know_v that_o this_o divine_a adoption_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a relative_n name_n as_o that_o of_o man_n the_o sonship_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v here_o and_o often_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o new_a generation_n and_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n io._n 1.13_o 1._o io._n 2.29_o there_o be_v a_o new_a be_v a_o spiritual_a life_n communicate_v to_o they_o they_o have_v in_o they_o of_o their_o father_n spirit_n and_o this_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o call_v his_o spirit_n gal._n 4.6_o they_o be_v not_o only_o account_v of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n but_o by_o this_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v indeed_o his_o child_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o our_o apostle_n express_v it_o now_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v so_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a without_o a_o portion_n of_o this_o new_a nature_n to_o conceive_v of_o it_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v understand_v it_o what_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o the_o subtle_a school_n of_o philosopher_n when_o a_o very_a doctor_n in_o israel_n mistake_v it_o gross_o io._n 3._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a mystery_n and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o sublimest_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o divine_a the_o soar_a eagle_n as_o they_o compare_v he_o he_o be_v more_o abundant_a in_o this_o subject_n than_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o most_o profitable_a way_n of_o consider_v this_o regeneration_n and_o sonship_n be_v certain_o to_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o those_o holy_a write_n and_o not_o to_o jangle_n in_o dispute_n about_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o of_o which_o though_o somewhat_o may_v be_v profitable_o say_v and_o safe_o namely_o so_o much_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v yet_o much_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o debate_v by_o many_o be_v but_o a_o useless_a expense_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n what_o those_o previous_a disposition_n be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o go_v and_o where_o be_v the_o march_n or_o point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o infusion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n i_o conceive_v not_o so_o easy_o determinable_a if_o naturalist_n and_o physician_n can_v agree_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n part_n in_o the_o womb_n how_o much_o less_o can_v we_o be_v peremptory_a in_o the_o other_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o wonder_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a structure_n and_o frame_n of_o man_n how_o much_o rich_a in_o wonder_n must_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a generation_n be_v see_v how_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o former_a psal._n 14.15_o thing_n spiritual_a being_n more_o refine_v than_o material_a thing_n their_o workmanship_n must_v be_v far_o more_o wonderful_a and_o curious_a but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n by_o the_o mixture_n of_o all_o divine_a grace_n each_o set_n off_o another_o as_o so_o many_o rich_a several_a colour_n in_o embroidery_n but_o who_o can_v trace_v that_o invisible_a hand_n that_o work_v it_o so_o as_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o order_n and_o to_o say_v which_o be_v first_o which_o second_o and_o so_o on_o whether_o faith_n or_o repentance_n and_o all_o grace_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o and_o all_o grace_n do_v inseparable_o make_v up_o the_o same_o work_n and_o be_v all_o in_o the_o new_a formation_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v bear_v again_o if_o the_o way_n of_o god_n universal_a providence_n be_v untraceable_a than_o most_o of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o a_o secret_a unperceivable_a way_n in_o this_o new_a birth_n he_o give_v this_o spiritual_a be_v as_o the_o dew_n which_o be_v silent_o and_o insensible_o form_v and_o this_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n compare_v to_o it_o by_o the_o psalmist_n they_o have_v this_o original_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o dew_n io._n 3.3_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v from_o above_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v of_o the_o dew_n to_o job._n job._n 38.28_o have_v the_o rain_n a_o father_n or_o who_o have_v beget_v the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n the_o sharp_a wit_n be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o as_o job_n speak_v of_o a_o way_n that_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v job._n 28.7_o to_o contest_v it_o much_o how_o in_o this_o regeneration_n he_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o renew_v it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n provide_v this_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o regenerate_v and_o renew_v a_o man_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a not_o to_o grant_v this_o unless_o we_o will_v run_v into_o that_o error_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o creature_n too_o hard_o for_o himself_o to_o rule_n or_o have_v willing_o exempt_v it_o and_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o of_o all_o other_o especial_o this_o work_n wherein_o he_o glory_v most_o fail_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o remain_v imperfect_a shall_v there_o be_v any_o abortive_a birth_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o father_n shall_v i_o bring_v to_o the_o birth_n say_v he_o and_o not_o cause_n to_o bring_v forth_o no_o no_o sinner_n so_o dead_a but_o there_o be_v virtue_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o revive_v out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n though_o the_o most_o impenitent_a heart_n be_v as_o stone_n within_o they_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v of_o they_o child_n to_o abraham_n he_o can_v dig_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o put_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n in_o its_o place_n otherways_o he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o promise_n io._n 1.13_o not_o of_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n if_o his_o sovereign_a will_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a principle_n of_o this_o regeneration_n why_o then_o say_v the_o apostle_n st._n james_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o and_o he_o add_v the_o subordinate_a cause_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o word_n to_o the_o end_n that_o his_o church_n may_v be_v still_o fruitful_a bring_v forth_o son_n unto_o he_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v like_o flock_n of_o sheep_n come_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n none_o harren_a among_o they_o though_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o word_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o employment_n in_o dispense_n it_o have_v by_o the_o scripture_n the_o relation_n of_o parent_n impart_v to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a dignity_n for_o they_o as_o they_o be_v call_v co-worker_n with_o god_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n that_o write_v so_o call_v the_o galatian_n his_o little_a child_n of_o who_o he_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v often_o very_a much_o pain_n in_o this_o travel_n yet_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n remain_v untouched_a which_o be_v effectual_o to_o beget_v again_o these_o same_o spirit_n which_o he_o create_v and_o to_o make_v that_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n fruitful_a that_o way_n where_o and_o when_o he_o will_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n be_v he_o never_o so_o powerful_a can_v cast_v this_o seed_n only_o into_o the_o ear_n his_o hand_n reach_v no_o further_o and_o the_o hearer_n by_o his_o attention_n may_v convey_v it_o into_o his_o head_n but_o it_o be_v the_o supreme_a father_n and_o teacher_n above_o that_o carry_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n the_o only_a soil_n wherein_o it_o prove_v lively_a and_o fruitful_a one_o man_n can_v reach_v the_o heart_n of_o another_o how_o shall_v he_o then_o renew_v its_o fruitfulness_n if_o natural_a birth_n have_v be_v always_o acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n prerogative_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v a_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o so_o jacob_n answer_v wise_o to_o his_o wife_n be_v foolish_a passion_n be_o i_o in_o god_n stead_n how_o much_o more_o be_v this_o new_a birth_n whole_o dependent_a on_o his_o hand_n but_o though_o this_o word_n can_v beget_v without_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o this_o word_n that_o he_o beget_v and_o ordinary_o not_o
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 fâ—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
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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spirit_n within_o you_o and_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o that_o glorious_a fraternity_n the_o first_o bear_v among_o many_o brethren_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v eph._n 1.10_o that_o he_o have_v recollect_v into_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n the_o word_n be_v gather_v they_o into_o one_o head_n and_o so_o suit_v very_o fit_o to_o express_v that_o our_o union_n in_o he_o in_o who_o say_v he_o in_o that_o same_o epistle_n c._n 4.16_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v fit_o compact_v together_o and_o add_v that_o which_o agree_v to_o our_o purpose_n that_o this_o body_n grow_v up_o and_o edify_v itself_o in_o love_n all_o the_o member_n receive_v spirit_n from_o the_o same_o head_n and_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n thus_o these_o brethren_n receive_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n from_o their_o head_n christ_n be_v most_o strong_o bend_v to_o the_o good_a one_o of_o another_o if_o there_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
without_o it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o substantial_a eternal_a word_n be_v to_o we_o as_o we_o say_v the_o spring_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o supernatural_a life_n flow_v but_o that_o by_o the_o word_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n put_v ouâ—_n of_o doubt_n verse_n last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o therefore_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o this_o word_n be_v thus_o the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n because_o it_o contain_v and_o declare_v that_o other_o word_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o our_o life_n the_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o common_a and_o so_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o hearer_n but_o then_o all_o be_v natural_o shut_v against_o it_o god_n do_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n open_v some_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o mix_v it_o with_o faith_n and_o those_o it_o renew_v and_o restore_v in_o they_o the_o image_n of_o god_n draw_v the_o traits_fw-fr of_o it_o anew_o and_o make_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o dew_n say_v moses_n the_o word_n as_o a_o heavenly_a dew_n not_o fall_v beside_o but_o drop_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n own_o spirit_n make_v it_o all_o become_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o turn_v it_o into_o one_o of_o those_o drop_n of_o dew_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o psal._n 110._o thou_o have_v the_o dew_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o natural_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v darkness_n and_o the_o word_n as_o a_o divine_a light_n shine_v into_o it_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o as_o the_o word_n be_v call_v light_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n renew_v by_o it_o you_o be_v darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o not_o only_o enlighten_v but_o light_n in_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o natural_a mind_n be_v often_o comprise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o darkness_n and_o error_n 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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 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kindle_v with_o the_o ambition_n of_o it_o how_o do_v a_o christian_a pity_n that_o poor_a vanity_n that_o man_n make_v so_o much_o noise_n about_o of_o of_o their_o kindred_n and_o extraction_n this_o be_v worth_a glory_v in_o indeed_o to_o be_v of_o the_o high_a blood_n royal_a and_o in_o the_o near_a relation_n son_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n by_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o add_v matchless_a honour_n to_o that_o birth_n which_o be_v honourable_a but_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n will_v we_o not_o study_v to_o cozen_v ourselves_o the_o discovery_n will_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o know_v whither_o we_o be_v or_o not_o in_o many_o their_o false_a confidence_n be_v too_o evident_a no_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o a_o foot-step_n like_o his_o lead_n and_o that_o character_n rom._n 8.14_o not_o a_o lineament_n of_o god_n visage_n as_o their_o father_n if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a say_v st._n john_n 2.29_o you_o know_v then_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o lover_n and_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n be_v they_o that_o swinish_o love_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o unholiness_n be_v swear_v and_o curse_v the_o accent_n of_o the_o regenerate_v the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n do_v child_n delight_v to_o indignify_v and_o dishonour_v their_o father_n name_n no_o earthly_a mindedness_n be_v a_o countersign_n shall_v the_o king_n child_n they_o that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o scarlet_a as_o jeremy_n lament_v embrace_v the_o dunghill_n
