can_v i_o obtain_v a_o mortify_n strengthen_v grace_n and_o a_o dead_a blow_n to_o every_o lust_n it_o be_v enough_o this_o be_v the_o christian_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o ordinance_n these_o thing_n premise_v i_o now_o come_v to_o my_o first_o proposal_n viz._n to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o infirmity_n they_o be_v which_o do_v not_o necessary_o exclude_v it_o or_o with_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a 2._o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o purpose_n what_o be_v its_o effect_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o first_o those_o infirmity_n be_v chief_o three_o 1._o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n may_v consist_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o ignorance_n for_o the_o best_a and_o strong_a do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n include_v himself_o in_o the_o number_n 1_o cor._n 13.9_o 12._o and_o christ_n own_o disciple_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o very_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a till_o they_o see_v it_o with_o their_o eye_n in_o christ_n resurrection_n 2._o it_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o great_a many_o doubt_n and_o fear_n touch_v our_o everlasting_a condition_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o love-token_n which_o christ_n send_v from_o heaven_n but_o to_o very_o few_o strong_a well-grown_a christian_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v abuse_v to_o licentiousness_n slothfulness_n and_o carnal_a security_n and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v want_v of_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o heb._n 10.22_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n so_o much_o of_o doubt_n and_o fear_n be_v there_o in_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o hot_a water_n whatever_o be_v short_a of_o the_o extreme_a degree_n of_o heat_n there_o be_v so_o many_o degree_n of_o cold_a in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v for_o faith_n and_o doubt_n though_o faith_n indeed_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v objective_o for_o a_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n admit_v of_o no_o degree_n but_o consider_v as_o a_o habit_n infuse_v it_o increase_v or_o diminish_v according_a to_o the_o believer_n care_n and_o industry_n yea_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o abraham_n himself_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v very_o much_o falter_v in_o his_o faith_n gen._n 15.4_o the_o lord_n make_v he_o a_o promise_n of_o seed_n by_o sarah_n and_o yet_o out_o of_o diffidence_n of_o god_n promise_n he_o go_v in_o unto_o his_o maid_n else_o certain_o have_v his_o faith_n be_v exercise_v he_o may_v soon_o have_v silence_v sarah_n when_o she_o make_v the_o motion_n in_o gen._n 16.2_o behold_v now_o the_o lord_n restrain_v i_o from_o bear_v i_o pray_v thou_o go_v in_o unto_o my_o maid_n and_o in_o gen._n 17.18_o he_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n again_o for_o when_o god_n have_v tell_v he_o he_o will_v give_v he_o a_o son_n by_o sarah_n v._o 16._o he_o pray_v for_o ishmael_n there_o and_o that_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n appear_v clear_o from_o the_o lord_n answer_n to_o that_o prayer_n v._o 19_o and_o god_n say_v sarah_n thy_o wife_n shall_v bear_v thou_o a_o son_n indeed_o and_o thou_o shall_v call_v his_o name_n isaac_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o do_v thou_o doubt_v of_o my_o promise_n and_o misbelieve_v my_o word_n and_o out_o of_o that_o diffidence_n of_o a_o child_n by_o sarah_n do_v thou_o pray_v for_o ishmael_n i_o tell_v thou_o again_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n by_o sarah_n and_o that_o indeed_o and_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o how_o often_o do_v christ_n upbraid_v his_o disciple_n with_o this_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o where_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n there_o be_v much_o doubt_n but_o none_o dare_v deny_v they_o have_v grace_n therefore_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v consistent_a with_o much_o doubt_n and_o fear_n 3._o there_o may_v be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n where_o there_o be_v many_o and_o strong_a corruption_n as_o we_o read_v of_o rahab_n samson_n and_o other_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o repeat_v the_o same_o sin_n and_o those_o of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o reckon_v among_o the_o faithful_a heb._n 11._o it_o be_v true_a the_o least_o measure_n of_o true_a grace_n disposs_v the_o old_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o sin_n shall_v not_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n there_o any_o more_o the_o believer_n be_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n nor_o allow_v the_o least_o sin_n in_o himself_o in_o the_o ungracious_a person_n sin_n and_o satan_n rule_v the_o roast_n and_o all_o be_v quiet_a but_o when_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o come_v to_o wit_v the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o be_v dispossess_v and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o long_o satan_n house_n he_o lose_v his_o title_n and_o sin_n be_v but_o a_o usurper_n though_o it_o remain_v there_o and_o thence_o come_v the_o last_a combat_n betwixt_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n have_v their_o vicissitude_n of_o prevalency_n over_o each_o other_o this_o make_v a_o eminent_a champion_n in_o christianity_n complain_v rom._n 7.19_o for_o the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v how_o much_o more_o prevalent_a be_v lust_n in_o a_o weak_a christian_a but_o second_o as_o to_o its_o effect_n they_o be_v again_o chief_o three_o for_o 1._o where_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o filial_a fear_n of_o god_n which_o when_o strong_a temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o prevail_v will_v come_v in_o to_o the_o soul_n rescue_n and_o make_v a_o believer_n to_o say_v with_o joseph_n how_o shall_v i_o do_v this_o great_a evil_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n against_o that_o good_a god_n that_o have_v do_v i_o good_a and_o not_o evil_a all_o my_o day_n against_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n which_o can_v abide_v iniquity_n and_o will_v render_v unto_o i_o and_o to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o our_o work_n against_o a_o all-seeing_a god_n that_o see_v in_o secret_a and_o reward_v open_o and_o as_o this_o fear_n fortify_v the_o soul_n against_o presumptuous_a sin_n so_o it_o spur_v the_o soul_n on_o to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v couple_v with_o the_o keep_n of_o god_n command_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n as_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n fear_v god_n that_o thou_o may_v keep_v his_o commandment_n