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
further_a motive_n the_o one_o be_v that_o since_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o call_v they_o from_o a_o estate_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n to_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n they_o ought_v therefore_o to_o walk_v answerable_o to_o their_o holy_a call_n the_o other_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o conformity_n between_o the_o holy_a lord_n and_o all_o his_o child_n and_o therefore_o holiness_n which_o be_v his_o property_n ought_v to_o be_v study_v by_o they_o and_o manifest_v in_o all_o the_o particular_a passage_n of_o their_o christian_n course_n and_o this_o last_o argument_n the_o apostle_n confirm_v from_o the_o scripture_n whereof_o though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a place_n here_o cite_v yet_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o several_a place_n leu._n 11.44.19.2_o and_o 20.7_o mat._n 5.17_o hence_o learn_v 1._o they_o that_o will_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o holy_a and_o so_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o holiness_n which_o consist_v in_o abstenance_n from_o what_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o relation_n of_o child_n but_o they_o must_v also_o labour_v for_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o conformity_n to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n in_o his_o holiness_n for_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v press_v that_o study_n negative_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o conform_v themselves_o to_o their_o former_a lust_n in_o their_o ignorance_n he_o urge_v here_o the_o positive_a part_n thereof_o but_o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a 2._o they_o who_o have_v find_v the_o lord_n powerful_o call_v they_o from_o that_o estate_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n wherein_o they_o be_v natural_o to_o a_o bless_a condition_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n shall_v think_v themselves_o thereby_o strong_o oblige_v to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n whereby_o christian_n in_o heart_n and_o practice_n be_v alienate_v and_o draw_v from_o thing_n earthly_a and_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o use_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o so_o do_v evidence_n to_o themselves_o their_o effectual_a call_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o for_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n the_o apostle_n here_o suggest_v to_o believer_n their_o calling_n but_o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a 3._o although_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o be_v conform_v in_o holiness_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v essential_o immutable_a and_o infinite_o holy_a 1_o sam._n 2.2_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a unerring_a pattern_n low_a than_o the_o holy_a one_o to_o be_v set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v the_o holy_a on_o earth_n a_o sufficient_a copy_n to_o they_o but_o be_v still_o ashamed_a of_o their_o defect_n in_o holiness_n and_o unsatisfied_a with_o their_o present_a measure_n thereof_o must_v still_o be_v aim_v at_o a_o near_a conformity_n with_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o daily_o make_v use_n of_o he_o who_o be_v their_o sanctification_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o to_o cover_v their_o defect_n and_o to_o sanctify_v they_o more_o full_o for_o this_o be_v the_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o all_o the_o call_v child_n of_o god_n shall_v aspire_v as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a 4._o although_o internal_a holiness_n be_v main_o lovely_a to_o the_o lord_n psal_n 51.6_o and_o the_o external_a without_o it_o be_v loathsome_a to_o he_o mat._n 23.27_o yet_o none_o shall_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o that_o holiness_n which_o they_o imagine_v to_o have_v within_o but_o shall_v labour_v to_o manifest_a holiness_n in_o their_o external_a conversation_n by_o show_v themselves_o in_o their_o visible_a act_n mindful_a and_o respective_a of_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n leu._n 20.7_o 8._o psal_n 119.6_o whereby_o they_o glorify_v he_o before_o other_o and_o evidence_n themselves_o to_o have_v true_a holiness_n joh._n 15.8_o for_o this_o conformity_n to_o our_o father_n in_o holiness_n must_v be_v manifest_v in_o the_o conversation_n 5._o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n conversation_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o favour_n of_o holiness_n and_o true_a piety_n not_o only_o his_o religious_a but_o even_o his_o common_a and_o civil_a action_n aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o and_o under_o all_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o god_n with_o he_o he_o ought_v still_o to_o prove_v himself_o a_o hater_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n approve_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o press_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 6._o the_o strict_a of_o moral_a precept_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v bind_v to_o believer_n under_o the_o new_a the_o substance_n of_o all_o of_o they_o which_o be_v that_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v love_v their_o maker_n and_o their_o fellow-creature_n be_v of_o perpetual_a equity_n oblige_v both_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n or_o that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v thereby_o but_o only_o what_o the_o regenerate_v be_v enable_v to_o aim_v at_o and_o to_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o as_o through_o christ_n shall_v be_v accept_v as_o if_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o what_o be_v require_v col._n 2.10_o for_o here_o one_o of_o the_o strict_a of_o moral_a precept_n that_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v press_v upon_o believer_n as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a 7._o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n aught_o to_o have_v his_o 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 what_o they_o deliver_v to_o the_o lord_n people_n from_o clear_a and_o express_v testimony_n thereof_o especial_o when_o they_o press_v such_o truth_n as_o natural_a heart_n be_v most_o averse_a from_o for_o even_o this_o extraordinary_a minister_n the_o apostle_n who_o people_n have_v less_o reason_n to_o suspect_v than_o any_o ordinary_a minister_n while_o he_o press_v this_o high_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n to_o wit_n the_o study_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o holy_a one_o he_o thus_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a 8._o although_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n sometime_o to_o point_v out_o to_o people_n the_o particular_a