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will_v wonder_v and_o stand_v amaze_v at_o as_o well_o as_o at_o the_o vile_a ingratitude_n of_o this_o age_n to_o such_o instrument_n as_o these_o for_o which_o god_n will_v not_o hold_v it_o guiltless_a this_o then_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o most_o confident_a on_o that_o there_o be_v as_o many_o gracious_a and_o godly_a christian_n in_o it_o as_o in_o any_o gather_v together_o of_o man_n in_o all_o the_o world_n again_o man_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o admirable_a endowment_n of_o it_o more_o particular_o there_o be_v these_o six_o thing_n most_o remarkable_a in_o this_o despise_a army_n 1._o their_o unity_n which_o be_v admirable_a it_o be_v more_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n then_o of_o man_n more_o a_o unity_n in_o the_o spirit_n then_o in_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o father_n and_o son_n then_o in_o themselves_o and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o their_o great_a success_n they_o be_v all_o both_o in_o counsel_n and_o action_n but_o as_o one_o man_n the_o lord_n have_v take_v they_o and_o knit_v they_o up_o in_o one_o bundle_n and_o so_o their_o enemy_n can_v not_o break_v they_o but_o have_v be_v break_v by_o they_o many_o of_o their_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n have_v be_v carry_v in_o council_n with_o that_o unity_n that_o sometime_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o have_v contradict_v 2._o their_o humility_n which_o have_v be_v admirable_a aswell_o as_o the_o former_a for_o after_o great_a and_o glorious_a victory_n to_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o world_n when_o king_n of_o the_o army_n do_v flee_v apace_o and_o the_o man_n of_o might_n run_v away_o as_o woman_n i_o have_v never_o hear_v any_o of_o the_o worthy_a and_o godly_a commander_n or_o officer_n ever_o to_o say_v i_o do_v this_o or_o that_o or_o to_o boast_v of_o his_o own_o counsel_n or_o his_o own_o strength_n or_o to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o himself_o or_o anybody_o else_o of_o what_o god_n have_v do_v but_o 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of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o whereas_o before_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o one_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n 9_o and_o people_n and_o nation_n now_o it_o shall_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o every_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o this_o be_v so_o desirable_a and_o comfortable_a a_o thing_n that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o call_v upon_o all_o to_o rejoice_v at_o this_o vers._n 1._o sing_v o_o barren_a thou_o that_o do_v not_o bear_v break_v forth_o into_o sing_v and_o shout_v aloud_o thou_o that_o do_v not_o travel_v with_o child_n for_o more_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o desolate_a then_o of_o the_o marry_a wife_n say_v the_o lord_n enlarge_v the_o place_n of_o thy_o tent_n and_o let_v they_o stretch_v forth_o the_o curtain_n of_o thy_o habitation_n spare_v not_o lengthen_v thy_o cord_n and_o strengthen_v thy_o stake_n for_o thou_o shall_v break_v forth_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v inherit_v the_o gentile_n and_o make_v the_o desolate_a city_n to_o be_v inhabit_v so_o that_o there_o shall_v certain_o be_v a_o most_o wonderful_a and_o numerous_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o they_o become_v as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o morning_n dew_n that_o can_v be_v tell_v all_o of_o they_o assemble_v in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v overmuch_o trouble_v use_v though_o at_o present_a we_o see_v in_o a_o numerous_a nation_n but_o few_o true_a child_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n for_o god_n shall_v bless_v these_o few_o and_o bid_v they_o increase_v and_o multiply_v and_o replenish_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o though_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v now_o but_o thin_a and_o one_o come_v from_o this_o place_n and_o another_o from_o that_o to_o these_o assembly_n and_o in_o many_o and_o most_o place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n these_o few_o be_v fain_o to_o come_v together_o secret_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o letter_n yet_o through_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o last_o that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o flock_n as_o dove_n to_o their_o window_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n lift_v up_o thy_o eye_n round_o about_o and_o behold_v all_o these_o gather_v fellow_n together_o and_o come_v to_o thou_o at_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n thou_o shall_v sure_o clothe_v thou_o with_o they_o all_o as_o with_o a_o ornament_n and_o bind_v they_o on_o thou_o as_o a_o bride_n do_v etc._n etc._n till_o at_o last_o the_o church_n shall_v say_v in_o her_o heart_n who_o have_v beget_v i_o these_o see_v i_o have_v lose_v my_o child_n and_o be_o desolate_a a_o captive_a and_o remove_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o who_o have_v bring_v up_o these_o behold_v i_o be_v leave_v alone_o these_o where_o have_v they_o be_v yea_o these_o very_a promise_n be_v now_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o accomplish_v among_o we_o for_o the_o spiritual_a church_n have_v receive_v a_o very_a great_a increase_n within_o these_o few_o year_n and_o god_n have_v many_o faithful_a people_n in_o many_o place_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o this_o myself_o and_o many_o more_o in_o this_o army_n be_v witness_n for_o have_v march_v up_o and_o down_o the_o kingdom_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o christian_n who_o have_v much_o gospel_n light_n and_o which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a in_o such_o place_n where_o there_o have_v be_v no_o gospel-ministry_n which_o have_v put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o prophecy_n isai._n 66._o 8._o who_o have_v hear_v such_o a_o thing_n who_o have_v see_v such_o thing_n shall_v the_o earth_n be_v make_v to_o bring_v forth_o in_o one_o day_n or_o shall_v a_o nation_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o zion_n travel_v nay_o before_o she_o travel_v she_o bring_v forth_o her_o child_n there_o be_v no_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o travel_v or_o take_v pain_n with_o they_o and_o yet_o zion_n bring_v forth_o her_o child_n and_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v remarkable_a touch_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v this_o that_o where_o christ_n send_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o many_o young_a people_n be_v bring_v in_o to_o christ_n as_o be_v most_o free_a from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o former_a age_n and_o from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o tradition_n of_o man_n teach_v and_o receive_v instead_o of_o the_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a word_n of_o