and_o further_a mercy_n from_o god_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o former_a favour_n and_o love_n towards_o us._n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v assurance_n of_o the_o one_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o have_v our_o faith_n confirm_v and_o strengthen_v in_o the_o hopeful_a expectation_n of_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o four_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o three_o chapter_n vers._n 1._o furthermore_o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v free_a passage_n and_o be_v glorify_v as_o it_o be_v with_o you_o the_o five_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n follow_v which_o be_v a_o petition_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n become_v a_o earnest_a suitor_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o he_o write_v unto_o and_o what_o do_v he_o sue_v for_o for_o their_o prayer_n he_o entreat_v they_o that_o they_o will_v pray_v for_o he_o &_o for_o syluanus_n and_o timothy_n his_o fellow-labourer_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v his_o desire_n he_o call_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o brethren_n as_o he_o have_v do_v twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o this_o epistle_n already_o wherein_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o common_a usage_n of_o this_o age_n do_v it_o only_o for_o courtly_a compliment_n a_o thing_n far_o from_o the_o disposition_n of_o that_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n but_o he_o do_v unfeigned_o desire_v this_o office_n at_o their_o hand_n as_o a_o principal_a fruit_n of_o their_o brotherly_a love_n and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o as_o a_o matter_n whereby_o he_o expect_v a_o special_a blessing_n from_o god_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v these_o lesson_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a brethren_n mutual_o to_o pray_v one_o for_o a_o other_o unto_o god_n their_o father_n paul_n he_o pray_v for_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o he_o pray_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o he_o the_o brethren_n in_o christ_n do_v mutual_o merit_v one_o a_o other_o prayer_n when_o they_o pray_v one_o for_o a_o other_o do_v i_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o thou_o i_o have_v therein_o deserve_v that_o thou_o shall_v pray_v for_o i_o the_o wage_n of_o a_o hire_a labourer_n be_v no_o more_o due_a to_o he_o than_o thy_o prayer_n be_v due_a unto_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v answer_v at_o god_n tribunal_n upon_o a_o action_n of_o debt_n and_o default_n of_o payment_n if_o thou_o answer_v not_o the_o same_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o pray_v for_o thou_o yet_o be_v thou_o bind_v to_o pray_v for_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v this_o law_n upon_o we_o to_o pray_v even_o for_o they_o that_o persecute_v we_o and_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o how_o much_o more_o be_v we_o then_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o bless_v we_o and_o as_o this_o be_v a_o mutual_a duty_n and_o debt_n that_o one_o christian_n owe_v to_o a_o other_o so_o ought_v all_o christian_n to_o make_v that_o reckon_n of_o this_o debt_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v upon_o all_o occasion_n demand_v and_o require_v it_o and_o not_o remit_v or_o forgive_v it_o we_o can_v demand_v our_o temporal_a debt_n and_o will_v think_v much_o to_o remit_v a_o penny_n in_o the_o payment_n of_o a_o great_a sum_n but_o for_o this_o spiritual_a debt_n we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o let_v it_o go_v and_o never_o demand_v it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v at_o any_o time_n demand_v it_o it_o be_v but_o for_o ceremony_n and_o fashion_n we_o care_v not_o whither_o man_n pay_v it_o or_o no._n this_o show_v belove_v that_o we_o make_v no_o reckon_v or_o account_n of_o a_o other_o prayer_n for_o if_o we_o do_v we_o will_v often_o demand_v they_o then_o we_o do_v and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o debt_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o more_o we_o urge_v the_o payment_n thereof_o the_o more_o we_o favour_v the_o person_n indebt_v &_o the_o more_o we_o neglect_v to_o urge_v the_o same_o the_o more_o wrong_n we_o do_v unto_o he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o prayer_n that_o he_o make_v for_o we_o but_o he_o obtain_v thereby_o as_o great_a a_o blessing_n for_o himself_o as_o for_o us._n 2._o if_o we_o desire_v that_o other_o shall_v pray_v effectual_o unto_o god_n for_o we_o let_v they_o see_v that_o we_o esteem_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o let_v we_o so_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o as_o they_o may_v esteem_v of_o we_o as_o brethren_n for_o howsoever_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a may_v do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o as_o yet_o be_v not_o brethren_n in_o christ_n yet_o be_v there_o a_o more_o lively_a feel_n of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n obtain_v by_o they_o when_o profess_a brethren_n pray_v one_o for_o a_o other_o and_o only_o by_o their_o prayer_n can_v we_o look_v to_o get_v good_a that_o be_v our_o brethren_n for_o otherwise_o their_o prayer_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n and_o their_o blessing_n in_o themselves_o but_o so_o many_o curse_n 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o common_a good_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o high_a and_o great_a in_o favour_n with_o god_n but_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o even_o of_o their_o inferior_n behold_v here_o paul_n a_o great_a apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o have_v be_v rapt_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o there_o hear_v thing_n unutterable_a he_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o who_o be_v in_o a_o singular_a manner_n illuminate_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o inspire_v to_o be_v a_o penman_n of_o holy_a scripture_n desire_v the_o prayer_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n will_v that_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n have_v suffer_v he_o so_o to_o have_v do_v but_o that_o through_o the_o same_o spirit_n he_o have_v a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o need_n and_o a_o confidence_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a bless_a by_o mean_n of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n will_v for_o their_o sake_n show_v the_o more_o favour_n unto_o he_o there_o be_v none_o therefore_o so_o low_a &_o mean_a in_o god_n church_n but_o the_o high_a may_v be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o their_o prayer_n paul_n here_o desire_v the_o thessalonian_n to_o speak_v to_o and_o entreat_v god_n for_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o stir_v up_o this_o gift_n in_o ourselves_o and_o high_o to_o esteem_v the_o prayer_n even_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o god_n servant_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v paul_n to_o make_v that_o reckon_n of_o they_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o even_o the_o minister_n who_o as_o we_o be_v many_o degree_n inferior_a to_o paul_n so_o do_v we_o by_o so_o many_o degree_n more_o need_v the_o help_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o mean_a of_o god_n people_n even_o we_o i_o say_v that_o be_v minister_n do_v need_v the_o prayer_n of_o our_o people_n and_o the_o people_n need_v to_o pray_v for_o their_o minister_n yea_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o must_v learn_v to_o be_v orator_n unto_o god_n for_o he_o if_o they_o look_v to_o reap_v fruit_n by_o his_o labour_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v one_o main_a cause_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v no_o more_o bless_v our_o labour_n unto_o you_o because_o you_o never_o pray_v for_o we_o nay_o because_o many_o of_o you_o can_v pray_v for_o us._n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o in_o general_n require_v this_o church_n prayer_n but_o he_o give_v they_o special_a direction_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o those_o prayer_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o make_v for_o he_o wherein_o in_o general_a and_o by_o the_o way_n he_o teach_v that_o if_o minister_n will_v look_v to_o reap_v fruit_n from_o the_o prayer_n of_o their_o church_n they_o must_v teach_v and_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o pray_v and_o inform_v they_o in_o the_o special_a matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n we_o must_v not_o only_o call_v upon_o man_n to_o pray_v but_o we_o must_v teach_v they_o how_o to_o pray_v 1._o as_o both_o christ_n and_o john_n teach_v their_o disciple_n it_o be_v very_o fit_v and_o necessary_a that_o christian_n shall_v have_v direction_n for_o prayer_n yea_o and_o for_o the_o further_a help_n of_o their_o weakness_n set_v form_n of_o prayer_n also_o though_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tie_v only_o unto_o they_o and_o stint_v &_o straighten_v so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o use_v any_o other_o prayer_n but_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n that_o prescribe_v and_o use_v set_v form_n