equal_o from_o every_o minister_n alike_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v something_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o call_v it_o more_o acceptable_a reception_n of_o those_o who_o at_o first_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o god_n than_o other_o like_o the_o opinion_n some_o have_v of_o physician_n who_o they_o love_v the_o apostle_n comfort_v these_o stranger_n of_o this_o dispersion_n by_o the_o spiritual_a union_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o effectual_a call_n and_o so_o call_v off_o their_o eye_n from_o their_o outward_a disperse_a and_o despise_a condition_n to_o look_v above_o that_o as_o high_a as_o the_o spring_n of_o their_o happiness_n the_o free_a love_n and_o election_n of_o god_n scatter_v in_o the_o country_n and_o yet_o gather_v in_o god_n election_n choose_v or_o pick_v out_o strangers_z to_z man_n among_o who_o they_o dwell_v but_o know_v and_o foreknow_v to_o god_n remove_v from_o their_o own_o country_n to_o which_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o unalterable_a affection_n but_o make_v heir_n of_o a_o better_a as_o follow_v verse_n 3.4_o and_o have_v within_o they_o the_o evidence_n both_o of_o eternal_a election_n and_o that_o expect_a salvation_n the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n verse_n 2._o at_o the_o best_a a_o christian_n be_v bâ—t_v a_o stranger_n here_o set_v he_o where_o you_o will_v as_o our_o apostle_n teach_v after_o and_o it_o be_v his_o privilege_n that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o when_o he_o think_v not_o so_o he_o forget_v and_o disparage_v himself_o and_o descend_v far_o below_o his_o quality_n when_o he_o be_v much_o take_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n of_o his_o exile_n but_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o can_v solace_v himself_o against_o the_o meaness_n and_o any_o kind_n of_o discomfort_n of_o his_o outward_a condition_n with_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v call_v he_o to_o holiness_n give_v he_o some_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o a_o endeavour_n after_o more_o and_o by_o this_o may_v he_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o unto_o salvation_n if_o either_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n where_o he_o live_v or_o as_o a_o stranger_n desert_v of_o his_o friend_n and_o very_o near_o strip_v of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n yet_o may_v he_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o the_o eternal_a unchangeable_a love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a be_v seal_v to_o his_o soul_n o_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o sit_v unmolested_a in_o his_o own_o home_n and_o possession_n and_o to_o have_v they_o very_o great_a and_o pleasant_a well_o money_v and_o land_v and_o befriend_v and_o yet_o estrange_v and_o sever_v from_o god_n not_o have_v any_o token_n of_o his_o special_a love_n to_o the_o elect_n the_o apostle_n here_o denominate_v all_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v by_o the_o condition_n of_o true_a believer_n call_v they_o elect_a and_o sanctify_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o stile_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n not_o that_o all_o in_o these_o church_n be_v such_o indeed_o but_o because_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o and_o by_o that_o their_o profession_n and_o call_v as_o christian_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v such_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n true_a to_o that_o their_o call_v and_o profession_n be_v real_o such_o beside_o it_o will_v seem_v not_o unworthy_a of_o consideration_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n there_o will_v be_v few_o false_a christian_n and_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n usual_o great_a in_o the_o church_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n then_o now_o in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n because_o there_o can_v not_o then_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o be_v from_o their_o infancy_n breed_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o for_o the_o great_a part_n be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n convert_v from_o paganism_n and_o juduisme_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n first_o and_o make_v a_o deliberate_a choice_n of_o it_o to_o which_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o great_a outward_a encouragement_n and_o therefore_o the_o less_o danger_n of_o multitude_n of_o hypocrite_n which_o as_o vermin_n in_o summer_n breed_v most_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n prosperity_n though_o no_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n have_v then_o universal_o receive_v the_o faith_n but_o rather_o hate_v and_o persecute_v it_o yet_o be_v there_o even_o then_o among_o they_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v false_a brethren_n and_o inordinate_a walker_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n earthly_a mind_v and_o lead_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n and_o contention_n and_o vainglory_n howsoever_o the_o question_n that_o be_v move_v concern_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n can_v no_o way_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v decide_v from_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n but_o eertain_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o teach_v christian_n and_o christian_a church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o their_o holy_a profession_n require_v of_o they_o and_o sharp_o to_o reprove_v the_o gross_a unlikeness_n and_o inconformity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n to_o the_o description_n of_o christian_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v too_o straight_o in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o certain_o the_o great_a part_n of_o church_n be_v too_o loose_a in_o their_o practice_n from_o the_o dissimilitude_n betwixt_o our_o church_n and_o those_o we_o may_v make_v this_o use_n of_o reproof_n that_o if_o aâ—_n apostolical_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o we_o it_o behove_v to_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o ignorant_a profane_a malicious_a etc._n etc._n as_o he_o who_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n read_v say_v either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n or_o we_o be_v not_o christian_n so_o either_o these_o character_n give_v in_o the_o inscription_n of_o these_o epistle_n be_v not_o true_a character_n or_o we_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n verse_n 2._o elect_a according_o to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v their_o condition_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o condition_n sanctify_a and_o justify_v the_o former_a express_v by_o obedience_n the_o latter_a by_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n the_o cause_n 1_o eternal_a election_n 2._o the_o execution_n of_o that_o decree_n their_o effectual_a call_v which_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v by_o election_n here_o the_o select_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o join_v they_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n so_o joh._n 15.19_o the_o former_a election_n particular_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o father_n the_o latter_a to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a trinity_n concur_v dignify_v they_o with_o this_o their_o spiritual_a and_o happy_a estate_n first_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o these_o separate_o and_o then_o of_o their_o connection_n 1._o of_o the_o state_n itself_o and_o first_o of_o justification_n though_o name_v last_o this_o sprinkle_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o legal_a purification_n by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n and_o that_o apposite_o for_o these_o rite_n of_o sprinkle_v and_o blood_n do_v all_o point_n out_o this_o blood_n and_o this_o sprinkle_v and_o exhibit_v this_o true_a ransom_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v only_o shadow_v by_o they_o as_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o sprinkle_v be_v purification_n and_o expiation_n because_o sin_v merit_v death_n and_o that_o the_o pollution_n and_o stain_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v by_o sin_n such_o be_v the_o pollution_n that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o way_n wash_v off_o but_o by_o blood_n heb._n 9_o â—2_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o blood_n able_a to_o purge_v from_o sin_n except_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n act._n 20.28_o that_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n can_v only_o be_v wash_v off_o by_o blood_n inâ—imates_n that_o it_o merit_v death_n and_o that_o no_o blood_n but_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v do_v it_o intimate_v that_o this_o stain_n merit_v eternal_a death_n and_o it_o have_v be_v our_o portion_n except_o the_o death_n of_o the_o eternal_a lord_n of_o life_n have_v free_v
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 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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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but_o lie_v hope_n and_o die_a hope_n they_o die_v often_o before_o we_o and_o we_o live_v to_o bury_v they_o and_o see_v our_o own_o own_o folly_n and_o infelicity_n in_o trust_v to_o they_o but_o at_o the_o utmost_a they_o die_v with_o we_o when_o we_o die_v and_o can_v accompany_v we_o no_o further_o but_o this_o hope_n answer_v expectation_n to_o the_o full_a and_o much_o beyond_o it_o and_o deceive_v no_o way_n but_o that_o happy_a one_o of_o far_o exceed_v it_o a_o live_a hope_n live_v in_o death_n itself_o the_o world_n dare_v say_v no_o more_o for_o its_o devise_n but_o dum_fw-la spiro_fw-la spero_fw-la but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v add_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o live_a hope_n dum_fw-la exspiro_fw-la
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 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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 up_o all_o feeling_n and_o fear_v or_o danger_n of_o any_o the_o least_o evil_a either_o of_o sin_n or_o punishment_n banish_v for_o ever_o no_o invasion_n of_o enemy_n no_o rob_n nor_o destroy_v in_o all_o this_o holy_a mountain_n no_o voice_n of_o complain_v in_o the_o street_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n here_o it_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o interchange_n of_o morning_n of_o joy_n with_o weep_v of_o sad_a evening_n but_o there_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o light_n no_o need_n of_o sun_n nor_o moon_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lighten_v it_o and_o the_o lamb_n shall_v be_v the_o light_n thereof_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n as_o he_o do_v here_o throughout_o this_o chap._n lay_v this_o salvation_n to_o counter_a balance_n all_o sorrow_n and_o persecution_n and_o whatsoever_o hardship_n can_v be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n enjoy_v a_o calm_a triumph_n in_o disgrace_n 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 darknâ—_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 their_o own_o time_n and_o to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o we_o regard_v not_o and_o turn_v our_o eye_n to_o foolish_a wander_a thought_n which_o angel_n be_v ashamed_a at_o they_o be_v not_o so_o concern_v in_o this_o great_a mystery_n as_o we_o be_v they_o be_v but_o mere_a beholder_n in_o comparison_n of_o we_o yea_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v loser_n someway_o that_o our_o nature_n in_o itself_o inferior_a to_o they_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n exalt_v above_o they_o heb._n 2.16_o we_o bow_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o study_v and_o grovel_v in_o it_o take_v into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o it_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o look_v not_o within_o it_o but_o they_o have_v no_o will_n nor_o desire_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a flame_n of_o fire_n burn_v only_o in_o love_n to_o he_o be_v no_o less_o delight_v then_o amaze_v with_o the_o bottomless_a wonder_n of_o his_o wisdom_n 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 iâ—_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 overesteem_v of_o their_o authority_n but_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o corruption_n in_o religion_n and_o practice_n of_o precede_a age_n take_v so_o much_o with_o posterity_n be_v that_o before_o mention_v the_o universal_a sympathy_n and_o agreement_n that_o those_o evil_n have_v with_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n observe_v this_o particular_o in_o the_o jew_n chap._n 20._o verse_n 24._o that_o their_o eye_n be_v after_o their_o father_n idol_n contrary_a to_o god_n express_v forewarn_v verse_n 18._o this_o be_v the_o great_a quarrel_n of_o the_o heathen_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o it_o be_v new_a and_o unknown_a to_o their_o father_n and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o those_o time_n be_v frequent_a in_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o exception_n particular_o lactantius_n instit._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7_o 8._o the_o same_o prejudice_n do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n sing_v over_o continual_o against_o the_o reform_a religion_n where_o be_v it_o before_o luther_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v a_o foolish_a and_o reasonless_a diversion_n from_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n