place_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o they_o do_v confirm_v their_o doctrine_n act._n 13.33_o yet_o ought_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o write_a word_n that_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o any_o sentence_n of_o it_o they_o may_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n mind_n that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v no_o necessity_n for_o minister_n to_o spend_v time_n and_o burden_n people_n memory_n with_o multiply_a citation_n for_o every_o truth_n they_o deliver_v especial_o where_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v remarkable_a and_o frequent_o to_o be_v find_v for_o so_o the_o apostle_n cite_v this_o remarkable_a scripture_n which_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v not_o name_v any_o particular_a place_n but_o only_o say_v it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a verse_n 17._o and_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n follow_v the_o five_o and_o six_o motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n the_o one_o be_v that_o even_o those_o who_o take_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o father_n and_o themselves_o for_o his_o child_n will_v find_v he_o a_o exact_a and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o they_o and_o all_o their_o action_n the_o other_o be_v that_o his_o child_n be_v but_o stranger_n and_o sojourner_n and_o so_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o hazard_n and_o temptation_n both_o which_o shall_v move_v they_o to_o study_v holiness_n whereof_o this_o be_v a_o special_a part_n to_o carry_v along_o in_o their_o heart_n through_o their_o pilgrimage_n some_o fear_n of_o offend_v their_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o judge_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o more_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o confidence_n of_o his_o fatherly_a affection_n christian_n attain_v unto_o the_o more_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o particular_o to_o walk_v in_o fear_n of_o offend_v he_o who_o will_v
in_o the_o next_o he_o commend_v the_o epistle_n itself_o 1._o from_o the_o shortness_n of_o it_o and_o 2._o from_o the_o sweet_a scope_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n freegrace_n whereunto_o they_o do_v adhere_v hence_o learn_v 1._o though_o save_v truth_n shall_v be_v hearty_o embrace_v who_o ever_o they_o be_v that_o carry_v it_o philip._n 1.15_o 18._o yet_o it_o contribute_v for_o the_o better_a acceptance_n thereof_o that_o those_o who_o deliver_v it_o deserve_v and_o have_v a_o good_a esteem_n among_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o have_v a_o special_a respect_n to_o their_o good_a for_o to_o make_v thiâ—_n epistle_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v firsâ—_o direct_v the_o apostle_n commend_v he_o that_o carry_v it_o and_o be_v to_o open_v it_o up_o unto_o they_o as_o one_o faithful_a in_o his_o office_n and_o love_v towards_o they_o by_o silvanus_n a_o faithfâ—ll_a brother_n unto_o you_o 2._o it_o become_v those_o who_o be_v of_o long_o stand_v and_o more_o eminent_a gift_n in_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o undervalue_v or_o slight_v those_o who_o be_v of_o short_a stand_n and_o mean_a gift_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o gain_v to_o they_o all_o the_o respect_n and_o esteem_v they_o can_v among_o the_o lord_n people_n for_o the_o message-sake_n which_o they_o carry_v for_o this_o apostle_n be_v among_o the_o first_o of_o those_o that_o christ_n call_v immediate_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o eminent_o honour_v by_o he_o to_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o scripture_n do_v here_o commend_v silvanus_n of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o christ_n day_n and_o who_o be_v only_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n call_v to_o expound_v the_o write_a word_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v his_o equal_a by_o silvanus_n a_o faithful_a brother_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o his_o master_n service_n by_o improve_n his_o talent_n whether_o more_o or_o few_o for_o his_o glory_n mat._n 25.21_o 23._o and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o brotherly_a affection_n towards_o his_o fellow-labourer_n express_v the_o same_o by_o work_v to_o their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n col._n 4.11_o and_o to_o the_o people_n by_o a_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a care_n of_o their_o good_a as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o brethren_n philip._n 4.1_o for_o this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o silvanus_n a_o faithful_a brother_n to_o you_o 4._o it_o be_v neither_o safe_a to_o withhold_v our_o testimony_n concern_v the_o fidelity_n of_o other_o when_o we_o have_v ground_n for_o charity_n that_o they_o do_v deserve_v it_o nor_o to_o be_v positive_a and_o superlative_a in_o commend_v of_o any_o as_o if_o we_o be_v infallible_o persuade_v of_o their_o faithfulness_n for_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o commendation_n to_o silvanus_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n with_o such_o a_o adjection_n as_o signify_v a_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v he_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v gather_v by_o several_a probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n and_o yet_o the_o expression_n do_v import_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o certainty_n to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v concern_v his_o own_o estate_n and_o fidelity_n in_o his_o call_v rom._n 8.38_o 1_o tim._n 1.12_o by_o silvanus_n a_o faithful_a brother_n as_o i_o suppose_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a favour_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n to_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o they_o in_o writing_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o trial_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v his_o mind_n isa_n 8.20_o to_o help_v their_o frail_a memory_n the_o better_a to_o remember_v his_o truth_n isa_n 30.8_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n among_o his_o people_n concern_v his_o mind_n which_o will_v far_v more_o ready_o arise_v if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o deliver_v in_o so_o transient_a a_o way_n as_o satan_n oracle_n be_v and_o that_o his_o people_n when_o they_o have_v not_o occasion_n to_o hear_v his_o mind_n preach_v or_o speak_v by_o other_o may_v have_v it_o with_o they_o to_o read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o act._n 8.28_o for_o though_o this_o apostle_n and_o other_o have_v preach_v the_o substance_n of_o 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o epistle_n to_o these_o same_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v act._n 2._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 25._o and_o