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
it_o shall_v appear_v in_o its_o full_a brightness_n at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o peculiar_a treasure_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v the_o grace_n that_o he_o receive_v from_o heaven_n and_o particular_o that_o sovereign_a grace_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o he_o can_v be_v assure_v will_v better_v he_o any_o way_n in_o this_o he_o will_v not_o only_o bear_v it_o patient_o but_o glad_o embrace_v it_o rom._n 5.3_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n set_v this_o before_o his_o brethren_n in_o those_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n where_o be_v 1._o the_o worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o usefulness_n of_o temptation_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v more_o precious_a a_o work_n of_o more_o worth_n than_o the_o trial_n of_o gold_n because_o faith_n itself_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o gold_n the_o apostle_n choose_v this_o comparison_n as_o fit_v his_o purpose_n for_o both_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o faith_n and_o likewise_o the_o use_n of_o temptation_n represent_v the_o one_o by_o gold_n and_o the_o other_o by_o the_o try_v of_o gold_n in_o the_o fire_n the_o worth_n of_o gold_n be_v 1._o real_a the_o pure_a and_o pretious_a of_o all_o metal_n have_v many_o excellent_a property_n beyond_o they_o as_o they_o that_o write_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o gold_n observe_v 2._o far_o great_a in_o the_o esteem_n and_o opinion_n of_o men._n see_v how_o man_n hurry_v up_o and_o down_o over_o sea_n and_o land_n unwearied_a in_o their_o pursuit_n with_o hazard_n of_o life_n and_o often_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o uprightness_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o not_o only_o thus_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o but_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o esteem_n one_o of_o another_o value_v man_n less_o or_o more_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o furnish_v with_o it_o and_o we_o see_v at_o what_o a_o height_n that_o be_v for_o thing_n we_o will_v commend_v much_o we_o borrow_v its_o name_n to_o they_o viz._n golden_a mediocrity_n and_o that_o age_n which_o they_o will_v call_v the_o best_a of_o all_o they_o name_v it_o the_o golden_a age_n and_o as_o seneca_n observe_v describe_v heavenly_a thing_n as_o ovid_n the_o sun_n palace_n and_o chariot_n still_o gold_n be_v the_o word_n for_o all_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n descend_v to_o our_o reach_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o it_o rev._n 21._o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ._n cant._n 5.11.14_o and_o here_o the_o preciousness_n of_o faith_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o precious_a then_o gold_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v in_o the_o parallel_n of_o faith_n with_o gold_n in_o the_o other_o quality_n of_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o solid_a as_o gold_n and_o that_o '_o it_o be_v most_o ductile_a and_o malleable_a as_o gold_n beyond_o all_o other_o metal_n it_o ply_v any_o way_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o then_o faith_n true_o enrich_v the_o soul_n and_o as_o gold_n answer_v all_o thing_n so_o faith_n give_v the_o soul_n propriety_n to_o all_o the_o rich_a consolation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o needful_a blessing_n it_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o strengthen_v itself_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o precious_a as_o gold_n but_o go_v far_o above_o the_o comparison_n it_o be_v more_o precious_a yea_o much_o more_o precious_a 1._o in_o its_o original_a the_o other_o be_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o mine_n of_o this_o gold_n be_v above_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n 2._o in_o its_o nature_n answerable_a to_o its_o original_a it_o be_v immaterial_a spiritual_a and_o pure_a we_o refine_v gold_n and_o make_v it_o pure_a but_o when_o we_o receive_v faith_n pure_a of_o itself_o we_o mix_v dross_n with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o impure_a by_o the_o allay_n of_o unbelief_n 3._o in_o its_o endurance_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a it_o perish_v not_o gold_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o corruptible_a and_o perish_v and_o to_o particular_a owner_n it_o perish_v in_o their_o loss_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o any_o way_n other_o grace_n be_v likewise_o try_v in_o the_o same_o furnace_n but_o faith_n be_v name_v as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n sharp_a affliction_n give_v a_o christian_a a_o trial_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v single_a and_o for_o himself_o or_o not_o for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o when_o he_o strike_v as_o when_o he_o embrace_v and_o in_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n will_v rather_o grow_v the_o hot_a and_o be_v more_o take_v off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o set_v upon_o he_o again_o the_o grace_n of_o paâ—ience_n be_v put_v particular_o upon_o trial_n in_o distress_n but_o both_o these_o spring_n from_o faith_n for_o love_n rise_v from_o a_o right_n and_o strong_a belief_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o patience_n from_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v tempt_v above_o our_o strength_n and_o he_o will_v give_v the_o issue_n now_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o cause_n patience_n the_o trial_n of_o faith_n work_v patience_n jam._n â—_o 3_o for_o therefore_o do_v the_o christian_a resign_v up_o himself_o and_o all_o that_o concern_v he_o his_o trial_n the_o measure_n and_o length_n of_o they_o all_o unto_o god_n dispose_n because_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o love_a father_n thus_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o and_o other_o particular_a grace_n do_v still_o resolve_v