be_v speak_v too_o much_o of_o for_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a nor_o too_o much_o magnify_v for_o it_o be_v glorious_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o to_o confirm_v his_o brethren_n in_o the_o experience_a knowledge_n of_o it_o he_o express_v here_o more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o their_o joy_n which_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o matter_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o apprehension_n and_o appropriation_n of_o that_o object_n which_o two_o conjoin_v be_v the_o entire_a cause_n of_o all_o rejoice_v the_o object_n be_v jesus_n christ_n verse_n 8._o and_o the_o salvation_n purchase_v by_o he_o verse_n 9_o for_o these_o two_o can_v be_v sever_v and_o these_o two_o verse_n that_o speak_v of_o they_o require_v as_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o connexion_n to_o be_v consider_v together_o 2._o the_o apprehension_n of_o these_o 1._o set_v forth_o negative_o not_o by_o bodily_a sight_n 2._o positive_o whereas_o that_o may_v seem_v to_o abate_v the_o 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nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v whence_o this_o shall_v be_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v believe_v unless_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n and_o if_o give_v he_o than_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o give_v it_o he_o and_o if_o so_o then_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o save_v he_o and_o for_o that_o end_n he_o give_v faith_n not_o therefore_o purpose_v to_o save_o because_o man_n shall_v believe_v 4._o this_o seem_v cross_a to_o these_o scripture_n where_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o subordination_n or_o rather_o coordination_n of_o those_o two_o as_o here_o foreknown_a and_o elect_v not_o because_o of_o obedience_n or_o sprinkle_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o to_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n so_o he_o predestinate_v not_o because_o he_o foresee_v man_n will_v be_v conform_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o as_o rom._n 8.29_o for_o who_o he_o do_v 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of_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n although_o from_o present_a unsanctification_n a_o man_n can_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o elect_v for_o the_o decree_n may_v for_o part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n run_v as_o it_o be_v underground_o yet_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o that_o estate_n lead_v to_o death_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v break_v will_v prove_v the_o black_a line_n of_o reprobation_n a_o man_n have_v no_o portion_n among_o the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v read_v one_o word_n of_o comfort_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o while_o he_o remain_v unholy_a man_n may_v please_v themselves_o in_o profane_a scoff_v at_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n but_o let_v they_o withal_o know_v this_o that_o that_o holy_a spirit_n
it_o shall_v appear_v in_o its_o full_a brightness_n at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o peculiar_a treasure_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v the_o grace_n that_o he_o receive_v from_o heaven_n and_o particular_o that_o sovereign_a grace_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o he_o can_v be_v assure_v will_v better_v he_o any_o way_n in_o this_o he_o will_v not_o only_o bear_v it_o patient_o but_o glad_o embrace_v it_o rom._n 5.3_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n set_v this_o before_o his_o brethren_n in_o those_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n where_o be_v 1._o the_o worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o usefulness_n of_o temptation_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v more_o precious_a a_o work_n of_o more_o worth_n than_o the_o trial_n of_o gold_n because_o faith_n itself_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o gold_n the_o apostle_n choose_v this_o comparison_n as_o fit_v his_o purpose_n for_o both_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o faith_n and_o likewise_o the_o use_n of_o temptation_n represent_v the_o one_o by_o gold_n and_o the_o other_o by_o the_o try_v of_o gold_n in_o the_o fire_n the_o worth_n of_o gold_n be_v 1._o real_a the_o pure_a and_o pretious_a of_o all_o metal_n have_v many_o excellent_a property_n beyond_o they_o as_o they_o that_o write_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o gold_n observe_v 2._o far_o great_a in_o the_o esteem_n and_o opinion_n of_o men._n see_v how_o man_n hurry_v up_o and_o down_o over_o sea_n and_o land_n unwearied_a in_o their_o pursuit_n with_o hazard_n of_o life_n and_o often_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o uprightness_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o not_o only_o thus_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o but_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o esteem_n one_o of_o another_o value_v man_n less_o or_o more_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o furnish_v with_o it_o and_o we_o see_v at_o what_o a_o height_n that_o be_v for_o thing_n we_o will_v commend_v much_o we_o borrow_v its_o name_n to_o they_o viz._n golden_a mediocrity_n and_o that_o age_n which_o they_o will_v call_v the_o best_a of_o all_o they_o name_v it_o the_o golden_a age_n and_o as_o seneca_n observe_v describe_v heavenly_a thing_n as_o ovid_n the_o sun_n palace_n and_o chariot_n still_o gold_n be_v the_o word_n for_o all_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n descend_v to_o our_o reach_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o it_o rev._n 21._o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ._n cant._n 5.11.14_o and_o here_o the_o preciousness_n of_o faith_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o precious_a then_o gold_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v in_o the_o parallel_n of_o faith_n with_o gold_n in_o the_o other_o quality_n of_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o solid_a as_o gold_n and_o that_o '_o it_o be_v most_o ductile_a and_o malleable_a as_o gold_n beyond_o all_o other_o metal_n it_o ply_v any_o way_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o then_o faith_n true_o enrich_v the_o soul_n and_o as_o gold_n answer_v all_o thing_n so_o faith_n give_v the_o soul_n propriety_n to_o all_o the_o rich_a consolation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o needful_a blessing_n it_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o strengthen_v itself_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o precious_a as_o gold_n but_o go_v far_o above_o the_o comparison_n it_o be_v more_o precious_a yea_o much_o more_o precious_a 1._o in_o its_o original_a the_o other_o be_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o mine_n of_o this_o gold_n be_v above_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n 2._o in_o its_o nature_n answerable_a to_o its_o original_a it_o be_v immaterial_a spiritual_a and_o pure_a we_o refine_v gold_n and_o make_v it_o pure_a but_o when_o we_o receive_v faith_n pure_a of_o itself_o we_o mix_v dross_n with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o impure_a by_o the_o allay_n of_o unbelief_n 3._o in_o its_o endurance_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a it_o perish_v not_o gold_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o corruptible_a and_o perish_v and_o to_o particular_a owner_n it_o perish_v in_o their_o loss_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o any_o way_n other_o grace_n be_v likewise_o try_v in_o the_o same_o furnace_n but_o faith_n be_v name_v as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n sharp_a affliction_n give_v a_o christian_a a_o trial_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v single_a and_o for_o himself_o or_o not_o for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o when_o he_o strike_v as_o when_o he_o embrace_v and_o in_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n will_v rather_o grow_v the_o hot_a and_o be_v more_o take_v off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o set_v upon_o he_o again_o the_o grace_n of_o paâ—ience_n be_v put_v particular_o upon_o trial_n in_o distress_n but_o both_o these_o spring_n from_o faith_n for_o love_n rise_v from_o a_o right_n and_o strong_a belief_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o patience_n from_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v tempt_v above_o our_o strength_n and_o he_o will_v give_v the_o issue_n now_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o cause_n patience_n the_o trial_n of_o faith_n work_v patience_n jam._n â—_o 3_o for_o therefore_o do_v the_o christian_a resign_v up_o himself_o and_o all_o that_o concern_v he_o his_o trial_n the_o measure_n and_o length_n of_o they_o all_o unto_o god_n dispose_n because_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o love_a father_n thus_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o and_o other_o particular_a grace_n do_v still_o resolve_v into_o this_o and_o be_v comprise_v under_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n this_o trial_n as_o 〈◊〉_d of_o gold_n may_v be_v for_o a_o 〈◊〉_d â—old_a end_n 1_o for_o experiment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o pureness_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n 2._o for_o refine_n it_o yeâ—_n more_o and_o to_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n or_o degree_n of_o pureness_n 1._o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n show_v upright_o â—eal_a faith_n to_o be_v such_o indeed_o remain_v stâ—ll_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o fire_n the_o same_o thaâ—_n it_o be_v undiminish_a as_o good_a gold_n 〈◊〉_d none_o of_o its_o quantity_n in_o the_o fire_n doubtless_o many_o be_v deceive_v in_o time_n of_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n with_o imaginary_a faith_n and_o fortitude_n so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o doubt_n while_o a_o man_n be_v under_o set_v with_o outward_a help_n as_o riches_n friend_n esteem_v etc._n etc._n whether_o he_o lean_v upon_o those_o or_o upon_o god_n who_o be_v a_o invisible_a support_n though_o strong_a than_o all_o that_o be_v visible_a and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a and_o alone_o stay_v of_o faith_n in_o all_o condition_n but_o when_o all_o these_o outward_a prop_n be_v pluck_v away_o from_o a_o man_n than_o it_o will_v manifest_v whether_o something_o else_o uphold_v he_o or_o not_o for_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o â—e_n fall_v but_o if_o his_o mind_n stand_v firm_a and_o unremoved_a as_o before_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o lay_v not_o his_o weight_n upon_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v they_o about_o he_o but_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o foundation_n though_o not_o see_v which_o be_v able_a alone_o to_o stay_v he_o although_o he_o be_v not_o only_o frustrate_v of_o all_o other_o support_v but_o beatâ—n_o upon_o with_o storm_n and_o tempest_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o house_n fall_v not_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n mat._n 7.25_o this_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o david_n faith_n who_o find_v it_o stay_v he_o upon_o god_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o near_o that_o can_v do_v it_o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v psa._n 27.13_o so_o in_o his_o strait_n 1._o sam._n 30.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o david_n be_v great_o distress_v but_o he_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n thus_o psa._n 73.26_o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o portion_n for_o ever_o the_o heart_n natural_a strength_n of_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n may_v beaâ—_n up_o under_o outward_a weakness_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o when_o the_o heart_n itself_o fail_v that_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o shall_v strengthen_v it_o nothing_o but_o god_n who_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o its_o portion_n for_o ever_o thus_o faith_n work_v alone_o when_o the_o case_n suit_n that_o of_o the_o prophet_n haback_n â—_o 17_o although_o the_o fig_n
tree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o shall_v fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n etc._n etc._n yet_o vers_fw-la 18._o i_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v joy_v in_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n in_o spiritual_a trial_n that_o be_v the_o sharp_a and_o fiery_a of_o all_o when_o the_o furnace_n be_v within_o a_o man_n when_o god_n do_v not_o only_o shut_v up_o his_o love_a kindness_n from_o its_o feel_n but_o seem_v to_o shut_v it_o up_o in_o hot_a displeasure_n when_o he_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o it_o yet_o then_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o wait_v for_o his_o salvation_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o strong_a and_o very_o refine_a faith_n indeed_o and_o the_o more_o he_o smite_v the_o more_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o well_o may_v he_o say_v when_o i_o be_o try_v i_o shall_v come_v forth_o as_o gold_n who_o can_v say_v that_o word_n though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o though_o i_o see_v as_o it_o be_v his_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o destroy_v i_o yet_o from_o that_o same_o hand_n will_v i_o expect_v salvation_n as_o the_o furnace_n show_v faith_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v so_o also_o it_o better_v it_o and_o make_v it_o more_o precious_a and_o pure_a than_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o infuse_v they_o be_v nothing_o but_o pureness_n but_o be_v put_v into_o a_o heart_n where_o sin_n dwell_v which_o till_o the_o body_n be_v dissolve_v and_o take_v to_o piece_n can_v be_v full_o purge_v out_o there_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o corruption_n and_o dross_n and_o particular_o faith_n be_v mix_v with_o unbelief_n and_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o creature_n if_o not_o more_o than_o god_n yet_o together_o with_o he_o and_o for_o this_o be_v the_o furnace_n needful_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v purify_v from_o this_o droâ—s_n and_o make_v more_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a in_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a talk_n and_o many_o time_n come_v but_o slow_o forward_a to_o teach_v the_o heart_n by_o discourse_n and_o speculation_n to_o sit_v loose_a from_o the_o world_n at_o all_o side_n not_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o they_o though_o riches_n do_v increase_v yet_o not_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o they_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o such_o uncertain_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v therefore_o god_n be_v please_v to_o choose_v the_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o teach_v his_o own_o the_o right_n and_o pure_a exercise_n of_o faith_n either_o by_o withhold_v or_o withdraw_v those_o thing_n from_o they_o make_v they_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n by_o deprive_v they_o of_o those_o outward_a comfort_n wherein_o they_o be_v in_o most_o danger_n of_o excess_n to_o have_v dote_v on_o they_o and_o so_o forget_v themselves_o and_o he_o when_o they_o be_v necessitate_v and_o experimental_o train_v up_o easy_o to_o let_v go_v their_o hold_n of_o any_o thing_n earthly_a and_o to_o stay_v themselves_o only_o upon_o their_o rock_n this_o be_v the_o very_a refine_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o those_o loss_n and_o affliction_n wherewith_o they_o be_v exercise_v they_o that_o learn_v bodily_a exercise_n as_o fence_v etc._n etc._n be_v not_o teach_v by_o sit_v still_o and_o hear_v rule_n or_o see_v other_o practice_n but_o they_o learn_v by_o exercise_v themselves_o the_o way_n to_o profit_v in_o the_o art_n of_o believe_v or_o come_v to_o this_o spiritual_a activity_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v often_o put_v to_o that_o work_n in_o the_o difficult_a way_n to_o make_v up_o all_o want_n and_o loss_n in_o god_n and_o to_o sweeten_v the_o bitter_a grief_n with_o his_o love_a kindness_n may_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n this_n be_v the_o end_n that_o be_v intend_v and_o shall_v be_v certain_o obtain_v by_o all_o these_o hot_a trial_n faith_n shall_v come_v through_o they_o all_o and_o shall_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n etc._n etc._n a_o unskillful_a beholder_n may_v think_v strange_a to_o see_v gold_n throw_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o leave_v there_o for_o a_o time_n but_o he_o that_o put_v it_o there_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o lose_v it_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o make_v some_o costly_a piece_n of_o work_n of_o it_o every_o believer_n give_v himself_o to_o christ_n and_o he_o undertake_v to_o present_v they_o blameless_a to_o the_o father_n not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v nor_o one_o dram_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v find_v when_o he_o appear_v that_o faith_n that_o be_v here_o in_o the_o furnace_n shall_v be_v then_o make_v up_o into_o a_o crown_n of_o pure_a gold_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n this_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o believer_n themselves_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n s._n paul_n expression_n rom._n 2.7_o or_o to_o christ_n that_o appear_v but_o the_o two_o will_v agree_v well_o together_o that_o it_o be_v both_o to_o their_o praise_n and_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o christ_n for_o certain_o all_o their_o praise_n and_o glory_n shall_v terminate_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o head_n christ_n who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o they_o have_v each_o their_o crown_n but_o their_o honour_n be_v to_o cast_v they_o all_o down_o before_o his_o throne_n he_o shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o his_o saint_n and_o admire_a in_o they_o that_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v glorious_a in_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o their_o glory_n he_o shall_v be_v glorify_v for_o as_o they_o have_v derive_v theâ—r_a glory_n from_o he_o it_o shall_v all_o return_v back_o to_o he_o again_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o denote_v the_o time_n when_o this_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o christ_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a he_o have_v promise_v to_o come_v again_o and_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v he_o shall_v judge_v righteous_o in_o that_o day_n that_o be_v himself_o unrighteous_o judge_v here_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o that_o day_n the_o most_o hide_a thing_n good_a and_o evil_n unveil_v but_o it_o be_v eminent_o the_o day_n of_o his_o revelation_n it_o shall_v be_v by_o his_o light_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n that_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v the_o worthy_a sight_n of_o all_o all_o eye_n shall_v behold_v he_o he_o shall_v then_o glorious_o appear_v before_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o shall_v by_o all_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n some_o shall_v with_o joy_n know_v he_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v foâ—_n other_o â—o_o their_o horror_n and_o amazement_n how_o beautiful_a shall_v he_o be_v to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o when_o he_o as_o the_o glorious_a head_n shall_v appear_v with_o his_o whole_a body_n mystical_a together_o with_o he_o then_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n that_o all_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v honour_v with_o shall_v recompense_v full_o all_o the_o scorn_n and_o ignominy_n and_o distress_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o here_o and_o they_o shall_v shine_v the_o bright_a for_o they_o oh_o if_o we_o considere_v often_o of_o that_o solemn_a day_n how_o light_n will_v we_o seâ—_n by_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o all_o outward_a hardship_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o digest_v dispraise_n and_o dishonour_v here_o and_o pass_v through_o all_o cheerful_o provide_v we_o may_v be_v then_o find_v in_o he_o and_o so_o partaker_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n and_o honour_n in_o that_o day_n of_o his_o appear_v verse_n 8_o 9_o 8._o who_o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_v in_o who_o though_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 9_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o paradox_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o joy_n that_o can_v subsist_v in_o the_o midâ—â—_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o he_o insist_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o those_o word_n prove_v it_o to_o the_o full_a yea_o with_o advantage_n that_o the_o saint_n have_v not_o only_o some_o measure_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o grief_n that_o abound_v upon_o they_o here_o but_o excellent_a and_o eminent_a joy_n such_o as_o make_v good_a all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o can_v
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to_o both_o if_o this_o appropriate_a and_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o happiness_n without_o which_o it_o avail_v not_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v from_o eternity_n and_o in_o time_n manifest_v it_o be_v not_o the_o general_n contemplation_n but_o the_o peculiar_a possession_n of_o christ_n that_o give_v both_o solid_a comfort_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n particular_a scâ—â—e_n verse_n 21._o who_o by_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o god_n that_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n that_o your_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n now_o because_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o give_v the_o soul_n this_o particular_a title_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n add_v that_o to_o declare_v who_o he_o mean_v by_o you_o say_v he_o who_o by_o he_o do_v believe_v in_o god_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o have_v 1._o the_o complete_a object_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o ground_n or_o warrant_v of_o it_o the_o object_n god_n in_o christ._n the_o ground_n or_o warrant_n in_o that_o he_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n a_o man_n may_v have_v live_v out_o of_o christ_n yea_o he_o must_v he_o can_v choose_v but_o have_v a_o conviction_n within_o he_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o further_o he_o may_v have_v even_o out_o of_o christ_n some_o kind_n of_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v concern_v god_n but_o to_o repose_v on_o god_n as_o his_o god_n and_o his_o salvation_n which_o be_v indeed_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o this_o can_v be_v but_o where_o christ_n be_v the_o mid_n through_o which_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n through_o our_o own_o guiltiness_n we_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o apprehend_v he_o as_o a_o arm_a enemy_n and_o be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o rest_v on_o he_o as_o our_o happiness_n that_o the_o more_o we_o view_v it_o it_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o more_o speed_n to_o fly_v from_o he_o and_o to_o cry_v out_o who_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o abide_v with_o a_o consume_a fire_n but_o our_o saviour_n take_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o way_n put_v himself_o betwixt_o our_o sin_n and_o god_n and_o so_o make_v a_o wonderful_a change_n of_o our_o apprehension_n of_o he_o when_o you_o look_v through_o a_o red_a glass_n the_o whole_a heaven_n seem_v bloody_a but_o through_o pure_a uncoloured_a glass_n you_o receive_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o be_v so_o refresh_v and_o comfortable_a to_o behold_v when_o sin_n unpardoned_a be_v betwixt_o and_o we_o look_v on_o god_n through_o that_o we_o can_v perceive_v nothing_o but_o anger_n and_o enmity_n in_o his_o countenance_n but_o
as_o to_o be_v scorn_v out_o of_o it_o be_v so_o honourable_a and_o happy_a and_o the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o those_o that_o scoff_n you_o will_v give_v much_o more_o than_o all_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o ever_o possess_v in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o your_o number_n see_v you_o have_v purify_v your_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v 1._o the_o chief_a seat_n or_o subject_n of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n the_o soul_n 2._o the_o subordinate_a mean_n truth_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o obey_v of_o truth_n 4._o the_o chief_a worker_n of_o it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o work_n that_o go_v through_o the_o whole_a man_n renew_v and_o purify_v all_o heb._n 10.22_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o but_o because_o it_o purify_v the_o soul_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o do_v purify_v all_o there_o begin_v impurity_n mat._n 15._o not_o only_o evil_a thought_n but_o all_o evil_a action_n come_v forth_o from_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v there_o all_o one_o with_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o this_o purify_n begin_v there_o make_v the_o tree_n good_a that_o the_o fruit_n may_v be_v good_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o external_a performance_n that_o be_v the_o difference_n of_o man_n as_o their_o inward_a temper_n we_o meet_v here_o in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o all_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o how_o wide_o a_o difference_n be_v there_o in_o god_n eye_n betwixt_o a_o unwashed_a profane_a heart_n in_o the_o same_o exercise_n and_o a_o soul_n purify_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o desirous_a to_o be_v further_o purify_v by_o further_a obey_v it_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v the_o subordinate_a mean_n of_o this_o purity_n be_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v truth_n and_o pure_a in_o itself_o and_o beget_v truth_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o heart_n by_o teach_v it_o concern_v the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n of_o god_n show_v it_o and_o his_o holy_a will_n which_o be_v to_o we_o the_o rule_n of_o purity_n and_o by_o represent_v jesus_n christ_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o purity_n and_o renovation_n from_o who_o fullness_n we_o may_v receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n that_o wherein_o the_o very_a be_v of_o this_o purify_n consist_v be_v the_o receive_v or_o obey_v of_o this_o truth_n so_o gal._n 3.1_o where_o it_o be_v put_v for_o right_o believe_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o obedience_n be_v believe_v the_o proper_a obedience_n to_o truth_n be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o and_o this_o divine_a belief_n do_v necessary_o bring_v the_o whole_a soul_n into_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o that_o pure_a truth_n which_o be_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o very_a purify_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v this_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o unbelief_n be_v its_o chief_n impurity_n and_o disobedience_n therefore_o act._n 15.9_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o purify_v the_o heart_n 4._o the_o chief_a worker_n of_o this_o sanctification_n be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v say_v here_o to_o purify_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o the_o soul_n itself_o do_v act_n in_o believe_v or_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o motion_n they_o purify_v their_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n they_o do_v it_o by_o his_o enliven_a power_n and_o a_o purify_n virtue_n recevy_v from_o he_o faith_n or_o obey_v the_o truth_n work_v this_o purity_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v that_o faith_n as_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n god_n be_v say_v to_o purify_v their_o heart_n by_o faith_n verse_n 8._o he_o do_v that_o by_o give_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o truth_n be_v pure_a and_o purify_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o of_o itself_o purify_v the_o soul_n but_o by_o the_o obey_n or_o believe_v it_o and_o the_o soul_n can_v obey_v or_o believe_v but_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o work_v in_o it_o that_o faith_n and_o by_o that_o faith_n purify_v it_o and_o work_v love_n in_o it_o '_o it_o be_v the_o impurity_n and_o earthliness_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o disunion_n and_o disaffection_n among_o they_o and_o of_o all_o their_o striâ—es_n jam._n 4.1_o this_o spirit_n be_v that_o fire_n that_o refine_v and_o purify_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o dross_n of_o earthly_a desire_n that_o possess_v it_o and_o sublimate_n it_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o saint_n because_o they_o be_v his_o and_o be_v purify_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o fire_n to_o draw_v together_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n the_o outward_a fire_n of_o enmity_n and_o persecution_n that_o be_v kindle_v against_o the_o godly_a by_o the_o world_n do_v somewhat_o and_o if_o it_o be_v more_o consider_v by_o they_o will_v do_v more_o in_o this_o knit_n their_o heart_n close_a one_o to_o another_o but_o it_o be_v this_o inward_a pure_a and_o purify_n fire_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o do_v most_o powerful_o unite_v they_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a truth_n of_o this_o christian_a mutual_a love_n among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o this_o purify_n obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n whence_o it_o flow_v faith_n unfeigned_a will_v beget_v this_o love_n unfeigned_a man_n may_v exhort_v to_o they_o both_o but_o they_o require_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o work_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n verse_n 23._o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o two_o thing_n that_o make_v up_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v the_o very_a sum_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n to_o walk_v as_o obedient_a child_n towards_o god_n and_o love_a brethren_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o that_o it_o may_v yet_o have_v the_o deep_a impression_n he_o here_o represent_v to_o they_o anew_o that_o new_a birth_n he_o mention_v before_o by_o which_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o brethren_n we_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o this_o regeneration_n and_o then_o of_o the_o seed_n this_o be_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n io._n 1.12_o and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v bestow_v this_o dignity_n on_o they_o 1_o io._n 3.1_o for_o they_o be_v no_o way_n needful_a to_o he_o he_o have_v from_o eternity_n a_o son_n perfect_o like_o himself_o the_o character_n of_o his_o person_n and_o one_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o both_o and_o there_o be_v no_o creation_n neither_o the_o first_o nor_o the_o second_o can_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o those_o and_o their_o happiness_n it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o that_o bless_a trinity_n satis_fw-la amplum_fw-la alter_fw-la alterj_n theatrum_fw-la sumus_fw-la but_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o impart_v his_o goodness_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o son_n not_o only_o angel_n that_o be_v so_o call_v but_o man_n a_o little_a low_o than_o they_o in_o nature_n yet_o dignify_v with_o this_o name_n in_o his_o creation_n st._n luke_n 3.38_o which_o be_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n footstep_n as_o they_o speak_v which_o all_o the_o creature_n have_v but_o of_o his_o image_n and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o this_o be_v his_o rich_a grace_n magnify_v that_o sin_n have_v deface_v that_o image_n and_o so_o degrade_v man_n from_o his_o honour_n and_o devest_v he_o of_o that_o title_n of_o sonship_n and_o stamp_v our_o pollute_a nature_n with_o the_o mark_n of_o vileness_n and_o bondage_n yea_o with_o the_o very_a image_n of_o satan_n rebellion_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n that_o out_o of_o mankind_n thus_o ruin_v and_o degenerate_v god_n shall_v raise_v to_o himself_o a_o new_a race_n and_o generation_n of_o son_n for_o this_o design_n be_v the_o word_n make_v flesh_n io._n 1._o the_o son_n make_v man_n to_o make_v man_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v by_o he_o alone_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o this_o they_o that_o receive_v he_o receive_v with_o he_o and_o in_o he_o this_o privilege_n verse_n 12._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sonship_n by_o adoption_n and_o be_v so_o call_v in_o scripture_n in_o difference_n from_o his_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n who_o be_v and_o that_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n yet_o that_o we_o may_v
other_o of_o such_o virtue_n that_o a_o touch_n of_o he_o be_v the_o only_a cure_n of_o spiritual_a disease_n man_n tell_v of_o strange_a virtue_n of_o some_o stone_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o precious_a stone_n have_v not_o only_a virtue_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a but_o even_o to_o raise_v the_o dead_a dead_a body_n he_o raise_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o abode_n on_o earth_n and_o dead_a soul_n he_o still_o do_v raise_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n the_o prophet_n malachy_n call_v he_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n which_o have_v in_o it_o the_o rareness_n and_o excellency_n we_o speak_v of_o he_o be_v singular_a as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sun_n in_o the_o world_n so_o but_o one_o saviour_n and_o his_o lustre_n such_o a_o stone_n as_o outshine_v the_o sun_n in_o its_o full_a brightness_n and_o then_o for_o his_o useful_a virtue_n he_o add_v that_o he_o have_v heal_v under_o his_o wing_n this_o his_o worth_n be_v unspeakable_a and_o remain_v infinite_o beyond_o all_o these_o resemblance_n 2_o there_o be_v here_o the_o lay_n of_o this_o foundation_n and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o zion_n that_o be_v it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o first_o lay_v in_o zion_n literaly_a be_v then_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o church_n and_o true_a religion_n he_o be_v lay_v there_o in_o his_o manifestation_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o suffer_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o afterward_o be_v preach_v through_o the_o world_n become_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o place_n where_o his_o name_n be_v receive_v and_o so_o be_v a_o stone_n grow_v great_a till_o it_o fill_v the_o whole_a earth_n as_o daniel_n have_v it_o he_o say_v i_o lay_v by_o which_o the_o lord_n express_v this_o his_o own_o proper_a work_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o subject_n psa._n 118._o this_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n so_o isa._n 9.7_o speak_v of_o this_o promise_a messiah_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v perform_v this_o and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o say_v i_o lie_v because_o he_o have_v the_o first_o think_v of_o this_o great_a work_n the_o model_n of_o it_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n from_o eternity_n and_o that_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o be_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n in_o the_o morning_n of_o his_o son_n birth_n and_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n but_o to_o signify_v withal_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n to_o man_n without_o the_o least_o