though_o they_o have_v silvanus_n a_o man_n able_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n come_v to_o they_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o write_v his_o mind_n to_o they_o by_o silvanus_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o 6._o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a thing_n in_o christ_n servant_n and_o a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v much_o of_o the_o lord_n mind_n to_o his_o people_n in_o a_o few_o word_n provide_v it_o be_v with_o plainness_n of_o speech_n so_o will_v people_n be_v the_o more_o able_a to_o comprehend_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o retain_v in_o their_o memory_n what_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n commend_v this_o epistle_n which_o have_v in_o it_o the_o head_n of_o all_o save_a truth_n deliver_v in_o much_o plainness_n of_o speech_n from_o the_o shortness_n of_o it_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o brief_o 7._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n minister_n to_o make_v use_n of_o several_a strain_n of_o doctrine_n in_o deal_v with_o people_n sometime_o to_o exhort_v they_o and_o that_o with_o much_o earnestness_n and_o vehemency_n to_o their_o duty_n sometime_o to_o comfort_v they_o against_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n both_o which_o be_v in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o first_o word_n exhort_v at_o other_o time_n again_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n they_o deliver_v as_o a_o thing_n themselves_o know_v experimental_o and_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n joh._n 3.11_o confirm_v the_o same_o from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n act._n 26.22_o and_o 28.23_o and_o testify_v against_o they_o that_o reject_v or_o disobey_v the_o same_o deut._n 8._o 19_o according_a to_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o next_o word_n testify_v by_o both_o which_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o his_o several_a strain_n of_o deal_n with_o the_o people_n especial_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o these_o as_o a_o pattern_n to_o minister_n exhort_v and_o testify_v 8._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o all_o right_n preach_v thereof_o be_v to_o make_v offer_n unto_o sinner_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o pardon_v sanctify_a and_o save_v of_o they_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o embrace_v that_o offer_n and_o have_v embrace_v it_o to_o study_v the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o walk_v like_o gracious_a person_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o doctrine_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o sum_n and_o scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a word_n to_o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n 9_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wiâ—â—_n deceive_v none_o that_o receive_v it_o they_o will_v find_v the_o lord_n as_o gracious_a and_o his_o way_n as_o sweet_a as_o the_o gospel_n affirm_v for_o it_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n 10._o even_o those_o who_o have_v make_v good_a progress_n in_o grace_n and_o be_v for_o the_o present_a fix_v in_o their_o adherance_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o hazard_n to_o be_v shake_v by_o temptation_n and_o make_v to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o gracious_a offer_v make_v therein_o as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o put_v the_o apostle_n upon_o write_v a_o epistle_n to_o such_o for_o exhort_v and_o testify_v that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o do_v stand_v verse_n 13._o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o babylon_n elect_v together_o with_o you_o salute_v you_o and_o so_o do_v marcus_n my_o son_n here_o be_v the_o four_o article_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v salutation_n to_o the_o scatter_a jew_n 1._o from_o those_o christian_n at_o babylon_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o church_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o share_v with_o other_o of_o his_o people_n in_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a mercy_n this_o church_n at_o babylon_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o jew_n who_o
relate_v the_o great_a thing_n present_a and_o because_o a_o transient_a voice_n be_v more_o easy_o mistake_v or_o forget_v than_o a_o stand_v authentic_a record_n therefore_o the_o write_a word_n be_v a_o more_o sure_a ground_n for_o sinner_n faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n can_v be_v next_o he_o commend_v the_o write_a word_n from_o the_o usefulness_n thereof_o that_o it_o shall_v prove_v to_o sinner_n who_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n a_o comfortable_a directory_n through_o this_o dark_a state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o misery_n until_o they_o get_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o promise_a spirit_n and_o nearness_n to_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o need_v a_o prospect_n of_o glass_n of_o the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n which_o will_v not_o be_v till_o death_n and_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o write_a word_n believe_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n mind_n be_v the_o sure_a ground_n for_o faith_n to_o rest_v upon_o of_o any_o that_o ever_o have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v give_v to_o sinner_n subject_a to_o forgetfulness_n jealousy_n and_o mistake_n the_o general_a offer_n of_o christ_n and_o free_a promise_n of_o his_o grace_n exclude_v none_o who_o will_v not_o exclude_v themselves_o give_v more_o solid_a encouragement_n to_o self-judging_a sinner_n than_o they_o can_v have_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n call_v they_o by_o their_o name_n for_o that_o will_v ready_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v another_o than_o the_o lord_n or_o speak_v to_o another_o of_o that_o name_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n compare_v the_o write_a word_n with_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n call_v it_o to_o sinner_n a_o more_o sure_a word_n 2._o as_o this_o world_n be_v so_o dark_a a_o place_n that_o our_o own_o reason_n the_o counsel_n or_o example_n of_o other_o will_v often_o leave_v we_o comfortless_o to_o wander_v and_o fall_v in_o snare_n except_o we_o look_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n which_o shine_v in_o this_o dark_a place_n so_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n approbation_n and_o commendation_n who_o do_v apply_v their_o heart_n to_o and_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o this_o word_n as_o the_o only_a and_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o rule_v of_o their_o manner_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o err_v