this_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v the_o primum_fw-la vivens_fw-la and_o ultimum_fw-la moriens_fw-la the_o very_a heart_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o spiritual_a life_n be_v breathe_v into_o the_o soul_n this_o fear_n and_o awe_n of_o god_n mingle_v itself_o with_o all_o the_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n and_o this_o fear_v too_o lay_v the_o top-stone_n in_o the_o spiritual_a building_n for_o we_o be_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o fear_n god_n neh._n 1.11_o lord_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o fear_v thy_o name_n they_o can_v not_o say_v they_o fear_v his_o name_n but_o may_v bold_o say_v they_o desire_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o sin_n a_o desire_n though_o it_o proceed_v no_o far_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o gracious_a desire_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o the_o will_v to_o do_v good_a be_v take_v for_o the_o deed_n as_o heart-adultery_n and_o heart-murther_n though_o terminate_v in_o the_o will_n yet_o be_v great_a sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o be_v the_o gracious_a ebullition_n and_o holy_a breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o precious_a in_o his_o sight_n as_o the_o other_o be_v odious_a but_o lest_o any_o shall_v turn_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n you_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o desire_n have_v its_o concomitant_n and_o property_n to_o attend_v it_o which_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o cold_a lazy_a velleity_n of_o the_o ungodly_a for_o it_o be_v first_o a_o serious_a hearty_a desire_n second_o a_o last_a grow_a desire_n three_o it_o be_v mingle_v with_o sorrow_n that_o it_o can_v go_v no_o far_o four_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o restlessness_n till_o it_o can_v proceed_v to_o act_v five_o it_o drive_v the_o believer_n therefore_o often_o on_o his_o knee_n to_o beg_v strength_n to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o will_v sixthly_a it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v oppose_v and_o resist_v by_o temptation_n that_o
of_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o mistake_n about_o the_o exercise_n and_o operation_n of_o grace_n especial_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o mote_n in_o their_o eye_n of_o faith_n they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o faith_n because_o they_o want_v the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o a_o reflex_n act_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o itself_o attain_v by_o a_o long_a continue_a course_n of_o holy_a and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n which_o few_o believer_n have_v but_o faith_n be_v a_o recumbant_fw-la act_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o christ_n and_o be_v usual_o express_v by_o the_o instance_n of_o one_o that_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n cast_v himself_o upon_o a_o float_a plank_n of_o the_o ship_n and_o there_o stick_v in_o a_o tremble_a doubtful_a hope_n of_o come_v ashore_o 2._o because_o they_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o grace_n in_o ideâ_fw-la and_o grace_n in_o subjecto_fw-la in_fw-la actu_fw-la signato_fw-la and_o in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 13.7_o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n the_o wonderful_a operation_n of_o charity_n be_v describe_v there_o now_o because_o weak_a christian_n can_v find_v no_o such_o effect_n in_o themselves_o they_o present_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o sound_a brass_n and_o tinkle_a cymbal_n mere_a empty_a nothing_o and_o no_o real_a christian_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o this_o grace_n in_o its_o own_o abstract_a nature_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o subject_n mix_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o contrary_a element_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o so_o operative_a in_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n as_o be_v obstruct_v by_o its_o contrary_a quality_n fire_n by_o itself_o be_v visible_a and_o active_a but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o flint_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v it_o be_v there_o though_o conceal_v under_o the_o other_o element_n so_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o charity_n and_o other_o grace_n with_o the_o mixture_n of_o contrary_a imperfection_n which_o do_v retard_v and_o make_v they_o come_v short_a of_o their_o genuine_a production_n 3._o it_o be_v because_o they_o compare_v themselves_o with_o the_o uppermost_a in_o christ_n school_n for_o proficiency_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o such_o glorious_a light_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n as_o st._n paul_n st._n john_n and_o other_o scripture_n saint_n therefore_o in_o their_o own_o opinion_n they_o be_v but_o meteor_n and_o wander_a star_n hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n but_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n mystical_a as_o in_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v not_o of_o equal_a strength_n and_o bigness_n all_o christian_n shall_v therefore_o labour_v to_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o mean_a finger_n or_o the_o low_a toe_n for_o their_o head_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o at_o last_o to_o himself_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o get_v the_o same_o grace_n as_o other_o for_o truth_n though_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o same_o grace_n for_o measure_n we_o must_v try_v ourselves_o by_o the_o same_o touchstone_n though_o not_o weigh_v ourselves_o in_o the_o same_o balance_n we_o must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o metal_n as_o other_o though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o weight_n 4._o because_o they_o examine_v themselves_o in_o a_o unseasonable_a time_n when_o overcome_v with_o sadness_n and_o black_a melancholic_a thought_n then_o indeed_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o least_o grace_n but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o though_o this_o self-examination_n be_v necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v use_v have_v thus_o brief_o dispatch_v what_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o apply_v the_o whole_a this_o truth_n concern_v four_o sort_n of_o people_n 1._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o strong_a christian_n 3._o weak_a christian_n 4._o such_o as_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n 1._o minister_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o mind_n in_o they_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n when_o they_o see_v a_o bruise_a reed_n to_o support_v it_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o christian_a heart_n we_o must_v encourage_v the_o weak_a heart_a and_o