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christ_n jesus_n i_o have_v beget_v you_o through_o the_o gospel_n as_o also_o gal._n 4.19_o but_o all_o those_o have_v their_o vigour_n and_o efficacy_n in_o this_o great_a work_n from_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n who_o be_v their_o father_n in_o their_o first_o creation_n and_o infusion_n and_o in_o this_o their_o regeneration_n which_o be_v a_o new_a and_o second_o creation_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n divine_n have_v reason_n to_o infer_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o conversion_n thus_o express_v that_o man_n do_v not_o bring_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o work_n himself_o it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v a_o will_n as_o his_o natural_a faculty_n but_o that_o this_o will_n embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o turn_v to_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o be_v from_o renew_v grace_n that_o sweet_o and_o yet_o strong_o strong_o and_o yet_o sweet_o incline_v it_o i._o nature_n can_v raise_v itself_o to_o this_o more_o than_o a_o man_n 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all_o your_o honour_n and_o advantage_n and_o you_o that_o be_v of_o mean_a birth_n or_o if_o you_o have_v any_o crack_v or_o stain_v in_o your_o birth_n the_o only_a way_n to_o make_v up_o and_o repair_v all_o and_o true_o to_o ennoble_v you_o be_v this_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o king_n yea_o of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o this_o honour_n have_v all_o his_o saint_n to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o he_o give_v this_o privilege_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n now_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o but_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v these_o son_n be_v heir_n but_o all_o this_o life-time_n be_v their_o underage_n yet_o even_o then_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o sonship_n they_o have_v right_o to_o it_o and_o in_o the_o assuronce_n of_o that_o right_n this_o live_a hope_n as_o a_o heir_n when_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o those_o thought_n have_v 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but_o lie_v hope_n and_o die_a hope_n they_o die_v often_o before_o we_o and_o we_o live_v to_o bury_v they_o and_o see_v our_o own_o own_o folly_n and_o infelicity_n in_o trust_v to_o they_o but_o at_o the_o utmost_a they_o die_v with_o we_o when_o we_o die_v and_o can_v accompany_v we_o no_o further_o but_o this_o hope_n answer_v expectation_n to_o the_o full_a and_o much_o beyond_o it_o and_o deceive_v no_o way_n but_o that_o happy_a one_o of_o far_o exceed_v it_o a_o live_a hope_n live_v in_o death_n itself_o the_o world_n dare_v say_v no_o more_o for_o its_o devise_n but_o dum_fw-la spiro_fw-la spero_fw-la but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v add_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o live_a hope_n dum_fw-la exspiro_fw-la
tribulation_n say_v st._n paul_n and_o here_o our_o apostle_n insist_o on_o that_o to_o verify_v the_o subsistence_n of_o this_o joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a affliction_n 4._o spiritual_a grief_n that_o seem_v most_o opposite_a to_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n prejudge_v it_o not_o for_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a delight_n and_o sweetness_n in_o the_o tear_n of_o repentance_n a_o balm_n in_o they_o that_o refresh_v the_o soul_n and_o even_o their_o sad_a kind_n of_o mourning_n viz._n the_o dark_a time_n of_o desertion_n have_v this_o in_o it_o that_o be_v some_o way_n sweet_a that_o those_o mourning_n after_o their_o belove_a who_o absent_v himself_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o their_o love_n to_o he_o and_o a_o true_a evidence_n of_o it_o and_o then_o all_o these_o spiritual_a sorrow_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o be_v turn_v into_o spiritual_a joy_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o they_o they_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n that_o way_n 5._o but_o the_o natural_a man_n still_o doubt_n of_o this_o joy_n we_o speak_v of_o because_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v so_o little_a of_o it_o from_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o have_v it_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v best_a right_n to_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wretchedness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o especial_o the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o wonder_v though_o this_o their_o joy_n retire_v much_o inward_a and_o appear_v little_a abroad_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o so_o few_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o pecus_fw-la to_o who_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o vent_v it_o again_o we_o see_v here_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a it_o be_v a_o poor_a thing_n if_o he_o that_o have_v it_o can_v tell_v it_o all_o out_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v most_o of_o it_o than_o it_o remain_v most_o within_o itself_o and_o be_v so_o inward_o take_v up_o with_o it_o that_o possible_o it_o can_v then_o least_o of_o all_o express_v it_o it_o be_v with_o joy_n as_o they_o say_v of_o care_n and_o grief_n leves_fw-la loquuntur_fw-la ingentes_fw-la stupent_fw-la sen._n the_o deep_a water_n run_v still_a true_a joy_n be_v a_o solid_a grave_a thing_n dwell_v more_o in_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o countenance_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a base_a and_o false_a joy_n be_v but_o superficial_a skin-deep_a as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o face_n think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v with_o the_o godly_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o they_o and_o the_o lxx_o read_v it_o no_z joy._n certain_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o true_a joy_n to_o the_o wicked_a they_o may_v revel_v and_o make_v a_o noise_n but_o they_o