in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o to_o take_v heed_n as_o to_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 3._o although_o the_o light_n be_v now_o clear_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o be_v before_o christ_n come_v yet_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o light_n we_o shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n it_o be_v but_o dark_a like_o the_o light_n that_o shine_v out_o of_o a_o room_n where_o a_o candle_n be_v in_o a_o room_n where_o the_o candle_n be_v not_o see_v so_o much_o do_v this_o similitude_n of_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n import_n 4._o though_o it_o be_v so_o yet_o shall_v the_o word_n give_v comfortable_a direction_n to_o all_o that_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o it_o under_o all_o their_o cross_n confusion_n and_o difficulty_n and_o these_o who_o make_v it_o a_o lamp_n to_o their_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n to_o their_o path_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o get_v at_o last_o such_o a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a sight_n of_o christ_n as_o shall_v banish_v all_o darkness_n and_o doubt_n and_o such_o a_o near_a union_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o the_o bright_a morningstar_n glorious_o present_a by_o his_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o personal_o also_o in_o humane_a nature_n converse_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o word_n or_o ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n only_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o heaven_n till_o which_o time_n we_o will_v never_o be_v above_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n and_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n eph._n 4.13_o cant._n 4.12_o verse_n 20._o know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 21._o for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n last_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o write_a word_n from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o the_o interpretation_n or_o true_a meaning_n whereof_o can_v be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o wit_n or_o proper_a invention_n of_o any_o whereof_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o reason_n because_o these_o true_o gracious_a man_n who_o be_v consecrate_v and_o set_v a_o part_n by_o the_o lord_n for_o receive_v and_o register_n his_o mind_n in_o scripture_n can_v neither_o speak_v nor_o write_v when_o nor_o what_o thing_n they_o please_v but_o as_o they_o be_v immediate_o move_v and_o infallible_o furnish_v by_o the_o lord_n spirit_n who_o mind_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v must_v be_v know_v first_o to_o wit_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o save_a knowledge_n without_o which_o christian_n can_v profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n hence_o learn_v 1._o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o device_n of_o their_o head_n who_o write_v it_o but_o the_o public_a mind_n of_o god_n so_o none_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o right_a meaning_n nor_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v forth_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a skill_n or_o invention_n there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o knot_n as_o the_o word_n interpretation_n import_v as_o can_v be_v loose_v but_o by_o humble_a implore_v the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o mind_n it_o be_v as_o the_o penman_n of_o it_o themselves_o do_v that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v reveal_v to_o themselves_o psa_n 119.18_o dan._n 2.22_o zech._n 4.4_o 5._o and_o by_o compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o act._n 17.11_o and_o make_v use_n of_o other_o help_n that_o god_n have_v give_v dan._n 9.2_o 1_o tim._n 4.13_o 14_o 15._o by_o which_o mean_n through_o the_o lord_n blessing_n we_o may_v come_v to_o some_o save_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n mind_n in_o his_o word_n and_o may_v have_v the_o common_a or_o public_a consent_n of_o both_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n to_o every_o save_a truth_n make_v know_v 〈◊〉_d we_o therein_o for_o no_o prophecy_n or_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o a_o unquestionable_a truth_n this_o principle_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o lord_n mind_n none_o can_v of_o themselves_o attain_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o so_o till_o this_o principle_n be_v know_v at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o question_v there_o can_v be_v no_o light_n or_o comfort_v expect_v from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v exhort_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n to_o look_v to_o the_o word_n for_o direction_n and_o comfort_n do_v add_v here_o that_o as_o they_o will_v find_v these_o they_o must_v know_v this_o first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n and_o though_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n can_v full_o persuade_v heart_n that_o they_o be_v his_o mind_n yet_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o agreeable_a to_o natures-light_n but_o may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n know_v by_o it_o the_o one_o to_o wit_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o omnipotent_a wise_a righteous_a and_o good_a that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a he_o shall_v be_v serve_v and_o that_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n which_o therefore_o he_o be_v both_o wise_a and_o good_a must_v have_v some_o way_n reveal_v that_o reasonable_a creature_n have_v immortal_a soul_n and_o so_o die_v not_o as_o the_o beast_n that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a happiness_n in_o these_o thing_n wherein_o man_n do_v ordinary_o seek_v it_o that_o since_o vice_n and_o virtue_n receive_v not_o suitable_a reward_n here_o there_o must_v be_v punishment_n and_o reward_n after_o this_o life_n all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n natures-light_n teach_v though_o dark_o as_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o rom._n 1.19_o 20._o and_o the_o write_n of_o those_o that_o never_o know_v the_o scripture_n do_v witness_n the_o other_o again_o to_o wit_n the_o scripture_n clear_o reveal_v these_o same_o thing_n point_v out_o the_o nature_n will_n and_o way_n of_o worship_v of_o
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 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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 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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