into_o this_o and_o be_v comprise_v under_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n this_o trial_n as_o 〈◊〉_d of_o gold_n may_v be_v for_o a_o 〈◊〉_d â—old_a end_n 1_o for_o experiment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o pureness_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n 2._o for_o refine_n it_o yeâ—_n more_o and_o to_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n or_o degree_n of_o pureness_n 1._o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n show_v upright_o â—eal_a faith_n to_o be_v such_o indeed_o remain_v stâ—ll_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o fire_n the_o same_o thaâ—_n it_o be_v undiminish_a as_o good_a gold_n 〈◊〉_d none_o of_o its_o quantity_n in_o the_o fire_n doubtless_o many_o be_v deceive_v in_o time_n of_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n with_o imaginary_a faith_n and_o fortitude_n so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o doubt_n while_o a_o man_n be_v under_o set_v with_o outward_a help_n as_o riches_n friend_n esteem_v etc._n etc._n whether_o he_o lean_v upon_o those_o or_o upon_o god_n who_o be_v a_o invisible_a support_n though_o strong_a than_o all_o that_o be_v visible_a and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a and_o alone_o stay_v of_o faith_n in_o all_o condition_n but_o when_o all_o these_o outward_a prop_n be_v pluck_v away_o from_o a_o man_n than_o it_o will_v manifest_v whether_o something_o else_o uphold_v he_o or_o not_o for_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o â—e_n fall_v but_o if_o his_o mind_n stand_v firm_a and_o unremoved_a as_o before_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o lay_v not_o his_o weight_n upon_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v they_o about_o he_o but_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o foundation_n though_o not_o see_v which_o be_v able_a alone_o to_o stay_v he_o although_o he_o be_v not_o only_o frustrate_v of_o all_o other_o support_v but_o beatâ—n_o upon_o with_o storm_n and_o tempest_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o house_n fall_v not_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n mat._n 7.25_o this_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o david_n faith_n who_o find_v it_o stay_v he_o upon_o god_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o near_o that_o can_v do_v it_o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v psa._n 27.13_o so_o in_o his_o strait_n 1._o sam._n 30.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o david_n be_v great_o distress_v but_o he_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n thus_o psa._n 73.26_o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o portion_n for_o ever_o the_o heart_n natural_a strength_n of_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n may_v beaâ—_n up_o under_o outward_a weakness_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o when_o the_o heart_n itself_o fail_v that_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o shall_v strengthen_v it_o nothing_o but_o god_n who_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o its_o portion_n for_o ever_o thus_o faith_n work_v alone_o when_o the_o case_n suit_n that_o of_o the_o prophet_n haback_n â—_o 17_o although_o the_o fig_n
the_o safe_a possession_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n when_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o adversary_n and_o adverse_a accident_n no_o more_o subject_v to_o those_o evil_n that_o be_v its_o own_o proper_o namely_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n and_o sad_a defection_n nor_o yet_o subject_a to_o those_o other_o evil_n it_o endure_v by_o society_n with_o the_o body_n outward_a distress_n and_o affliction_n persecution_n poverty_n disease_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v call_v salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o exclude_v the_o body_n from_o the_o society_n of_o that_o glory_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o reunite_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o because_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o itself_o a_o immortal_a substance_n and_o both_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n of_o man_n and_o the_o prime_n subject_a both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o because_o it_o arrive_v first_o at_o that_o blessedness_n and_o for_o a_o time_n leave_v the_o body_n in_o the_o dust_n to_o do_v homage_n to_o its_o original_a therefore_o it_o be_v only_o name_v here_o but_o jesus_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n too_o and_o he_o shall_v at_o his_o come_n change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v they_o like_o his_o glorious_a body_n the_o end_n end_v or_o reward_v for_o it_o be_v both_o it_o be_v the_o end_n either_o at_o which_o faith_n aim_v or_o wherein_o it_o cease_v it_o be_v the_o reward_n not_o of_o their_o work_n nor_o of_o faith_n as_o a_o work_n deserve_v it_o but_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n first_o work_v in_o his_o own_o and_o then_o reward_n as_o if_o it_o be_v their_o work_n and_o this_o salvation_n or_o fruition_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o proper_a reward_n of_o faith_n which_o believe_v in_o he_o unseen_a and_o so_o obtain_v that_o happy_a sight_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o thou_o see_v not_o and_o the_o reward_n of_o faith_n to_o see_v what_o thou_o have_v believe_v this_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v it_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hold_v good_a then_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v he_o be_v make_v sure_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o they_o be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o soon_o may_v the_o river_n run_v backward_o and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o heaven_n change_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v dissolve_v than_o any_o one_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n can_v be_v sever_v from_o he_o and_o so_o fall_v short_a of_o