god_n whereas_o many_o old_a professor_n who_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o form_n prove_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o thus_o the_o first_o be_v the_o last_o and_o the_o last_o first_o now_o this_o great_a and_o sudden_a increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o exceed_o trouble_v the_o world_n and_o make_v they_o angry_a at_o the_o very_a heart_n for_o if_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o mean_a contemptible_a and_o inconsiderable_a person_n who_o they_o may_v easy_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v they_o will_v be_v pretty_a quiet_a but_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o land_n as_o israel_n do_v in_o egypt_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o taskmaster_n wherewith_o they_o be_v afflict_v and_o grieve_v do_v yet_o increase_v abundant_o and_o multiply_v and_o wax_v exceed_o mighty_a till_o they_o begin_v to_o fill_v the_o land_n and_o when_o they_o consult_v to_o deal_v wise_o with_o they_o lest_o they_o multiply_v too_o much_o do_v yet_o see_v they_o grow_v and_o multiply_v the_o more_o that_o they_o know_v not_o at_o what_o country_n or_o city_n or_o town_n or_o village_n or_o family_n to_o begin_v to_o suppress_v they_o this_o be_v that_o do_v so_o exceed_o vex_v and_o enrage_v the_o world_n and_o make_v they_o even_o mad_a again_o as_o we_o see_v this_o day_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v the_o grief_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o world_n but_o these_o man_n in_o vain_a attempt_n against_o this_o increase_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o the_o egyptian_n against_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o israelite_n for_o none_o can_v hinder_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o that_o hinder_v god_n from_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o god_n pour_v forth_o the_o spirit_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o much_o touch_v the_o first_o promise_n of_o the_o church_n increase_v now_o in_o the_o word_n i_o read_v to_o you_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o another_o promise_n so_o that_o the_o lord_n because_o of_o the_o church_n weakness_n add_v one_o promise_n to_o another_o and_o these_o promise_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o outgo_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n through_o the_o word_n christ_n but_o to_o look_v more_o near_o upon_o the_o word_n oh_o thou_o afflict_a 11._o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o inseparable_o attend_v the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n even_o take_v its_o denomination_n from_o it_o oh_o thou_o afflict_a the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o afflict_a condition_n for_o the_o church_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v put_v into_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v also_o of_o its_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v malignant_a against_o the_o faithful_a and_o spiritual_a church_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o regenerate_v set_v their_o face_n yea_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o hand_n against_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o unregenerate_a world_n be_v against_o the_o regenerate_a and_o the_o carnal_a world_n against_o the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o sinful_a world_n against_o the_o righteous_a and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v against_o that_o people_n and_o nation_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o holy_a nation_n and_o a_o peculiar_a people_n as_o the_o world_n can_v endure_v god_n in_o himself_o so_o neither_o can_v it_o endure_v god_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o the_o more_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o saint_n the_o more_o do_v the_o world_n afflict_v the_o saint_n for_o they_o oppose_v not_o the_o faithful_a for_o any_o thing_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o they_o but_o because_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o they_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o
but_o do_v you_o live_v and_o act_n in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v though_o you_o have_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n for_o your_o enemy_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v but_o shall_v be_v establish_v more_o firm_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o i_o pray_v consider_v your_o establishment_n where_o it_o lie_v and_o that_o be_v in_o righteousness_n and_o in_o righteousness_n only_o some_o trust_n to_o this_o strength_n and_o some_o to_o that_o some_o to_o this_o aid_n and_o some_o to_o that_o but_o the_o spiritual_a church_n scorn_v to_o trust_v to_o any_o creature_n for_o establishment_n but_o look_v to_o be_v establish_v only_o in_o righteousness_n and_o because_o of_o this_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n shall_v prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o that_o be_v of_o this_o temple_n and_o building_n which_o be_v make_v by_o god_n see_v you_o have_v so_o many_o enemy_n on_o all_o hand_n pray_v look_v to_o your_o establishment_n which_o be_v in_o righteousness_n in_o righteousness_n shall_v thou_o be_v establish_v thou_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o oppression_n for_o thou_o shall_v not_o fear_v and_o from_o terror_n for_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v near_o thou_o the_o fear_n and_o terror_n he_o speak_v of_o here_o be_v inward_a fear_n and_o terror_n from_o which_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v free_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o outward_a evil_n for_o though_o the_o church_n be_v full_a of_o danger_n and_o persecution_n without_o yet_o it_o be_v free_a from_o fear_n and_o terror_n within_o nay_o the_o church_n have_v trouble_v without_o but_o peace_n within_o affliction_n without_o joy_n within_o weakness_n without_o strength_n within_o imprisonment_n without_o liberty_n wâ—thin_o persecution_n without_o content_v within_o against_o all_o the_o sorrow_n and_o suffer_v of_o the_o flesh_n they_o have_v refresh_n comfort_n hope_n sweetness_n rejoice_n triumph_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o evil_a be_v free_a from_o evil_a and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffering_n be_v free_a from_o pain_n yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o evil_a be_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v with_o good_a verse_n 15._o behold_v they_o shall_v sure_o gather_v together_o but_o not_o by_o i_o whosoever_o shall_v gather_v together_o against_o thou_o shall_v fall_v for_o thy_o sake_n a_o very_o strange_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v thus_o build_v and_o teach_v and_o establish_v any_o shall_v yet_o be_v so_o blind_a and_o mad_a as_o to_o engage_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o world_n and_o the_o carnal_a church_n especial_o do_v this_o yea_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o