strengthen_v feeble_a knee_n for_o we_o be_v the_o immediate_a subordinate_a outward_a agent_n to_o do_v this_o work_n for_o christ_n and_o to_o fulfil_v this_o promise_n of_o he_o epiphanius_n call_v st._n james_n the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wall_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v a_o impregnable_a wall_n about_o our_o people_n for_o to_o defend_v they_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n of_o apostasy_n from_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n there_o be_v wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n that_o will_v soon_o make_v a_o havoc_n of_o christ_n lamb_n that_o will_v by_o their_o sophistry_n seduce_v young_a christian_n unless_o we_o fortify_v they_o not_o only_o by_o our_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o public_a but_o also_o by_o our_o personal_a application_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o they_o in_o private_a 2._o strong_a christian_n shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v so_o by_o serve_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o this_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n by_o take_v their_o weak_a brethren_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o help_v they_o out_o of_o the_o mire_n of_o temptation_n you_o know_v who_o language_n it_o be_v be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n a_o curse_a cain_n be_v you_o therefore_o bless_a in_o encourage_v the_o feeble_a instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o confirm_v the_o doubtful_a comfort_v weak_a believer_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o persecutor_n arm_v they_o against_o the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o seducer_n and_o by_o your_o exemplary_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n to_o bridle_v the_o tongue_n to_o adorn_v their_o profession_n with_o a_o holy_a conversation_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o against_o approach_a misery_n in_o all_o your_o station_n and_o relation_n do_v all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v for_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n sake_n 3._o here_o be_v a_o word_n to_o weak_a christian_n here_o be_v a_o cordial_a for_o they_o to_o restore_v their_o faint_a spirit_n when_o surprise_v with_o any_o fear_n touch_v their_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o warfare_n 1._o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o life_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n say_v not_o thou_o be_v a_o bruise_a reed_n for_o with_o this_o will_n christ_n break_v satan_n head_n and_o he_o will_v not_o cease_v till_o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o complete_a victory_n in_o thy_o soul_n all_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o grace_n in_o any_o soul_n 2._o take_v the_o cup_n of_o thanksgiving_n and_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_v god_n whilst_o thou_o live_v for_o thy_o new_a creation_n and_o preservation_n take_v up_o david_n language_n my_o soul_n praise_v thou_o the_o lord_n all_z that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n what_o shall_v i_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o his_o care_n and_o kindness_n his_o preservation_n and_o providence_n alas_o how_o soon_o have_v satan_n winnow_v i_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o pray_v for_o i_o and_o uphold_v i_o his_o almighty_a arm_n support_v i_o else_o i_o have_v long_o ago_o inevitable_o drop_v into_o everlasting_a burn_n 3._o love_v he_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n with_o all_o your_o soul_n all_o this_o care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o you_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n oh_o then_o let_v love_n in_o he_o beget_v the_o like_a love_n in_o you_o beget_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n with_o great_a delight_n oh_o pant_v and_o breath_n after_o he_o and_o rest_v not_o where_o but_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o love_n 4._o be_v you_o tender_a of_o he_o and_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o as_o the_o spouse_n be_v cant._n 2.6_o 7._o she_o be_v weak_a in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o grace_n and_o therefore_o christ_n left_a hand_n be_v under_o her_o head_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n embrace_v she_o then_o she_o charge_v herself_o in_o her_o particular_a member_n not_o to_o disturb_v he_o 5._o take_v heed_n you_o quench_v not_o this_o smoke_a flax_n yourselves_o which_o be_v do_v first_o by_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o god_n service_n we_o must_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o we_o or_o else_o it_o will_v die_v of_o itself_o if_o we_o do_v not_o blow_v this_o fire_n into_o a_o flame_n it_o will_v quench_v unknown_a to_o we_o second_o by_o return_v to_o folly_n again_o this_o be_v the_o water_n that_o quench_v the_o sparkle_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v abominable_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o compare_v by_o he_o to_o the_o vomit_v of_o a_o dog_n and_o to_o the_o wallow_n of_o a_o sow_n in_o the_o mire_n three_o by_o accompany_v wicked_a man_n which_o be_v as_o flood_n of_o water_n and_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o quench_v this_o sparkle_n and_o so_o term_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o several_a psalm_n therefore_o avoid_v they_o as_o you_o will_v avoid_v the_o devil_n for_o they_o be_v his_o instrument_n 4._o the_o four_o use_n be_v to_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n that_o they_o will_v consider_v what_o a_o bless_a condition_n it_o be_v to_o have_v christ_n for_o a_o guardian_n and_o how_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o his_o tuition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o wonderful_o careful_a and_o tender_a he_o be_v of_o the_o weak_a believer_n the_o relation_n of_o a_o shepherd_n a_o father_n of_o a_o mother_n husband_n etc._n etc._n do_v prove_v it_o and_o preach_v it_o oh_o then_o let_v all_o be_v hence_o incite_v to_o take_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n that_o they_o may_v be_v under_o his_o care_n and_o tenderness_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v you_o in_o all_o your_o way_n defer_v not_o therefore_o to_o close_v with_o he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v thus_o and_o eternal_o happy_a now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n praise_n and_o dominion_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la