salvation_n hope_v for_o in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o rejoice_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v he_o have_v none_o of_o that_o faculty_n by_o which_o they_o be_v discern_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n betwixt_o those_o thing_n and_o nature_n high_a capacity_n it_o can_v work_v beyond_o its_o sphere_n speak_v to_o the_o natural_a man_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a grief_n the_o sense_n of_o guiltiness_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n displeasure_n or_o the_o hide_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o the_o soul_n these_o thing_n stir_v not_o he_o he_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v speak_v to_o he_o again_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o arise_v hence_o he_o be_v no_o less_o stranger_n to_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v mourn_v to_o he_o and_o he_o lament_v not_o pipe_n to_o he_o and_o he_o dance_v not_o mat._n 11._o but_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n in_o those_o thing_n though_o they_o seem_v folly_n and_o nonsense_n to_o the_o foolish_a world_n and_o this_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o she_o own_o child_n have_v say_v somewhat_o already_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o here_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o consider_v those_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o joy_n arise_v from_o those_o cause_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o joy_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v there_o be_v here_o a_o solid_a sufficient_a good_a and_o the_o heart_n make_v sure_a of_o it_o be_v partly_o put_v in_o present_a possession_n of_o it_o and_o in_o a_o most_o certain_a hope_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o require_v to_o make_v it_o joyful_a jesus_n christ_n the_o treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n receive_v and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v not_o christ_n the_o light_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o nation_n such_o a_o light_n as_o abraham_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o many_o age_n of_o more_o than_o two_o thousand_o year_n yet_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o see_v rejoice_v beside_o this_o brightness_n that_o make_v light_v a_o joyful_a object_n light_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n put_v for_o joy_n christ_n this_o light_n bring_v salvation_n with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o there_o be_v heal_n under_o his_o wing_n i_o bring_v you_o say_v the_o angel_n good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n that_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n and_o their_o song_n have_v in_o it_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o joy_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o men._n but_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v find_v he_o we_o otherwise_o the_o more_o excellent_a he_o be_v the_o more_o cause_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v sad_a while_o it_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o he_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v say_v the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o god_n my_o saviour_n thus_o 1._o joh._n 1.3_o have_v speak_v of_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n he_o add_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a faith_n work_v this_o joy_n by_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o apply_v his_o merit_n and_o from_o that_o application_n arise_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o that_o load_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n be_v remove_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o soul_n find_v itself_o lighten_v and_o unload_v of_o that_o burden_n that_o be_v sink_v it_o to_o hell_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o leap_v for_o joy_n in_o the_o ease_n and_o refreshment_n it_o find_v therefore_o that_o psalm_n that_o david_n begin_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n he_o end_v it_o with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o rejoice_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v psal._n 32.1_o thus_o he_o begin_v but_o he_o end_v vers_fw-la 11._o be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o rejoice_v you_o righteous_a and_o shout_n for_o joy_n all_o you_o that_o be_v â—pright_o in_o heart_n s._n peter_n speak_v to_o his_o hearer_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act._n 2.38_o and_o verse_n 41._o it_o be_v add_v they_o receive_v his_o word_n glad_o and_o our_o saviour_n join_v these_o two_o together_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o thus_o isaiah_n 61.1_o good_a tiding_n of_o liberty_n to_o captive_n be_v proclaim_v and_o a_o notable_a change_n there_o be_v of_o their_o estate_n who_o mourn_v in_o zion_n give_v they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n and_o the_o garment_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n think_v with_o what_o joy_n the_o long_o imprison_a debtor_n drown_v in_o debt_n receive_v a_o full_a discharge_n and_o his_o liberty_n or_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n the_o news_n of_o his_o pardon_n and_o this_o will_v somewhat_o resemble_v it_o but_o yet_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o the_o joy_n that_o faith_n bring_v by_o bring_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o believe_a soul_n be_v not_o only_o a_o debtor_n acquit_v and_o set_v free_a but_o enrich_v beside_o with_o a_o new_a and_o great_a estate_n not_o only_o a_o pardon_v malefactor_n but_o withal_o high_o prefer_v and_o advance_v to_o honour_n have_v a_o right_a by_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o be_v receive_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o unto_o the_o dignity_n of_o sonship_n take_v from_o the_o dunghill_n