church_n be_v the_o more_o enmity_n the_o world_n and_o formalist_n have_v against_o it_o behold_v they_o shall_v sure_o gather_v together_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o church_n gather_v together_o into_o the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n then_o will_v they_o gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o the_o church_n and_o why_o do_v these_o man_n blame_v the_o church_n for_o gather_v together_o unto_o christ_n when_o they_o themselves_o gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v indeed_o the_o gather_v together_o of_o the_o saint_n the_o world_n do_v most_o hate_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n oh_o this_o be_v a_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a thing_n to_o they_o it_o make_v their_o heart_n ache_v within_o they_o and_o lose_v the_o joint_n of_o their_o loin_n they_o think_v their_o exaltation_n will_v be_v their_o own_o abasement_n and_o their_o gather_v together_o their_o own_o scatter_n and_o their_o glory_n their_o own_o shame_n and_o their_o strength_n their_o own_o undo_n and_o cut_v of_o these_o conceit_n the_o world_n act_v so_o strong_o and_o furious_o to_o scatter_v abroad_o again_o christ_n own_o gather_n together_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v decree_v and_o promise_v to_o hew_v that_o little_a stone_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a church_n out_o of_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o world_n without_o hand_n and_o will_v certain_o accomplish_v it_o and_o be_v now_o about_o this_o very_a business_n but_o the_o world_n that_o never_o look_v beyond_o sense_n they_o think_v this_o be_v sure_o a_o plot_n of_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a design_n in_o hand_n and_o so_o we_o have_v indeed_o but_o the_o design_n be_v not_o our_o design_n but_o god_n contrive_v in_o eternity_n and_o discover_v to_o daniel_n chap._n 2._o and_o this_o be_v the_o set_n up_o a_o kingdom_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o world_n under_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o saint_n wherein_o the_o people_n shall_v live_v alone_o in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o communion_n and_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n this_o council_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o world_n think_v that_o we_o be_v subtle_a and_o we_o be_v mighty_a whereas_o they_o be_v clear_o mistake_v in_o we_o for_o the_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n whereby_o this_o be_v do_v be_v god_n and_o not_o we_o for_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n must_v build_v this_o spiritual_a church_n and_o set_v it_o up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o preserve_v it_o against_o the_o world_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o increase_v till_o it_o fill_v the_o world_n so_o that_o the_o design_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o we_o and_o they_o that_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o let_v they_o go_v and_o quarrel_n against_o god_n and_o so_o they_o will_v certain_o do_v through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o devil_n behold_v say_v he_o they_o shall_v sure_o gather_v together_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o church_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n the_o world_n gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n yea_o this_o place_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o that_o be_v open_a enemy_n without_o the_o church_n but_o of_o a_o generation_n in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o gather_n together_o against_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o calvin_n interpret_v and_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v assure_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o kingdom_n will_v have_v domestic_a enemy_n it_o have_v be_v so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o what_o wonder_n will_v it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o this_o the_o first_o division_n in_o this_o kingdom_n be_v between_o common_a profession_n and_o open_a prophannesâ—e_n and_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v another_o it_o be_v like_a to_o lie_v between_o the_o form_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o flesh_n will_v up_o and_o be_v persecute_v they_o that_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o deep_a wound_n we_o shall_v receive_v will_v be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o our_o friend_n not_o our_o friend_n indeed_o but_o of_o such_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o for_o they_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o preach_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o use_v the_o same_o ordinance_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o their_o enmity_n of_o all_o other_o will_v be_v the_o great_a against_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v receive_v deep_a wound_n in_o the_o house_n of_o these_o friend_n then_o in_o the_o street_n of_o our_o enemy_n they_o shall_v gather_v together_o in_o thou_o against_o thou_o but_o not_o by_o i_o the_o saint_n gather_v together_o by_o god_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n but_o the_o carnal_a church_n gather_v together_o against_o the_o spiritual_a not_o by_o god_n but_o without_o he_o for_o worldly_a base_a end_n and_o interest_n and_o profit_n and_o advantage_n but_o mark_v the_o end_n of_o such_o gather_n together_o whosoever_o shall_v gather_v together_o against_o thou_o shall_v fall_v for_o thy_o sake_n we_o have_v see_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o promise_n with_o our_o eye_n even_o a_o great_a party_n of_o the_o great_a man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o of_o mean_a one_o gather_v together_o against_o the_o church_n but_o all_o fall_v what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o army_n that_o be_v in_o the_o west_n and_o the_o north_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v they_o not_o fall_v through_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o if_o any_o new_a party_n shall_v rise_v up_o again_o they_o shall_v also_o fall_v in_o like_o manner_n for_o thy_o sake_n for_o the_o lord_n love_v the_o church_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n even_o as_o he_o love_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o thou_o have_v love_v they_o as_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o he_o love_v head_n and_o member_n with_o the_o same_o love_n the_o lord_n people_n be_v his_o portion_n on_o earth_n as_o he_o be_v they_o in_o
