especial_o covetousness_n be_v the_o prime_a cause_n both_o of_o much_o apostasy_n and_o of_o extreme_a violence_n in_o sinful_a course_n for_o so_o be_v it_o with_o these_o false_a teacher_n and_o their_o follower_n their_o heart_n be_v exercise_v with_o covetous_a practice_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n and_o therefore_o they_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n imitate_v balaam_n in_o the_o violent_a prosecution_n of_o that_o idol_n 3._o when_o the_o right_a way_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n be_v forsake_v man_n can_v keep_v no_o certain_a course_n but_o must_v needs_o be_v like_o wander_a star_n or_o planet_n as_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v ever_o seek_v and_o never_o find_v that_o true_a satisfaction_n they_o may_v have_v have_v and_o have_v forsake_v by_o forsake_v the_o right_a way_n and_o be_v go_v astray_o 4._o when_o the_o lord_n be_v ordinary_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v sinner_n from_o their_o lust_n do_v not_o prevail_v with_o they_o the_o lord_n be_v just_o provoke_v to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n over_o the_o belly_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a opposition_n if_o they_o have_v it_o till_o they_o perish_v for_o balaam_n be_v not_o restrain_v by_o mean_n more_o ordinary_a in_o his_o time_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o mean_n more_o extraordinary_a he_o love_v the_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n though_o he_o be_v rebuke_v for_o his_o iniquity_n by_o the_o dumb_a ass_n 5._o covetousness_n be_v once_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o propose_v as_o a_o man_n main_a end_n it_o be_v so_o powerful_a and_o imperious_a a_o idol_n that_o it_o will_v make_v the_o covetous_a man_n adventure_n upon_o any_o course_n though_o never_o so_o unrighteous_a and_o go_v over_o never_o so_o much_o opposition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o gain_n for_o though_o the_o wage_n that_o balaam_n desire_v be_v wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v have_v but_o by_o curse_v the_o people_n who_o god_n have_v blessed_v yet_o he_o love_v they_o and_o pursue_v they_o though_o the_o dumb_a ass_n forbid_v his_o madness_n in_o so_o do_v 6._o the_o more_o opposition_n from_o the_o word_n or_o dispensation_n of_o god_n man_n do_v go_v over_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o lust_n the_o great_a be_v their_o guilt_n and_o the_o more_o wrath_n have_v they_o to_o expect_v from_o god_n especial_o when_o they_o trace_v the_o step_n of_o sinner_n who_o god_n have_v by_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n oppose_v before_o they_o for_o it_o be_v here_o make_v a_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o cause_n of_o a_o special_a measure_n of_o wrath_n that_o these_o man_n follow_v the_o way_n of_o balaam_n who_o will_v go_v on_o after_o his_o lust_n though_o the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v with_o man_n voice_n forbid_v his_o madness_n 7._o it_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n more_o easy_a to_o work_v the_o great_a miracle_n in_o nature_n than_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o a_o sinner_n violent_o pursue_v his_o lust_n the_o reasonless_a creature_n who_o have_v no_o active_a opposition_n in_o they_o to_o their_o maker_n will_n be_v more_o prone_a to_o obey_v he_o contrary_a to_o their_o ordinary_a course_n than_o reasonable_a creature_n without_o special_a grace_n and_o assistance_n can_v be_v either_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o his_o word_n or_o their_o own_o reason_n contrary_a to_o their_o corrupt_a and_o vile_a affection_n for_o while_o balaam_n go_v on_o in_o his_o sinful_a course_n the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v as_o if_o it_o have_v a_o man_n voice_n forbid_v his_o madness_n 8._o a_o cross_a providence_n meet_v sinner_n in_o a_o course_n contrary_n to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o language_n to_o they_o proclaim_v their_o madness_n and_o prohibit_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v although_o it_o be_v not_o so_o express_v as_o when_o one_o man_n reprove_v another_o see_v mica_n 6.9_o for_o though_o we_o read_v not_o numb_a 22._o that_o balaam_n ass_n do_v either_o express_o call_v he_o mad_a or_o prohibit_v his_o course_n yet_o here_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v that_o commentary_n upon_o what_o it_o speak_v which_o also_o balaam_n shall_v have_v do_v that_o the_o dumb_a ass_n speak_v with_o man_n voice_n forbid_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n 9_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o madness_n to_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n how_o much_o use_n of_o reason_n soever_o man_n may_v have_v to_o cover_v their_o wickedness_n and_o attain_v to_o their_o idol_n for_o though_o much_o carnal_a reason_n and_o policy_n do_v appear_v in_o balaam_n way_n yet_o the_o dumb_a ass_n forbid_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n 