rejoice_v not_o the_o laughter_n of_o the_o fool_n be_v as_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o the_o pot_n a_o great_a noise_n but_o little_a heat_n and_o soon_o at_o a_o end_n there_o be_v no_o continue_v feast_n but_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n wickedness_n and_o real_a joy_n can_v dwell_v together_o as_o the_o very_a moralist_n seneca_n have_v it_o often_o and_o at_o large_a but_o he_o that_o can_v say_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v i_o and_o in_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n have_v such_o a_o light_n as_o can_v shine_v in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n yea_o in_o the_o dark_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n itself_o say_v not_o thou_o if_o i_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n i_o must_v bid_v farewell_n to_o gladness_n never_o a_o merry_a day_n more_o no_o on_o the_o contrary_a never_o a_o true_o joyful_a day_n till_o then_o yea_o no_o day_n at_o all_o but_o night_n to_o the_o soul_n till_o it_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v in_o those_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thou_o do_v not_o sacrifice_n isaac_n which_o signify_v laughter_n as_o st._n bern._n but_o a_o ram._n not_o thy_o joy_n but_o filthy_a sinful_a delight_n that_o end_v in_o sorrow_n oh_o seek_v to_o know_v in_o your_o experience_n what_o those_o joy_n mean_v for_o all_o describe_v and_o commend_v it_o to_o you_o will_v not_o make_v you_o understand_v it_o aug._n but_o taste_v and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a you_o can_v see_v and_o know_v it_o but_o by_o taste_v it_o and_o have_v taste_v that_o goodness_n all_o those_o poor_a joy_n you_o think_v sweet_a before_o will_v then_o be_v bitter_a and_o distasteful_a to_o you_o and_o you_o that_o have_v christ_n you_o by_o believe_v know_v your_o happiness_n and_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o be_v your_o outward_a condition_n rejoice_v always_o and_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v for_o light_n be_v sowâ—_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o joy_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12._o 10._o of_o which_o salvation_n the_o prophet_n have_v inquire_v and_o search_v diligent_o who_o prophesy_v of_o the_o grace_n that_o shall_v come_v unto_o you_o 11._o search_v what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v when_o he_o testify_v before_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v follow_v 12._o unto_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o not_o unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o we_o they_o do_v minister_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o report_v unto_o you_o by_o they_o that_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n or_o at_o least_o the_o inconsiderance_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o make_v earthly_a thing_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_a appear_v great_a in_o our_o eye_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n great_a aim_n be_v by_o represent_v the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o christian_n to_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n to_o strengthen_v their_o mind_n against_o all_o discouragement_n and_o opposition_n that_o they_o may_v account_v nothing_o too_o hard_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o so_o high_a a_o cause_n and_o so_o happy_a a_o end_n it_o be_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a thought_n and_o the_o shallow_a perswassion_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o remisseness_n and_o coldness_n in_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n he_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v illustrate_v in_o these_o word_n from_o its_o antiquity_n dignity_n and_o infallible_a truth_n it_o be_v no_o more_o invention_n for_o the_o prophet_n inquire_v after_o it_o and_o foretell_v it_o in_o former_a age_n from_o the_o beginning_n thus_o the_o prejudice_n of_o novelty_n be_v remove_v that_o usual_o meet_v the_o most_o ancient_a truth_n in_o its_o new_a discovery_n again_o it_o be_v no_o mean_a thing_n that_o such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o unquestioned_a eminency_n in_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n do_v so_o much_o study_v and_o search_v after_o and_o have_v find_v out_o be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o publish_v it_o in_o their_o own_o time_n but_o to_o record_v it_o to_o posterity_n and_o this_o not_o by_o the_o private_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o act_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o set_v likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n above_o all_o doubtfulness_n and_o uncertainty_n but_o take_v those_o three_o verse_n entire_o together_o we_o have_v in_o they_o those_o three_o thing_n testify_v how_o excellent_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v 1._o we_o have_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o worth_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exercise_v about_o it_o viz._n the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o the_o best_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n the_o angel_n in_o admire_v it_o the_o first_o author_n be_v the_o absolute_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prophet_n ver._n 11._o in_o the_o apostle_n ver._n 12._o but_o ver._n 11._o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o send_v down_o on_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o ascend_v to_o glory_n and_o which_o speak_v in_o his_o prophet_n before_o his_o descend_v to_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n proceed_v joint_o from_o he_o with_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o dwell_v most_o rich_o and_o full_o in_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man._n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o himself_o holiness_n and_o the_o source_n and_o worker_n of_o holiness_n and_o author_n of_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o breathe_v
