be_v that_o christ_n will_v then_o come_v again_o unto_o they_o for_o so_o do_v christ_n here_o point_n out_o that_o day_n i_o come_v see_v 1_o thes_n 4.16_o 17._o 8._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o saint_n not_o to_o compare_v the_o lord_n deal_v with_o themselves_o and_o other_o so_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o withdraw_v from_o or_o discourage_v in_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o lot_n for_o whereas_o peter_n may_v think_v it_o strange_a if_o he_o only_o be_v call_v to_o suffering_n christ_n take_v he_o off_o look_v to_o his_o deal_n with_o john_n and_o bid_v he_o mind_v his_o own_o work_n if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o such_o comparison_n however_o sometime_o they_o may_v sharpen_v we_o and_o afford_v matter_n of_o praise_n yet_o do_v ofttimes_o breed_v many_o inconvenience_n for_o we_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o be_v discontent_n with_o our_o own_o condition_n and_o to_o think_v that_o best_a which_o we_o want_v and_o so_o will_v more_o ready_o be_v grieve_v if_o we_o get_v a_o hard_a lot_n than_o other_o whereas_o christ_n have_v variety_n of_o service_n and_o may_v lay_v they_o on_o as_o he_o please_v and_o beside_o such_o comparison_n may_v ofttimes_o tempt_v man_n to_o sit_v up_o from_o duty_n when_o they_o see_v the_o security_n of_o other_o 9_o such_o as_o will_v avoid_v curiosity_n and_o much_o needless_a and_o vain_a exercise_n ought_v close_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o work_n and_o calling_n therefore_o do_v christ_n withdraw_v he_o from_o all_o these_o inquiry_n by_o bid_v he_o again_o follow_v thou_o i_o ver_n 23._o then_o go_v this_o say_n abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v yet_o jesus_n say_v not_o unto_o he_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o in_o this_o verse_n john_n clear_v a_o mistake_n that_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n occasion_v by_o their_o misunderstanding_n of_o christ_n speech_n they_o imagine_v upon_o christ_n speech_n that_o john_n shall_v not_o die_v and_o it_o be_v like_a they_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o mistake_n by_o john_n live_v so_o long_o after_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o christ_n say_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n assert_v that_o suppose_v he_o shall_v keep_v he_o never_o so_o long_o alive_a peter_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o whence_o learn_v 1._o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v brethren_n and_o aught_o to_o entertain_v and_o cherish_v mutual_a affection_n and_o live_v in_o concord_n as_o brethren_n therefore_o have_v they_o this_o designation_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o brethren_n 2._o even_o christ_n own_o speech_n be_v mistake_v by_o the_o saint_n in_o pure_a time_n much_o more_o may_v other_o be_v mistake_v and_o their_o word_n wrest_v contrary_a to_o their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n for_o here_o a_o mistake_n arise_v upon_o what_o he_o say_v 3._o it_o may_v commend_v unto_o we_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o leave_v with_o we_o and_o astrict_v we_o unto_o the_o write_a word_n when_o we_o see_v erroneous_a tradition_n so_o soon_o on_o foot_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v christ_n word_n which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o the_o mistake_n grow_v by_o go_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n till_o the_o writer_n of_o scripture_n refute_v it_o for_o here_o we_o see_v a_o unwritten_a and_o erroneous_a tradition_n go_v abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n till_o john_n clear_v the_o mistake_n and_o â—â—uâ—e_v it_o when_o he_o write_v this_o gospel_n 4._o such_o as_o will_v right_o understand_v christ_n speech_n must_v take_v good_a heed_n to_o every_o word_n and_o particle_n in_o his_o expression_n to_o the_o form_n of_o speech_n whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a or_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n and_o to_o christ_n scope_n in_o it_o according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v take_v up_o his_o meaning_n for_o hence_o rise_v their_o mistake_n they_o take_v christ_n way_n of_o speech_n as_o absolute_a that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v whereas_o he_o spâ—ke_v only_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n for_o jesus_n say_v not_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o