of_o themselves_o have_v thus_o illustrate_v the_o doctrine_n let_v we_o touch_v some_o argument_n à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la themselves_o whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o our_o establishment_n be_v from_o god_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a in_o that_o a_o godly_a man_n find_v such_o a_o inequality_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o soul_n sometime_o he_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v strong_a gust_n of_o temptation_n and_o at_o another_o time_n he_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o every_o blow_n will_v beat_v he_o down_o david_n discover_v these_o hill_n and_o valley_n in_o his_o soul_n in_o many_o psalm_n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o man_n own_o strength_n than_o he_o will_v be_v more_o constant_a and_o uniform_a only_o by_o these_o ebbing_n and_o flow_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n do_v alone_o support_v we_o if_o he_o withdraw_v his_o hand_n then_o be_v we_o trouble_v 2._o it_o be_v plain_a because_o sometime_o weak_a christian_n have_v go_v through_o great_a temptation_n fail_v when_o 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against_o the_o pelagian_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n if_o we_o can_v establish_v ourselves_o why_o do_v we_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n do_v we_o not_o therein_o proclaim_v that_o our_o own_o power_n our_o own_o strength_n can_v preserve_v we_o in_o any_o temptation_n thus_o david_n pray_v uphold_v i_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n psa_n 119._o 116._o and_o psal_n 51._o 12._o uphold_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n the_o guilt_n upon_o his_o soul_n for_o those_o gross_a sin_n will_v have_v sweep_v he_o away_o like_o a_o flood_n have_v not_o god_n merciful_o uphold_v he_o and_o as_o the_o godly_a have_v declare_v this_o by_o prayer_n so_o also_o by_o their_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v go_v through_o such_o exercise_n conflict_v with_o such_o temptation_n have_v not_o the_o lord_n support_v they_o they_o wonder_v to_o 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he_o have_v such_o a_o plerophory_n and_o do_v exceed_v many_o other_o as_o much_o as_o the_o cypress_n do_v the_o shrub_n yet_o he_o attribute_v it_o not_o to_o his_o own_o strength_n or_o power_n but_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o god_n leave_v he_o than_o this_o samson_n be_v no_o more_o than_o other_o man_n and_o when_o he_o say_v with_o you_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v indefinite_o not_o universal_o for_o who_o can_v think_v that_o every_o corinthian_a be_v thus_o establish_v anoint_a and_o seal_v but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o the_o apostle_n when_o write_v to_o church_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a either_o because_o many_o be_v so_o or_o else_o because_o in_o charity_n it_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o think_v so_o or_o last_o because_o according_a to_o their_o outward_a call_n and_o profession_n they_o declare_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v thereunto_o thus_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n he_o 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eternal_a glory_n by_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n not_o from_o any_o thing_n peculiar_a and_o extraordinary_a in_o himself_o so_o that_o all_o believer_n have_v the_o same_o god_n the_o same_o christ_n to_o rest_v their_o soul_n upon_o though_o they_o differ_v much_o in_o their_o inherent_a grace_n thus_o we_o may_v see_v david_n a_o precedent_n herein_o psal_n 32._o 6._o when_o he_o have_v declare_v god_n great_a goodness_n to_o he_o upon_o his_o purpose_n to_o confess_v his_o sin_n i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n thou_o forgave_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o aggravation_n whatsoever_o be_v guilty_a and_o damnable_a in_o it_o though_o never_o in_o so_o heinous_a a_o manner_n thou_o do_v pardon_v it_o then_o mark_v the_o inference_n for_o this_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o be_v godly_a pray_v unto_o thou_o for_o this_o because_o god_n do_v so_o with_o david_n whereas_o it_o 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of_o the_o church_n they_o include_v and_o suppose_v the_o public_a receive_n of_o it_o by_o the_o people_n yea_o some_o do_v clear_o express_v it_o by_o this_o pure_a and_o true_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v discern_v the_o true_a church_n from_o jew_n and_o pagan_n as_o also_o from_o heretical_a and_o idololatrical_a society_n yet_o pretend_v to_o a_o church_n four_o when_o these_o note_n especial_o the_o former_a be_v say_v to_o be_v proper_a and_o inseparable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n you_o must_v always_o remember_v here_o be_v a_o latitude_n in_o the_o application_n of_o these_o note_n for_o some_o church_n may_v have_v the_o word_n more_o sound_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n more_o dispense_v than_o another_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o not_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v church_n this_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v foul_o out_o of_o order_n and_o so_o most_o of_o those_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v sharp_o reprove_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v 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but_o be_v not_o but_o be_v of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n but_o of_o this_o more_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o doctrine_n five_o these_o then_o be_v the_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n we_o must_v not_o confound_v they_o with_o the_o property_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o twofold_a form_n one_o internal_a and_o essential_a which_o consist_v in_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o his_o benefit_n now_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o invisible_a manner_n he_o must_v be_v regenerate_v and_o graff_v into_o christ_n that_o can_v have_v any_o save_a benefit_n by_o christ_n but_o then_o 2._o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v a_o external_n and_o outward_a form_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o observance_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n now_o a_o man_n may_v be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n 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other_o time_n it_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n elijah_n think_v none_o be_v leave_v and_o god_n speak_v of_o but_o seven_o thousand_o that_o do_v not_o how_o the_o knee_n to_o baal_n which_o be_v a_o very_a inconsiderable_a number_n to_o the_o idolater_n therefore_o respective_o to_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n even_o when_o they_o be_v most_o ample_a they_o be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n and_o as_o for_o any_o glorious_a felicity_n though_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v sometime_o have_v her_o respite_n and_o halcyon_n day_n yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n have_v be_v on_o her_o head_n and_o therefore_o she_o be_v just_o call_v the_o militant_a church_n while_o in_o this_o world_n because_o of_o her_o spiritual_a conflict_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v sometime_o say_v as_o christ_n once_o do_v the_o fox_n have_v their_o hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n their_o nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n thus_o the_o fox_n of_o the_o world_n the_o crafty_a subtle_a man_n have_v great_a abundance_n many_o time_n when_o the_o church_n have_v hide_v herself_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n man_n of_o proud_a and_o lofty_a mind_n have_v their_o nest_n when_o the_o church_n like_o noah_n dove_n have_v not_o where_o to_o set_v her_o foot_n seven_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v myself_o to_o prove_v these_o only_a to_o be_v the_o proper_a note_n of_o the_o church_n only_o consider_v that_o place_n act._n 2._o 41_o 42._o where_o you_o have_v all_o of_o they_o conjoin_v together_o 1._o they_o receive_v the_o word_n glad_o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o it_o 2._o there_o be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o continue_v in_o break_v of_o bread_n with_o prayer_n there_o be_v the_o solemn_a call_n upon_o god_n and_o as_o a_o epitomize_v of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v say_v then_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n thus_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o the_o ministery_n preservation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o people_n submit_v unto_o it_o last_o if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v object_v as_o socinian_n do_v who_o hold_v this_o way_n of_o note_n to_o find_v out_o a_o church_n to_o be_v useless_a and_o vain_a that_o true_a doctrine_n can_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o church_n because_o it_o be_v the_o form_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o now_o it_o that_o which_o notifi_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v distinct_a from_o it_o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o form_n as_o it_o give_v be_v to_o a_o thing_n so_o it_o give_v to_o distinguish_v from_o other_o forma_fw-la that_fw-mi esse_fw-la &_o distingui_fw-la although_o we_o do_v not_o say_v true_a doctrine_n be_v the_o note_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o external_a preach_n and_o receive_v of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o note_n incur_v into_o our_o sense_n even_o as_o reason_n though_o it_o give_v a_o man_n his_o rational_a be_v yet_o speak_v be_v the_o proper_a and_o true_a sign_n that_o manifest_v this_o so_o let_v true_a doctrine_n or_o a_o true_a faith_n be_v the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o the_o external_a profession_n be_v the_o outward_a note_n and_o sign_n of_o it_o and_o if_o further_o it_o be_v say_v that_o every_o sect_n do_v claim_v to_o itself_o the_o pure_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o ordinance_n therefore_o these_o can_v be_v a_o sign_n it_o be_v answer_v the_o consequence_n be_v deny_v for_o true_a preach_n and_o
why_o do_v thou_o not_o go_v out_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n why_o do_v thou_o not_o turn_v heathen_a and_o pagan_a again_o for_o certain_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o such_o profane_a custom_n three_o it_o be_v supernatural_a and_o of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o order_n law_n rule_n and_o government_n it_o be_v to_o walk_v by_o the_o doctrine_n believe_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n the_o worship_n practise_v be_v to_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n the_o government_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o thus_o beloved_n we_o may_v at_o large_a show_v you_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v essential_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v of_o god_n no_o doctrine_n no_o worship_n no_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n but_o what_o be_v of_o god_n we_o may_v show_v you_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o the_o credendis_fw-la and_o agendis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la oh_o that_o this_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o we_o what_o make_v man_n so_o wilful_a for_o their_o lust_n for_o their_o superstitious_a custom_n but_o because_o they_o consider_v not_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a house_n and_o the_o law_n and_o order_n thereof_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o if_o the_o church_n be_v of_o god_n all_o thing_n therein_o must_v be_v of_o god_n likewise_o hence_o our_o saviour_n say_v every_o plant_n that_o be_v not_o of_o my_o father_n plant_v shall_v be_v root_v out_o mat._n 15._o 13._o what_o make_v man_n rage_n and_o fret_v if_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o lust_n be_v it_o not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o this_o that_o it_o be_v god_n church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o pope_n church_n nor_o the_o magistrate_n church_n but_o god_n church_n sure_o this_o truth_n will_v make_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n ask_v as_o christ_n do_v in_o another_o case_n who_o image_n and_o superscription_n have_v it_o give_v unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n four_o it_o be_v supernatural_a and_o of_o god_n even_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n every_o solemn_a duty_n be_v to_o be_v do_v as_o from_o god_n and_o through_o he_o even_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o divine_a manner_n the_o minister_n must_v preach_v as_o enable_v of_o god_n the_o hearer_n must_v hear_v as_o strengthen_v thereunto_o of_o god_n the_o apostle_n praise_v the_o thessalonian_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 17._o as_o of_o god_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o ought_v all_o our_o church-assembly_n to_o be_v perform_v what_o jeremiah_n then_o have_v his_o head_n full_a enough_o of_o water_n to_o make_v lamentation_n for_o the_o formality_n customariness_n and_o mere_a external_a service_n that_o be_v do_v to_o god_n in_o our_o assembly_n man_n be_v become_v like_o idol_n have_v eye_n they_o see_v not_o ears_z they_o hear_v not_o heart_n they_o understand_v not_o whereas_o our_o pray_v our_o hear_n our_o approaching_n in_o these_o assembly_n shall_v be_v as_o of_o god_n not_o nature_n or_o custom_n or_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n mighty_o work_v in_o we_o shall_v put_v we_o upon_o these_o thing_n whereas_o now_o we_o see_v people_n in_o church-assembly_n find_v no_o more_o of_o the_o gracious_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n then_o if_o they_o be_v in_o their_o market_n or_o other_o civil_a meeting_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v do_v you_o seek_v a_o experiment_n of_o christ_n in_o i_o so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v here_o we_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v in_o our_o church-assembly_n experimental_a work_n of_o christ_n upon_o we_o as_o the_o duty_n be_v of_o god_n the_o ordinance_n be_v of_o god_n so_o shall_v the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o god_n five_o the_o church_n be_v of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o gracious_a presence_n god_n promise_v his_o presence_n and_o delight_n to_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n matth._n 18._o 20._o when_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n that_o bless_v ordinance_n hence_o christ_n be_v describe_v revel_v 1._o 13._o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o ordinance_n therein_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v if_o god_n blessing_n go_v not_o along_o with_o we_o in_o outward_a undertake_n we_o can_v say_v as_o moses_n to_o god_n if_o thy_o presence_n go_v not_o along_o with_o we_o we_o will_v not_o go_v up_o when_o it_o may_v relate_v to_o our_o outward_a advantage_n but_o we_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o assembly_n why_o god_n be_v not_o among_o we_o to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n why_o god_n be_v not_o present_a with_o the_o word_n to_o make_v it_o a_o enlighten_v a_o convert_v word_n it_o shall_v affect_v your_o heart_n more_o than_o it_o do_v if_o in_o every_o sermon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o fall_v upon_o thy_o heart_n like_o fire_n if_o it_o have_v not_o melt_v quicken_v enliven_v thy_o soul_n oh_o say_v why_o do_v god_n withdraw_v himself_o if_o he_o visit_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o yet_o not_o