know_v that_o this_o divine_a adoption_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a relative_n name_n as_o that_o of_o man_n the_o sonship_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v here_o and_o often_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o new_a generation_n and_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n io._n 1.13_o 1._o io._n 2.29_o there_o be_v a_o new_a be_v a_o spiritual_a life_n communicate_v to_o they_o they_o have_v in_o they_o of_o their_o father_n spirit_n and_o this_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o call_v his_o spirit_n gal._n 4.6_o they_o be_v not_o only_o account_v of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n but_o by_o this_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v indeed_o his_o child_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o our_o apostle_n express_v it_o now_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v so_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a without_o a_o portion_n of_o this_o new_a nature_n to_o conceive_v of_o it_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v understand_v it_o what_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o the_o subtle_a school_n of_o philosopher_n when_o a_o very_a doctor_n in_o israel_n mistake_v it_o gross_o io._n 3._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a mystery_n and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o sublimest_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o divine_a the_o soar_a eagle_n as_o they_o compare_v he_o he_o be_v more_o abundant_a in_o this_o subject_n than_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o most_o profitable_a way_n of_o consider_v this_o regeneration_n and_o sonship_n be_v certain_o to_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o those_o holy_a write_n and_o not_o to_o jangle_n in_o dispute_n about_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o of_o which_o though_o somewhat_o may_v be_v profitable_o say_v and_o safe_o namely_o so_o much_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v yet_o much_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o debate_v by_o many_o be_v but_o a_o useless_a expense_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n what_o those_o previous_a disposition_n be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o go_v and_o where_o be_v the_o march_n or_o point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o infusion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n i_o conceive_v not_o so_o easy_o determinable_a if_o naturalist_n and_o physician_n can_v agree_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n part_n in_o the_o womb_n how_o much_o less_o can_v we_o be_v peremptory_a in_o the_o other_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o wonder_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a structure_n and_o frame_n of_o man_n how_o much_o rich_a in_o wonder_n must_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a generation_n be_v see_v how_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o former_a psal._n 14.15_o thing_n spiritual_a being_n more_o refine_v than_o material_a thing_n their_o workmanship_n must_v be_v far_o more_o wonderful_a and_o curious_a but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n by_o the_o mixture_n of_o all_o divine_a grace_n each_o set_n off_o another_o as_o so_o many_o rich_a several_a colour_n in_o embroidery_n but_o who_o can_v trace_v that_o invisible_a hand_n that_o work_v it_o so_o as_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o order_n and_o to_o say_v which_o be_v first_o which_o second_o and_o so_o on_o whether_o faith_n or_o repentance_n and_o all_o grace_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o and_o all_o grace_n do_v inseparable_o make_v up_o the_o same_o work_n and_o be_v all_o in_o the_o new_a formation_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v bear_v again_o if_o the_o way_n of_o god_n universal_a providence_n be_v untraceable_a than_o most_o of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o a_o secret_a unperceivable_a way_n in_o this_o new_a birth_n he_o give_v this_o spiritual_a be_v as_o the_o dew_n which_o be_v silent_o and_o insensible_o form_v and_o this_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n compare_v to_o it_o by_o the_o psalmist_n they_o have_v this_o original_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o dew_n io._n 3.3_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v from_o above_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v of_o the_o dew_n to_o job._n job._n 38.28_o have_v the_o rain_n a_o father_n or_o who_o have_v beget_v the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n the_o sharp_a wit_n be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o as_o job_n speak_v of_o a_o way_n that_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v job._n 28.7_o to_o contest_v it_o much_o how_o in_o this_o regeneration_n he_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o renew_v it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n provide_v this_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o regenerate_v and_o renew_v a_o man_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a not_o to_o grant_v this_o unless_o we_o will_v run_v into_o that_o error_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o creature_n too_o hard_o for_o himself_o to_o rule_n or_o have_v willing_o exempt_v it_o and_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o of_o all_o other_o especial_o this_o work_n wherein_o he_o glory_v most_o fail_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o remain_v imperfect_a shall_v there_o be_v any_o abortive_a birth_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o father_n shall_v i_o bring_v to_o the_o birth_n say_v he_o and_o not_o cause_n to_o bring_v forth_o no_o no_o sinner_n so_o dead_a but_o there_o be_v virtue_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o revive_v out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n though_o the_o most_o impenitent_a heart_n be_v as_o stone_n within_o they_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v