look_v upon_o his_o speech_n as_o tend_v to_o give_v a_o promise_n concern_v john_n life_n whereas_o christ_n scope_n be_v only_o to_o show_v peter_n that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o matter_n albeit_o he_o shall_v continue_v he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o verse_n 24._o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a 25._o and_o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v amen_n john_n take_v occasion_n of_o this_o mistake_n and_o the_o clear_n thereof_o to_o close_v this_o evangel_n and_o 1._o he_o assert_n that_o he_o be_v the_o penman_n thereof_o and_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n thereof_o five_o 24._o 2._o lâ—st_v any_o shall_v think_v that_o his_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v the_o belove_a disciple_n shall_v move_v he_o to_o forge_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o narration_n and_o lest_o they_o may_v wonder_v how_o he_o get_v so_o much_o to_o write_v especial_o after_o the_o other_o three_o have_v write_v therefore_o as_o chap._n 20.30_o he_o subjoin_v a_o particular_a conclusion_n to_o the_o sign_n do_v by_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n so_o here_o v._n 25._o he_o subjoin_v a_o general_a conclusion_n to_o this_o gospel_n profess_v that_o he_o give_v not_o over_o for_o want_v of_o matter_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o write_v all_o full_o and_o particular_o that_o jesus_n do_v but_o because_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o overcharge_v the_o church_n with_o a_o infinite_a narration_n which_o he_o express_v in_o a_o hyperbolicke_a term_n which_o import_v this_o much_o that_o the_o book_n which_o may_v be_v write_v of_o this_o subject_n will_v burden_n and_o overcharge_v the_o world_n and_o man_n judgement_n and_o memory_n can_v not_o overtake_v or_o retain_v the_o narration_n of_o all_o particular_a passage_n this_o acknowledgement_n of_o john_n that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o write_v be_v extend_v general_o to_o passage_n in_o his_o whole_a ministry_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o caveat_n mention_v on_o chap._n 20.30_o 31._o and_o as_o nothing_o derogatory_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v there_o assert_v notwithstanding_o these_o thing_n be_v omit_v for_o albeit_o a_o great_a many_o of_o christ_n miracle_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n which_o proper_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o thing_n that_o jesus_n do_v be_v not_o record_v yet_o neither_o will_v that_o argue_v that_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v omit_v nor_o yet_o that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o sufficient_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v record_v and_o by_o their_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o many_o more_o yea_o suppose_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o particular_a conference_n and_o sermon_n which_o christ_n have_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v not_o write_v yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o sum_n of_o these_o and_o of_o all_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o record_v in_o what_o be_v write_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n choose_v to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o a_o brief_a sum_n even_o of_o the_o sermon_n that_o be_v record_v for_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o for_o they_o who_o upon_o these_o expression_n will_v gather_v that_o many_o thing_n needful_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n but_o to_o be_v seek_v out_o of_o unwritten_a tradition_n i_o will_v have_v they_o before_o they_o assert_v such_o a_o thing_n resolve_v these_o question_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o great_a article_n so_o near_o concern_v she_o 1._o if_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v take_v pen_n from_o paper_n account_v that_o sufficient_a which_o they_o have_v write_v how_o dare_v they_o undertake_v that_o task_n which_o those_o have_v give_v over_o 2._o if_o these_o thing_n not_o write_v be_v alike_o necessary_a with_o what_o be_v write_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v