i_o i_o be_v dead_a lukewarm_a and_o find_v no_o efficacy_n come_v from_o christ_n what_o sin_n be_o i_o guilty_a of_o what_o have_v i_o do_v that_o make_v god_n thus_o absent_a himself_o from_o the_o public_a ordinance_n at_o least_o to_o i_o six_o the_o church_n be_v of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o supernatural_a effect_n and_o benefit_n which_o alone_o be_v communicate_v there_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v justification_n sanctification_n assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n in_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n only_o do_v the_o angel_n come_v in_o in_o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n only_o can_v naaman_n be_v heal_v in_o the_o ark_n only_o can_v there_o be_v external_a safety_n from_o the_o water_n and_o thus_o in_o the_o church_n only_o there_o be_v those_o soul-mercy_n to_o be_v obtain_v last_o the_o church_n be_v of_o god_n finaliter_fw-la because_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o all_o church_n it_o be_v true_a all_o civil_a society_n be_v to_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o ultimate_a end_n but_o yet_o the_o immediate_a end_n be_v to_o acquire_v a_o temporal_a and_o political_a blessedness_n but_o the_o end_n of_o god_n church_n be_v more_o transcendent_a and_o spiritual_a for_o therefore_o be_v preach_v hear_v therefore_o be_v sabbath_n and_o our_o solemn_a assembly_n that_o we_o may_v have_v more_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n that_o our_o doubt_n may_v be_v answer_v our_o corruption_n mortify_v our_o grace_n make_v more_o fervent_a and_o zealous_a this_o make_v david_n so_o esteem_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o desire_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n there_o then_o to_o have_v any_o earthly_a greatness_n what_o be_v it_o the_o material_a tabernacle_n that_o david_n so_o long_v for_o no_o it_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o those_o ordinance_n but_o as_o little_a child_n admire_v the_o fine_a outside_n of_o some_o excellent_a book_n when_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o excellent_a matter_n contain_v therein_o so_o say_v chrysostome_n many_o regard_n the_o outside_n and_o external_o of_o religious_a duty_n not_o know_v at_o all_o what_o the_o spiritual_a effect_n thereof_o mean_v oh_o then_o let_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n tremble_v if_o the_o church_n be_v of_o god_n how_o come_v thou_o to_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o do_v his_o work_n serm._n xvi_o of_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n god_n sometime_o gather_v a_o church_n among_o the_o most_o profane_a people_n a_o church_n though_o many_o way_n defile_v may_v be_v a_o church_n still_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o corinthian_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o be_v the_o description_n of_o this_o church_n by_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v viz._n at_o corinth_n and_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o great_a grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o gather_v a_o church_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o this_o city_n it_o be_v good_a to_o observe_v what_o the_o learned_a speak_v of_o it_o it_o be_v call_v so_o they_o say_v from_o corinthus_n the_o son_n of_o orestes_n or_o of_o pelops_n but_o when_o they_o have_v in_o a_o dishonourable_a manner_n abuse_v some_o roman_a ambassador_n they_o be_v destroy_v by_o a_o roman_a name_v lucius_n mummius_n
it_o say_v he_o you_o see_v then_o orthodoxy_n be_v soon_o receive_v than_o godly_a and_o holy_a order_n but_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o though_o we_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o glory_n in_o that_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o we_o have_v excellent_a preach_v and_o many_o learned_a officer_n in_o it_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o endeavour_n to_o take_v away_o all_o offence_n and_o scandal_n there_o be_v great_a matter_n of_o humiliation_n the_o apostle_n speak_v notable_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o your_o glory_v be_v not_o good_a etc._n etc._n the_o corinthian_n they_o glory_v and_o boast_v in_o many_o thing_n but_o as_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o cast_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n or_o the_o wicked_a man_n but_o this_o leaven_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n therefore_o he_o tell_v they_o their_o glory_v be_v not_o good_a there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o be_v deep_o humble_v because_o of_o such_o disorder_n among_o they_o let_v we_o not_o then_o though_o we_o can_v and_o may_v prove_v our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v our_o rest_n as_o if_o therefore_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n be_v needless_a no_o the_o apostle_n do_v far_o otherwise_o to_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n though_o he_o call_v it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o his_o epistle_n be_v full_a of_o sharp_a reproof_n to_o they_o he_o be_v very_o zealous_a and_o lively_a in_o put_v of_o they_o upon_o this_o that_o they_o become_v a_o new_a lump_n that_o they_o be_v make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a church_n and_o a_o new_a congregation_n far_o be_v it_o therefore_o from_o we_o to_o excuse_v or_o connive_v at_o our_o public_a impiety_n because_o corinth_n though_o so_o pollute_v be_v a_o church_n no_o we_o be_v to_o tremble_v and_o humble_v ourselves_o under_o such_o disorder_n they_o be_v great_a provocation_n of_o god_n anger_n you_o see_v god_n do_v begin_v to_o judge_v and_o chasten_v this_o church_n of_o corinth_n god_n take_v notice_n and_o be_v very_o angry_a with_o all_o these_o disorder_n and_o great_a neglect_n therefore_o if_o you_o observe_v those_o epistle_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n where_o their_o work_n be_v not_o perfect_a where_o there_o be_v any_o decay_n yea_o if_o christ_n have_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o though_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n commendable_a yet_o he_o will_v take_v notice_n and_o rebuke_v they_o therein_o yea_o to_o some_o he_o threaten_v to_o take_v away_o their_o candlestick_n that_o be_v their_o ordinance_n and_o to_o unchurch_n they_o oh_o then_o let_v we_o humble_v ourselves_o under_o god_n hand_n for_o all_o our_o church-sin_n all_o our_o assembly-iniquity_n lest_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n break_v out_o upon_o we_o the_o second_o extreme_a we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v that_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o a_o church_n we_o be_v not_o so_o far_o transport_v with_o misguide_a zeal_n as_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o church_n some_o be_v apt_a so_o to_o attend_v to_o a_o true_a church_n that_o they_o never_o matter_n the_o corruption_n of_o it_o other_o again_o they_o do_v so_o eye_v the_o corruption_n that_o they_o never_o regard_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v good_a to_o avoid_v both_o these_o extreme_n whence_o come_v that_o impatiency_n in_o we_o to_o bear_v any_o evil_n in_o a_o church_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o uncharitable_o rend_v from_o it_o be_v it_o not_o because_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o salvation_n be_v there_o to_o be_v have_v yea_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v reform_v there_o be_v no_o church_n so_o pure_a but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o imperfection_n in_o it_o no_o church_n so_o reform_v but_o in_o some_o thing_n it_o need_v a_o reformation_n thou_o may_v go_v from_o church_n to_o church_n and_o be_v like_o noah_n dove_n not_o know_v where_o to_o set_v thy_o foot_n if_o thou_o look_v for_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o any_o church_n whether_o thou_o go_v as_o there_o be_v no_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o have_v a_o exact_a temperament_n ad_fw-la pondus_fw-la but_o some_o humour_n or_o other_o do_v predominate_a so_o there_o be_v no_o church_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o perfect_a frame_n but_o it_o have_v its_o several_a grievance_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v free_v from_o those_o evil_n they_o separate_v from_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v assault_v with_o other_o that_o be_v as_o destructive_a of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o contrary_a way_n though_o free_v from_o tyranny_n yet_o not_o from_o division_n and_o daily_a subdivision_n among_o themselves_o so_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v diligent_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o rule_n three_o though_o that_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n where_o we_o live_v yet_o if_o many_o corruption_n do_v abound_v therein_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o pollute_v ourselves_o thereby_o or_o become_v partaker_n of_o any_o sin_n indulge_v among_o they_o as_o we_o may_v not_o sinful_o separate_v upon_o this_o ground_n because_o they_o be_v no_o church_n so_o neither_o may_v we_o continue_v so_o as_o to_o pollute_v and_o defile_v ourselves_o with_o any_o know_a sin_n the_o apostle_n exhortation_n to_o the_o corinthian_n under_o these_o manifold_a pollution_n be_v that_o every_o one_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n shall_v endeavour_v their_o new_a mould_v so_o that_o under_o church-pollution_n thou_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o god_n call_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o rebuke_v exhort_v admonish_v and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v to_o complain_v to_o church-officer_n who_o be_v to_o guide_v and_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o do_v then_o to_o be_v the_o more_o earnest_a with_o god_n in_o prayer_n to_o bring_v about_o reformation_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o gainsaying_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o mourn_v and_o sigh_v unto_o god_n as_o a_o lot_n in_o sodom_n vex_v thy_o righteous_a soul_n continual_o as_o a_o lament_a jeremiah_n among_o the_o apostatise_v israelites_n and_o certain_o god_n do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n take_v notice_n of_o such_o who_o do_v mourn_v for_o those_o abomination_n that_o they_o can_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o ezek._n 9_o 4._o when_o thou_o can_v appeal_v to_o god_n say_v o_o lord_n these_o corruption_n these_o disorder_n they_o grieve_v i_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n i_o cry_v out_o daily_o woe_n be_v unto_o i_o because_o i_o dwell_v with_o man_n of_o pollute_a lip_n this_o will_v much_o engage_v god_n to_o thou_o likewise_o we_o read_v revel_v 3._o 4._o in_o what_o a_o special_a manner_n god_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n which_o have_v not_o defile_v their_o garment_n to_o be_v therefore_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o defile_a church_n and_o yet_o to_o keep_v thyself_o unspotted_a this_o be_v admirable_a as_o they_o record_v of_o the_o river_n alpheus_n which_o though_o it_o run_v into_o the_o sea_n yet_o it_o keep_v its_o own_o natural_a sweetness_n though_o we_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v by_o god_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o any_o evil_a way_n as_o those_o seven_o thousand_o in_o eliâ—ah's_n time_n though_o they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o bawl_v in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o demonstrate_v this_o that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v god_n church_n it_o though_o it_o be_v great_o corrupt_v and_o first_o it_o may_v be_v see_v from_o the_o induction_n of_o several_a church_n as_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v god_n people_n and_o god_n do_v own_v they_o as_o he_o yet_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o prophet_n complaint_n and_o daily_a reproof_n they_o be_v full_a of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o moral_a impiety_n and_o for_o all_o this_o there_o be_v many_o repenting_n and_o turn_n in_o god_n bowel_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n before_o he_o will_v call_v they_o lo-ammi_a a_o people_n no_o more_o to_o he_o but_o you_o may_v say_v that_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o pour_v out_o so_o effectual_o consider_v then_o beside_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v not_o they_o far_o infect_v with_o doctrinal_a pollution_n and_o vicious_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o apostle_n mention_v not_o any_o where_o such_o zeal_n and_o sharpness_n as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o threaten_v they_o with_o apostasy_n
fancy_n and_o opinion_n make_v such_o a_o grace_n as_o we_o will_v have_v and_o then_o go_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v it_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v the_o alone_a rule_n in_o this_o case_n so_o that_o by_o the_o scripture_n alone_o we_o shall_v not_o give_v too_o little_a nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n attribute_v too_o much_o to_o it_o make_v god_n grace_n to_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n not_o indeed_o as_o it_o be_v but_o such_o as_o we_o will_v have_v it_o be_v good_a therefore_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o lay_v all_o our_o own_o thought_n and_o all_o humane_a authority_n aside_o that_o so_o the_o scripture_n grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v find_v out_o now_o these_o character_n we_o may_v have_v of_o that_o grace_n the_o scripture_n commend_v god_n in_o god_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture-grace_n do_v begin_v all_o the_o good_a in_o we_o we_o do_v not_o prevent_v god_n but_o he_o prevent_v we_o thus_o our_o saviour_n you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v still_o resolve_v the_o original_n of_o all_o we_o have_v into_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o rom._n 9_o and_o rom._n 11._o ephes_n 1._o whosoever_o therefore_o make_v something_o in_o we_o to_o begin_v and_o then_o god_n grace_n to_o be_v subsequent_a he_o set_v not_o up_o grace_n in_o a_o scripture-way_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o antecedent_n merit_n or_o disposition_n in_o we_o for_o which_o god_n do_v afterward_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o we_o the_o very_a first_o desire_n inspiration_n and_o least_o unseigned_a groan_n after_o christ_n be_v from_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o beginning_n of_o what_o be_v good_a be_v attribute_v to_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o progressive_n yea_o the_o initial_o most_o of_o all_o because_o than_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n against_o god_n 2._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n commend_v as_o to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o conversion_n be_v not_o mere_o suasory_n and_o by_o moral_a argument_n or_o in_o a_o universal_a indeterminate_a and_o ineffectual_a manner_n till_o we_o by_o our_o freewill_n content_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n that_o take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n it_o be_v a_o grace_n that_o give_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n which_o expression_n do_v suppose_v that_o we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o consent_v unto_o grace_n till_o grace_n do_v enable_v we_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n that_o give_v we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o grace_n that_o make_v we_o to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v and_o so_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o whereas_o if_o we_o do_v