nothing_o but_o holiness_n and_o urge_v it_o most_o press_o upon_o all_o that_o receive_v it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a life_n of_o divine_a faith_n touch_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n firm_o to_o believe_v their_o revelation_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o the_o word_n itself_o testify_v as_o we_o see_v and_o it_o be_v real_o manifest_a in_o it_o it_o carry_v the_o lively_a stamp_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o spiritual_a eye_n to_o discern_v it_o he_o that_o be_v blind_a know_v not_o that_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noon_n but_o by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o but_o they_o that_o see_v be_v assure_v they_o see_v it_o and_o assure_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o by_o its_o own_o light_n to_o ask_v one_o that_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n how_o know_v you_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o ask_v he_o how_o know_v you_o light_a to_o be_v light_n the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n within_o till_o that_o same_o spirit_n that_o shine_v without_o in_o the_o word_n shine_v likewise_o within_o it_o and_o effectual_o make_v it_o light_n but_o that_o once_o do_v then_o be_v the_o word_n read_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o it_o be_v write_v and_o the_o soul_n be_v ascertain_v that_o it_o be_v divine_a as_o in_o bodily_a fight_n there_o must_v be_v a_o meeting_n of_o inward_a light_n viz._n the_o visual_a spirit_n with_o the_o outward_a object_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n within_o bring_v evidence_n with_o it_o and_o make_v itself_o discernible_a in_o the_o word_n this_o all_o argument_n all_o book_n and_o study_n can_v attain_v unto_o it_o be_v give_v to_o believe_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o man._n 1._o cor._n 2.11_o but_o how_o hold_v that_o here_o for_o if_o a_o man_n speak_v out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o his_o spirit_n then_o other_o may_v know_v they_o but_o the_o apostle_n aim_n be_v there_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n even_o such_o as_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n '_o it_o be_v so_o though_o reveal_v yet_o they_o remain_v still_o unrevealed_a till_o the_o spirit_n teach_v within_o as_o well_o as_o without_o because_o intelligeable_a by_o none_o but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v the_o private_a scholar_n and_o hearer_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o because_o there_o be_v so_o few_o of_o these_o therefore_o there_o be_v so_o little_a real_a believe_v among_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o profession_n that_o we_o make_v of_o it_o who_o be_v there_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o yet_o true_o there_o be_v too_o much_o cause_n to_o continue_v the_o prophet_n regret_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n learn_v then_o to_o suspect_v yourselves_o and_o to_o find_v out_o your_o own_o unbelief_n that_o you_o may_v desire_v this_o spirit_n to_o teach_v you_o inward_o those_o great_a mystery_n that_o he_o outward_o reveal_v and_o teach_v by_o his_o word_n make_v use_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o press_v the_o lord_n with_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n but_o 2._o there_o be_v here_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v in_o three_o several_a expression_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v repeat_v from_o the_o forego_n verse_n it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o suffering_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o mean_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n the_o spring_n of_o both_o and_o 1._o salvation_n the_o only_a true_a doctrine_n of_o true_a happiness_n which_o the_o wise_a of_o natural_a man_n have_v grope_v and_o seek_v after_o with_o much_o earnestness_n but_o with_o no_o success_n they_o have_v no_o other_o than_o the_o dark_a moon_n light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o find_v it_o out_o only_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o gospel_n bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n 2._o tim._n 1.10_o no_o wonder_n that_o natural_a wisdom_n the_o deep_a of_o it_o be_v far_o from_o find_v out_o the_o true_a method_n and_o way_n of_o cure_n see_v it_o can_v discover_v the_o disease_n of_o miserable_a mankind_n viz._n the_o sinful_a and_o wretched_a condition_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o first_o disobedience_n salvation_n express_v not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v negative_a but_o imply_v likewise_o positive_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n thus_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o justification_n frequent_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o say_v of_o this_o unspeakable_a happiness_n what_o it_o be_v not_o than_o what_o it_o be_v there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o full_a and_o final_a freedom_n from_o all_o annoyance_n all_o tear_n be_v wipe_v away_o and_o their_o fountain_n dry_v 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
without_o it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o substantial_a eternal_a word_n be_v to_o we_o as_o we_o say_v the_o spring_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o supernatural_a life_n flow_v but_o that_o by_o the_o word_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n put_v ouâ—_n of_o doubt_n verse_n last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o therefore_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o this_o word_n be_v thus_o the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n because_o it_o contain_v and_o declare_v that_o other_o word_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o our_o life_n the_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o common_a and_o so_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o hearer_n but_o then_o all_o be_v natural_o shut_v against_o it_o god_n do_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n open_v some_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o mix_v it_o