the_o building_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o true_o christian_a and_o spiritual_a church_n represent_v in_o a_o exposition_n on_o isai._n 54_o from_o verse_n 11_o to_o the_o 17._o preach_v to_o his_o excellency_n sir_n tho._n fairfax_n and_o the_o general_a officer_n of_o the_o army_n with_o divers_a other_o officer_n and_o soldier_n and_o people_n at_o marston_n be_v the_o head-quarter_n at_o the_o leaguer_n before_o oxford_n june_n 7._o 1646._o by_o william_n dell_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v on_o his_o excellency_n sir_n thomas_n fairfax_n in_o the_o army_n together_o with_o a_o faithful_a testimony_n touch_v that_o valiant_a and_o victorious_a army_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n matth._n 5._o 11._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_a against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n verse_n 12._o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o persecute_v they_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v before_o you_o psal._n 69._o 9_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v thou_o be_v fall_v upon_o i_o publish_a by_o authority_n london_n print_v for_o g._n calvert_n at_o the_o black_a spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o paul_n 1646._o to_o the_o reader_n have_v obtain_v this_o grace_n from_o god_n to_o be_v call_v into_o some_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o jesus_n christ_n so_o as_o to_o hear_v and_o receive_v from_o he_o something_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n according_a to_o his_o free_a grace_n who_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o have_v after_o many_o tear_n and_o temptation_n not_o unknown_a to_o many_o yet_o in_o the_o body_n obtain_v this_o further_a grace_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o boldness_n i_o have_v also_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v into_o some_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o ofttimes_o to_o encounter_v the_o rage_n and_o madness_n of_o man_n yea_o and_o to_o fight_v with_o man_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n altogether_o brutish_a and_o furious_a and_o thus_o it_o have_v fare_v with_o i_o often_o especial_o at_o two_o remarkable_a time_n the_o one_o at_o lincoln_n upon_o occasion_n of_o two_o sermon_n preach_v there_o on_o these_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 9_o 7._o of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n and_o peace_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n wherein_o give_v unto_o christ_n his_o own_o proper_a due_a many_o be_v angry_a i_o have_v take_v too_o much_o from_o man_n to_o who_o yet_o nothing_o belong_v but_o iniquity_n shame_n and_o confusion_n they_o can_v not_o bear_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n alone_o shall_v be_v exalt_v but_o that_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n the_o lord_n have_v strong_o uphold_v with_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o righteousness_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o have_v since_o shine_v into_o many_o heart_n in_o this_o kingdom_n much_o contrary_a to_o their_o desire_n the_o other_o time_n wherein_o i_o meet_v with_o remarkable_a opposition_n be_v late_o at_o marston_n the_o head_n quarter_n at_o the_o leaguer_n before_o oxford_n whither_o some_o come_n out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n in_o all_o probability_n out_o of_o some_o special_a design_n see_v the_o old_a malignity_n now_o act_v in_o a_o new_a form_n and_o be_v daily_o come_v forth_o in_o a_o second_o and_o more_o plausible_a cunning_a and_o deceive_a edition_n become_v exceed_o angry_a and_o heady_a against_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v in_o this_o follow_a exposition_n wherein_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v then_o deliver_v be_v exact_o set_v down_o and_o nothing_o abate_v but_o rather_o some_o thing_n far_o press_v 32._o add_v as_o jeremiah_n in_o the_o second_o roll_n many_o like_o word_n to_o the_o former_a new_a some_o of_o these_o man_n see_v themselves_o and_o their_o new_a design_n clear_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o make_v altogether_o naked_a sudden_o they_o grow_v fierce_a and_o furious_a contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n of_o which_o there_o be_v some_o witness_n as_o become_v man_n of_o such_o a_o generation_n 44._o these_o man_n according_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o work_v mighty_o in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n come_v and_o fill_v the_o whole_a city_n with_o lie_n and_o slander_n lay_v to_o my_o charge_n thing_n that_o i_o know_v not_o the_o falsehood_n and_o untruth_n whereof_o there_o be_v some_o hundred_o and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o great_a and_o eminent_a worth_n and_o piety_n ready_a to_o witness_v wherefore_o of_o mere_a necessity_n i_o be_v constrain_v to_o publish_v this_o exposition_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o this_o present_a and_o the_o follow_a generation_n of_o these_o man_n resist_v the_o spirit_n and_o act_v against_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o word_n and_o though_o the_o discourse_n be_v very_o plain_a not_o savour_v of_o any_o accurateness_n of_o human_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n yet_o they_o that_o be_v themselves_o spiritual_a will_v acknowledge_v something_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o it_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n will_v relish_v and_o love_v it_o though_o other_o will_v therefore_o be_v at_o the_o great_a enmity_n against_o it_o but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v set_v down_o my_o resolution_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o cause_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o to_o weigh_v all_o the_o power_n of_o earth_n or_o hell_n one_o feather_n but_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a trial_n whether_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o slander_n and_o lie_v of_o man_n shall_v prevail_v whether_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n that_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o these_o and_o many_o other_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o blot_v out_o or_o darken_v the_o brightness_n of_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o whether_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v strong_a than_o the_o love_n and_o protection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o more_o the_o world_n act_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o more_o will_v christ_n enable_v we_o to_o act_v in_o his_o own_o spirit_n till_o all_o at_o last_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v strong_a than_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o now_o have_v all_o these_o man_n obtain_v by_o all_o their_o malice_n and_o fury_n but_o a_o great_a and_o more_o open_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o cause_v that_o that_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o only_o shine_v in_o one_o congregation_n shall_v through_o the_o print_n of_o it_o have_v its_o beam_n scatter_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o wherever_o the_o truth_n come_v the_o child_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v entertain_v it_o and_o ask_v nobody_o leave_v and_o thus_o through_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o god_n wisdom_n do_v these_o man_n betray_v their_o