cooperate_v with_o grace_n or_o make_v god_n grace_n effectual_a than_o it_o will_v be_v we_o ourselves_o and_o not_o god_n grace_n that_o shall_v make_v this_o difference_n 3._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n commend_v as_o to_o our_o justification_n be_v impute_v grace_n not_o inherent_a evangelical_a grace_n which_o justify_v we_o be_v external_a though_o by_o faith_n receive_v into_o we_o and_o make_v we_o and_o this_o be_v great_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o what_o godly_a man_n when_o he_o go_v for_o justification_n and_o consolation_n do_v not_o more_o attend_v to_o inherent_a grace_n than_o impute_v this_o truth_n be_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o marrow_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v about_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o doctrinal_a and_o practical_a contend_v whether_o grace_n inherent_a in_o we_o or_o impute_v to_o we_o be_v that_o which_o we_o must_v rest_v upon_o and_o lean_a upon_o when_o god_n enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o we_o we_o say_v only_o impute_v grace_n other_o say_v inherent_a and_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n exclude_v work_n not_o only_o meritorious_a work_n but_o godly_a work_n work_n of_o grace_n do_v by_o we_o and_o here_o now_o the_o adversary_n seem_v to_o insult_v say_v the_o apostle_n exclude_v work_n only_o of_o the_o law_n such_o as_o be_v do_v by_o our_o natural_a strength_n or_o perfect_a work_n or_o work_v that_o merit_n but_o this_o be_v to_o distinguish_v where_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n can_v be_v oppose_v to_o grace_n because_o they_o flow_v from_o it_o they_o be_v effect_n of_o it_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o work_v of_o grace_n can_v indeed_o be_v oppose_v to_o that_o principle_n of_o grace_n within_o we_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v but_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o viz._n justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o though_o work_v of_o grace_n do_v not_o oppose_v internal_a renovation_n yet_o they_o do_v justification_n which_o they_o say_v be_v produce_v by_o they_o again_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o none_o extol_v grace_n more_o than_o they_o do_v because_o they_o make_v grace_n inherent_a to_o make_v we_o accept_v of_o with_o god_n whereas_o the_o protestant_n debate_v it_o deny_v it_o this_o noble_a work_n for_o say_v they_o will_v not_o grace_n be_v most_o advance_v in_o heaven_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o that_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v within_o we_o but_o to_o this_o also_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o its_o impute_a grace_n which_o be_v evangelical_n grace_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o exalt_v in_o this_o life_n in_o heaven_n indeed_o this_o evangelical_n and_o impute_a grace_n will_v cease_v though_o all_o glory_n will_v be_v give_v to_o that_o because_o by_o it_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o perfect_a inherent_a grace_n last_o the_o scripture-grace_n though_o it_o be_v not_o for_o good_a duty_n yet_o do_v always_o require_v the_o study_n of_o they_o and_o diligent_a attend_v thereunto_o so_o that_o as_o we_o must_v not_o with_o the_o papist_n make_v our_o duty_n thrust_v out_o grace_n so_o neither_o must_v we_o with_o the_o antinomian_o make_v grace_n to_o thrust_v out_o duty_n for_o both_o these_o do_v consist_v together_o therefore_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o god_n grace_n so_o it_o do_v also_o of_o those_o holy_a duty_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o diligent_o perform_v we_o can_v have_v any_o portion_n in_o everlasting_a happiness_n use_v of_o admonition_n to_o pray_v for_o that_o spiritual_a wisdom_n that_o we_o may_v join_v god_n grace_n and_o our_o holiness_n to_o be_v conscionable_a in_o perform_v of_o the_o late_a but_o to_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o former_a especial_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o way_n and_o course_n that_o shall_v put_v thou_o out_o of_o this_o warm_a sun_n that_o shall_v make_v thou_o to_o walk_v in_o darkness_n not_o feel_v the_o comfortable_a beam_n thereof_o oh_o remember_v it_o be_v this_o alone_a that_o make_v life_n and_o death_n comfortable_a it_o be_v true_a thou_o may_v be_v under_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n yet_o by_o some_o cloudy_a temptation_n upon_o thy_o soul_n thou_o not_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v oh_o but_o let_v thy_o earnest_a prayer_n be_v that_o god_n grace_n may_v not_o only_o be_v to_o thou_o but_o this_o may_v be_v evidence_v to_o thou_o thou_o can_v never_o have_v true_a solid_a peace_n and_o quiet_a contentation_n of_o soul_n till_o this_o be_v all_o the_o food_n as_o it_o be_v thou_o live_v upon_o till_o this_o be_v all_o the_o clothes_n thou_o covere_v thy_o nakedness_n with_o serm._n xxv_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a gospel_n peace_n and_o wherein_o it_o chief_o consist_v 2_o cor._n 1._o 2._o grace_n be_v to_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o cordial_o wish_v these_o corinthian_n and_o that_o be_v peace_n grace_n be_v the_o cause_n peace_n be_v the_o effect_n grace_n be_v the_o fountain_n peace_n be_v the_o stream_n this_o word_n peace_n among_o the_o hebrew_n come_v from_o a_o root_n signify_v to_o be_v whole_a and_o sound_a because_o by_o peace_n they_o do_v mean_v all_o good_a and_o prosperity_n as_o by_o war_n the_o hebrew_n word_n come_v from_o a_o root_n signify_v to_o eat_v and_o devour_v they_o mean_v all_o misery_n and_o destruction_n and_o among_o the_o hebrew_n this_o be_v their_o ordinary_a salutation_n and_o greeting_n peace_n be_v to_o you_o intend_v thereby_o all_o prosperity_n and_o happiness_n and_o so_o some_o expound_v it_o here_o by_o peace_n understand_v a_o prosperous_a and_o successful_a proceed_n of_o all_o their_o affair_n but_o though_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v yet_o
father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n the_o inscription_n have_v be_v full_o consider_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n which_o be_v 1._o a_o exordium_n 2._o a_o apologetical_a narration_n against_o those_o calumny_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o false_a apostle_n this_o text_n be_v part_n of_o the_o exordium_n or_o his_o introductory_n beginning_n to_o what_o matter_n he_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o doxclogie_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o apostle_n begin_v his_o epistle_n with_o cordial_a affectionate_a blessing_n and_o praise_v of_o god_n and_o that_o common_o for_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o he_o write_v unto_o but_o here_o he_o bless_v god_n chief_o for_o those_o consolation_n and_o support_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v from_o god_n and_o this_o he_o do_v partly_o to_o give_v all_o glory_n and_o honour_n to_o god_n partly_o to_o animate_v and_o encourage_v all_o to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n they_o will_v not_o be_v loser_n by_o it_o and_o partly_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o accuser_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o all_o the_o affliction_n he_o undergo_v do_v turn_v to_o he_o and_o the_o church_n good_a now_o in_o this_o thanksgiving_n passage_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o praise_n itself_o express_v in_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d blessed_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o it_o god_n which_o be_v 1._o illustrate_v from_o his_o relative_a title_n to_o christ_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2._o from_o his_o efficiency_n which_o be_v twofold_a the_o father_n of_o mercy_n 2._o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n so_o that_o this_o text_n do_v represent_v god_n in_o a_o most_o sweet_a comfortable_a and_o ravish_a relation_n to_o we_o the_o apostle_n stand_v as_o it_o be_v here_o upon_o mount_n gerizzim_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n of_o god_n we_o may_v here_o stand_v and_o see_v as_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n pass_v by_o it_o be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o all_o vengeance_n and_o fury_n it_o be_v not_o the_o god_n terrible_a in_o his_o judgement_n that_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a acquit_v the_o guilty_a but_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n let_v then_o the_o trouble_a and_o grieve_a soul_n who_o look_v always_o upon_o god_n as_o angry_a as_o ready_a to_o destroy_v bring_v with_o the_o widow_n its_o cruise_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o pleasant_a oil_n that_o will_v run_v out_o of_o this_o text._n certain_o if_o david_n say_v of_o god_n word_n in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n much_o more_o be_v it_o applicable_a to_o this_o verse_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o praise_n itself_o in_o those_o word_n bless_a be_v god_n paul_n you_o hear_v begin_v most_o of_o his_o epistle_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o some_o have_v think_v that_o all_o our_o prayer_n shall_v begin_v with_o thanksgiving_n because_o the_o heart_n be_v hereby_o raise_v up_o soon_o to_o heaven_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n love_n be_v like_o the_o fire_n that_o will_v put_v the_o soul_n into_o sweet_a distillation_n but_o certain_o the_o method_n of_o prayer_n whether_o with_o confession_n first_o or_o thanksgiving_n be_v not_o command_v but_o leave_v arbitrary_a only_o this_o the_o soul_n must_v remember_v to_o be_v as_o diligent_a and_o careful_a in_o praise_v of_o god_n as_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o open_v the_o word_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o threefold_a blessing_n scripture_n 1._o of_o god_n blessing_n of_o we_o 2._o of_o our_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o these_o differ_v exceed_o for_o god_n bless_v we_o efficient_o by_o exhibit_v his_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o bless_v god_n not_o by_o add_v any_o good_a to_o he_o but_o declarative_o only_a god_n benedicere_fw-la be_v benefacere_fw-la his_o word_n be_v work_n but_o our_o blessing_n as_o aquinas_n on_o the_o place_n be_v only_o recognoscitium_fw-la and_o expressivum_fw-la a_o acknowledgement_n only_o and_o celebration_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o god_n have_v 3._o there_o be_v man_n blessing_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a either_o charitatiuè_fw-la matth._n 5._o 44._o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o our_o very_a enemy_n psal_n 129._o 8._o thus_o job_n 31._o 20._o speak_v of_o it_o by_o way_n of_o comfort_n that_o the_o poor_a who_o he_o have_v refresh_v bless_a he_o or_o potestatiuè_fw-la and_o that_o be_v when_o parent_n and_o minister_n such_o as_o be_v in_o office_n and_o power_n do_v bless_v their_o inferior_n and_o this_o god_n do_v more_o solemn_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v thus_o the_o priest_n numb_a 6._o 23_o 24._o be_v in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n argue_v the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o better_a heb._n 7._o 7._o and_o because_o by_o blessing_n the_o greatness_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v set_v forth_o hence_o it_o be_v use_v sometime_o for_o consecrate_v 1_o sam._n 9_o 13._o samuel_n be_v say_v to_o bless_v the_o sacrifice_n so_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 15._o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v though_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o popish_a consecration_n although_o there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v seem_v to_o be_v one_o thing_n and_o because_o those_o who_o do_v bless_v other_o do_v common_o come_v with_o present_n and_o gift_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v for_o gift_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o liberality_n 2_o cor._n 9_o 5_o 6._o the_o hebrew_n word_n to_o bless_v be_v observe_v by_o a_o antiphrase_n to_o curse_v so_o it_o be_v use_v three_o or_o four_o time_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o job_n and_o 1_o king_n 21._o eustathius_n say_v aretius_n observe_v also_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o heathen_n indeed_o have_v a_o superstition_n that_o they_o think_v a_o ill_a omen_n in_o word_n hence_o be_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d express_v terrible_a thing_n by_o graceful_a name_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o they_o curse_v so_o they_o call_v it_o morbus_fw-la sacerâ—_n but_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o attend_v to_o that_o superstition_n it_o be_v for_o gravity_n sake_n that_o it_o use_v such_o a_o expression_n though_o a_o learned_a man_n make_v that_o phrase_n in_o job_n to_o be_v a_o metonymy_n of_o the_o consequent_a because_o those_o do_v sometime_o depart_v from_o other_o to_o who_o they_o use_v to_o wish_v well_o say_v valere_fw-la afterward_o that_o word_n come_v to_o be_v use_v for_o a_o renounce_n of_o all_o former_a friendship_n so_o he_o think_v the_o word_n to_o bless_v may_v signify_v that_o be_v to_o renounce_v god_n and_o not_o own_o his_o worship_n more_o but_o come_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n which_o be_v that_o to_o bless_v and_o praise_n god_n for_o all_o his_o mercy_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n god_n ought_v to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o this_o cordial_a hearty_a blessing_n of_o god_n be_v great_o neglect_v some_o be_v bear_v down_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n some_o be_v great_o bow_v down_o under_o the_o several_a affliction_n god_n exercise_v they_o with_o other_o be_v devour_v with_o the_o worldly_a care_n and_o discontent_n of_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n to_o meet_v with_o a_o christian_a that_o walk_v with_o such_o a_o cheerful_a humble_a and_o thankful_a spirit_n that_o he_o study_v all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o be_v not_o will_v any_o fragment_n shall_v perish_v as_o fly_v stick_v always_o upon_o the_o rugged_a part_n of_o the_o glass_n and_o fall_v from_o that_o which_o be_v smooth_a thus_o even_o god_n own_o child_n if_o they_o have_v any_o affliction_n if_o they_o want_v but_o one_o mercy_n they_o will_v have_v this_o do_v more_o trouble_n and_o torture_v they_o than_o the_o thousand_o mercy_n they_o have_v from_o god_n do_v refresh_v and_o revive_v they_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v make_v conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o be_v much_o in_o that_o we_o may_v as_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v col._n 3._o 17._o in_o all_o thing_n whether_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n be_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o much_o go_v to_o make_v a_o thankful_a spirit_n what_o will_v enable_v spirit_n we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o always_o lie_v among_o the_o tomb_n as_o it_o be_v affright_v ourselves_o with_o our_o own_o sad_a thought_n but_o entertain_v