of_o they_o child_n to_o abraham_n he_o can_v dig_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o put_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n in_o its_o place_n otherways_o he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o promise_n io._n 1.13_o not_o of_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n if_o his_o sovereign_a will_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a principle_n of_o this_o regeneration_n why_o then_o say_v the_o apostle_n st._n james_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o and_o he_o add_v the_o subordinate_a cause_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o word_n to_o the_o end_n that_o his_o church_n may_v be_v still_o fruitful_a bring_v forth_o son_n unto_o he_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v like_o flock_n of_o sheep_n come_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n none_o harren_a among_o they_o though_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o word_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o employment_n in_o dispense_n it_o have_v by_o the_o scripture_n the_o relation_n of_o parent_n impart_v to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a dignity_n for_o they_o as_o they_o be_v call_v co-worker_n with_o god_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n that_o write_v so_o call_v the_o galatian_n his_o little_a child_n of_o who_o he_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v often_o very_a much_o pain_n in_o this_o travel_n yet_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n remain_v untouched_a which_o be_v effectual_o to_o beget_v again_o these_o same_o spirit_n which_o he_o create_v and_o to_o make_v that_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n fruitful_a that_o way_n where_o and_o when_o he_o will_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n be_v he_o never_o so_o powerful_a can_v cast_v this_o seed_n only_o into_o the_o ear_n his_o hand_n reach_v no_o further_o and_o the_o hearer_n by_o his_o attention_n may_v convey_v it_o into_o his_o head_n but_o it_o be_v the_o supreme_a father_n and_o teacher_n above_o that_o carry_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n the_o only_a soil_n wherein_o it_o prove_v lively_a and_o fruitful_a one_o man_n can_v reach_v the_o heart_n of_o another_o how_o shall_v he_o then_o renew_v its_o fruitfulness_n if_o natural_a birth_n have_v be_v always_o acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n prerogative_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v a_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o so_o jacob_n answer_v wise_o to_o his_o wife_n be_v foolish_a passion_n be_o i_o in_o god_n stead_n how_o much_o more_o be_v this_o new_a birth_n whole_o dependent_a on_o his_o hand_n but_o though_o this_o word_n can_v beget_v without_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o this_o word_n that_o he_o beget_v and_o ordinary_o not_o
without_o it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o substantial_a eternal_a word_n be_v to_o we_o as_o we_o say_v the_o spring_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o supernatural_a life_n flow_v but_o that_o by_o the_o word_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n put_v ouâ—_n of_o doubt_n verse_n last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o therefore_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o this_o word_n be_v thus_o the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n because_o it_o contain_v and_o declare_v that_o other_o word_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o our_o life_n the_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o common_a and_o so_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o hearer_n but_o then_o all_o be_v natural_o shut_v against_o it_o god_n do_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n open_v some_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o mix_v it_o with_o faith_n and_o those_o it_o renew_v and_o restore_v in_o they_o the_o image_n of_o god_n draw_v the_o traits_fw-fr of_o it_o anew_o and_o make_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o dew_n say_v moses_n the_o word_n as_o a_o heavenly_a dew_n not_o fall_v beside_o but_o drop_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n own_o spirit_n make_v it_o all_o become_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o turn_v it_o into_o one_o of_o those_o drop_n of_o dew_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o psal._n 110._o thou_o have_v the_o dew_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o natural_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v darkness_n and_o the_o word_n as_o a_o divine_a light_n shine_v into_o it_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o as_o the_o word_n be_v call_v light_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n renew_v by_o it_o you_o be_v darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o not_o only_o enlighten_v but_o light_n in_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o natural_a mind_n be_v often_o comprise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o darkness_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o conversion_n likewise_o signify_v by_o light_n and_o truth_n he_o beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n so_o 2_o cor._n 4_o 6._o allude_v to_o the_o first_o fiat_fw-la lux_fw-la or_o let_v there_o â—e_a light_n in_o the_o creation_n the_o word_n bring_v within_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n let_v it_o see_v its_o own_o necessity_n and_o christ_n sufficiency_n convince_v it_o thorough_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o cast_v over_o itself_o upon_o he_o for_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a beget_n of_o it_o again_o to_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o this_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n to_o prove_v successful_a seed_n do_v not_o hang_v upon_o the_o different_a ability_n of_o preacher_n their_o more_a or_o less_o rhetoric_n or_o learning_n it_o be_v true_a eloquence_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o