because_o error_n be_v more_o at_o hand_n or_o from_o the_o entertain_v it_o be_v find_v because_o falsehood_n be_v in_o possession_n as_o in_o religion_n so_o in_o the_o course_n and_o practice_v of_o man_n life_n the_o stream_n of_o sin_n run_v from_o one_o age_n into_o another_o and_o every_o age_n make_v it_o great_a add_v somewhat_o to_o what_o it_o receive_v as_o river_n grow_v in_o their_o course_n by_o the_o accession_n of_o brook_n that_o fall_v into_o they_o and_o every_o man_n when_o he_o be_v bear_v fall_n like_o a_o drop_n into_o this_o main_a current_n of_o corruption_n and_o so_o be_v carry_v with_o it_o down_o and_o this_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o strength_n and_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o willing_o dissolve_v into_o it_o and_o run_v along_o with_o it_o in_o thiâ—_n be_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o a_o man_n conversion_n that_o it_o sever_v he_o so_o powerful_o from_o the_o profane_a world_n and_o give_v he_o strength_n to_o run_v contrary_a to_o the_o great_a current_n of_o wickedness_n that_o be_v round_o about_o he_o in_o his_o parent_n possible_o and_o in_o his_o kindred_n and_o friend_n and_o in_o the_o most_o of_o man_n that_o he_o meet_v withal_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n that_o powerful_a word_n of_o effectual_a calling_n that_o he_o speak_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n make_v a_o man_n break_v through_o all_o and_o leave_n all_o to_o â—ollow_v god_n as_o abraham_n do_v be_v call_v out_o from_o his_o kindred_n and_o father_n house_n to_o journey_n towards_o the_o land_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o each_o believe_a soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n forget_v also_o thy_o own_o people_n and_o thy_o father_n house_n so_o shall_v the_o king_n great_o delight_v in_o thy_o beauty_n regard_v not_o what_o other_o think_v though_o thy_o near_a friend_n but_o study_v only_o to_o please_v he_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v please_v he_o indeed_o do_v not_o deform_v thy_o face_n with_o look_v out_o a_o squint_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o look_v straight_o forward_o on_o he_o and_o so_o thou_o shall_v be_v beautiful_a in_o his_o eye_n when_o god_n call_v a_o man_n in_o a_o remarkable_a manner_n his_o profane_a friend_n be_v all_o in_o a_o tumult_n what_o need_v this_o to_o be_v more_o precise_a than_o we_o and_o all_o your_o neighbour_n but_o all_o this_o be_v a_o confuse_a noise_n that_o work_v nothing_o on_o the_o heart_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v touch_v it_o must_v follow_v he_o though_o by_o trample_v upon_o friend_n and_o kindred_n if_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n we_o see_v how_o powerful_o a_o word_n from_o christ_n draw_v his_o disciple_n to_o leave_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o the_o exhortation_n be_v against_o all_o sinful_a and_o unholy_a conversation_n by_o what_o authority_n and_o example_n soever_o recommend_v to_o we_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o those_o word_n be_v strong_a and_o press_v there_o be_v one_o express_v in_o the_o very_a name_n he_o give_v it_o it_o be_v vain_a conversation_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o guide_n and_o source_n of_o his_o action_n while_o it_o be_v estrange_v from_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o forge_n of_o vanity_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n speak_v this_o of_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v rom._n 1.21_o their_o great_a naturalist_n and_o philosopher_n not_o except_v and_o the_o more_o they_o strive_v to_o play_v the_o wise_a man_n the_o more_o they_o befool_v themselves_o thus_o likewise_o eph._n 4.17_o and_o thus_o the_o lord_n complain_v by_o his_o prophet_n of_o the_o extreme_a folly_n of_o his_o people_n isay._n 44.20_o and_o by_o jeremy_n that_o their_o bearâ—s_n be_v lodge_v of_o vain_a thought_n and_o these_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o a_o vain_a conversation_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n out_o of_o christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o continual_a trade_n in_o vanity_n run_v a_o circle_n of_o toil_n and_o labour_n and_o reap_v no_o profit_n at_o all_o this_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o every_o natural_a man_n conversation_n that_o not_o only_o other_o be_v not_o benefit_v by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v fruitless_a to_o himself_o there_o arise_v to_o he_o no_o solid_a good_a out_o of_o it_o that_o be_v most_o true_o vain_a that_o attain_v not_o its_o proper_a end_n now_o all_o a_o man_n endeavour_n aim_v at_o his_o satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n that_o conversation_n that_o give_v he_o nothing_o of_o that_o but_o remove_v he_o further_o from_o it_o be_v just_o call_v
so_o much_o and_o speak_v so_o many_o tongue_n yet_o i_o determine_v say_v he_o to_o know_v nothing_o among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a 1_o cor._n 2.2_o and_o again_o he_o express_v this_o as_o the_o top_n of_o his_o ambition_n that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n that_o conformity_n be_v this_o only_a knowledge_n he_o that_o have_v his_o lust_n unmortified_a and_o a_o heart_n unweaned_a from_o the_o world_n though_o he_o know_v all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o can_v discourse_v well_o of_o they_o yet_o indeed_o he_o know_v they_o not_o if_o you_o will_v increase_v much_o in_o holiness_n and_o be_v strong_a against_o the_o tentation_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o only_a art_n of_o it_o view_n much_o and_o so_o seek_v to_o know_v much_o of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v often_o at_o how_o high_a a_o raâ—e_n we_o be_v redeem_v from_o sin_n and_o provide_v this_o answer_n for_o all_o the_o enticement_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n except_o you_o can_v offer_v my_o soul_n something_o beyond_o that_o price_n that_o be_v give_v for_o it_o on_o the_o cross_n i_o can_v hearken_v to_o you_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o will_n a_o christian_a say_v that_o consider_v this_o redemption_n that_o ever_o i_o shall_v prefer_v a_o base_a lust_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n or_o it_o all_o to_o he_o that_o give_v himself_o to_o death_n for_o i_o and_o pay_v my_o ransom_n with_o his_o blood_n his_o matchless_a love_n have_v free_v i_o from_o the_o miserable_a captivity_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v for_o ever_o fasten_v i_o to_o the_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o his_o obedience_n let_v he_o alone_o to_o dwell_v and_o rule_v within_o i_o and_o let_v he_o never_o go_v forth_o from_o my_o heart_n who_o for_o my_o sake_n refuse_v to_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross._n verse_n 20._o who_o very_o be_v foreordain_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v manifest_a in_o these_o last_o time_n for_o you_o of_o all_o those_o consideration_n and_o there_o be_v many_o that_o may_v move_v man_n to_o obedience_n there_o be_v none_o that_o persuade_v both_o more_o sweet_o and_o strong_o then_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n and_o among_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o the_o send_n and_o give_v of_o his_o son_n for_o man_n redemption_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v mention_v that_o insist_o further_a in_o it_o and_o in_o these_o word_n express_v the_o performance_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o purpose_n or_o decree_v foreknow_v but_o it_o be_v well_o render_v fore_o ordain_v for_o this_o know_v be_v decree_v and_o there_o be_v little_a either_o solid_a truth_n or_o profit_n in_o the_o distinguish_v they_o we_o say_v usual_o that_o where_o there_o be_v little_a wisdom_n there_o be_v much_o chance_n and_o comparitive_o among_o man_n some_o be_v far_o more_o foresighted_a and_o of_o further_a reach_n than_o other_o yet_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o provident_a man_n both_o want_a skill_n to_o design_n all_o thing_n aâ—ight_v and_o power_n to_o act_v as_o they_o contrive_v meet_v with_o many_o unexpected_a casualty_n and_o often_o disappointment_n in_o their_o undertake_n but_o with_o god_n where_o both_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v infinite_a there_o can_v be_v neither_o any_o chance_n nor_o resistance_n from_o without_o nor_o any_o imperfection_n at_o all_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n neither_o himself_n can_v give_v that_o cause_n to_o add_v or_o abate_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o purpose_n the_o model_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o course_n of_o time_n be_v with_o he_o one_o and_o the_o same_o from_o all_o etenity_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v exact_o answerable_a to_o that_o pattern_n for_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o change_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v jam._n 1.17_o there_o be_v nothing_o dark_a to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n he_o set_v at_o one_o view_n through_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o yea_o from_o eternity_n to_o eternity_n and_o this_o inccomprehensible_a wisdom_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o we_o do_v but_o childish_o stammer_v when_o we_o offer_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n beat_v their_o own_o brain_n and_o knock_v their_o head_n one_o against_o another_o in_o the_o contest_v of_o their_o opinion_n to_o little_a purpose_n in_o their_o several_a moulding_n of_o god_n decree_n be_v not_o this_o to_o cut_v and_o square_a god_n thought_n to_o we_o and_o examine_v his_o sovereign_a purpose_n by_o the_o low_a principle_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n how_o much_o more_o learned_a than_o all_o such_o knowledge_n be_v the_o 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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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prince_n by_o their_o high_a birth_n and_o education_n have_v usual_o their_o heart_n fill_v with_o far_o high_a thought_n than_o mean_v person_n the_o child_n of_o the_o poor_a sort_n be_v pinch_v that_o way_n their_o great_a thought_n as_o they_o grow_v up_o be_v ordinary_o how_o they_o shall_v shift_v to_o live_v how_o they_o shall_v get_v bread_n but_o prince_n think_v either_o of_o the_o conquest_n or_o govern_v of_o kingdom_n be_v you_o not_o bear_v to_o a_o better_a inheritance_n if_o indeed_o bear_v again_o why_o then_o do_v you_o vilify_v yourselves_o why_o not_o more_o in_o prayer_n no_o dumb_a child_n among_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n they_o have_v all_o that_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o they_o not_o only_o speak_v but_o cry_v abba_n father_n 2._o the_o most_o part_n of_o we_o esteem_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o evanish_v discourse_n that_o amuse_n we_o for_o a_o hour_n we_o look_v for_o no_o more_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v no_o 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this_o new_a be_v we_o have_v here_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v high_a original_a from_o god_n beget_v again_o of_o his_o word_n 2._o that_o which_o so_o much_o commend_v good_a thing_n its_o duration_n and_o this_o follow_v of_o the_o other_o for_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o life_n be_v incorruptible_a itself_o must_v be_v so_o too_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o a_o live_n and_o ever_o abide_v word_n in_o itself_o but_o likewise_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o intend_v that_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o call_v not_o only_o a_o abide_a word_n but_o incorruptible_a seed_n which_o express_o relate_v to_o regeneration_n and_o because_o we_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o thing_n by_o comparison_n the_o everlastingness_n of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o spiritual_a life_n which_o it_o beget_v be_v set_v off_o by_o the_o frailty_n and_o shortness_n of_o natural_a life_n and_o all_o the_o good_a that_o concern_v it_o this_o he_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o isaiah_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n verse_n 24._o for_o all_o flesh_n be_v as_o grass_n and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fall_v away_o in_o express_v the_o vanity_n and_o frailty_n of_o the_o natural_a life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v very_o agree_v with_o the_o subject_n to_o call_v he_o flesh_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n the_o name_n of_o his_o corruptible_a part_n both_o to_o make_v the_o wretched_a and_o perish_a condition_n of_o this_o life_n more_o sensible_a and_o man_n the_o more_o humble_a by_o it_o for_o though_o by_o provide_v all_o for_o the_o flesh_n and_o bestow_v his_o whole_a time_n in_o the_o endeavour_n which_o be_v of_o the_o flesh_n concernment_n he_o remember_v it_o too_o much_o and_o forget_v his_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a part_n yet_o in_o that_o over_o eager_a care_n for_o the_o flesh_n in_o some_o sense_n he_o seem_v to_o forget_v that_o he_o be_v flesh_n or_o at_o least_o that_o flesh_n be_v perish_v because_o flesh_n extend_v his_o desire_n and_o project_n so_o far_o for_o the_o flesh_n as_o if_o it_o be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v always_o abide_v to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v these_o thing_n as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v of_o his_o countryman_n upbraid_v at_o once_o their_o surfeiting_n and_o excess_n in_o feast_v and_o their_o sumptuousness_n in_o building_n that_o they_o eat_v as_o if_o they_o mean_v to_o die_v to_o morrow_n and_o yet_o build_v as_o if_o they_o be_v never_o to_o die_v thus_o in_o man_n immoderate_a pursuit_n of_o earth_n they_o seem_v both_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o beside_o