generation_n he_o be_v of_o the_o father_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n ask_v this_o question_n to_o which_o of_o the_o angel_n than_o much_o less_o man_n say_v he_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n &_o c_o which_o must_v be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a transcendent_a sense_n for_o in_o a_o common_a general_a one_o angel_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o to_o be_v a_o son_n by_o eternal_a generation_n and_o then_o afterward_o by_o gracious_a communication_n do_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o among_o man_n he_o that_o be_v true_o such_o a_o man_n son_n by_o natural_a generation_n can_v never_o for_o any_o adventitious_a reason_n be_v proper_o call_v his_o son_n afterward_o if_o then_o god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n by_o generation_n than_o he_o be_v not_o by_o any_o other_o suppose_a way_n of_o gracious_a communication_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o son_n in_o a_o transcendent_a way_n to_o angel_n and_o man_n appear_v full_o by_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 5._o 8._o although_o he_o be_v a_o son_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o learned_a obedience_n by_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o suffer_v from_o whence_o we_o say_v christ_n be_v a_o son_n not_o according_a to_o his_o humane_a nature_n for_o so_o he_o be_v to_o show_v obedience_n mal._n 1._o 6._o but_o in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o he_o can_v not_o obey_v viz_o in_o his_o divine_a nature_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o discreet_a axiom_n or_o proposition_n although_o he_o be_v a_o son_n this_o be_v lay_v as_o a_o foundation_n let_v we_o come_v to_o consider_v this_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o our_o comfort_n comfort_n for_o you_o may_v say_v why_o be_v god_n to_o besa_fw-mi bless_v by_o we_o because_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o what_o do_v that_o appertain_v to_o we_o indeed_o to_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n who_o perish_v in_o their_o sin_n this_o make_v no_o more_o for_o their_o comfort_n then_o for_o apostate_n angel_n who_o nature_n christ_n take_v not_o upon_o he_o but_o as_o for_o the_o godly_a the_o true_a believer_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o comfort_n for_o first_o in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o mean_v he_o come_v to_o be_v the_o father_n in_o he_o for_o see_v christ_n be_v we_o than_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v our_o father_n also_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o second_o place_n but_o the_o first_o consideration_n of_o comfort_n be_v that_o god_n paternal_a relation_n to_o we_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o father_n relation_n to_o christ_n christ_n merit_v at_o god_n hand_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o reconcile_a father_n with_o we_o for_o without_o christ_n god_n be_v not_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n but_o a_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a judge_n he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o we_o can_v with_o any_o confidence_n draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o but_o through_o christ_n god_n assume_v a_o new_a relation_n to_o we_o of_o a_o judge_n he_o become_v a_o father_n so_o that_o we_o see_v this_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o comfort_n therefore_o be_v god_n a_o father_n to_o we_o because_o he_o be_v to_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n mention_v as_o you_o hear_v this_o title_n so_o often_o with_o doxology_n because_o without_o christ_n god_n be_v not_o a_o father_n we_o can_v expect_v a_o drop_n of_o mercy_n or_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o favour_n from_o he_o second_o this_o relation_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o christ_n be_v of_o great_a comfort_n to_o we_o because_o of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n when_o we_o by_o faith_n be_v make_v one_o with_o christ_n than_o we_o have_v the_o same_o father_n as_o he_o have_v and_o this_o be_v a_o second_o ground_n of_o our_o comfort_n the_o apostle_n call_v he_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n because_o our_o lord_n our_o jesus_n therefore_o god_n be_v our_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n because_o they_o can_v true_o say_v our_o christ_n therefore_o they_o can_v call_v god_n our_o father_n it_o be_v then_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o do_v entitle_v we_o to_o god_n a_o father_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n himself_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o wise_a when_o marry_v to_o a_o husband_n than_o the_o husband_n father_n be_v her_o father_n and_o what_o relation_n he_o have_v she_o be_v also_o receive_v into_o thus_o it_o be_v here_o when_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n receive_v christ_n he_o be_v thereby_o make_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o a_o co-heir_n with_o christ_n they_o have_v now_o the_o same_o father_n christ_n be_v become_v their_o brother_n to_o they_o oh_o what_o a_o unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a privilege_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n shall_v not_o disdain_v we_o or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o but_o call_v we_o brethren_n and_o make_v we_o to_o have_v the_o same_o father_n with_o he_o i_o do_v faith_n improve_v this_o by_o lively_a meditation_n what_o joy_n and_o quietness_n will_v it_o produce_v in_o our_o heart_n three_o this_o be_v great_o for_o our_o comfort_n because_o though_o there_o be_v some_o distance_n and_o inequality_n yet_o we_o may_v upon_o the_o same_o general_a ground_n plead_v the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n and_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o fatherly_a love_n as_o christ_n himself_o may_v will_v not_o the_o father_n deny_v christ_n neither_o will_v he_o we_o will_v not_o the_o father_n reject_v christ_n neither_o will_v he_o we_o he_o be_v become_v a_o father_n to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o he_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o christ_n and_o we_o in_o this_o paternal_a relation_n he_o be_v by_o nature_n we_o by_o grace_n he_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n we_o adopt_a son_n he_o be_v perfect_o holy_a and_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o this_o relation_n for_o we_o therefore_o the_o socinian_n doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v abhor_v who_o make_v christ_n sonship_n and_o that_o of_o believer_n to_o differ_v only_o in_o degree_n not_o in_o kind_n yet_o in_o the_o general_n because_o by_o he_o god_n be_v make_v a_o father_n we_o may_v improve_v it_o in_o what_o we_o have_v his_o promise_n for_o as_o christ_n himself_o do_v hence_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 14._o what_o be_v speak_v of_o solomon_n as_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o general_n be_v true_a of_o all_o believer_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 1_o apply_v to_o christ_n as_o in_o such_o particular_n 1._o the_o fatherly_a love_n and_o bowel_n which_o christ_n find_v from_o god_n in_o all_o his_o exercise_n and_o agony_n the_o like_a may_v we_o expect_v to_o find_v do_v christ_n say_v when_o his_o disciple_n leave_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v alone_o because_o the_o father_n be_v always_o with_o he_o the_o same_o may_v every_o true_a believer_n affirm_v when_o he_o may_v be_v leave_v alone_o if_o in_o persecution_n thy_o friend_n thy_o acquaintance_n forsake_v thou_o if_o father_n and_o mother_n as_o david_n say_v shall_v leave_v thou_o yet_o this_o father_n be_v always_o with_o thou_o so_o that_o although_o thou_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o christ_n either_o in_o thy_o nature_n person_n or_o grace_n yet_o remember_v the_o same_o fatherly_a love_n be_v common_a to_o both_o hence_o job_n 17._o 23._o that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o the_o love_n wherewith_o thou_o love_v i_o be_v in_o they_o in_o they_o by_o way_n of_o sense_n and_o experience_n by_o way_n of_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n 2._o as_o god_n be_v a_o father_n to_o christ_n thus_o in_o love_n so_o also_o he_o be_v in_o hear_v of_o his_o prayer_n which_o he_o put_v up_o as_o man_n or_o as_o mediator_n father_n say_v christ_n i_o know_v thou_o hear_v i_o always_o john_n 10._o and_o therefore_o in_o that_o wonderful_a prayer_n of_o he_o that_o his_o soul_n pour_v out_o before_o his_o death_n his_o compellation_n unto_o god_n be_v father_n and_o thus_o also_o god_n be_v a_o father_n to_o we_o he_o will_v hear_v all_o our_o request_n that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n it_o be_v true_a god_n the_o father_n hear_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n christ_n because_o of_o the_o full_a and_o absolute_a image_n of_o himself_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n no_o blemish_n nothing_o blame-worthy_a in_o christ_n but_o in_o we_o there_o be_v many_o imperfection_n there_o be_v just_a cause_n to_o reject_v our_o prayer_n but_o yet_o because_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n therefore_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o in_o his_o name_n they_o be_v accept_v his_o incense_n perfume_v their_o prayer_n it_o be_v through_o christ_n obedience_n that_o god_n smell_n a_o sweet_a savour_n in_o our_o holy_a performance_n so_o that_o christ_n indeed_o he_o be_v hear_v for_o his_o own_o
be_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o those_o that_o be_v afflict_v they_o be_v almost_o in_o his_o jaw_n the_o room_n be_v almost_o ready_o sweep_v and_o garnish_v for_o he_o how_o many_o in_o their_o trouble_n have_v he_o prevail_v upon_o to_o despair_v to_o self-murder_n to_o destroy_v themselves_o thus_o he_o be_v watch_v at_o his_o advantage_n to_o provoke_v thou_o in_o thy_o trouble_n to_o impatience_n to_o discontent_n and_o from_o these_o to_o rage_n and_o fret_v against_o god_n and_o from_o these_o to_o final_a despair_n shall_v then_o the_o devil_n be_v thus_o busy_a to_o assault_v a_o poor_a soul_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v as_o diligent_a to_o recover_v he_o last_o though_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n and_o so_o he_o can_v if_o he_o please_v other_o comfort_n without_o any_o paul_n '_o s_z any_o minister_n or_o christian_n yet_o he_o have_v appoint_v their_o service_n as_o a_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o will_v comfort_v we_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o send_v for_o minister_n or_o christian_n to_o comfort_n see_v it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o can_v do_v this_o but_o you_o must_v know_v god_n will_v do_v it_o by_o he_o institute_v mean_n whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n great_a temptation_n to_o keep_v off_o such_o afflict_a one_o from_o come_v to_o the_o public_a ordinance_n from_o prayer_n from_o reveal_v and_o manifest_v their_o temptation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o wise_a let_v such_o trouble_a soul_n know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o throw_v themselves_o irrecoverable_o into_o the_o devil_n mouth_n and_o therefore_o though_o god_n will_v comfort_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o the_o ministry_n by_o prayer_n by_o conference_n therefore_o though_o thou_o complain_v thou_o dare_v not_o pray_v thou_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n for_o then_o thy_o temptation_n be_v most_o violent_a and_o fiery_a yet_o give_v not_o they_o over_o for_o in_o and_o through_o these_o god_n will_v at_o last_o communicate_v comfort_n to_o thou_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o comfort_n through_o the_o institute_v and_o appoint_v mean_n of_o comfort_n indeed_o if_o by_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n thou_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o mean_n of_o comfort_n from_o other_o as_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n have_v be_v than_o thou_o may_v expect_v immediate_a consolation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o stead_n of_o all_o minister_n and_o godly_a friend_n to_o thou_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o second_o general_a head_n in_o the_o three_o place_n the_o dispensation_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o trouble_n potestatiuè_fw-la be_v of_o two_o sort_n charitatiuè_fw-la and_o potestatiuè_fw-la charitatiuè_fw-la be_v that_o which_o every_o christian_a in_o the_o way_n of_o love_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v to_o another_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v the_o thâ—ssalâ—nians_n to_o comfort_v one_o another_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o as_o private_a christian_n potestatiuè_fw-la be_v that_o whereby_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v in_o power_n and_o office_n do_v administer_v consolation_n to_o other_o and_o as_o the_o minister_n in_o office_n have_v a_o peculiar_a promise_n from_o god_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n so_o may_v the_o private_a christian_a expect_v a_o great_a success_n in_o his_o labour_n when_o faithful_o discharge_v for_o the_o office_n be_v not_o enough_o unless_o it_o be_v dispense_v in_o god_n way_n hence_o to_o they_o be_v give_v the_o key_n or_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v with_o this_o addition_n that_o what_o they_o do_v shall_v be_v ratify_v that_o be_v as_o they_o say_v clavae_n non_fw-la errante_fw-la provide_v that_o they_o bind_v or_o loose_v in_o a_o scripture-way_n the_o minister_n then_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o his_o office_n to_o comfort_v as_o well_o as_o to_o terrify_v to_o loose_a as_o well_o as_o to_o bind_v not_o that_o he_o do_v these_o thing_n authoritative_o but_o ministerial_o and_o declarative_o only_a yet_o so_o that_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o this_o a_o specia_fw-la success_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o god_n hence_o james_n 5._o 14_o 15._o those_o who_o be_v sick_a be_v command_v to_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o in_o that_o be_v include_v all_o other_o duty_n requisite_a to_o the_o save_n of_o that_o sick_a man_n soul_n yea_o some_o have_v be_v so_o great_o disconsolate_a and_o tempt_v by_o satan_n that_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n have_v though_o be_v convenient_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a absolution_n and_o private_a application_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o such_o a_o humble_a sinner_n and_o that_o in_o a_o ministerial_a way_n as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n four_o we_o say_v in_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n to_o person_n administer_v comfort_n to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o trouble_n now_o that_o right_a manner_n comprehend_v very_o much_o for_o a_o unseasonable_a and_o unwise_a or_o unfaithful_a comfort_n do_v destroy_v rather_o than_o do_v good_a even_o as_o physic_v unseason_n by_o give_v to_o a_o right_a manner_n there_o be_v require_v 1._o a_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o temptation_n as_o also_o the_o disposition_n of_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o exercise_v to_o be_v a_o physician_n of_o soul_n require_v admirable_a prudence_n and_o wisdom_n above_o what_o be_v in_o the_o master_n of_o the_o body_n every_o temptation_n be_v not_o cure_v by_o every_o comfort_n neither_o be_v every_o exercise_v man_n the_o same_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v he_o may_v be_v a_o hypocrite_n he_o may_v live_v in_o know_a sin_n to_o himself_o yet_o secret_a to_o other_o and_o if_o comfort_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o that_o complain_v this_o will_v be_v to_o give_v pearl_n to_o swine_n job_n friend_n though_o wise_a and_o godly_a do_v mistake_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o job_n affliction_n think_v it_o be_v for_o some_o extraordinary_a sin_n or_o his_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n whereas_o it_o be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o grace_n they_o also_o mistake_v about_o his_o person_n condemn_v he_o for_o a_o hypocrite_n when_o yet_o he_o be_v full_a of_o integrity_n thus_o you_o see_v we_o may_v mistake_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a 