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spirit_n father_n jesus_n lord_n 17,123 5 3.7490 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47642 A practical commentary, upon the two first chapters of the first epistle general of St. Peter. By the most reverend Dr. Robert Leighton, some-time arch-bishop of Glasgow. Published after his death, at the request of his friends Leighton, Robert, 1611-1684. 1693 (1693) Wing L1028A; ESTC R216658 288,504 508

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apparent_a of_o eternal_a flame_n it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n too_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fearful_a be_v of_o everlasting_a misery_n or_o so_o to_o speak_v of_o immortal_a death_n and_o we_o be_v make_v sure_a to_o it_o they_o who_o remain_v in_o that_o condition_n can_v lose_v their_o right_n although_o they_o glad_o will_v escape_v it_o they_o shall_v be_v for●ed_v to_o enter_v possession_n but_o it_o be_v by_o a_o new_a and_o supernatural_a birth_n that_o man_n be_v both_o free_v from_o their_o engagement_n to_o that_o woeful_a inheritance_n and_o invest_v into_o the_o right_n of_o this_o other_o here_o mention_v as_o full_a of_o happiness_n as_o the_o former_a be_v miserable_a therefore_o be_v they_o say_v here_o to_o be_v beget_v again_o to_o that_o lively_a hope_n god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o regenerate_v the_o child_n of_o a_o immortal_a father_n and_o so_o entitle_v to_o a_o 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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 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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 a●_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 ●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 in●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
be_v first_o impress_v on_o the_o mind_n hence_o flow_v out_o pleasant_a obedience_n and_o full_a of_o love_n hence_o all_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n with_o its_o member_n learn_v to_o give_v a_o willing_a obedience_n and_o submit_v unto_o god_n whereas_o before_o they_o resist_v he_o be_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o satan_n this_o obedience_n though_o imperfect_a yet_o have_v a_o certain_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v imperfect_a perfection_n it_o be_v universal_a three_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o subject_n 2._o in_o the_o object_n 3._o in_o the_o duration_n the_o whole_a man_n subject_v to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o constant_o and_o persevere_o the_o first_o universality_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o tongue_n alone_o or_o in_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o have_v its_o root_n in_o the_o heart_n therefore_o do_v not_o wither_v as_o the_o grass_n or_o flower_n lie_v on_o the_o superfice_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o it_o flourish_v because_o root_v and_o therefore_o it_o embrace_v the_o whole_a law_n because_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o reverence_n it_o have_v for_o the_o lawgiver_n himself_o reverence_n i_o say_v but_o temper_v with_o love_n hence_o it_o account_v no_o law_n nor_o command_n little_a or_o of_o small_a value_n which_o be_v from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v great_a and_o high_o esteem_v by_o the_o pious_a heart_n no_o command_n hard_a though_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o love_n there_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o all_o as_o st._n james_n divine_o argue_v and_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o golden_a chain_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n which_o if_o break_v in_o any_o link_n all_o fall_v a_o piece_n that_o this_o three_o fold_n perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o a_o picture_n draw_v by_o fancy_n be_v evident_a in_o david_n psal._n 119._o where_o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n his_o foot_n v_o 105._o his_o mouth_n v_o 13._o his_o heart_n v._n 11._o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o life_n v_o 24._o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n v_o 6._o and_o he_o profess_v his_o constancy_n therein_o in_o v_o 16._o and_o 33._o teach_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v then_o a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o their_o high_a cause_n and_o the_o happy_a way_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o possess_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o know_v they_o in_o experience_n to_o such_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o estate_n be_v that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o justify_v the_o near_a cause_n of_o both_o these_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o his_o blood_n purify_v they_o from_o guiltiness_n and_o quicken_v they_o to_o obedience_n now_o follow_v to_o consider_v the_o appropriate_v or_o apply_v cause_o the_o holy_a and_o holy_a make_n or_o sanctify_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o their_o select_v from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_a call_n unto_o grace_n the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o appoint_v or_o decree_a cause_n be_v god_n the_o father_n for_o though_o they_o all_o work_n equal_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o work_v we_o be_v teach_v thus_o to_o distinguish_v and_o particular_o to_o ascribe_v the_o first_o work_n of_o eternal_a election_n to_o the_o first_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o or_o through_o sanctification_n for_o to_o render_v it_o elect_v to_o the_o sanctification_n be_v strain_v so_o than_o i_o conceive_v this_o election_n be_v their_o effectual_a call_v which_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 26.27.28_o where_o vocation_n and_o election_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a after_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n the_o beginning_n of_o its_o performance_n in_o these_o that_o be_v elect_v and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o real_a separate_n of_o man_n from_o the_o profane_a and_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o appropriate_a and_o consecrate_v of_o a_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o relation_n to_o election_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o well_o bear_v that_o name_n rom._n 8.28.30_o act._n 2.47_o &_o 13.48_o joh._n 15.19_o sanctification_n in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n as_o distinguish_v f●om_n justification_n signify_v the_o inherent_a holiness_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o his_o inclinement_n and_o innablement_n to_o obedience_n mention_v in_o this_o verse_n but_o it_o be_v here_o more_o large_a and_o so_o extend_v with_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o renovation_n and_o be_v the_o sever_n and_o separate_n of_o man_n to_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n draw_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v justification_n as_o here_o and_o the_o first_o work_v of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v justify_v through_o its_o apprehend_n and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ._n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n call_v man_n external_o and_o by_o that_o eternal_a call_n prevail_v with_o many_o to_o a_o external_n receive_v and_o profess_v of_o religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v alone_o it_o go_v no_o further_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n and_o effectual_a call_n joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v do_v when_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o subject_n of_o this_o work_n and_o it_o be_v but_o slight_a false_a work_n that_o begin_v not_o there_o but_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o efficient_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o subject_a of_o this_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o place_n pray_v to_o the_o father_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v his_o own_o by_o that_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a mean_n in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v then_o a_o prevail_a mean_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o sword_n and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n fit_a to_o divide_v yea_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o without_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n hand_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o this_o cut_n and_o divide_v the_o word_n call_v but_o the_o spirit_n draw_v not_o sever_v from_o that_o word_n but_o work_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n to_o draw_v a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o strong_a chain_n of_o satan_n and_o out_o of_o the_o please_a entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o its_o own_o natural_a perverseness_n to_o yield_v up_o itself_o unto_o god_n to_o deny_v itself_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o in_o so_o do_v to_o run_v against_o the_o main_a stream_n and_o the_o current_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n without_o and_o corruption_n within_o the_o strong_a rhetoric_n the_o most_o move_a and_o persuasive_a way_n of_o discourse_n be_v all_o too_o weak_a the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o soul_n to_o free_v itself_o and_o shake_v off_o all_o that_o detein_v it_o although_o it_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o yet_o still_o it_o can_v and_o will_v hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o say_v non_fw-la persuadebis_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la persuaseris_fw-la the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o pluck_v any_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o world_n and_o set_v it_o in_o among_o the_o select_a number_n of_o believer_n only_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n have_v absolute_a command_n of_o spirit_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n
to_o work_v on_o they_o as_o he_o please_v and_o where_o he_o will_n this_o powerful_a this_o sanctify_a spirit_n know_v no_o resistance_n work_v sweet_o and_o yet_o strong_o it_o can_v come_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n whereas_o all_o other_o speaker_n be_v force_v to_o stand_v without_o that_o still_o voice_n within_o persuade_v more_o than_o all_o the_o loud_a cry_v without_o as_o he_o that_o be_v within_o the_o house_n though_o he_o speak_v low_a be_v better_a hear_v and_o understand_v than_o he_o that_o shout_n without_o door_n when_o the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v by_o this_o his_o spirit_n to_o a_o man_n select_v and_o call_v he_o out_o of_o the_o lose_a world_n he_o can_v no_o more_o disobey_v then_o abraham_n do_v when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o he_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o country_n and_o kindred_n gen._n 12.4_o abraham_n depart_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a but_o very_o powerful_a virtue_n in_o a_o word_n or_o look_v or_o touch_v of_o this_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o be_v force_v not_o with_o a_o harsh_a but_o a_o please_a violence_n and_o can_v choose_v but_o follow_v it_o not_o unlike_a that_o of_o elija_n mantle_n upon_o elisha_n 1_o kin._n 19.19_o how_o easy_o do_v the_o disciple_n forsake_v their_o calling_n and_o dwelling_n to_o follow_v christ._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n draw_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o sanctfied_a light_n send_v into_o his_o mind_n discover_v to_o he_o 1._o how_o base_a and_o false_a the_o sweetness_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o withhold_v man_n and_o amuse_n they_o that_o they_o return_v not_o and_o how_o true_a and_o sad_a the_o bitterness_n be_v that_o will_v follow_v upon_o it_o 2._o set_v before_o his_o eye_n the_o free_a and_o happy_a condition_n the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o riches_n of_o