flesh_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n too_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v flesh_n that_o be_v mortal_a and_o perish_a they_o neither_o right_o remember_v their_o immortality_n nor_o their_o mortality_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v flesh_n the_o name_n of_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o purpose_n all_o man_n be_v flesh_n but_o it_o be_v plain_o thus_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n thus_o in_o the_o psalm_n he_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o flesh_n that_o speak_v their_o frailty_n enough_o but_o it_o be_v add_v to_o make_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o estate_n the_o clear_a a_o wind_n that_o pass_v and_o come_v not_o again_o psal._n 78.39_o so_o psal._n 103.15_o as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v go_v and_o the_o place_n thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o this_o natural_a life_n be_v compare_v even_o by_o natural_a man_n to_o the_o vain_a thing_n and_o scarce_o find_v they_o thing_n light_a enough_o to_o express_v it_o vain_a and_o as_o here_o call_v grass_n so_o they_o compare_v the_o generation_n of_o man_n to_o the_o leaf_n of_o tree_n but_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n do_v most_o discover_v this_o and_o it_o be_v a_o lesson_n require_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o aright_o teach_v we_o say_v moses_n psa._n 90._o so_o to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n unto_o wisdom_n and_o david_n psa._n 39_o make_v i_o to_o know_v my_o life_n how_o frail_a i_o be_o so_o jam._n 4.14_o and_o here_o it_o be_v call_v grass_n so_o job._n 14.12_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o trouble_n he_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o grass_n have_v its_o root_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o moisture_n of_o it_o and_o for_o a_o while_n but_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v under_o the_o hazard_n of_o such_o weather_n as_o favour_n it_o not_o or_o the_o â—ythe_n that_o â—urs_n be_v down_o give_v it_o all_o the_o forbearance_n that_o may_v be_v let_v it_o be_v free_a from_o both_o those_o yet_o how_o quick_o will_v it_o wither_v of_o itself_o set_v aside_o those_o many_o accident_n the_o small_a of_o which_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v our_o natural_a life_n the_o disease_n of_o our_o own_o body_n and_o outward_a violence_n and_o casualty_n that_o cut_v down_o many_o in_o their_o greeness_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o youth_n the_o utmost_a term_n be_v not_o long_o in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v wither_v our_o life_n be_v indeed_o a_o light_a torch_n either_o blow_v out_o by_o some_o stroke_n or_o some_o wind_n or_o if_o spare_v yet_o within_o a_o while_n burn_v away_o and_o will_v die_v out_o of_o itself_o and_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n that_o be_v elegant_o add_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o seem_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o liâ—e_z among_o man_n shall_v the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a and_o beautiful_a and_o healthful_a go_v in_o together_o under_o the_o same_o name_n with_o the_o base_a and_o unhappy_a part_n the_o poor_a wretched_a sort_n of_o the_o world_n that_o sâ—em_v to_o be_v bear_v for_o nothing_o but_o suffering_n and_o misery_n at_o least_o have_v the_o wise_a no_o advantage_n beyond_o the_o fool_n be_v all_o grass_n make_v you_o no_o distinction_n no_o all_o be_v grass_n or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v some_o other_o name_n be_v it_o so_o once_o this_o be_v true_a that_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n and_o if_o that_o glory_n that_o shine_v so_o much_o in_o your_o eye_n must_v have_v a_o difference_n than_o this_o be_v all_o it_o can_v have_v it_o be_v but_o the_o flower_n of_o that_o same_o grass_n somewhat_o above_o the_o common_a grass_n in_o gayness_n a_o little_a comely_o and_o better_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
word_n and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o necessity_n of_o this_o that_o the_o most_o approve_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n in_o a_o human_a way_n have_v require_v this_o of_o their_o scholar_n that_o to_o the_o end_n their_o mind_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v purify_v from_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o philosopher_n judge_v young_a man_n unfit_a hearer_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o abound_a and_o untamedness_n of_o their_o passion_n grant_v that_o if_o those_o be_v compose_v and_o order_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o it_o be_v socrates_n his_o custom_n when_o any_o ask_v he_o a_o question_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o he_o before_o he_o will_v answer_v they_o he_o ask_v they_o concern_v their_o own_o quality_n and_o course_n of_o life_n now_o if_o man_n require_v a_o calm_a and_o purify_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o their_o doctrine_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o those_o deep_a mystery_n that_o his_o word_n open_v up_o it_o be_v well_o express_v in_o that_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o forward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n and_o wisdom_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n no_o indeed_o that_o be_v a_o very_a unfit_a dwell_n for_o it_o and_o the_o very_a heathen_a can_v say_v the_o mind_n that_o be_v impure_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n seneca_n therefore_o we_o see_v the_o strain_n of_o that_o book_n of_o proverb_n that_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o this_o wisdom_n it_o require_v in_o the_o first_o chap._n that_o they_o that_o will_v hear_v it_o do_v retire_v themselves_o from_o all_o ungodly_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n apprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n refine_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n that_o abuse_n and_o bemire_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o arise_v to_o heavenly_a thought_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n say_v our_o saviour_n not_o only_o shall_v they_o see_v he_o perfect_o hereafter_o but_o as_o they_o can_v receive_v he_o he_o will_v impart_v and_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o they_o here_o so_o john_n 14.23_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o word_n obscure_v namely_o the_o filthy_a mist_n within_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v in_o just_a judgement_n hide_v himself_o and_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n from_o those_o that_o entertain_v and_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o very_a sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v shall_v obscure_v and_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o though_o it_o shine_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o a_o dungeon_n they_o shall_v not_o discern_v it_o and_o as_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o word_n that_o have_v these_o evil_n here_o mention_v reign_v and_o in_o full_a strength_n in_o they_o so_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o bear_v again_o the_o more_o they_o retain_v of_o these_o the_o less_o shall_v they_o find_v the_o influence_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o word_n for_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v they_o they_o may_v possible_o some_o of_o they_o have_v much_o remainder_n of_o these_o corruption_n unmortified_a therefore_o exhort_v to_o lay_v aside_o entire_o those_o evil_n all_o malice_n all_o hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o though_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a atrophy_n eat_v much_o and_o grow_v nothing_o by_o it_o find_v no_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n will_v we_o know_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o fruitless_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n here_o it_o be_v man_n bring_v not_o meek_a and_o guiless_a spirit_n to_o it_o not_o mind_n empty_v and_o purify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o stuff_v with_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o other_o such_o evil_n and_o where_o shall_v the_o word_n enter_v when_o all_o be_v so_o take_v up_o and_o if_o it_o do_v enter_v how_o shall_v it_o prosper_v among_o so_o many_o enemy_n or_o at_o all_o abide_v among_o they_o either_o they_o will_v turn_v it_o out_o again_o or_o choke_v and_o kill_v the_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o think_v religion_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o secret_a heart-idol_n shall_v agree_v together_o because_o we_o will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o this_o be_v not_o possible_a either_o therefore_o labour_v to_o entertain_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o â—ove_n of_o it_o and_o lodge_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n speak_v join_v those_o together_o with_o david_n psal._n 119_o 113._o i_o hate_v vain_a thought_n but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o as_o here_o our_o apostle_n lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o so_o receive_v the_o word_n or_o else_o look_v for_o no_o benefit_n by_o it_o here_o nor_o for_o salâ—ation_n by_o it_o hereafter_o but_o cast_v out_o all_o impurity_n and_o give_v your_o whole_a heart_n to_o it_o so_o desire_v it_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v and_o then_o as_o you_o desire_v you_o shall_v gâ—ow_v by_o it_o every_o real_a believer_n have_v receive_v a_o life_n from_o heaven_n far_o more_o excel_v our_o natural_a life_n than_o that_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o this_o life_n have_v its_o own_o peculiar_a desire_n and_o delight_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n and_o the_o certain_a character_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o among_o other_o this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o main_a one_o answerable_a to_o the_o like_a desire_n in_o natural_a life_n namely_o a_o desire_n of_o food_n and_o because_o it_o be_v here_o still_o imperfect_a therefore_o the_o natural_a end_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_a nourishment_n but_o growth_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o proper_a life_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o without_o it_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a as_o the_o body_n be_v without_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o without_o untruth_n this_o may_v be_v render_v reasonable_a milk_n as_o some_o read_v it_o but_o certain_o that_o reasonable_a milk_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v before_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o here_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a nourishment_n to_o that_o spiritual_a life_n according_a to_o their_o say_n iisdemalimur_fw-la ex_fw-la quibus_fw-la constamus_fw-la as_o the_o milk_n that_o infant_n draw_v from_o the_o breast_n be_v most_o connatural_a food_n to_o they_o be_v of_o that_o same_o substance_n that_o nourish_v they_o in_o the_o womb_n but_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o that_o food_n follow_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o supply_n in_o that_o way_n that_o be_v provide_v in_o nature_n for_o it_o by_o certain_a vein_n it_o ascend_v into_o the_o breast_n and_o be_v there_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o they_o by_o nature_n direct_v to_o find_v it_o there_o thus_o as_o a_o christian_a begin_v to_o live_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n direct_v to_o that_o same_o word_n as_o its_o nourishment_n to_o follow_v the_o resemblance_n further_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o milk_n after_o the_o monkish_a way_n that_o run_v itself_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o a_o allegory_n i_o conceive_v be_v neither_o solid_a nor_o profitable_a and_o to_o speak_v free_o the_o curious_a search_n of_o the_o similitude_n in_o other_o quality_n of_o milk_n seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o quality_n here_o give_v it_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o well_o resemble_v by_o milk_n namely_o the_o simple_a pureness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o word_n beside_o that_o the_o press_v of_o comparison_n of_o this_o kind_n too_o far_o prove_v often_o so_o constrain_v ere_o they_o have_v do_v with_o it_o that_o by_o too_o much_o draw_v they_o bring_v forth_o blood_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a as_o milk_v draw_v immediate_o from_o the_o breast_n the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o mixture_n not_o only_o of_o error_n but_o of_o all_o other_o composition_n of_o vain_a unprofitable_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v humane_a eloquence_n such_o as_o become_v not_o the_o majesty_n and_o gravity_n of_o god_n word_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v say_v our_o apostle_n let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n light_a conceit_n and_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n wrong_v the_o word_n more_o than_o they_o can_v please_v the_o hearer_n the_o weed_n among_o the_o corn_n make_v it_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 grow_v but_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v grow_v like_a god_n and_o near_a heaven_n if_o we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n far_o beyond_o they_o all_o to_o find_v pride_n and_o earthliness_n and_o vanity_n abate_v and_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o spiritual_a mindedness_n increase_v especial_o if_o we_o think_v whither_o this_o growth_n be_v not_o as_o our_o natural_a life_n that_o be_v often_o cut_v off_o before_o it_o attain_v full_a age_n as_o we_o call_v it_o and_o if_o it_o attain_v that_o fall_v again_o to_o move_v downward_o and_o decay_v as_o the_o sun_n be_v at_o its_o meridian_n begin_v to_o decline_v again_o but_o this_o life_n shall_v grow_v on-in_a whosoever_o it_o be_v and_o come_v certain_o to_o its_o fullness_n after_o which_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o this_o word_n either_o for_o growth_n or_o nourishment_n no_o death_n no_o decay_n no_o old_a age_n but_o perpetual_a youth_n and_o a_o perpetual_a spring_n ver_fw-la aeternum_fw-la fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a pleasure_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n verse_n 3._o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a our_o natural_a desire_n of_o food_n arise_v principal_o from_o its_o necessity_n for_o that_o end_n which_o nature_n seek_v the_o growth_n or_o at_o least_o the_o nourishment_n of_o our_o body_n but_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o present_a sweetness_n and_o pleasingness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o serve_v to_o sharpen_v our_o desire_n and_o be_v place_v in_o nature_n for_o that_o purpose_n thus_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o desire_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o nourishment_n and_o of_o their_o growth_n