the_o bruise_a reed_n or_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n asaph_n for_o the_o support_n of_o weak_a christian_n by_o d._n maurice_n d._n d._n sometime_o chaplain_n in_o new_a college_n oxon_n oxford_z print_v at_o the_o theater_n 1700._o matth._n 12.20_o a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v till_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n if_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v serious_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n a_o division_n which_o contain_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a the_o whole_a christian_a world_n for_o in_o the_o pharisee_n here_o all_o hearer_n may_v see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o in_o christ_n all_o preacher_n may_v see_v what_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v by_o what_o be_v culpable_a in_o the_o one_o and_o commendable_a in_o the_o other_o 1._o the_o pharisee_n entertain_v hard_a thought_n 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till_o they_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n speak_v of_o there_o therefore_o let_v hearer_n take_v heed_n lest_o they_o give_v place_n to_o the_o devil_n by_o entertain_v any_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o person_n conversation_n or_o doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n for_o that_o if_o cherish_v will_v break_v out_o into_o opprobrious_a speech_n and_o at_o last_o end_n in_o a_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o in_o a_o bid_n defiance_n to_o the_o almighty_a take_v heed_n you_o stand_v not_o against_o conviction_n and_o avoid_v that_o rock_n of_o offence_n on_o which_o the_o pharisee_n suffer_v shipwreck_n but_o open_a the_o window_n of_o your_o soul_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n may_v shine_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o that_o you_o may_v walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n in_o your_o life_n 2._o here_o be_v a_o pattern_n propose_v to_o preacher_n the_o grand_a exemplar_n for_o we_o to_o write_v after_o the_o lord_z jesus_n and_o that_o in_o the_o prophecy_n and_o the_o history_n first_o in_o support_v the_o weak_a disciple_n and_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o aspersion_n and_o calumny_n of_o their_o adversary_n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n second_o in_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a with_o invincible_a argument_n draw_v from_o scripture_n reason_n authority_n and_o example_n v._o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n three_o in_o meekness_n patience_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o violence_n and_o go_v where_o he_o may_v do_v more_o good_a v._o 14_o 15_o etc._n etc._n four_o in_o mercyfulness_n and_o tenderness_n to_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n in_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o preach_v and_o do_v good_a without_o any_o leaven_n of_o ostentation_n or_o vain_a glory_n v._o 15_o 16._o for_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o make_v he_o know_v five_o in_o encourage_v and_o cherish_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n wherever_o he_o find_v it_o and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o perfection_n as_o in_o the_o text_n a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v etc._n etc._n for_o there_o be_v in_o the_o word_n a_o litote_n where_o less_o be_v speak_v than_o be_v mean_v and_o a_o double_a metaphor_n express_v the_o wonderful_a mildness_n gentleness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o weak_a servant_n who_o be_v so_o feeble_a as_o a_o reed_n and_o that_o bruise_a too_o not_o only_o toss_v too_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o reed_n by_o every_o wind_n of_o temptation_n but_o bruise_v deject_a and_o cast_v down_o not_o able_a to_o stand_v or_o look_v up_o towards_o heaven_n be_v so_o full_a of_o deadness_n and_o diffidence_n and_o despondency_n such_o weak_a believer_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o slight_v trample_v upon_o and_o lay_v aside_o as_o well_o he_o may_v as_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o useless_a for_o what_o be_v a_o reed_n crush_v and_o bruise_v good_a for_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o fire_n that_o he_o will_v encourage_v support_v and_o strengthen_v they_o and_o when_o poor_a believer_n be_v as_o smoke_a flax_n have_v the_o least_o sparkle_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o for_o as_o the_o proverb_n be_v there_o be_v no_o smoke_n without_o some_o fire_n though_o it_o be_v bury_v in_o ash_n christ_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o despise_v the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n and_o extinguish_v this_o sparkle_n that_o he_o will_v cherish_v and_o nourish_v it_o and_o blow_v it_o to_o a_o flame_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d donec_fw-la pronunciet_a sententiam_fw-la quâ_fw-la se_fw-la victorem_fw-la declaret_fw-la omnium_fw-la inimicorum_fw-la suorum_fw-la till_o he_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n and_o declare_v himself_o the_o conqueror_n of_o he_o and_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n that_o will_v real_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n and_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n have_v thus_o stripe_v the_o text_n of_o its_o rhetorical_a garment_n the_o observation_n be_v naked_a and_o plain_a and_o that_o be_v this_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v very_o tender_a of_o weak_a christian_n and_o exceed_v careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o take_v the_o word_n for_o christ_n merciful_a deal_n with_o trouble_a conscience_n and_o afflict_a soul_n that_o be_v bruise_v and_o crush_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o divine_a wrath_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o fear_n touch_v their_o everlasting_a condition_n without_o any_o candle-light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o favour_n but_o i_o conceive_v the_o metaphor_n may_v reach_v both_o sense_n especial_o the_o first_o and_o methinks_v the_o learned_a jesuit_n maldonate_fw-it hit_v the_o nail_n on_o the_o head_n when_o he_o say_v adeo_fw-la quietè_fw-la &_o attentè_fw-fr ambulabit_n ut_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la super_fw-la arundinem_fw-la quassatam_fw-la ambulet_fw-la tamen_fw-la non_fw-la confringet_fw-la he_o will_v tread_v so_o tender_o so_o wary_o so_o gingerly_o that_o though_o he_o tread_v upon_o a_o bruise_a reed_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o bruise_v for_o he_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o handle_v the_o point_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v by_o show_v i._n what_o be_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n ii_o that_o christ_n be_v tender_a of_o such_o iii_o how_o he_o do_v show_v it_o iv_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o v._o and_o last_o apply_v the_o whole_a to_o ourselves_o i._n first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o be_v that_o which_o we_o may_v term_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o grace_n the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la of_o grace_n without_o which_o a_o man_n can_v upon_o scripture_n ground_n be_v denominate_v gracious_a and_o have_v which_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v