10._o a_o man_n who_o be_v mad_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o so_o incorrigible_a that_o even_o extraordinary_a mean_n do_v not_o reclaim_v he_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o reveal_v of_o his_o will_n to_o his_o people_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o employment_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o much_o heavenly_a matter_n and_o suitable_a expression_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o employment_n while_o he_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n put_v from_o that_o employment_n for_o such_o a_o man_n be_v balaam_n who_o the_o lord_n do_v employ_v and_o by_o who_o he_o do_v deliver_v most_o comfortable_a and_o edify_a truth_n to_o his_o church_n all_o which_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v this_o place_n of_o scripture_n with_o numb_a 21,22_o chapter_n verse_n 17._o these_o be_v well_n without_o water_n cloud_n that_o be_v carry_v with_o a_o tempest_n to_o who_o the_o mist_n of_o darkness_n be_v reserve_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o follow_a verse_n the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o several_a of_o those_o mean_n which_o false_a teacher_n make_v use_v of_o for_o attain_v their_o forename_a idol_n especial_o their_o gain_n and_o applause_n the_o first_o which_o be_v in_o this_o vers_fw-la be_v their_o fair_a
1.4_o and_o the_o dominion_n of_o our_o own_o lust_n rom._n 6.14_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o be_v much_o abuse_v while_o it_o be_v stretch_v to_o give_v liberty_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o loose_v christian_n from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o they_o be_v now_o press_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o do_v the_o apostle_n forewarn_v it_o shall_v be_v abuse_v along_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o 1._o and_o 21._o verse_n 2._o they_o that_o be_v much_o in_o cry_v up_o christian_a liberty_n and_o little_a or_o nothing_o in_o press_v the_o holy_a commandment_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o redeem_a one_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o christian_a liberty_n and_o one_o main_a end_n of_o our_o liberation_n from_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n luke_n 1.74_o 75._o they_o can_v but_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o so_o must_v those_o be_v that_o embrace_v that_o doctrine_n for_o while_o they_o promise_v they_o liberty_n they_o themselves_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o corruption_n 3._o although_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o law_n to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n who_o can_v make_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o man_n can_v do_v subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o end_n psal_n 119.91_o yet_o he_o who_o do_v voluntary_o and_o ordinary_o giveup_a himself_o to_o serve_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n without_o resistance_n or_o cry_v to_o christ_n for_o help_v be_v then_o in_o a_o manner_n a_o lawful_a captive_n to_o satan_n to_o be_v detain_v by_o he_o till_o the_o supreme_a judge_n execute_v deserve_v wrath_n upon_o he_o as_o one_o that_o render_v himself_o to_o a_o conqueror_n be_v his_o bondslave_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v while_o he_o say_v of_o who_o a_o man_n be_v overcome_v of_o the_o same_o be_v he_o bring_v in_o bondage_n verse_n 20._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n 21._o for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o condition_n of_o these_o apostate_n who_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v attain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v power_n upon_o they_o to_o cleanse_v their_o outside_n to_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o it_o be_v before_o that_o change_n because_o their_o sin_n and_o judgement_n have_v be_v less_o if_o they_o have_v never_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o way_n of_o justification_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o will_v be_v now_o after_o that_o have_v be_v clear_v to_o their_o understanding_n and_o yet_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o do_v cast_v off_o another_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n upon_o justify_v person_n hence_o learn_v 1._o even_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o mortification_n of_o heart-pollution_n may_v find_v so_o much_o power_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o to_o make_v they_o cleanse_v their_o external_a conversation_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o ravish_v a_o subject_n able_a to_o divert_v even_o a_o unrenewed_a mind_n from_o many_o sinful_a speculation_n that_o even_o a_o hypocrite_n live_v in_o love_n with_o his_o secret_a lust_n may_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v break_v forth_o in_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n 2._o they_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o