god_n be_v give_v to_o be_v taste_v in_o the_o promise_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o come_n then_o be_v the_o sweetness_n of_o grace_n make_v more_o sensible_a then_o be_v it_o more_o full_o broach_v and_o let_v out_o to_o the_o elect_a world_n when_o he_o be_v pierce_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o blood_n pour_v out_o for_o our_o redemption_n through_o those_o hole_n of_o his_o wound_n way_n we_o draw_v and_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a say_v s._n august_n 2._o taste_v there_o be_v a_o taste_n of_o temporary_a believer_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6.4_o their_o high_a sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o it_o will_v be_v in_o some_o far_o high_a than_o we_o easy_o think_v yet_o be_v but_o a_o taste_n and_o be_v call_v so_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o true_a full_a sense_n that_o true_a believer_n have_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o compare_v with_o temporary_a taste_n be_v more_o 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oppose_v the_o rejection_n of_o man_n that_o we_o take_v it_o for_o god_n actual_a employ_v of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n he_o only_o fit_a for_o that_o work_n impossible_a utter_o that_o any_o other_o shall_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o that_o service_n and_o so_o of_o this_o building_n but_o he_o who_o be_v almighty_a therefore_o the_o spouse_n call_v he_o the_o select_a or_o choice_n of_o ten_o thousand_o yet_o reject_v of_o men._n there_o be_v that_o antipathy_n so_o to_o speak_v betwixt_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v high_o esteem_v with_o man_n be_v abomination_n to_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v here_o that_o which_o be_v high_o esteem_v with_o god_n be_v cast_v and_o disallow_v by_o men._n but_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n the_o choose_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n stand_v and_o by_o that_o judge_n man_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o will_v he_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o build_n and_o he_o be_v in_o true_a value_n answerable_a to_o this_o esteem_n precious_a which_o seem_v to_o signify_v a_o kind_n of_o inward_a worth_n hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n blind_a unbelieve_a man_n but_o well_o know_v to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o reveal_v he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n of_o his_o rejection_n by_o the_o most_o the_o ignorance_n of_o his_o worth_n and_o excellency_n as_o a_o precious_a stone_n that_o the_o skilful_a lapidary_n esteem_v much_o worth_n a_o ignorant_a beholder_n make_v little_a or_o no_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n hold_v likewise_o in_o the_o other_o stone_n of_o this_o building_n choose_v before_o time_n all_o that_o shall_v be_v of_o this_o building_n foreordain_v in_o god_n purpose_n all_o write_v in_o that_o book_n before_o hand_n and_o then_o in_o due_a time_n they_o be_v choose_v by_o actual_a calling_n according_a to_o that_o purpose_n hew_v out_o and_o sever_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n out_o of_o the_o quarry_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n dead_a stone_n in_o themselves_o as_o the_o rest_n but_o make_v live_v by_o his_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o so_o make_v true_o precious_a and_o account_v precious_a by_o he_o that_o have_v make_v they_o so_o all_o the_o stone_n in_o this_o build_n be_v call_v god_n jewel_n mal._n 3._o though_o they_o be_v vilify_v and_o scoff_v and_o despise_v by_o men._n though_o they_o pass_v for_o fool_n and_o the_o refuse_v of_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o may_v easy_o digest_v all_o that_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o if_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a in_o his_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o very_a lot_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o by_o that_o the_o more_o welcome_a that_o it_o conform_v they_o to_o he_o suit_n these_o stone_n to_o their_o foundation_n and_o if_o we_o look_v right_a on_o it_o what_o a_o poor_a despiseable_a thing_n be_v the_o esteem_n of_o man_n how_o soon_o be_v it_o past_a it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n for_o i_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n now_o that_o god_n often_o choose_v for_o this_o building_n such_o stone_n as_o man_n cast_v away_o as_o good_a for_o nothing_o see_v 1._o cor._n 1._o and_o where_o he_o say_v isa._n 51._o that_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n what_o be_v his_o other_o dwell_n his_o habitation_n in_o earth_n be_v it_o in_o great_a palace_n and_o court_n no._n but_o with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n now_o these_o be_v the_o base_a in_o man_n account_n yet_o he_o choose_v they_o and_o prefer_v they_o to_o all_o other_o palace_n and_o temple_n isa._n 66.1.2_o you_o can_v gratify_v i_o with_o any_o dwell_n for_o i_o myself_o have_v make_v all_o and_o a_o sure_a house_n than_o any_o you_o can_v make_v i_o the_o heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n and_o the_o earth_n my_o footstool_n but_o i_o that_o be_o so_o high_a be_o please_v to_o regard_v the_o lowly_a 3._o to_o who_o come_v first_o come_v then_o build_v up_o they_o that_o 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to_o receive_v that_o life_n from_o he_o now_o these_o stone_n come_v unto_o their_o foundation_n which_o import_v the_o move_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n be_v move_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o will_v act_n and_o willing_o for_o it_o can_v act_v otherwise_o but_o as_o be_v act_v and_o draw_v by_o the_o father_n joh._n 6._o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o and_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o draw_v be_v by_o the_o word_n it_o be_v the_o sound_a of_o that_o harp_n that_o bring_v the_o stone_n of_o this_o spiritual_a building_n together_o and_o then_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n they_o be_v build_v up_o that_o be_v as_o s._n paul_n express_v it_o eph._n 2.21_o they_o grow_v up_o unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n the_o church_n may_v dilate_v more_o and_o build_v as_o it_o be_v into_o breadth_n but_o in_o trouble_n it_o arise_v more_o in_o height_n be_v build_v upward_o as_o in_o city_n where_o man_n be_v 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the_o exact_a obedience_n they_o can_v reach_v and_o this_o be_v a_o imperfect_a kind_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v evangelical_n but_o not_o angelical_a 2._o to_o impute_v the_o scandalous_a fall_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o whole_a number_n it_o be_v a_o very_a short_a incompetent_a rule_n to_o make_v judgement_n of_o any_o one_o man_v himself_o by_o one_o action_n much_o more_o to_o measure_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o profession_n by_o it_o and_o they_o yet_o proceed_v further_o in_o this_o way_n of_o misjudging_a 3._o that_o they_o impute_v the_o personal_a fail_n of_o man_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o disadvantage_n it_o by_o the_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o which_o as_o the_o ancient_n plead_v well_o be_v the_o great_a injustice_n and_o such_o as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o against_o their_o own_o philosopher_n they_o can_v well_o distinguish_v betwixt_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o of_o their_o 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do_v not_o usual_o suffer_v they_o undeserved_a this_o then_o turn_v into_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o they_o make_v they_o more_o answerable_a to_o those_o two_o thing_n that_o our_o saviour_n join_v to_o watch_n and_o pray_v to_o be_v the_o more_o vigilant_a over_o themselves_o and_o the_o more_o earnest_a with_o god_n for_o his_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o conduct_v of_o they_o make_v my_o way_n straight_o say_v david_n because_o of_o my_o enemy_n the_o word_n be_v my_o observer_n or_o those_o that_o scan_v my_o way_n every_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o examine_v they_o as_o a_o verse_n or_o as_o a_o song_n of_o music_n if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o wrong_a measure_n in_o they_o they_o will_v not_o let_v it_o slip_v but_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o mark_v it_o and_o if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o godly_n enemy_n wait_v for_o their_o halt_n shall_v not_o they_o themselves_o scan_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o halt_v and_o examine_v they_o to_o order_v they_o as_o the_o wicked_a do_v to_o censure_v they_o and_o withal_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o their_o guide_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o order_v their_o conversation_n aright_o that_o it_o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o piece_n holy_a and_o blameless_a and_o still_o like_o itself_o honest_a fair_n or_o beautiful_a the_o same_o word_n do_v fit_o signify_v goodness_n and_o beauty_n for_o that_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o lastinge_a beauty_n grow_v fresh_a in_o old_a age_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o righteous_a psal._n 92._o as_o tree_n plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n can_v the_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n be_v see_v say_v he_o it_o will_v draw_v all_o to_o love_v it_o a_o christian_a holy_a conversation_n have_v such_o a_o beauty_n as_o when_o
wrong_v we_o who_o ever_o it_o be_v but_o especial_o be_v one_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o spiritual_a sense_n many_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o peculiar_a fraternal_a love_n that_o mutual_a converse_n and_o admonition_n and_o reproof_n and_o comfort_v and_o other_o duty_n which_o be_v in_o neglect_n not_o only_o among_o formal_a but_o even_o among_o real_a christian_n let_v we_o entreat_v more_o of_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v love_n and_o that_o will_v mend_v this_o fear_v god_n all_o the_o rule_n of_o equity_n and_o charity_n among_o man_n flow_v from_o a_o high_a principle_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o right_a observe_v of_o they_o without_o due_a regard_n to_o that_o therefore_o this_o word_n that_o express_v that_o principle_n of_o obedience_n be_v fit_o insert_v among_o these_o the_o first_o obligement_n of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o sovereign_a majesty_n of_o god_n that_o make_v he_o and_o all_o their_o mutual_a duty_n one_o to_o another_o derive_v from_o that_o a_o man_n may_v indeed_o from_o moral_a principle_n be_v of_o a_o mild_a inoffensive_a carriage_n and_o do_v civil_a right_n to_o all_o man_n but_o this_o answer_v not_o the_o divine_a rule_n even_o in_o these_o same_o thing_n after_o the_o way_n that_o it_o require_v they_o the_o spiritual_a and_o religious_a observance_n of_o these_o duty_n towards_o man_n spring_n from_o a_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o terminate_v there_o too_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o he_o and_o general_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n both_o such_o as_o regulate_v our_o behaviour_n towards_o himself_o immediate_o and_o such_o as_o relate_v to_o man_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o holy_a fear_n of_o his_o name_n therefore_o this_o fear_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o follow_v necessary_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n be_v give_v we_o by_o solomon_n as_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o man_n business_n and_o duty_n and_o so_o this_o way_n to_o solid_a happiness_n it_o be_v totum_fw-la hominis_fw-la after_o he_o have_v make_v his_o discovery_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o under_o the_o sun_n go_v the_o whole_a circuit_n and_o make_v a_o exact_a valuation_n and_o find_v all_o to_o amount_v to_o nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o it_o it_o be_v all_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o illustrate_v and_o establish_v this_o truth_n the_o more_o and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o be_v a_o repose_n after_o so_o much_o weariness_n and_o such_o a_o tedious_a journey_n and_o so_o as_o he_o speak_v there_o verse_n 10._o a_o word_n of_o delight_n as_o well_o as_o a_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o mind_n may_v sit_v down_o and_o quiet_v itself_o in_o this_o from_o the_o turmoyl_n and_o pursuit_n of_o vanity_n that_o keep_v it_o busy_a to_o no_o purpose_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o whereas_o there_o be_v emptiness_n and_o vanity_n that_o be_v just_a nothing_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o only_o something_o to_o be_v find_v but_o all_o in_o this_o one_o