civil_a and_o moral_a thing_n to_o persuade_v and_o and_o to_o draw_v the_o hearer_n by_o the_o ear_n almost_o which_o way_n it_o will_v but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a work_n to_o revive_v a_o soul_n to_o beget_v it_o anew_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o main_a there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o common_a and_o plain_a be_v warrant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o save_a truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v revive_v the_o soul_n by_o it_o and_o all_o the_o skilful_a and_o most_o autoritative_a way_n yea_o be_v withal_o very_o spiritual_a yet_o may_v effect_v nothing_o because_o leave_v alone_o to_o itself_o one_o word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o truth_n conform_v to_o it_o may_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n to_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v multitude_n of_o excellent_a sermon_n and_o have_v often_o read_v the_o whole_a bible_n and_o still_o unchanged_a if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n preach_v that_o one_o or_o any_o such_o word_n to_o the_o soul_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v be_v cast_v down_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o perish_v and_o drive_v out_o of_o itself_o by_o that_o and_o raise_v up_o and_o draw_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o it_o may_v have_v life_n and_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o give_v itself_o to_o he_o that_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o purchase_v we_o that_o everlasting_a life_n thus_o may_v that_o word_n prove_v this_o immortal_a seed_n which_o though_o very_o often_o read_v and_o hear_v before_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n a_o drop_n of_o those_o liquor_n that_o be_v call_v spirit_n operate_v more_o than_o large_a draught_n of_o other_o water_n one_o word_n speak_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o heart_n be_v all_o spirit_n and_o do_v that_o which_o whole_a stream_n of_o man_n eloquence_n can_v never_o effect_v in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n man_n look_v usual_o too_o much_o upon_o man_n and_o forget_v from_o what_o spring_n the_o word_n have_v its_o power_n they_o observe_v too_o narrow_o the_o different_a hand_n of_o the_o sower_n and_o too_o little_o depend_v on_o his_o hand_n that_o be_v great_a lord_n both_o of_o seedtime_n and_o harvest_n be_v it_o sow_v by_o a_o weak_a hand_n or_o a_o strong_a the_o immortal_a seed_n be_v still_o the_o same_o yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a hand_n that_o sow_n it_o that_o the_o preacher_n himself_o be_v not_o so_o sanctify_v and_o of_o so_o edify_v a_o life_n as_o you_o will_v wish_v yet_o the_o seed_n itself_o be_v good_a contract_n no_o defilement_n and_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o regeneration_n in_o some_o and_o strengthen_v of_o other_o although_o he_o that_o be_v not_o renew_v by_o it_o himself_o can_v have_v much_o hope_n of_o such_o success_n nor_o reap_v much_o comfort_n by_o it_o and_o usual_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o regard_v it_o much_o but_o all_o instrument_n be_v alike_o in_o a_o almighty_a hand_n hence_o learn_v 1._o that_o true_a conversion_n be_v not_o so_o slight_a a_o work_n as_o we_o common_o account_v it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a change_n of_o some_o bad_a custom_n which_o gain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o reform_a man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a dialect_n it_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o be_v and_o elsewhere_o call_v a_o new_a creation_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o change_n in_o quality_n as_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o the_o quality_n so_o far_o distant_a that_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o substantial_a production_n from_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o which_o be_v link_v with_o it_o heir_n of_o wrath_n to_o be_v son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n they_o have_v a_o new_a spirit_n give_v a_o free_a princely_a noble_a spirit_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 51._o and_o this_o spirit_n act_n in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n 2._o consider_v this_o dignity_n and_o be_v kindle_v with_o the_o ambition_n of_o it_o how_o do_v a_o christian_a pity_n that_o poor_a vanity_n that_o man_n make_v so_o much_o noise_n about_o of_o of_o their_o kindred_n and_o extraction_n this_o be_v worth_a glory_v in_o indeed_o to_o be_v of_o the_o high_a blood_n royal_a and_o in_o the_o near_a relation_n son_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n by_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o add_v matchless_a honour_n to_o that_o birth_n which_o be_v honourable_a but_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n will_v we_o not_o study_v to_o cozen_v ourselves_o the_o discovery_n will_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o know_v whither_o we_o be_v or_o not_o in_o many_o their_o false_a confidence_n be_v too_o evident_a no_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o a_o foot-step_n like_o his_o lead_n and_o that_o character_n rom._n 8.14_o not_o a_o lineament_n of_o god_n visage_n as_o their_o father_n if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a say_v st._n john_n 2.29_o you_o know_v then_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o lover_n and_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n be_v they_o that_o swinish_o love_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o unholiness_n be_v swear_v and_o curse_v the_o accent_n of_o the_o regenerate_v the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n do_v child_n delight_v to_o indignify_v and_o dishonour_v their_o father_n name_n no_o earthly_a mindedness_n be_v a_o countersign_n shall_v the_o king_n child_n they_o that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o scarlet_a as_o jeremy_n lament_v embrace_v the_o dunghill_n