full_a of_o spirit_n and_o life_n his_o discourse_n not_o extravagant_a but_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o point_n and_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n in_o regard_n whereof_o they_o seem_v neither_o unworthy_a to_o see_v further_a light_n nor_o unable_a well_o to_o endure_v the_o light_n i_o be_v not_o unwilling_a notwithstanding_o my_o own_o occasion_n and_o distraction_n otherwise_o out_o of_o my_o love_n to_o the_o decease_a and_o desire_v of_o advance_v the_o common_a good_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n about_o the_o transcribe_v and_o perfect_v some_o of_o they_o and_o so_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o press_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n perceive_v these_o his_o meditation_n on_o that_o second_o to_o the_o thessalonian_n to_o be_v both_o pithy_a and_o compendious_a handle_v a_o entire_a parcel_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o our_o language_n few_o have_v former_o deal_v with_o as_o also_o that_o himself_o have_v begin_v to_o write_v they_o out_o more_o fair_o and_o large_o then_o ordinary_a as_o intend_v some_o such_o thing_n i_o think_v good_a to_o break_v the_o ice_n with_o they_o and_o so_o begin_v at_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o he_o have_v leave_v transcribe_v out_o of_o other_o his_o own_o note_n contain_v a_o continue_a commentary_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n some_o defect_n only_o supply_v have_v i_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a work_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v find_v such_o good_a acceptance_n as_o my_o desire_n be_v it_o shall_v and_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v deserve_v i_o may_v receive_v thereby_o encouragement_n to_o take_v further_a pain_n about_o the_o finish_n and_o fit_v for_o public_a view_n some_o other_o of_o his_o labour_n that_o as_o yet_o remain_v with_o i_o for_o the_o good_a of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o poor_a wife_n and_o four_o fatherless_a orphan_n have_v he_o himself_o while_o he_o live_v put_v the_o last_o hand_n to_o the_o two_o latter_a chapter_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o first_o the_o whole_a work_n have_v be_v more_o consummate_a and_o exact_a then_o now_o it_o be_v yet_o as_o it_o be_v though_o not_o altogether_o so_o artificial_o compact_v and_o put_v together_o and_o so_o want_v some_o of_o its_o grace_n that_o way_n it_o be_v for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o it_o in_o all_o likelihood_n no_o other_o than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v have_v he_o procee_v to_o perfect_v it_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o compare_v his_o second_o transcript_n with_o his_o first_o draught_n in_o that_o that_o he_o have_v finish_v that_o bless_a spirit_n accompany_v the_o publish_n of_o it_o by_o who_o immediate_a inspiration_n the_o epistle_n itself_o be_v at_o first_o indict_v and_o by_o who_o gracious_a assistance_n these_o meditation_n on_o it_o be_v former_o conceive_v and_o deliver_v and_o through_o his_o blessing_n it_o may_v prove_v beneficial_a and_o comfortable_a to_o not_o a_o few_o in_o the_o read_n of_o it_o as_o in_o hear_v it_o have_v be_v the_o like_a to_o many_o already_o to_o he_o commend_v it_o and_o thou_o i_o rest_v thou_o in_o christ_n t._n g._n a_o exposition_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n the_o first_o chapter_n verse_n 1._o paul_n and_o silvanus_n and_o timotheus_n the_o principal_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v epistle_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v this_o church_n in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o plant_v and_o therein_o to_o arm_v it_o against_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n arise_v either_o from_o wicked_a persecutor_n or_o corrupt_v and_o antichristian_a seducer_n the_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v many_o knit_v together_o in_o that_o frame_n and_o method_n by_o the_o inditer_n thereof_o that_o be_v most_o common_a in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n among_o not_o only_o divine_a but_o humane_a writer_n in_o their_o letter_n and_o epistle_n the_o first_o part_n be_v a_o superscription_n wherein_o be_v express_v 1._o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v the_o principal_a author_n be_v paul_n by_o who_o spirit_n alone_o stir_v up_o and_o direct_v by_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v indict_v silvanus_n and_o timothy_n consent_v thereunto_o who_o name_n paul_n use_v together_o with_o his_o own_o for_o the_o further_o establish_v and_o confirm_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o here_o he_o write_v of_o and_o to_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n and_o affection_n with_o he_o in_o these_o three_o person_n especial_o in_o the_o first_o be_v declare_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o these_o be_v though_o so_o much_o be_v not_o in_o this_o text_n specify_v the_o one_o a_o apostle_n the_o other_o evangelist_n their_o authority_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o by_o mouth_n or_o pen_n be_v more_o than_o humane_a they_o have_v especial_o paul_n a_o spirit_n that_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o therefore_o a_o epistle_n write_v from_o they_o and_o under_o their_o name_n unto_o any_o church_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v send_v from_o heaven_n write_v with_o christ_n own_o hand_n and_o subscribe_v by_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o though_o they_o have_v conceal_v their_o name_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v that_o yet_o the_o very_a matter_n thereof_o will_v have_v own_v that_o spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v indict_v yet_o the_o prefix_v of_o their_o name_n do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o particular_o confirm_v the_o authority_n thereof_o and_o add_v weight_n and_o moment_n unto_o the_o same_o we_o see_v then_o first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o paul_n and_o silvanus_n &c_n &c_n of_o themselves_o but_o weak_a and_o frail_a man_n add_v authority_n and_o credit_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o which_o without_o their_o name_n will_v have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n be_v for_o their_o name_n sake_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v authority_n to_o they_o they_o give_v authority_n &_o weight_n to_o it_o this_o be_v true_a also_o of_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o not_o of_o these_o worthy_n only_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n communicate_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o sincere_o profess_v it_o do_v not_o only_o honour_v their_o name_n 1.10_o but_o their_o name_n also_o honour_v it_o miserable_a professor_n be_v they_o who_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n profess_v the_o gospel_n that_o neither_o they_o be_v a_o credit_n to_o it_o nor_o it_o a_o credit_n to_o they_o much_o more_o they_o and_o how_o many_o be_v they_o who_o name_n be_v a_o reproach_n and_o discredit_n to_o it_o and_o it_o to_o they_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n 2._o in_o that_o paul_n for_o the_o further_a credit_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o here_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o be_v move_v to_o write_v use_v also_o the_o name_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n which_o in_o gift_n office_n and_o authority_n be_v inferior_a unto_o he_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o especial_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n add_v much_o authority_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v yea_o the_o consent_n of_o inferior_n in_o gift_n grace_n and_o calling_n add_v authority_n to_o that_o which_o superior_n do_v hold_v and_o profess_v though_o silvanus_n and_o timothy_n authority_n be_v lesser_a than_o paul_n yet_o concur_v with_o paul_n it_o make_v his_o the_o great_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o more_o authority_n then_o that_o a_o man_n do_v desire_v to_o have_v in_o god_n church_n the_o more_o must_v he_o labour_v after_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o brethren_n yea_o of_o they_o that_o in_o gift_n and_o authority_n be_v his_o inferior_n vain_a be_v the_o conceit_n of_o they_o that_o look_v to_o amplify_v their_o authority_n in_o god_n church_n by_o their_o singularity_n god_n may_v indeed_o reveal_v that_o truth_n to_o one_o which_o he_o conceal_v from_o another_o neither_o be_v any_o such_o truth_n to_o be_v smother_v or_o betray_v for_o want_n of_o this_o consent_n yet_o this_o knowledge_n of_o he_o in_o this_o or_o that_o divine_a truth_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v singular_a be_v and_o will_v be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o so_o much_o the_o less_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o paul_n then_o flourish_v most_o when_o silvanus_n and_o timothy_n join_v in_o consent_n with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o lead_v by_o paul_n spirit_n that_o