not_o so_o thirst_v can_v conclude_v they_o have_v taste_v thereof_o and_o therefore_o a_o eager_a appetite_n after_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v labour_v for_o hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o believer_n seek_v and_o serve_v have_v in_o he_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o sweet_a for_o they_o and_o a_o strong_a bensel_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o let_v out_o the_o same_o to_o they_o whereof_o he_o have_v give_v abundant_a proof_n in_o provide_v such_o a_o remedy_n for_o lose_a sinner_n as_o himself_o to_o die_v for_o they_o tit._n 3.4_o etc._n etc._n in_o his_o daily_a pardon_v of_o their_o daily_a fail_n isa_n 55.7_o in_o his_o succour_v of_o they_o under_o their_o extremity_n heb._n 2.18_o and_o in_o his_o wait_v the_o fit_a opportunity_n for_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o to_o they_o isa_n 50.18_o for_o all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o be_v in_o this_o attribute_n of_o his_o as_o the_o scripture_n cite_v which_o do_v express_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o graciousness_n do_v make_v clear_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v but_o be_v sweet_a to_o all_o that_o ever_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 2._o although_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v in_o some_o sense_n taste_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal_n 145.9_o yet_o only_o his_o own_o elect_a and_o regenerate_v one_o taste_v of_o his_o graciousness_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_v in_o the_o forementioned_a effect_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o regenerate_v who_o be_v suppon_v here_o to_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 3._o although_o the_o way_n of_o believer_n partake_v and_o feel_n of_o this_o graciousness_n or_o sweetness_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v spiritual_a arise_v in_o their_o heart_n from_o their_o exercise_v of_o their_o faith_n in_o god_n as_o favourable_a to_o they_o through_o christ_n rom._n 5.1_o 2._o yet_o it_o be_v no_o less_o real_a and_o certain_a then_o that_o which_o be_v by_o any_o of_o the_o outward_a sense_n close_v with_o and_o delight_v in_o their_o proper_a object_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n set_v forth_o by_o smell_v psal_n 45.8_o and_o by_o see_v isa_n 45.25_o so_o here_o as_o also_o psal_n 34.8_o by_o taste_v if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 4._o all_o that_o believer_n get_v of_o christ_n in_o this_o life_n be_v in_o comparison_n of_o that_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o which_o they_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o a_o taste_n a_o spare_a measure_n to_o sharpen_v appetite_n after_o more_o for_o so_o it_o be_v here_o call_v a_o taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 5._o that_o which_o prove_v our_o taste_n of_o christ_n sweetness_n to_o be_v kind_o and_o proper_a to_o the_o regenerate_v be_v that_o thereby_o our_o inward_a and_o belove_a lust_n be_v weaken_v and_o we_o be_v make_v to_o lay_v they_o aside_o and_o to_o loathe_v they_o and_o our_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n be_v more_o sharpen_v by_o which_o the_o sweet_a feeling_n of_o the_o regenerate_v be_v difference_v from_o those_o which_o hypocrite_n may_v have_v which_o have_v no_o such_o concommitant_n heb._n 6.4_o for_o by_o consider_v the_o connexion_n of_o this_o verse_n with_o the_o former_a two_o it_o appear_v the_o apostle_n have_v press_v mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o desire_v after_o the_o word_n for_o growth_n as_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v in_o they_o if_o so_o be_v they_o have_v taste_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v 6._o all_o those_o taste_n of_o the_o graciousness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o saint_n may_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o and_o through_o the_o word_n for_o while_o he_o make_v their_o former_a taste_n of_o that_o kind_n a_o argument_n to_o sharpen_v their_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n he_o do_v clear_o import_v that_o both_o their_o former_a taste_n of_o that_o sort_n have_v be_v through_o the_o word_n and_o that_o more_o of_o these_o taste_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o same_o way_n and_o no_o way_n else_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n etc._n etc._n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o so_o will_v desire_v to_o taste_v more_o of_o that_o sort_n 7._o all_o the_o former_a experience_n we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o graciousness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n shall_v sharpen_v and_o put_v a_o edge_n upon_o our_o desire_n after_o more_o of_o that_o sort_n and_o after_o the_o word_n through_o which_o those_o experience_n be_v convey_v for_o to_o quicken_v their_o appetite_n after_o the_o word_n through_o which_o the_o lord_n people_n taste_v of_o his_o sweetness_n he_o mention_n their_o former_a taste_n here_o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v than_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a verse_n 4._o to_o who_o come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n disallow_v indeed_o of_o man_n but_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a 5._o you_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n here_o be_v the_o five_o motive_n to_o the_o hearty_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n take_v from_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o daily_a close_n with_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v therein_o and_o this_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o in_o several_a branch_n as_o first_o that_o christ_n shall_v prove_v himself_o a_o living_n and_o second_o a_o solid_a foundation_n to_o such_o as_o by_o faith_n build_v themselves_o upon_o he_o three_o that_o however_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n reject_v he_o as_o unworthy_a to_o be_v their_o choice_n yet_o be_v he_o the_o father_n choice_n and_o as_o our_o mediator_n in_o high_a esteem_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o be_v our_o choice_n and_o daily_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o ver_fw-la 4._o four_o that_o they_o who_o do_v close_o with_o he_o as_o the_o gospel_n offer_v he_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o some_o measure_n conform_v to_o he_o in_o spiritual_a life_n and_o stability_n five_o that_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o straight_o six_o that_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v fit_a for_o entertain_v communion_n with_o himself_o dwell_v in_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n as_o in_o his_o spiritual_a temple_n and_o seventh_o that_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o people_n consecrate_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o priest_n be_v of_o old_a to_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n praise_n and_o other_o part_n of_o their_o worship_n which_o christ_n to_o who_o they_o be_v daily_o come_v do_v make_v well-pleasing_a to_o the_o father_n