their_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o their_o far_a large_a and_o assure_v hope_n for_o afterward_o 3._o make_v the_o beauty_n of_o jesus_n christ_n visible_a to_o the_o soul_n which_o straight_o way_n take_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v stay_v from_o come_v to_o he_o though_o its_o most_o belove_a friend_n most_o belove_a sin_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n and_o hang_v about_o it_o and_o cry_n will_v you_o leave_v we_o so_o it_o will_v tread_v upon_o all_o to_o come_v within_o the_o embracement_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o be_v not_o disobedient_a to_o or_o unperswade_v by_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o godly_a be_v by_o some_o call_v singular_a and_o precise_a they_o be_v so_o singular_a a_o few_o select_a one_o pick_v out_o by_o god_n own_o hand_n for_o himself_o psal._n 4.3_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n the_o world_n hate_v you_o because_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n be_v bury_v in_o it_o and_o as_o live_a man_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n among_o the_o dead_a neither_o can_v these_o elect_v one_o among_o the_o ungodly_a they_o walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o wary_o as_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n neat_o apparel_v will_v do_v among_o a_o multitude_n that_o be_v all_o sullied_a and_o bemire_v endeavour_v to_o have_v this_o sanctify_a spirit_n in_o yourselves_o pray_v much_o for_o it_o for_o his_o promise_n be_v pass_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v give_v this_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o want_v it_o for_o want_v of_o ask_v when_o we_o find_v heavy_a setter_n on_o our_o soul_n and_o much_o weakness_n yea_o averseness_n to_o follow_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n call_v we_o to_o his_o obedience_n then_o pray_v with_o the_o spouse_n draw_v i_o she_o can_v go_v nor_o stir_v without_o that_o draw_n and_o yet_o with_o it_o not_o only_o go_v but_o run_v we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o you_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o use_v the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o profess_v his_o name_n for_o many_o be_v thus_o call_v and_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n outward_o call_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o yet_o the_o number_n of_o true_a elect_n be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o gain_v the_o number_n of_o these_o that_o be_v call_v the_o name_n of_o many_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o partake_v of_o external_a vocation_n be_v but_o like_o a_o large_a list_n of_o name_n as_o in_o civil_a election_n be_v usual_a out_o of_o which_o a_o small_a number_n be_v choose_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o invest_v into_o their_o privilege_n some_o man_n in_o nomination_n to_o office_n or_o employment_n think_v it_o a_o worse_a disapointment_n and_o disgrace_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o list_n and_o yet_o not_o choose_v they_o if_o their_o name_n have_v not_o be_v mention_v at_o all_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n to_o have_v be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o miss_v of_o it_o than_o still_o to_o have_v remain_v in_o the_o further_a distance_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o haven_n the_o fair_a havens_n indeed_o and_o yet_o drive_v back_o and_o shipwrack_v your_o labour_n be_v most_o preposterous_a you_o seek_v to_o ascertain_v and_o make_v sure_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v make_v sure_a and_o that_o which_o be_v both_o more_o worth_a and_o may_v be_v make_v sure_a than_o they_o all_o you_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o make_v sure_a harken_v to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o at_o length_n set_v to_o this_o in_o earnest_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a make_v sure_o this_o election_n as_o it_o be_v here_o for_o that_o be_v the_o order_n your_o effectual_a call_n sure_a and_o that_o will_v bring_v with_o it_o assurance_n of_o the_o other_o the_o eternal_a election_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o you_o which_o follow_v to_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n know_a unto_o god_n be_v all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o beginning_n say_v the_o apostle_n james_n act_n 15.18_o he_o see_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o beyond_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o do_v foresee_v they_o but_o this_o foreknowledge_n here_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o elect_n ver●a_fw-la sansus_fw-la in_o sacra_fw-la scriptura_fw-la connotant_n affectus_fw-la as_o the_o rabbin_n remark_n so_o in_o man_n psal._n 66._o if_o i_o see_v iniquity_n and_o in_o god_n psal._n 1._o ult_n amos_n 3.2_o and_o in_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n relate_v it_o as_o the_o terrible_a doom_n of_o reprobate_n at_o the_o last_o day_n depart_v etc._n etc._n i_o know_v you_o not_o i_o never_o know_v you_o so_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7.15_o and_o bez●_n observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o the_o greek_n sometime_o take_v for_o dece●●ere_o judicare_fw-la thus_o some_o speak_v to_o cog●osce_fw-la upon_o a_o business_n so_o then_o this_o foreknowledge_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n or_o decree_n of_o election_n by_o which_o some_o be_v appoint_v unto_o life_n and_o be_v foreknow_v or_o elect_v to_o that_o end_n they_o be_v predestinate_a to_o the_o way_n to_o it_o rom._n 8.29_o it_o be_v most_o vain_a to_o imagine_v a_o foresight_n of_o faith_n in_o man_n and_o in_o the_o vieu_n of_o that_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o election_n itself_o to_o have_v choose_v they_o for_o 1._o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v futurum_fw-la or_o can_v have_v that_o imagine_a futurition_n so_o to_o speak_v but_o as_o it_o be_v and_o because_o it_o be_v decree_v by_o god_n to_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o before_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n say_v know_v to_o god_n be_v all_o his_o own_o work_n therefore_o because_o his_o work_n in_o time_n and_o his_o purpose_n from_o eternity_n 2._o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n of_o divine_a will_n without_o himself_o 3._o this_o easy_o solve_v all_o that_o difficulty_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o yet_o he_o never_o think_v of_o such_o a_o solution_n but_o run_v high_a for_o a_o answer_n not_o to_o satisfy_v cavil_v reason_n but_o to_o silence_v it_o and_o stop_v its_o mouth_n for_o thus_o the_o apostle_n argue_v rom._n 9.19_o 20._o thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n
nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v whence_o this_o shall_v be_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v believe_v unless_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n and_o if_o give_v he_o than_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o give_v it_o he_o and_o if_o so_o then_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o save_v he_o and_o for_o that_o end_n he_o give_v faith_n not_o therefore_o purpose_v to_o save_o because_o man_n shall_v believe_v 4._o this_o seem_v cross_a to_o these_o scripture_n where_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o subordination_n or_o rather_o coordination_n of_o those_o two_o as_o here_o foreknown_a and_o elect_v not_o because_o of_o obedience_n or_o sprinkle_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o to_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n so_o he_o predestinate_v not_o because_o he_o foresee_v man_n will_v be_v conform_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o as_o rom._n 8.29_o for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a and_o the_o same_o order_n act._n 2.47_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o 13.48_o and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v this_o foreknowledge_n then_o be_v his_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n and_o that_o thus_o he_o choose_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o be_v for_o that_o great_a end_n to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n but_o why_o he_o appoint_v this_o man_n for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o other_o make_v peter_n a_o vessel_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o judas_n of_o wrath_n this_o be_v even_o so_o because_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o this_o if_o it_o be_v harsh_a yet_o be_v apostolic_a doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o potter_n say_v st._n paul_n power_n over_o the_o same_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n and_o another_o unto_o dishonour_n this_o deep_a we_o must_v admire_v and_o always_o in_o consider_v it_o close_o with_o this_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n now_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o we_o be_v for_o our_o profit_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o effectual_a call_v be_v inseparable_o tie_v to_o this_o eternal_a foreknowledge_n or_o election_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o salvation_n on_o the_o other_o these_o two_o link_n of_o the_o chain_n be_v up_o in_o heaven_n in_o god_n own_o hand_n but_o this_o middle_a one_o be_v let_v down_o to_o earth_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n and_o they_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o have_v sure_o hold_v on_o the_o other_o two_o for_o no_o power_n can_v sever_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o read_v the_o character_n of_o god_n image_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n those_o be_v the_o counterpain_n of_o the_o golden_a character_n of_o his_o love_n in_o which_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n their_o believe_v write_v their_o name_n under_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o reveal_v book_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n and_o so_o ascertain_v they_o that_o the_o same_o name_n be_v in_o the_o secret_a book_n of_o life_n that_o god_n have_v by_o himself_o from_o eternity_n so_o find_v the_o stream_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o see_v not_o the_o fountain_n whence_o it_o flow_v nor_o the_o ocean_n into_o which_o it_o return_v yet_o they_o know_v that_o it_o have_v its_o source_n and_o shall_v return_v to_o that_o ocean_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o eternal_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o shall_v empty_v itself_o into_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n hence_o much_o joy_n arise_v to_o the_o believer_n this_o tie_n indissolvable_a as_o the_o agent_n be_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n so_o election_n and_o vocation_n and_o sanctification_n and_o justification_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o condition_n they_o may_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o look_v back_o to_o that_o election_n and_o forward_o to_o that_o salvation_n but_o they_o that_o remain_v unholy_a and_o dissobedient_a have_v as_o yet_o no_o evidence_n of_o this_o love_n and_o therefore_o can_v without_o vain_a presumption_n and_o self_n delusion_n judge_v thus_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o peculiar_a love_n of_o god_n but_o in_o this_o let_v the_o righteous_a be_v glad_a and_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_v all_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n it_o be_v one_o main_a point_n of_o happiness_n that_o he_o that_o be_v happy_a do_v know_v and_o judge_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a good_a of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o reasonable_a way_n it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o dull_a rest_v of_o a_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a body_n in_o its_o natural_a place_n but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o be_v the_o fruition_n of_o it_o the_o very_a relish_v