motion_n from_o man_n or_o motive_n in_o man_n to_o draw_v he_o to_o it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o unexpected_a insert_v of_o these_o prophetical_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o complaint_n of_o people_n wickedness_n and_o theatn_v they_o with_o punishment_n intimate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o connexion_n betwixt_o this_o work_n and_o any_o thing_n on_o man_n part_n fit_a to_o procure_v it_o although_o you_o do_v thus_o provoke_v i_o to_o destroy_v you_o yet_o of_o myself_o i_o have_v other_o thought_n there_o be_v another_o purpose_n in_o my_o head_n and_o isi._n 7._o it_o be_v observable_a to_o this_o purpose_n that_o that_o clear_a promise_n of_o the_o virgin_n son_n be_v give_v not_o only_a unrequire_v but_o be_v refuse_v by_o that_o profane_a king_n this_o again_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v the_o layer_n of_o this_o corner_n stone_n teach_v we_o the_o firmness_n of_o it_o which_o be_v likewise_o express_v in_o the_o prophet_n word_n very_o emphatical_o by_o redouble_v the_o same_o word_n musad_a musad_n fundamentum_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la so_o psal._n 2.6_o i_o have_v set_v my_o king_n upon_o my_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n who_o then_o shall_v dethrone_v he_o i_o have_v give_v he_o the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n and_o who_o will_v hinder_v he_o to_o take_v possession_n on_o his_o right_n if_o any_o offer_n to_o do_v so_o what_o shall_v they_o be_v but_o a_o number_n of_o earthen_a vessel_n fight_v against_o a_o iron_n sceptre_n and_o so_o certain_o break_v themselves_o in_o piece_n thus_o here_o i_o lay_v this_o foundation_n stone_n and_o if_o i_o lay_v it_o who_o shall_v remove_v it_o and_o what_o i_o build_v upon_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o cast_v down_o for_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o great_a master-builder_n that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n that_o be_v of_o his_o building_n be_v unruinable_a and_o for_o that_o end_n have_v he_o lay_v a_o unmovable_a foundation_n and_o for_o that_o end_n be_v we_o teach_v and_o remember_v of_o its_o firmness_n that_o we_o may_v have_v this_o confidence_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o nature_n the_o church_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o foundation_n as_o job_n speak_v of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o be_v hang_v upon_o nothing_o and_o yet_o as_o the_o earth_n remain_v firm_a be_v establish_v in_o its_o place_n by_o the_o word_n and_o power_n of_o god_n the_o church_n be_v most_o firm_o found_v upon_o the_o word_n make_v flesh_n jesus_n christ_n as_o its_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o as_o all_o the_o wind_n that_o blow_n can_v remove_v the_o earth_n out_o of_o its_o place_n neither_o can_v all_o the_o attempt_n of_o man_n no_o nor_o of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v beat_v with_o very_o boisterous_a storm_n but_o it_o can_v fall_v because_o found_v upon_o this_o rock_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o whole_a house_n and_o thus_o with_o every_o stone_n in_o it_o as_o here_o it_o follow_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v not_o be_v confound_v 3._o there_o be_v next_o the_o build_n on_o this_o foundation_n this_o be_v plain_o to_o be_v build_v on_o christ_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o in_o this_o the_o most_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o hear_v of_o such_o privilege_n and_o happiness_n in_o christ_n and_o present_o imagine_v it_o be_v all_o they_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n as_o that_o mad_a man_n of_o athens_n that_o write_v up_o all_o the_o ship_n come_v into_o the_o haven_n for_o his_o own_o we_o consider_v not_o what_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o salvation_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v it_o be_v not_o they_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o or_o that_o have_v some_o common_a knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o he_o and_o speak_v of_o his_o person_n and_o nature_n aright_o but_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o much_o of_o our_o knowledge_n be_v as_o the_o poor_a philosopher_n or_o as_o a_o geometer_n that_o can_v measure_v land_n exact_o in_o all_o its_o dimension_n but_o possess_v not_o a_o foot_n who_o define_v riches_n exact_o and_o discourse_v of_o their_o nature_n but_o possess_v none_o and_o true_o it_o be_v but_o a_o lifeless_a unsavoury_a knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o christ_n by_o all_o book_n and_o study_n till_o he_o reveal_v himself_o and_o persuade_v the_o heart_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o then_o indeed_o it_o say_v of_o all_o the_o report_v it_o hear_v when_o it_o see_v he_o and_o be_v make_v one_o with_o he_o i_o hear_v much_o yet_o the_o half_a be_v not_o tell_v i_o there_o be_v in_o lively_a faith_n when_o it_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o excellency_n than_o before_o and_o withal_o a_o recumbence_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o its_o life_n and_o comfort_n a_o resolve_v to_o rest_v on_o he_o and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o upon_o any_o term_n though_o i_o be_v beset_v on_o all_o hand_n be_v accuse_v by_o the_o law_n and_o my_o own_o conscience_n and_o by_o satan_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o answer_v for_o myself_o yet_o here_o i_o will_v stay_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a in_o he_o there_o be_v salvation_n and_o no_o where_o else_o all_o other_o refuge_n be_v but_o lie_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o word_n before_o these_o in_o the_o prophet_n poor_a base_a shift_n that_o will_v do_v no_o good_a and_o god_n have_v lay_v this_o precious_a stone_n in_o zion_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o weary_a soul_n may_v rest_v upon_o it_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o intention_n he_o have_v not_o forbid_v any_o how_o wretched_a soever_o to_o believe_v but_o command_v it_o and_o himself_o work_v it_o where_o he_o will_v even_o in_o the_o vile_a sinner_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o you_o
awake_v to_o seek_v diligent_o after_o jesus_n and_o not_o to_o rest_v till_o they_o find_v he_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o without_o he_o it_o suffice_v they_o they_o hear_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o but_o they_o ask_v not_o themselves_o be_v he_o i_o or_o no_o but_o sure_o if_o that_o be_v all_o not_o to_o doubt_v the_o bruit_n believe_v as_o well_o it_o be_v better_a out_o of_o all_o question_n to_o be_v labour_v under_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v a_o more_o hopeful_a condition_n to_o find_v a_o man_n groan_v and_o complain_v than_o speechless_a and_o breathless_a and_o not_o stir_v at_o all_o there_o be_v in_o spiritual_a doubt_n two_o thing_n their_o be_v a_o solicitous_a care_n of_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o own_o estate_n and_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o it_o and_o that_o be_v laudable_a be_v a_o true_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o they_o perplexity_n and_o distrust_n that_o arise_v from_o darkness_n and_o weakness_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o smoke_n and_o no_o clear_a flame_n it_o argue_v much_o moisture_n in_o the_o matter_n yet_o it_o witness_v certain_o that_o there_o be_v fire_n there_o and_o therefore_o dubious_a question_n of_o a_o man_n concern_v himself_o be_v a_o much_o better_a evidence_n than_o that_o senseless_a deadness_n that_o most_o take_v for_o believe_v man_n that_o that_o know_v nothing_o in_o science_n have_v no_o doubt_n he_o never_o true_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o make_v first_o sensible_a and_o convince_v of_o unbelief_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n first_o errand_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convince_v it_o of_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n be_v this_o that_o they_o believe_v not_o if_o the_o faith_n that_o thou_o have_v grow_v out_o of_o thy_o natural_a heart_n of_o itself_o it_o be_v but_o a_o weed_n be_v sure_a the_o right_a plant_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o set_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v water_v and_o preserve_v by_o he_o because_o expose_v to_o many_o hazard_n he_o watch_v it_o night_n and_o day_n isa._n 27.3_o i_o the_o lord_n do_v keep_v it_o i_o will_v water_v it_o every_o moment_n lest_o any_o hurt_n it_o i_o will_v keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n again_o how_o impudent_a be_v it_o in_o the_o most_o to_o pretend_v believe_v while_o they_o wallow_v in_o profaneness_n if_o faith_n unite_v the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n certain_o it_o put_v it_o into_o participation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n this_o faith_n in_o christ_n bring_v we_o into_o communion_n with_o god_n now_o god_n be_v light_n say_v st._n john_n and_o therefore_o infer_v if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n the_o lie_n appear_v in_o our_o practice_n a_o unsuitableness_n in_o our_o carriage_n as_o he_o say_v of_o he_o that_o sign_v his_o verse_n wrong_v fecit_fw-la solaecismum_fw-la manu_fw-la but_o there_o be_v imaginary_a believer_n that_o be_v a_o little_a more_o refine_a that_o live_v after_o a_o blameless_a yea_o and_o a_o religious_a manner_n for_o there_o outward_a and_o yet_o be_v but_o appearance_n of_o christian_n have_v not_o the_o live_a work_n of_o faith_n within_o and_o all_o these_o exercise_n be_v dead_a work_n in_o their_o hand_n among_o these_o some_o may_v have_v such_o motion_n within_o themselves_o as_o may_v deceive_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o their_o outward_a deportment_n deceive_v other_o some_o transient_a touch_n of_o desire_n to_o christ_n upon_o the_o unfolding_n of_o his_o excellency_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o upon_o some_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o necessity_n and_o conceive_v some_o joy_n upon_o thought_n of_o apprehend_v he_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o prove_v but_o a_o evanish_v fancy_n a_o embrace_v of_o a_o shadow_n and_o because_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o delude_v meet_v not_o with_o christ_n indeed_o do_v not_o real_o find_v his_o sweetness_n therefore_o within_o a_o while_n they_o return_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o their_o latter_a end_n prove_v worse_a than_o their_o beginning_n their_o heart_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v steadfast_a because_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o in_o all_o that_o work_n wherein_o christ_n himself_o be_v want_v but_o the_o true_o believe_v soul_n that_o be_v bring_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o fasten_v upon_o he_o by_o god_n own_o hand_n abide_v stay_v on_o he_o and_o depart_v not_o and_o in_o these_o the_o very_a belief_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v concern_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o the_o common_a consent_n that_o they_o call_v historical_a another_o knowledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n than_o natural_a man_n can_v have_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o very_a thing_n that_o cause_v a_o man_n rest_n upon_o christ_n when_o he_o have_v a_o persuasion_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o able_a redeemer_n a_o sufficient_a saviour_n able_a to_o save_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o then_o upon_o this_o the_o heart_n resolve_v upon_o that_o course_n see_v i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o whoso_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n as_o here_o it_o be_v shall_v not_o be_v confound_v i_o be_o to_o deliberate_v no_o long_o this_o be_v the_o the_o thing_n i_o must_v do_v to_o lay_v my_o soul_n upon_o he_o upon_o one_o that_o be_v a_o almighty_a redeemer_n and_o it_o do_v so_o now_o these_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o themselves_o a_o evidence_n that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a a_o light_n of_o their_o own_o by_o which_o the_o soul_n wherein_o they_o be_v may_v discern_v they_o and_o say_v this_o be_v the_o right_a work_n of_o faith_n especial_o when_o god_n shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_v it_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o own_o work_n within_o it_o and_o further_o they_o may_v find_v the_o influence_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o affection_n purify_n they_o as_o our_o apostle_n say_v of_o it_o act._n 15.9_o faith_n knit_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o holy_a head_n a_o pure_a lord_n the_o spring_n of_o purity_n and_o therefore_o can_v choose_v but_o make_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v a_o beam_n from_o heaven_n that_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o heavenly_a temper_n although_o there_o remain_v of_o sin_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o hate_a wearisome_a guest_n there_o it_o be_v not_o there_o as_o its_o delight_n but_o as_o its_o great_a grief_n and_o malady_n that_o it_o be_v still_o lament_v and_o complain_v of_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v rid_v of_o than_o gain_v a_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v purify_v from_o affect_v sin_n so_o then_o where_o these_o be_v a_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o a_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o delight_n in_o he_o as_o make_v sin_n vile_a and_o distasteful_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v set_v against_o it_o and_o as_o the_o needle_n touch_v with_o the_o loadstone_n be_v still_o turn_v towards_o christ_n and_o look_n at_o he_o in_o all_o estate_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v have_v certain_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o affect_v a_o humour_n of_o doubt_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o in_o itself_o yet_o be_v in_o he_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a not_o only_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v shame_n of_o he_o but_o all_o its_o just_a cause_n of_o shame_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o it_o shall_v be_v cover_v with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o appear_v so_o before_o the_o father_n who_o must_v not_o think_v if_o my_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v set_v in_o order_n and_o appear_v against_o i_o how_o will_v my_o face_n be_v fill_v with_o shame_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o if_o some_o thought_n that_o i_o be_o guilty_a of_o be_v lay_v to_o my_o charge_n i_o be_v utter_o shame_v and_o undo_v oh_o nothing_o in_o myself_o but_o matter_n of_o shame_n but_o yet_o in_o christ_n more_o matter_n of_o glory_v who_o endure_v shame_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a we_o can_v distrust_v ourselves_o enough_o nor_o trust_n enough_o in_o he_o let_v it_o be_v right_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o excess_n in_o believe_v though_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o and_o abuse_v his_o goodness_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o for_o whether_o shall_v i_o go_v he_o and_o none_o but_o he_o have_v
put_v upon_o he_o and_o by_o give_v he_o up_o to_o be_v crucify_v and_o then_o cast_v into_o the_o grave_n and_o a_o stone_n to_o be_v roll_v upon_o this_o stone_n which_o they_o have_v so_o reject_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v no_o more_o and_o so_o think_v themselves_o sure_a but_o even_o from_o thence_o do_v he_o arise_v and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n the_o disciple_n themselves_o speak_v you_o know_v very_o doubtful_o of_o their_o former_a hope_n we_o believe_v this_o have_v be_v he_o that_o will_v have_v deliver_v israel_n but_o he_o correct_v their_o mistake_n first_o by_o his_o word_n show_v they_o the_o true_a method_n of_o that_o great_a work_n ought_v not_o christ_n to_o suffer_v first_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o glory_n and_o then_o real_o by_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o he_o be_v from_o these_o reject_v and_o lie_v low_a then_o be_v he_o near_a his_o exaltation_n as_o joseph_n in_o the_o prison_n be_v near_a his_o preferment_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o low_a desperate_v condition_n then_o be_v deliverance_n at_o hand_n it_o prosper_v and_o gain_n in_o the_o event_n by_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n against_o it_o and_o as_o this_o corner_n stone_n be_v fit_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o very_a rejection_n even_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o whole_a bulidâ—ng_n it_o rise_v the_o high_a the_o more_o man_n seek_v to_o demolish_v it_o 3._o their_o unhappiness_n that_o believe_v not_o be_v express_v in_o the_o other_o word_n he_o be_v to_o they_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v save_v by_o he_o they_o shall_v stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o be_v break_v to_o piece_n on_o he_o as_o it_o be_v in_o isaiah_n and_o in_o the_o evangelist_n but_o how_o be_v this_o be_v he_o that_o come_v to_o save_v become_v a_o destroyer_n of_o man_n he_o who_o name_n be_v salvation_n prove_v he_o destruction_n to_o any_o not_o he_o in_o himself_o his_o primary_n and_o proper_a use_n be_v the_o former_a to_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o soul_n to_o build_v and_o rest_n upon_o but_o they_o that_o in_o stead_n of_o building_n upon_o he_o will_v stumble_v and_o fall_v on_o he_o what_o wonder_n be_v so_o firm_a a_o stone_n though_o they_o be_v break_v by_o their_o fall_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o mischief_n of_o unbelief_n that_o as_o other_o sin_n disable_v the_o law_n it_o disable_v the_o very_a gospel_n to_o save_v we_o and_o turn_v life_n itself_o into_o death_n to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o misery_n not_o of_o a_o few_o but_o of_o many_o in_o israel_n many_o that_o hear_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v