be_v defer_v from_o such_o a_o unwelcome_a profession_n that_o be_v so_o displease_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o therefore_o lest_o those_o young_a gospeler_n shall_v be_v discourage_v he_o put_v his_o divinity_n on_o work_n to_o feed_v they_o 2._o as_o he_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o they_o hard_a service_n so_o he_o will_v not_o expose_v they_o to_o great_a suffering_n they_o need_v not_o such_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o keep_v they_o low_o as_o st._n paul_n have_v after_o his_o high_a rapture_n and_o revelation_n if_o you_o seek_v i_o say_v christ_n jo._n 18.1_o let_v these_o go_v their_o way_n that_o be_v these_o be_v yet_o unfit_a to_o ascend_v the_o stage_n of_o suffering_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o act_v the_o tragedy_n which_o i_o must_v under_o your_o bloody_a hand_n therefore_o let_v these_o go_v their_o way_n excuse_v and_o suitable_a to_o this_o care_n and_o tenderness_n be_v his_o promise_n 1_o cor._n 10.13_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v he_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o we_o be_v sin_n only_o except_v and_o therefore_o he_o know_v what_o mould_n we_o be_v make_v of_o and_o so_o will_v proportion_v our_o burden_n to_o our_o back_n here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o may_v answer_v the_o objection_n of_o a_o afflict_a believer_n who_o doubt_v of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n from_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o heavy_a pressure_n and_o say_v with_o rebeccah_n if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o be_o i_o thus_o if_o i_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n why_o do_v i_o feel_v a_o hell_n in_o my_o soul_n as_o if_o i_o be_v in_o hell_n already_o if_o my_o soul_n be_v bind_v up_o in_o the_o bundle_n of_o life_n why_o be_o i_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o roar_a lion_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o continual_a buffet_n of_o i_o but_o o_o believe_v soul_n thou_o shall_v from_o thence_o argue_v the_o contrary_a and_o conclude_v for_o thy_o comfort_n from_o these_o strong_a struggle_n in_o thy_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v two_o nation_n within_o thou_o such_o as_o they_o in_o rebeccah_n womb_n the_o one_o from_o heaven_n heavenly_a the_o other_o from_o earth_n earthly_a and_o be_v sure_a that_o at_o last_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a nature_n shall_v be_v subdue_v by_o grace_n and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v argue_v from_o the_o weight_n of_o thy_o affliction_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o a_o strong_a believer_n who_o god_n load_v so_o heavy_o for_o he_o will_v lay_v upon_o none_o but_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v 3._o he_o preserve_v they_o from_o strong_a temptation_n by_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o that_o the_o bruise_a reed_n may_v never_o be_v a_o break_a reed_n and_o the_o smoke_a flax_n be_v never_o quench_v this_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o christ_n prayer_n for_o his_o disciple_n in_o jo._n 17._o and_o not_o for_o they_o only_o but_o for_o all_o babe_n in_o christ_n that_o shall_v be_v bear_v to_o he_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n jo._n 17.20_o so_o christ_n pray_v for_o st._n peter_n when_o satan_n will_v have_v winnow_v he_o luke_n 22.31_o the_o poisonous_a breath_n of_o that_o subtle_a serpent_n have_v soon_o fan_v away_o this_o weak_a disciple_n from_o christ_n floor_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o sudden_o interpose_v by_o his_o intercession_n and_o so_o do_v he_o still_o continue_v his_o prevail_a intercession_n in_o heaven_n for_o his_o weak_a member_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o miscarry_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o mediate_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o he_o preserve_v they_o from_o strong_a temptation_n by_o not_o impose_v hard_a service_n on_o they_o nor_o expose_v they_o to_o great_a suffering_n and_o by_o pray_v for_o they_o 2._o he_o manifest_v his_o tender_a care_n of_o weak_a believer_n by_o sanctify_v their_o weakness_n to_o they_o that_o their_o fail_n shall_v be_v their_o advantage_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v gainer_n by_o their_o loss_n st._n peter_n stand_v too_o firm_a on_o his_o own_o leg_n he_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o tell_v christ_n that_o though_o all_o shall_v forsake_v he_o yet_o will_v not_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o do_v it_o because_o he_o lean_v too_o much_o on_o his_o own_o staff_n which_o prove_v to_o he_o but_o a_o break_a reed_n he_o have_v not_o yet_o it_o seem_v learn_v that_o great_a and_o hard_a lesson_n of_o self-denial_n for_o if_o he_o have_v learn_v to_o deny_v himself_o he_o will_v never_o have_v deny_v his_o master_n as_o he_o do_v most_o shameful_o three_o time_n therefore_o do_v christ_n force_v he_o to_o a_o triple_a confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o love_n to_o he_o jo._n 21.15_o 16_o 17._o love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o these_o where_o by_o his_o modest_a answer_n you_o may_v observe_v the_o self_n diffidence_n and_o humility_n which_o he_o gain_v by_o his_o fall_n lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o there_o be_v now_o no_o self-exaltation_n above_o other_o he_o do_v not_o say_v now_o though_o all_o shall_v hate_v thou_o yet_o i_o will_v love_v thou_o and_o cleave_v to_o thou_o no_o but_o he_o refer_v himself_o to_o christ_n all-seeing_a eye_n who_o see_v more_o by_o he_o than_o he_o can_v know_v by_o himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v say_v nothing_o lest_o he_o shall_v judge_v amiss_o so_o humble_a so_o low_a so_o vile_a be_v he_o become_v in_o his_o own_o eye_n thus_o when_o a_o poor_a christian_a be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o find_v those_o son_n of_o zerviah_n his_o lust_n to_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o and_o therefore_o fear_n like_o david_n to_o fall_v one_o day_n into_o their_o hand_n then_o do_v he_o become_v a_o daily_a petitioner_n to_o the_o great_a god_n for_o strength_n he_o pray_v more_o feel_o more_o fervent_o and_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o this_o be_v his_o strength_n so_o jacob_n wrestle_v with_o god_n be_v call_v his_o strength_n hos_fw-la 12.3_o when_o he_o see_v how_o slovenly_a he_o be_v in_o every_o work_n and_o duty_n which_o god_n call_v he_o to_o how_o he_o bungles_a in_o his_o holy_a performance_n and_o have_v great_a reason_n than_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 7.18_o to_o say_v to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o i_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v good_a i_o find_v not_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o self-abhorrence_a