this_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o that_o fear_n all_o the_o repeat_v declare_v of_o vanity_n in_o other_o thing_n both_o several_o and_o altogether_o in_o that_o book_n be_v but_o so_o many_o stroke_n to_o drive_v and_o fasten_v this_o nail_n as_o it_o be_v there_o verse_n 11._o this_o word_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o and_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o job_n after_o a_o large_a inquest_n for_o wisdom_n search_v for_o its_o vein_n as_o man_n do_v for_o mine_n of_o silver_n and_o gold_n have_v the_o return_n of_o a_o non_fw-la inventium_fw-la est_fw-la from_o all_o the_o creature_n the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o close_o find_v it_o in_o this_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n under_o this_o fear_n be_v comprehend_v all_o religion_n the_o inward_a and_o outward_a of_o it_o all_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o all_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o commandment_n which_o be_v there_o eccles._n 12._o and_o elsewhere_o express_o join_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v include_v in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v not_o express_v so_o job._n 28._o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n repeat_v the_o former_a word_n by_o that_o so_o psal._n 111._o verse_n 10._o it_o have_v in_o it_o all_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n they_o grow_v all_o out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o it_o be_v the_o top_n or_o consummation_n of_o wisdom_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v both_o think_v it_o not_o then_o a_o trivial_a common_a matter_n to_o speak_v or_o hear_v of_o this_o subject_a but_o take_v it_o as_o our_o great_a lesson_n and_o business_n here_o on_o earth_n that_o the_o best_a proficient_o in_o it_o have_v yet_o need_v to_o learn_v it_o better_o and_o that_o it_o require_v our_o uncessant_a diligence_n and_o study_v all_o our_o day_n this_o fear_n have_v chief_o these_o thing_n 1._o a_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o main_a fundamental_a thing_n in_o religion_n and_o that_o mould_v the_o heart_n most_o powerful_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o will_n 2._o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n that_o he_o love_v holiness_n and_o hate_v all_o sin_n and_o can_v and_o will_v punish_v it_o 3._o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o sweet_a of_o his_o love_n that_o his_o incense_a anger_n be_v the_o most_o terrible_a and_o intolerable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n absolute_o the_o fearful_a of_o all_o evil_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n his_o love_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n the_o best_a the_o most_o bless_a and_o delightful_a yea_o only_a blessedness_n life_n be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o sweet_a good_a we_o know_v and_o yet_o this_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n say_v david_n 4._o it_o suppose_v likewise_o sovereign_a love_n to_o god_n for_o his_o own_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o goodness_n 5._o from_o all_o these_o thing_n spring_v a_o most_o earnest_a desire_n to_o please_v he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o offend_v he_o in_o the_o least_o and_o because_o of_o our_o danger_n through_o the_o multitude_n and_o strength_n of_o tentation_n and_o our_o own_o weakness_n a_o continual_a selfe-suspition_n a_o holy_a fear_n lest_o we_o shall_v sin_v and_o a_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n that_o we_o sin_v not_o and_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o speedy_a return_v and_o humble_v before_o he_o when_o we_o have_v sin_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o base_a kind_n of_o fear_n that_o in_o the_o usual_a distinction_n they_o call_v servile_a fear_n but_o to_o account_v all_o fear_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n a_o servile_a fear_n or_o not_o to_o stand_v upon_o word_n to_o account_v such_o a_o fear_n improper_a to_o the_o child_n of_o god_n i_o conceive_v be_v a_o wide_a mistake_n indeed_o to_o fear_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n without_o regard_n ro_o god_n and_o his_o justice_n as_o the_o inflict_a of_o they_o or_o to_o forbear_v to_o sin_n only_o because_o of_o those_o punishment_n so_o as_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v secure_v from_o those_o he_o have_v no_o other_o respect_n to_o god_n that_o will_v make_v he_o fear_n to_o offend_v this_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o slavish_a and_o base_a mind_n again_o for_o a_o man_n so_o to_o apprehend_v wrath_n in_o relation_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o be_v still_o under_o the_o horror_n of_o it_o in_o that_o notion_n and_o not_o to_o apprehend_v redemption_n and_o deliverance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v under_o that_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o rom._n 8._o and_o such_o fear_n though_o a_o child_n of_o god_n may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v under_o it_o yet_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o feel_n of_o reflex_n love_n to_o he_o in_o the_o soul_n do_v cast_v it_o out_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 4.18_o true_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n but_o to_o apprehend_v the_o punishment_n the_o lord_n threaten_v against_o sin_n as_o certain_a and_o true_a and_o to_o consider_v the_o greatness_n and_o fearfulness_n of_o they_o but_o especial_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n anger_n and_o hot_a displeasure_n above_o all_o punishment_n and_o though_o not_o only_o no_o nor_o chief_o for_o these_o yet_o in_o contemplation_n of_o those_o as_o very_o great_a and_o weighty_a to_o be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v that_o god_n who_o have_v threaten_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o just_a
a_o unpleasant_a way_n indeed_o if_o you_o look_v no_o further_o but_o a_o kingdom_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n will_v transfuse_v pleasure_n into_o the_o painfull_a step_n in_o it_o all_o so_o psal._n 34.19_o it_o seem_v a_o sad_a condition_n that_o fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o godly_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v eminent_a in_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n many_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o that_o which_o follow_v weigh_v it_o abundant_o down_o in_o consolation_n that_o the_o lord_n himself_o be_v engage_v in_o their_o affliction_n both_o for_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o they_o in_o due_a time_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o support_n and_o preservation_n under_o they_o the_o lord_n deliver_v they_o out_o of_o they_o all_o and_o till_o he_o do_v that_o he_o keep_v all_o their_o bone_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v literal_o verify_v in_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o st._n john_n observe_v and_o hold_v spiritual_o true_a in_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o lord_n support_v the_o spirit_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o trouble_n with_o such_o solid_a consolation_n as_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o bone_n be_v of_o their_o body_n as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o they_o import_v so_o he_o keep_v all_o his_o bone_n and_o the_o desperate_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v oppose_v to_o illustrate_v this_o verse_n 21._o but_o evil_a shall_v slay_v the_o wicked_a thus_o joh._n 16.33_o in_o the_o closure_n they_o be_v forewarn_v what_o to_o expect_v at_o the_o world_n hand_n as_o they_o be_v divers_a time_n before_o in_o that_o same_o sermon_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sweet_a testament_n take_v it_o altogether_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o peace_n in_o i_o and_o see_v he_o have_v joint_o bequeath_v these_o two_o to_o his_o follower_n be_v it_o not_o great_a folly_n to_o cast_v such_o a_o bargain_n and_o to_o let_v go_v that_o peace_n for_o fear_n of_o this_o trouble_n the_o trouble_n be_v but_o in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o peace_n be_v in_o he_o who_o weigh_v down_o thousand_o of_o world_n so_o then_o they_o do_v exceed_o mistake_v and_o misreckon_v themselves_o that_o will_v agree_v christ_n and_o the_o world_n that_o will_v have_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o share_n enjoy_v both_o kind_n of_o peace_n together_o will_v willing_o have_v peace_n in_o christ_n but_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o the_o world_n peace_n they_o will_v be_v christian_n but_o they_o be_v very_o ill_o satisfy_v when_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o other_o but_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n in_o that_o estate_n and_o willing_o forget_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o and_o so_o when_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n come_v their_o mind_n be_v as_o new_a and_o uncouth_a to_o it_o as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v tell_v on_o it_o before_o hand_n they_o like_v better_o of_o st._n peter_n carnal_a advice_n to_o christ_n to_o avoid_v suffer_v mat._n 16._o than_o of_o of_o his_o apostle_n doctrine_n to_o christian_n teach_v they_o that_o as_o he_o suffer_v so_o they_o likewise_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v man_n ready_o think_v as_o he_o do_v there_o that_o christ_n shall_v favour_v himself_o more_o in_o his_o own_o body_n his_o church_n than_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o so_o much_o suffer_v and_o most_o will_v be_v of_o rome_n mind_n in_o this_o at_o least_o in_o affection_n that_o the_o badge_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v pomp_n and_o prosperity_n and_o not_o the_o cross_n the_o true_a cross_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n be_v too_o heavy_a and_o painful_a but_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o we_o those_o he_o call_v to_o a_o kingdom_n he_o call_v to_o suffering_n as_o the_o way_n to_o it_o he_o will_v have_v the_o heir_n of_o heaven_n know_v they_o be_v not_o at_o home_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o their_o rest_n he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o with_o the_o abuse_a world_n fancy_v a_o happiness_n here_o and_o seek_v life_n as_o st._n augustin_n say_v beatam_fw-la vitam_fw-la quaerere_fw-la in_o region_fw-la mortis_fw-la the_o reproach_n and_o wrong_n that_o encounter_v they_o shall_v elevate_v their_o mind_n often_o to_o that_o land_n of_o peace_n and_o rest_n where_o righteousness_n dwell_v the_o hard_a taskmaster_n shall_v make_v they_o weary_a of_o egypt_n which_o otherwise_o possible_o they_o will_v comply_v too_o well_o with_o and_o dispose_v they_o for_o deliverance_n and_o make_v it_o welcome_n which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v but_o cold_o desire_v if_o they_o be_v better_o use_v he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v that_o secret_o serve_v his_o good_a end_n of_o man_n evil_a and_o by_o the_o plower_n that_o make_v long_a furrow_n on_o the_o back_n of_o his_o church_n make_v it_o a_o fruitful_a field_n to_o himself_o therefore_o it_o be_v great_a folly_n and_o unadvisedness_n to_o take_v up_o prejudice_n against_o his_o way_n and_o think_v it_o may_v be_v better_a as_o we_o will_v model_n it_o and_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n whereas_o we_o shall_v complain_v of_o disorder_a mind_n but_o we_o have_v rather_o have_v all_o alter_v and_o change_v for_o we_o the_o very_a course_n of_o providence_n than_o seek_v the_o change_n of_o our_o own_o perverse_a heart_n but_o the_o right_a temper_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o run_v always_o cross_a to_o the_o corrupt_a stream_n of_o the_o world_n and_o humane_a iniquity_n and_o to_o be_v willing_o carry_v along_o with_o the_o stream_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o stir_v a_o hand_n no_o nor_o a_o thought_n to_o row_v against_o that_o mighty_a current_n and_o not_o only_o be_v he_o carry_v with_o it_o upon_o necessity_n because_o there_o be_v no_o steer_n against_o it_o but_o cheerful_o and_o voluntary_o not_o because_o he_o must_v but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o this_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o be_v joint_o call_v as_o to_o suffer_v so_o to_o calmness_n of_o mind_n and_o patience_n in_o suffer_v although_o their_o suffering_n be_v most_o unjust_a yea_o this_o be_v true_o a_o part_n of_o that_o duty_n they_o be_v call_v to_o to_o that_o integrity_n and_o innofensiveness_n of_o life_n that_o may_v maâ—e_n their_o suffering_n at_o man_n hand_n always_o unjust_a to_o the_o entire_a duty_n here_o be_v innocency_n and_o patience_n do_v willing_o no_o wrong_a and_o yet_o cheerful_o suffer_v it_o do_v to_o they_o if_o either_o of_o the_o two_o be_v want_v their_o suffering_n do_v not_o credit_v their_o profession_n but_o dishonour_v it_o if_o they_o be_v patient_a under_o deserve_a suffering_n their_o guiltiness_n darken_v their_o patience_n and_o if_o their_o suffering_n be_v undeserved_a yea_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o honourable_a yet_o impatience_n under_o they_o stain_v both_o their_o suffering_n and_o their_o cause_n and_o seem_v in_o part_n to_o justify_v the_o very_a injustice_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o but_o where_o innocency_n and_o patience_n meet_v together_o in_o suffer_v there_o suffering_n be_v in_o their_o perfect_a lustre_n these_o be_v they_o that_o honour_n religion_n and_o shame_v the_o enemy_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o concurrence_n of_o these_o two_o that_o be_v the_o very_a triumph_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n that_o torment_v their_o tormentor_n and_o make_v they_o more_o than_o conqueror_n even_o in_o suffering_n now_o that_o we_o be_v call_v both_o to_o suffer_v and_o to_o this_o manner_n of_o suffering_n the_o apostle_n put_v out_o of_o question_n by_o the_o supreme_a example_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o call_v be_v to_o follow_v he_o now_o in_o both_o these_o in_o suffer_v and_o in_o suffer_v innocent_o and_o patient_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n testify_v how_o complete_a a_o pattern_n he_o be_v and_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o here_o a_o summary_n yet_o a_o very_a clear_a account_n of_o it_o the_o word_n have_v in_o they_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o example_n 2._o our_o obligation_n to_o follow_v it_o i._o the_o example_n he_o set_v off_o to_o the_o full_a 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o suffering_n 2._o of_o his_o spotlesness_n and_o patience_n in_o suffering_n the_o first_o we_o have_v in_o that_o word_n he_o suffer_v and_o after_o verse_n 24._o we_o have_v his_o crucify_a and_o his_o stripe_n express_o specify_v now_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o and_o carry_v it_o beyond_o all_o other_o reason_n why_o christian_n be_v call_v to_o a_o suffer_a life_n see_v the_o lord_n and_o author_n of_o that_o call_v suffer_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o