and_o taste_v its_o sweetness_n the_o perfect_a blessedness_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v abide_v they_o above_o but_o even_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v true_o happy_a though_o incompleat_o and_o but_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v and_o this_o their_o present_a happiness_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o more_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o it_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pleasant_a fruit_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o comfort_v his_o disperse_a brethren_n set_v before_o they_o a_o description_n of_o that_o excellent_a spiritual_a condition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v if_o they_o be_v inseparable_o link_v together_o then_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o may_v know_v that_o his_o hold_n be_v sure_a and_o this_o be_v that_o way_n wherein_o 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confident_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o shall_v enjoy_v he_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o he_o for_o ever_o for_o that_o our_o love_n and_o elect_v of_o he_o be_v but_o the_o return_n and_o repercussion_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o love_n shine_v upon_o we_o find_v thou_o but_o within_o thou_o sanctification_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o argue_v necessary_o both_o justification_n by_o the_o son_n and_o the_o election_n of_o god_n the_o father_n 1_o joh._n 4.13_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a demonstration_n ab_fw-la effectu_fw-la reciproco_fw-la he_o call_v those_o he_o have_v elect_v he_o elect_v those_o he_o call_v where_o this_o sanctify_a spirit_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v no_o persuasion_n of_o this_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n they_o that_o be_v child_n of_o disobedience_n can_v conclude_v no_o otherwise_o of_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n although_o from_o present_a unsanctification_n a_o man_n can_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o elect_v for_o the_o decree_n may_v for_o part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n run_v as_o it_o be_v underground_o yet_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o that_o estate_n lead_v to_o death_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v break_v will_v prove_v the_o black_a line_n of_o reprobation_n a_o man_n have_v no_o portion_n among_o the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v read_v one_o word_n of_o comfort_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o while_o he_o remain_v unholy_a man_n may_v please_v themselves_o in_o profane_a scoff_v at_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n but_o let_v they_o withal_o know_v this_o that_o that_o holy_a spirit_n
for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n thus_o gen._n 22.12_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o with_o hold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o god_n delight_v to_o call_v forth_o his_o champion_n to_o meet_v with_o great_a temptation_n to_o make_v they_o bear_v cross_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n as_o commander_n in_o war_n put_v man_n of_o most_o valour_n and_o skill_n upon_o the_o hard_a service_n god_n set_v some_o strong_a furious_a trial_n upon_o a_o strong_a christian_a make_v strong_a by_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o by_o his_o victory_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o counterfeit_a coin_n of_o profession_n in_o religion_n yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o have_v the_o power_n the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o invention_n but_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o it_o that_o the_o invincible_a grace_n the_o very_a spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o have_v a_o number_n that_o do_v not_o only_o speak_v big_a but_o do_v indeed_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n despise_v the_o world_n and_o overcome_v it_o by_o his_o strength_n some_o man_n take_v delight_n to_o see_v some_o kind_n of_o beast_n fight_v together_o but_o to_o see_v a_o christian_a mind_n encounter_v some_o great_a affliction_n and_o conquer_a it_o to_o see_v his_o valour_n in_o not_o sink_v at_o the_o hard_a distress_n of_o this_o life_n nor_o the_o affrightfull_a end_n of_o it_o the_o cruel_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n this_o be_v as_o he_o say_v dignum_fw-la deo_fw-la spectaculum_fw-la this_o be_v a_o combat_n that_o god_n delight_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a beholder_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n that_o enable_v and_o support_v the_o christian_a in_o all_o those_o conflict_n and_o temptation_n multitude_n of_o temptation_n and_o of_o divers_a kind_n many_o and_o manifold_a it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n to_o have_v a_o trial_n now_o and_o then_o and_o long_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n betwixt_o but_o to_o be_v ply_v with_o one_o affliction_n at_o the_o heel_n of_o another_o to_o have_v they_o come_v throng_v in_o by_o multitude_n and_o of_o different_a kind_n uncouth_a unaccustomed_a evil_n such_o as_o a_o man_n have_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o before_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v often_o the_o portion_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n psa._n 42.7_o deep_o call_v unto_o deep_a at_o the_o noise_n of_o thy_o water_n spout_n all_o thy_o wave_n and_o thy_o billow_n be_v go_v over_o i_o you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n this_o the_o apostle_n blame_v not_o but_o aim_v at_o the_o moderate_n of_o it_o seek_v not_o altogether_o to_o dry_v up_o this_o stream_n but_o to_o bound_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bank_n grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o nature_n but_o add'_v to_o it_o a_o life_n more_o excellent_a yea_o grace_n do_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v some_o feel_n of_o affliction_n there_o be_v a_o affect_a pride_n of_o spirit_n in_o some_o man_n instead_o of_o patience_n suitable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o stoic_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o take_v they_o strive_v not_o to_o feel_v at_o all_o the_o affliction_n that_o be_v on_o they_o but_o this_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o correction_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v alike_o forbid_a as_o faint_v under_o it_o heb._n 12._o we_o shall_v not_o stop_v our_o ear_n but_o mic._n 6.9_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o he_o that_o have_v appoint_v it_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v where_o there_o be_v no_o feel_n at_o all_o there_o can_v be_v no_o patience_n consider_v it_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o thence_o argue_v the_o soul_n into_o submission_n psa._n 39.9_o i_o be_v dumb_a i_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o but_o this_o heaviness_n be_v mitigate_v and_o set_v as_o it_o be_v within_o its_o bank_n betwixt_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o the_o utility_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o brevity_n profitableness_n and_o shortness_n of_o it_o to_o a_o worldly_a man_n great_a gain_n sweeten_v the_o hard_a labour_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a spiritual_a profit_n and_o advantage_n may_v do_v much_o to_o move_v he_o to_o take_v well_o with_o those_o affliction_n that_o be_v otherwise_o very_o unpleasant_a though_o they_o be_v not_o joyous_a for_o the_o present_a heb._n 12.11_o yet_o this_o allay_v the_o sorrow_n of_o they_o the_o fruit_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o that_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n abundle_n of_o folly_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o child_n but_o the_o rod_n of_o correction_n shall_v beat_v it_o out_o say_v solomon_n though_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v true_o as_o our_o saviour_n call_v they_o the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o be_v renew_v only_o in_o part_n they_o be_v not_o altogether_o free_a from_o those_o folly_n that_o call_v for_o this_o rod_n to_o beat_v they_o out_o and_o sometime_o have_v such_o a_o bundle_n of_o folly_n as_o require_v a_o bundle_n of_o rod_n to_o be_v spend_v upon_o it_o many_o and_o manifold_a affliction_n it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o nor_o to_o be_v beat_v from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n main_o require_v of_o his_o child_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o love_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v entertain_v this_o be_v want_v and_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n they_o be_v sometime_o subject_a to_o this_o disease_n how_o will_v it_o grow_v upon_o they_o with_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n when_o they_o be_v beat_v from_o one_o worldly_a folly_n or_o delight_n they_o be_v ready_a through_o nature_n corruption_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o some_o other_o be_v thrust_v out_o from_o it_o at_o one_o door_n to_o enter_v at_o some_o other_o and_o as_o child_n unwilling_a to_o be_v wean_v if_o one_o breast_n be_v imbitter_v they_o seek_v to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o to_o drive_v they_o from_o that_o too_o thus_o it_o be_v clear_a there_o be_v need_n yea_o great_a need_n of_o affliction_n yea_o of_o many_o affliction_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v chastened_a by_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 11.32_o many_o resemblance_n there_o be_v for_o illustration_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o thing_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o of_o art_n some_o common_a and_o other_o choice_a but_o this_o be_v not_o needful_a the_o experience_n of_o christian_n tell_v they_o how_o easy_o they_o grow_v proud_a and_o secure_a and_o carnal_a with_o a_o little_a ease_n and_o with_o outward_a thing_n go_v smooth_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o 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be_v our_o condition_n here_o if_o it_o be_v as_o prosperous_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v or_o imagine_v it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o little_a season_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n talk_v of_o many_o year_n but_o thou_o fool_v this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o be_v the_o long_a period_n the_o many_o year_n quick_o draw_v to_o a_o very_a great_a abatement_n and_o if_o full_a of_o pain_n and_o grief_n those_o do_v help_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o themselves_o and_o hasten_v to_o it_o then_o well_o might_n st._n austin_n say_v hic_fw-la ure_n caede_fw-la modo_fw-la ibi_fw-la parcas_fw-la use_v i_o here_o as_o please_v thou_o so_o as_o that_o hereafter_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o i_o wherein_o this_o