humility_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v precious_a grace_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whereas_o natural_o we_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o our_o performance_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o grow_v upon_o nature_n stock_n do_v fill_v the_o hypocritical_a professor_n with_o a_o vain_a conceit_n of_o self-righteousness_n and_o make_v he_o rest_v in_o opere_fw-la operato_fw-la the_o work_n do_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o true_a believer_n out_o of_o self-diffidence_n run_v out_o of_o himself_o to_o christ_n he_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o stay_v under_o the_o roof_n of_o his_o own_o work_n or_o duty_n but_o come_v up_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n from_o a_o wilderness_n of_o temptation_n lean_v on_o his_o belove_a christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o continual_o with_o st._n paul_n magnify_v god_n superabundant_a grace_n towards_o he_o for_o else_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o but_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n undo_v for_o ever_o 3._o he_o manifest_v this_o tenderness_n and_o care_n towards_o weak_a believer_n by_o send_v they_o help_v in_o a_o time_n of_o need_n in_o relieve_v they_o at_o a_o dead_a lift_n when_o this_o sparkle_n be_v even_o extinguish_v then_o will_v the_o lord_n wonderful_o step_v in_o many_o time_n to_o help_v as_o he_o promise_v heb._n 4.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o help_n in_o a_o good_a opportunity_n the_o temporal_a deliverance_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v from_o the_o assyrian_n isaiah_n 37._o be_v a_o type_n and_o a_o figure_n of_o that_o spiritual_a deliverance_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v this_o bruise_a reed_n when_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v when_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n the_o city_n jerusalem_n be_v as_o a_o woman_n in_o travel_n the_o child_n be_v come_v to_o the_o birth_n but_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o a_o miserable_a strength_n then_o come_v one_o of_o heaven_n deputy_n as_o a_o skilful_a midwife_n to_o give_v they_o speedy_a deliverance_n many_o be_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o they_o in_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o very_a
jaw_n of_o the_o roar_a lion_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o devour_v they_o by_o reclaim_v they_o by_o some_o seasonable_a providence_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o commit_v some_o horrid_a abomination_n that_o will_v have_v dishonour_v god_n and_o make_v his_o enemy_n to_o blaspheme_v and_o have_v wound_v their_o profession_n their_o conscience_n and_o good_a name_n for_o ever_o a_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v read_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o reverend_a and_o godly_a divine_a of_o this_o kingdom_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o i_o can_v omit_v it_o this_o reverend_a minister_n be_v at_o his_o house_n very_o late_o in_o a_o winter_n night_n ready_a to_o go_v to_o his_o rest_n when_o all_o his_o family_n be_v asleep_a a_o sudden_a thought_n take_v he_o that_o he_o must_v go_v to_o such_o a_o man_n house_n that_o live_v a_o pretty_a distance_n from_o he_o at_o first_o he_o struggle_v against_o those_o motion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v they_o as_o be_v unreasonable_a enthusiastical_a impression_n that_o shall_v move_v he_o to_o go_v to_o such_o a_o house_n without_o any_o occasion_n apparent_a to_o he_o and_o that_o in_o a_o unseasonable_a time_n of_o the_o night_n and_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v the_o suggestion_n may_v be_v satanical_a but_o he_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n in_o his_o spirit_n till_o he_o take_v a_o candle_n and_o lantern_n and_o go_v and_o so_o knock_v at_o the_o man_n door_n a_o while_n before_o any_o body_n answer_v at_o length_n the_o man_n of_o the_o house_n come_v and_o open_v the_o door_n this_o minister_n tell_v he_o of_o the_o strange_a and_o strong_a impulse_n that_o move_v he_o to_o come_v thither_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o business_n nay_o then_o say_v the_o poor_a man_n with_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n i_o see_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o send_v you_o hither_o to_o rescue_v my_o soul_n and_o body_n from_o the_o devil_n for_o just_a now_o be_v i_o when_o i_o have_v get_v all_o my_o household_n to_o their_o rest_n full_o purpose_v with_o this_o cord_n to_o dispatch_v myself_o away_o and_o now_o bless_a be_v god_n for_o his_o gracious_a providence_n in_o prevent_v it_o by_o your_o come_n here_o be_v a_o seasonable_a help_n when_o the_o smoke_a flax_n be_v even_o quench_v the_o lord_n step_v in_o wonderful_o with_o relief_n so_o careful_a and_o tender_a be_v he_o of_o the_o weak_a christian_n 4._o by_o preserve_v they_o from_o false_a teacher_n and_o seducer_n till_o they_o have_v their_o sense_n to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n therefore_o a_o strict_a charge_n be_v give_v by_o he_o cant._n 2.15_o take_v we_o the_o fox_n the_o little_a fox_n that_o spoil_v the_o vine_n for_o our_o vine_n have_v tender_a grape_n especial_o care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o weak_a believer_n which_o be_v as_o tender_a grape_n lest_o the_o fox_n and_o little_a fox_n that_o be_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n seduce_v they_o and_o here_o st._n bernard_n observe_v touch_v the_o pronoun_n we_o and_o our_o poterat_fw-la dicere_fw-la capite_fw-la mihi_fw-la say_v maluit_fw-la dicere_fw-la nobis_fw-la consortio_fw-la delectatus_fw-la and_o he_o so_o unite_v our_o welfare_n with_o his_o own_o that_o he_o take_v as_o great_a care_n of_o we_o as_o of_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o and_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o iv_o the_o four_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o text_n be_v to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v so_o tender_a of_o weak_a christian_n and_o those_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o grace_n may_v be_v hinder_v in_o its_o growth_n by_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o believer_n can_v prevent_v as_o for_o instance_n a_o believer_n may_v be_v live_v in_o a_o wicked_a family_n where_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o there_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o keep_v his_o sparkle_n alive_a 1_o king_n 14.13_o the_o lord_n take_v notice_n of_o that_o little_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o abijah_n in_o the_o house_n of_o jeroboam_n a_o little_a grace_n in_o such_o a_o family_n go_v far_o even_o so_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v that_o small_a measure_n of_o piety_n that_o be_v in_o lot_n which_o sure_o be_v but_o a_o sparkle_n in_o a_o sea_n