lament_v that_o ever_o they_o hear_v that_o sound_n and_o shall_v wish_v to_o have_v live_v and_o die_v without_o it_o find_v so_o great_a a_o accession_n to_o their_o misery_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o so_o great_a salvation_n they_o be_v say_v to_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n because_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v therein_o testify_v concern_v christ_n they_o labour_v not_o to_o understand_v and_o prize_v aright_o but_o either_o altogether_o slight_v they_o and_o account_v they_o foolishness_n or_o misconceive_v they_o and_o prevert_v they_o the_o jew_n stumble_v at_o the_o meaness_n of_o christ_n birth_n and_o life_n and_o the_o ignominy_n of_o his_o death_n not_o judge_v of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o in_o another_o way_n think_v we_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o not_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o thought_n concern_v he_o many_o of_o we_o undo_v ourselves_o and_o stumble_v and_o break_v our_o neck_n upon_o this_o rock_n mistake_v christ_n and_o the_o way_n of_o believe_v look_v on_o he_o as_o a_o saviour_n at_o large_a and_o judge_v that_o enough_o not_o endeavour_v to_o make_v he_o we_o and_o to_o embrace_v he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o that_o new-covenant_n whereof_o he_o be_v mediator_n whereunto_o also_o they_o be_v appoint_v this_o the_o apostle_n add_v for_o the_o further_a satisfaction_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o point_n how_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o reject_v christ_n and_o stumble_v at_o he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n be_v accomplish_v in_o this_o have_v determine_v to_o glorify_v his_o justice_n on_o impenitent_a sinner_n as_o he_o show_v his_o rich_a mercy_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v here_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o lead_v you_o into_o a_o deep_a than_o to_o lead_v you_o forth_o again_o i_o will_v rather_o stand_v on_o the_o shore_n and_o silent_o admire_v it_o than_o enter_v into_o it_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v all_o no_o less_o just_a in_o themselves_o than_o deep_a and_o unsoundable_a by_o we_o his_o justice_n appear_v clear_a in_o that_o man_n destruction_n be_v always_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n but_o to_o give_v cause_n of_o god_n decree_n without_o himself_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a with_o the_o primitive_a be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n nor_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v we_o further_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o ask_v it_o let_v these_o two_o word_n as_o s._n austin_n say_v answer_v all_o what_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n and_o o_o the_o depth_n our_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o know_v that_o our_o name_n be_v not_o in_o that_o black_a line_n and_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o to_o be_v save_v by_o his_o son_n be_v this_o to_o find_v that_o we_o have_v choose_v he_o and_o be_v build_v on_o he_o by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o love_n that_o first_o choose_v we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v read_v in_o our_o esteem_n of_o he_o he_o be_v precious_a or_o your_o honour_n the_o difference_n be_v small_a you_o account_v he_o your_o glory_n and_o your_o gain_n he_o be_v not_o only_o precious_a to_o you_o but_o preciousness_n itself_o he_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o you_o make_v acount_n of_o your_o jewel_n that_o if_o you_o keep_v though_o you_o be_v rob_v of_o all_o beside_o you_o know_v yourselves_o rich_a enough_o to_o you_o that_o believe_v faith_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v this_o due_a estimat_fw-la of_o christ._n 1._o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n while_o their_o worth_n be_v undiscerned_a and_o unkown_n affect_v we_o not_o now_o faith_n be_v the_o proper_a see_v faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o relation_n to_o christ_n that_o inward_a light_n must_v be_v infuse_v from_o above_o to_o make_v christ_n visible_a to_o we_o without_o it_o though_o he_o be_v beautiful_a yet_o we_o be_v blind_a and_o therefore_o can_v love_v he_o for_o that_o beauty_n but_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v enable_v to_o see_v he_o that_o be_v fair_a than_o the_o child_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o see_v in_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n and_o than_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o to_o account_v he_o precious_a to_o bestow_v the_o entire_a affection_n of_o our_o heart_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o any_o say_v to_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v thy_o belove_a more_o than_o another_o it_o willing_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o question_n and_o be_v glad_a of_o a_o opportunity_n to_o extol_v he_o 2._o faith_n as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o discern_v christ_n so_o it_o alone_o appropriate_v he_o make_v he_o our_o own_o and_o these_o be_v the_o two_o reason_n of_o esteem_v and_o affect_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v own_o worth_n and_o our_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o faith_n beget_v this_o esteem_n of_o christ_n by_o both_o 1._o it_o discover_v to_o we_o his_o excellency_n that_o we_o can_v not_o see_v before_o 2._o it_o make_v he_o we_o give_v we_o possession_n of_o whole_a christ_n all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o commend_v christ_n so_o much_o and_o describe_v his_o comeliness_n in_o that_o song_n and_o withal_o that_o word_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o faith_n that_o express_v propriety_n my_o wellbeloved_a be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o and_o these_o together_o make_v he_o most_o precious_a to_o the_o soul_n have_v once_o possession_n of_o he_o than_o it_o look_v upon_o all_o his_o suffering_n as_o endure_v particular_o for_o it_o and_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o all_o as_o belong_v to_o itself_o sure_o it_o will_v say_v can_v it_o choose_v but_o account_v he_o precious_a that_o suffer_v shame_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a and_o suffer_v death_n that_o he_o may_v not_o die_v that_o
we_o from_o it_o filthiness_n need_v sprinkle_v guiltiness_n such_o as_o deserve_v death_n needs_o sprinkle_v of_o blood_n and_o the_o death_n it_o deserve_v be_v everlasting_a death_n the_o blood_n must_v be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ._n the_o eternal_a lord_n of_o life_n die_v to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n the_o soul_n as_o the_o body_n have_v its_o life_n its_o health_n its_o purity_n and_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o its_o death_n disease_n deformity_n and_o impurity_n which_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o to_o their_o first_o subject_n and_o to_o the_o body_n by_o participation_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v stain_v by_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n the_o impure_a leprosy_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o a_o spot_n outward_o but_o whole_o inward_a hence_o as_o the_o corporal_a leprosy_n be_v purify_v by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n so_o be_v this_o then_o by_o reflect_v we_o see_v how_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n express_v be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n 1._o christ_n the_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n be_v god_n and_o man_n 2._o a_o mediator_n not_o only_o intercede_v but_o also_o satisfy_v eph._n 2.16_o 3._o this_o satisfaction_n do_v not_o reconcile_v we_o unless_o it_o be_v apply_v therefore_o there_o be_v not_o only_o mention_v of_o blood_n but_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n by_o faith_n sprinkle_v the_o soul_n as_o with_o hyssop_n wherewith_o the_o sprinkle_n be_v make_v this_o be_v it_o of_o which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isai._n 52.15_o so_o shall_v he_o sprinkle_v many_o nation_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n prefer_v above_o all_o legal_a sprinkling_n chap._n 9.12_o 13_o 14._o both_o as_o to_o its_o duration_n and_o as_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o effect_n man_n be_v not_o easy_o convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o deep_a stain_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o no_o other_o laâ—er_n can_v fetch_v it_o out_o but_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n some_o that_o have_v moral_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n dislike_v at_o least_o gross_a sin_n and_o purpose_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o it_o be_v to_o they_o cleanness_n enough_o to_o reform_v in_o those_o thing_n but_o they_o consider_v not_o what_o become_v of_o the_o guiltiness_n they_o have_v contract_v already_o and_o how_o that_o shall_v be_v purge_v how_o their_o natural_a pollution_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o this_o it_o be_v not_o a_o evaâ—ishing_a sigh_n or_o a_o light_a word_n or_o a_o wish_n of_o god_n forgive_v i_o no_o nor_o the_o high_a current_n of_o repentance_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a evidence_n of_o repentance_n amendment_n it_o be_v none_o of_o these_o that_o purify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o expiate_v wrath_n they_o be_v all_o imperfect_a and_o stain_a themselves_o can_v stand_v and_o answer_v for_o themselves_o much_o less_o be_v of_o value_n to_o counterpoise_v their_o former_a guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o very_a tear_n of_o the_o pure_a repentance_n unless_o they_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o this_o blood_n be_v impure_a all_o our_o wash_n without_o this_o be_v but_o wash_n of_o the_o blackmore_n it_o be_v labour_n in_o vain_a jer._n 2.22_o job._n 9.30_o 31._o there_o be_v none_o true_o purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o endeavour_v purity_n of_o heart_n and_o conversation_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o be_v all_o fair_a and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o they_o here_o it_o be_v say_v elect_a to_o obedience_n but_o because_o that_o obedience_n be_v not_o perfect_a there_o must_v be_v sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n too_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n further_o out_o of_o nature_n reach_n and_o out_o of_o its_o like_v and_o believe_v than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n by_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n by_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o blood_n first_o shed_v on_o the_o cross_n in_o his_o suffering_n and_o then_o sprinkle_v on_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n though_o that_o be_v very_o difficult_a then_o of_o this_o purge_n by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o this_o precious_a blood_n do_v we_o see_v how_o needful_a christ_n be_v to_o we_o we_o will_v esteem_v and_o love_v he_o more_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o blood_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o water_n even_o that_o water_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o this_o blood_n without_o the_o blood_n itself_o and_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o it_o many_o be_v present_a where_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v and_o yet_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o it_o look_v to_o this_o that_o this_o blood_n be_v sprinkle_v on_o your_o soul_n that_o the_o destroy_a angel_n may_v pass_v by_o you_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n not_o some_o few_o but_o a_o generation_n deceive_v in_o this_o they_o be_v their_o own_o deceiver_n pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n prov._n 30.12_o how_o earnest_o do_v david_n pray_v wash_v i_o purge_v i_o with_o hyssop_n though_o bathe_v in_o tear_n psa._n 6.6_o that_o satisfy_v not_o wash_v thou_o i_o this_o be_v the_o honourable_a condition_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o be_v purify_v and_o consecrate_v unto_o god_n by_o this_o sprinkle_n yea_o have_v on_o loâ—g_a while_n robe_n wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n there_o be_v mention_n indeed_o of_o great_a tribulation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o double_a comfort_n join_v with_o it_o 1._o they_o come_v out_o of_o it_o that_o tribulation_n have_v a_o end_n and_o 2_o they_o pass_v from_o that_o to_o glory_n for_o they_o have_v on_o the_o robe_n of_o candidate_n long_o white_a robe_n wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n wash_v white_a in_o blood_n as_o for_o this_o blood_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o purity_n and_o spotlesness_n be_v stain_v with_o no_o sin_n and_o beside_o have_v that_o virtue_n to_o take_v away_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n where_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v my_o wellbeloved_a be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a say_v the_o spouse_n thus_o in_o his_o death_n ruddy_a by_o bloodshed_n white_a by_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o that_o blood_n shall_v they_o then_o that_o be_v purge_v by_o this_o blood_n return_v to_o live_v among_o the_o swine_n and_o tumble_v with_o they_o in_o the_o puddle_n what_o gross_a injury_n be_v this_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o that_o blood_n by_o which_o they_o be_v cleanse_v they_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o this_o sprinkle_n be_v likewise_o choose_v to_o obedience_n this_o blood_n purify_v the_o heart_n yea_o this_o blood_n purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 9.14_o unto_o obedience_n it_o be_v easy_o understand_v to_o who_o when_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v express_v by_o the_o simple_a absolute_a name_n of_o obedience_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o to_o he_o alone_o belong_v absolute_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n all_o obedience_n by_o all_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v the_o shame_n and_o misery_n of_o man_n that_o he_o have_v depart_v from_o this_o obedience_n that_o we_o be_v become_v son_n of_o disobedience_n but_o grace_n renew_v the_o heart_n of_o believer_n change_v their_o nature_n and_o so_o their_o name_n and_o make_v they_o child_n of_o obedience_n as_o afterward_o in_o this_o chapter_n this_o obedience_n consist_v as_o in_o the_o receive_n christ_n as_o our_o redeemer_n so_o also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o our_o lord_n or_o king_n a_o entire_a render_v up_o of_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o his_o obedience_n this_o obedience_n then_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v jesus_n christ_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o his_o active_o as_o beza_n but_o objectiu_o as_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o i_o think_v here_o it_o be_v contain_v yea_o chief_o understand_v to_o signify_v that_o obedience_n which_o the_o aposte_n to_o the_o roman_n call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v receive_v and_o so_o christ_n himself_o which_o unit_v the_o believe_a soul_n to_o christ_n he_o sprinkle_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v the_o root_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o future_a obedience_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n by_o obedience_n sanctification_n be_v here_o intimate_v it_o signify_v then_o both_o habitual_a and_o active_a obedience_n renovation_n of_o heart_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o mind_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o divine_a will_n yea_o this_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o obedience_n rom._n 1.8_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n