himself_o except_o he_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o spirit_n speak_v peace_n unto_o their_o soul_n they_o will_v still_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n any_o fancy_n or_o conceit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v wicked_a man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o at_o peace_n with_o god_n yea_o those_o ordinary_o be_v most_o conceit_v of_o it_o that_o be_v further_a from_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n wish_v here_o be_v the_o wish_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_v but_o when_o may_v a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o receive_v grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n &_o c_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n do_v seal_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o humble_a sinner_n that_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n then_o do_v the_o grace_n and_o peace_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o thou_o from_o god_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v unto_o thy_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n in_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o ministry_n &c_n &c_n that_o thou_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o verse_n 3._o we_o ought_v to_o thank_v god_n always_o for_o you_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n begin_v here_o &_o reach_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v spend_v in_o consolation_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n labour_v to_o hearten_v and_o encourage_v they_o against_o the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o they_o suffer_v for_o their_o profession_n thereby_o the_o more_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o method_n be_v usual_o observe_v in_o all_o letter_n when_o man_n write_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n or_o affliction_n after_o they_o have_v salute_v they_o and_o before_o they_o write_v of_o other_o matter_n unto_o they_o to_o comfort_v they_o by_o the_o way_n before_o we_o come_v to_o particular_n we_o may_v observe_v one_o special_a reason_n why_o he_o wish_v unto_o this_o church_n grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n because_o for_o god_n the_o father_n and_o for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n they_o have_v lose_v all_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o peace_n with_o man_n so_o that_o the_o more_o disgrace_n and_o the_o less_o peace_n that_o christian_n have_v with_o man_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o grace_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n for_o that_o which_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v wish_v unto_o a_o man_n it_o will_v effect_v the_o more_o than_o that_o man_n for_o god_n cause_n do_v disgrace_v we_o and_o war_n with_o we_o the_o more_o god_n show_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n unto_o us._n the_o first_o mean_v he_o use_v to_o comfort_v they_o by_o be_v by_o praise_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o those_o grace_n which_o in_o these_o their_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n they_o do_v manifest_a to_o be_v in_o they_o vers_fw-la 3_o 4._o wherein_n in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n he_o first_o unfeigned_o acknowledge_v that_o for_o their_o sake_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v what_o a_o glory_n be_v this_o unto_o this_o church_n that_o these_o three_o worthy_n shall_v profess_v and_o acknowledge_v thus_o much_o unto_o they_o our_o lesson_n hence_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o if_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o the_o house_n and_o church_n of_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o shall_v bind_v all_o christian_n yea_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n unto_o us._n they_o shall_v be_v indebt_v unto_o god_n for_o we_o and_o shall_v esteem_v themselves_o bind_v for_o ever_o to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o us._n and_o let_v we_o never_o think_v we_o have_v demean_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o god_n church_n until_o we_o have_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o all_o the_o godly_a that_o know_v we_o especial_o to_o our_o pastor_n and_o minister_n to_o praise_v and_o bless_v god_n for_o we_o and_o to_o esteem_v themselves_o eternal_o indebt_v unto_o god_n for_o our_o sake_n but_o alas_o most_o of_o we_o do_v so_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o god_n church_n that_o we_o give_v our_o minister_n and_o all_o religious_a people_n cause_n rather_o to_o mourn_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o complain_v unto_o he_o of_o us._n 2._o let_v we_o from_o paul_n example_n of_o how_o great_a note_n and_o worth_n so_o ever_o we_o be_v in_o god_n church_n learn_v to_o esteem_v god_n grace_n in_o other_o as_o blessing_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v such_o interest_n in_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v and_o indebt_v unto_o god_n in_o all_o thankfulness_n for_o they_o as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v a_o title_n to_o and_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o there_o be_v not_o the_o poor_a christian_n in_o thessalonica_n but_o paul_n himself_o do_v think_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o he_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n the_o grace_n of_o one_o member_n be_v the_o honour_n of_o another_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o that_o man_n do_v not_o esteem_v his_o brother_n a_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o he_o that_o count_v his_o brother_n grace_n disgrace_n unto_o he_o as_o though_o his_o own_o grace_n be_v eclipse_v and_o lose_v their_o lustre_n through_o the_o brightness_n of_o another_o we_o know_v that_o the_o comeliness_n of_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n do_v not_o eclipse_n but_o rather_o add_v beauty_n to_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o face_n if_o therefore_o we_o judge_v our_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n with_o we_o we_o can_v but_o esteem_v their_o grace_n a_o grace_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o ourselves_o ho_o bright_a soever_o do_v shine_v so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o the_o beam_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o a_o bond_n of_o debt_n unto_o god_n for_o they_o as_o paul_n here_o acknowledge_v but_o we_o be_v most_o of_o we_o so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o we_o hardly_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o ourselves_o we_o so_o seldom_o so_o cold_o so_o slight_o and_o negligent_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o as_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o same_o of_o this_o disposition_n rather_o to_o murmur_v grudge_n and_o repine_v against_o god_n for_o they_o as_o though_o the_o more_o he_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o they_o the_o more_o he_o do_v wrong_a and_o disgrace_v us._n because_o that_o your_o faith_n grow_v exceed_o and_o the_o love_n of_o every_o one_o of_o you_o one_o towards_o another_o abound_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o paul_n silvanus_n &c_n &c_n acknowledge_v themselves_o bind_v to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a wherein_o be_v express_v the_o special_a matter_n and_o argument_n of_o their_o praise_n their_o exceed_a growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n whereby_o he_o mean_v all_o religious_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n require_v either_o in_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n they_o show_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n in_o make_v more_o and_o more_o conscience_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o show_v great_a and_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o word_n the_o sacrament_n the_o sabbath_n the_o ministry_n prayer_n they_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o manifest_v more_o and_o more_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o repentance_n and_o over_o and_o beside_o this_o they_o be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o kind_a love_a and_o free-hearted_a one_o to_o another_o one_o strive_v to_o go_v before_o another_o not_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n only_o but_o also_o in_o love_a kindness_n humility_n liberality_n fidelity_n courtesy_n justice_n &c_n &c_n from_o such_o fruit_n as_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n gather_v the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o love._n for_o as_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v see_v unto_o man_n only_o by_o the_o work_n that_o proceed_v therefrom_o so_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o be_v see_v by_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o work_n never_o tell_v i_o that_o any_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o he_o that_o grow_v and_o