with_o faith_n and_o those_o it_o renew_v and_o restore_v in_o they_o the_o image_n of_o god_n draw_v the_o traits_fw-fr of_o it_o anew_o and_o make_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o dew_n say_v moses_n the_o word_n as_o a_o heavenly_a dew_n not_o fall_v beside_o but_o drop_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n own_o spirit_n make_v it_o all_o become_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o turn_v it_o into_o one_o of_o those_o drop_n of_o dew_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o psal._n 110._o thou_o have_v the_o dew_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o natural_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v darkness_n and_o the_o word_n as_o a_o divine_a light_n shine_v into_o it_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o as_o the_o word_n be_v call_v light_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n renew_v by_o it_o you_o be_v darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o not_o only_o enlighten_v but_o light_n in_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o natural_a mind_n be_v often_o comprise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o darkness_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o conversion_n likewise_o signify_v by_o light_n and_o truth_n he_o beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n so_o 2_o cor._n 4_o 6._o allude_v to_o the_o first_o fiat_fw-la lux_fw-la or_o let_v there_o â—e_a light_n in_o the_o creation_n the_o word_n bring_v within_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n let_v it_o see_v its_o own_o necessity_n and_o christ_n sufficiency_n convince_v it_o thorough_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o cast_v over_o itself_o upon_o he_o for_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a beget_n of_o it_o again_o to_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o this_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n to_o prove_v successful_a seed_n do_v not_o hang_v upon_o the_o different_a ability_n of_o preacher_n their_o more_a or_o less_o rhetoric_n or_o learning_n it_o be_v true_a eloquence_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o civil_a and_o moral_a thing_n to_o persuade_v and_o and_o to_o draw_v the_o hearer_n by_o the_o ear_n almost_o which_o way_n it_o will_v but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a work_n to_o revive_v a_o soul_n to_o beget_v it_o anew_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o main_a there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o common_a and_o plain_a be_v warrant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o save_a truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v revive_v the_o soul_n by_o it_o and_o all_o the_o skilful_a and_o most_o autoritative_a way_n yea_o be_v withal_o very_o spiritual_a yet_o may_v effect_v nothing_o because_o leave_v alone_o to_o itself_o one_o word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o truth_n conform_v to_o it_o may_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n to_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v multitude_n of_o excellent_a sermon_n and_o have_v often_o read_v the_o whole_a bible_n and_o still_o unchanged_a if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n preach_v that_o one_o or_o any_o such_o word_n to_o the_o soul_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v be_v cast_v down_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o perish_v and_o drive_v out_o of_o itself_o by_o that_o and_o raise_v up_o and_o draw_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o it_o may_v have_v life_n and_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o give_v itself_o to_o he_o that_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o purchase_v we_o that_o everlasting_a life_n thus_o may_v that_o word_n prove_v this_o immortal_a seed_n which_o though_o very_o often_o read_v and_o hear_v before_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n a_o drop_n of_o those_o liquor_n that_o be_v call_v spirit_n operate_v more_o than_o large_a draught_n of_o other_o water_n one_o word_n speak_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o heart_n be_v all_o spirit_n and_o do_v that_o which_o whole_a stream_n of_o man_n eloquence_n can_v never_o effect_v in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n man_n look_v usual_o too_o much_o upon_o man_n and_o forget_v from_o what_o spring_n the_o word_n have_v its_o power_n they_o observe_v too_o narrow_o the_o different_a hand_n of_o the_o sower_n and_o too_o little_o depend_v on_o his_o hand_n that_o be_v great_a lord_n both_o of_o seedtime_n and_o harvest_n be_v it_o sow_v by_o a_o weak_a hand_n or_o a_o strong_a the_o immortal_a seed_n be_v still_o the_o same_o yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a hand_n that_o sow_n it_o that_o the_o preacher_n himself_o be_v not_o so_o sanctify_v and_o of_o so_o edify_v a_o life_n as_o you_o will_v wish_v yet_o the_o seed_n itself_o be_v good_a contract_n no_o defilement_n and_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o regeneration_n in_o some_o and_o strengthen_v of_o other_o although_o he_o that_o be_v not_o renew_v by_o it_o himself_o can_v have_v much_o hope_n of_o such_o success_n nor_o reap_v much_o comfort_n by_o it_o and_o usual_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o regard_v it_o much_o but_o all_o instrument_n be_v alike_o in_o a_o almighty_a hand_n hence_o learn_v 1._o that_o true_a conversion_n be_v not_o so_o slight_a a_o work_n as_o we_o common_o account_v it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a change_n of_o some_o bad_a custom_n which_o gain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o reform_a man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a dialect_n it_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o be_v and_o elsewhere_o call_v a_o new_a creation_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o change_n in_o quality_n as_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o the_o quality_n so_o far_o distant_a that_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o