be_v first_o impress_v on_o the_o mind_n hence_o flow_v out_o pleasant_a obedience_n and_o full_a of_o love_n hence_o all_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n with_o its_o member_n learn_v to_o give_v a_o willing_a obedience_n and_o submit_v unto_o god_n whereas_o before_o they_o resist_v he_o be_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o satan_n this_o obedience_n though_o imperfect_a yet_o have_v a_o certain_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v imperfect_a perfection_n it_o be_v universal_a three_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o subject_n 2._o in_o the_o object_n 3._o in_o the_o duration_n the_o whole_a man_n subject_v to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o constant_o and_o persevere_o the_o first_o universality_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o tongue_n alone_o or_o in_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o have_v its_o root_n in_o the_o heart_n therefore_o do_v not_o wither_v as_o the_o grass_n or_o flower_n lie_v on_o the_o superfice_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o it_o flourish_v because_o root_v and_o therefore_o it_o embrace_v the_o whole_a law_n because_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o reverence_n it_o have_v for_o the_o lawgiver_n himself_o reverence_n i_o say_v but_o temper_v with_o love_n hence_o it_o account_v no_o law_n nor_o command_n little_a or_o of_o small_a value_n which_o be_v from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v great_a and_o high_o esteem_v by_o the_o pious_a heart_n no_o command_n hard_a though_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o love_n there_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o all_o as_o st._n james_n divine_o argue_v and_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o golden_a chain_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n which_o if_o break_v in_o any_o link_n all_o fall_v a_o piece_n that_o this_o three_o fold_n perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o a_o picture_n draw_v by_o fancy_n be_v evident_a in_o david_n psal._n 119._o where_o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n his_o foot_n v_o 105._o his_o mouth_n v_o 13._o his_o heart_n v._n 11._o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o life_n v_o 24._o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n v_o 6._o and_o he_o profess_v his_o constancy_n therein_o in_o v_o 16._o and_o 33._o teach_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v then_o a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o their_o high_a cause_n and_o the_o happy_a way_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o possess_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o know_v they_o in_o experience_n to_o such_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o estate_n be_v that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o justify_v the_o near_a cause_n of_o both_o these_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o his_o blood_n purify_v they_o from_o guiltiness_n and_o quicken_v they_o to_o obedience_n now_o follow_v to_o consider_v the_o appropriate_v or_o apply_v cause_o the_o holy_a and_o holy_a make_n or_o sanctify_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o their_o select_v from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_a call_n unto_o grace_n the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o appoint_v or_o decree_a cause_n be_v god_n the_o father_n for_o though_o they_o all_o work_n equal_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o work_v we_o be_v teach_v thus_o to_o distinguish_v and_o particular_o to_o ascribe_v the_o first_o work_n of_o eternal_a election_n to_o the_o first_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o or_o through_o sanctification_n for_o to_o render_v it_o elect_v to_o the_o sanctification_n be_v strain_v so_o than_o i_o conceive_v this_o election_n be_v their_o effectual_a call_v which_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 26.27.28_o where_o vocation_n and_o election_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a after_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n the_o beginning_n of_o its_o performance_n in_o these_o that_o be_v elect_v and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o real_a separate_n of_o man_n from_o the_o profane_a and_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o appropriate_a and_o consecrate_v of_o a_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o relation_n to_o election_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o well_o bear_v that_o name_n rom._n 8.28.30_o act._n 2.47_o &_o 13.48_o joh._n 15.19_o sanctification_n in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n as_o distinguish_v fâ—om_n justification_n signify_v the_o inherent_a holiness_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o his_o inclinement_n and_o innablement_n to_o obedience_n mention_v in_o this_o verse_n but_o it_o be_v here_o more_o large_a and_o so_o extend_v with_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o renovation_n and_o be_v the_o sever_n and_o separate_n of_o man_n to_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n draw_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v justification_n as_o here_o and_o the_o first_o work_v of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v justify_v through_o its_o apprehend_n and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ._n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n call_v man_n external_o and_o by_o that_o eternal_a call_n prevail_v with_o many_o to_o a_o external_n receive_v and_o profess_v of_o religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v alone_o it_o go_v no_o further_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n and_o effectual_a call_n joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v do_v when_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o subject_n of_o this_o work_n and_o it_o be_v but_o slight_a false_a work_n that_o begin_v not_o there_o but_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o efficient_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o subject_a of_o this_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o place_n pray_v to_o the_o father_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v his_o own_o by_o that_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a mean_n in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v then_o a_o prevail_a mean_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o sword_n and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n fit_a to_o divide_v yea_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o without_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n hand_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o this_o cut_n and_o divide_v the_o word_n call_v but_o the_o spirit_n draw_v not_o sever_v from_o that_o word_n but_o work_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n to_o draw_v a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o strong_a chain_n of_o satan_n and_o out_o of_o the_o please_a entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o its_o own_o natural_a perverseness_n to_o yield_v up_o itself_o unto_o god_n to_o deny_v itself_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o in_o so_o do_v to_o run_v against_o the_o main_a stream_n and_o the_o current_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n without_o and_o corruption_n within_o the_o strong_a rhetoric_n the_o most_o move_a and_o persuasive_a way_n of_o discourse_n be_v all_o too_o weak_a the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o soul_n to_o free_v itself_o and_o shake_v off_o all_o that_o detein_v it_o although_o it_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o yet_o still_o it_o can_v and_o will_v hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o say_v non_fw-la persuadebis_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la persuaseris_fw-la the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o pluck_v any_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o world_n and_o set_v it_o in_o among_o the_o select_a number_n of_o believer_n only_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n have_v absolute_a command_n of_o spirit_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n
not_o then_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o make_v the_o worthy_a choice_n see_v it_o be_v offer_v we_o and_o be_v extreme_a folly_n to_o reject_v it_o grace_n do_v not_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o whole_o destroy_v the_o natural_a passion_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o they_o be_v distemper_v by_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o extreme_a remedy_n to_o cure_v by_o kill_v and_o heal_v by_o cut_v off_o no_o but_o it_o correct_v the_o distemper_n in_o they_o it_o dry_v not_o up_o this_o main_a stream_n of_o love_n but_o purify_v it_o from_o the_o mud_n it_o be_v full_a of_o in_o its_o wrong_a course_n or_o call_v it_o to_o its_o right_a channel_n by_o which_o it_o may_v run_v into_o happiness_n and_o empty_v itself_o into_o the_o ocean_n of_o goodness_n the_o holy_a spirit_n turn_v the_o love_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o in_o that_o way_n only_o can_v it_o apprehend_v his_o love_n so_o then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n he_o be_v medium_fw-la unionis_fw-la through_o who_o god_n convey_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o receive_v back_o its_o love_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v his_o incomparable_a beauty_n we_o may_v look_v on_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n particular_o in_o that_o divine_a song_n of_o love_n wherein_o solomon_n borrow_v all_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o creature_n dip_v his_o pencil_n in_o all_o their_o several_a excellency_n to_o set_v he_o forth_o unto_o we_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a intermixture_n of_o love_n with_o belief_n and_o a_o pious_a affection_n receive_v divine_a truth_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n as_o we_o distinguish_v they_o they_o be_v mutual_o strengthen_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o and_o so_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o circle_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a one_o and_o fall_v not_o under_o censure_n of_o the_o school_n pedantry_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o love_n i_o answer_v believe_v if_o you_o ask_v how_o shall_v i_o believe_v i_o answer_v love_n although_o the_o expression_n to_o a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v altogether_o unsavoury_a by_o gross_a mistake_v they_o yet_o to_o a_o soul_n teach_v to_o read_v and_o hear_v they_o by_o any_o measure_n of_o that_o same_o spirit_n of_o love_n wherewith_o they_o be_v pen_v they_o be_v full_a of_o heavenly_a and_o unutterable_a sweetness_n many_o direction_n and_o mean_n of_o beget_v and_o increase_v this_o love_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v here_o offer_v but_o they_o that_o delight_n in_o number_n may_v multiply_v they_o but_o sure_o this_o one_o will_v comprehend_v the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o believe_v and_o you_o shall_v love_n believe_v much_o and_o you_o shall_v love_n much_o labour_n for_o strong_a and_o deep_a persuasion_n of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n and_o this_o will_v command_v love_n certain_o do_v man_n indeed_o believe_v his_o worth_n they_o will_v according_o love_v he_o for_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v but_o affect_v that_o most_o which_o it_o firm_o believe_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o affection_n o_o this_o mischief_n of_o unbelief_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o heart_n cold_a and_o dead_a towards_o god_n seek_v then_o to_o believe_v christ_n excellency_n in_o himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o this_o will_v kindle_v such_o a_o fire_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o will_v make_v it_o ascend_v in_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o love_n to_o he_o many_o sign_n likewise_o of_o this_o love_n may_v be_v multiply_v according_a to_o the_o many_o fruit_n and_o work_n of_o it_o but_o in_o they_o all_o itself_o be_v its_o own_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n when_o the_o soul_n find_v that_o all_o its_o obedience_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o himself_o make_v its_o character_n do_v flow_v from_o love_n than_o it_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a for_o do_v or_o suffer_v what_o you_o will_v without_o love_n all_z passes_z for_o nothing_o all_o be_v cipher_n without_o it_o they_o signify_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 13._o this_o be_v the_o message_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o the_o ministry_n aim_v at_o and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v suitor_n not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o christ_n to_o espouse_v soul_n to_o he_o and_o to_o bring_v in_o many_o heart_n to_o love_v he_o and_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o persuade_v to_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n this_o be_v to_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o his_o love_n be_v no_o other_o incentive_a will_v be_v needful_a for_o love_n delight_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o converse_n of_o the_o party_n love_v if_o we_o be_v to_o persuade_v to_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n the_o sum_n of_o those_o be_v love_n to_o our_o brethren_n result_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o diffuse_v such_o a_o sweetness_n into_o the_o soul_n that_o its_o all_o love_n and_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n and_o long_o suffer_v if_o time_n be_v for_o suffering_n love_n will_v make_v the_o soul_n not_o only_o bear_v but_o welcome_a the_o bitter_a afflection_n of_o life_n and_o the_o hard_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v in_o love_n a_o sweet_a constraint_n or_o tie_v of_o the_o heart_n to_o all_o obedience_n and_o duty_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v requisite_a in_o minister_n for_o their_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n so_o our_o saviour_n to_o st._n peter_n john_n 21.15_o peter_n love_v thou_o i_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n it_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o that_o christ_n preach_v be_v entertain_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o embrace_v by_o faith_n and_o love_n you_o that_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o christ_n for_o your_o love_n let_v not_o your_o heart_n slip_v out_o to_o renew_v your_o wont_a base_a familiarity_n with_o sin_n for_o that_o will_v bring_v new_a bitterness_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o at_o least_o for_o some_o time_n will_v deprive_v you_o of_o the_o sensible_a favour_n of_o your_o belove_a jesus_n delight_v always_o in_o god_n and_o give_v he_o your_o whole_a heart_n for_o he_o deserve_v it_o all_o and_o be_v a_o satisfy_v good_a to_o it_o the_o large_a heart_n be_v all_o of_o it_o too_o straight_o for_o the_o riches_n of_o consolation_n that_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o seek_v to_o increase_v in_o this_o love_n for_o though_o be_v at_o first_o weak_a yet_o labour_v to_o find_v it_o daily_o rise_v high_a and_o burn_v hot_a and_o clear_a and_o consume_v the_o dross_n of_o earthly_a desire_n receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n although_o the_o soul_n that_o believe_v and_o love_n be_v put_v in_o present_a possession_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a in_o its_o sojourn_v here_o yet_o it_o desire_v a_o full_a enjoyment_n which_o it_o can_v attain_v to_o without_o remove_v hence_o while_o we_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o because_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o happy_a exchange_n that_o be_v unite_v and_o free_v of_o this_o body_n they_o shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o have_v his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o that_o where_o he_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v also_o this_o beget_v such_o a_o assure_a hope_n as_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o possession_n therefore_o be_v say_v here_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n this_o receive_v likewise_o flow_v from_o faith_n faith_n apprehend_v the_o present_a truth_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n and_o so_o make_v the_o thing_n to_o come_v present_a and_o hope_v look_n out_o to_o their_o after_o accomplishment_n which_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v true_a as_o faith_n averr_v than_o hope_n have_v good_a reason_n firm_o to_o expect_v it_o this_o desire_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o very_a wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o faith_n the_o common_a axis_n on_o which_o they_o rest_v in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o good_a hope_v for_o in_o christ_n so_o believe_v on_o and_o love_v 2._o the_o assuredness_n of_o the_o hope_n itself_o yea_o as_o sure_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o accomplish_v as_o for_o the_o good_a hope_v for_o it_o consist_v 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n 2._o in_o a_o relative_n property_n of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v salvation_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o import_v full_a deliverance_n from_o all_o kind_n of_o misery_n and_o
the_o safe_a possession_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n when_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o adversary_n and_o adverse_a accident_n no_o more_o subject_v to_o those_o evil_n that_o be_v its_o own_o proper_o namely_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n and_o sad_a defection_n nor_o yet_o subject_a to_o those_o other_o evil_n it_o endure_v by_o society_n with_o the_o body_n outward_a distress_n and_o affliction_n persecution_n poverty_n disease_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v call_v salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o exclude_v the_o body_n from_o the_o society_n of_o that_o glory_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o reunite_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o because_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o itself_o a_o immortal_a substance_n and_o both_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n of_o man_n and_o the_o prime_n subject_a both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o because_o it_o arrive_v first_o at_o that_o blessedness_n and_o for_o a_o time_n leave_v the_o body_n in_o the_o dust_n to_o do_v homage_n to_o its_o original_a therefore_o it_o be_v only_o name_v here_o but_o jesus_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n too_o and_o he_o shall_v at_o his_o come_n change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v they_o like_o his_o glorious_a body_n the_o end_n end_v or_o reward_v for_o it_o be_v both_o it_o be_v the_o end_n either_o at_o which_o faith_n aim_v or_o wherein_o it_o cease_v it_o be_v the_o reward_n not_o of_o their_o work_n nor_o of_o faith_n as_o a_o work_n deserve_v it_o but_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n first_o work_v in_o his_o own_o and_o then_o reward_n as_o if_o it_o be_v their_o work_n and_o this_o salvation_n or_o fruition_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o proper_a reward_n of_o faith_n which_o believe_v in_o he_o unseen_a and_o so_o obtain_v that_o happy_a sight_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o thou_o see_v not_o and_o the_o reward_n of_o faith_n to_o see_v what_o thou_o have_v believe_v this_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v it_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hold_v good_a then_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v he_o be_v make_v sure_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o they_o be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o soon_o may_v the_o river_n run_v backward_o and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o heaven_n change_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v dissolve_v than_o any_o one_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n can_v be_v sever_v from_o he_o and_o so_o fall_v short_a of_o salvation_n hope_v for_o