of_o corruption_n as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o trace_v his_o conversation_n for_o first_o out_o of_o a_o sinful_a fear_n of_o the_o filthy_a sodomite_n he_o proffer_v they_o his_o two_o daughter_n for_o to_o commit_v uncleanness_n with_o they_o his_o drunkenness_n and_o incest_n record_v in_o scripture_n be_v as_o a_o scylla_n and_o charybdis_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o beware_v and_o fear_v to_o come_v near_o they_o the_o latter_a be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 5.1_o as_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o nam_fw-la d_o among_o the_o unbelieving_a gentile_n much_o less_o practise_v by_o they_o and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o commission_n of_o one_o such_o sin_n of_o incest_n may_v terrify_v the_o weak_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v any_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n from_o ever_o commit_v the_o like_a again_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o will_v make_v he_o go_v mourn_v all_o his_o day_n but_o we_o find_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n that_o open_v every_o door_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o spiritual_a enemy_n let_v we_o in_o this_o abomination_n again_o and_o that_o sudden_o too_o for_o the_o next_o night_n he_o lie_v with_o his_o other_o daughter_n from_o both_o which_o incestuous_a mixture_n proceed_v the_o curse_a brood_n of_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n that_o be_v the_o great_a scourge_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o for_o all_o these_o gross_a miscarriage_n carriage_n and_o great_a sin_n he_o be_v still_o a_o smoke_a flax_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n pass_v by_o his_o enormity_n and_o consider_v the_o place_n of_o his_o abode_n give_v he_o a_o grain_n of_o allowance_n for_o be_v so_o good_a among_o a_o people_n so_o bad_a 2_o pet._n 2.7_o 8._o he_o have_v the_o epithet_n of_o just_a and_o righteous_a and_o godly_a because_o he_o be_v vex_v that_o they_o be_v so_o ungodly_a so_o do_v the_o lord_n exercise_v the_o same_o indulgence_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n because_o she_o dwell_v in_o the_o very_a confine_n of_o hell_n rev._n 2.13_o i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o where_o be_v that_o where_o godliness_n be_v persecute_v and_o idolatry_n be_v practise_v together_o with_o the_o community_n of_o wife_n maintain_v which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n now_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v the_o faith_n in_o the_o devil_n quarter_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o heavenborn_a nature_n and_o therefore_o god_n will_v dispense_v with_o other_o weakness_n only_o when_o a_o christian_n lot_n be_v cast_v into_o such_o a_o wicked_a place_n where_o satan_n dwell_v either_o for_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n or_o sodomitical_a practice_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o bewail_v it_o with_o the_o prophet_n david_n psalm_n 120.5_o 6._o woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o sojourn_v in_o mesech_n that_o i_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n my_o soul_n have_v long_o dwell_v with_o he_o that_o hate_v peace_n he_o long_v to_o be_v away_o from_o they_o and_o so_o do_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n mourn_v because_o he_o dwell_v among_o a_o people_n of_o unclean_a lip_n isa_n 6.5_o 2._o grace_n may_v be_v hinder_v in_o its_o growth_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o believer_n constitution_n of_o body_n for_o the_o philosophical_a axiom_n hold_v true_a in_o grace_n as_o it_o do_v in_o morality_n mores_fw-la animi_fw-la sequuntur_fw-la temperamentum_fw-la corporis_fw-la for_o we_o find_v choleric_a body_n very_a apt_a to_o fall_v into_o immoderate_a anger_n and_o unbridled_a passion_n upon_o the_o least_o provocation_n and_o be_v often_o to_o seek_v for_o that_o excellent_a grace_n of_o patience_n and_o those_o that_o be_v phlegmatic_a be_v not_o so_o active_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o other_o that_o be_v but_o of_o a_o equal_a stature_n in_o grace_n so_o the_o melancholic_a can_v rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o be_v so_o cheerful_a in_o holy_a duty_n as_o other_o and_o those_o that_o be_v sanguine_a can_v be_v so_o serious_a and_o the_o weak_a crazy_a body_n can_v spend_v so_o much_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o watch_v fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o strong_a constitution_n for_o without_o controversy_n though_o grace_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n quoad_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o causam_fw-la in_o
of_o grace_n differ_v only_o gradual_o from_o the_o great_a measure_n they_o be_v the_o same_o in_o kind_n and_o nature_n as_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o water_n be_v water_n and_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o fire_n be_v fire_n therefore_o christ_n care_n and_o love_n be_v not_o restrain_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n but_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a species_n of_o new_a creature_n small_a and_o great_a weak_a and_o strong_a 2_o pet._n 1.1_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o equal_a in_o degree_n with_o he_o but_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o kind_a it_o be_v of_o equal_a price_n and_o value_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o christ_n will_v be_v exceed_o careful_a to_o keep_v this_o heavenly_a treasure_n little_a grace_n be_v a_o little_a grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o grow_v and_o spread_v into_o a_o great_a tree_n and_o it_o be_v compare_v so_o for_o its_o smallness_n at_o first_o as_o well_o as_o for_o its_o growth_n at_o last_o and_o if_o thou_o have_v but_o the_o least_o grace_n i_o dare_v tell_v thou_o that_o god_n have_v do_v more_o for_o thou_o in_o that_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v in_o make_v that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o weak_a as_o perfect_a as_o the_o saint_n grace_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n and_o that_o for_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a power_n to_o work_v grace_n out_o of_o no_o grace_n than_o to_o add_v that_o grace_n by_o perfectional_a grace_n there_o be_v a_o great_a gulf_n between_o no_o grace_n and_o grace_n than_o between_o weak_a grace_n and_o strong_a between_o a_o chaos_n and_o nothing_o than_o between_o a_o chaos_n and_o the_o beautiful_a frame_n of_o this_o world_n the_o first_o day_n work_n of_o both_o creation_n be_v the_o great_a and_o therefore_o god_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n despise_v the_o day_n of_o these_o small_a thing_n which_o as_o inconsiderable_a as_o we_o think_v they_o to_o be_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o almighty_a power_n as_o create_v the_o