own_o and_o their_o fellow_n cause_n and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o and_o their_o end_n and_o whilst_o they_o think_v to_o oppress_v the_o truth_n propagate_v it_o the_o more_o and_o thus_o shall_v truth_n enemy_n perish_v and_o the_o truth_n itself_o flourish_v yea_o flourish_v through_o slander_n opposition_n contradiction_n blasphemy_n and_o all_o the_o vileness_n and_o villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o this_o confidence_n in_o we_o arise_v hence_o because_o christ_n be_v not_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n but_o be_v rise_v and_o ascend_v and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n among_o his_o friend_n and_o among_o his_o enemy_n till_o these_o be_v make_v his_o footstool_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o be_v now_o in_o expectation_n of_o now_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n withal_o in_o this_o epistle_n be_v this_o that_o none_o of_o these_o thorny_a hearer_n dare_v after_o come_v to_o discourse_n with_o i_o or_o to_o look_v i_o in_o the_o face_n but_o one_o among_o they_o that_o seem_v of_o a_o better_a temper_n than_o the_o rest_n upon_o the_o urge_n of_o a_o godly_a citizen_n then_o present_a do_v speak_v with_o i_o and_o the_o question_n he_o ask_v of_o i_o be_v this_o whether_o i_o think_v that_o all_o presbyterian_n be_v carnal_a gospeler_n i_o tell_v he_o i_o be_v far_o from_o think_v any_o such_o thing_n for_o i_o know_v
afflict_a tossâ—d_a with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v now_o this_o the_o lord_n do_v in_o much_o mercy_n to_o his_o saint_n he_o leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o earthly_a comfort_n that_o they_o may_v look_v for_o heavenly_a he_o leave_v they_o destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n from_o man_n that_o they_o may_v look_v for_o comfort_n from_o god_n alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o a_o case_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o not_o comfort_v lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o expect_v all_o from_o he_o say_v christ_n joh._n 16._o the_o world_n shall_v hate_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v put_v out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o shall_v kill_v you_o and_o in_o do_v all_o this_o shall_v think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n but_o say_v he_o i_o will_v send_v you_o the_o comforter_n christ_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o among_o all_o these_o evil_n they_o shall_v have_v no_o comforter_n on_o earth_n and_o therefore_o promise_v to_o send_v they_o one_fw-mi from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o when_o thy_o soul_n be_v place_v in_o affliction_n never_o look_v after_o any_o earthly_a or_o sensual_a or_o creature-comfort_n for_o they_o will_v prove_v poison_n to_o thy_o soul_n but_o only_o look_v for_o heavenlâ—_z comfort_n such_o as_o the_o spirit_n bring_v such_o as_o flow_v immediate_o from_o god_n for_o these_o be_v pure_a and_o sweet_a and_o unmixed_a and_o refresh_v and_o support_v and_o satisfy_v and_o endure_v comfort_n comfort_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o rejoice_v not_o only_o in_o fullness_n but_o in_o want_n not_o only_o among_o friend_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n not_o only_o in_o good_a report_n but_o in_o evil_a report_n not_o only_o in_o prosperity_n but_o in_o tribulation_n not_o only_o in_o life_n but_o in_o death_n they_o will_v make_v thou_o go_v sing_v to_o prison_n to_o the_o cross_n to_o the_o grave_n they_o be_v mighty_a comfort_n infinite_o strong_a than_o all_o the_o sorrow_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o saint_n and_o martyr_n have_v go_v cheerful_o to_o the_o stake_n and_o sing_v in_o the_o very_a flame_n the_o comfort_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n have_v strengthen_v they_o to_o this_o thou_o that_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o in_o union_n with_o christ_n never_o doubt_v of_o this_o comfort_n in_o thy_o great_a sorrow_n when_o christ_n have_v none_o to_o stand_v by_o he_o and_o comfort_v he_o god_n send_v a_o angel_n from_o heave_a to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o when_o we_o be_v leave_v alone_o in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o we_o shall_v want_v comfort_n god_n will_v send_v we_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n to_o comfort_v we_o yea_o the_o spirit_n itself_o which_o be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v comfort_v by_o god_n when_o we_o be_v afflict_v and_o toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v by_o man_n behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n see_v the_o church_n in_o its_o affliction_n without_o all_o commfort_n in_o the_o world_n add_v then_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o comfort_v it_o himself_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o a_o promise_n they_o be_v the_o sweet_a comfort_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o in_o the_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v the_o swadling-clothe_n of_o christ_n they_o carry_v christ_n wrap_v up_o in_o they_o and_o christ_n represent_v to_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o evil_n outward_a or_o inward_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o affliction_n take_v hold_v on_o thou_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o promise_n to_o draw_v thy_o comfort_n from_o christ_n through_o they_o oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v that_o life_n that_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o promise_n i_o a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o best_a life_n in_o the_o world_n man_n that_o have_v estate_n in_o money_n or_o land_n depend_v on_o those_o thing_n for_o their_o maintenance_n but_o a_o christian_n may_v have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o these_o in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o have_v a_o promise_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o and_o make_v his_o life_n more_o comfortable_a i_o be_o god_n all-sufficient_a and_o i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o whereupon_o he_o come_v to_o this_o resolution_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o portion_n say_v my_o soul_n i_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o oh_o how_o sweet_a a_o life_n be_v this_o life_n that_o know_v no_o care_n nor_o fear_n nor_o trouble_n nor_o disquietment_n here_o say_v a_o believer_n lie_v my_o estate_n and_o live_v and_o the_o lot_n of_o my_o inheritance_n and_o this_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o and_o more_o certain_a estate_n than_o all_o the_o manor_n and_o lordship_n in_o the_o kingdom_n for_o my_o bread_n shall_v be_v give_v i_o my_o water_n shall_v be_v sure_a the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o want_v no_o not_o then_o when_o the_o lion_n the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o who_o every_o poor_a man_n be_v a_o prey_n shall_v lack_v and_o suffer_v hunger_n he_o that_o