substantial_a production_n from_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o which_o be_v link_v with_o it_o heir_n of_o wrath_n to_o be_v son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n they_o have_v a_o new_a spirit_n give_v a_o free_a princely_a noble_a spirit_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 51._o and_o this_o spirit_n act_n in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n 2._o consider_v this_o dignity_n and_o be_v kindle_v with_o the_o ambition_n of_o it_o how_o do_v a_o christian_a pity_n that_o poor_a vanity_n that_o man_n make_v so_o much_o noise_n about_o of_o of_o their_o kindred_n and_o extraction_n this_o be_v worth_a glory_v in_o indeed_o to_o be_v of_o the_o high_a blood_n royal_a and_o in_o the_o near_a relation_n son_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n by_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o add_v matchless_a honour_n to_o that_o birth_n which_o be_v honourable_a but_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n will_v we_o not_o study_v to_o cozen_v ourselves_o the_o discovery_n will_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o know_v whither_o we_o be_v or_o not_o in_o many_o their_o false_a confidence_n be_v too_o evident_a no_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o a_o foot-step_n like_o his_o lead_n and_o that_o character_n rom._n 8.14_o not_o a_o lineament_n of_o god_n visage_n as_o their_o father_n if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a say_v st._n john_n 2.29_o you_o know_v then_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o lover_n and_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n be_v they_o that_o swinish_o love_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o unholiness_n be_v swear_v and_o curse_v the_o accent_n of_o the_o regenerate_v the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n do_v child_n delight_v to_o indignify_v and_o dishonour_v their_o father_n name_n no_o earthly_a mindedness_n be_v a_o countersign_n shall_v the_o king_n child_n they_o that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o scarlet_a as_o jeremy_n lament_v embrace_v the_o dunghill_n
the_o close_a of_o the_o 20._o verse_n for_o the_o other_o word_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o please_a thing_n in_o god_n eye_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v thank_v a_o man_n for_o it_o as_o the_o word_n be_v though_o we_o owe_v all_o our_o patience_n under_o all_o kind_n of_o affliction_n as_o a_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o though_o that_o grace_n be_v his_o own_o gift_n yet_o he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o royal_a word_n not_o only_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o to_o praise_v it_o and_o reward_v it_o in_o his_o child_n though_o they_o lose_v their_o thanks_o at_o the_o world_n hand_n and_o be_v rather_o scoff_v and_o taunt_v in_o all_o their_o do_n and_o suffering_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n they_o can_v expect_v no_o other_o there_o but_o their_o reward_n be_v on_o high_a in_o the_o sure_a and_o faithful_a hand_n of_o their_o lord_n how_o often_o do_v man_n work_v earnest_o and_o do_v and_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o uncertain_a wage_n of_o glory_n and_o thanks_o among_o man_n and_o how_o many_o of_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o reckon_n either_o die_v before_o they_o come_v through_o to_o that_o state_n where_o they_o think_v to_o find_v it_o or_o find_v it_o not_o where_o they_o look_v for_o it_o and_o so_o do_v but_o live_v to_o feel_v the_o pain_n of_o their_o dissappointment_n or_o if_o they_o do_v attain_v their_o end_n such_o glory_n and_o thanks_o as_o man_n have_v to_o give_v they_o what_o amount_v it_o to_o be_v it_o any_o other_o but_o a_o handful_n of_o nothing_o the_o breath_n of_o their_o mouth_n and_o themselves_o much_o like_o it_o a_o vapour_n die_v out_o in_o the_o air_n and_o the_o real_a thanks_o they_o give_v their_o solid_a reward_n be_v but_o such_o as_o a_o man_n can_v take_v home_o with_o he_o if_o they_o go_v so_o far_o with_o he_o yet_o at_o further_a he_o must_v leave_v they_o at_o the_o door_n when_o he_o be_v to_o enter_v his_o everlasting_a home_n all_o the_o riches_n and_o palace_n and_o monument_n of_o honour_n that_o he_o have_v and_o that_o be_v erect_v to_o he_o after_o death_n as_o if_o he_o have_v then_o some_o interest_n in_o they_o reach_v he_o not_o at_o all_o enjoy_v they_o who_o will_v he_o do_v not_o he_o have_v no_o portion_n of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n his_o own_o end_n be_v to_o he_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v abide_v glory_n and_o thanks_o must_v turn_v his_o eye_n another_o way_n for_o they_o all_o man_n desire_v glory_n but_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v nor_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v he_o be_v upon_o the_o only_a right_a bargain_n of_o this_o kind_n who_o praise_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n word_n be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n if_o man_n commend_v he_o not_o he_o account_v it_o no_o loss_n nor_o no_o gain_n if_o they_o do_v for_o he_o mind_n for_o a_o country_n where_o that_o coin_n go_v not_o and_o whither_o he_o can_v carry_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o gather_v it_o not_o that_o which_o he_o seek_v in_o all_o be_v that_o he_o may_v be_v approve_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n who_o thanks_o be_v no_o less_o to_o the_o least_o of_o those_o he_o accept_v than_o a_o crown_n of_o unfading_a glory_n not_o a_o poor_a servant_n that_o fear_v his_o name_n and_o be_v obedient_a and_o patient_n for_o his_o sake_n but_o shall_v be_v so_o reward_v there_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o grace_n and_o good_a action_n that_o man_n such_o as_o regard_v any_o grace_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o and_o commend_v high_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o magnific_a and_o remarkable_a nature_n such_o as_o martyrdom_n