nothing_o but_o holiness_n and_o urge_v it_o most_o press_o upon_o all_o that_o receive_v it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o divine_a faith_n touch_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n firm_o to_o believe_v their_o revelation_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o the_o word_n itself_o testify_v as_o we_o see_v and_o it_o be_v real_o manifest_a in_o it_o it_o carry_v the_o lively_a stamp_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o discern_v it_o he_o that_o be_v blind_a know_v not_o that_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noon_n but_o by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o but_o they_o that_o see_v be_v assure_v they_o see_v it_o and_o assure_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o by_o its_o own_o light_n to_o ask_v one_o that_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o ask_v he_o how_o know_v you_o light_a to_o be_v light_n the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n within_o till_o that_o same_o spirit_n that_o shine_v without_o in_o the_o word_n shine_v likewise_o within_o it_o and_o effectual_o make_v it_o light_n but_o that_o once_o do_v then_o be_v the_o word_n read_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v write_v and_o the_o soul_n be_v ascertain_v that_o it_o be_v divine_a as_o in_o bodily_a fight_n there_o must_v be_v a_o meeting_n of_o inward_a light_n viz._n the_o visual_a spirit_n with_o the_o outward_a object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n within_o bring_v evidence_n with_o it_o and_o make_v itself_o discernible_a in_o the_o word_n this_o all_o argument_n all_o book_n and_o study_n can_v attain_v unto_o it_o be_v give_v to_o believe_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o man._n 1._o cor._n 2.11_o but_o how_o hold_v that_o here_o for_o if_o a_o man_n speak_v out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o his_o spirit_n then_o other_o may_v know_v they_o but_o the_o apostle_n aim_n be_v there_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n even_o such_o as_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n '_o it_o be_v so_o though_o reveal_v yet_o they_o remain_v still_o unrevealed_a till_o the_o spirit_n teach_v within_o as_o well_o as_o without_o because_o intelligeable_a by_o none_o but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v the_o private_a scholar_n and_o hearer_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o because_o there_o be_v so_o few_o of_o these_o therefore_o there_o be_v so_o little_a real_a believe_v among_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o profession_n that_o we_o make_v of_o it_o who_o be_v there_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o yet_o true_o there_o be_v too_o much_o cause_n to_o continue_v the_o prophet_n regret_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n learn_v then_o to_o suspect_v yourselves_o and_o to_o find_v out_o your_o own_o unbelief_n that_o you_o may_v desire_v this_o spirit_n to_o teach_v you_o inward_o those_o great_a mystery_n that_o he_o outward_o reveal_v and_o teach_v by_o his_o word_n make_v use_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o press_v the_o lord_n with_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v here_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v in_o three_o several_a expression_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v repeat_v from_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o suffering_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o mean_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n the_o spring_n of_o both_o and_o 1._o salvation_n the_o only_a true_a doctrine_n of_o true_a happiness_n which_o the_o wise_a of_o natural_a man_n have_v grope_v and_o seek_v after_o with_o much_o earnestness_n but_o with_o no_o success_n they_o have_v no_o other_o than_o the_o dark_a moon_n light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o find_v it_o out_o only_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o gospel_n bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n 2._o tim._n 1.10_o no_o wonder_n that_o natural_a wisdom_n the_o deep_a of_o it_o be_v far_o from_o find_v out_o the_o true_a method_n and_o way_n of_o cure_n see_v it_o can_v discover_v the_o disease_n of_o miserable_a mankind_n viz._n the_o sinful_a and_o wretched_a condition_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o first_o disobedience_n salvation_n express_v not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v negative_a but_o imply_v likewise_o positive_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n thus_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o justification_n frequent_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o say_v of_o this_o unspeakable_a happiness_n what_o it_o be_v not_o than_o what_o it_o be_v there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o full_a and_o final_a freedom_n from_o all_o annoyance_n all_o tear_n be_v wipe_v away_o and_o their_o fountain_n dry_v 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grow_v rich_a by_o all_o its_o loss_n and_o by_o death_n itself_o attain_v this_o immortal_a life_n happy_a be_v they_o that_o have_v their_o eye_n fix_v upon_o this_o salvation_n and_o be_v longing_n and_o wait_v for_o it_o that_o see_v so_o much_o of_o that_o brightness_n and_o glory_n as_o darkn●_n all_o the_o lustre_n of_o earthly_a thing_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o trample_v upon_o those_o thing_n which_o former_o they_o admire_v and_o dote_v on_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o foolish_a world_n those_o thing_n we_o account_v so_o much_o of_o be_v but_o as_o rot_a wood_n or_o glow-worm_n that_o shine_v only_o in_o the_o night_n of_o our_o ignorance_n and_o vanity_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o light_a beam_n of_o this_o salvation_n enter_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o can_v much_o esteem_v or_o affect_v any_o thing_n below_o it_o and_o if_o those_o glance_n of_o it_o that_o shine_v in_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v so_o bright_a and_o powerful_a what_o then_o shall_v the_o full_a sight_n and_o real_a possession_n of_o it_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o this_o salvation_n who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n make_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o that_o work_n of_o redemption_n as_o we_o have_v it_o here_o be_v his_o humiliation_n and_o exaltation_n his_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o now_o though_o this_o serve_v as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o christian_n in_o their_o suffering_n that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o their_o lord_n go_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o be_v true_a also_o of_o christ_n mystical_a the_o head_n with_o the_o member_n as_o the_o scripture_n often_o teach_v we_o yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v here_o main_o intend_v as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n relate_v to_o the_o salvation_n mention_v verse_n 10._o and_o as_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n so_o it_o be_v put_v for_o it_o here_o the_o prophet_n inquire_v and_o prophesy_v of_o that_o salvation_n how_o by_o search_v out_o and_o foretell_v the_o suffering_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n his_o suffering_n then_o and_o his_o after_o glory_n be_v our_o salvation_n his_o suffering_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o he_o as_o our_o head_n have_v triumph_v and_o be_v crown_v make_v we_o likewise_o sure_a of_o victory_n and_o triumph_n have_v enter_v possession_n to_o glory_n make_v our_o hope_n certain_a this_o be_v his_o prayer_n that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o we_o may_v be_v also_o and_o this_o his_o own_o assertion_n the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o joh._n 17.22_o 24._o this_o be_v
cherubim_n wonder_v how_o guilty_a man_n escape_v their_o flame_a sword_n and_o re-enter_v paradise_n the_o angel_n see_v that_o their_o companion_n that_o fall_v be_v not_o restore_v but_o their_o room_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n and_o they_o envy_v it_o not_o which_o mystery_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o and_o this_o be_v add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o these_o word_n for_o the_o extol_n of_o it_o the_o angel_n look_v upon_o what_o they_o have_v see_v already_o fulfil_v with_o delight_n and_o admiration_n and_o what_o remain_v namely_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a work_n in_o the_o end_n of_o time_n they_o look_v upon_o with_o desire_n to_o see_v it_o finish_v it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a glance_n they_o take_v of_o it_o but_o they_o fix_v their_o eye_n and_o look_v steadfast_o on_o it_o viz._n that_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v add_v see_v of_o angel_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n draw_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o glorious_a spirit_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o wonder_n to_o see_v the_o almighty_a godhead_n join_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o of_o a_o infant_n he_o that_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n bind_v up_o in_o swaddle_a clothes_n and_o to_o pass_v all_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o life_n this_o be_v beyond_o all_o admiration_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o that_o his_o love_n and_o rebellious_a mankind_n move_v he_o both_o to_o take_v on_o and_o lay_v down_o that_o life_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o angel_n admire_v those_o thing_n and_o delight_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o they_o view_v they_o steadfast_o and_o we_o neglect_v they_o either_o we_o consider_v they_o not_o at_o all_o or_o give_v they_o but_o a_o transient_a look_n half_o a_o eye_n that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n both_o for_o 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and_o goodness_n shine_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v our_o shame_n and_o our_o folly_n that_o we_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o our_o thought_n in_o poor_a childish_a thing_n and_o trifle_v away_o our_o day_n we_o know_v not_o how_o and_o let_v these_o rich_a mystery_n lie_v unregarded_a they_o look_v up_o upon_o the_o deity_n in_o itself_o with_o continual_a admiration_n but_o that_o they_o look_v down_o to_o this_o mystery_n be_v another_o wonder_n we_o give_v they_o a_o ear_n in_o public_a and_o in_o a_o cold_a formal_a way_n stop_v conscience_n mouth_n with_o some_o religious_a performance_n in_o private_a and_o no_o more_o but_o to_o have_v deep_a and_o frequent_a thought_n and_o to_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n once_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o now_o in_o glory_n how_o few_o of_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o we_o see_v here_o excellent_a company_n and_o example_n not_o only_o of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v but_o we_o have_v they_o fellow-servant_n and_o fellow-student_n if_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o we_o may_v all_o study_v the_o same_o lesson_n with_o the_o very_a angel_n and_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n with_o they_o this_o the_o soul_n do_v that_o often_o entertain_v itself_o with_o the_o delightful_a admiration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o verse_n 13._o wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a and_o hope_v to_o the_o end_n for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o you_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o great_a error_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o error_n of_o life_n be_v the_o divert_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n and_o turn_v downward_o to_o in_o feriour_a confidence_n and_o comfort_n and_o this_o mischoyce_n be_v the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n therefore_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o untie_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n from_o the_o world_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o god_n as_o their_o only_a rest_n and_o solid_a comfort_n and_o this_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n mark_v at_o which_o all_o the_o precede_a discourse_n aim_v it_o all_o meet_v and_o terminate_v in_o this_o exhortation_n wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o word_n be_v those_o 3_o thing_n 1._o the_o great_a stay_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o apostle_n repeat_v and_o represent_v to_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n 2._o his_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o right_a apprehension_n and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o inference_n of_o that_o exhortation_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o comfort_n be_v the_o grace_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n some_o for_o grace_n read_v joy_n have_v as_o it_o seem_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v