to_o any_o unbiased_a person_n why_o the_o lord_n shall_v cause_n write_v the_o one_o and_o yet_o leave_v the_o other_o to_o uncertain_a tradition_n and_o the_o frail_a and_o corrupt_a memory_n of_o man_n 3._o if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o please_v to_o write_v they_o but_o transmit_v they_o by_o tradition_n as_o they_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v but_o pretend_v grave_n and_o weighty_a reason_n why_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o upon_o what_o ground_n do_v they_o presume_v at_o all_o to_o stuff_n their_o writing_n with_o they_o and_o do_v not_o leave_v they_o as_o he_o leave_v they_o 4._o if_o all_o these_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v of_o they_o be_v they_o write_v how_o shall_v they_o instruct_v that_o they_o have_v mark_v they_o all_o and_o how_o will_v they_o satisfy_v the_o church_n that_o she_o have_v yet_o a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v record_v be_v put_v together_o 5._o with_o what_o face_n can_v they_o upon_o this_o pretext_n obtrude_v tradition_n upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o only_o beside_o but_o clear_o contrary_a unto_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v contradict_v himself_o the_o truth_n be_v john_n close_v with_o this_o because_o what_o he_o have_v write_v be_v sufficient_a and_o the_o rest_n not_o possible_a to_o be_v overtake_v nor_o yet_o necessary_a to_o be_v record_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n though_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o time_n and_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v there_o be_v many_o such_o thing_n though_o they_o be_v not_o particular_o record_v as_o be_v mark_v on_o chap._n 20.31_o 32._o from_o this_o purpose_n learn_v 1._o this_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o john_n the_o belove_a disciple_n who_o be_v employ_v by_o christ_n as_o a_o meet_a penman_n of_o such_o sublime_a doctrine_n do_v out_o of_o love_n and_o duty_n write_v so_o sweet_o of_o christ_n and_o hereby_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o try_v what_o love_n such_o a_o message_n by_o such_o a_o penman_n do_v produce_v for_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n 2._o all_o this_o narration_n be_v of_o divine_a truth_n whatever_o we_o think_v of_o it_o and_o whatever_o many_o do_v esteem_n of_o it_o and_o other_o scripture_n yet_o it_o want_v not_o witness_n who_o be_v eye_n and_o ear_n witness_n and_o full_o persuade_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o say_v he_o we_o know_v speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n or_o of_o himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a 3._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o set_v to_o as_o it_o be_v their_o messenger_n seal_v to_o christ_n truth_n which_o they_o publish_v for_o their_o own_o exoneration_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o believer_n and_o as_o a_o witness_n against_o all_o who_o receive_v it_o not_o therefore_o do_v john_n call_v all_o his_o doctrine_n his_o testimony_n and_o assert_n that_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a 4._o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o get_v all_o say_v which_o may_v be_v say_v of_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o commendation_n for_o so_o do_v john_n assert_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v and_o this_o may_v not_o only_o point_v out_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o memory_n but_o whereas_o our_o curiosity_n be_v still_o desirous_a to_o hear_v and_o know_v more_o this_o break_v off_o may_v call_v we_o back_o rather_o to_o see_v how_o we_o practice_n what_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o record_v 5._o the_o lord_n in_o write_v scripture_n have_v be_v please_v only_o to_o give_v we_o a_o short_a sum_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o servant_n and_o a_o account_n of_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v show_v his_o respect_n to_o our_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n and_o may_v take_v away_o all_o excuse_n from_o the_o lazy_a and_o negligent_a by_o comprise_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o so_o little_a bulk_n for_o therefore_o be_v john_n direct_v only_o to_o record_v this_o much_o and_o to_o omit_v the_o rest_n which_o can_v not_o be_v overtake_v 6._o this_o whole_a gospel_n be_v divine_a truth_n worthy_a to_o be_v embrace_v and_o receive_v by_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o feed_v upon_o it_o according_o therefore_o do_v john_n close_o all_o set_v his_o amen_n to_o this_o doctrine_n unto_o he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o