that_o all_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o revile_n of_o the_o multitude_n that_o as_o it_o be_v rack_v he_o for_o some_o answer_n yet_o can_v draw_v no_o other_o from_o he_o but_o this_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v but_o for_o those_o to_o who_o this_o mercy_n belong_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o stead_n of_o revile_n and_o threaten_n he_o commit_v all_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o christian_a patience_n that_o which_o quiet_v the_o mind_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o boil_a tumultuous_a thought_n of_o revenge_n to_o turn_v the_o whole_a matter_n into_o god_n hand_n to_o resign_v it_o over_o to_o he_o to_o prosecute_v when_o and_o as_o he_o think_v good_a not_o as_o the_o most_o that_o have_v rather_o if_o they_o have_v power_n do_v for_o themselves_o and_o be_v their_o own_o avenger_n and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o power_n do_v offer_v up_o 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in_o heaven_n judge_v righteous_o and_o execute_v that_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o the_o fit_a season_n we_o poor_a worm_n who_o whole_a life_n be_v but_o a_o hand-breadth_n in_o itself_o and_o be_v as_o nothing_o unto_o god_n we_o think_v a_o few_o month_n or_o year_n a_o great_a matter_n but_o to_o he_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n as_o our_o apostle_n teach_v we_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o time_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffer_v commit_v himself_o and_o his_o cause_n for_o that_o be_v best_a express_v in_o that_o nothing_o be_v express_v but_o he_o commit_v and_o the_o issue_n shall_v be_v that_o all_o his_o enemy_n shall_v become_v his_o footstool_n and_o he_o himself_o shall_v judge_v they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v we_o here_o to_o learn_v from_o his_o carriage_n towards_o they_o in_o his_o suffer_v be_v that_o quietness_n and_o moderation_n of_o mind_n even_o under_o unjust_a suffering_n make_v we_o like_o he_o not_o to_o reply_v reproach_n with_o reproach_n as_o our_o custom_n be_v to_o give_v a_o ill_a word_n for_o another_o or_o two_o for_o one_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v behind_o man_n take_v a_o pride_n in_o this_o and_o think_v it_o ridiculous_a simplicity_n to_o suffer_v and_o this_o make_v strife_n and_o contention_n so_o abound_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n you_o think_v it_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o bear_v nothing_o to_o put_v up_o no_o wrong_a whereas_o it_o be_v indeed_o great_a weakness_n and_o baseness_n it_o be_v true_a greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o despise_v the_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o set_v you_o usual_o on_o fire_n one_o against_o another_o especial_o be_v do_v after_o a_o christian_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o and_o be_v there_o any_o spirit_n great_a than_o that_o think_v you_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v less_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o more_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o the_o dove_n among_o we_o our_o obligement_n to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n beside_o its_o own_o excellency_n be_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o intendment_n of_o his_o behaviour_n for_o this_o use_n to_o be_v as_o a_o example_n to_o we_o 2._o our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o those_o his_o suffering_n wherein_o he_o so_o carry_v himself_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n etc._n etc._n he_o leave_v his_o footstep_n as_o a_o copy_n as_o the_o word_n be_v to_o follow_v every_o step_n of_o he_o a_o letter_n of_o this_o copy_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o write_v we_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a copy_n of_o obedience_n in_o clear_a and_o great_a letter_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n his_o whole_a life_n be_v our_o rule_n not_o his_o miraculous_a work_n his_o footstep_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o for_o our_o follow_v but_o his_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n and_o meekenss_n and_o humility_n be_v our_o copy_n which_o we_o shall_v continua_o study_v the_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n they_o say_v of_o teach_v be_v by_o example_n but_o above_o all_o this_o matchless_a example_n be_v the_o happy_a way_n of_o teach_v he_o that_o follow_v i_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n he_o that_o aim_v high_a shoot_v the_o high_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shoot_v not_o so_o high_a as_o he_o aim_v this_o be_v that_o which_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a the_o propound_v of_o this_o our_o high_a pattern_n the_o example_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o imitation_n of_o man_n in_o worthless_a thing_n be_v low_a and_o servile_a the_o imitation_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v commendable_a but_o if_o we_o seek_v no_o high_o it_o be_v both_o imperfect_a and_o unsafe_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n will_v have_v no_o imitation_n but_o with_o regard_n to_o this_o supreme_a pattern_n be_v you_o follewer_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n one_o christian_a may_v take_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o many_o thing_n in_o another_o but_o still_o examine_v all_o by_o the_o original_a primitive_a copy_n the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n himself_o follow_v nothing_o but_o as_o it_o conform_v with_o that_o and_o look_v most_o on_o he_o as_o both_o the_o perfect_a and_o most_o effectual_a example_n heb._n 12.2_o there_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o example_n but_o look_v above_o they_o all_o to_o he_o that_o be_v as_o high_a above_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v above_o the_o cloud_n as_o the_o way_n be_v better_a a_o lively_a one_o indeed_o so_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o skill_n for_o follow_v of_o it_o but_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n show_v his_o glory_n and_o greatness_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o the_o law_n be_v write_v only_o in_o dead_a table_n but_o christ_n the_o live_a law_n teach_v by_o obey_v it_o how_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o law_n be_v twice_o write_v over_o unto_o believer_n first_o in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o inward_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v together_o with_o that_o copy_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o he_o a_o spirit_n derive_v from_o he_o enable_v believer_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o their_o measure_n they_o may_v not_o only_o see_v he_o as_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v io._n 6._o but_o as_o there_o it_o follow_v they_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o soul_n delight_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o converse_v and_o love_n together_o make_v it_o learn_v his_o behaviour_n as_o man_n that_o live_v much_o together_o especial_o if_o they_o do_v much_o affect_v one_o another_o will_v insensible_o contract_v another_o habitude_n and_o custom_n the_o other_o thing_n oblige_v we_o be_v our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o his_o suffering_n he_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n return_v to_o ver._n 24._o observe_v only_o from_o the_o tie_n of_o these_o two_o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v his_o example_n set_v before_o we_o we_o can_v enjoy_v any_o right_a assurance_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o but_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v he_o than_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o life_n through_o his_o death_n and_o those_o step_n of_o he_o wherein_o we_o walk_v will_v bring_v we_o ere_o long_o to_o be_v where_o he_o be_v verse_n 24._o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n
life_n from_o christ_n first_o there_o be_v his_o own_o dignity_n express_v than_o his_o dignify_n we_o who_o be_v himself_o the_o first_o beget_v among_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n revel_v 1.5_o and_o then_o as_o follow_v verse_n 6_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n that_o the_o dignity_n of_o believer_n be_v express_v by_o these_o two_o together_o by_o priesthood_n and_o royalty_n teach_v we_o the_o worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o that_o holy_a function_n take_v proper_o and_o so_o by_o analogy_n the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o his_o church_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o law_n for_o therefore_o do_v this_o title_n of_o spiritual_a priesthood_n fit_o signify_v a_o great_a privilege_n and_o honour_n that_o christian_n be_v promote_v to_o and_o be_v join_v with_o that_o of_o king_n because_o the_o proper_a office_n of_o priesthood_n be_v so_o honourable_a before_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o one_o family_n the_o chief_a the_o first_o bear_v of_o each_o family_n have_v right_a to_o this_o as_o a_o special_a honour_n and_o among_o the_o heathen_n in_o some_o place_n their_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n yea_o their_o king_n be_v their_o priest_n and_o universal_o the_o perform_n of_o their_o holy_a thing_n be_v a_o employment_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v among_o they_o though_o humane_a ambition_n have_v strain_v this_o consideration_n too_o high_a to_o the_o favour_v and_o sound_v of_o a_o monarchical_a prelacy_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n yet_o that_o abuse_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o prejudge_v we_o of_o this_o due_a and_o just_a consequence_n from_o it_o that_o the_o holy_a function_n of_o god_n house_n have_v very_o much_o honour_n and_o dignity_n in_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n we_o see_v 2_o cor._n 3._o prefer_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o law_n so_o than_o they_o mistake_v much_o that_o think_v it_o a_o disparagement_n to_o man_n that_o have_v some_o advantage_n of_o birth_n or_o wit_n more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o bestow_v they_o thus_o and_o judge_v the_o mean_a person_n and_o thing_n good_a enough_o for_o this_o high_a call_n sure_o this_o conceit_n can_v have_v place_n but_o in_o a_o unholy_a irreligious_a mind_n that_o have_v either_o none_o or_o very_o mean_a thought_n of_o god_n if_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o this_o holy_a service_n will_v themselves_o consider_v this_o aright_o it_o will_v not_o puff_n they_o up_o but_o humble_v they_o compare_v their_o own_o worthlesness_n with_o this_o great_a work_n and_o wonder_v at_o god_n dispensation_n that_o shall_v have_v honour_v they_o so_o eph._n 3.8_o so_o the_o more_o a_o man_n right_o extol_v this_o his_o call_v the_o more_o he_o humble_v himself_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o and_o will_v make_v they_o very_o careful_a to_o walk_v more_o like_o it_o in_o eminency_n of_o holiness_n for_o in_o that_o consist_v the_o true_a dignity_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n that_o this_o kingly_a priesthood_n be_v the_o common_a dignity_n of_o all_o believer_n this_o honour_n have_v all_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v king_n have_v victory_n and_o dominion_n give_v they_o over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n that_o hold_v they_o captive_a and_o domineer_v over_o they_o before_o base_a slavish_a lust_n not_o bear_v to_o command_v yet_o be_v the_o hard_a taskmaster_n of_o unrenewed_a mind_n and_o there_o be_v no_o true_a subdue_a they_o but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v be_v quiet_a for_o a_o while_n in_o a_o natural_a man_n but_o they_o be_v but_o then_o asleep_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o awake_v again_o they_o return_v to_o hurry_v and_o drive_v he_o with_o their_o wont_a violence_n now_o this_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o make_v he_o a_o king_n himself_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o christ_n be_v king_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o pure_a crown_n of_o glory_n they_o hope_v for_o and_o shall_v certain_o attain_v but_o in_o the_o present_a they_o have_v a_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o pledge_n of_o that_o other_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o satan_n and_o themselves_o by_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n mens_fw-la bona_fw-la regnum_fw-la possidet_fw-la it_o be_v true_a but_o there_o be_v no_o mind_n true_o good_a but_o that_o wherein_o christ_n dwell_v there_o be_v not_o any_o kind_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n noble_a