not_o more_o near_o one_o to_o a_o other_o than_o the_o thing_n they_o signify_v grace_n and_o joy_n but_o '_o its_o most_o common_o thus_o read_v the_o estate_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o of_o glory_n be_v not_o only_o so_o inseparable_o connex_v but_o so_o like_o one_o to_o the_o other_o yea_o so_o essentia_o the_o same_o that_o the_o same_o expression_n in_o scripture_n do_v often_o fit_a both_o of_o they_o and_o so_o fit_v they_o that_o it_o be_v doubtful_a for_o which_o of_o the_o two_o to_o understand_v they_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v not_o great_a see_v they_o be_v so_o near_o and_o so_o one_o grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v and_o glory_n grace_v complete_v both_o often_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o grace_n here_o bring_v to_o they_o be_v either_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reveal_v and_o that_o grace_n in_o he_o for_o all_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o hold_v in_o he_o his_o precious_a name_n run_v throw_v it_o all_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v full_o perfect_v at_o the_o last_o and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o this_o rather_o i_o take_v it_o here_o for_o that_o the_o apostle_n near_o forego_v word_n be_v concern_v that_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o here_o as_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n which_o though_o often_o put_v for_o faith_n yet_o in_o its_o proper_a notion_n look_v out_o to_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o last_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v call_v by_o itself_o and_o not_o turn_v into_o the_o name_n of_o merit_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o obedience_n and_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o have_v go_v before_o it_o yea_o even_o the_o salvation_n to_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o be_v call_v grace_n but_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v on_o this_o for_o certain_o none_o that_o partake_v of_o grace_n will_v be_v of_o another_o mind_n or_o ever_o admit_v the_o mixture_n of_o the_o least_o notion_n of_o self_n deserve_v though_o much_o dispute_n have_v be_v bestow_v on_o this_o and_o question_n multiply_v in_o the_o disputant_n hand_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o controversy_n one_o grow_v out_o of_o another_o yet_o true_o i_o think_v the_o debate_n in_o this_o to_o be_v but_o waste_n it_o be_v not_o only_a against_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o grace_n itself_o in_o the_o soul_n but_o even_o against_o sound_a reason_n to_o imagine_v any_o merit_a proper_o take_v in_o any_o mere_a creature_n at_o his_o creator_n hand_n who_o have_v give_v he_o his_o be_v of_o which_o gift_n all_o his_o service_n and_o
he_o forget_v who_o he_o be_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o attain_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v his_o brethren_n no_o holiness_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o this_o as_o the_o strong_a incentive_a not_o only_o have_v you_o the_o example_n of_o god_n set_v before_o you_o as_o your_o father_n to_o beget_v in_o you_o the_o love_n of_o holiness_n be_v your_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o he_o and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o your_o judge_n to_o argue_v you_o into_o a_o pious_a fear_n of_o offend_v he_o but_o consider_v this_o that_o he_o be_v your_o redeemer_n he_o have_v buy_v out_o your_o liberty_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n to_o be_v altogether_o he_o and_o think_v on_o the_o price_n lay_v down_o in_o this_o ransom_n and_o these_o out_o of_o question_n will_v prevail_v with_o you_o we_o have_v here_o the_o evil_n dissuade_v from_o viz._n a_o vain_a conversation_n 2._o the_o dissuasion_n itself_o 1._o it_o be_v call_v their_o vain_a conversation_n 2._o receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n by_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v not_o only_o understand_v the_o superstition_n and_o vain_a device_n in_o religion_n that_o abound_v among_o the_o jew_n by_o tradition_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n often_o reprove_v they_o while_o he_o be_v conversant_a among_o they_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o this_o be_v mean_v verse_n 14._o by_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o former_a ignorance_n but_o general_o all_o the_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a custom_n of_o their_o life_n for_o it_o seem_v not_o so_o pertinent_a to_o his_o purpose_n exhort_v to_o holiness_n of_o life_n to_o speak_v of_o their_o superstitious_a tradition_n as_o their_o other_o sinful_a habitude_n which_o be_v no_o less_o hereditary_a and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o example_n traditional_a which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o common_a root_n in_o man_n sinful_a nature_n do_v so_o easy_o pass_v from_o parent_n to_o child_n nature_n make_v their_o example_n powerful_a and_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n give_v i●_n most_o power_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o mention_v to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n of_o it_o and_o cut_v of_o that_o influence_n which_o it_o may_v have_v have_v into_o their_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o conversation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o your_o father_n plead_v for_o but_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n from_o which_o you_o be_v deliver_v and_o call_v to_o a_o new_a estate_n and_o form_n of_o life_n and_o have_v a_o new_a pattern_n set_v before_o you_o instead_o of_o that_o corrupt_a example_n it_o be_v one_o great_a error_n not_o only_o in_o religion_n and_o manner_n but_o even_o in_o humane_a science_n that_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v thing_n upon_o trust_n unexamined_a from_o these_o that_o go_v before_o they_o partly_o out_o of_o easiness_n and_o spare_v the_o pain_n of_o trial_n partly_o out_o of_o a_o superstitious_a 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you_o have_v purify_v your_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n unto_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o jesus_n christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o it_o be_v a_o know_a truth_n and_o yet_o very_o needful_a to_o be_v often_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o redemption_n and_o holiness_n be_v undivided_a companion_n yea_o that_o we_o be_v redeem_v on_o purpose_n for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a the_o press_n of_o this_o we_o see_v be_v here_o the_o apostle_n scope_n and_o have_v by_o that_o reason_n enforce_v it_o in_o the_o general_n he_o now_o take_v that_o as_o conclude_v and_o confess_v and_o so_o make_v use_v of_o it_o particular_o to_o exhort_v that_o main_a christian_a grace_n of_o brotherly_a love_n the_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n 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their_o holy_a profession_n to_o such_o as_o be_v without_o and_o stranger_n to_o it_o yea_o even_o to_o their_o enemy_n therefore_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o much_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o they_o to_o other_o as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n he_o give_v it_o they_o as_o the_o very_a badge_n and_o livery_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v know_v for_o his_o follower_n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o and_o st._n paul_n be_v frequent_a in_o exhort_v and_o extol_v this_o grace_n rom._n 12.10_o &_o 13.8_o 1_o cor._n 1.13_o gal._n 5.13_o eph._n 4.2_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n colloss_n 3.14_o he_o call_v it_o the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o grace_n which_o unite_v and_o bind_v all_o together_o our_o apostle_n here_o and_o often_o in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o epistle_n and_o that_o belove_a disciple_n st._n john_n who_o lean_v on_o our_o saviour_n 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constrain_a semblance_n of_o reconcilement_n be_v but_o a_o false_a heal_n do_v but_o skin_n it_o over_o and_o therefore_o usual_o it_o break_v forth_o worse_o again_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o have_v true_o maliceless_a heart_n and_o find_v this_o entire_a upright_a affection_n towards_o their_o brethren_n meet_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a conversation_n this_o law_n of_o love_n deep_o impress_v on_o their_o heart_n and_o from_o thence_o express_v in_o their_o word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o be_v unfeigned_a love_n as_o real_a to_o their_o brethren_n as_o to_o themselves_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v pure_a from_o a_o pure_a heart_n this_o be_v not_o all_o one_o with_o the_o former_a as_o some_o take_v it_o it_o be_v true_a doubleness_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o impurity_n and_o a_o great_a one_o but_o all_o impurity_n be_v not_o doubleness_n one_o may_v real_o mean_v that_o friendship_n and_o affection_n he_o express_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v most_o contrary_a to_o that_o 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tune_v to_o the_o same_o new_a song_n which_o you_o shall_v sing_v for_o ever_o let_v that_o love_n begin_v here_o which_o shall_v never_o end_v and_o this_o same_o union_n i_o conceive_v be_v likewise_o press_v in_o the_o first_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n see_v you_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o work_n of_o sanctification_n by_o the_o same_o word_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o work_v it_o in_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o that_o be_v call_v and_o incorporate_v into_o that_o fraternity_n therefore_o live_v in_o it_o and_o like_o it_o you_o be_v purify_v to_o it_o therefore_o love_v one_o another_o after_o that_o same_o manner_n pure_o let_v the_o profane_a world_n scoff_n that_o name_n of_o brethren_n you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o foolish_a
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 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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 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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 ou●_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 ●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