have_v give_v i_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o spirit_n will_v not_o leave_v i_o destitute_a of_o food_n and_o clothing_n take_v another_o instance_n a_o man_n feel_v the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v ready_a to_o think_v oh_o how_o shall_v i_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o suffer_v this_o or_o that_o or_o to_o part_n with_o my_o relation_n with_o my_o estate_n with_o my_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a unto_o i_o why_o then_o a_o christian_a lay_n hold_v on_o the_o promise_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o which_o we_o be_v able_a o_o say_v a_o christian_n god_n will_v never_o bring_v i_o to_o any_o temptation_n or_o trial_n but_o he_o will_v give_v i_o strength_n proportionable_a to_o it_o or_o above_o it_o and_o so_o live_v satisfy_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v in_o these_o instance_n that_o a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o sweet_a and_o best_a life_n when_o a_o man_n can_v draw_v all_o from_o god_n himself_o through_o a_o promise_n and_o this_o in_o general_a that_o god_n comfort_v his_o church_n by_o a_o promise_n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o word_n behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n and_o lay_v thy_o foundation_n with_o sapphire_n verse_n 12._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thy_o window_n of_o agate_n and_o thy_o gate_n of_o carbuncle_n and_o all_o thy_o border_n of_o pleasant_a stone_n the_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o you_o shall_v observe_v be_v oft_o in_o scripture_n compare_v to_o a_o building_n and_o that_o to_o a_o most_o stately_a sumptuous_a magnificent_a and_o glorious_a build_n as_o be_v all_o build_v of_o precious_a stone_n and_o so_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o first_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v up_o of_o common_a stone_n and_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n shall_v far_o exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o the_o first_o temple_n be_v solomon_n which_o be_v indeed_o fill_v with_o the_o outward_a presence_n of_o god_n but_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v the_o humanity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n both_o head_n and_o member_n this_o be_v the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o temple_n that_o god_n have_v build_v by_o his_o spirit_n for_o his_o own_o haâ—itation_n wherein_o god_n dwell_v true_o real_o spiritual_o and_o most_o near_o by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o most_o near_a union_n whereby_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v knit_v together_o and_o this_o spiritual_a temple_n be_v more_o glorious_a than_o the_o first_o material_a one_o either_o according_a to_o the_o first_o edition_n of_o it_o by_o solomon_n or_o the_o second_o edition_n of_o it_o by_o the_o father_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n here_o than_o you_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o stone_n of_o fair_a colour_n with_o precious_a stone_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o inquire_v particular_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o several_a stone_n here_o name_v for_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o full_o agree_v about_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o place_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v build_v with_o common_a but_o with_o precious_a stone_n now_o the_o
christian_n you_o shall_v oft_o see_v and_o discern_v a_o excellent_a beauty_n in_o some_o gift_n or_o other_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n which_o shine_v not_o forth_o so_o clear_o in_o some_o strong_a christian_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o expect_v all_o gift_n in_o all_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v excel_v in_o every_o gift_n for_o than_o one_o will_v be_v say_v to_o another_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o but_o god_n have_v give_v diversity_n of_o gift_n to_o divers_a saint_n that_o each_o may_v acknowledge_v something_o in_o another_o which_o he_o have_v not_o himself_o and_o may_v reckon_v his_o perfection_n to_o lie_v in_o his_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o so_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n may_v be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o world_n one_o christian_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o faith_n another_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n another_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n in_o preach_v another_o the_o gift_n of_o courage_n another_o the_o gift_n of_o meekness_n and_o the_o like_a and_o no_o man_n have_v all_o thing_n in_o himself_o that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o own_o want_n may_v be_v keep_v humble_a and_o this_o be_v a_o glorius_fw-la thing_n in_o this_o building_n that_o the_o lustre_n of_o each_o stone_n add_v to_o the_o lustre_n of_o all_o and_o the_o lustre_n of_o all_o be_v communicate_v to_o each_o stone_n and_o so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a building_n what_o one_o have_v from_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v for_o all_o what_o all_o have_v be_v for_o each_o one_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v to_o build_v up_o i_o if_o i_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n it_o commend_v thou_o as_o careful_o to_o god_n as_o myself_o one_o watch_n over_o another_o as_o over_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o if_o any_o be_v weak_a the_o strong_a support_v they_o if_o any_o be_v doubtful_a they_o that_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n direct_v they_o if_o one_o be_v trouble_v the_o rest_n mourn_v with_o he_o if_o one_o be_v comfort_v the_o rest_n rejoice_v with_o he_o and_o they_o be_v all_o so_o link_v together_o in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o one_o extend_v to_o all_o where_o thou_o can_v find_v such_o another_o communion_n there_o join_v thyself_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a excellent_a communion_n in_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o willing_o join_v himself_o to_o that_o spiritual_a people_n where_o no_o man_n call_v his_o grace_n his_o own_o but_o all_o gift_n be_v in_o common_a among_o all_o every_o one_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o faith_n hope_n love_n prayer_n peace_n joy_n wisdom_n strength_n of_o all_o and_o all_o have_v a_o share_n in_o these_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o any_o one_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o stone_n as_o well_o as_o the_o preciousness_n of_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o thing_n that_o reveal_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o observe_v that_o this_o spiritual_a build_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v up_o all_o of_o precious_a stone_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o common_a stone_n be_v make_v up_o of_o sapphire_n agate_n carbuncle_n and_o