world_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a mercy_n to_o give_v we_o the_o first_o grace_n in_o conversion_n than_o to_o crown_v that_o grace_n with_o glory_n it_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n and_o condescension_n in_o a_o prince_n to_o marry_v a_o poor_a damsel_n than_o have_v marry_v she_o to_o clothe_v she_o like_o a_o princess_n he_o be_v free_a to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v the_o former_a but_o now_o his_o relation_n to_o she_o oblige_v he_o to_o do_v the_o latter_a even_o so_o may_v god_n have_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v have_v give_v thou_o grace_n or_o not_o at_o the_o first_o but_z have_v do_v this_o thy_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o covenant_n also_o do_v oblige_v he_o to_o preserve_v that_o grace_n and_o add_v more_o till_o he_o have_v fit_v thou_o as_o a_o bride_n for_o himself_o in_o glory_n therefore_o let_v the_o weak_a christian_n never_o doubt_v of_o crist_n care_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o he_o for_o he_o that_o have_v do_v the_o great_a act_n of_o power_n and_o mercy_n to_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v the_o lesser_a he_o that_o give_v he_o spiritual_a life_n equal_a to_o the_o best_a saint_n in_o heaven_n in_o quality_n and_o nature_n will_v sure_o give_v it_o nourishment_n and_o growth_n till_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o my_o text_n till_o he_o bring_v forth_o judgement_n unto_o victory_n 5._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n comprehend_v the_o weak_a as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a christian_a if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8.17_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v not_o to_o child_n grow_v to_o this_o or_o that_o strength_n or_o stature_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o child_n though_o in_o the_o cradle_n the_o promise_n be_v thy_o portion_n yea_o thou_o may_v plead_v for_o his_o care_n and_o maintenance_n till_o thou_o possess_v the_o inheritance_n in_o heaven_n upon_o thy_o state_n and_o relation_n and_o not_o upon_o thy_o weak_a or_o strong_a grace_n some_o believer_n have_v more_o grace_n from_o christ_n than_o other_o and_o so_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o improve_v these_o promise_n than_o their_o weak_a brethren_n whereby_o their_o present_a profit_n and_o income_n from_o the_o promise_n be_v great_a but_o they_o have_v no_o more_o interest_n in_o christ_n than_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o the_o weak_a christian_n title_n be_v as_o true_a to_o the_o promise_n as_o that_o of_o the_o strong_a though_o the_o foot_n be_v the_o low_a member_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o it_o can_v say_v but_o that_o the_o tongue_n will_v speak_v for_o it_o and_o the_o head_n take_v care_n of_o it_o for_o the_o foot_n be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o so_o be_v the_o mean_a believer_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n therefore_o those_o do_v disfigure_v the_o promise_n that_o make_v they_o look_v asquint_o with_o a_o eye_n upon_o one_o believer_n and_o not_o upon_o another_o whereas_o they_o equal_o belong_v to_o all_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n jo._n 3.36_o and_o who_o be_v mean_v there_o be_v it_o he_o that_o believe_v above_o doubt_v sure_o no_o but_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o he_o that_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n will_v not_o himself_o reject_v they_o 6._o grace_n may_v be_v weak_a in_o one_o respect_n and_o yet_o strong_a in_o another_o a_o christian_a may_v be_v weak_a in_o his_o active_a and_o strong_a and_o resolute_a in_o his_o passive_a obedience_n rahab_n faith_n be_v but_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o the_o right_a kind_n because_o she_o hold_v out_o a_o professor_n in_o jericho_n her_o godly_a courage_n and_o hope_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n else_o she_o have_v never_o continue_v her_o obedience_n to_o the_o true_a god_n among_o such_o a_o number_n of_o idolater_n a_o believer_n may_v be_v want_v in_o his_o zeal_n and_o activity_n in_o god_n service_n and_o resist_a temptation_n in_o master_v corruption_n yet_o as_o a_o tree_n in_o winter_n he_o grow_v downward_o in_o humility_n self-abhorrence_a and_o his_o whole_a dependence_n be_v upon_o god_n through_o christ_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o want_n and_o so_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o these_o the_o lord_n will_v soon_o dispense_v with_o his_o outward_a infirmity_n 7._o the_o number_n of_o weak_a believer_n be_v far_o great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n take_v not_o special_a care_n to_o carry_v his_o lamb_n in_o his_o bosom_n his_o fold_n be_v like_a to_o be_v very_o empty_a there_o be_v more_o sparrow_n than_o eagle_n more_o bruise_v reed_n than_o cedar_n and_o more_o babe_n in_o christ_n than_o strong_a well_o grow_v christian_n in_o god_n family_n therefore_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o very_a tender_a nurse_n father_n to_o these_o those_o eternal_a mansion_n of_o glory_n shall_v be_v like_a to_o want_v inhabitant_n 8_o and_o last_o hereby_o god_n show_v his_o strength_n and_o power_n and_o so_o more_o glory_n redound_v to_o christ_n by_o this_o care_n in_o keep_v alive_a a_o sparkle_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o ocean_n of_o corruption_n 2_o cor._n 12.9_o my_o strength_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n that_o be_v not_o intrinsical_o but_o declarative_o not_o make_v so_o but_o manifest_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v so_o this_o cut_v the_o very_a comb_n of_o pride_n in_o all_o and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o self-exaltation_n when_o god_n be_v both_o the_o founder_n and_o finisher_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o that_o which_o high_o advance_v his_o glory_n be_v that_o he_o alone_o hold_v as_o our_o soul_n so_o our_o grace_n in_o life_n this_n not_o only_o magnify_v but_o omnify_v his_o power_n and_o cause_v the_o poor_a christian_n to_o lay_v the_o crown_n of_o all_o his_o service_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o cry_v out_o with_o st._n paul_n it_o be_v not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v and_o the_o race_n be_v run_v in_o glory_n to_o cast_v his_o crown_n with_o the_o elder_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n honour_n and_o power_n rev._n 4.10_o 11._o have_v thus_o do_v with_o the_o reason_n i_o shall_v answer_v a_o objection_n that_o meet_v i_o in_o my_o way_n which_o be_v this_o if_o christ_n be_v so_o tender_a of_o they_o why_o be_v they_o so_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o hard_a thought_n of_o themselves_o touch_v their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a condition_n as_o usual_o they_o be_v 1._o i_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o reason_n