equal_o from_o every_o minister_n alike_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v something_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o call_v it_o more_o acceptable_a reception_n of_o those_o who_o at_o first_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o god_n than_o other_o like_o the_o opinion_n some_o have_v of_o physician_n who_o they_o love_v the_o apostle_n comfort_v these_o stranger_n of_o this_o dispersion_n by_o the_o spiritual_a union_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o effectual_a call_n and_o so_o call_v off_o their_o eye_n from_o their_o outward_a disperse_a and_o despise_a condition_n to_o look_v above_o that_o as_o high_a as_o the_o spring_n of_o their_o happiness_n the_o free_a love_n and_o election_n of_o god_n scatter_v in_o the_o country_n and_o yet_o gather_v in_o god_n election_n choose_v or_o pick_v out_o strangers_z to_z man_n among_o who_o they_o dwell_v but_o know_v and_o foreknow_v to_o god_n remove_v from_o their_o own_o country_n to_o which_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o unalterable_a affection_n but_o make_v heir_n of_o a_o better_a as_o follow_v verse_n 3.4_o and_o have_v within_o they_o the_o evidence_n both_o of_o eternal_a election_n and_o that_o expect_a salvation_n the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n verse_n 2._o at_o the_o best_a a_o christian_n be_v bâ—t_v a_o stranger_n here_o set_v he_o where_o you_o will_v as_o our_o apostle_n teach_v after_o and_o it_o be_v his_o privilege_n that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o when_o he_o think_v not_o so_o he_o forget_v and_o disparage_v himself_o and_o descend_v far_o below_o his_o quality_n when_o he_o be_v much_o take_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n of_o his_o exile_n but_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o can_v solace_v himself_o against_o the_o meaness_n and_o any_o kind_n of_o discomfort_n of_o his_o outward_a condition_n with_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v call_v he_o to_o holiness_n give_v he_o some_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o a_o endeavour_n after_o more_o and_o by_o this_o may_v he_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o unto_o salvation_n if_o either_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n where_o he_o live_v or_o as_o a_o stranger_n desert_v of_o his_o friend_n and_o very_o near_o strip_v of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n yet_o may_v he_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o the_o eternal_a unchangeable_a love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a be_v seal_v to_o his_o soul_n o_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o sit_v unmolested_a in_o his_o own_o home_n and_o possession_n and_o to_o have_v they_o very_o great_a and_o pleasant_a well_o money_v and_o land_v and_o befriend_v and_o yet_o estrange_v and_o sever_v from_o god_n not_o have_v any_o token_n of_o his_o special_a love_n to_o the_o elect_n the_o apostle_n here_o denominate_v all_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v by_o the_o condition_n of_o true_a believer_n call_v they_o elect_a and_o sanctify_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o stile_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n not_o that_o all_o in_o these_o church_n be_v such_o indeed_o but_o because_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o and_o by_o that_o their_o profession_n and_o call_v as_o christian_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v such_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n true_a to_o that_o their_o call_v and_o profession_n be_v real_o such_o beside_o it_o will_v seem_v not_o unworthy_a of_o consideration_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n there_o will_v be_v few_o false_a christian_n and_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n usual_o great_a in_o the_o church_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n then_o now_o in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n because_o there_o can_v not_o then_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o be_v from_o their_o infancy_n breed_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o for_o the_o great_a part_n be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n convert_v from_o paganism_n and_o juduisme_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n first_o and_o make_v a_o deliberate_a choice_n of_o it_o to_o which_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o great_a outward_a encouragement_n and_o therefore_o the_o less_o danger_n of_o multitude_n of_o hypocrite_n which_o as_o vermin_n in_o summer_n breed_v most_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n prosperity_n though_o no_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n have_v then_o universal_o receive_v the_o faith_n but_o rather_o hate_v and_o persecute_v it_o yet_o be_v there_o even_o then_o among_o they_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v false_a brethren_n and_o inordinate_a walker_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n earthly_a mind_v and_o lead_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n and_o contention_n and_o vainglory_n howsoever_o the_o question_n that_o be_v move_v concern_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n can_v no_o way_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v decide_v from_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n but_o eertain_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o teach_v christian_n and_o christian_a church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o their_o holy_a profession_n require_v of_o they_o and_o sharp_o to_o reprove_v the_o gross_a unlikeness_n and_o inconformity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n to_o the_o description_n of_o christian_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v too_o straight_o in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o certain_o the_o great_a part_n of_o church_n be_v too_o loose_a in_o their_o practice_n from_o the_o dissimilitude_n betwixt_o our_o church_n and_o those_o we_o may_v make_v this_o use_n of_o reproof_n that_o if_o aâ—_n