or_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o religion_n in_o some_o public_a way_n there_o be_v again_o other_o obscure_a grace_n that_o if_o man_n despise_v not_o yet_o they_o esteem_v not_o much_o as_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n under_o private_a cross_n know_v to_o few_o or_o none_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v of_o great_a account_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o we_o they_o be_v of_o more_o universal_a use_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v but_o for_o high_a time_n as_o we_o say_v for_o rare_a occasion_n these_o be_v every_o one_o work_n but_o few_o be_v call_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o least_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o lose_v their_o reward_n in_o who_o person_n soever_o as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o speak_v of_o this_o same_o subject_n eph._n 6.8_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o good_a thing_n any_o man_n do_v the_o same_o shall_v he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n whither_o he_o be_v bind_v or_o free_v this_o be_v the_o bounty_n of_o that_o great_a master_n we_o serve_v for_o what_o be_v we_o and_o all_o we_o can_v do_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o name_n of_o a_o reward_n to_o it_o yet_o he_o keep_v all_o in_o reckon_n not_o a_o poor_a lame_a prayer_n not_o a_o tear_n nor_o a_o sigh_n pour_v forth_o before_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o loss_n not_o any_o cross_n from_o his_o own_o hand_n immediate_o or_o come_v through_o man_n hand_n that_o be_v take_v what_o way_n soever_o it_o come_v as_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o carry_v patient_o yea_o and_o welcome_v and_o embrace_v for_o his_o sake_n but_o he_o observe_v our_o so_o entertain_v of_o it_o not_o a_o injury_n that_o the_o mean_a servant_n bear_v christianly_o but_o go_v all_o upon_o account_n with_o he_o and_o he_o set_v they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o bear_v much_o value_n through_o his_o esteem_n and_o way_n of_o reckon_v they_o though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v all_o less_o than_o nothing_o as_o a_o worthless_a counter_n stand_v for_o hundred_o or_o thousand_o according_a to_o the_o place_n you_o set_v it_o in_o happy_a they_o that_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o lord_n and_o be_v they_o servant_n or_o master_n be_v vow_v servant_n to_o he_o when_o he_o come_v his_o reward_n shall_v be_v with_o he_o the_o 3_o d._n thing_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o this_o obedience_n and_o patience_n for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n it_o import_v 1._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o will_n in_o some_o due_a measure_n 2._o a_o conscientious_a respect_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o will_n so_o know_v take_v it_o for_o their_o only_a rule_n in_o do_v and_o suffer_v 1._o this_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o freeness_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o man_n outward_a quality_n that_o he_o do_v often_o bestow_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o person_n of_o mean_a condition_n it_o be_v suppose_v here_o that_o this_o conscience_n of_o god_n the_o save_a knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o his_o name_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o servant_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n take_v they_o within_o the_o address_n of_o his_o letter_n among_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n chap._n 1._o ver._n 2._o and_o sharer_n of_o those_o dignity_n he_o mention_n ver._n 9_o of_o this_o chap._n a_o choose_a generation_n the_o honour_n of_o a_o spiritual_a royalty_n under_o the_o meanness_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o this_o grace_n possible_o confer_v upon_o the_o servant_n and_o deny_v to_o the_o master_n as_o here_o suppose_v it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o a_o perverse_a crooked-minded_n master_n may_v have_v a_o servant_n upright_o mind_v be_v endow_v with_o a_o tender_a respective_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o thus_o the_o lord_n do_v to_o counteract_v the_o pride_n of_o man_n and_o set_v off_o the_o lustre_n of_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n he_o have_v all_o to_o choose_v on_o and_o yet_o choose_v there_o where_o man_n will_v least_o imagine_v mat._n 11.25_o 1_o cor._n 1.27_o 2._o grace_n find_v a_o way_n to_o act_v itself_o in_o every_o estate_n where_o it_o be_v and_o regulate_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o that_o estate_n if_o it_o find_v a_o man_n high_a or_o low_o a_o master_n or_o a_o servant_n it_o require_v not_o a_o change_n of_o his_o station_n but_o work_v a_o change_n on_o his_o heart_n and_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o live_v in_o it_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o make_v a_o christian_a master_n pious_a and_o gentle_a and_o prudent_a in_o command_v make_v a_o christian_a servant_n faithful_a and_o obsequious_a and_o diligent_a in_o obey_v a_o skilful_a engraver_n make_v you_o a_o statue_n indifferent_o of_o wood_n or_o stone_n or_o marble_n as_o they_o be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o grace_n form_n a_o man_n to_o a_o christian_a way_n of_o walk_v in_o any_o estate_n there_o be_v a_o way_n for_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a condition_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o adorn_v the_o profession_n of_o religion_n