father_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n rev._n 1.5_o 6_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la courteous_a reader_n thou_o will_v find_v several_a errata_fw-la in_o this_o piece_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o my_o distance_n can_v not_o be_v prevent_v at_o the_o press_n some_o of_o they_o of_o less_o importance_n be_v remit_v to_o thy_o own_o care_n as_o namely_o mistake_v in_o print_v the_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n ex._n gr_n ch_n 7._o five_o 2_o 3_o 4._o with_o which_o the_o five_o verse_n shall_v also_o be_v print_v also_o the_o not_o print_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n in_o a_o different_a letter_n when_o they_o be_v repeat_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n mistake_v also_o in_o point_v ex._n gr_n ch_n 2._o v._n 18_o 19_o doct._n 6._o line_n 9_o word_n foretell_v r._n word_n foretell_v ch._n 3.34_o doct._n 6._o line_n 9_o they_o they._n r._n they_o they._n ch._n 6_o 62._o l._n 12._o he_o likewise_o r._n he_o likewise_o also_o frequent_a mistake_n in_o citation_n of_o scripture_n ex._n gr_n ch_n 5_o 40._o doct._n 4._o l._n 14._o 33._o r._n 35._o ch_n 6.30_o etc._n etc._n d._n 3._o l._n 5._o 19_o r._n 14._o ch_n 18.18_o d._n 1._o l._n 6_o 7._o john_n 18.18_o r._n job_n 24.12_o v._o 39_o 40._o p._n 373._o l._n 27._o mat._n r._n mark_n ch_n 19.38_o etc._n etc._n p._n 390._o l._n 1._o ch_n 22._o r._n ch_z 3.2_o likewise_o lesser_a escape_n in_o word_n or_o sentence_n through_o the_o defect_n redundancy_n transposition_n or_o change_n of_o letter_n or_o syllable_n and_o through_o addition_n or_o want_n of_o word_n ex._n gr_n geace_n for_o grace_n loaf_n for_o loose_a sephas_n for_o cephas_n janna_n for_o anna_n as_o servant_n for_o as_o a_o servant_n itll_v morrow_n for_o till_o to_o morrow_n christ_n for_o christ_n do_v for_o do_v have_v for_o have_v simple_a for_o simple_o discernable_o for_o discernible_a visible_a for_o visible_o imply_v for_o impli_v prosecute_a for_o persecute_v of_o for_o off_o lay_v for_o liâ—_n these_o and_o many_o such_o be_v pass_v because_o the_o sense_n will_v easy_o clear_v they_o i_o only_o desire_v thou_o to_o correct_v with_o thy_o pen_n those_o that_o follow_v chap._n i._o v._n 1._o doct._n 1._o l._n 4_o 5._o r._n the_o great_a promise_n v._o 2._o l._n last_o deal_n ver_fw-la 3._o v._n 12_o 13._o d._n 2._o l._n 2._o right_a r._n right_o v._o 15._o l._n 4._o ver_fw-la 37._o r._n to_o ver_fw-la 37._o l._n 5._o 14._o r._n 19_o doct._n 5._o l._n last_o outgeing_n r._n outgates_o d._n 7._o l._n 1._o a_o r._n as._n v._n 16._o d._n 2._o l._n last_o this_o r._n his_o v._o 24._o etc._n etc._n d._n 4._o l._n 4_o 5._o glory_n and_o r._n glory_n of_o the._n v._n 40_o etc._n etc._n d._n 5._o l._n 4._o r._n have_v find_v the._n v._o 45_o 46._o d._n 3._o l._n 13._o point_n r._n point_v ch._n ii_o v._n 3_o 4._o d._n 2._o l._n 3._o great_a r._n great_a v._o 5._o d._n 1._o l._n 4._o deal_n of_o v._o 18_o 19_o d._n 6._o l._n 11._o give_v r._n even_o ch._n iii_o v._n 13._o d._n 4._o l._n 9_o r._n other_o who_o have_v v._o 16._o d._n 3._o l._n 9_o word_n r._n world_n v._o 20_o 21._o d._n 10._o l._n 12._o to_o live_v r._n so_o to_o live_v v._o 22_o etc._n etc._n d._n 8._o l._n 3._o main_a r._n many_a v._o 27._o p._n 43._o l._n last_o this_o r._n at_o he_o ch._n iu._n v._n 1_o etc._n etc._n d._n 2._o l._n 6._o t._n do_v bear_v d._n 8._o l._n 6_o etc._n etc._n r._n or_o v._o 19_o 20._o d._n 6._o l._n 6._o the_o r._n she_o v._o 46_o 47._o l._n 1._o r._n the_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o v._o 48._o d._n 4._o l._n 3._o might_n r._n may_v v._o 51_o etc._n
for_o philip_n be_v gain_v by_o one_o word_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o find_v nathaneel_n and_o seek_v to_o gain_v he_o 2._o private_a conference_n and_o mutual_a edification_n be_v a_o notable_a mean_n for_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o for_o by_o these_o mean_v christ_n gather_v his_o disciple_n here_o 3._o the_o messiah_n be_v speak_v of_o and_o foretell_v both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o godly_a before_o his_o come_n wait_v for_o he_o by_o study_v these_o scripture_n and_o jesus_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n in_o who_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v foretell_v be_v accomplish_v the_o find_n of_o who_o be_v the_o best_a of_o news_n for_o these_o be_v philip_n news_n to_o nathaneel_n we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v