in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o rejoice_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v he_o have_v none_o of_o that_o faculty_n by_o which_o they_o be_v discern_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n betwixt_o those_o thing_n and_o nature_n high_a capacity_n it_o can_v work_v beyond_o its_o sphere_n speak_v to_o the_o natural_a man_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a grief_n the_o sense_n of_o guiltiness_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n displeasure_n or_o the_o hide_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o the_o soul_n these_o thing_n stir_v not_o he_o he_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v speak_v to_o he_o again_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o arise_v hence_o he_o be_v no_o less_o stranger_n to_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v mourn_v to_o he_o and_o he_o lament_v not_o pipe_n to_o he_o and_o he_o dance_v not_o mat._n 11._o but_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n in_o those_o thing_n though_o they_o seem_v folly_n and_o nonsense_n to_o the_o foolish_a world_n and_o this_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o she_o own_o child_n have_v say_v somewhat_o already_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o here_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o consider_v those_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o joy_n arise_v from_o those_o cause_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o joy_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v there_o be_v here_o a_o solid_a sufficient_a good_a and_o the_o heart_n make_v sure_a of_o it_o be_v partly_o put_v in_o present_a possession_n of_o it_o and_o in_o a_o most_o certain_a hope_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o require_v to_o make_v it_o joyful_a jesus_n christ_n the_o treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n receive_v and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v not_o christ_n the_o light_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o nation_n such_o a_o light_n as_o abraham_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o many_o age_n of_o more_o than_o two_o thousand_o year_n yet_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o see_v rejoice_v beside_o this_o brightness_n that_o make_v light_v a_o joyful_a object_n light_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n put_v for_o joy_n christ_n this_o light_n bring_v salvation_n with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o there_o be_v heal_n under_o his_o wing_n i_o bring_v you_o say_v the_o angel_n good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n that_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n and_o their_o song_n have_v in_o it_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o joy_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o men._n but_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v find_v he_o we_o otherwise_o the_o more_o excellent_a he_o be_v the_o more_o cause_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v sad_a while_o it_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o he_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v say_v the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o god_n my_o saviour_n thus_o 1._o joh._n 1.3_o have_v speak_v of_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n he_o add_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a faith_n work_v this_o joy_n by_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o apply_v his_o merit_n and_o from_o that_o application_n arise_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o that_o load_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n be_v remove_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o soul_n find_v itself_o lighten_v and_o unload_v of_o that_o burden_n that_o be_v sink_v it_o to_o hell_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o leap_v for_o joy_n in_o the_o ease_n and_o refreshment_n it_o find_v therefore_o that_o psalm_n that_o david_n begin_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n he_o end_v it_o with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o rejoice_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v psal._n 32.1_o thus_o he_o begin_v but_o he_o end_v vers_fw-la 11._o be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o rejoice_v you_o righteous_a and_o shout_n for_o joy_n all_o you_o that_o be_v â—pright_o in_o heart_n s._n peter_n speak_v to_o his_o hearer_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act._n 2.38_o and_o verse_n 41._o it_o be_v add_v they_o receive_v his_o word_n glad_o and_o our_o saviour_n join_v these_o two_o together_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o thus_o isaiah_n 61.1_o good_a tiding_n of_o liberty_n to_o captive_n be_v proclaim_v and_o a_o notable_a change_n there_o be_v of_o their_o estate_n who_o mourn_v in_o zion_n give_v they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n and_o the_o garment_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n think_v with_o what_o joy_n the_o long_o imprison_a debtor_n drown_v in_o debt_n receive_v a_o full_a discharge_n and_o his_o liberty_n or_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n the_o news_n of_o his_o pardon_n and_o this_o will_v somewhat_o resemble_v it_o but_o yet_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o the_o joy_n that_o faith_n bring_v by_o bring_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o believe_a soul_n be_v not_o only_o a_o debtor_n acquit_v and_o set_v free_a but_o enrich_v beside_o with_o a_o new_a and_o great_a estate_n not_o only_o a_o pardon_v malefactor_n but_o withal_o high_o prefer_v and_o advance_v to_o honour_n have_v a_o right_a by_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o be_v receive_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o unto_o the_o dignity_n of_o sonship_n take_v from_o the_o dunghill_n
and_o set_v with_o prince_n as_o there_o be_v joy_n from_o faith_n so_o also_o from_o love_n though_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o most_o sweet_a and_o delightful_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o as_o we_o foolish_o misplace_v it_o it_o prove_v often_o full_a of_o bitterness_n but_o be_v set_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a right_n and_o worthy_a object_n it_o cause_v this_o unspeakable_a delight_n and_o rejoice_v 1._o it_o be_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o have_v bestow_v our_o love_n so_o worthy_o and_o though_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o sometime_o sadden_fw-mi the_o soul_n that_o love_v he_o with_o absence_n in_o regard_n of_o sense_n yet_o even_o in_o those_o sad_a time_n the_o soul_n delight_v to_o love_v he_o and_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n in_o the_o very_a pain_n it_o have_v in_o seek_v after_o he_o and_o this_o it_o know_v that_o his_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o can_v be_v long_o unkind_a but_o will_v return_v and_o speak_v comfortable_o unto_o it_o 2._o our_o love_n to_o christ_n give_v we_o assurance_n of_o his_o to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o have_v not_o only_o choose_v worthy_o but_o shall_v not_o be_v frustrate_a and_o dissapoint_v and_o it_o assure_v we_o of_o he_o not_o as_o follow_v but_o precede_v and_o cause_v we_o for_o our_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o reflex_n of_o he_o on_o we_o wine_n make_v glad_a the_o heart_n but_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n say_v the_o spouse_n and_o have_v this_o persuasion_n that_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o forget_v we_o not_o in_o our_o conflict_n that_o though_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o his_o glory_n yet_o that_o he_o interceed'_v for_o we_o there_o and_o will_v bring_v we_o thither_o what_o condition_n can_v befall_v we_o so_o hard_o but_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o in_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o full_a salvation_n and_o fruition_n of_o he_o who_o have_v purchase_v it_o then_o there_o be_v the_o three_o cause_n of_o our_o rejoice_v viz._n our_o hope_n now_o hope_n be_v our_o anchor_n pitch_v within_o the_o vail_n that_o stay_v we_o against_o all_o the_o storm_n that_o beat_v upon_o we_o in_o this_o troublesome_a sea_n that_o we_o be_v toss_v upon_o the_o soul_n that_o strong_o believe_v and_o love_n may_v confident_o hope_v to_o see_v what_o it_o believe_v and_o enjoy_v what_o it_o love_v and_o in_o that_o rejoice_v it_o may_v say_v whatsoever_o hazard_n whether_o ontward_o or_o inward_a whatsoever_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n i_o endure_v yet_o this_o one_o thing_n put_v i_o out_o of_o hazard_n and_o in_o that_o i_o will_v rejoice_v the_o salvation_n of_o my_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o my_o own_o strength_n but_o be_v in_o my_o saviour_n hand_n my_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o when_o he_o who_o be_v my_o life_n shall_v appear_v i_o likewise_o shall_v appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n the_o childish_a world_n be_v hunt_v shadow_n and_o gape_v and_o hope_v after_o they_o know_v not_o what_o but_o the_o believer_n can_v say_v i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v trust_v and_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o against_o that_o day_n now_o we_o have_v not_o only_o right_a to_o those_o thing_n but_o withal_o there_o must_v be_v frequent_a consideration_n of_o they_o to_o work_v joy_n the_o soul_n must_v often_o view_v they_o and_o so_o rejoice_v my_o meditation_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v sweet_a say_v david_n i_o will_v be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n psal._n 104._o and_o the_o godly_a fail_v in_o thiâ—_n deprive_v themselves_o much_o of_o that_o joy_n they_o may_v have_v and_o they_o that_o be_v most_o in_o these_o sublime_a thought_n have_v the_o high_a and_o true_a joy_n the_o excellency_n of_o this_o joy_n the_o apostle_n here_o express_v by_o these_o two_o word_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n that_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a no_o wonder_n see_v the_o matter_n of_o iâ—_n be_v inconceivable_a it_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_n god_n reconcile_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o testify_v and_o seal_v his_o love_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o give_v assure_v hope_v of_o that_o bless_a vision_n of_o eternity_n what_o more_o unspeakable_a than_o this_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v glorious_a or_o glorify_a joy_n have_v the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a object_n for_o it_o derive_v all_o its_o excellency_n from_o thence_o unspeakable_a the_o best_a worldly_a joy_n be_v easy_o speakable_a they_o may_v be_v express_v to_o the_o uâ—most_a yea_o usual_o more_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o then_o they_o be_v indeed_o their_o name_n be_v beyond_o their_o worth_n they_o be_v very_o seldom_o find_v upon_o experience_n equal_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o expectation_n that_o man_n have_v of_o they_o but_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n be_v above_o the_o report_n any_o can_v make_v of_o it_o say_v what_o they_o can_v of_o it_o who_o be_v of_o happy_a expression_n yet_o when_o a_o man_n come_v to_o know_v it_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n he_o will_v say_v as_o that_o queen_n say_v of_o salomon_n wisdom_n the_o half_a be_v not_o tell_v i_o of_o it_o again_o earthly_a joy_n be_v inglorious_a many_o of_o which_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o those_o that_o seem_v most_o plausible_a yet_o be_v below_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o can_v fill_v it_o but_o the_o joy_n that_o arise_v from_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v most_o avowable_a a_o man_n need_v not_o blush_v to_o own_v they_o so_o they_o be_v true_o content_v and_o satisfy_v and_o that_o be_v their_o glory_n and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o may_v glory_v in_o they_o my_o soul_n shall_v make_v she_o boast_v in_o god_n say_v david_n for_o application_n of_o all_o this_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v believe_v we_o will_v hearken_v no_o more_o to_o the_o foolish_a prejudice_n that_o the_o world_n have_v take_v up_o against_o religion_n and_o wherewith_o satan_n endeavour_v to_o possess_v man_n heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v scare_v from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v that_o they_o think_v it_o a_o sour_a melanel_n oly_a life_n that_o have_v nothing_o but_o sadness_n and_o mourn_v in_o it_o but_o to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n consider_v 1._o religion_n bar_v not_o the_o lawful_a delight_n that_o be_v take_v in_o natural_a thing_n but_o teach_v the_o moderate_a and_o regular_a use_n of_o they_o which_o be_v far_o the_o sweet_a for_o thing_n lawful_a in_o themselves_o be_v in_o their_o excess_n sinful_a and_o so_o prove_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n and_o if_o in_o some_o case_n it_o require_v the_o forsake_v of_o lawful_a enjoyment_n as_o of_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n or_o honour_n for_o god_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v generous_a and_o true_o more_o delightful_a to_o deny_v they_o for_o this_o reason_n then_o to_o enjoy_v they_o man_n have_v do_v much_o this_o way_n for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o country_n and_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o moral_a virtue_n but_o to_o lose_v any_o delight_n or_o to_o suffer_v any_o hardship_n for_o that_o high_a end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o love_n to_o he_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o true_o pleasant_a 2._o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n religion_n indeed_o banish_v but_o it_o be_v to_o change_v they_o for_o this_o joy_n that_o be_v unspeakable_o beyond_o they_o it_o call_v man_n from_o sordid_a and_o base_a delight_n to_o those_o that_o be_v pure_a delight_n indeed_o it_o call_v to_o man_n drink_v you_o no_o long_o of_o the_o puddle_n here_o be_v the_o crystal_a stream_n of_o a_o live_a fountain_n there_o be_v a_o delight_n in_o the_o very_o despise_v impure_a delight_n aug._n as_o he_o say_v how_o pleasant_a be_v it_o to_o want_v these_o pleasure_n but_o for_o such_o a_o change_n to_o have_v in_o their_o stead_n such_o delight_n as_o in_o comparison_n the_o other_o deserve_v not_o that_o name_n to_o have_v such_o spiritual_a joy_n as_o shall_v end_v in_o eternal_a joy_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n we_o hasten_v not_o all_o to_o choose_v this_o joy_n but_o it_o be_v indeed_o because_o we_o believe_v it_o not_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a the_o godly_a be_v subject_a to_o great_a distress_n and_o affliction_n but_o their_o joy_n be_v not_o extinguish_v by_o those_o no_o nor_o diminish_v either_o but_o often_o sensible_o increase_v when_o they_o have_v least_o of_o the_o world_n joy_n they_o abound_v most_o in_o spiritual_a consolation_n and_o then_o relish_v they_o best_o they_o find_v they_o sweet_a when_o their_o taste_n be_v not_o deprave_v with_o earthly_a enjoyment_n we_o rejoice_v in_o
here_o our_o apostle_n great_a intent_n to_o ballast_n the_o soul_n of_o his_o brethren_n with_o this_o firm_a belief_n that_o they_o may_v sail_v even_o and_o steady_a in_o those_o sea_n of_o trouble_n wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v speak_v be_v thus_o if_o there_o iâ—_n indeed_o truth_n in_o they_o and_o you_o believe_v it_o so_o what_o remain_v then_o but_o to_o resolve_v for_o it_o upon_o any_o term_n to_o fit_v for_o the_o journey_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o difficulty_n and_o in_o they_o all_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o soul_n by_o that_o certain_a hope_n that_o will_v not_o disappoint_v we_o what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o be_v as_o it_o be_v show_v they_o some_o fruit_n some_o cluster_n of_o grape_n of_o that_o promise_a land_n and_o this_o exhortation_n be_v answerable_a to_o caleb_n word_n there_o num._n 13._o seeing_z it_o be_v so_o good_a a_o land_n let_v we_o go_v up_o and_o possess_v it_o though_o there_o be_v fleshly_a object_n son_n of_o anak_n giant_n of_o tentation_n and_o affliction_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v overcome_v ere_o it_o be_v we_o yet_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a all_o our_o labour_n and_o our_o god_n have_v ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o victory_n and_o give_v we_o by_o his_o own_o word_n undoubted_a hope_n of_o possess_v it_o that_o which_o he_o principal_o exhort_v in_o this_o verse_n be_v the_o right_a place_n and_o firm_a continue_v of_o our_o hope_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o our_o life_n be_v take_v up_o this_o way_n in_o hope_v for_o thing_n we_o have_v not_o and_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v most_o of_o what_o other_o be_v desire_v and_o pursue_v yet_o be_v still_o hope_v for_o somewhat_o further_o and_o when_o man_n have_v attain_v one_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v something_o they_o promise_v themselves_o to_o rest_v content_v withal_o yet_o present_o upon_o obtain_v it_o hope_n begin_v to_o find_v out_o some_o new_a matter_n for_o itself_o i_o say_v consider_v the_o uncessant_a work_n of_o this_o passion_n throughout_o our_o life_n it_o be_v of_o very_a much_o concernment_n for_o we_o to_o give_v it_o a_o right_a object_n and_o not_o still_o to_o be_v live_v in_o vanity_n and_o uncertainty_n here_o be_v then_o that_o for_o our_o hope_n to_o apply_v itself_o to_o after_o which_o it_o need_v not_o change_n nor_o can_v change_v without_o the_o great_a loss_n hope_v for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v come_v at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n bestow_v all_o your_o hope_n on_o this_o and_o recall_v it_o not_o hope_v perfect_o and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n relate_v to_o this_o as_o the_o main_a end_n and_o in_o the_o original_a run_v in_o this_o form_n wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a