2._o the_o right_a way_n of_o comfort_v lie_v in_o take_v the_o scripture-way_n and_o that_o comfort_n be_v by_o discover_v sin_n and_o search_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n and_o then_o to_o give_v comfort_n as_o you_o do_v in_o wound_n go_v to_o the_o bottom_n before_o you_o heal_v the_o scripture_n do_v sad_o complain_v of_o those_o priest_n that_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n that_o cry_v peace_n when_o there_o be_v none_o and_o no_o doubt_n many_o minister_n shall_v answer_v for_o their_o apply_v of_o false_a comfort_n as_o well_o as_o teach_v false_a doctrine_n every_o sick_a man_n look_v that_o the_o minister_n shall_v only_o comfort_v he_o if_o he_o speak_v of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n he_o be_v count_v cruel_a and_o one_o that_o will_v drive_v man_n to_o despair_v but_o content_n yourselves_o we_o must_v not_o we_o dare_v not_o comfort_n but_o in_o the_o scripture-way_n and_o that_o be_v to_o such_o only_a as_o do_v mourn_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o upon_o true_a ground_n for_o every_o pharaoh_n and_o ahab_n can_v humble_v themselves_o while_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v die_v but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o mourner_n that_o god_n will_v have_v comfort_v thou_o must_v bewail_v thy_o sin_n from_o spiritual_a principle_n and_o heavenly_a motive_n such_o as_o will_v hold_v in_o thy_o health_n as_o well_o as_o in_o thy_o sickness_n this_o then_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o comfort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o trouble_n but_o in_o a_o wise_a faithful_a scripture-way_n otherwise_o those_o damn_a soul_n throw_v into_o hell_n will_v to_o all_o eternity_n curse_v those_o minister_n that_o cry_v peace_n peace_n to_o they_o oh_o that_o you_o have_v cry_v hell_n hell_n damnation_n damnation_n to_o we_o that_o may_v have_v do_v we_o more_o good_a serm._n xliv_o that_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o comfort_n which_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o one_o godly_a man_n may_v do_v the_o same_o likewise_o to_o another_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 4._o by_o the_o comfort_n wherewith_o we_o ourselves_o be_v comfort_v of_o god_n we_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n finish_v the_o text._n for_o whereas_o two_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o division_n the_o manner_n how_o the_o apostle_n do_v comfort_v other_o and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o comfort_n wherewith_o they_o themselves_o be_v comfort_v
although_o we_o be_v to_o press_v after_o perfection_n in_o this_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o yet_o none_o can_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o constant_a settle_a and_o fix_a frame_n of_o heart_n in_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o in_o no_o temptation_n or_o at_o no_o time_n he_o shall_v ever_o be_v move_v and_o cast_v down_o with_o diffidence_n who_o can_v express_v great_a trust_n in_o god_n than_o david_n do_v at_o sometime_o yea_o will_v think_v this_o mountain_n can_v never_o be_v move_v as_o psal_n 112._o 7._o which_o indeed_o be_v speak_v of_o every_o godly_a man_n he_o will_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n psal_n 56._o 3._o at_o what_o time_n i_o be_v afraid_a i_o will_v trust_v in_o thou_o yea_o in_o many_o psalm_n do_v he_o so_o far_o proclaim_v his_o confidence_n in_o god_n that_o by_o the_o event_n it_o seem_v that_o this_o do_v regenerate_v into_o self-trusting_a for_o which_o god_n do_v for_o sake_n he_o sometime_o and_o leave_v he_o in_o darkness_n but_o as_o confident_a as_o he_o be_v in_o god_n sometime_o you_o have_v he_o at_o other_o time_n as_o much_o deject_a and_o without_o comfort_n or_o support_v though_o therefore_o thou_o pray_v and_o mourn_v after_o this_o bless_a grace_n which_o if_o perfect_o enjoy_v will_v put_v thou_o into_o heaven_n while_o on_o earth_n yet_o look_v to_o be_v often_o in_o conflict_n sometime_o trust_v and_o sometime_o distrust_v till_o god_n shall_v make_v thou_o perfect_a in_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o more_o ground_n for_o fear_n sorrow_n or_o any_o diffidence_n let_v the_o use_v be_v to_o humble_v the_o child_n of_o god_n under_o all_o those_o distrustful_a and_o despondent_a thought_n they_o labour_v with_o what_o be_v become_v of_o god_n mercy_n of_o old_a where_o be_v thy_o former_a experience_n let_v such_o as_o never_o know_v the_o name_n of_o god_n that_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o christ_n or_o his_o promise_n let_v such_o i_o say_v like_o judas_n and_o cain_n go_v up_o and_o down_o with_o perpetual_a tremble_n and_o anxiety_n of_o heart_n but_o thou_o dishonour_v god_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o holy_a call_n by_o which_o thou_o be_v call_v while_o thou_o be_v torment_a thyself_o with_o care_n about_o future_a thing_n matth._n 6._o 36._o it_o be_v make_v the_o gentile_n sin_n a_o heathenish_a sin_n how_o then_o come_v it_o about_o that_o christianity_n have_v teach_v thou_o no_o better_o who_o may_v walk_v confident_o and_o with_o quiet_a spirit_n though_o the_o earth_n be_v remove_v into_o the_o sea_n if_o thou_o may_v not_o aristotle_n give_v character_n of_o confident_a man_n rhetor._n lib._n 2_o do_v among_o other_o have_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o such_o be_v confident_a who_o have_v great_a power_n and_o might_n or_o have_v friend_n that_o be_v so_o now_o be_v there_o any_o great_a than_o god_n be_v there_o any_o mighty_a than_o he_o 2._o those_o be_v confident_a say_v he_o that_o be_v well-affected_a to_o religious_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o with_o thou_o be_v not_o thou_o careful_a to_o observe_v the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v not_o thou_o tender_v about_o his_o worship_n and_o his_o glory_n indeed_o sin_n and_o contempt_n of_o holy_a thing_n that_o must_v needs_o emasculate_v and_o take_v away_o all_o courage_n but_o thy_o faithfulness_n to_o god_n may_v make_v thou_o assure_v of_o his_o faithfulness_n to_o thou_o serm._n lxxix_o how_o we_o be_v to_o rely_v upon_o god_n and_o yet_o make_v use_n of_o requisite_a mean_n too_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 11._o you_o also_o help_v together_o by_o prayer_n for_o we_o that_o for_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o many_o person_n thanks_o may_v be_v give_v by_o many_o on_o our_o behalf_n the_o apostle_n have_v commemorate_a the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o his_o deliverance_n attribute_v all_o to_o his_o mercy_n he_o do_v in_o this_o verse_n declare_v what_o help_v and_o mean_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o accomplish_n thereof_o for_o he_o that_o trust_v in_o god_n alone_o for_o any_o deliverance_n do_v also_o diligent_o use_v those_o appoint_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v command_v neither_o do_v the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o we_o disoblige_v we_o from_o a_o careful_a attendance_n to_o those_o way_n wherein_o the_o mercy_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v in_o that_o therefore_o paul_n have_v express_v his_o assurance_n of_o present_a and_o future_a deliverance_n do_v also_o excite_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o we_o have_v 1._o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o confidence_n which_o be_v in_o he_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o genuine_a not_o presumption_n which_o separate_v end_n and_o mean_n from_o another_o 2._o here_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o humility_n and_o modesty_n for_o though_o a_o saint_n in_o the_o high_a form_n far_o excel_v other_o be_v gift_n and_o grace_n yet_o he_o earnest_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o those_o that_o be_v inferior_a to_o he_o the_o text_n therefore_o be_v a_o further_a amplification_n of_o his_o deliverance_n 1._o from_o the_o mean_n use_v to_o obtain_v it_o piscator_fw-la call_v this_o prayer_n causam_fw-la adjuvantem_fw-la but_o that_o expression_n be_v too_o big_a the_o church_n prayer_n be_v a_o mean_n not_o a_o cause_n prevail_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o 2._o from_o the_o end_n which_o be_v thanksgiving_n by_o other_o as_o in_o time_n be_v to_o be_v show_v let_v we_o consider_v the_o mean_n specify_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therein_o we_o have_v the_o mean_v itself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v emphatical_a you_o also_o imply_v that_o neither_o god_n promise_n or_o his_o power_n will_v procure_v this_o mercy_n alone_o without_o their_o prayer_n beside_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n on_o his_o part_n there_o must_v be_v prayer_n on_o their_o part_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n for_o help_v be_v emphatical_a be_v twice_o compound_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o word_n do_v denote_v the_o service_n and_o ministry_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o we_o and_o so_o it_o do_v imply_v that_o the_o church_n do_v owe_v as_o a_o debt_n unto_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n earnest_a prayer_n for_o they_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v their_o servant_n in_o some_o respect_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o their_o office_n as_o all_o governor_n be_v yet_o they_o be_v their_o servant_n in_o other_o respect_n by_o way_n of_o obedience_n to_o their_o word_n and_o constant_a prayer_n for_o they_o but_o then_o there_o be_v the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d add_v which_o do_v denote_v not_o only_o their_o effectual_a prayer_n but_o their_o concord_n and_o agreement_n therein_o and_o that_o in_o their_o public_a and_o solemn_a assembly_n again_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o work_v and_o labour_n do_v denote_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n labour_v therein_o be_v fervent_a full_a of_o agony_n which_o show_v that_o the_o customary_a formal_a prayer_n of_o most_o people_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o name_n there_o be_v no_o labour_n or_o fervency_n of_o the_o soul_n therein_o in_o the_o second_o place_n you_o have_v the_o way_n how_o they_o labour_v by_o prayer_n the_o meaning_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o afterward_o they_o do_v not_o labour_n by_o use_v friend_n to_o solicit_v the_o magistrate_n in_o paul_n behalf_n for_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n from_o they_o but_o they_o make_v their_o address_n to_o god_n last_o here_o be_v the_o subject_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o help_v together_o it_o be_v a_o honour_n paul_n put_v upon_o they_o by_o this_o expression_n and_o thereby_o also_o commend_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o of_o pray_v for_o they_o several_a observation_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o particular_a as_o first_o whereas_o we_o see_v paul_n rest_v alone_o upon_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n for_o his_o deliverance_n yet_o not_o exclude_v but_o rather_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o corinthian_n as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o have_v this_o also_o obtain_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n not_o to_o separate_v from_o or_o oppose_v the_o grace_n and_o require_v power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o duty_n and_o mean_n he_o also_o have_v require_v not_o to_o say_v because_o it_o be_v god_n grace_n and_o god_n work_n therefore_o i_o will_v sit_v down_o and_o do_v nothing_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n god_n command_v i_o to_o pray_v to_o work_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o my_o duty_n that_o do_v justify_v and_o save_v i_o
this_o limit_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v a_o deprecation_n against_o some_o evil_n rather_o than_o a_o petition_n for_o some_o good_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v use_v here_o but_o because_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n common_o use_v it_o in_o a_o more_o large_a sense_n neither_o will_v we_o restrain_v it_o in_o this_o place_n from_o the_o former_a part_n then_o of_o this_o verse_n there_o remain_v further_a doctrine_n observable_a as_o first_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a in_o gift_n and_o office_n yea_o and_o grace_v inferior_n also_o do_v need_v the_o prayer_n of_o those_o who_o be_v far_o inferior_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n no_o eye_n in_o this_o spiritual_a body_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o it_o may_v say_v to_o the_o foot_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o when_o the_o apostle_n do_v thus_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o corinthian_n he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o a_o compliment_n neither_o do_v he_o speak_v it_o for_o modesty_n and_o humility_n sake_n but_o cordial_o and_o real_o as_o find_v the_o want_n of_o they_o christ_n indeed_o be_v god_n and_o man_n though_o as_o man_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n yet_o he_o need_v no_o man_n prayer_n for_o he_o neither_o do_v he_o ever_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o no_o not_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o great_a agony_n he_o blame_v they_o indeed_o for_o their_o dullness_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o watch_v with_o he_o one_o hour_n but_o he_o do_v not_o require_v their_o prayer_n for_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o godly_a man_n though_o a_o paul_n though_o never_o so_o eminent_a but_o as_o he_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o other_o so_o also_o he_o need_v that_o other_o shall_v pray_v for_o he_o hence_o you_o have_v this_o eminent_a saint_n often_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n alone_o will_v not_o do_v it_o though_o he_o be_v a_o favourite_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n yet_o other_o also_o must_v intercede_v for_o he_o job_n daniel_n and_o other_o though_o they_o be_v instance_a in_o as_o such_o who_o can_v great_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o other_o as_o if_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n be_v open_a to_o they_o more_o than_o to_o other_o yet_o they_o themselves_o do_v want_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o for_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v paul_n again_o and_o again_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o for_o he_o 1_o thes_n 1._o 17._o when_o he_o have_v deliver_v many_o short_a and_o excellent_a aphorism_n more_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n health_n than_o those_o of_o hypocrates_n for_o the_o body_n and_o have_v also_o pray_v for_o they_o he_o require_v the_o same_o duty_n for_o himself_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o as_o the_o cloud_n drop_v upon_o the_o earth_n to_o refresh_v that_o and_o that_o send_v up_o vapour_n again_o which_o be_v congeal_v into_o cloud_n thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o pastor_n and_o people_n a_o mutual_a and_o a_o reciprocal_a pray_v for_o each_o 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gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o by_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o vis_fw-la unita_fw-la est_fw-la fortior_fw-la the_o unite_a force_n of_o believer_n be_v strong_a than_o single_a and_o alone_a hence_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o form_n of_o prayer_n direct_v to_o say_v our_o father_n not_o my_o father_n because_o of_o the_o communion_n the_o godly_a have_v in_o this_o duty_n see_v then_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o people_n assemble_v together_o then_o when_o alone_o no_o