ver_fw-la 5._o from_o ver_fw-la 4._o learn_v 1._o with_o how_o much_o great_a desire_n we_o do_v receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v we_o come_v near_o to_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v therein_o to_o enjoy_v a_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o he_o for_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o current_n of_o the_o apostle_n speech_n we_o may_v see_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o show_v the_o advantage_n of_o receive_v the_o gospel_n he_o show_v the_o advantage_n of_o close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n offer_v therein_o import_v these_o two_o to_o be_v one_o to_o who_o come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o sinner_n once_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o do_v close_o with_o he_o as_o the_o word_n offer_v he_o to_o they_o but_o they_o must_v make_v a_o trade_n and_o a_o life_n of_o come_v to_o he_o daily_o renew_v and_o strengthen_v the_o act_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o for_o pardon_n and_o furniture_n for_o every_o thing_n they_o have_v to_o do_v there_o be_v much_o distance_n still_o remain_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o best_a while_o they_o be_v here_o 2_o cor._n 5.8_o ps_n 73.28_o and_o still_o a_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o attainable_a philip._n 3.13_o for_o come_v to_o christ_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v believe_v in_o he_o joh._n 6.35_o be_v here_o press_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o he_o before_o and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o word_n in_o the_o present_a time_n as_o signify_v the_o continuation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o who_o come_v etc._n etc._n 3._o there_o be_v no_o growth_n in_o grace_n or_o holiness_n nor_o in_o ability_n to_o oppose_v our_o corruption_n except_o we_o be_v thus_o come_v frequent_o to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n be_v col._n 1.19_o and_o who_o be_v both_o our_o righteousness_n and_o
our_o strength_n for_o all_o we_o have_v to_o do_v isa_n 45.24_o for_o this_o come_n to_o christ_n here_o press_v may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o mean_a of_o growth_n in_o mortification_n and_o every_o grace_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v this_o to_o who_o come_v etc._n etc._n with_o what_o go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o 4._o all_o that_o come_v to_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v find_v he_o a_o solid_a foundation_n to_o rest_v upon_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o all_o their_o burden_n constant_a in_o his_o love_n to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o his_o undertake_n and_o as_o such_o he_o be_v daily_o to_o be_v close_v with_o for_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a cause_n he_o be_v here_o set_v forth_o as_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n under_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o stone_n 5._o christ_n be_v a_o live_a foundation_n for_o sinner_n to_o build_v themselves_o upon_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o essential_o joh._n 5.26_o and_o communicate_v life_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a to_o every_o soul_n that_o close_v with_o he_o 1_o joh._n 5.12_o for_o so_o also_o be_v he_o here_o propose_v as_o the_o object_n of_o save_a faith_n to_o who_o come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n 6._o feel_a deadness_n shall_v not_o keep_v any_o soul_n back_o from_o jesus_n christ_n who_o see_v need_n of_o life_n from_o he_o and_o hazard_v of_o eternal_a death_n without_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o spiritual_a or_o eternal_a life_n but_o by_o close_v with_o he_o joh._n 6.51_o for_o come_v to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o live_a stone_n import_v that_o the_o desire_n of_o life_n shall_v draw_v soul_n that_o do_v find_v much_o deadness_n spiritual_a and_o do_v fear_n death_n eternal_a to_o he_o to_o who_o come_v as_o to_o a_o live_a stone_n 7._o there_o be_v not_o another_o rock_n or_o foundation-stone_n whereupon_o the_o church_n or_o any_o true_a member_n thereof_o can_v be_v build_v but_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v only_o call_v the_o foundation_n eph._n 2.20_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o hold_v out_o in_o their_o doctrine_n this_o live_a foundation_n and_o this_o apostle_n by_o that_o rock_n whereupon_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n mat._n 16.18_o do_v not_o understand_v himself_o or_o his_o successor_n though_o never_o so_o faithful_a minister_n but_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o who_o he_o have_v a_o little_a before_o confess_v to_o be_v this_o live_a stone_n and_o therefore_o he_o thus_o hold_v he_o forth_o here_o to_o who_o come_v as_o unto_o a_o live_a stone_n 8._o though_o christ_n be_v a_o solid_a and_o live_a foundation_n for_o sinner_n to_o rest_n upon_o yet_o be_v he_o reject_v by_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n as_o unworthy_a to_o be_v their_o choice_n he_o have_v little_a outward_a glory_n to_o draw_v heart_n towards_o he_o isa_n 53.2_o and_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o blind_a concern_v his_o spiritual_a excellency_n 2_o cor._n 4.4_o and_o their_o own_o need_n of_o he_o rev._n 3.17_o and_o there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o job_n 12.39_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o he_o be_v disallow_v indeed_o of_o man_n 9_o other_o reject_v of_o christ_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o discourage_v his_o own_o to_o close_v with_o he_o and_o make_v use_n of_o he_o that_o by_o the_o contrary_a it_o shall_v move_v they_o to_o a_o more_o hearty_a and_o frequent_a close_n with_o he_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o shall_v deal_v the_o better_a with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o hinder_v or_o discourage_v by_o the_o example_n of_o rejecter_n from_o close_v with_o he_o for_o even_o this_o may_v be_v also_o look_v upon_o as_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o move_v those_o who_o have_v hitherto_o be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n to_o come_v now_o to_o he_o and_o those_o who_o be_v near_o to_o come_v yet_o near_o that_o he_o be_v disallow_v indeed_o of_o man_n 10._o christ_n be_v disallow_v when_o he_o be_v not_o flee_v to_o and_o make_v use_v of_o for_o that_o life_n and_o rest_n and_o other_o advantage_n to_o be_v have_v in_o he_o for_o in_o opposition_n to_o believer_n come_v to_o he_o and_o usemaking_a of_o he_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v disallow_v indeed_o of_o man_n 11._o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o as_o he_o be_v our_o mediator_n be_v and_o have_v be_v from_o eternity_n prov._n 8.30_o the_o father_n choice_n and_o delight_n in_o high_a esteem_n with_o