apostolical_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o we_o it_o behove_v to_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o ignorant_a profane_a malicious_a etc._n etc._n as_o he_o who_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n read_v say_v either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n or_o we_o be_v not_o christian_n so_o either_o these_o character_n give_v in_o the_o inscription_n of_o these_o epistle_n be_v not_o true_a character_n or_o we_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n verse_n 2._o elect_a according_o to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v their_o condition_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o condition_n sanctify_a and_o justify_v the_o former_a express_v by_o obedience_n the_o latter_a by_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n the_o cause_n 1_o eternal_a election_n 2._o the_o execution_n of_o that_o decree_n their_o effectual_a call_v which_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v by_o election_n here_o the_o select_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o join_v they_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n so_o joh._n 15.19_o the_o former_a election_n particular_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o father_n the_o latter_a to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a trinity_n concur_v dignify_v they_o with_o this_o their_o spiritual_a and_o happy_a estate_n first_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o these_o separate_o and_o then_o of_o their_o connection_n 1._o of_o the_o state_n itself_o and_o first_o of_o justification_n though_o name_v last_o this_o sprinkle_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o legal_a purification_n by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n and_o that_o apposite_o for_o these_o rite_n of_o sprinkle_v and_o blood_n do_v all_o point_n out_o this_o blood_n and_o this_o sprinkle_v and_o exhibit_v this_o true_a ransom_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v only_o shadow_v by_o they_o as_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o sprinkle_v be_v purification_n and_o expiation_n because_o sin_v merit_v death_n and_o that_o the_o pollution_n and_o stain_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v by_o sin_n such_o be_v the_o pollution_n that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o way_n wash_v off_o but_o by_o blood_n heb._n 9_o â—2_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o blood_n able_a to_o purge_v from_o sin_n except_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n act._n 20.28_o that_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n can_v only_o be_v wash_v off_o by_o blood_n inâ—imates_n that_o it_o merit_v death_n and_o that_o no_o blood_n but_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v do_v it_o intimate_v that_o this_o stain_n merit_v eternal_a death_n and_o it_o have_v be_v our_o portion_n except_o the_o death_n of_o the_o eternal_a lord_n of_o life_n have_v free_v
that_o all_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o revile_n of_o the_o multitude_n that_o as_o it_o be_v rack_v he_o for_o some_o answer_n yet_o can_v draw_v no_o other_o from_o he_o but_o this_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v but_o for_o those_o to_o who_o this_o mercy_n belong_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o stead_n of_o revile_n and_o threaten_n he_o commit_v all_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o christian_a patience_n that_o which_o quiet_v the_o mind_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o boil_a tumultuous_a thought_n of_o revenge_n to_o turn_v the_o whole_a matter_n into_o god_n hand_n to_o resign_v it_o over_o to_o he_o to_o prosecute_v when_o and_o as_o he_o think_v good_a not_o as_o the_o most_o that_o have_v rather_o if_o they_o have_v power_n do_v for_o themselves_o and_o be_v their_o own_o avenger_n and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o power_n do_v offer_v up_o such_o bitter_a curse_n and_o prayer_n for_o revenge_n unto_o god_n as_o be_v most_o hateful_a to_o he_o and_o be_v far_o from_o this_o calm_a and_o holy_a way_n of_o commit_v matter_n to_o his_o judgement_n the_o common_a way_n of_o refer_v thing_n to_o god_n be_v indeed_o impious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o be_v real_o no_o other_o but_o a_o call_n of_o he_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n and_o executioner_n to_o our_o passion_n we_o ordinary_o mistake_v his_o justice_n and_o judge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o our_o own_o precipitant_a distemper_a mind_n if_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o cross_v in_o their_o design_n and_o their_o wickedness_n evident_o crush_v just_a when_o we_o will_v have_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v up_o the_o matter_n as_o desperate_a or_o at_o least_o abate_v of_o those_o confident_a and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o divine_a justice_n that_o we_o owe_v he_o howsoever_o thing_n go_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v fix_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o heaven_n judge_v righteous_o and_o execute_v that_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o the_o fit_a season_n we_o poor_a worm_n who_o whole_a life_n be_v but_o a_o hand-breadth_n in_o itself_o and_o be_v as_o nothing_o unto_o god_n we_o think_v a_o few_o month_n or_o year_n a_o great_a matter_n but_o to_o he_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n as_o our_o apostle_n teach_v we_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o time_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffer_v commit_v himself_o and_o his_o cause_n for_o that_o be_v best_a express_v in_o that_o nothing_o be_v express_v but_o he_o commit_v and_o the_o issue_n shall_v be_v that_o all_o his_o enemy_n shall_v become_v his_o footstool_n and_o he_o himself_o shall_v judge_v they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v we_o here_o to_o learn_v from_o his_o carriage_n towards_o they_o in_o his_o suffer_v be_v that_o quietness_n and_o moderation_n