add_v and_o all_o thy_o border_n of_o pleasant_a stone_n here_o then_o must_v be_v no_o mingle_v of_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a the_o holy_a and_o the_o profane_a the_o faithful_a and_o the_o unbeliever_n the_o spiritual_a and_o the_o carnal_a but_o all_o must_v be_v precious_a if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o jewel_n that_o have_v here_o and_o there_o only_o a_o precious_a stone_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n common_a pebble_n there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a glory_n in_o such_o a_o jewel_n but_o the_o common_a stone_n will_v take_v off_o from_o the_o lustre_n of_o the_o precious_a one_o and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v god_n jewel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o precious_a stone_n as_o you_o see_v here_o and_o where_o be_v their_o eye_n that_o perceive_v not_o this_o there_o be_v some_o that_o talk_v much_o against_o new_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o old_a reproach_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o sure_o there_o be_v never_o new_a doctrine_n than_o this_o that_o the_o spiritual_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o people_n that_o live_v in_o a_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o a_o nation_n shall_v necessary_o be_v stone_n for_o the_o build_n up_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n this_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n indeed_o which_o neither_o the_o old_a nor_o the_o new_a testament_n own_v but_o be_v convey_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n for_o god_n do_v not_o now_o make_v any_o people_n or_o kindred_n or_o nation_n his_o church_n but_o gather_v his_o church_n out_o of_o every_o people_n and_o kindred_n and_o nation_n and_o none_o can_v be_v stone_n of_o this_o building_n but_o those_o that_o be_v first_o elect_v and_o after_o make_v precious_a through_o a_o new_a birth_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o doctrine_n the_o word_n will_v justify_v against_o the_o world_n for_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n do_v he_o mean_v all_o the_o people_n that_o live_v at_o ephesus_n or_o corinth_n no_o but_o the_o faithful_a and_o elect_a child_n by_o adoption_n saint_n by_o call_v and_o say_v so_o it_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o all_o and_o if_o any_o be_v mistake_v for_o a_o saint_n that_o be_v none_o sure_o he_o carry_v himself_o very_o like_o one_o he_o be_v outward_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n or_o he_o have_v not_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o flock_n and_o so_o if_o a_o stone_n be_v take_v into_o this_o building_n that_o be_v not_o true_o precious_a yet_o it_o be_v so_o like_o one_o in_o show_n and_o colour_n that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v other_o but_o a_o very_a skilful_a lapidary_n and_o indeed_o such_o a_o mistake_n there_o may_v be_v in_o christ_n kingdom_n here_o that_o a_o few_o counterfeit_a stone_n may_v be_v take_v up_o among_o many_o precious_a one_o but_o that_o be_v the_o mistake_n of_o a_o false_a church_n where_o a_o thousand_o counterfeit_a one_o be_v take_v in_o for_o one_o true_o precious_a wherein_o for_o one_o faithful_a christian_a there_o be_v many_o formalist_n and_o many_o more_o profane_a this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o build_n the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o for_o this_o be_v all_o of_o elect_a and_o precious_a stone_n but_o i_o can_v enlarge_v on_o these_o thing_n because_o this_o exercise_n i_o intend_v chief_o as_o a_o exposition_n only_o i_o will_v add_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n more_o touch_v this_o particular_a and_o so_o go_v on_o 1._o if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v build_v all_o of_o precious_a stone_n what_o a_o building_n be_v that_o where_o the_o only_a care_n be_v to_o keep_v these_o stone_n out_o of_o the_o building_n lest_o by_o their_o glory_n and_o lustre_n they_o shall_v darken_v the_o rest_n 2._o consider_v when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v up_o all_o of_o such_o precious_a stone_n what_o a_o glorious_a church_n will_v that_o be_v when_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v shine_v forth_o in_o every_o stone_n of_o this_o building_n how_o will_v there_o be_v then_o glory_n upon_o glory_n till_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n first_o darken_v and_o then_o put_v out_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o consider_v what_o great_a enemy_n they_o be_v to_o the_o true_a and_o native_a glory_n of_o the_o church_n that_o will_v have_v every_o man_n in_o a_o kingdom_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v have_v those_o take_v into_o the_o flock_n that_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n and_o those_o take_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o will_v gather_v up_o any_o stone_n to_o make_v up_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v keep_v off_o those_o glorious_a thing_n from_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n who_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o such_o a_o structure_n as_o this_o all_o make_v up_o of_o precious_a stone_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o word_n that_o the_o builder_n and_o maker_n of_o it_o be_v god_n i_o will_v do_v it_o say_v the_o lord_n behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n and_o i_o will_v lay_v thy_o foundation_n with_o sapphire_n and_o i_o will_v make_v thy_o window_n
of_o aggate_n it_o be_v all_o god_n work_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n for_o who_o can_v build_v unto_o god_n a_o live_a temple_n to_o dwell_v in_o but_o himself_o this_o the_o prophet_n speak_v plain_o where_o he_o say_v the_o man_n who_o name_n be_v the_o branch_n he_o shall_v build_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o he_o shall_v build_v it_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o power_n of_o no_o man_n to_o make_v such_o a_o build_n as_o this_o be_v what_o wild_a and_o woeful_a work_n do_v man_n make_v when_o they_o will_v undertake_v to_o be_v build_v the_o chuâ—ch_n by_o their_o own_o human_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n and_o counsel_n when_o they_o think_v we_o will_v have_v the_o church_n of_o god_n thus_o and_o thus_o and_o we_o will_v make_v it_o up_o of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o we_o wâ—ll_v govern_v it_o by_o such_o and_o such_o law_n and_o we_o will_v get_v the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o back_v we_o and_o than_o what_o we_o can_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o will_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n poor_a man_n that_o think_v that_o these_o new_a heaven_n where_o in_o the_o lord_n will_v dwell_v must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o finger_n or_o that_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n must_v of_o necessity_n come_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v to_o