let_v we_o esteem_v this_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o may_v be_v that_o paul_n shall_v glory_v in_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v ring_v of_o our_o praise_n we_o need_v not_o then_o care_v though_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n do_v bark_n and_o bawl_v against_o we_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o forgo_v any_o part_n of_o this_o honour_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o any_o hellhound_n whatsoever_o much_o more_o for_o the_o purchase_n of_o honour_n in_o their_o mouth_n to_o give_v any_o cause_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v or_o hear_v dishonourable_o of_o us._n and_o though_o there_o be_v now_o no_o paul_n in_o god_n church_n to_o give_v we_o such_o encouragement_n yet_o let_v not_o this_o ever-the-lesse_a discourage_v we_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o this_o church_n for_o if_o we_o be_v like_o they_o god_n can_v and_o will_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o make_v our_o name_n as_o glorious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o paul_n himself_o be_v live_v and_o go_v from_o church_n to_o church_n to_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o us._n but_o alas_o belove_a when_o we_o shall_v compare_v ourselves_o with_o this_o church_n can_v we_o think_v that_o paul_n if_o he_o be_v alive_a will_v boast_v of_o we_o in_o all_o the_o church_n where_o he_o shall_v come_v will_v he_o not_o rather_o consider_v the_o coldness_n of_o some_o of_o we_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o some_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o mean_n speak_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n do_v not_o most_o of_o we_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o god_n church_n that_o we_o rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v boast_v and_o glory_v of_o in_o alehouse_n and_o tavern_n and_o in_o profane_a stage_n and_o theatre_n then_o in_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n do_v we_o not_o most_o of_o we_o so_o live_v as_o if_o we_o affect_v that_o minstrel_n stage-player_n ale-house-knight_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o rascality_n shall_v glory_v and_o boast_v of_o we_o rather_o than_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rather_o than_o paul_n silvanus_n and_o timothy_n let_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n learn_v of_o paul_n how_o to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v those_o church_n and_o christian_n who_o we_o see_v to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o grace_n let_v we_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o always_o but_o let_v we_o honour_v their_o name_n in_o all_o holy_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o be_v respect_v and_o honour_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o be_v we_o in_o never_o so_o high_a place_n in_o god_n church_n let_v we_o account_v the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o other_o our_o own_o crown_n and_o glory_n let_v we_o boast_v of_o it_o and_o glory_n in_o it_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o strive_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o god_n church_n may_v be_v fix_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o tongue_n speak_v of_o their_o praise_n this_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n whatsoever_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v be_v no_o doubt_n a_o special_a mean_n that_o so_o many_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n have_v shrink_v and_o fall_v from_o the_o faith_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o weakness_n in_o christian_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o encouragement_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o ground_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v disgrace_v and_o dishonour_v they_o for_o it_o yea_o though_o they_o which_o have_v teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o therein_o shall_v discourage_v they_o from_o it_o yet_o they_o ought_v constant_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o same_o but_o see_v that_o the_o humane_a frailty_n of_o christian_n needs_o such_o prop_n as_o these_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o one_o another_o fall_n if_o we_o do_v not_o by_o such_o mean_v labour_n to_o support_v one_o another_o but_o far_o be_v such_o from_o this_o apostle_n spirit_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o boast_v and_o glory_v either_o in_o those_o church_n or_o person_n that_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o of_o all_o other_o they_o most_o despite_n and_o disgrace_v they_o in_o all_o the_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n where_o they_o open_v their_o mouth_n because_o of_o your_o patience_n and_o faith_n in_o all_o your_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n which_o you_o suffer_v this_o be_v the_o special_a matter_n of_o paul_n glory_v and_o rejoice_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n which_o they_o manifest_v in_o all_o their_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o church_n be_v at_o this_o time_n very_o much_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v and_o that_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n praise_n in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a verse_n be_v to_o comfort_v they_o in_o the_o same_o and_o thereby_o to_o strengthen_v they_o that_o they_o may_v persevere_v as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o in_o the_o grace_n receive_v he_o testify_v therefore_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o esteem_v himself_o bind_v to_o be_v always_o thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o exceed_a growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o also_o that_o in_o the_o same_o regard_n he_o glori_v and_o boast_v of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n especial_o for_o this_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o persecution_n and_o trouble_n that_o they_o sustain_v they_o show_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o faith_n i'faith_o then_o and_o patience_n in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n be_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o a_o christian._n they_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o injury_n and_o wrong_n disgrace_n loss_n of_o good_n liberty_n hazard_n of_o life_n &c_n &c_n for_o christ_n sake_n can_v still_o notwithstanding_o by_o faith_n apprehend_v god_n goodness_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o conceive_v never_o the_o less_o hope_n in_o god_n bear_v never_o the_o less_o affection_n but_o rather_o the_o more_o to_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v never_o show_v the_o least_o repentance_n for_o their_o profession_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o neither_o murmur_v nor_o repine_v against_o god_n therefore_o nor_o break_v forth_o through_o impatience_n into_o any_o breach_n of_o duty_n towards_o god_n or_o man_n they_o which_o have_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v honourable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n for_o their_o profession_n but_o dishonourable_a be_v that_o profession_n and_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v name_v with_o any_o respect_n or_o honour_n in_o god_n church_n that_o in_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n make_v some_o show_n and_o flourish_v but_o when_o persecution_n come_v shrink_v in_o the_o wet_n the_o apostle_n join_v patience_n and_o faith_n together_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v sunder_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n but_o the_o one_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o other_o where_o there_o be_v impatiency_n in_o suffer_v there_o appear_v no_o faith_n but_o infidelity_n faith_n make_v patience_n patience_n manifest_v faith_n never_o say_v thou_o believe_v in_o christ_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o show_v thy_o belief_n in_o patient_a suffering_n for_o christ_n at_o least_o never_o look_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v praise_v and_o glory_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o thy_o faith_n until_o it_o shine_v and_o show_v forth_o itself_o in_o thy_o patience_n the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n do_v not_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o resist_v the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o a_o meek_a and_o willing_a suffering_n of_o wrong_n and_o evil_a if_o thou_o suffer_v never_o so_o much_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n though_o thou_o shall_v give_v thy_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o the_o same_o yet_o if_o thou_o do_v it_o not_o patient_o but_o perforce_o thou_o may_v be_v pity_v but_o never_o look_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n those_o suffering_n only_o be_v celebrate_v there_o wherein_o a_o man_n may_v lively_o behold_v the_o very_a face_n and_o live_a countenance_n of_o faith_n in_o patience_n verse_n 5._o which_o be_v a_o token_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v count_v worthy_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o which_o you_o also_o suffer_v hitherto_o of_o the_o