wonder_n if_o paul_n desire_v their_o prayer_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o peter_n case_n the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o to_o pray_v for_o his_o deliverance_n which_o prayer_n be_v so_o prevalent_a that_o it_o break_v open_v the_o prison_n door_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n yield_v to_o it_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o special_a privilege_n by_o the_o psalmist_n to_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o solomon_n psal_n 72._o 15._o prayer_n also_o shall_v be_v make_v for_o he_o it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o be_v remember_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o the_o church_n follow_v scripture-rule_n have_v cast_v some_o persecute_v emperor_n out_o of_o their_o prayer_n this_o have_v be_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v they_o a_o forerunner_n that_o god_n also_o will_v cast_v they_o out_o of_o his_o favour_n one_o occasion_n which_o make_v licinius_n to_o oppose_v constantine_n be_v because_o the_o christian_n in_o their_o meeting_n pray_v for_o constantine_n but_o not_o for_o he_o though_o happy_o he_o regard_v more_o the_o dishonour_n he_o think_v put_v upon_o he_o than_o any_o esteem_n he_o have_v of_o their_o prayer_n second_o another_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o similitude_n which_o the_o scripture_n delight_v another_o much_o in_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v a_o member_n thereof_o now_o in_o any_o natural_a body_n though_o the_o noble_a and_o eminent_a part_n thereof_o be_v never_o so_o sound_a and_o able_a for_o their_o particular_a operation_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o most_o ignoble_a part_n in_o the_o body_n but_o they_o want_v the_o help_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o nourishment_n be_v careful_o distribute_v to_o every_o part_n as_o have_v its_o respective_a necessity_n thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o spiritual_a body_n the_o church_n of_o god_n only_a christ_n the_o head_n need_v not_o the_o member_n but_o they_o he_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a help_n of_o every_o part_n so_o that_o unless_o paul_n be_v not_o of_o the_o body_n unless_o he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o spiritual_a union_n he_o must_v need_v the_o prayer_n of_o other_o the_o communion_n then_o that_o the_o body_n have_v in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o though_o we_o pray_v for_o other_o though_o alive_a yet_o not_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a it_o be_v absurd_a to_o pray_v for_o such_o who_o be_v decease_v because_o they_o be_v now_o no_o long_o in_o this_o church-communion_n the_o eye_n do_v not_o now_o need_v the_o foot_n all_o want_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o visible_a union_n of_o believer_n in_o church-administrations_a be_v now_o quite_o dissolve_v what_o else_o may_v be_v add_v in_o this_o particular_a shall_v be_v suggest_v in_o the_o next_o only_o the_o use_n of_o this_o be_v to_o admonish_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o choice_a christian_a use_v of_o humility_n and_o modesty_n though_o thy_o gift_n and_o grace_n though_o thy_o office_n and_o place_n be_v far_o
above_o other_o private_a christian_n yet_o remember_v thou_o want_v their_o prayer_n they_o that_o can_v help_v thou_o by_o counsel_n and_o advice_n they_o that_o can_v help_v thou_o by_o direction_n yet_o may_v by_o prayer_n therefore_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v abate_v their_o zeal_n and_o love_n in_o prayer_n for_o thou_o it_o may_v also_o teach_v thou_o humility_n in_o this_o respect_n when_o thou_o find_v great_a inlargement_n good_a success_n in_o thy_o ministry_n be_v not_o lift_v up_o as_o if_o god_n do_v this_o for_o any_o righteousness_n it_o may_v be_v in_o thou_o but_o because_o of_o other_o man_n prayer_n attribute_v such_o thing_n to_o their_o prayer_n rather_o than_o thy_o grace_n but_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o doctrine_n which_o be_v second_o that_o people_n do_v owe_v unto_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n as_o a_o debt_n of_o guide_n service_n their_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o they_o thus_o much_o you_o hear_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o greek_a word_n those_o that_o sow_v unto_o you_o spiritual_n be_v not_o only_o to_o reap_v of_o your_o carnal_o but_o also_o of_o your_o spiritual_n you_o be_v not_o to_o communicate_v only_o with_o he_o that_o teach_v you_o in_o your_o temporal_a good_a thing_n but_o your_o spiritual_a also_o thus_o the_o church_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o make_v supplication_n for_o peter_n when_o he_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o certain_o the_o spiritual_a labourer_n be_v not_o only_o worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n but_o of_o your_o hearty_a and_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o those_o people_n who_o do_v neglect_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o they_o never_o get_v good_a by_o the_o ministry_n nor_o be_v it_o their_o desire_n to_o do_v so_o hence_o so_o much_o labour_v and_o preach_v become_v so_o ineffectual_a to_o thou_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a man_n as_o thou_o be_v many_o year_n ago_o be_v not_o this_o because_o thou_o never_o right_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o the_o 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pray_v and_o humble_v themselves_o under_o god_n hand_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v remove_v from_o off_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o always_o a_o duty_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n 2._o though_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o god_n accomplish_v great_a thing_n prayer_n for_o his_o people_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o put_v any_o merit_n or_o confidence_n in_o our_o prayer_n to_o be_v proud_a of_o thy_o prayer_n be_v a_o great_a absurdity_n for_o thy_o prayer_n to_o god_n do_v testify_v that_o thou_o be_v nothing_o that_o thou_o can_v do_v nothing_o for_o if_o thou_o can_v do_v thing_n of_o thyself_o why_o need_v thou_o pray_v that_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o socinian_o give_v why_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o need_v no_o precept_n of_o prayer_n because_o there_o be_v then_o nothing_o promise_v but_o they_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n thereof_o by_o their_o own_o power_n but_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o be_v rot_v for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o spiritual_a thing_n promise_v only_o more_o obscure_o that_o we_o have_v and_o be_v no_o way_n of_o themselves_o to_o perform_v their_o condition_n otherwise_o we_o will_v grant_v that_o what_o a_o man_n can_v do_v of_o his_o own_o power_n independent_o upon_o god_n he_o need_v not_o pray_v for_o it_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o man_n do_v not_o need_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n whether_o for_o temporal_a or_o necessary_a thing_n and_o see_v the_o way_n to_o have_v it_o be_v only_o by_o prayer_n this_o exalt_v god_n and_o debase_v man_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n when_o we_o rest_v upon_o our_o prayer_n as_o if_o the_o beggar_n shall_v be_v proud_a from_o his_o ask_n of_o alm_n 3._o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v reciprocal_a minister_n be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o people_n minister_n and_o people_n for_o their_o minister_n this_o paul_n who_o so_o often_o desire_v the_o church_n prayer_n do_v as_o often_o demonstrate_v his_o continual_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o they_o yea_o though_o a_o people_n be_v never_o so_o unworthy_a so_o wretched_a and_o malicious_a yet_o they_o will_v say_v with_o samuel_n god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o so_o that_o thy_o prayer_n for_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a they_o be_v recompense_v with_o prayer_n again_o and_o never_o be_v people_n a_o blessing_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o minister_n nor_o be_v a_o minister_n a_o blessing_n to_o they_o till_o there_o be_v this_o mutual_a pray_n for_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o man_n do_v prevail_v much_o how_o much_o then_o will_v the_o prayer_n of_o many_o righteous_a person_n for_o each_o other_o so_o that_o we_o see_v why_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v so_o busy_a in_o sow_v of_o discord_n and_o contention_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n why_o instead_o of_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o there_o be_v slander_n detractition_n and_o malicious_a opposition_n of_o one_o another_o for_o by_o this_o discord_n the_o devil_n kingdom_n be_v promote_v and_o their_o prayer_n for_o one_o another_o be_v hinder_v 4._o when_o we_o say_v that_o its_o a_o debt_n which_o people_n owe_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o spiritual_a gracious_a guide_n this_o suppose_v that_o the_o people_n who_o he_o watch_v over_o shall_v be_v both_o a_o gift_a and_o a_o gracious_a people_n gift_a such_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v their_o request_n know_v to_o god_n and_o that_o with_o other_o as_o well_o as_o alone_o for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o who_o can_v pray_v for_o himself_o will_v ever_o pray_v for_o the_o minister_n will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a to_o desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o many_o who_o live_v under_o our_o continual_a teach_n pray_v alas_o they_o never_o pray_v in_o their_o life_n they_o never_o pray_v for_o themselves_o or_o for_o other_o but_o gift_n without_o grace_n be_v like_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o wicked_a man_n therefore_o our_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v gracious_a as_o well_o as_o gift_v they_o must_v have_v pure_a heart_n and_o pure_a hand_n how_o uncomely_o be_v holy_a prayer_n in_o a_o unholy_a mouth_n there_o must_v be_v no_o dead_a fly_n in_o this_o precious_a box_n of_o ointment_n oh_o than_o that_o our_o congregation_n be_v awake_v to_o be_v such_o a_o people_n that_o can_v discharge_v spiritual_a duty_n to_o a_o spiritual_a overseer_n do_v you_o by_o your_o prayer_n help_v on_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o our_o preach_a alone_o without_o your_o effectual_a pray_v will_v not_o have_v its_o bless_a effect_n 5._o there_o be_v many_o particular_n in_o which_o your_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v empty_v in_o suceesfull_a prayer_n for_o they_o for_o their_o preservation_n and_o safety_n as_o here_o paul_n pray_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o hatred_n and_o rage_n of_o man_n if_o the_o shepherd_n be_v scatter_v the_o sheep_n will_v quick_o fly_v now_o because_o their_o call_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o sin_n of_o people_n to_o set_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v therefore_o none_o meet_v with_o more_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a adversary_n than_o they_o do_v for_o this_o paul_n desire_v their_o prayer_n 2_o thes_n 3._o 2._o that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o unreasonable_a man_n 2._o you_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o this_o particular_a also_o that_o their_o ministry_n may_v be_v successful_a that_o the_o word_n they_o preach_v may_v find_v room_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n duty_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o study_v and_o to_o
seek_v out_o fit_a word_n that_o may_v be_v as_o so_o many_o nail_n fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o the_o assembly_n so_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o that_o to_o yourselves_o to_o your_o family_n to_o your_o neighbour_n it_o may_v be_v a_o quicken_a and_o convert_v word_n thus_o paul_n in_o that_o forementioned_a place_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v a_o free_a course_n and_o be_v glorify_v oh_o what_o auditor_n do_v his_o duty_n in_o this_o respect_n thou_o complain_v of_o the_o dullness_n and_o frowardness_n of_o people_n how_o much_o good_a seed_n fall_v upon_o stony_a ground_n see_v if_o thy_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o negligence_n herein_o have_v thou_o pray_v more_o earnest_o have_v thou_o seek_v the_o lord_n more_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o more_o plentiful_a harvest_n when_o the_o minister_n faithful_a preach_v and_o the_o people_n fervent_a prayer_n go_v together_o then_o satan_n will_v fall_v like_o lightning_n before_o they_o 3._o you_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o qualification_n that_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n may_v quicken_v be_v quicken_v that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o boldness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n not_o fearn_v man_n or_o sinful_o please_v he_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o be_v qualify_v with_o all_o ability_n and_o grace_n for_o the_o ministerial_a employment_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o work_n we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v unpleasing_a and_o distrustful_a to_o all_o natural_a man_n now_o how_o difficult_o can_v man_n subject_a to_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n do_v such_o angelical_a work_n thus_o paul_n himself_o who_o profess_v he_o die_v daily_o and_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o bid_v other_o follow_v he_o yet_o see_v the_o reason_n eph._n 6._o 20_o 21._o why_o he_o desire_v the_o ephesian_n to_o pray_v for_o he_o viz._n that_o i_o may_v open_v my_o mouth_n bold_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v bold_o as_o i_o ought_v to_o speak_v last_o you_o be_v to_o pray_v even_o for_o their_o salvation_n for_o their_o office_n be_v so_o great_a save_v and_o they_o stand_v accountable_a for_o their_o own_o and_o the_o people_n soul_n their_o salvation_n be_v the_o more_o improbable_a chrysostome_n speak_v very_o sad_o to_o this_o point_n as_o if_o very_a few_o minister_n will_v be_v save_v because_o of_o their_o office_n however_o we_o find_v paul_n aw_v his_o heart_n with_o this_o and_o keep_v down_o his_o body_n use_v all_o mean_n to_o suppress_v the_o very_a begin_n of_o sin_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 17._o jest_n when_o he_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v a_o castaway_n these_o office_n in_o the_o church_n though_o some_o do_v ambitious_o intrude_v into_o they_o look_v for_o glory_n and_o advantage_n thereby_o yet_o such_o who_o consider_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o office_n the_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o due_a administration_n thereof_o do_v tremble_v under_o it_o and_o like_o moses_n and_o jeremy_n be_v afraid_a to_o take_v such_o a_o office_n upon_o they_o but_o man_n who_o spirit_n be_v hardy_a and_o confident_a matter_n not_o the_o danger_n thereof_o as_o you_o see_v in_o great_a high_a building_n how_o mason_n and_o other_o artificer_n can_v stand_v upon_o a_o high_a pinnacle_n and_o their_o head_n never_o be_v giddy_a nor_o have_v any_o fear_n but_o those_o who_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o that_o way_n do_v exceed_o tremble_v thus_o man_n who_o be_v accustom_v to_o high_a thought_n of_o themselves_o that_o have_v great_a confidence_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n they_o can_v work_v on_o these_o battlement_n and_o their_o head_n never_o go_v round_o whereas_o man_n of_o deep_a modesty_n and_o humility_n be_v afraid_a to_o climb_v so_o high_a use_v of_o admonition_n to_o our_o people_n general_o how_o great_o be_v this_o duty_n neglect_v how_o