come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n or_o that_o they_o can_v build_v the_o house_n of_o god_n all_o of_o precious_a stone_n whereas_o this_o must_v be_v god_n own_o work_n and_o his_o own_o do_v and_o no_o state_n or_o council_n in_o the_o world_n can_v bring_v this_o about_o and_o after_o much_o trial_n and_o pain_n and_o weariness_n the_o lord_n will_v at_o last_o teach_v his_o own_o that_o the_o gather_n and_o lay_v these_o precious_a stone_n together_o must_v be_v the_o lord_n own_o do_v even_o his_o own_o do_v when_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n be_v leave_v to_o man_n how_o woeful_o be_v it_o manage_v why_o say_v one_o we_o must_v needs_o admit_v such_o a_o one_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a man_n in_o the_o parish_n or_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a esteem_n in_o the_o world_n or_o he_o be_v a_o nobleman_n or_o he_o be_v my_o near_a kinsman_n or_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o relate_v to_o i_o or_o he_o be_v a_o good_a civil_a fair_a deal_n man_n and_o we_o must_v needs_o admit_v he_o and_o thus_o will_v flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o carnal_a temple_n for_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o but_o god_n true_a habitation_n can_v never_o be_v frame_v but_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o look_v high_o than_o the_o high_a instrument_n for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o lord_n own_o work_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o though_o every_o man_n be_v against_o it_o and_o oppose_v it_o yet_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v no_o hand_n to_o build_v it_o up_o he_o will_v build_v it_o up_o without_o hand_n i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v verse_n 13._o and_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o great_a shall_v be_v the_o peace_n of_o thy_o child_n see_v here_o how_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n carry_v up_o the_o saint_n above_o all_o visible_a and_o sensible_a thing_n even_o as_o high_a as_o god_n himself_o god_n say_v he_o to_o the_o church_n shall_v build_v thou_o and_o god_n shall_v teach_v thou_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o note_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a child_n of_o the_o church_n have_v god_n own_o teach_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o teach_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n this_o truth_n christ_n himself_o confirm_v where_o he_o say_v it_o be_v write_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n he_o therefore_o that_o hear_v and_o learn_v of_o my_o father_n come_v to_o i_o and_o again_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o shall_v lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o doctrine_n john_n after_o preach_v thus_o 1_o ioh._n 2._o 27._o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n hereby_o now_o we_o perceive_v how_o few_o true_a child_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v among_o those_o who_o be_v common_o call_v christian_n for_o among_o all_o these_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o have_v the_o teach_n of_o god_n but_o most_o have_v their_o teach_n only_o from_o man_n and_o no_o high_o consider_v therefore_o i_o pray_v whether_o the_o knowledge_n you_o have_v be_v from_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n or_o the_o teach_n of_o man_n you_o all_o pretend_v to_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n be_v by_o he_o alone_o but_o how_o come_v you_o by_o this_o knowledge_n do_v you_o read_v it_o in_o the_o letter_n or_o do_v some_o body_n tell_v you_o so_o or_o have_v god_n himself_o teach_v you_o this_o for_o no_o man_n know_v the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o father_n will_v reveal_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o peter_n say_v thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n christ_n answer_v flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o teach_v thou_o this_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o so_o though_o all_o of_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o christian_n yet_o none_o of_o you_o know_v christ_n true_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v teach_v of_o the_o father_n and_o this_o hold_v in_o all_o other_o point_n as_o touch_v calling_n and_o faith_n and_o union_n and_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o the_o gift_n and_o seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n touch_v the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o government_n of_o it_o oh_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v the_o teach_n of_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n or_o no_o and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n you_o be_v none_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n what_o ever_o truth_n thou_o know_v from_o the_o letter_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o will_v do_v thou_o no_o good_a thou_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n spiritual_o and_o save_o wherein_o thou_o have_v not_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o what_o a_o sad_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o man_n look_v for_o their_o teach_n no_o far_o than_o man_n they_o only_o look_v to_o the_o minister_n or_o to_o such_o a_o able_a learned_a orthodox_a man_n as_o they_o phrase_v it_o or_o at_o the_o high_a to_o the_o assembly_n and_o what_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o stand_v by_o it_o and_o build_v upon_o it_o for_o their_o foundation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n never_o regard_v in_o truth_n the_o teach_n of_o god_n but_o say_v what_o can_v so_o many_o grave_n learned_a godly_a man_n err_v and_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v what_o they_o determine_v why_o now_o these_o be_v none_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o spiritual_a church_n for_o they_o neither_o have_v god_n teach_v nor_o care_n for_o it_o but_o the_o spiritual_a church_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v do_v god_n teach_v without_o mean_n answ._n i_o answer_v no_o god_n teach_v but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o that_o chief_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n without_o the_o word_n be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n be_v to_o despise_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n and_o to_o depend_v upon_o i_o know_v not_o what_o revelation_n and_o inspeaking_n without_o the_o word_n see_v god_n teach_v all_o his_o child_n by_o the_o word_n and_o none_o without_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v neglect_v and_o despise_v the_o word_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v so_o use_v the_o word_n and_o the_o mean_n as_o not_o to_o look_v for_o our_o teach_n from_o they_o but_o from_o god_n himself_o in_o and_o through_o they_o and_o when_o you_o come_v to_o hear_v not_o to_o think_v i_o will_v hear_v what_o mr_n such_o a_o one_o or_o mr_n such_o one_o will_v say_v but_o with_o the_o psalmist_n