gracious_a and_o merciful_a unto_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o for_o all_o that_o be_v glorify_v in_o christ_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o second_o chapter_n vers._n 1._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_z by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o our_o assemble_v unto_o he_o 2._o that_o you_o be_v not_o sudden_o move_v from_o your_o mind_n nor_o trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o though_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n 3._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o four_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n follow_v which_o be_v a_o brotherly_a admonition_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o form_n 2._o the_o matter_n in_o the_o form_n the_o apostle_n express_v with_o what_o heart_n and_o affection_n he_o admonish_v they_o and_o therein_o be_v a_o worthy_a precedent_n unto_o all_o christian_n what_o love_v heart_n and_o feel_a affection_n they_o ought_v to_o bring_v with_o they_o in_o admonish_v one_o of_o another_o and_o first_o he_o style_v they_o as_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o that_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o write_v he_o esteem_v they_o brethren_n wherein_o he_o declare_v not_o only_o a_o special_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o also_o to_o the_o person_n of_o they_o he_o admonish_v for_o the_o person_n of_o brethren_n where_o there_o be_v any_o nature_n or_o grace_n among_o they_o be_v dear_a one_o unto_o another_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o natural_a bond_n whereby_o they_o be_v mutual_o knit_v one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o in_o this_o very_a name_n of_o brother_n which_o he_o give_v they_o there_o shine_v a_o great_a love_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o apostle_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o all_o in_o this_o church_n and_o from_o this_o love_n do_v this_o admonition_n flow_v and_o from_o the_o like_a love_n and_o affection_n ought_v all_o christian_a admonition_n to_o flow_v will_v thou_o effectual_o admonish_v a_o other_o thou_o can_v never_o do_v it_o until_o thou_o show_v thyself_o a_o brother_n unto_o he_o thou_o must_v let_v he_o see_v that_o thy_o admonition_n stream_v a_o brotherly_a affection_n and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o cause_n thereof_o so_o that_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o esteem_v and_o love_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n thou_o will_v not_o admonish_v he_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n those_o admonition_n that_o flow_v from_o gall_n and_o choler_n or_o from_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o the_o person_n admonish_v be_v no_o christian_a admonition_n neither_o can_v we_o expect_v any_o blessing_n on_o they_o but_o rather_o that_o the_o party_n admonish_v shall_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o they_o it_o be_v brotherly_a admonition_n that_o christ_n will_v bless_v neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o admonish_v they_o brotherly_o who_o we_o do_v no_o not_o esteem_v and_o affect_v as_o brethren_n 2._o in_o this_o admonition_n he_o love_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n unto_o themselves_o as_o he_o call_v they_o brethren_n so_o he_o behave_v himself_o towards_o they_o as_o a_o brother_n in_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o admonition_n for_o in_o meek_a sweet_a and_o brotherly_a manner_n he_o pray_v and_o beseech_v they_o to_o beware_v and_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o do_v not_o in_o a_o imperious_a and_o control_a manner_n require_v the_o same_o though_o he_o be_v their_o superior_a wherein_o he_o show_v a_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a heart_n esteem_v their_o danger_n to_o err_v as_o it_o be_v his_o own_o hurt_n and_o their_o freedom_n from_o error_n as_o his_o own_o good_a for_o when_o man_n of_o their_o own_o mere_a motion_n do_v become_v suitor_n and_o suppliant_n unto_o other_o though_o it_o be_v for_o other_o yet_o they_o declare_v therein_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o that_o good_a which_o they_o sue_v for_o the_o apostle_n carry_v not_o himself_o as_o we_o often_o use_v to_o do_v in_o our_o admonition_n and_o warning_n of_o other_o he_o bid_v they_o not_o in_o a_o insult_a manner_n look_v to_o themselves_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o and_o such_o matter_n say_v they_o have_v a_o fair_a warning_n thank_v themselves_o if_o they_o do_v otherwise_o then_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o look_v not_o to_o be_v pity_v of_o they_o but_o he_o beseech_v and_o intreat_v they_o and_o therein_o profess_v that_o it_o shall_v do_v he_o much_o good_a if_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n to_o he_o if_o they_o do_v not_o this_o spirit_n shall_v all_o christian_n bring_v unto_o the_o admonish_a of_o their_o brethren_n especial_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a fruit_n oft_o in_o our_o admonition_n because_o we_o show_v so_o little_a love_n and_o compassion_n in_o they_o our_o admonition_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v but_o purgation_n and_o evacuation_n of_o our_o spleen_n and_o malice_n and_o not_o any_o manifestation_n of_o our_o love_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o party_n admonish_v as_o though_o their_o well-doing_n be_v a_o advantage_n unto_o we_o and_o their_o ill-doing_n a_o damage_n unto_o us._n now_o further_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o naked_o beseech_v they_o but_o he_o adjoin_v thereunto_o a_o double_a adjuration_n or_o obtestation_n wherein_o he_o declare_v with_o what_o zeal_n and_o ardour_n of_o spirit_n he_o beseech_v they_o the_o apostle_n then_o in_o this_o his_o admonition_n heat_v his_o love_n with_o zeal_n and_o moderate_v his_o zeal_n with_o love_n he_o mingle_v &_o temper_v they_o both_o together_o in_o the_o one_o he_o show_v his_o desire_n of_o their_o good_a in_o the_o other_o his_o fear_n of_o their_o evil_n and_o therein_o he_o teach_v we_o what_o affection_n we_o shall_v bring_v with_o we_o to_o the_o admonish_a of_o our_o brethren_n a_o zealous_a love_n and_o a_o love_a zeal_n love_n without_o zeal_n be_v but_o folly_n zeal_n without_o love_n be_v but_o fury_n and_o madness_n but_o how_o do_v most_o of_o we_o swerve_v in_o our_o passion_n when_o we_o come_v to_o admonish_v our_o brethren_n sometime_o in_o our_o admonition_n we_o show_v neither_o love_n nor_o zeal_n but_o admonish_v they_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o though_o we_o care_v not_o whither_o they_o hearken_v to_o we_o or_o no._n sometime_o we_o show_v love_n but_o no_o zeal_n sometime_o hot_a zeal_n but_o no_o love_n if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v zeal_n that_o be_v without_o love_n but_o let_v we_o never_o take_v upon_o we_o this_o office_n until_o we_o can_v temper_v these_o affection_n together_o beside_o in_o this_o fervency_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v seduce_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o be_v seduce_v and_o lead_v away_o with_o that_o error_n which_o he_o admonish_v they_o of_o and_o in_o they_o he_o show_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o true_a church_n and_o christian_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o great_a danger_n through_o the_o powerful_a and_o malicious_a work_n of_o satan_n to_o run_v into_o error_n and_o it_o be_v then_o most_o dangerous_a for_o they_o to_o err_v as_o by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o give_v special_a advantage_n to_o satan_n and_o to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o adjure_v they_o by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o their_o assemble_v unto_o he_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o hear_v before_o what_o i_o say_v concern_v christ_n second_v come_v and_o the_o wonderful_a glory_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a that_o shall_v be_v in_o that_o day_n assemble_v unto_o he_o as_o therefore_o you_o will_v look_v and_o expect_v to_o be_v among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o and_o to_o have_v your_o portion_n in_o that_o great_a glory_n and_o as_o you_o tender_v the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n look_v to_o yourselves_o and_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o dangerous_a error_n that_o here_o i_o admonish_v you_o of_o whence_o we_o observe_v 1._o that_o christian_n must_v learn_v to_o place_v their_o special_a hope_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o expectation_n of_o christ_n come_n otherwise_o this_o adjuration_n shall_v have_v little_a force_n in_o it_o 2._o that_o all_o christian_n minister_n especial_o must_v be_v most_o careful_a to_o warn_v and_o admonish_v their_o christian_a brethren_n of_o such_o error_n as_o may_v hazard_v or_o endanger_v any_o way_n their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n in_o that_o day_n 3._o that_o christian_n even_o the_o best_a and_o those_o which_o have_v give_v great_a testimony_n and_o proof_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n