write_v import_v that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v write_v of_o he_o as_o be_v clear_a from_o gen._n 3.15_o and_o 49.10_o deut._n 18.18_o and_o frequent_o through_o the_o prophet_n import_v also_o that_o philip_n nathaneel_n and_o other_o godly_a man_n be_v verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n point_v he_o out_o and_o feed_v upon_o he_o as_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o the_o find_n of_o he_o now_o in_o person_n be_v joyful_a news_n unto_o they_o 4._o such_o as_o be_v true_a convert_v and_o love_n christ_n may_v yet_o be_v very_o weak_a in_o knowledge_n yea_o and_o err_v also_o especial_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o christ_n be_v learn_v from_o tradition_n or_o vulgar_a report_n and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o so_o do_v philip_n mistake_v in_o call_v he_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n if_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o not_o of_o his_o education_n matth._n 2.23_o and_o the_o son_n of_o joseph_n as_o the_o common_a report_n be_v 5._o man_n be_v natural_o ready_a to_o stumble_v at_o something_o of_o christ_n yea_o even_o good_a man_n may_v have_v prejudices_fw-la to_o mar_v their_o own_o growth_n &_o progress_n for_o nathaneel_n stumble_v at_o the_o place_n can_v there_o any_o good_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o nazareth_n not_o so_o much_o because_o christ_n must_v be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n as_o because_o of_o the_o baseness_n of_o the_o place_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o galilee_n where_o nazareth_n be_v be_v a_o blockish_a and_o gross_a people_n so_o that_o it_o be_v general_o conceive_v no_o prophet_n can_v arise_v from_o thence_o john_n 7.52_o and_o this_o good_a man_n be_v overtake_v with_o that_o evil_n of_o the_o generation_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o place_n so_o base_a or_o bad_a but_o god_n when_o he_o please_v can_v raise_v eminent_a instrument_n out_o of_o it_o or_o otherwise_o do_v it_o good_a 6._o no_o prejudices_fw-la shall_v hinder_v man_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o albeit_o other_o can_v solve_v their_o doubt_n yet_o a_o blenk_v of_o he_o will_v easy_o dispel_v they_o for_o philip_n answer_v his_o doubt_n with_o come_v and_o see_v intimate_v his_o own_o weakness_n to_o satisfy_v all_o his_o doubt_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n notwithstanding_o and_o that_o christ_n can_v clear_v he_o verse_n 47._o jesus_n see_v nathaneel_n come_v to_o he_o and_o say_v of_o he_o behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n 48._o nathaneel_n say_v unto_o he_o whence_o know_v thou_o i_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o before_o that_o philip_n call_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o figtree_n i_o see_v thou_o 49._o nathaneel_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n nathaneel_n be_v persuade_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o philip_n christ_n by_o commend_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o when_o nathaneel_n wonder_v at_o christ_n for_o know_v that_o by_o deâ—lâ—â—ing_v unto_o he_o where_o he_o have_v be_v do_v discover_v his_o godhead_n unto_o he_o which_o to_o work_v as_o to_o draw_v nathaneel_n to_o a_o confession_n of_o his_o godhead_n and_o office_n whence_o learn_v 1._o christ_n will_v in_o mercy_n pass_v over_o the_o fault_n prejudices_fw-la and_o mistake_v of_o these_o who_o do_v not_o persist_v in_o they_o but_o come_v to_o he_o for_o christ_n welcome_v and_o receive_v nathaneel_n even_o while_o he_o be_v come_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o when_o he_o mind_v it_o not_o and_o speak_v of_o he_o and_o not_o to_o he_o 2._o christ_n be_v a_o exact_a discerner_n of_o man_n both_o their_o inside_n and_o outside_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o shall_v draw_v man_n to_o he_o for_z christ_n gain_v ground_n on_o nathaneel_n by_o discover_v how_o exact_o he_o know_v he_o 3._o albeit_o all_o who_o come_v of_o jacob_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v israelite_n in_o the_o external_a court_n yet_o all_o that_o be_v so_o by_o visible_a covenant_n be_v not_o such_o inward_o and_o in_o the_o inward_a court_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v a_o discerner_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o who_o can_v be_v deceive_v therefore_o say_v he_o of_o nathaneel_n behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o or_o true_o import_v that_o many_o be_v not_o true_o such_o or_o in_o the_o spirit_n 4._o the_o true_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a israelite_n in_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o perfection_n or_o sinlesnesse_n but_o sincerity_n whereby_o man_n have_v get_v grace_n and_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o apply_v the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v enable_v to_o serve_v god_n from_o right_a principle_n and_o for_o right_a end_n and_o be_v in_o so_o far_o purge_v from_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n that_o it_o do_v not_o reign_v in_o they_o but_o they_o love_v truth_n and_o hate_v guile_n they_o labour_v to_o be_v in_o reality_n and_o in_o secret_a what_o they_o seem_v to_o other_o to_o be_v they_o be_v jealous_a of_o the_o unsoundnesse_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o daily_o vex_v with_o it_o they_o set_v against_o all_o by_o end_n in_o religion_n and_o aim_v at_o perfection_n in_o it_o thus_o be_v nathaneel_n a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n to_o wit_n reign_v or_o approven_v 5._o albeit_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o every_o grace_n man_n have_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v to_o commend_v it_o in_o they_o and_o particular_o he_o be_v a_o notable_a commender_n of_o sincerity_n where_o he_o find_v it_o and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o man_n be_v sincere_a in_o a_o corrupt_a time_n for_o he_o commend_v nathaneel_n a_o sincere_a man_n in_o that_o time_n behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n man_n need_v not_o seek_v themselves_o for_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a christ_n will_v commend_v they_o 6._o the_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o particular_o that_o he_o be_v a_o searcheâ—_n of_o heart_n be_v such_o as_o will_v strike_v these_o who_o attain_v unto_o it_o with_o admiration_n and_o wonder_n for_o say_v nathaneel_n surprise_v with_o this_o encounter_n whence_o know_v thou_o i_o as_o little_o dream_v how_o christ_n can_v know_v he_o and_o especial_o his_o heart_n and_o inside_n see_v he_o have_v never_o see_v he_o before_o 7._o confuse_a and_o surprise_v thought_n concern_v christ_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v on_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v dive_v further_o into_o till_o we_o get_v distinct_a satisfaction_n for_o nathaneel_n do_v not_o rest_v here_o but_o dive_v into_o the_o matter_n whence_o know_v thou_o i_o that_o he_o may_v know_v whence_o this_o knowledge_n come_v and_o how_o he_o shall_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o christ_n answer_v he_o to_o give_v proof_n of_o his_o willingness_n to_o satisfy_v modest_a inquiry_n 8._o christ_n omniscience_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n particular_o these_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o people_n be_v such_o as_o when_o he_o have_v discover_v so_o much_o as_o may_v make_v man_n wonder_v he_o have_v yet_o more_o to_o discover_v if_o he_o please_v for_o christ_n tell_v nathaneel_n how_o he_o know_v yet_o more_o of_o he_o before_o that_o philip_n call_v thou_o etc._n etc._n a_o sight_n of_o this_o do_v overcome_v david_n psal_n 139.1_o 6._o 9_o christ_n have_v a_o eye_n upon_o his_o people_n before_o that_o any_o instrument_n deal_v with_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o unto_o he_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o instrument_n fall_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v successful_a for_o christ_n condescend_v particular_o on_o this_o to_o nathaneel_n before_o that_o philip_n call_v thou_o i_o see_v thou_o 10_o christ_n omniscience_n as_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n about_o all_o thing_n particular_o about_o his_o people_n do_v condescend_v to_o very_o mean_a thing_n even_o posture_n of_o the_o body_n circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n