hope_v and_o to_o the_o end_n hope_n may_v be_v the_o more_o perfect_a and_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o more_o like_o itself_o heavenly_a your_o mind_n must_v be_v free_v from_o the_o earth_n that_o they_o may_v set_v for_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v express_v in_o two_o several_a word_n but_o both_o meaning_n much_o the_o same_o thing_n that_o temper_n of_o sobriety_n and_o posture_n of_o be_v gird_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o same_o removal_n of_o earthly_a mindedness_n and_o encumber_v care_n and_o desire_n of_o earthly_a thing_n gird_v up_o the_o loin_n the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n be_v that_o wear_v long_a garment_n they_o truss_v they_o up_o for_o work_n or_o journey_n chastity_n be_v indeed_o a_o christian_a grace_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n freedom_n and_o spiritualness_n and_o fit_v it_o much_o for_o divine_a thing_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o so_o particular_o and_o only_o intend_v in_o this_o expression_n as_o st_n jerom_n and_o other_o take_v it_o for_o though_o the_o gird_v of_o the_o loin_n seem_v to_o they_o to_o favour_v that_o sense_n it_o be_v only_o in_o allusion_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o gird_v up_o use_v and_o beside_o the_o apostle_n here_o make_v it_o clear_a he_o mean_v somewhat_o else_o for_o he_o say_v the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n gather_v up_o your_o affection_n that_o they_o hang_v not_o down_o to_o hinder_v you_o in_o your_o race_n and_o so_o in_o your_o hope_n of_o obtain_v and_o do_v not_o only_o gather_v they_o up_o but_o tie_v they_o up_o that_o they_o fall_v not_o down_o again_o or_o if_o they_o do_v be_v sure_a to_o gird_v they_o strait_o than_o before_o thus_o be_v still_o as_o man_n for_o your_o journey_n tend_v to_o another_o place_n this_o be_v not_o our_o home_n nor_o the_o place_n of_o our_o rest_n therefore_o our_o loin_n must_v be_v still_o gird_v up_o our_o affection_n keep_v from_o train_v and_o drag_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n man_n that_o be_v altogether_o earthly_a and_o profane_a be_v so_o far_o from_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o set_v they_o whole_a downward_o the_o very_o high_a part_n of_o their_o soul_n be_v glue_v to_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o be_v daily_a partaker_n of_o the_o serpent_n curse_n they_o go_v on_o their_o belly_n and_o eat_v the_o dust_n they_o mind_v earthly_a thing_n now_o this_o disposition_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o grace_n but_o they_o that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n true_o godly_a though_o they_o grovel_v not_o so_o yet_o may_v be_v somewhat_o guilty_a of_o suffer_v their_o affection_n to_o fall_v too_o low_a that_o be_v too_o much_o conversant_a with_o vanity_n and_o further_o engage_v than_o be_v meet_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v worldly_a and_o by_o this_o mean_n abate_v of_o their_o heavenly_a hope_n and_o make_v they_o less_o perfect_a less_o clear_a and_o sensible_a to_o their_o soul_n and_o because_o they_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o take_v this_o liberty_n in_o the_o fair_a and_o calm_a weather_n of_o porsperity_n god_n do_v often_o and_o wise_o and_o merciful_o cause_v rough_a blast_n of_o affliction_n to_o arise_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v they_o gather_v their_o loose_a garment_n near_o to_o they_o and_o gird_v they_o close_o let_v we_o then_o remember_v our_o way_n and_o where_o we_o be_v and_o keep_v our_o garment_n gird_v up_o for_o we_o walk_v amid_o thorn_n and_o brier_n that_o if_o we_o let_v they_o down_o will_v entangle_v and_o stop_v we_o and_o possible_o tear_v our_o garment_n we_o walk_v through_o a_o world_n where_o there_o be_v much_o mire_n of_o sinful_a pollution_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o defile_v they_o and_o the_o crowd_n we_o be_v among_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o â—read_v on_o they_o yea_o our_o own_o foot_n may_v be_v entangle_v in_o they_o and_o so_o make_v we_o stumble_v and_o possible_o fall_v our_o only_a safe_a way_n be_v to_o gird_v up_o our_o affection_n whole_o this_o perfect_a hope_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o whole_a strain_n of_o iâ—_n for_o well_o may_v we_o fix_v our_o hope_n on_o that_o happiness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o eternal_a election_n of_o god_n ver._n 2._o and_o bear_v to_o it_o by_o our_o new_a birth_n ver._n 3_o 4._o and_o preserve_v to_o it_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n ver._n 5._o and_o can_v be_v cut_v short_a of_o it_o by_o all_o the_o affliction_n and_o opposition_n in_o the_o way_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o deprive_v by_o they_o of_o our_o present_a joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o ver._n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o then_o be_v teach_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o that_o bless_a salvation_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o angel_n all_o these_o conspire_v to_o confirm_v our_o hope_n to_o make_v it_o perfect_a and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n and_o we_o may_v also_o learn_v by_o the_o forego_n doctrine_n that_o this_o be_v the_o place_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o conflict_n but_o the_o place_n of_o our_o rest_n be_v above_o we_o must_v here_o have_v our_o loin_n gird_v but_o when_o we_o come_v there_o we_o may_v wear_v our_o long_a white_a robe_n at_o their_o full_a length_n without_o disturbance_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o there_o but_o peace_n and_o without_o danger_n of_o defilement_n for_o no_o unclean_a thing_n be_v there_o yea_o the_o street_n of_o that_o new_a jerusalem_n arâ—_n pave_v with_o pure_a gold_n to_o he_o then_o that_o have_v prepare_v that_o city_n for_o we_o let_v we_o ever_o give_v praise_n verse_n 14.15_o 16._o verse_n 14._o as_o obedient_a child_n not_o fashion_v yourselves_o according_a to_o the_o former_a lust_n in_o your_o ignorance_n verse_n 15._o but_o as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n verse_n 16._o because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a thy_o
affection_n may_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o it_o to_o this_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o death_n verse_n 25._o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o like_o himself_o and_o carry_v so_o the_o image_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o together_o it_o be_v sometime_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o word_n so_o heb._n 14.12_o and_o so_o here_o but_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n see_v there_o be_v truth_n in_o both_o and_o pertinency_n too_o for_o they_o that_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o extol_n of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o subject_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v like_o he_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v here_o that_o these_o word_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v call_v live_v as_o here_o heb._n 4._o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v express_o repeat_v of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o prophet_n word_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o learned_a man_n that_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n i_o remember_v not_o that_o this_o abide_n for_o ever_o be_v use_v to_o express_v god_n eternity_n in_o himself_o howsoever_o this_o incorruptible_a seed_n be_v the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a word_n of_o the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a god_n and_o be_v therefore_o such_o because_o he_o who_o it_o be_v be_v such_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n of_o the_o word_n only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a life_n because_o the_o word_n be_v enliven_a and_o live_v therefore_o they_o with_o who_o it_o be_v effectual_a and_o into_o who_o heart_n it_o be_v receive_v be_v beget_v again_o and_o make_v alive_a by_o it_o and_o because_o the_o word_n be_v incorruptible_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o therefore_o that_o life_n beget_v by_o it_o be_v such_o too_o can_v perish_v nor_o be_v cut_v down_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n no_o this_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o certain_a beginning_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n of_o glory_n and_o shall_v end_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o end_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v abolish_v but_o surpass_v the_o endurance_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o man_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o that_o word_n to_o undo_v it_o be_v as_o vain_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v consult_v to_o pluck_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v immortal_a and_o incorruptible_a where_o it_o be_v once_o receive_v by_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v obliterated_a again_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v destroy_v it_o although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o diligent_a in_o their_o attempt_n that_o way_n and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n by_o his_o word_n have_v breathe_v into_o their_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v many_o and_o strong_a enemy_n such_o as_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o hold_v out_o against_o yet_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o promise_n sake_n he_o will_v maintain_v that_o life_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o its_o perfection_n god_n will_v perfect_v that_o which_o concern_v i_o say_v the_o psalm_a it_o be_v gross_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o that_o be_v thus_o renew_v can_v be_v unborn_a again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v but_o once_o of_o one_o kind_n though_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n here_o in_o this_o spiritual_a life_n yet_o not_o to_o death_n any_o more_o not_o to_o such_o way_n of_o finning_n as_o will_v extinguish_v this_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v here_o give_v the_o permanence_n and_o incorruptibleness_n of_o this_o word_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o general_a way_n and_o not_o to_o know_v what_o that_o word_n be_v but_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o that_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o we_o be_v this_o very_a word_n of_o so_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o of_o which_o these_o high_a thing_n be_v speak_v that_o it_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o surpass_v all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o although_o deliver_v by_o weak_a man_n the_o apostle_n and_o by_o far_o weak_a than_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a ministry_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o lose_v none_o of_o its_o own_o virtue_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o first_o owner_n and_o author_n of_o it_o the_o â—verliving_a god_n who_o by_o it_o beget_v his_o choose_a unto_o life_n eternal_a this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v learn_v thus_o to_o hear_v and_o thus_o to_o receive_v and_o esteem_v and_o love_v this_o holy_a this_o live_a word_n to_o despise_v all_o the_o glister_a vanity_n of_o this_o perish_a life_n all_o outward_a pomp_n yea_o all_o inward_a worth_n all_o wisdom_n and_o natural_a endowment_n of_o mind_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o we_o rather_o to_o hazard_v all_o than_o lose_v that_o and_o banish_v all_o other_o thing_n from_o that_o place_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o to_o lodge_v it_o alone_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o our_o only_a treasure_n here_o and_o the_o certain_a pledge_n of_o that_o treasure_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n to_o which_o bless_a state_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o amen_n chap._n second_o 1_o pet._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1.2_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n verse_n 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o same_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o manifest_v itself_o in_o give_v be_v to_o his_o creature_n appear_v likewise_o in_o their_o sustain_n and_o preservation_n to_o give_v be_v be_v the_o first_o and_o to_o support_v it_o be_v the_o continue_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o goodness_n thus_o it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n and_o in_o the_o second_o in_o the_o first_o the_o creature_n to_o which_o he_o give_v life_n he_o provide_v with_o convenient_a nourishment_n to_o uphold_v that_o life_n gen·_n 1_o so_o here_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o the_o proper_a food_n of_o that_o life_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n by_o which_o we_o there_o find_v it_o to_o be_v beget_v that_o be_v here_o the_o nourishment_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v here_o exhort_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o to_o esteem_v and_o so_o to_o use_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n obs._n in_o general_n the_o word_n the_o principle_n and_o the_o support_n of_o our_o spiritual_a be_v be_v both_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n and_o the_o incorruptible_a food_n of_o that_o new_a life_n of_o grace_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o incorruptible_a life_n and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a thought_n even_o of_o we_o that_o hear_v this_o word_n be_v far_o below_o the_o true_a excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o the_o stream_n of_o custom_n and_o our_o profession_n bring_v we_o hither_o and_o we_o sit_v out_o our_o hour_n under_o the_o sound_n of_o this_o word_n but_o how_o few_o consider_v and_o prize_v it_o as_o the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o beginner_n and_o the_o sustainer_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n of_o grace_n within_o we_o and_o certain_o until_o we_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o seek_v to_o feel_v it_o thus_o ourselves_o although_o we_o hear_v it_o most_o frequent_o and_o slip_v no_o occasion_n yea_o hear_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o some_o present_a delight_n yet_o still_o we_o miss_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o from_o its_o true_a end_n while_o we_o take_v it_o not_o as_o that_o engraft_a word_n
which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n thus_o ought_v they_o that_o preach_v to_o speak_v it_o to_o endeavour_v their_o utmost_a to_o accommodate_v it_o to_o this_o end_n that_o sinner_n may_v be_v convert_v beget_v again_o and_o believer_n nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n to_o regard_v no_o low_a end_n but_o aim_v steady_o at_o that_o mark_n their_o heart_n and_o tongue_n ought_v to_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o love_n to_o soul_n kindle_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o come_v down_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v remember_v this_o as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o hear_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n by_o the_o word_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o poor_a despicable_a business_n that_o a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o yourselves_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n in_o your_o hear_n yet_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o way_n wherein_o god_n communicate_v happiness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o work_v that_o believe_v unto_o happiness_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o new_a creation_n as_o it_o beget_v it_o again_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n consider_v it_o thus_o which_o be_v its_o true_a notion_n and_o then_o what_o can_v be_v so_o precious_a let_v the_o world_n disesteem_v it_o as_o they_o will_v know_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foollishness_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o if_o you_o will_v have_v life_n and_o growth_n by_o it_o you_o must_v look_v above_o the_o poor_a worthless_a messenger_n and_o call_v in_o his_o almighty_a help_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n as_o the_o philosopher_n affirm_v 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it_o be_v reprovable_a in_o they_o as_o we_o see_v eph._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o &_o 1_o cor._n 14.20_o heb._n 5.12_o though_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o new_a convert_v and_o so_o may_v possible_o imply_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o beginning_n of_o grace_n yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o infancy_n be_v here_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o agree_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o best_a estate_n of_o his_o spiritual_a life_n here_o below_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o milk_n here_o recommend_v be_v answerable_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o infancy_n and_o not_o to_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o those_o cite_a place_n where_o it_o mean_v the_o easy_a and_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o it_o as_o to_o strong_a meat_n but_o here_o it_o signfy_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o its_o wholesome_a and_o save_a truth_n as_o the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o child_n 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god_n be_v give_v to_o be_v taste_v in_o the_o promise_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o come_n then_o be_v the_o sweetness_n of_o grace_n make_v more_o sensible_a then_o be_v it_o more_o full_o broach_v and_o let_v out_o to_o the_o elect_a world_n when_o he_o be_v pierce_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o blood_n pour_v out_o for_o our_o redemption_n through_o