if_o they_o look_v not_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v and_o draw_v into_o most_o pestilent_a and_o pernicious_a error_n such_o as_o may_v take_v away_o all_o hope_n of_o and_o comfort_n in_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n 4._o that_o the_o serious_a meditation_n and_o consideration_n of_o christ_n come_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o assemble_v unto_o he_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o uphold_v and_o support_v all_o good_a christian_n against_o such_o error_n it_o be_v a_o special_a bond_n to_o bind_v we_o unto_o the_o truth_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o admonition_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o that_o whereas_o some_o secret_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o their_o salvation_n go_v about_o under_o diverse_a pretence_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o day_n they_o will_v not_o in_o any_o case_n be_v disquiet_v and_o trouble_v in_o their_o mind_n or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o such_o falsehood_n what_o colour_n soever_o they_o shall_v bring_v for_o the_o same_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n 1._o the_o error_n itself_o wherewith_o seducer_n go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v their_o mind_n 2._o the_o pretence_n which_o they_o either_o do_v or_o may_v use_v for_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o error_n 3._o their_o intent_n in_o persuade_v together_o with_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a that_o will_v follow_v upon_o the_o entertain_v thereof_o 4._o the_o duty_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o case_n 1._o the_o error_n be_v this_o that_o christ_n will_v come_v to_o judgement_n out_o of_o hand_n even_o in_o their_o day_n a_o evident_a untruth_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o age_n since_o have_v discover_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o believe_v that_o christ_n shall_v certain_o come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pernicious_a error_n to_o determine_v of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a time_n of_o his_o come_n any_o further_a than_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n out_o of_o the_o word_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o be_v write_v and_o observe_v we_o how_o busy_a satan_n have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o fill_v man_n mind_n with_o error_n in_o religion_n he_o that_o dare_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n will_v be_v much_o more_o bold_a now_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v upon_o what_o ground_n we_o build_v our_o faith_n 2._o the_o pretence_n that_o either_o they_o do_v or_o may_v allege_v be_v these_o private_a revelation_n apostolical_a tradition_n write_n of_o the_o apostle_n wrest_v and_o misinterpret_v these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v infect_v and_o poison_v the_o church_n with_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o these_o they_o be_v by_o which_o they_o labour_v to_o seduce_v to_o this_o day_n 3._o the_o intent_n of_o these_o seducer_n in_o persuade_v hereunto_o be_v not_o manifest_o express_v and_o sure_o it_o may_v seem_v at_o the_o first_o to_o be_v a_o godly_a error_n and_o that_o they_o can_v mean_v no_o hurt_n but_o good_a that_o teach_v it_o and_o that_o it_o can_v produce_v nothing_o but_o religious_a thought_n &_o deed_n in_o the_o receiver_n thereof_o cause_v they_o the_o more_o careful_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o bold_o hold_v up_o their_o head_n in_o that_o day_n and_o sure_o those_o christian_n live_v a_o most_o holy_a life_n that_o so_o live_v to_o day_n as_o if_o they_o look_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v unto_o judgement_n to_o morrow_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v rather_o be_v a_o loose_a than_o a_o saver_n much_o less_o a_o gainer_n by_o this_o error·_n but_o the_o apostle_n earnestness_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o the_o devil_n and_o those_o instrument_n which_o he_o use_v in_o persuade_v to_o this_o error_n have_v a_o pestilent_a intent_n and_o purpose_n therein_o and_o that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o mischievous_a spirit_n of_o antichrist_n who_o be_v now_o work_v in_o a_o mystery_n his_o own_o greatness_n for_o though_o for_o a_o time_n the_o persuasion_n hereof_o may_v stir_v up_o some_o to_o look_v to_o their_o way_n and_o bridle_v their_o nature_n from_o many_o sin_n yet_o when_o at_o length_n they_o shall_v perceive_v that_o they_o fear_v in_o vain_a and_o that_o their_o religious_a fear_n be_v upon_o a_o wrong_a ground_n it_o will_v make_v they_o afterward_o break_v forth_o into_o so_o much_o the_o more_o profaneness_n yea_o and_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o at_o length_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o day_n at_o all_o and_o so_o will_v it_o prove_v a_o mean_n also_o to_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o profane_a mocker_n as_o it_o do_v indeed_o in_o those_o time_n 2._o pet._n 3.4_o and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o weaken_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o for_o this_o error_n there_o may_v seem_v they_o be_v not_o right_o understand_v some_o ground_n let_v we_o therefore_o belove_a take_v heed_n of_o any_o error_n in_o religion_n though_o it_o have_v never_o such_o a_o show_n for_o many_o time_n those_o error_n in_o the_o event_n prove_v most_o pestilent_a that_o carry_v most_o show_v of_o piety_n note_v we_o withal_o how_o antichrist_n in_o the_o very_a egg_n have_v endeavour_v by_o all_o way_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n 4._o the_o duty_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n require_v of_o they_o be_v twofold_a first_o that_o they_o be_v not_o distract_v in_o mind_n shake_v as_o it_o be_v beside_o their_o wit_n and_o trouble_v wherein_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v satan_n slight_a and_o policy_n oft_o by_o false_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o distract_v and_o astonish_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o disturb_v and_o drive_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n out_o of_o their_o wit_n by_o that_o mean_v not_o only_o to_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o such_o holy_a and_o sound_a instruction_n as_o may_v stay_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a instrument_n for_o he_o further_a to_o work_v upon_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o fond_a illusion_n and_o delusion_n at_o his_o pleasure_n that_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o familist_n anabaptist_n and_o other_o like_a enthusiast_n of_o our_o time_n as_o also_o in_o the_o course_n of_o some_o of_o some_o of_o those_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o affect_v a_o severe_a and_o austere_a course_n of_o life_n then_o ordinary_a have_v so_o weaken_v their_o brain_n and_o confound_v their_o imagination_n that_o they_o have_v afterward_o fall_v into_o a_o number_n of_o strange_a fantastical_a conceit_n which_o partly_o satan_n take_v his_o opportunity_n have_v suggest_v unto_o they_o and_o partly_o their_o own_o distemper_n have_v of_o itself_o forge_v and_o fraught_v their_o head_n with_o the_o second_o thing_n he_o here_o intimate_v be_v this_o that_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o prone_a to_o be_v distract_v and_o perplex_v with_o such_o strange_a and_o unsound_a doctrine_n and_o with_o such_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o sure_o such_o indeed_o be_v our_o natural_a corruption_n some_o remainder_n whereof_o abide_v in_o the_o best_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n evident_o teach_v out_o of_o the_o word_n oft_o affect_v we_o but_o faint_o when_o such_o frivolous_a conceit_n though_o have_v no_o truth_n in_o they_o or_o ground_n of_o they_o so_o strong_o possess_v we_o that_o with_o many_o false_a fear_n they_o affright_v and_o amaze_v we_o and_o make_v we_o in_o a_o manner_n beside_o ourselves_o this_o corruption_n shall_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o strive_v and_o contend_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o howsoever_o we_o labour_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n tender_a and_o pliable_a for_o god_n spirit_n and_o word_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o we_o strengthen_v our_o mind_n against_o such_o frivolous_a and_o false_a fear_n and_o terror_n as_o satan_n by_o his_o instrument_n and_o their_o strange_a fancy_n shall_v assay_v to_o possess_v we_o with_o the_o second_o duty_n that_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n by_o any_o mean_n deceive_v they_o wherein_o the_o apostle_n forewarn_v they_o that_o by_o no_o manner_n of_o man_n or_o mean_n they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v on_o this_o wise_a that_o neither_o the_o person_n of_o those_o that_o publish_v such_o point_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v never_o so_o holy_a and_o religious_a in_o their_o life_n or_o to_o be_v never_o so_o