many_o instead_o of_o pray_v for_o they_o curse_n and_o revile_v they_o but_o no_o wonder_n at_o this_o see_v many_o never_o pray_v for_o themselves_o they_o never_o pray_v nor_o their_o family_n pray_v and_o then_o how_o can_v you_o help_v we_o by_o your_o prayer_n let_v this_o particular_a move_v thou_o that_o by_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o ministerial_a labour_n thou_o will_v find_v the_o benefit_n redound_v upon_o thy_o own_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v a_o quicken_a ministry_n to_o thou_o whatever_o it_o be_v to_o other_o to_o thou_o it_o will_v be_v soulsaving_a do_v you_o pray_v that_o your_o corporal_a bread_n may_v nourish_v your_o body_n and_o will_v you_o not_o much_o rather_o that_o your_o spiritual_a bread_n may_v be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o you_o all_o lie_v not_o in_o hear_v write_a and_o repeat_v but_o add_v to_o these_o effectual_a prayer_n serm._n lxxxi_o how_o and_o why_o we_o shall_v praise_v god_n for_o all_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 11._o that_o for_o the_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o mean_n of_o many_o person_n thanks_o may_v be_v give_v by_o many_o on_o our_o behalf_n this_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n contain_v the_o reason_n or_o final_a cause_n of_o his_o request_n for_o the_o unanimous_a public_a paryer_n of_o the_o corinthian_n viz._n that_o as_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o many_o his_o deliverance_n have_v be_v obtain_v so_o also_o by_o they_o public_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n may_v be_v give_v to_o god_n in_o his_o behalf_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o clear_a only_o the_o grammatical_a construction_n have_v cause_v great_a variety_n of_o interpretation_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v every_o obscurity_n as_o it_o come_v in_o order_n in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v 1._o the_o end_n itself_o and_o that_o be_v that_o thanks_o may_v be_v give_v 2._o the_o object_n matter_n for_o which_o and_o that_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o gift_n viz._n of_o deliverance_n from_o that_o great_a death_n 3._o the_o subject_a by_o who_o this_o gift_n be_v obtain_v and_o that_o be_v by_o many_o 4._o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o give_v thanks_o and_o that_o be_v also_o many_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o last_o in_o who_o behalf_n and_o that_o on_o our_o behalf_n let_v we_o take_v these_o part_n of_o division_n as_o they_o come_v in_o order_n and_o first_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o final_a cause_n that_o thanks_o may_v be_v give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v in_o the_o passive_a sense_n and_o therefore_o note_v to_o be_v a_o unusual_a and_o a_o very_a rare_a phrase_n it_o be_v every_o where_o else_o use_v active_o observe_v that_o when_o by_o prayer_n we_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n by_o praise_n he_o and_o thankfulness_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o to_o god_n prayer_n must_v not_o be_v alone_o when_o it_o have_v prevail_v with_o god_n like_o castor_n and_o pollux_n prayer_n and_o praise_n must_v go_v together_o phil._n 4._o 6._o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v to_o god_n here_o you_o see_v supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n must_v go_v hand_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o less_o god_n command_v to_o praise_v he_o for_o mercy_n then_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o this_o truth_n be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v press_v because_o of_o our_o horrible_a negligence_n herein_o in_o our_o distress_n in_o our_o exigence_n we_o call_v and_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n but_o in_o our_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n we_o forget_v he_o and_o do_v not_o own_o the_o author_n of_o our_o favour_n and_o benefit_n this_o be_v notable_o represent_v in_o that_o history_n luke_n 17._o 17_o 18._o where_o often_o leper_n that_o be_v cleanse_v there_o be_v but_o one_o do_v return_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o thanksgiving_n and_o he_o be_v a_o samaritan_n also_o so_o that_o those_o from_o who_o it_o be_v expect_v do_v neglect_v this_o duty_n we_o see_v by_o this_o how_o backward_o we_o be_v to_o praise_n god_n though_o very_o forward_o and_o earnest_a to_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o our_o misery_n those_o nine_o leper_n that_o regard_v not_o to_o praise_v god_n yet_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o say_v jesus_n master_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o and_o thus_o while_o we_o be_v in_o any_o exigence_n than_o our_o heart_n be_v very_o hot_a and_o lively_a then_o we_o cry_v and_o pray_v lord_n hear_v we_o our_o trouble_n be_v great_a but_o if_o the_o lord_n do_v vouchsafe_v his_o mercy_n to_o we_o than_o god_n may_v say_v where_o be_v the_o man_n where_o be_v the_o woman_n that_o be_v cleanse_v that_o be_v heal_v that_o have_v this_o or_o that_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n
of_o heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o know_v our_o condition_n fear_n be_v always_o accompany_v with_o a_o godly_a filial_a and_o holy_a fear_n that_o fear_n which_o be_v so_o often_o command_v in_o scripture_n and_o with_o which_o we_o be_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n phil._n 2._o 12._o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o slavish_a and_o servile_a fear_n torment_v we_o with_o daily_a doubt_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o expel_v by_o this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a enemy_n to_o a_o evangelical_n and_o gospel_n life_n which_o be_v in_o faith_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o these_o torment_a doubt_n about_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o papist_n who_o teach_v and_o encourage_v these_o doubt_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o humility_n do_v thereby_o drive_v we_o from_o christ_n yea_o luther_n say_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n than_o this_o we_o have_v ground_n enough_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o though_o this_o ishmael_n must_v be_v cast_v out_o yet_o not_o isaac_n too_o there_o be_v a_o lawful_a fear_n whereby_o as_o child_n we_o reverence_v god_n be_v afraid_a of_o any_o frown_n from_o he_o and_o do_v thereby_o diligent_o attend_v to_o all_o those_o duty_n he_o have_v command_v and_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o our_o upright_a heart_n and_o by_o this_o that_o rash_a presumption_n of_o epicure_n of_o impenitent_a and_o secure_a sin_n be_v whole_o exclude_v for_o they_o do_v in_o a_o presumptuous_a manner_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o all_o sin_n have_v no_o holy_a fear_n in_o the_o godly_a use_n of_o all_o those_o mean_v god_n have_v command_v four_o to_o enable_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o believer_n thus_o to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v spirit_n of_o its_o sincerity_n there_o be_v above_o all_o require_v the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n for_o the_o text_n abovementioned_a do_v attribute_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o we_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n and_o do_v seal_v and_o witness_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n therefore_o though_o a_o godly_a man_n soul_n be_v as_o full_o bespangle_v with_o grace_n as_o the_o firmament_n with_o star_n yet_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enable_v not_o to_o discern_v of_o these_o we_o be_v in_o daily_a fluctuation_n of_o spirit_n as_o hagar_n have_v a_o fountain_n of_o water_n by_o she_o but_o she_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o thirst_n till_o god_n open_v her_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n man_n can_v not_o behold_v that_o great_a company_n which_o be_v on_o his_o side_n till_o his_o eye_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o so_o neither_o do_v we_o know_v what_o be_v the_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o we_o without_o this_o seal_a witness_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o of_o this_o more_o large_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o 22_o verse_n in_o this_o chapter_n now_o when_o all_o these_o be_v concurrent_a together_o do_v the_o godly_a soul_n with_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o justify_v with_o god_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o sense_n or_o mix_v of_o both_o be_v dispute_v but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o late_a for_o as_o faith_n in_o the_o assent_v act_n be_v carry_v out_o to_o principle_n clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n and_o then_o secondary_o to_o conclusion_n by_o good_a and_o sure_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o so_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o fiducial_a act_n of_o it_o to_o the_o promise_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o general_a and_o then_o to_o the_o same_o as_o particular_o apply_v so_o that_o faith_n and_o experience_n concur_v to_o make_v up_o this_o certain_a knowledge_n a_o glorious_a and_o rare_a privilege_n for_o because_o man_n do_v live_v so_o dissolute_o and_o careless_o because_o they_o do_v so_o little_a exercise_n themselves_o in_o holiness_n and_o close_o walk_v with_o god_n therefore_o they_o think_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v impossible_a yea_o because_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o constant_a weakness_n they_o think_v it_o be_v no_o duty_n but_o sinful_a presumption_n to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n concern_v themselves_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v you_o that_o it_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o press_v after_o serm._n lxxxviii_o of_o the_o impediment_n which_o keep_v we_o from_o assurance_n command_v for_o it_o and_o caution_n about_o it_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n etc._n etc._n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v pursue_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n already_o observe_v viz._n that_o a_o believer_n may_v certain_o know_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o do_v the_o duty_n god_n require_v but_o also_o that_o he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o sincere_a and_o single_a heart_n the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v manifest_v to_o he_o be_v to_o show_v our_o duty_n herein_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n command_n not_o to_o rest_v till_o we_o come_v to_o some_o assure_a knowledge_n herein_o therefore_o of_o all_o the_o question_n in_o divinity_n thou_o be_v to_o study_v to_o exercise_v thyself_o most_o in_o this_o whether_o do_v thou_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n no_o self-deluded_n wretch_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o thou_o have_v sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n how_o much_o more_o advantageous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o christian_n if_o they_o study_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n more_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o many_o can_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o dispute_n about_o either_o unnecessary_a thing_n or_o too_o sublime_a for_o their_o capacity_n or_o such_o question_n that_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o and_o as_o for_o this_o which_o be_v the_o main_a fundamental_a one_o as_o to_o their_o particular_n be_v whole_o negligent_a about_o it_o certain_o a_o good_a resolution_n herein_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o we_o may_v wonder_v that_o we_o do_v not_o lay_v all_o other_o study_v aside_o yea_o bid_v all_o other_o business_n stand_v alooff_o off_o till_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o sure_a ground_n have_v persuade_v we_o herein_o if_o your_o temporal_a estate_n be_v question_v if_o all_o your_o livelihood_n be_v call_v into_o question_n and_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o the_o estate_n you_o enjoy_v be_v your_o own_o by_o the_o right_n of_o the_o law_n or_o no_o especial_o if_o other_o do_v solicit_v and_o endeavour_v to_o take_v it_o from_o you_o will_v not_o this_o make_v you_o run_v and_o ride_v night_n and_o day_n till_o you_o have_v obtain_v such_o firm_a evidence_n that_o all_o your_o adversary_n can_v not_o invalidate_v how_o then_o come_v it_o about_o that_o we_o will_v thus_o desperate_o put_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o a_o venture_n if_o i_o be_v regenerate_v i_o be_o regenerate_v if_o but_o a_o temporary_a believer_n i_o be_o no_o more_o i_o will_v put_v it_o to_o the_o event_n let_v it_o fall_v out_o how_o it_o will_v oh_o the_o sad_a blindness_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o man_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o yet_o thou_o that_o live_v thus_o doubtful_o and_o will_v die_v thus_o doubtful_o how_o uncertain_a be_v thy_o life_n what_o a_o bubble_n and_o vapour_n be_v thou_o oh_o remember_v that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o a_o godly_a ability_n to_o answer_v thyself_o in_o this_o doubt_n and_o temptation_n will_v be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o world_n when_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v snatch_v from_o this_o world_n to_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n thereof_o no_o more_o when_o thou_o apprehend_v thyself_o summon_v by_o death_n to_o stand_v at_o god_n tribunal_n where_o grace_n and_o only_a grace_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o sure_a plea._n what_o agony_n what_o perplexity_n what_o confusion_n will_v be_v upon_o thy_o soul_n if_o thou_o cry_v out_o then_o oh_o i_o know_v not_o what_o i_o be_o what_o will_v become_v of_o i_o whether_o i_o be_o go_v live_v i_o must_v not_o die_v i_o dare_v not_o oh_o that_o i_o can_v hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n immediate_o witness_v unto_o i_o that_o my_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v safe_a and_o good_a be_v sure_a that_o of_o all_o the_o question_n in_o the_o world_n you_o will_v one_o day_n be_v put_v most_o to_o answer_v this_o not_o so_o much_o what_o knowledge_n