he_o do_v confirm_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o 6._o visible_a church_n and_o counsel_n even_o such_o as_o have_v most_o peculiar_a privilege_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v and_o that_o particular_o when_o they_o look_v more_o to_o tradition_n then_o to_o scripture_n for_o these_o instruction_n do_v clear_a the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o have_v err_v in_o that_o they_o suppose_v the_o messiah_n can_v be_v come_v as_o john_n answer_n to_o their_o first_o question_n understand_v they_o without_o a_o forerunner_n in_o that_o they_o dream_v follow_v tradition_n that_o elijah_n be_v to_o come_v in_o proper_a person_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n only_a john_n deni_v that_o he_o be_v elijah_n though_o otherwise_o he_o be_v he_o as_o come_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elijah_n matth._n 11.14_o luke_n 1.17_o and_o in_o that_o they_o dream_v from_o deut._n 18.15_o 18._o of_o any_o singular_a prophet_n to_o be_v raise_v up_o after_o the_o succession_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n beside_o the_o messiah_n himself_o to_o who_o that_o passage_n be_v apply_v act_v 3.22_o and_o so_o john_n deni_v that_o also_o though_o otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o high_a luke_n 1.76_o 7._o as_o god_n servant_n in_o all_o their_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v plain_a bold_a affectionate_a ingenuous_a and_o constant_a so_o in_o particular_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o fervent_a in_o renounce_v the_o honour_n due_a to_o their_o master_n not_o slee_v from_o it_o for_o the_o fashion_n only_o that_o it_o may_v follow_v they_o the_o fast_o therefore_o he_o confess_v and_o deny_v not_o but_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o the_o christ_n not_o stand_v on_o what_o they_o may_v do_v to_o he_o not_o find_v he_o to_o be_v so_o 8._o such_o as_o come_v not_o to_o the_o word_n to_o be_v edify_v but_o to_o jangle_n and_o catch_v advantage_n it_o be_v righteous_a with_o god_n to_o leave_v they_o lie_v in_o their_o error_n and_o mistake_n without_o clearing_n therefore_o do_v john_n not_o clear_a their_o mistake_n concern_v elias_n or_o the_o prophet_n nor_o clear_a in_o what_o sense_n he_o be_v elias_n but_o naked_o answer_v their_o question_n according_a to_o their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n ver._n 22._o then_o say_v they_o unto_o he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o send_v we_o what_o say_v thou_o of_o thyself_o 23._o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n make_v straight_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o say_v the_o prophet_n esaias_n john_n be_v further_o pose_v concern_v his_o person_n and_o calling_n declare_v that_o he_o have_v authority_n and_o commission_n to_o be_v christ_n forerunner_n and_o to_o prepare_v his_o way_n as_o be_v fore-prophesied_n by_o isaiah_n whence_o learn_v 1._o the_o reason_n which_o these_o commissioner_n give_v for_o their_o so_o earnest_a question_v of_o he_o may_v teach_v every_o man_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o trust_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o public_a concernment_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o say_v they_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o send_v we_o what_o say_v thou_o of_o thyself_o 2._o as_o faithful_a minister_n ought_v not_o to_o encroach_v upon_o their_o master_n honour_n so_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v from_o that_o authority_n that_o be_v due_a to_o they_o but_o assert_v it_o as_o need_n require_v for_o so_o do_v john_n here_o declare_v what_o his_o commission_n and_o place_n be_v 3._o every_o one_o who_o undertake_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n aught_o to_o be_v clear_a of_o his_o call_n and_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o it_o either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a according_a as_o the_o call_n he_o claim_v to_o be_v as_o be_v that_o whereon_o a_o minister_n courage_n comfort_n and_o success_n do_v much_o depend_v therefore_o john_n show_v his_o warrant_n for_o his_o extraordinary_a call_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n as_o say_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n to_o wit_n chap._n 40.3_o for_o whatever_o use_n these_o word_n have_v to_o comfort_v the_o captive_n in_o babylon_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o speedy_a return_n and_o of_o herald_n to_o publish_v it_o and_o usher_n to_o prepare_v their_o way_n and_o of_o remove_v of_o all_o impediment_n yet_o in_o the_o substance_n it_o point_v at_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o forerunner_n as_o this_o text_n make_v clear_a 4._o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v stately_a and_o kingly_a however_o in_o appearance_n it_o seem_v base_a and_o wherever_o he_o be_v receive_v he_o