unto_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o this_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o sanctify_a spirit_n go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o light_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o this_o eye_n of_o faith_n do_v direct_v and_o what_o need_v they_o fear_v to_o be_v seduce_v or_o draw_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o have_v such_o a_o spirit_n to_o move_v they_o such_o a_o eye_n and_o light_n and_o rule_v to_o direct_v they_o vers._n 14._o whereunto_o he_o have_v call_v you_o by_o our_o gospel_n to_o obtain_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o the_o inward_a mean_n be_v wrought_v be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n which_o he_o call_v their_o gospel_n whereby_o he_o declare_v that_o whatsoever_o they_o minister_v to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o that_o be_v minister_n shall_v tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o minister_v that_o only_a to_o god_n people_n that_o we_o may_v avow_v to_o be_v gospel_n by_o this_o ministry_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o call_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o sanctification_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o truth_n the_o gospel_n then_o yea_o our_o gospel_n i_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n practise_v and_o institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v god_n own_o consecrate_a instrument_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n work_v sanctification_n &_o faith_n thus_o do_v the_o lord_n honour_v his_o ministry_n so_o that_o they_o which_o be_v the_o despiser_n thereof_o never_o have_v any_o true_a faith_n or_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o antichrist_n and_o sure_o who_o be_v they_o that_o he_o prevail_v against_o in_o our_o kingdom_n be_v they_o not_o manifest_a despiser_n of_o this_o ordinance_n for_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o unto_o sanctification_n and_o faith_n they_o can_v but_o honour_v it_o as_o the_o bless_a instrument_n of_o their_o conversion_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n he_o show_v further_a wherein_o the_o end_n of_o this_o their_o ministry_n consist_v in_o call_v of_o they_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ._n i._n of_o that_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n by_o christ_n which_o christ_n our_o head_n himself_o in_o heaven_n now_o enjoy_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a mean_n to_o debase_v the_o glory_n of_o antichrist_n to_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o the_o glory_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n to_o take_v seizin_n and_o possession_n of_o in_o our_o behalf_n and_o sure_o one_o main_a cause_n why_o a_o many_o be_v so_o carry_v away_o with_o the_o glitter_a show_n of_o antichrist_n pompous_a estate_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o their_o mind_n set_v nor_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o soul_n fix_v on_o that_o wonderful_a and_o unutterable_a and_o inconceivable_a glory_n that_o for_o all_o christ_n faithful_a follower_n be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v vile_a in_o their_o eye_n if_o they_o so_o do_v vers._n 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o and_o keep_v the_o instruction_n which_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o our_o epistle_n the_o use_n and_o application_n follow_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v see_v you_o have_v so_o great_a matter_n of_o comfort_n brethren_n stand_v fast_o etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o 3._o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n that_o he_o exhort_v they_o unto_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o duty_n 3._o the_o mean_n of_o perform_v of_o the_o duty_n the_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o stand_v fast_o it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n borrow_v from_o soldier_n who_o in_o brunt_n of_o battle_n gather_v their_o strength_n together_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v overthrow_v so_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o gather_v together_o all_o the_o strength_n they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v stand_v against_o the_o brunt_n and_o storm_n of_o antichrist_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v 1._o the_o belove_a and_o elect_a of_o god_n shall_v be_v powerful_o and_o strong_o assault_v by_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o great_a danger_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o apostasy_n aforesaid_a if_o they_o look_v not_o unto_o themselves_o 2._o that_o they_o must_v therefore_o gather_v all_o their_o force_n and_o strength_n together_o to_o stand_v strong_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n that_o no_o tempest_n and_o storm_n may_v remove_v they_o from_o it_o 2._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o word_n therefore_o i._n see_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v elect_v you_o &c_n &c_n therefore_o stand_v fast_o the_o doctrine_n then_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o of_o our_o election_n be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o security_n but_o it_o have_v this_o nature_n in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v find_v to_o stir_v up_o man_n so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o stand_v to_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o more_o that_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o salvation_n the_o more_o he_o will_v strive_v to_o keep_v the_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o name_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n yet_o will_v not_o this_o make_v he_o wax_v secure_a but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a to_o please_v god_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o resolute_a against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v know_v that_o his_o body_n be_v in_o that_o case_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v slay_v in_o battle_n howsoever_o he_o may_v be_v wound_v maim_a and_o hurt_v will_v that_o make_v he_o to_o yield_v himself_o to_o his_o enemy_n or_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o wound_n and_o hurt_v he_o will_v it_o not_o rather_o make_v he_o fight_v so_o much_o the_o more_o courageous_o 3._o the_o mean_n follow_v of_o perform_v this_o duty_n whereby_o they_o and_o all_o other_o may_v stand_v fast_o the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o hold_v fast_o or_o lay_v a_o sure_a hand_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v upon_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n these_o tradition_n be_v all_o such_o ordinance_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v teach_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n whether_o by_o word_n or_o by_o epistle_n for_o unto_o they_o who_o the_o apostle_n with_o their_o own_o mouth_n preach_v their_o word_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o their_o write_n but_o with_o we_o to_o who_o they_o never_o speak_v their_o write_n only_o be_v authentical_a and_o not_o their_o word_n because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o speak_v more_o than_o they_o write_v 1._o the_o dutil_a then_o be_v this_o to_o lay_v hold_n with_o both_o hand_n on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o part_n or_o parcel_n thereof_o to_o be_v wring_v forth_o of_o our_o hand_n 2._o this_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o antichrist_n have_v so_o much_o prevail_v for_o that_o man_n have_v not_o hold_v fast_o the_o apostle_n tradition_n but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v suffer_v now_o one_o ordinance_n and_o then_o a_o other_o to_o be_v wring_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n vers._n 16._o now_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o our_o god_n even_o the_o father_n which_o have_v love_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o everlasting_a consolation_n and_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n 17._o comfort_v your_o heart_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o every_o word_n and_o good_a work_n the_o second_o mean_n of_o stand_v fast_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v twofold_a 1._o consolation_n of_o the_o heart_n except_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n send_v a_o comfortable_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n that_o it_o be_v not_o daunt_v and_o terrify_v one_o shall_v hardly_o hold_v fast_o whereas_o so_o long_o as_o the_o lord_n comfort_v the_o heart_n so_o long_o we_o shall_v uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o faith_n 2._o god_n must_v also_o establish_v we_o and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o word_n and_o good_a work_n that_o we_o may_v so_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n that_o we_o give_v no_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n for_o if_o antichrist_n can_v trip_v we_o in_o either_o he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o dangerous_a blow_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o a_o prayer_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o god_n the_o father_n stir_v he_o thereunto_o by_o mention_n of_o that_o free_a favour_n of_o he_o towards_o they_o whereby_o in_o christ_n he_o have_v love_v they_o and_o give_v they_o everlasting_a consolation_n by_o put_v they_o in_o good_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n through_o grace_n thereby_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o our_o assurance_n of_o future_a