passage_n of_o paul_n life_n so_o that_o it_o behove_v he_o as_o to_o walk_v with_o more_o circumspection_n so_o also_o to_o express_v his_o hearty_a love_n towards_o they_o see_v they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o weak_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n even_o as_o aristotle_n observe_v the_o affection_n of_o parent_n be_v most_o carry_v to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o weak_a and_o most_o infirm_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o explication_n from_o the_o word_n we_o observe_v that_o the_o more_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n a_o people_n have_v have_v of_o god_n presence_n it_o with_o the_o ministry_n the_o more_o inexcusable_a will_v they_o be_v if_o they_o do_v not_o profit_v thereby_o the_o long_a you_o have_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o more_o powerful_o god_n have_v manifest_v his_o presence_n therein_o if_o still_o thou_o persist_v in_o thy_o rebellion_n and_o opposition_n to_o god_n the_o great_a will_v thy_o condemnation_n be_v the_o apostle_n do_v much_o press_v this_o upon_o the_o corinthian_n as_o a_o special_a mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o revolt_a 2_o corinth_n 13._o since_o you_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o which_o to_o you-ward_o be_v not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a in_o you_o and_o thereupon_o bid_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o whether_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o or_o not_o and_o if_o so_o they_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o ministry_n oh_o it_o be_v a_o high_a aggravation_n of_o a_o man_n wilfulness_n to_o sin_n when_o he_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o minister_n do_v his_o duty_n he_o discharge_v his_o office_n he_o have_v inform_v i_o full_o of_o my_o dangerous_a estate_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o will_v go_v on_o in_o disobedience_n we_o read_v of_o the_o apostle_n press_v this_o likewise_o 1_o corinth_n 4._o 15._o with_o much_o earnestness_n though_o you_o have_v ten_o thousand_o instructor_n in_o christ_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o many_o father_n he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n beget_v they_o a_o new_a from_o their_o former_a impiety_n so_o that_o the_o more_o good_a a_o people_n have_v receive_v by_o a_o minister_n the_o more_o they_o stand_v oblige_v still_o to_o follow_v his_o doctrine_n our_o apostle_n deal_v in_o this_o argument_n also_o with_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 3._o 2_o 3_o 4._o this_o will_v i_o learn_v of_o you_o receive_v you_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n he_o appeal_v to_o what_o they_o have_v find_v experimental_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v they_o who_o have_v thus_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n end_n in_o the_o flesh_n our_o saviour_n also_o tell_v the_o jew_n concern_v john_n they_o do_v once_o rejoice_v in_o his_o light_n for_o a_o season_n john_n 5._o 35._o at_o the_o first_o while_o his_o preach_n and_o life_n be_v new_a before_o he_o come_v thorough_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o wickedness_n and_o then_o when_o they_o see_v his_o preach_n be_v against_o they_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n for_o their_o carnal_a interest_n they_o who_o once_o rejoice_v in_o he_o afterward_o reproach_v he_o and_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n but_o let_v we_o amplify_v this_o point_n in_o several_a particular_n first_o the_o long_a time_n a_o people_n have_v enjoy_v a_o faithful_a ministry_n the_o expectation_n more_o inexcusable_a will_v they_o be_v if_o they_o answer_v not_o god_n expectation_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o this_o spiritual_a light_n arise_v upon_o they_o they_o have_v have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o to_o warn_v and_o admonish_v every_o man_n to_o forsake_v his_o evil_a way_n if_o therefore_o god_n have_v fix_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n among_o we_o who_o continual_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n how_o great_a will_v our_o condemnation_n be_v if_o we_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o light_n though_o thou_o do_v not_o account_v the_o year_n yet_o god_n do_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o precise_a time_n that_o he_o have_v be_v call_v and_o invite_v of_o thou_o to_o come_v in_o and_o submit_v unto_o he_o we_o see_v this_o notable_o in_o that_o parable_n luke_n 13._o 7._o then_o say_v the_o master_n to_o his_o vine-dresser_n behold_v these_o three_o year_n i_o come_v seek_v fruit_n on_o this_o figtree_n and_o find_v none_o it_o be_v but_o three_o year_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v account_v a_o great_a matter_n their_o unprofitablenesse_n though_o they_o have_v but_o three_o year_n trial_n be_v so_o heinous_a that_o there_o be_v a_o command_n to_o cut_v down_o the_o tree_n as_o that_o which_o cumber_v the_o ground_n what_o cause_n then_o have_v thou_o to_o fear_v lest_o such_o a_o sentence_n pass_v upon_o thou_o who_o have_v not_o only_o for_o three_o year_n but_o many_o three_o be_v dress_v and_o prune_v and_o yet_o continue_v barren_a how_o shall_v you_o number_v every_o lordsday_n how_o shall_v you_o account_v and_o set_v down_o every_o sermon_n for_o though_o you_o let_v they_o pass_v yet_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o we_o have_v god_n complain_v concern_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n mention_v the_o exact_a time_n they_o have_v be_v froward_a and_o rebellious_a against_o he_o under_o his_o gracious_a dispensation_n psal_n 95._o 10._o which_o be_v also_o also_o allege_v by_o the_o apostle_n hebr._n 3._o 9_o 17._o they_o see_v god_n work_n forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n what_o a_o long_a time_n be_v here_o to_o convince_v they_o to_o humble_v they_o under_o all_o these_o wonderful_a work_n which_o god_n do_v before_o their_o eye_n yet_o god_n complain_v that_o these_o forty_o year_n they_o do_v only_o grieve_v god_n by_o their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o sad_a case_n of_o too_o many_o may_v not_o god_n say_v forty_o yea_o fifty_o and_o threescore_o year_n you_o have_v grieve_v he_o every_o sabbath-day_n because_o not_o reform_v or_o change_v by_o the_o word_n remember_v this_o therefore_o the_o long_a that_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v continue_v with_o you_o the_o more_o be_v all_o excuse_n take_v off_o from_o you_o if_o you_o repent_v not_o second_o the_o more_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a the_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v be_v be_v by_o public_a preach_n and_o otherways_o to_o convert_v you_o from_o all_o your_o evil_a do_n the_o great_a will_v your_o account_n be_v if_o you_o be_v negligent_a about_o your_o soul_n indeed_o people_n may_v have_v a_o ministry_n but_o because_o a_o lazy_a corrupt_a one_o because_o a_o superstitious_a or_o profane_a one_o man_n be_v encourage_v more_o thereby_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o although_o this_o will_v not_o free_v a_o people_n they_o shall_v not_o think_v to_o escape_v by_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o their_o blind_a guide_n for_o rather_o than_o their_o body_n shall_v starve_v they_o will_v break_v through_o stony_a wall_n and_o go_v far_o before_o they_o will_v be_v famish_v so_o if_o people_n be_v sensible_a of_o their_o soul_n undo_v by_o such_o a_o ministry_n if_o they_o live_v where_o the_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n be_v they_o will_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o north_n even_o to_o the_o east_n to_o look_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o you_o have_v it_o amos_n chap._n 8._o 12._o though_o i_o say_v the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v acquit_v they_o shall_v die_v and_o be_v damn_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o god_n will_v require_v their_o blood_n of_o such_o idol-shepherd_n ezek._n 33._o 8_o 9_o but_o as_o it_o follow_v there_o if_o they_o be_v faithful_a shepherd_n if_o they_o do_v warn_v every_o wicked_a man_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v go_v on_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n than_o such_o faithful_a minister_n have_v deliver_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o people_n blood_n will_v lie_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o more_o pain_n then_o and_o the_o great_a labour_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v take_v to_o reduce_v man_n from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o yet_o thou_o continue_v unreformed_a the_o great_a will_v thy_o confusion_n be_v their_o study_n their_o sermon_n their_o prayer_n their_o sweat_n their_o weariness_n will_v all_o witness_n against_o thou_o at_o that_o day_n we_o may_v see_v this_o notable_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n himself_o that_o great_a shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n matth._n 11._o 20._o it_o be_v there_o say_v then_o begin_v he_o to_o upbraid_v those_o city_n wherein_o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v because_o they_o repent_v not_o woe_n to_o thou_o corazin_n woe_n to_o thou_o bethsaida_n etc._n etc._n and_o thou_o capernaum_n which_o be_v exalt_v
damn_a jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o anoint_a of_o god_n where_o ministerial_a labour_n be_v great_a there_o need_v the_o more_o help_n from_o other_o where_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n in_o one_o minister_n the_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o charge_v it_o upon_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o policy_n and_o enmity_n of_o false_a teacher_n 2._o the_o indiscretion_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o the_o natural_a enmity_n in_o man_n against_o the_o ministry_n it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n when_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n agree_v to_o advance_v christ_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o agreement_n 1._o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o the_o great_a defence_n of_o the_o truth_n 3._o the_o great_a conviction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a and_o unbelieving_a god_n truth_n and_o so_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o it_o be_v always_o the_o same_o 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o external_a form_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o doctrinal_n 2._o between_o the_o growth_n and_o the_o change_n of_o truth_n 3._o between_o a_o seem_a and_o a_o real_a yea_o and_o nay_o 4._o antiquity_n and_o consent_n be_v property_n of_o a_o true_a church_n god_n have_v make_v many_o promise_n in_o christ_n to_o we_o 1._o god_n may_v have_v deal_v with_o man_n by_o absolute_a sovereignty_n 2._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v proper_o promise_v 3._o god_n promise_n do_v not_o add_v to_o his_o simple_a affirmation_n but_o only_o be_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n 4._o the_o rise_n of_o all_o god_n promise_n be_v his_o free_a mercy_n 5._o therefore_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v only_o of_o grace_n 6._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_a or_o conditional_a 7._o there_o may_v be_v reason_n give_v why_o god_n make_v such_o promise_n as_o 1._o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n 2._o to_o teach_v we_o humility_n 1._o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o promise_n 1._o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v either_o legal_a or_o evang_v elical_a 2._o promise_n be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a 2._o god_n promise_n be_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o decree_n 3._o no_o wicked_a man_n have_v any_o promise_n belong_v to_o they_o 4._o god_n promise_n to_o we_o suppose_v faith_n in_o we_o 5._o god_n have_v seal_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o 6._o it_o be_v great_a skill_n to_o make_v use_n of_o promise_n in_o christ_n alone_o be_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n confirm_v and_o make_v good_a 1._o by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n here_o be_v mean_v only_a this_fw-mi promise_n of_o grace_n 2._o promise_n be_v fulfil_v either_o in_o christ_n or_o by_o he_o 3._o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o promise_n without_o christ_n 4._o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n call_v a_o testament_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o sail_v between_o the_o arminian_n and_o antinomian_n rock_n rock_n saltmarsh_n 2._o a_o christian_a in_o make_v use_n of_o a_o promise_n must_v not_o oppose_v it_o to_o christ_n nor_o christ_n to_o it_o what_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o do_v in_o his_o doubt_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n 1._o he_o be_v not_o to_o ascend_v into_o the_o high_a point_n of_o predestination_n and_o universal_a redemption_n 2._o he_o shall_v make_v god_n command_n and_o invitation_n his_o ground_n of_o draw_v nigh_o to_o a_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v â—ounded_v upon_o will_v never_o be_v alter_v or_o change_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v make_v and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o his_o glory_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o his_o promise_n 1._o hereby_o his_o goodness_n be_v know_v 2._o his_o love_n 3._o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n how_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n give_v glory_n to_o he_o 1._o hereby_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o 2_o hereby_o we_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o 3._o hereby_o we_o exalt_v god_n way_n of_o justification_n our_o establish_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o gracious_a work_n of_o god_n alone_o 1._o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o establish_v we_o either_o in_o the_o grace_n itself_o or_o in_o our_o apprehension_n of_o it_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n 3._o wherein_o lie_v the_o establish_n work_n of_o god_n grace_n 1._o in_o prepare_v the_o understanding_n to_o it_o how_o god_n prepare_v the_o understanding_n 1._o by_o discover_v our_o own_o infirmity_n 2._o the_o acceptablenesse_n of_o the_o work_n of_o say_v 3._o the_o evangelical_a way_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o in_o settle_v the_o and_o remove_v the_o impediment_n 1._o presumption_n 2._o despair_n wherein_o god_n confirmation_n of_o we_o upon_o the_o promise_n consist_v 1._o in_o work_a principle_n of_o grace_n 1._o faith_n 2._o love_n 3._o heavenly_a courage_n and_o spiritual_a fortitude_n 4._o divine_a â—opâ—_n 5._o spiritual_a joy_n 2._o by_o actual_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o we_o argument_n that_o all_o our_o establishment_n be_v from_o god_n it_o appear_v 1._o from_o that_o unevenness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o godly_a themselves_o 2._o in_o that_o weak_a christian_n have_v go_v through_o great_a temptation_n when_o strong_a one_o have_v fail_v 3._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o prayer_n of_o god_n people_n the_o strong_a christian_n need_v god_n establish_v grace_n as_o well_o as_o the_o weak_a 1._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o fall_v the_o strong_a have_v have_v 2_o from_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o devil_n malice_n against_o they_o more_o than_o other_o 4._o from_o god_n leave_v they_o oft_o to_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o strength_n to_o be_v only_o in_o he_o 5._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o grace_n within_o we_o in_o christ_n alone_o we_o be_v establish_v 1._o by_o grace_n be_v christian_n unite_v to_o christ_n 2._o from_o this_o union_n follow_v our_o establishment_n 3_o our_o establishment_n come_v from_o 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3._o security_n 4._o their_o difference_n from_o other_o 6._o secrecy_n and_o privacy_n 7._o confirmation_n scripture_n equivalent_a to_o the_o text_n rom._n 8._o 18._o gal._n 4._o 6._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 12._o 1_o joh_n 3._o 24._o 1_o joh._n 5._o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o description_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o description_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o god_n spirit_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a and_o gracious_a work_n 2._o of_o god_n spirit_n reason_n why_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n alone_o that_o thus_o seal_v 〈◊〉_d this_o seal_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o sanctify_a 4._o it_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o heart_n reason_n why_o we_o can_v confirm_v ourselves_o 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o spirit_n seal_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o believer_n the_o division_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o object_n it_o be_v 1._o general_n 2._o special_a 3._o particular_a how_o the_o spirit_n seal_v even_o by_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v 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