a_o heart-outcast_n with_o sin_n and_o some_o inward_a mortification_n thereof_o will_n upon_o fit_a occasion_n and_o temptation_n be_v ready_o ensnare_v again_o and_o make_v slave_n to_o these_o same_o sin_n which_o be_v external_o reform_v and_o from_o the_o outward_a act_n whereof_o only_o they_o have_v make_v a_o escape_n for_o these_o here_o speak_v of_o have_v only_o escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v and_o overcome_v 3._o before_o man_n be_v overcome_v by_o temptation_n they_o be_v first_o entice_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o pleasure_n profit_n or_o the_o like_a to_o be_v have_v by_o their_o sin_n with_o which_o apprehension_n the_o hazard_n and_o danger_n of_o commit_v the_o sin_n be_v cover_v and_o hide_v as_o the_o fisher_n hook_n be_v by_o the_o bait_n which_o be_v the_o metaphor_n in_o the_o apostle_n expression_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v and_o overcome_v 4._o the_o guilt_n and_o deserve_v wrath_n against_o those_o who_o after_o illumination_n by_o the_o truth_n and_o external_a renunciation_n of_o their_o sin_n do_v return_v back_o again_o to_o they_o be_v much_o great_a than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v so_o far_o enlighten_v and_o reform_v their_o sin_n be_v now_o against_o light_n and_o some_o taste_n of_o sweetness_n which_o be_v sometime_o let_v out_o even_o to_o those_o who_o do_v but_o external_o renounce_v their_o sin_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6.4_o etc._n etc._n for_o of_o such_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v here_o the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n 5._o those_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n do_v make_v know_v the_o way_n of_o free_a justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o also_o he_o do_v deliver_v his_o holy_a commandment_n the_o obedience_n whereof_o they_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o in_o his_o strength_n for_o so_o much_o be_v import_v in_o the_o apostle_n word_n that_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o 6._o it_o be_v less_o difficult_a and_o more_o ordinary_a for_o man_n to_o adhere_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o profession_n to_o the_o way_n of_o free_a justification_n by_o christ_n impute_a righteousness_n when_o that_o way_n be_v once_o clear_v to_o their_o mind_n than_o it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o insist_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o holy_a duty_n which_o christ_n press_v upon_o they_o and_o offer_v they_o strength_n for_o there_o be_v even_o in_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v most_o averse_a from_o holy_a duty_n some_o inclination_n to_o be_v make_v bless_v and_o that_o free_o which_o be_v import_v in_o the_o apostle_n change_v of_o the_o expression_n for_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o after_o they_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n they_o have_v turn_v from_o it_o import_v that_o these_o false_a teacher_n do_v still_o profess_v and_o preach_v justification_n by_o his_o righteousness_n but_o after_o they_o have_v know_v that_o way_n they_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o their_o adhere_n to_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o make_v their_o guilt_n great_a than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o know_v that_o one_o and_o no_o less_o than_o if_o they_o have_v turn_v from_o both_o verse_n 22._o but_o it_o be_v happen_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o true_a proverb_n the_o dog_n be_v turn_v to_o his_o own_o vomit_n again_o and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o apostle_n guard_v against_o any_o offence_n which_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o apostasy_n of_o these_o false_a teacher_n and_o their_o follower_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v now_o prove_v themselves_o never_o to_o have_v be_v inward_o renew_v as_o the_o true_a sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o only_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o profession_n to_o have_v external_o renunce_v that_o vileness_n whereunto_o they_o be_v now_o return_v again_o after_o the_o custom_n of_o dog_n and_o swine_n according_a to_o that_o common_a proverb_n which_o be_v make_v useof_a in_o scripture_n prov._n 26.11_o doct._n 1._o sin_n ought_v to_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o lord_n minister_n in_o its_o abominable_a vileness_n especial_o when_o man_n labour_v to_o palliate_v their_o filthy_a practice_n with_o fair_a pretence_n therefore_o these_o vile_a practice_n which_o these_o false_a teacher_n call_v their_o christian_n liberty_n the_o apostle_n here_o call_v a_o lick_n up_o of_o their_o vomit_n and_o a_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n 2._o they_o who_o after_o external_a reformation_n and_o great_a profession_n of_o holiness_n do_v return_n unto_o and_o continue_v in_o their_o renounce_v sin_n do_v thereby_o give_v evidence_n that_o they_o be_v never_o inward_o or_o real_o