apparel_v than_o it_o but_o partaker_n of_o its_o frail_a and_o fade_a nature_n have_v no_o privilege_n nor_o immunity_n that_o way_n yea_o of_o the_o two_o the_o less_o durable_a and_o usual_o short_a live_v at_o the_o best_a it_o decay_v with_o it_o the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fall_v away_o how_o easy_o and_o quick_o have_v the_o high_a splendour_n of_o a_o man_n prosperity_n be_v blast_v either_o by_o man_n power_n or_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n blow_v upon_o it_o as_o isaiah_n there_o say_v and_o by_o that_o not_o only_o wither_v the_o grass_n but_o the_o flower_n fade_v though_o never_o so_o fair_a when_o thou_o correct_a man_n for_o iniquity_n thou_o make_v his_o beauty_n to_o consume_v like_o a_o moth_n psal._n 39.11_o how_o many_o have_v the_o casualty_n of_o fire_n or_o war_n or_o shipwreck_n in_o one_o day_n or_o night_n or_o a_o small_a part_n of_o either_o turn_v out_o of_o great_a riches_n into_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o the_o instance_n be_v not_o few_o of_o those_o that_o have_v on_o a_o sudden_a fall_v from_o the_o top_n of_o honour_n into_o the_o foul_a disgrace_n not_o by_o degree_n come_v down_o the_o stair_n they_o go_v up_o but_o tumble_v down_o headlong_o and_o the_o most_o vigorous_a beauty_n and_o strength_n of_o body_n how_o do_v a_o few_o day_n sickness_n or_o if_o it_o escape_v that_o a_o few_o year_n time_n blast_v that_o flower_n yea_o those_o high_a advantage_n that_o have_v somewhat_o both_o of_o true_a and_o more_o last_a beauty_n in_o they_o the_o endowment_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n yea_o and_o of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o virtue_n yet_o they_o can_v rise_v above_o this_o word_n they_o be_v still_o in_o all_o their_o glory_n but_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n their_o root_n be_v in_o the_o ●earth_n natural_a ornament_n be_v of_o some_o use_n in_o this_o present_a life_n but_o they_o reach_v no_o further_o when_o man_n have_v waste_v their_o strength_n and_o endure_v the_o toil_n of_o study_n night_n and_o day_n '_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a parcel_n of_o knowledge_n they_o can_v attain_v to_o and_o be_v force_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o pursuit_n of_o it_o that_o head_n that_o lodge_v most_o science_n shall_v within_o a_o while_n be_v diffurnish_v of_o they_o all_o and_o the_o tongue_n that_o speak_v most_o language_n silence_v the_o great_a project_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o they_o also_o themselves_o come_v under_o this_o same_o notion_n all_o the_o vast_a design_n that_o be_v frame_v in_o their_o head_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o a_o moment_n they_o return_v to_o their_o dust_n and_o in_o that_o day_n all_o their_o thought_n perish_v archimedes_n be_v kill_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o demonstration_n if_o they_o themselves_o do_v consider_v this_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affair_n it_o will_v much_o allay_v the_o swell_a and_o loftiness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o if_o these_o that_o live_v upon_o their_o favour_n will_v consider_v it_o they_o will_v not_o value_v it_o at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n and_o buy_v it_o so_o dear_a as_o often_o they_o do_v man_n of_o low_a degree_n be_v vanity_n say_v the_o psalmist_n but_o he_o add_v man_n of_o high_a degree_n be_v a_o lie_n from_o base_a mean_a person_n we_o expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o estate_n of_o great_a person_n promise_n fair_a and_o often_o keep_v not_o therefore_o a_o lie_n although_o they_o can_v least_o endure_v that_o word_n they_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o mean_a person_n as_o the_o flower_n to_o the_o grass_n somewhat_o a_o fair_a lustre_n they_o have_v but_o no_o more_o endurance_n nor_o exemption_n from_o decay_v thus_o than_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n it_o begin_v here_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v as_o sure_a a_o conclusion_n as_o the_o sure_a of_o these_o in_o their_o best_a demonstration_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o as_o particular_a man_n so_o whole_a state_n and_o kingdom_n be_v thus_o they_o have_v their_o bud_n and_o flourish_v and_o wither_v and_o it_o be_v in_o both_o as_o with_o flower_n when_o they_o be_v full_a spread_v than_o they_o be_v near_o their_o decline_a and_o wither_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o all_o whole_a generation_n of_o man_n upon_o earth_n as_o solomon_n say_v one_o go_v and_o another_o come_v but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o abide_v at_o all_o we_o in_o our_o thought_n shut_v up_o death_n into_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n namely_o ●n_o the_o moment_n of_o our_o expire_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o the_o moralist_n observe_v it_o go_v through_o all_o our_o life_n for_o we_o be_v still_o lose_v and_o spend_v it_o as_o we_o enjoy_v it_o yea_o our_o very_a enjoy_n it_o be_v the_o spend_v it_o yesterday_n life_n be_v dead_a to_o day_n and_o so_o shall_v this_o day_n life_n be_v to_o morrow_n we_o spend_v our_o year_n say_v moses_n as_o a_o tale_n or_o as_o a_o thought_n so_o swift_a and_o evanish_v be_v it_o each_o word_n help_v a_o tale_n towards_o its_o end_n and_o then_o in_o that_o the_o vanity_n when_o '_o be_v do_v it_o evanish_v as_o a_o sound_n in_o the_o air_n what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o the_o pompous_a solemnity_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n at_o their_o birth_n and_o marriage_n and_o coronation_n and_o triumph_n they_o be_v now_o as_o a_o dream_n act._n 25.23_o hence_o learn_v the_o folly_n and_o pride_n of_o man_n that_o can_v glory_n and_o please_v himself_o in_o the_o frail_a and_o wretched_a be_v he_o have_v here_o that_o dote_v on_o this_o poor_a natural_a life_n and_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v on_o one_o high_a and_o more_o abide_v although_o the_o course_n of_o time_n and_o his_o daily_a experience_n tell_v he_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n yea_o the_o prophet_n prefix_n to_o these_o word_n a_o command_n of_o cry_v they_o must_v be_v shout_v aloud_o in_o our_o ear_n ere_o we_o will_v hear_v they_o and_o by_o that_o time_n the_o sound_n of_o the_o cry_n be_v do_v we_o have_v forget_v it_o again_o will_v we_o consider_v this_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o vanity_n that_o toss_v our_o light_a mind_n too_o and_o fro_o it_o will_v give_v we_o wise_a thought_n and_o ballast_n our_o heart_n make_v they_o more_o solid_a and_o steadfast_a in_o those_o spiritual_a endeavour_n which_o concern_v a_o durable_a condition_n a_o be_v that_o abide_v for_o ever_o in_o comparison_n of_o which_o the_o long_a term_n of_o natural_a life_n be_v less_o than_o a_o moment_n and_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o it_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n be_v all_o of_o we_o more_o constant_o prosperous_a than_o any_o of_o we_o be_v yet_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o cry_v down_o the_o price_n we_o put_v upon_o this_o life_n that_o it_o continue_v not_o as_o he_o answer_v to_o one_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o flatter_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o pompuous_a triumph_n by_o say_v what_o be_v want_v here_o continuance_n say_v he_o it_o be_v wise_o say_v at_o any_o time_n but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o have_v so_o sober_a a_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o solemnity_n in_o which_o weak_a head_n can_v escape_v either_o to_o be_v whole_o drink_v or_o somewhat_o giddy_a at_o least_o sure_o we_o forget_v this_o when_o we_o grow_v vain_a upon_o any_o humane_a glory_n or_o advantage_n the_o colour_n of_o it_o please_v we_o and_o we_o forget_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o flower_n and_o foolish_o overesteem_v it_o this_o be_v that_o madness_n upon_o flower_n that_o be_v somewhere_o in_o request_n where_o they_o will_v give_v as_o much_o for_o one_o flower_n as_o will_v buy_v a_o good_a dwell_a house_n be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o foolish_a bargain_n to_o bestow_v continual_a pain_n and_o diligence_n upon_o purchase_v of_o great_a possession_n or_o honour_n if_o we_o believe_v this_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o short_a live_v flower_n and_o neglect_v the_o purchase_n of_o those_o glorious_a mansio●s_n of_o eternity_n a_o garland_n of_o such_o flower_n as_o wither_v not_o a_o unfading_a crown_n that_o everlasting_a life_n and_o those_o everlasting_a pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n now_o that_o life_n which_o shall_v never_o end_v must_v begin_v here_o it_o be_v the_o new_a spiritual_a life_n whereof_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o corruptible_a seed_n and_o the_o corruptible_a life_n of_o flesh_n it_o be_v here_o say_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o for_o this_o end_n be_v the_o frailty_n of_o natural_a life_n mention_v that_o our_o
which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n thus_o ought_v they_o that_o preach_v to_o speak_v it_o to_o endeavour_v their_o utmost_a to_o accommodate_v it_o to_o this_o end_n that_o sinner_n may_v be_v convert_v beget_v again_o and_o believer_n nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n to_o regard_v no_o low_a end_n but_o aim_v steady_o at_o that_o mark_n their_o heart_n and_o tongue_n ought_v to_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o love_n to_o soul_n kindle_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o come_v down_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v remember_v this_o as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o hear_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n by_o the_o word_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o poor_a despicable_a business_n that_o a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o yourselves_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n in_o your_o hear_n yet_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o way_n wherein_o god_n communicate_v happiness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o work_v that_o believe_v unto_o happiness_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o new_a creation_n as_o it_o beget_v it_o again_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n consider_v it_o thus_o which_o be_v its_o true_a notion_n and_o then_o what_o can_v be_v so_o precious_a let_v the_o world_n disesteem_v it_o as_o they_o will_v know_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foollishness_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o if_o you_o will_v have_v life_n and_o growth_n by_o it_o you_o must_v look_v above_o the_o poor_a worthless_a messenger_n and_o call_v in_o his_o almighty_a help_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n as_o the_o philosopher_n affirm_v that_o if_o the_o heaven_n shall_v stand_v still_o there_o will_v be_v no_o generation_n nor_o flourish_v of_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o it_o be_v the_o move_a and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o make_v the_o church_n fruitful_a will_v you_o do_v this_o before_o you_o come_v here_o present_v the_o blindness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o the_o deadness_n of_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n here_o be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o thou_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o word_n i_o will_v find_v life_n and_o strength_n in_o it_o but_o neither_o can_v i_o that_o hear_v nor_o he_o that_o speak_v make_v it_o thus_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n say_v thou_o the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o it_o be_v light_a in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n continue_v the_o resemblance_n of_o that_o new_a birth_n he_o mention_v chap._n 1._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n be_n not_o satisfy_v with_o your_o self_n till_o you_o find_v some_o evidence_n of_o this_o new_a this_o supernatural_a life_n there_o be_v delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n in_o its_o low_a condition_n that_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o look_v after_o it_o if_o we_o know_v they_o the_o most_o can_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o those_o consider_v therefore_o the_o end_n of_o it_o better_o never_o to_o have_v be_v than_o not_o to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o this_o new_a be_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sure_o they_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o shall_v one_o day_n wish_v they_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v what_o a_o poor_a wretched_a thing_n be_v the_o life_n that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a heap_n of_o folly_n and_o misery_n now_o if_o we_o will_v share_v in_o a_o happy_a being_n after_o it_o that_o life_n that_o end_v not_o it_o must_v begin_v here_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o life_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o one_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o other_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v call_v they_o two_o several_a life_n yet_o the_o one_o be_v the_o undoubted_a pledge_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a word_n for_o a_o heathen_a to_o say_v that_o that_o day_n of_o death_n we_o fear_v so_o aeterninatalis_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o birth_n day_n of_o eternity_n thus_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o