like_o that_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o a_o christian_a the_o very_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o great_a king_n the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n as_o our_o apostle_n call_v it_o infr_n c._n 4._o this_o be_v a_o sure_a way_n to_o ennoble_v the_o base_a and_o poor_a among_o we_o this_o royalty_n take_v away_o all_o attendor_n nothing_o of_o all_o that_o be_v past_a to_o be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n or_o to_o dishonour_v we_o they_o be_v not_o shut_v out_o from_o god_n as_o before_o but_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v bring_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o have_v free_a access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n heb._n 10._o they_o resemble_v in_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n the_o legal_a priesthood_n very_o clear_o 1._o in_o their_o consecration_n 2._o in_o their_o service_n and_o 3._o in_o their_o law_n of_o live_v 1._o they_o be_v wash_v therefore_o this_o express_a revel_n 1.5_o he_o have_v wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o then_o follow_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n there_o be_v no_o come_n near_o unto_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a service_n as_o his_o priest_n unless_o we_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o guiltiness_n and_o pollution_n of_o our_o sin_n this_o that_o pure_a and_o purge_a blood_n do_v and_o it_o alone_o no_o other_o laver_n can_v do_v it_o no_o water_n but_o that_o fountain_n open_v for_o sin_n and_o for_o uncleanness_n no_o blood_n none_o of_o all_o that_o blood_n of_o legal_a sacrifice_n heb._n 9_o but_o only_a the_o blood_n of_o that_o spotless_a lamb_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o with_o this_o we_o have_v that_o other_o ceremoany_a of_o the_o priest_n consecration_n which_o be_v by_o sacrifice_n as_o well_o as_o by_o wash_v for_o he_o at_o once_o offer_v up_o himself_o as_o our_o sacrifice_n and_o let_v out_o his_o blood_n for_o our_o wash_n and_o with_o good_a reason_n be_v that_o prefix_v there_o revel_v 1.5_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o then_o it_o follow_v wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n that_o precious_a stream_n of_o his_o heart_n blood_n for_o our_o wash_n tell_v clear_o that_o it_o be_v a_o heart_n full_a of_o unspeakable_a love_n that_o be_v the_o source_n of_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v anoint_v namely_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n confer_v upon_o believer_n flow_v unto_o they_o from_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v of_o his_o fullness_n that_o we_o all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n say_v 2_o cor._n 1.21_o that_o we_o be_v establish_v and_o anoint_v in_o christ_n it_o be_v pour_v on_o he_o as_o our_o head_n and_o run_v down_o from_o he_o unto_o we_o he_o christ_n and_o we_o christian_n as_o partaker_n of_o his_o anoint_v the_o consecrate_v oil_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v make_v of_o the_o rich_a ointment_n and_o spice_n to_o show_v the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o be_v bestow_v on_o those_o spiritual_a priest_n and_o as_o that_o holy_a oil_n be_v not_o for_o common_a use_n nor_o for_o any_o other_o person_n to_o be_v anoint_v withal_o save_o the_o priest_n only_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o believer_n other_o might_n have_v costly_a ointment_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o none_o of_o that_o same_o sort_n with_o the_o consecration-oyl_n natural_a man_n may_v have_v very_o great_a gift_n of_o judgement_n and_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n and_o moral_a virtue_n but_o they_o have_v none_o of_o this_o precious_a oil_n namely_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n communicate_v to_o they_o no_o all_o their_o endowment_n be_v but_o common_a and_o profane_a that_o holy_a oil_n signify_v particular_o eminency_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o priest_n therefore_o in_o christian_n there_o must_v be_v light_n they_o that_o be_v gross_o ignorant_a of_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v sure_a not_o of_o this_o order_n this_o anoint_v be_v say_v to_o teach_v we_o all_o thing_n 1._o john_n 2.27_o that_o holy_a oil_n be_v of_o a_o most_o fragrant_a sweet_a smell_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o precious_a composition_n but_o much_o more_o sweet_a be_v the_o smell_n of_o that_o spirit_n wherewith_o believer_n
be_v anoint_v those_o several_a odoriferous_a grace_n that_o be_v the_o ingredient_n of_o their_o anoint_v oil_n that_o heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o diffuse_v a_o please_a send_v into_o the_o place_n and_o society_n where_o they_o come_v their_o word_n action_n and_o their_o deportment_n smell_v sweet_a of_o they_o 4._o their_o garment_n wherein_o they_o be_v inaugurate_a and_o be_v after_o to_o wear_v in_o their_o service_n be_v outshine_v by_o that_o purity_n and_o holiness_n wherewith_o all_o the_o saint_n be_v adorn_v but_o more_o by_o that_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n those_o pure_a robe_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o wherein_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n these_o priest_n be_v indeed_o clothe_v with_o righteousness_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n psa._n 132.9_o 5._o they_o be_v to_o have_v the_o offering_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n from_o thence_o fill_v of_o the_o hand_n signify_v consecrate_v to_o the_o priesthood_n and_o this_o do_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o consecrator_n of_o these_o priest_n he_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n by_o his_o spirit_n these_o offering_n they_o be_v to_o present_v unto_o god_n he_o furnish_v they_o with_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o all_o other_o oblation_n that_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v by_o they_o he_o give_v they_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v a_o live_a sacrifice_n rescue_v they_o from_o the_o usurp_a possession_n of_o satan_n and_o sin_n 2_o ly·_n let_v we_o consider_v their_o service_n which_o be_v divers_a to_o name_v the_o chief_a they_o have_v charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o vessel_n of_o it_o and_o the_o light_n and_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o lamp_n burn_n the_o heart_n of_o every_o christian_a be_v make_v a_o temple_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o he_o himself_o as_o a_o priest_n consecrate_v unto_o god_n be_v to_o keep_v it_o diligent_o and_o the_o furniture_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o it_o to_o have_v the_o light_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n with_o in_o he_o and_o to_o nourish_v it_o by_o draw_v continual_o new_a supply_n from_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o lie_v they_o be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n and_o true_o it_o be_v this_o spiritual_a priesthood_n the_o elect_n that_o procure_v blese_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o on_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v they_o be_v daily_o to_o offer_v the_o incense_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o supr_n verse_n 5._o not_o to_o neglect_v those_o holy_a exercise_n together_o and_o apart_z and_o as_o the_o priest_n offer_v not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o the_o people_n thus_o christian_n be_v to_o extend_v their_o prayer_n and_o to_o entreat_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n for_o other_o especial_o for_o the_o public_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o lord_n priest_n they_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o those_o praise_n to_o god_n that_o be_v his_o due_a from_o the_o other_o creature_n which_o praise_v he_o indeed_o yet_o can_v do_v it_o after_o that_o manner_n as_o these_o priest_n do_v therefore_o be_v they_o to_o offer_v as_o it_o be_v their_o sacrifice_n for_o they_o as_o the_o priest_n do_v for_o the_o people_n and_o because_o the_o most_o of_o man_n neglect_v to_o do_v this_o and_o can_v do_v it_o indeed_o because_o they_o be_v unholy_a and_o not_o of_o this_o priesthood_n therefore_o shall_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a of_o it_o and_o diligent_a in_o it_o how_o few_o of_o these_o that_o the_o heaven_n call_v to_o by_o their_o light_n and_o revolution_n that_o they_o enjoy_v do_v offer_v that_o sacrifice_n which_o become_v for_o this_o acknowledge_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o they_o declare_v this_o therefore_o be_v as_o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o these_o priest_n namely_o the_o godly_a to_o do_v 3_o lie_n let_v we_o consider_v their_o course_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v rule_v give_v to_o the_o legal_a priest_n strict_a than_o to_o other_o of_o avoid_v legal_a pollution_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o these_o this_o spiritual_a priesthood_n must_v learn_v a_o exact_a holy_a conversation_n keep_v themselves_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n as_o here_o it_o follow_v a_o holy_a nation_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n if_o a_o priesthood_n than_o holy_a purchase_v indeed_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a treasure_n to_o god_n as_o exod._n 19.5_o at_o a_o very_a high_a rate_n he_o spare_v not_o his_o only_a son_n nor_o spare_v the_o son_n himself_o so_o that_o these_o priest_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a poriton_n all_o believer_n be_v his_o clergy_n and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o portion_n so_o he_o be_v they_o the_o priest_n have_v no_o assign_v inheritance_n among_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v add_v for_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o portion_n and_o true_o so_o they_o need_v not_o envy_v any_o of_o the_o rest_n they_o have_v the_o choice_a of_o all_o the_o lord_n of_o all_o whatsoever_o a_o christian_a possess_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v of_o this_o spiritual_a priesthood_n he_o be_v as_o if_o he_o possess_v it_o not_o lays_z little_a account_n on_o it_o that_o which_o his_o mind_n be_v set_v on_o be_v how_o he_o may_v enjoy_v god_n and_o find_v clear_a assurance_n that_o he_o have_v he_o for_o his_o portion_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n as_o we_o think_v it_o be_v a_o holy_a a_o honourable_a a_o happy_a estate_n few_o of_o we_o can_v esteem_v it_o or_o do_v labour_n to_o find_v it_o so_o no_o we_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n our_o heart_n be_v not_o on_o they_o to_o make_v this_o dignity_n and_o happiness_n sure_a unto_o our_o soul_n where_o be_v that_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v find_v that_o become_v those_o that_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n that_o contempt_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o mind_v or_o heaven_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o such_o but_o sure_a as_o many_o as_o find_v themselves_o indeed_o partaker_n of_o these_o dignity_n will_v study_v to_o live_v conform_v to_o they_o and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o love_v that_o lord_n jesus_n that_o have_v purchase_v all_o this_o for_o they_o and_o exalt_v they_o to_o it_o humble_v himself_o to_o exalt_v they_o we_o best_o discern_v and_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_n and_o good_a of_o thing_n by_o comparison_n in_o outward_a condition_n how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o be_v vex_v themselves_o with_o causeless_a murmur_n and_o discontent_n that_o if_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o many_o in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o a_o far_o mean_a condition_n than_o they_o it_o will_v cure_v that_o evil_a and_o make_v they_o not_o only_o content_a but_o cheerful_a and_o thankful_a but_o the_o difference_n here_o express_v be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o can_v be_v in_o outward_a thing_n though_o the_o estate_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v very_o excellent_a and_o precious_a and_o right_o value_v have_v enough_o in_o itself_o to_o commend_v it_o yet_o it_o do_v and_o aught_o to_o raise_v our_o esteem_n of_o it_o the_o high_a when_o we_o compare_v it_o both_o with_o the_o misery_n of_o our_o former_a condition_n and_o the_o continue_a misery_n of_o those_o that_o abide_v still_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o perish_v in_o that_o woeful_a estate_n we_o have_v here_o both_o these_o parallel_n the_o happiness_n and_o dignity_n to_o which_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o callâ—d_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o rejection_n and_o misery_n of_o they_o that_o continue_v unbeliever_n and_o rejecter_n of_o christ._n not_o only_o natural_a man_n but_o even_o they_o that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o they_o forget_v themselves_o be_v subject_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o they_o with_o a_o natural_a eye_n and_o to_o think_v hardly_o or_o at_o least_o doubtful_o concern_v god_n dispensation_n behold_v the_o flourish_a and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o ungodly_a together_o with_o their_o own_o suffering_n and_o distress_n thus_o psa._n 73._o etc._n etc._n but_o when_o they_o turn_v the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o medal_n and_o view_v they_o with_o a_o right_a eye_n and_o by_o a_o true_a light_n they_o be_v no_o long_o abuse_v with_o those_o appearance_n when_o they_o consider_v unbeliever_n as_o stranger_n yea_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o slave_n to_o satan_n hold_v fast_o in_o the_o chain_n of_o their_o own_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n and_o by_o those_o bind_v over_o to_o eternal_a death_n and_o then_o see_v themselves_o call_v to_o the_o liberty_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n partaker_n