those_o thing_n which_o from_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v give_v you_o in_o charge_n even_o as_o now_o also_o you_o do_v which_o petition_n of_o he_o have_v some_o dependence_n upon_o the_o former_a consolation_n for_o upon_o that_o condition_n may_v they_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v establish_v they_o and_o defend_v they_o from_o that_o evil_a one_o if_o they_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v they_o now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o his_o fellow_n labourer_n syluanus_n and_o timothy_n enjoin_v they_o but_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v precept_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n 1._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a man_n if_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o god_n protection_n &_o assistance_n against_o satan_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o do_v they_o constant_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n &_o evangelist_n in_o the_o gospel_n yea_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o own_o minister_n out_o of_o god_n word_n god_n as_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o himself_o so_o he_o stablish_v those_o that_o be_v such_o no_o other_o can_v hope_v for_o protection_n from_o he_o but_o be_v expose_v unarm_v to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v bless_v ourselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n other_o course_n be_v but_o mockery_n of_o the_o devil_n own_o devise_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o minister_n to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o the_o piety_n and_o perseverance_n of_o their_o people_n where_o they_o discern_v any_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o that_o which_o also_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o make_v know_v to_o their_o flock_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n will_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v the_o more_o encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o that_o good_a course_n that_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o people_n faith_n oft_o grow_v faint_a when_o they_o perceive_v that_o their_o pastor_n hope_n wax_v faint_a of_o they_o 3._o the_o confidence_n which_o they_o use_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v of_o the_o perseverance_n in_o well-doing_n of_o other_o though_o never_o so_o godly_a have_v not_o its_o ground_n in_o themselves_o but_o in_o god_n for_o it_o be_v of_o god_n not_o of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o mere_a will_n that_o we_o do_v that_o that_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n of_o they_o he_o trust_v not_o in_o they_o themselves_o those_o then_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v decree_v to_o establish_v and_o defend_v from_o satan_n those_o do_v he_o enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o instinct_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o persevere_v in_o such_o good_a work_n as_o by_o his_o minister_n they_o be_v enjoin_v 4._o out_o of_o this_o certain_a faith_n and_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v thus_o establish_v and_o defend_v they_o the_o godly_a ought_v not_o to_o grow_v reckless_a but_o to_o be_v the_o more_o diligent_a and_o careful_a to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n vers._n 5._o and_o the_o lord_n guide_v your_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wait_a for_o of_o christ._n now_o that_o through_o god_n help_v they_o may_v constant_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v enjoin_v they_o the_o apostle_n wish_v unto_o they_o the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v persevere_v in_o evangelicall_a obedience_n to_o the_o ministry_n to_o wit_n that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v direct_v by_o god_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o patient_a expectation_n of_o christ._n by_o the_o lord_n here_o seem_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o by_o god_n god_n the_o father_n and_o so_o have_v we_o the_o three_o person_n here_o distinct_o set_v down_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v by_o a_o right_a line_n to_o direct_v one_o to_o somewhat_o now_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o direct_v the_o heart_n when_o he_o turn_v it_o to_o some_o thing_n cause_v it_o to_o affect_v it_o and_o delight_n in_o it_o which_o before_o it_o be_v estrange_v from_o and_o abhor_v 〈◊〉_d the_o patient_a expectation_n of_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o expectation_n of_o he_o as_o whereby_o expect_v all_o benefit_n by_o he_o we_o be_v encourage_v patient_o to_o endure_v any_o thing_n for_o he_o hence_o we_o gather_v 1._o that_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v principal_o necessary_a unto_o godly_a perseverance_n such_o as_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o patient_a expectation_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o love_n of_o some_o good_a thing_n past_a or_o present_a and_o the_o expectation_n of_o some_o future_a good_a be_v wont_a to_o make_v we_o more_o cheerful_a in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n unless_o therefore_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o in_o the_o gospel_n he_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o as_o also_o unless_o he_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o longing_n for_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v work_v with_o much_o patience_n in_o hope_n of_o reward_n our_o evangelicall_a obedience_n will_v soon_o wax_v faint_a but_o a_o heart_n inspire_v with_o these_o grace_n will_v stir_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n command_v in_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o constancy_n and_o contrariwise_o where_o this_o constancy_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o this_o love_n of_o god_n and_o this_o expectation_n of_o christ_n be_v whole_o want_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o 2._o that_o even_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n estrange_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o they_o will_v whole_o swerve_v and_o wander_v from_o either_o be_v they_o carry_v by_o their_o own_o proper_a motion_n which_o will_v rather_o carry_v they_o to_o a_o hatred_n of_o god_n and_o a_o despair_n of_o christ._n 3._o the_o heart_n be_v direct_v dispose_v and_o move_v by_o god_n alone_o who_o direct_v it_o as_o by_o a_o straight_a line_n to_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o expectation_n of_o christ_n i._o of_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o and_o by_o christ._n will_v a_o pastor_n therefore_o have_v his_o people_n persevere_v in_o well-doing_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v he_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n entreat_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o direct_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o expectation_n of_o his_o christ._n vers._n 6._o we_o charge_v you_o brethren_z in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n here_o begin_v the_o six_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o contain_v a_o christian_a reprehension_n lay_v down_o in_o form_n of_o a_o denunciation_n and_o it_o be_v general_n vers_fw-la 6_o 11_o special_a vers_fw-la 11_o 16_o in_o the_o general_a denunciation_n come_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o manner_n 2._o the_o matter_n in_o the_o manner_n he_o show_v 1._o with_o what_o affection_n 2._o with_o what_o authority_n he_o use_v this_o denunciation_n 1._o his_o affection_n appear_v in_o the_o title_n of_o brethren_n which_o he_o oft_o repeat_v in_o this_o short_a epistle_n thereby_o teach_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o that_o our_o brotherly_a love_n towards_o they_o do_v oft_o appear_v to_o they_o neither_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o either_o our_o exhortation_n or_o admonition_n much_o less_o our_o reprehension_n shall_v prevail_v aught_o with_o other_o unless_o they_o be_v heat_v with_o brotherly_a love_n and_o appear_v evident_o to_o stream_n from_o a_o heart_n fraught_v with_o it_o evil_a therefore_o perform_v they_o these_o office_n who_o admonition_n and_o reprehension_n be_v dip_v in_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n and_o yet_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o reproof_n of_o most_o christian_n nothing_o for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o purgation_n of_o their_o own_o rancour_n and_o choler_n 2._o his_o authority_n follow_v he_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v by_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v from_o christ._n he_o give_v no_o charge_n in_o his_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n his_o and_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n wherein_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o our_o denunciation_n and_o reprehension_n if_o they_o be_v true_o christian_a one_o must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o minister_n ought_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o presume_v not_o to_o reprove_v aught_o but_o what_o