those_o that_o be_v here_o bear_v again_o this_o new_a birth_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o sure_a earnest_n and_o counter-pawn_n of_o that_o birth_n day_n of_o glory_n why_o do_v we_o not_o then_o labour_v to_o make_v this_o certain_a by_o the_o former_a be_v it_o not_o a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o spend_v our_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o than_o lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n for_o ever_o to_o disregard_n the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n while_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v provident_a for_o it_o and_o then_o when_o its_o go_v out_o cry_v quo_fw-la nunc_fw-la abibis_fw-la whither_o be_v thou_o go_v o_o my_o soul_n but_o this_o new_a life_n put_v we_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o fear_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n say_v st._n john_n speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v pass_v there_o be_v no_o repass_v no_o go_v back_o from_o this_o life_n to_o death_n again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v the_o same_o that_o st._n john_n call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o partake_v of_o it_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n the_o second_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o the_o weak_a beginning_n of_o grace_n in_o comparison_n of_o further_a strength_n attainable_a even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v sometime_o express_v as_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o and_o so_o believer_n ought_v not_o to_o continue_v infant_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v reprovable_a in_o they_o as_o we_o see_v eph._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o &_o 1_o cor._n 14.20_o heb._n 5.12_o though_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o new_a convert_v and_o so_o may_v possible_o imply_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o beginning_n of_o grace_n yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o infancy_n be_v here_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o agree_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o best_a estate_n of_o his_o spiritual_a life_n here_o below_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o milk_n here_o recommend_v be_v answerable_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o infancy_n and_o not_o to_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o those_o cite_a place_n where_o it_o mean_v the_o easy_a and_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o it_o as_o to_o strong_a meat_n but_o here_o it_o signfy_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o its_o wholesome_a and_o save_a truth_n as_o the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v a_o stand_a exhortation_n for_o all_o christian_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o the_o whole_a estate_n and_o course_n of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n here_o be_v call_v there_o infancy_n not_o only_o as_o oppose_v to_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o old_a man_n but_o likewise_o as_o signify_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o at_o its_o best_a in_o this_o life_n compare_v with_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o the_o weak_a beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v nothing_o so_o far_o below_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o possible_a in_o this_o life_n as_o that_o high_a degree_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n so_o that_o if_o one_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v call_v infancy_n in_o respect_n of_o another_o much_o more_o be_v all_o grace_n infancy_n in_o respect_n of_o glory_n and_o sure_o as_o for_o time_n the_o time_n of_o our_o present_a life_n be_v far_o less_o to_o eternity_n than_o the_o time_n of_o our_o natural_a infancy_n be_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v still_o call_v but_o new_a or_o late_o bear_v our_o best_a pace_n and_o strong_a walk_v in_o obedience_n here_o be_v but_o as_o the_o step_v of_o child_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o go_v by_o hold_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n in_o glory_n when_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o lamb_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v all_o our_o knowledge_n here_o be_v but_o the_o ignorance_n of_o infant_n and_o all_o our_o expression_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o as_o the_o first_o stammering_n of_o child_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o he_o hereafter_o
life_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v we_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o be_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o holiness_n increase_v the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v strong_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o act_v more_o strong_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o he_o grow_v spiritual_o and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o beget_v this_o spiritual_a life_n so_o likewise_o of_o its_o increase_n 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a treat_v of_o the_o high_a thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o elevate_v man_n mind_n from_o the_o earth_n be_v often_o conversant_a with_o it_o to_o assimilate_v they_o to_o itself_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n ready_o do_v to_o these_o that_o be_v much_o in_o it_o and_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o study_v it_o doubtless_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v frequent_a with_o man_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v light_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o call_v light_n as_o be_v transform_v into_o its_o nature_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o by_o more_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o so_o they_o grow_v if_o we_o look_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o strain_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o christian_a for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o particular_a truth_n relative_a to_o they_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o excite_v they_o and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n and_o so_o to_o make_v they_o grow_v as_o all_o habit_n do_v by_o act_v it_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n word_n may_v be_v translate_v stir_v up_o the_o spark_n and_o blow_v they_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n make_v they_o burn_v clear_a and_o hot_a that_o it_o do_v both_o by_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n and_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n sometime_o press_v one_o and_o sometime_o another_o and_o by_o right_n represent_v to_o they_o their_o object_n the_o word_n feed_v faith_n by_o set_v before_o it_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n his_o rich_a promise_n and_o his_o power_n and_o truth_n to_o perform_v they_o all_o show_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n not_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o hold_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o draw_v faith_n still_o to_o rest_v more_o entire_o upon_o his_o righteousness_n it_o feed_v repentance_n by_o make_v the_o vileness_n and_o deformity_n of_o sin_n daily_o more_o clear_a and_o visible_a still_o as_o more_o of_o the_o word_n have_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o it_o hate_v sin_n be_v the_o more_o discover_v and_o the_o better_o know_v in_o its_o own_o native_a colour_n as_o the_o more_o light_n be_v in_o a_o house_n the_o more_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v unclean_o or_o deform_a be_v see_v and_o dislike_v likewise_o it_o increase_v love_n to_o god_n by_o open_v up_o still_o more_o and_o more_o of_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o lovelyness_n and_o as_o it_o borrow_v the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o vile_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o express_v the_o foulness_n and_o hatefulness_n of_o sin_n so_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o dignity_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v call_v together_o in_o the_o word_n to_o give_v we_o some_o small_a scantling_n of_o that_o uncreated_a beauty_n that_o alone_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v thus_o may_v it_o be_v instanced_a in_o all_o other_o grace_n but_o above_o all_o other_o consideration_n this_o be_v in_o the_o word_n observable_a as_o the_o increaser_n of_o grace_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v forth_o jesus_n christ_n to_o our_o vieu_n to_o look_v upon_o not_o only_o as_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n but_o as_o the_o full_a fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n from_o who_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v the_o contemplate_v of_o he_o as_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o god_n and_o then_o draw_v from_o he_o as_o have_v in_o himself_o a_o treasure_n for_o we_o these_o give_v the_o soul_n more_o of_o that_o image_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a growth_n this_o the_o apostle_n express_v excellent_o 2_o cor._n 3._o ult_n speak_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v christ_n that_o behold_v in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v chap._n 4._o vers._n 6._o in_o his_o face_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o copy_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o have_v a_o share_n of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o spiritual_a growth_n but_o i_o will_v add_v only_o a_o few_o 1._o in_o the_o judge_n of_o this_o growth_n some_o conlude_v too_o rigid_o against_o themselves_o that_o they_o grow_v not_o by_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o sensible_a to_o they_o as_o they_o desire_v but_o 1._o this_o be_v know_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o grow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o discern_v in_o motu_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o termino_fw-la not_o in_o the_o grow_a but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v 2._o beside_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o although_o other_o grace_n seem_v not_o to_o advance_v yet_o if_o thou_o grow_v more_o self-denying_a and_o humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o slowness_n all_o be_v not_o lose_v although_o the_o branch_n shut_v not_o up_o so_o fast_o as_o thou_o wish_v yet_o if_o the_o root_n grow_v deep_o and_o fasten_v more_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a growth_n he_o that_o be_v still_o learning_n to_o be_v more_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o less_o in_o himself_o to_o have_v all_o his_o dependence_n and_o comfort_n in_o he_o be_v doubtless_o a_o grow_a believer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o far_o great_a number_n conclude_v wrong_a in_o their_o own_o favour_n imagine_v that_o they_o do_v grow_v if_o they_o gain_v in_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n we_o mention_v above_o namely_o if_o more_o knowledge_n and_o more_o faculty_n of_o discourse_v if_o they_o find_v often_o some_o present_a stir_n of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n if_o they_o reform_v their_o life_n grow_v more_o civil_a and_o blameless_a etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n who_o notwithstanding_o grow_v not_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a he_o be_v not_o in_o that_o estate_n a_o subject_a capable_a of_o this_o growth_n for_o he_o be_v dead_a he_o have_v none_o of_o this_o new_a life_n to_o which_o this_o growth_n relate_v herod_n hear_v glad_o and_o obey_v many_o thing_n consider_v then_o what_o true_a delight_n we_o may_v have_v in_o this_o you_o find_v a_o pleasure_n when_o you_o see_v your_o child_n grow_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o stand_v and_o walk_v etc._n etc._n you_o love_v well_o to_o perceive_v your_o