of_o mind_n even_o under_o unjust_a suffering_n make_v we_o like_o he_o not_o to_o reply_v reproach_n with_o reproach_n as_o our_o custom_n be_v to_o give_v a_o ill_a word_n for_o another_o or_o two_o for_o one_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v behind_o man_n take_v a_o pride_n in_o this_o and_o think_v it_o ridiculous_a simplicity_n to_o suffer_v and_o this_o make_v strife_n and_o contention_n so_o abound_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n you_o think_v it_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o bear_v nothing_o to_o put_v up_o no_o wrong_a whereas_o it_o be_v indeed_o great_a weakness_n and_o baseness_n it_o be_v true_a greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o despise_v the_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o set_v you_o usual_o on_o fire_n one_o against_o another_o especial_o be_v do_v after_o a_o christian_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o and_o be_v there_o any_o spirit_n great_a than_o that_o think_v you_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v less_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o more_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o the_o dove_n among_o we_o our_o obligement_n to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n beside_o its_o own_o excellency_n be_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o intendment_n of_o his_o behaviour_n for_o this_o use_n to_o be_v as_o a_o example_n to_o we_o 2._o our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o those_o his_o suffering_n wherein_o he_o so_o carry_v himself_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n etc._n etc._n he_o leave_v his_o footstep_n as_o a_o copy_n as_o the_o word_n be_v to_o follow_v every_o step_n of_o he_o a_o letter_n of_o this_o copy_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o write_v we_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a copy_n of_o obedience_n in_o clear_a and_o great_a letter_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n his_o whole_a life_n be_v our_o rule_n not_o his_o miraculous_a work_n his_o footstep_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o for_o our_o follow_v but_o his_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n and_o meekenss_n and_o humility_n be_v our_o copy_n which_o we_o shall_v continua_o study_v the_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n they_o say_v of_o teach_v be_v by_o example_n but_o above_o all_o this_o matchless_a example_n be_v the_o happy_a way_n of_o teach_v he_o that_o follow_v i_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n he_o that_o aim_v high_a shoot_v the_o high_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shoot_v not_o so_o high_a as_o he_o aim_v this_o be_v that_o which_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a the_o propound_v of_o this_o our_o high_a pattern_n the_o example_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o imitation_n of_o man_n in_o worthless_a thing_n be_v low_a and_o servile_a the_o imitation_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v commendable_a but_o if_o we_o seek_v no_o high_o it_o be_v both_o imperfect_a and_o unsafe_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n will_v have_v no_o imitation_n but_o with_o regard_n to_o this_o supreme_a pattern_n be_v you_o follewer_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n one_o christian_a may_v take_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o many_o thing_n in_o another_o but_o still_o examine_v all_o by_o the_o original_a primitive_a copy_n the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n himself_o follow_v nothing_o but_o as_o it_o conform_v with_o that_o and_o look_v most_o on_o he_o as_o both_o the_o perfect_a and_o most_o effectual_a example_n heb._n 12.2_o there_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o example_n but_o look_v above_o they_o all_o to_o he_o that_o be_v as_o high_a above_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v above_o the_o cloud_n as_o the_o way_n be_v better_a a_o lively_a one_o indeed_o so_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o skill_n for_o follow_v of_o it_o but_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n show_v his_o glory_n and_o greatness_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o the_o law_n be_v write_v only_o in_o dead_a table_n but_o christ_n the_o live_a law_n teach_v by_o obey_v it_o how_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o law_n be_v twice_o write_v over_o unto_o believer_n first_o in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o inward_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v together_o with_o that_o copy_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o he_o a_o spirit_n derive_v from_o he_o enable_v believer_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o their_o measure_n they_o may_v not_o only_o see_v he_o as_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v io._n 6._o but_o as_o there_o it_o follow_v they_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o soul_n delight_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o converse_v and_o love_n together_o make_v it_o learn_v his_o behaviour_n as_o man_n that_o live_v much_o together_o especial_o if_o they_o do_v much_o affect_v one_o another_o will_v insensible_o contract_v another_o habitude_n and_o custom_n the_o other_o thing_n oblige_v we_o be_v our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o his_o suffering_n he_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n return_v to_o ver._n 24._o observe_v only_o from_o the_o tie_n of_o these_o two_o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v his_o example_n set_v before_o we_o we_o can_v enjoy_v any_o right_a assurance_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o but_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v he_o than_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o life_n through_o his_o death_n and_o those_o step_n of_o he_o wherein_o we_o walk_v will_v bring_v we_o ere_o long_o to_o be_v where_o he_o be_v verse_n 24._o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n