those_o hole_n of_o his_o wound_n way_n we_o draw_v and_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a say_v s._n august_n 2._o taste_v there_o be_v a_o taste_n of_o temporary_a believer_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6.4_o their_o high_a sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o it_o will_v be_v in_o some_o far_o high_a than_o we_o easy_o think_v yet_o be_v but_o a_o taste_n and_o be_v call_v so_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o true_a full_a sense_n that_o true_a believer_n have_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o compare_v with_o temporary_a taste_n be_v more_o 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virtue_n from_o he_o and_o faith_n that_o taste_v he_o cant._n 2.3_o and_o here_o if_o you_o have_v taste_v etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v 1._o a_o firm_a believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n wherein_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v express_v and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o 2._o a_o particular_a application_n or_o attraction_n of_o that_o grace_n to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v as_o the_o draw_v those_o breast_n of_o consolation_n namely_o the_o promise_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o that_o grace_n be_v apply_v or_o draw_v in_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v proper_o this_o taste_n no_o unrenewed_a man_n have_v any_o of_o these_o in_o truth_n not_o the_o high_a kind_n of_o temporary_a believer_n he_o can_v have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o real_a lively_a assent_n to_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o have_v he_o that_o the_o rest_n will_v follow_v but_o as_o he_o can_v have_v the_o least_o of_o these_o in_o truth_n he_o may_v have_v the_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o all_o not_o only_o of_o assent_n but_o application_n yea_o and_o a_o false_a spiritual_a joy_n arise_v on_o it_o and_o all_o these_o so_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n that_o they_o may_v resemble_v much_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o to_o give_v clear_a character_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a as_o most_o imagine_v but_o doubtless_o the_o true_a live_a faith_n of_o a_o chiristian_a have_v in_o itself_o such_o a_o particular_a stamp_n as_o bring_v with_o it_o it_o be_v own_o evidence_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o light_n of_o god_n face_n shine_v upon_o it_o indeed_o in_o the_o dark_a we_o can_v read_v nor_o distinguish_v one_o mark_n from_o another_o but_o when_o a_o christian_a have_v light_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n although_o he_o can_v make_v another_o sensible_a of_o that_o by_o which_o he_o know_v it_o yet_o he_o himself_o 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speak_v to_o he_o of_o it_o very_o excellent_o but_o all_o he_o say_v in_o that_o kind_n be_v a_o unknown_a language_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n he_o have_v many_o good_a word_n but_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o mean_v the_o natural_a man_n taste_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v a_o spiritual_a man_n himself_o do_v not_o full_o conceive_v this_o swetness_n that_o he_o taste_v of_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o he_o have_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n be_v a_o main_a fruit_n of_o this_o his_o goodness_n it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n say_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o all_o natural_a understanding_n as_o some_o modify_v it_o but_o all_o understanding_n even_o the_o supernatural_a understanding_n of_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o and_o as_o the_o godly_a man_n can_v conceive_v it_o all_o so_o that_o which_o he_o conceive_v he_o can_v express_v it_o all_o and_o that_o which_o he_o do_v express_v the_o 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be_v the_o gold_n of_o this_o spiritual_a house_n and_o it_o be_v inward_o enrich_v with_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o stately_a building_n of_o temple_n and_o rich_a furniture_n and_o pompous_a ceremony_n these_o agree_v not_o with_o its_o spiritual_a nature_n it_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a beauty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o spiritualness_n and_o so_o to_o be_v like_a itself_o and_o have_v more_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n fill_v it_o as_o a_o cloud_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o more_o the_o church_n grow_v in_o outward_a riches_n and_o state_n the_o less_o she_o grow_v but_o abate_v sensible_o in_o spiritual_a excellency_n but_o the_o spiritualness_n of_o this_o building_n will_v better_o appear_v in_o consider_v particular_o the_o material_n of_o it_o as_o here_o express_v now_o 2._o the_o whole_a building_n be_v christ_n mystical_a christ_n together_o with_o the_o entire_a body_n of_o the_o elect_n 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to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n now_o that_o god_n often_o choose_v for_o this_o building_n such_o stone_n as_o man_n cast_v away_o as_o good_a for_o nothing_o see_v 1._o cor._n 1._o and_o where_o he_o say_v isa._n 51._o that_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n what_o be_v his_o other_o dwell_n his_o habitation_n in_o earth_n be_v it_o in_o great_a palace_n and_o court_n no._n but_o with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n now_o these_o be_v the_o base_a in_o man_n account_n yet_o he_o choose_v they_o and_o prefer_v they_o to_o all_o other_o palace_n and_o temple_n isa._n 66.1.2_o you_o can_v gratify_v i_o with_o any_o dwell_n for_o i_o myself_o have_v make_v all_o and_o a_o sure_a house_n than_o any_o you_o can_v make_v i_o the_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n and_o the_o earth_n my_o footstool_n but_o i_o that_o be_o so_o high_a be_o please_v to_o regard_v the_o lowly_a 3._o to_o who_o come_v first_o come_v then_o build_v up_o they_o that_o 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take_v that_o bitter_a cup_n of_o the_o father_n wrath_n and_o drink_v it_o out_o that_o he_o may_v be_v free_a from_o it_o think_v not_o that_o you_o believe_v if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o take_v up_o with_o christ_n if_o his_o love_n do_v not_o possess_v your_o soul_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v precious_a to_o you_o in_o respect_n of_o he_o if_o you_o can_v despise_v and_o trample_v upon_o all_o advantage_n that_o either_o you_o have_v or_o will_v have_v for_o christ_n and_o count_v they_o with_o the_o great_a apostle_n loss_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o he_o and_o if_o you_o do_v esteem_v he_o labour_n for_o increase_n of_o faith_n that_o you_o may_v esteem_v he_o more_o for_o as_o faith_n grow_v so_o will_v he_o still_o be_v more_o precious_a to_o you_o and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o grow_v turn_v that_o spiritual_a eye_n frequent_o to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o for_o even_o they_o that_o be_v believer_n may_v possible_o abate_v of_o their_o 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his_o mind_n and_o purpose_n before_o all_o time_n the_o draw_v forth_o and_o invest_v of_o such_o into_o this_o christian_a this_o kingly_a priesthood_n who_o name_n be_v express_o write_v up_o for_o it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n generation_n this_n import_v they_o to_o be_v of_o one_o race_n or_o stock_n as_o the_o israelite_n who_o be_v by_o outward_a call_v the_o choose_a of_o god_n be_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n so_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o their_o new_a birth_n one_o people_n or_o generation_n they_o be_v of_o one_o nation_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o bless_a land_n of_o promise_n all_o citizen_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n yea_o all_o child_n of_o the_o same_o family_n whereof_o jesus_n christ_n the_o root_n of_o jesse_n be_v the_o stock_n who_o be_v the_o great_a king_n and_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n there_o be_v no_o devolve_v of_o his_o royalty_n or_o priesthood_n on_o any_o other_o as_o it_o be_v in_o himself_o for_o his_o proper_a dignity_n be_v supreme_a and_o incommunicable_a and_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n in_o his_o order_n he_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v priest_n for_o ever_o psal._n 110.4_o and_o king_n for_o ever_o too_o psal._n 45.6_o but_o they_o that_o be_v descend_v from_o he_o do_v derive_v from_o he_o by_o that_o new_a original_a this_o double_a dignity_n in_o that_o way_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o to_o be_v likewise_o king_n and_o priest_n as_o he_o be_v both_o they_o be_v of_o the_o seed-royal_a and_o of_o the_o holy_a seed_n of_o the_o priesthood_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o partake_v of_o a_o new_a
of_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n on_o who_o they_o have_v believe_v make_v by_o he_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n then_o sure_o they_o have_v other_o thought_n it_o make_v they_o no_o more_o envy_n but_o pity_v the_o ungodly_a and_o account_v all_o their_o pomp_n and_o all_o their_o possession_n what_o it_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o but_o a_o glister_a misery_n and_o themselves_o happy_a in_o all_o estate_n to_o say_v with_o david_n the_o line_n have_v fall_v to_o i_o in_o a_o pleasant_a place_n i_o have_v a_o goodly_a heritage_n make_v they_o digest_v all_o their_o suffering_n and_o disgrace_n with_o patience_n yea_o with_o joy_n and_o think_v more_o of_o praise_v than_o complain_v of_o show_v forth_o his_o honour_n who_o have_v so_o honour_v they_o especial_o consider_v the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a maâ—e_n the_o difference_n call_v they_o altogether_o undeserved_o from_o that_o same_o darkness_n and_o misery_n in_o which_o unbeliever_n be_v deserve_o leave_v now_o the_o three_o thing_n here_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o call_n to_o show_v his_o praise_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o more_o to_o prize_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o their_o happy_a estate_n to_o which_o god_n have_v exalt_v they_o it_o be_v express_v in_o other_o term_n which_o therefore_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v and_o then_o the_o end_n to_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o have_v here_o 1._o both_o the_o term_n of_o this_o motion_n or_o change_v from_o whence_o and_o to_o what_o it_o be_v 2._o the_o principle_n of_o it_o the_o call_z of_o god_n from_o darkness_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a not_o only_o in_o divine_a but_o in_o humane_a write_n than_o to_o borrow_v outward_a sensible_a thing_n to_o express_v thing_n intellectual_a and_o among_o such_o expression_n there_o be_v none_o more_o frequent_a than_o that_o of_o light_n and_o darkness_n transfer_v to_o signify_v the_o good_a and_o evil_a estate_n of_o man_n as_o sometime_o for_o his_o outward_a prosperity_n or_o adversity_n but_o especial_o for_o thing_n proper_a to_o his_o mind_n the_o mind_n be_v call_v light_n because_o the_o seat_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n be_v most_o fit_o call_v light_n be_v the_o chief_a beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n as_o light_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a and_o as_o the_o light_n because_o of_o that_o its_o beauty_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o refresh_v and_o comfortable_a to_o they_o that_o behold_v it_o as_o solomon_n say_v it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o sun_n so_o be_v truth_n a_o most_o delightful_a thing_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o right_o apprehend_v it_o this_o may_v holy_fw-mi we_o to_o conceive_v of_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v here_o take_v the_o estate_n of_o lose_a mankind_n be_v indeed_o nothing_o but_o darkness_n be_v destitute_a of_o all_o spiritual_a truth_n and_o comfort_n and_o tend_v to_o utter_v and_o everlasting_a darkness_n and_o it_o be_v so_o because_o by_o sin_n the_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o high_a light_n that_o primitive_a truth_n as_o he_o be_v light_a in_o himself_o as_o the_o apostle_n 8._o john_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v light_n and_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o express_v the_o excellency_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o he_o be_v light_n relative_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n psa._n 27._o the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n say_v david_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o divine_a light_n can_v be_v happy_a without_o it_o give_v it_o what_o other_o light_n you_o will_v still_o it_o be_v in_o darkness_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v without_o god_n be_v the_o peculiar_a light_n and_o life_n of_o the_o soul._n and_o as_o truth_n be_v unite_v with_o the_o soul_n in_o apprehend_v it_o and_o light_n with_o the_o visive_a faculty_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v god_n as_o its_o light_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o union_n with_o god_n now_o sin_n have_v break_v that_o union_n and_o so_o cut_v off_o the_o soul_n from_o its_o light_n and_o implunge_v it_o into_o spiritual_a darkness_n hence_o all_o that_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v ever_o the_o companion_n of_o darkness_n tohu_n vahohu_o as_o at_o first_o when_o darkness_n be_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o love_v not_o god_n because_o we_o know_v he_o not_o yea_o though_o we_o think_v it_o a_o hard_a word_n we_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n for_o not_o only_o do_v our_o darkness_n import_v ignorance_n of_o he_o but_o a_o enmity_n to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v light_a and_o we_o be_v darkness_n and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o ourselves_o not_o see_v our_o own_o vileness_n because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a we_o be_v please_v with_o ourselves_o and_o have_v leave_v god_n do_v love_n ourselves_o in_o stead_n of_o god_n hence_o be_v all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o in_o place_n of_o obey_v and_o please_a god_n a_o continual_a sacrifice_v to_o those_o gillulim_n those_o base_a dunghill_n god_n our_o own_o lust_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n give_v as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o those_o evil_n 2_o tim._n 3.2_o covetous_a boaster_n etc._n etc._n because_o in_o the_o first_o place_n lover_n of_o themselves_o therefore_o proud_a etc._n etc._n and_o lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o of_o god_n and_o this_o self-love_n can_v subsist_v without_o gross_a ignorance_n mind_v so_o darken_v that_o we_o can_v withal_o see_v what_o we_o be_v for_o if_o we_o do_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o we_o will_v be_v far_o of_o another_o mind_n very_o far_o out_o of_o love_a and_o like_v with_o ourselves_o thus_o our_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o darkness_n be_v likewise_o full_a of_o uncleaness_n as_o that_o go_v along_o too_o with_o darkness_n they_o be_v not_o only_o dark_a as_o dungeon_n but_o withal_o filthy_a as_o they_o use_v to_o be_v so_o eph._n 4.18_o understanding_n darken_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o ver._n 19_o give_v themselves_o over_o unto_o lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleaness_n with_o greediness_n they_o have_v no_o light_n of_o solid_a comfort_n our_o great_a comfort_n here_o be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n present_a but_o in_o hope_n now_o be_v without_o christ_n and_o without_o god_n we_o be_v without_o hope_n eph._n 2.12_o and_o as_o the_o estate_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v call_v by_o grace_n be_v worthy_o call_v darkness_n so_o that_o to_o which_o it_o call_v we_o deserve_v as_o well_o the_o name_n of_o light_n as_o christ_n likewise_o that_o come_v to_o work_v our_o deliverance_n be_v frequent_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n io._n 1._o etc._n etc._n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o therefore_o light_a as_o he_o be_v god_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o light_a of_o light_n but_o relate_v to_o man_n john_n 1.4_o that_o life_n be_v the_o light_n of_o men._n as_o he_o be_v style_v the_o word_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n but_o as_o reveal_v he_o unto_o we_o john_n 1.18_o 1_o cor._n 1.24_o compare_v with_o ver._n 30._o and_o style_v by_o malachy_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n now_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o only_o a_o luminous_a body_n but_o a_o luminary_n give_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n gen._n 1._o he_o be_v our_o light_n oppose_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o dark_a shadow_n be_v of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o possible_o be_v here_o mean_v as_o a_o part_n of_o that_o darkness_n from_o which_o the_o apostle_n write_v that_o these_o jew_n be_v deliver_v also_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v the_o day_n break_v and_o the_o shadow_n fly_v away_o to_o the_o darkness_n likewise_o of_o the_o gentile_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n therefore_o these_o two_o be_v join_v by_o old_a simeon_n a_o light_n to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n and_o to_o all_o that_o believe_v of_o both_o he_o be_v light_o oppose_v to_o the_o ignorance_n and_o slavery_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o natural_a estate_n teach_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o reunite_a they_o with_o god_n who_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o be_o say_v he_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o follow_v i_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o it_o be_v that_o mysterious_a union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n which_o