estate_n or_o your_o honour_n 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speak_v to_o he_o of_o it_o very_o excellent_o but_o all_o he_o say_v in_o that_o kind_n be_v a_o unknown_a language_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n he_o have_v many_o good_a word_n but_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o mean_v the_o natural_a man_n taste_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v a_o spiritual_a man_n himself_o do_v not_o full_o conceive_v this_o swetness_n that_o he_o taste_v of_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o he_o have_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n be_v a_o main_a fruit_n of_o this_o his_o goodness_n it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n say_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o all_o natural_a understanding_n as_o some_o modify_v it_o but_o all_o understanding_n even_o the_o supernatural_a understanding_n of_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o and_o as_o the_o godly_a man_n can_v conceive_v it_o all_o so_o that_o which_o he_o conceive_v he_o can_v express_v it_o all_o and_o that_o which_o he_o do_v express_v the_o 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no_o estate_n so_o low_a as_o to_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o that_o and_o a_o right_n inform_v and_o right_o affect_v conscience_n towards_o god_n show_v a_o man_n that_o way_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o as_o the_o astrologer_n say_v that_o the_o same_o star_n that_o make_v cyrus_n to_o be_v choose_v king_n among_o the_o army_n of_o man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o man_n make_v he_o to_o be_v choose_v king_n among_o the_o shepherd_n child_n when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n thus_o grace_n will_v have_v its_o proper_a operation_n in_o every_o estate_n in_o this_o man_n ready_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n well_o in_o imagination_n better_a than_o the_o real_a task_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n they_o presume_v that_o they_o can_v do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o some_o place_n of_o command_n that_o serve_v he_o not_o as_o become_v in_o that_o which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o easy_a the_o place_n of_o obey_v wherein_o he_o have_v set_v they_o 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in_o another_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n most_o considerable_a in_o their_o action_n namely_o the_o principle_n whence_o they_o flow_v and_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o tend_v this_o be_v the_o form_n and_o life_n of_o action_n that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v earthly_a or_o heavenly_a whatsoever_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n have_v that_o alchemy_n indeed_o of_o turn_v base_a metal_n into_o gold_n earthly_a employment_n into_o heavenly_a the_o handy_a work_n of_o a_o artisan_n or_o servant_n that_o regard_v god_n and_o eye_n he_o even_o in_o that_o work_n be_v much_o holy_a than_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o servant_n endure_v the_o private_a wrong_n and_o harshness_n of_o a_o froword_n master_n bearing_z it_o patient_o for_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o suffering_n of_o some_o such_o as_o may_v endure_v much_o for_o a_o public_a good_a cause_n without_o a_o good_a and_o upright_a heart_n this_o habitude_n and_o posture_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o god_n the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n pr●sses_v much_o in_o this_o very_a subject_a eph._n 6._o as_o be_v very_o needful_a to_o allay_v the_o hard_a labour_n and_o harsh_a usage_n of_o many_o of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o undergo_v they_o for_o god_n no_o pill_n so_o bitter_a but_o respect_n and_o love_n to_o god_n will_v sweeten_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a refreshment_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o mean_a estate_n of_o a_o servant_n or_o other_o labour_a man_n that_o they_o may_v offer_v up_o their_o hardship_n and_o bodily_a labour_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n this_o be_v the_o station_n wherein_o thou_o have_v set_v i_o in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o desire_v to_o serve_v thou_o in_o it_o what_o i_o do_v be_v for_o thou_o and_o what_o i_o suffer_v i_o desire_v to_o bear_v patient_o and_o cheerful_o for_o thy_o sake_n in_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o thy_o will_n for_o conscience_n in_o this_o there_o be_v 1._o a_o reverend_a compliance_n with_o god_n disposal_n both_o in_o allot_v to_o they_o that_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o particular_o choose_v their_o master_n for_o they_o though_o possible_o not_o the_o mild_a and_o pleasant_a yet_o the_o fit_a for_o their_o good_a there_o be_v much_o in_o the_o firm_a believe_v of_o this_o and_o hearty_a submit_v to_o it_o for_o we_o will_v natural_o rather_o carve_v for_o ourselves_o and_o shape_v our_o own_o estate_n to_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o most_o foolish_a yea_o a_o impious_a presumption_n as_o if_o we_o be_v wise_a that_o he_o that_o have_v do_v it_o and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o much_o and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o possibility_n of_o true_a contentment_n in_o a_o mean_a than_o in_o a_o far_o high_a condition_n the_o master_n mind_n be_v often_o more_o toil_v than_o the_o servant_n body_n and_o if_o our_o condition_n be_v appoint_v we_o at_o least_o we_o will_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o some_o qualification_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o this_o if_o a_o man_n must_v serve_v he_o will_v wish_v willing_o that_o god_n will_v allot_v he_o a_o meek_a gentle_a master_n and_o so_o we_o in_o other_o thing_n if_o we_o must_v be_v sick_a we_o will_v be_v well_o accommodate_v and_o not_o want_v help_n but_o to_o have_v sickness_n and_o want_v mean_n and_o friend_n for_o our_o help_n this_o we_o can_v think_v of_o without_o horror_n but_o this_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v never_o right_a till_o all_o be_v give_v up_o into_o his_o hand_n that_o concern_v we_o to_o do_v with_o it_o and_o every_o article_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n 2._o in_o this_o conscience_n be_v a_o religious_a and_o observant_a respect_n to_o the_o rule_n god_n have_v set_v man_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o that_o condition_n so_o that_o their_o obedience_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o external_a 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to_o corrupt_v it_o nor_o can_v thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v it_o there_o be_v a_o worm_n at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o enjoyment_n here_o corrupt_v cause_n within_o themselves_o and_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o injury_n from_o without_o that_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o they_o how_o many_o stately_a palace_n that_o have_v be_v possible_o divers_a year_n in_o building_n have_v sire_n upon_o a_o very_a small_a beginning_n destroy_v in_o a_o few_o hour_n what_o great_a hope_n of_o gain_n by_o traffic_n have_v one_o tempest_n mock_v and_o diss●pointed_v how_o many_o that_o have_v think_v their_o possession_n very_o sure_a yet_o have_v lose_v they_o by_o some_o trick_n of_o law_n and_o other_o as_o in_o time_n of_o war_n drive_v from_o they_o by_o the_o sword_n nothing_o free_a from_o all_o danger_n but_o this_o inheritance_n that_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o the_o high_a station_n in_o the_o world_n namely_o the_o estate_n of_o king_n they_o be_v but_o mountain_n of_o prey_n one_o rob_v and_o spoil_v another_o but_o in_o that_o holy_a mountain_n above_o there_o be_v none_o to_o hurt_v nor_o spoil_n nor_o offer_v violence_n what_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n here_o it_o be_v more_o perfect_o and_o eminent_o true_a of_o it_o above_o is●i_fw-la 65.25_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o joy_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o happy_a estate_n that_o we_o have_v some_o persuasion_n of_o our_o propriety_n that_o it_o be_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v and_o hear_v of_o it_o as_o traveller_n pass_v by_o a_o pleasant_a place_n do_v behold_v and_o discourse_n of_o its_o fair_a structure_n the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o seat_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o garden_n and_o meadow_n that_o be_v about_o it_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o have_v no_o further_a interest_n in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o this_o glorious_a inheritance_n this_o treasure_n this_o kingdom_n that_o be_v pure_a and_o rich_a and_o last_a we_o may_v add_v it_o be_v so_o call_v and_o it_o be_v i_o it_o be_v reserve_v in_o heaven_n and_o reserve_v for_o i_o i_o have_v receive_v the_o evidence_n and_o the_o earnest_a of_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v keep_v safe_a for_o i_o so_o i_o shall_v likewise_o be_v preserve_v to_o it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o certainty_n that_o complete_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o see_v eph._n 1.14_o the_o salvation_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v be_v indeed_o lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n but_o we_o that_o seek_v after_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n compass_a about_o with_o danger_n and_o tentation_n what_o avail_v it_o we_o that_o our_o salvation_n be_v in_o haven_n in_o the_o place_n of_o safety_n and_o quietness_n while_o we_o ourselves_o be_v toss_v upon_o the_o stormy_a sea_n of_o this_o world_n amid_o rock_n and_o shelf_n every_o hour_n in_o hazard_n of_o shipwreck_n our_o inheritance_n be_v in_o a_o sure_a hand_n indeed_o our_o enemy_n can_v come_v at_o it_o but_o they_o may_v overrun_v and_o destroy_v we_o at_o their_o pleasure_n for_o we_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o thus_o may_v we_o think_v and_o complain_v and_o lose_v the_o sweetness_n of_o all_o our_o other_o thought_n concern_v heaven_n if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o firm_a a_o promise_n for_o our_o own_o safety_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o danger_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o inheritance_n that_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n the_o assurance_n be_v full_a thus_o it_o be_v keep_v for_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o we_o keep_v on_o earth_n for_o it_o as_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o we_o we_o be_v no_o less_o sure_o preserve_v to_o it_o there_o be_v here_o 1._o the_o estate_n itself_o salvation_n 2._o the_o preservation_n or_o secure_v of_o those_o that_o expect_v it_o 3._o the_o time_n of_o full_a possession_n in_o the_o last_o time_n unto_o salvation_n before_o it_o be_v call_v a_o inheritance_n here_o more_o particular_o what_o mean_v by_o that_o namely_o salvation_n this_o be_v more_o express_o sure_a be_v a_o deliverance_n from_o misery_n and_o import_v withal_o the_o possession_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v free_v from_o those_o misery_n to_o which_o we_o be_v subject_a by_o our_o guiltiness_n to_o be_v set_v free_a from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o everlasting_a death_n 2._o from_o all_o kind_n of_o mortality_n or_o decay_a 3._o from_o all_o power_n and_o stain_v of_o sin_n 4._o from_o all_o temptation_n 5._o from_o all_o the_o grief_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n to_o have_v the_o perfection_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v full_a of_o holiness_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o bliss_n full_a of_o joy_n in_o the_o continual_a vision_n of_o god_n but_o how_o little_a be_v we_o able_a to_o say_v of_o this_o our_o apostle_n here_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v veil_v to_o we_o only_o so_o 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