he_o which_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o father_n give_v all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n for_o our_o good_a mat._n 11.27_o and_o all_o for_o that_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v honourable_a in_o our_o esteem_n joh._n 5.23_o by_o his_o hear_n of_o he_o as_o our_o intercessor_n in_o all_o his_o petition_n joh._n 11.42_o and_o hear_v all_o our_o lawful_a desire_n for_o his_o sake_n joh._n 16.23_o and_o by_o the_o unspeakable_a terror_n which_o he_o will_v manifest_v against_o rejecter_n of_o he_o beyond_o what_o other_o sinner_n shall_v find_v heb._n 10.28_o 29._o all_o which_o do_v prove_v that_o as_o our_o mediator_n he_o be_v most_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o the_o father_n and_o worthy_a be_v he_o to_o be_v so_o there_o be_v none_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n fit_a for_o that_o work_n of_o redemption_n but_o he_o rev._n 5.4_o 5._o therefore_o be_v he_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a 12._o the_o father_n be_v high_a esteem_n of_o and_o delight_v in_o the_o mediator_n christ_n shall_v move_v sinner_n to_o come_v to_o he_o to_o choose_v he_o for_o their_o portion_n and_o to_o delight_v in_o he_o be_v confident_a that_o their_o so_o do_v can_v but_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o the_o father_n who_o have_v choose_v he_o that_o he_o may_v welcome_a sinner_n and_o have_v fit_v he_o to_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o they_o that_o may_v contribute_v for_o their_o blessedness_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o for_o this_o be_v a_o motive_n of_o come_v to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a from_o ver_fw-la 5._o learn_v 1._o christ_n way_n of_o engage_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o to_o a_o daily_a usemaking_a of_o he_o be_v by_o propose_v to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n the_o sweet_a advantage_n and_o rich_a privilege_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v by_o their_o so_o do_v with_o the_o consideration_n whereof_o he_o allow_v they_o to_o move_v their_o own_o heart_n to_o perseverance_n in_o that_o exercise_n for_o this_o verse_n do_v contain_v a_o bundle_n of_o advantage_n and_o privilege_n that_o soul_n have_v by_o daily_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n branch_v out_o to_o move_v they_o thereunto_o to_o wit_n that_o by_o their_o come_n to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o live_a stone_n they_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n etc._n etc._n 2._o every_o renew_a act_n of_o faith_n close_v with_o christ_n as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v he_o forth_o do_v draw_v from_o christ_n some_o new_a increase_n of_o spiritual_a life_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v more_o sensible_a of_o sin_n have_v more_o appetite_n after_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o more_o activity_n in_o duty_n that_o may_v honour_v he_o all_o which_o be_v effect_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o resemblance_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a life_n for_o this_o be_v here_o make_v a_o prevail_a motive_n to_o that_o come_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o they_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v be_v make_v lively_a stone_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o increase_n of_o spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o who_o be_v suppose_v before_o to_o have_v be_v bear_v again_o 3._o even_o as_o believer_n be_v hold_v throng_n in_o daily_o employ_v and_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n so_o do_v they_o make_v progress_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n so_o do_v they_o also_o become_v solid_a and_o fix_v in_o their_o understanding_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n constant_a in_o their_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o in_o their_o believe_v of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o and_o establish_v in_o their_o walk_n like_o unto_o his_o truth_n for_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o unsetledness_n of_o misbeliever_n and_o of_o they_o who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o daily_o employ_v of_o christ_n but_o rest_n upon_o their_o measure_n receive_v those_o that_o be_v daily_o come_v to_o he_o be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v lively_a stone_n build_v up_o etc._n etc._n import_v beside_o their_o progress_n a_o state_n of_o stability_n and_o fixedness_n which_o they_o attain_v to_o by_o their_o so_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
call_v himself_o lord_n or_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o discharge_v it_o in_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o and_o here_o take_v a_o low_a title_n to_o himself_o a_o servant_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n ambassador_n to_o know_v and_o assert_v their_o call_v from_o he_o that_o truth_n may_v have_v weight_n with_o people_n and_o they_o may_v have_v courage_n whatever_o their_o faithfulness_n may_v cost_v they_o for_o while_o the_o apostle_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v avow_v himself_o by_o name_n and_o surname_n even_o when_o he_o 〈◊〉_d publish_v truth_n that_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o he_o describe_v these_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v main_o direct_v from_o the_o worth_n of_o their_o faith_n equal_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o all_o save_a effect_n and_o clear_v the_o way_n how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o give_v for_o convert_v sinner_n and_o work_a grace_n where_o it_o be_v not_o psal_n 19.7_o but_o also_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o gracious_a fine_a place_n be_v main_o intend_v for_o they_o to_o further_a their_o growth_n guard_v they_o against_o temptation_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o last_o meeting_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o epistle_n direct_v main_o to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v precious_a faith_n 2._o although_o some_o believer_n be_v more_o strong_a in_o believe_v and_o so_o have_v more_o joy_n and_o peace_n than_o other_o 1_o joh._n 2.13_o 14._o yet_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o they_o all_o of_o alike_o worth_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o unit_v they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o saviour_n from_o who_o the_o weak_a faith_n shall_v never_o shed_v intere_v they_o all_o in_o the_o same_o spiritual_a promise_n privilege_n and_o glorious_a reward_n and_o be_v buy_v for_o they_o all_o with_o the_o same_o price_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o the_o mean_a believer_n be_v alike_o precious_a with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3._o the_o way_n how_o save_a faith_n