will_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o king_n therefore_o come_v he_o with_o a_o usher_n and_o forerunner_n cry_v to_o prepare_v his_o way_n when_o he_o manifest_v himself_o which_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o king_n whereas_o private_a person_n will_v come_v in_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o at_o narrow_a passage_n i_o be_o say_v he_o the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v make_v straight_o etc._n etc._n 5._o man_n have_v hear_v natural_o unprepared_a for_o christ_n to_o come_v into_o which_o must_v be_v cure_v before_o he_o come_v they_o be_v natural_o averse_a from_o the_o purity_n of_o true_a religion_n full_a of_o mountain_n of_o vanity_n pride_n and_o ambition_n valley_n of_o dejection_n discouragement_n unbelief_n and_o hollow-hearted_a hypocrisy_n crookedness_n and_o deceitfulness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o way_n whereby_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o other_o and_o hide_v the_o need_n of_o christ_n from_o themselves_o roughness_n of_o their_o passion_n humour_n and_o lust_n ready_a to_o reject_v all_o warning_n and_o offer_n and_o all_o these_o make_v man_n heart_n a_o unstreight_a way_n for_o christ_n chariot_n to_o march_v in_o therefore_o cry_v john_n make_v straight_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n under_o this_o include_v the_o make_n low_o of_o mountain_n the_o exalt_v of_o valley_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o luke_n 3.5_o from_o isaiah_n 40.4_o and_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n to_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o luke_n 1.16_o 17._o from_o mal._n 4.5_o 6._o 6._o as_o all_o man_n in_o all_o place_n be_v natural_o unfit_a for_o receive_v of_o christ_n so_o ordinary_o the_o offer_n of_o he_o be_v worse_o entertain_v in_o place_n of_o eminency_n then_o in_o more_o obscure_a corner_n therefore_o be_v this_o proclamation_n make_v not_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o hill-countrey_n of_o judea_n where_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o city_n be_v few_o josh_n 15.61_o a_o place_n where_o he_o will_v more_o ready_o be_v receive_v then_o in_o jerusalem_n 7._o albeit_o that_o christ_n command_v we_o to_o prepare_v his_o way_n that_o he_o may_v show_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o make_v use_n of_o exhortation_n as_o a_o mean_a whereby_o he_o work_v upon_o his_o own_o yet_o this_o work_n of_o preparation_n be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n but_o must_v be_v his_o work_n whole_a reward_n be_v with_o he_o and_o his_o work_n before_o he_o and_o unto_o such_o as_o he_o convince_v of_o their_o own_o inability_n he_o will_v first_o come_v with_o a_o work_n of_o conversion_n unto_o faith_n and_o repentance_n that_o this_o may_v make_v way_n for_o his_o come_n with_o consolation_n and_o sensible_a manifestation_n therefore_o be_v this_o command_n sweeten_v with_o a_o promise_n isa_n 40.3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n luke_n 3.4_o 5._o ver._n 24._o and_o they_o which_o be_v send_v be_v of_o the_o pharisee_n 25._o and_o they_o ask_v he_o and_o say_v unto_o he_o why_o baptize_v thou_o then_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o that_o christ_n nor_o elias_n neither_o that_o prophet_n 26._o john_n answer_v they_o say_v i_o baptize_v with_o water_n but_o there_o stand_v one_o among_o you_o who_o you_o know_v not_o 27._o he_o it_o be_v who_o come_v after_o i_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o who_o shoe_n latchet_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o unloose_v these_o commissioner_n seek_v advantage_n as_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o the_o gospel_n do_v question_n john_n further_o concern_v his_o office_n and_o administration_n of_o baptism_n see_v he_o be_v neither_o the_o messiah_n nor_o any_o of_o these_o extraordinary_a man_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o he_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n the_o efficacy_n whereof_o depend_v on_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o much_o because_o he_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v already_o come_v though_o yet_o unknown_a to_o they_o and_o that_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n and_o dignity_n be_v so_o far_o above_o he_o as_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o do_v he_o the_o mean_a service_n doctrine_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o