come_v to_o the_o elect_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o promise_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n the_o bestow_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o elect_n psal_n 110.3_o and_o to_o the_o elect_a in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n isa_n 54.13_o joh._n 6.45_o it_o being_n god_n righteousness_n to_o prove_v himself_o faithful_a in_o make_v all_o these_o promise_n and_o it_o come_v also_o through_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v his_o do_v and_o suffer_v to_o purchase_v it_o and_o other_o save_a grace_n for_o we_o and_o so_o although_o we_o have_v it_o free_o yet_o christ_n buy_v it_o dear_a and_o god_n be_v righteous_a in_o give_v what_o himself_o promise_v and_o christ_n pay_v for_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o so_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o precious_a faith_n to_o come_v to_o all_o that_o have_v it_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 2._o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n in_o this_o salutation_n he_o wish_v to_o they_o a_o daily_a growth_n in_o their_o heart_n 1._o of_o the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o god_n free_a favour_n make_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o thrive_v 2._o of_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o carry_v with_o it_o every_o necessary_a blessing_n as_o the_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n grace_n and_o peace_n and_o their_o order_n do_v import_n and_o all_o this_o through_o their_o grow_v in_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n which_o have_v faith_n affection_n and_o practice_n with_o it_o hence_o learn_v 1._o no_o less_o than_o what_o be_v here_o wish_a for_o be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n to_o every_o believer_n if_o they_o get_v it_o not_o they_o have_v themselves_o to_o blame_v for_o his_o majesty_n do_v nothing_o to_o mar_v the_o multiply_a of_o grace_n and_o peace_n upon_o all_o that_o have_v precious_a faith_n 2._o they_o that_o will_v have_v this_o rich_a allowance_n must_v not_o only_o expect_v in_o this_o order_n grace_n or_o god_n free_a favour_n first_o and_o then_o peace_n with_o every_o necessary_a blessing_n but_o they_o must_v study_v to_o grow_v daily_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n the_o purchase_n fullness_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o by_o the_o usemaking_a of_o all_o heart_n and_o life_n may_v be_v change_v for_o such_o a_o knowledge_n be_v this_o through_o which_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v 3._o it_o be_v not_o formality_n or_o vain_a repetition_n to_o use_v frequent_o the_o same_o expression_n to_o god_n or_o to_o other_o when_o they_o flow_v from_o new_a sense_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o need_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o this_o apostle_n and_o other_o do_v ordinary_o use_v these_o same_o expression_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o their_o epistle_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 3._o according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v unto_o life_n and_o godliness_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n follow_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n which_o may_v also_o hearten_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o wish_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n powerful_a grâ—â—â—â—ad_n already_o begin_v a_o save_a work_n in_o they_o by_o bestow_v free_o upon_o they_o all_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o gracious_a frame_n of_o spirit_n within_o and_o a_o holy_a life_n without_o and_o this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o make_v they_o so_o to_o know_v christ_n as_o to_o consent_v to_o he_o call_v they_o by_o the_o gospel_n to_o glory_n or_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o end_n by_o virtue_n which_o be_v grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o the_o way_n or_o mean_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o see_v beginning_n of_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v comfortable_a pledge_n and_o confirmation_n to_o faith_n that_o that_o work_n shall_v thrive_v it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o lord_n wisdom_n power_n and_o constancy_n to_o carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v for_o the_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o be_v multiply_v according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v begin_v the_o work_n 2._o to_o give_v grace_n to_o a_o graceless_a soul_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n infinite_a power_n there_o be_v so_o much_o unworthiness_n guiltiness_n and_o opposition_n to_o hinder_v that_o work_n in_o all_o the_o elect_a therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o work_n be_v here_o make_v divine_a power_n 3._o the_o lord_n in_o the_o bestow_n of_o save_a grace_n work_v both_o irresistable_o and_o free_o neither_o can_v any_o for_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o purchase_v so_o oppose_v as_o to_o hinder_v the_o bestow_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v divine_a power_n that_o work_v it_o nor_o can_v any_o in_o nature_n so_o use_v their_o natural_n as_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o or_o merit_v the_o bestow_n of_o it_o for_o divine_a power_n work_v by_o give_v free_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o so_o the_o very_a preparation_n for_o the_o new_a life_n 4._o the_o substance_n of_o every_o save_a grace_n though_o not_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o a_o right_a to_o what_o may_v enable_v for_o honour_v god_n in_o practice_n be_v give_v at_o once_o in_o conversion_n as_o a_o child_n when_o it_o first_o live_v or_o be_v new_o bear_v have_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o a_o man_n therefore_o to_o these_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n wish_v increase_v of_o grace_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v to_o press_v growth_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v already_o give_v all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 5._o the_o very_a first_o beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o make_v a_o sinner_n drink-in_a the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o law_n indeed_o prepare_v for_o this_o work_n by_o discover_v sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o terrify_v the_o conscience_n but_o the_o gospel_n which_o holde_o out_o christ_n the_o saviour_n from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n have_v in_o he_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o heart_n to_o let_v it_o out_o free_o upon_o graceless_a sinner_n be_v the_o spirit_n be_v instrument_n of_o work_a grace_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n to_o thrive_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n