to_o work_v on_o they_o as_o he_o please_v and_o where_o he_o will_n this_o powerful_a this_o sanctify_a spirit_n know_v no_o resistance_n work_v sweet_o and_o yet_o strong_o it_o can_v come_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n whereas_o all_o other_o speaker_n be_v force_v to_o stand_v without_o that_o still_o voice_n within_o persuade_v more_o than_o all_o the_o loud_a cry_v without_o as_o he_o that_o be_v within_o the_o house_n though_o he_o speak_v low_a be_v better_a hear_v and_o understand_v than_o he_o that_o shout_n without_o door_n when_o the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v by_o this_o his_o spirit_n to_o a_o man_n select_v and_o call_v he_o out_o of_o the_o lose_a world_n he_o can_v no_o more_o disobey_v then_o abraham_n do_v when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o he_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o country_n and_o kindred_n gen._n 12.4_o abraham_n depart_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a but_o very_o powerful_a virtue_n in_o a_o word_n or_o look_v or_o touch_v of_o this_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o be_v force_v not_o with_o a_o harsh_a but_o a_o please_a violence_n and_o can_v choose_v but_o follow_v it_o not_o unlike_a that_o of_o elija_n mantle_n upon_o elisha_n 1_o kin._n 19.19_o how_o easy_o do_v the_o disciple_n forsake_v their_o calling_n and_o dwelling_n to_o follow_v christ._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n draw_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o sanctfied_a light_n send_v into_o his_o mind_n discover_v to_o he_o 1._o how_o base_a and_o false_a the_o sweetness_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o withhold_v man_n and_o amuse_n they_o that_o they_o return_v not_o and_o how_o true_a and_o sad_a the_o bitterness_n be_v that_o will_v follow_v upon_o it_o 2._o set_v before_o his_o eye_n the_o free_a and_o happy_a condition_n the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o riches_n of_o their_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o their_o far_a large_a and_o assure_v hope_n for_o afterward_o 3._o make_v the_o beauty_n of_o jesus_n christ_n visible_a to_o the_o soul_n which_o straight_o way_n take_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v stay_v from_o come_v to_o he_o though_o its_o most_o belove_a friend_n most_o belove_a sin_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n and_o hang_v about_o it_o and_o cry_n will_v you_o leave_v we_o so_o it_o will_v tread_v upon_o all_o to_o come_v within_o the_o embracement_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o be_v not_o disobedient_a to_o or_o unperswade_v by_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o godly_a be_v by_o some_o call_v singular_a and_o precise_a they_o be_v so_o singular_a a_o few_o select_a one_o pick_v out_o by_o god_n own_o hand_n for_o himself_o psal._n 4.3_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n the_o world_n hate_v you_o because_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n be_v bury_v in_o it_o and_o as_o live_a man_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n among_o the_o dead_a neither_o can_v these_o elect_v one_o among_o the_o ungodly_a they_o walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o wary_o as_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n neat_o apparel_v will_v do_v among_o a_o multitude_n that_o be_v all_o sullied_a and_o bemire_v endeavour_v to_o have_v this_o sanctify_a spirit_n in_o yourselves_o pray_v much_o for_o it_o for_o his_o promise_n be_v pass_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v give_v this_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o want_v it_o for_o want_v of_o ask_v when_o we_o find_v heavy_a setter_n on_o our_o soul_n and_o much_o weakness_n yea_o averseness_n to_o follow_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n call_v we_o to_o his_o obedience_n then_o pray_v with_o the_o spouse_n draw_v i_o she_o can_v go_v nor_o stir_v without_o that_o draw_n and_o yet_o with_o it_o not_o only_o go_v but_o run_v we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o you_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o use_v the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o profess_v his_o name_n for_o many_o be_v thus_o call_v and_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n outward_o call_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o yet_o the_o number_n of_o true_a elect_n be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o gain_v the_o number_n of_o these_o that_o be_v call_v the_o name_n of_o many_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o partake_v of_o external_a vocation_n be_v but_o like_o a_o large_a list_n of_o name_n as_o in_o civil_a election_n be_v usual_a out_o of_o which_o a_o small_a number_n be_v choose_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o invest_v into_o their_o privilege_n some_o man_n in_o nomination_n to_o office_n or_o employment_n think_v it_o a_o worse_a disapointment_n and_o disgrace_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o list_n and_o yet_o not_o choose_v they_o if_o their_o name_n have_v not_o be_v mention_v at_o all_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n to_o have_v be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o miss_v of_o it_o than_o still_o to_o have_v remain_v in_o the_o further_a distance_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o haven_n the_o fair_a havens_n indeed_o and_o yet_o drive_v back_o and_o shipwrack_v your_o labour_n be_v most_o preposterous_a you_o seek_v to_o ascertain_v and_o make_v sure_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v make_v sure_a and_o that_o which_o be_v both_o more_o worth_a and_o may_v be_v make_v sure_a than_o they_o all_o you_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o make_v sure_a harken_v to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o at_o length_n set_v to_o this_o in_o earnest_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a make_v sure_o this_o election_n as_o it_o be_v here_o for_o that_o be_v the_o order_n your_o effectual_a call_n sure_a and_o that_o will_v bring_v with_o it_o assurance_n of_o the_o other_o the_o eternal_a election_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o you_o which_o follow_v to_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n know_a unto_o god_n be_v all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o beginning_n say_v the_o apostle_n james_n act_n 15.18_o he_o see_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o beyond_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o do_v foresee_v they_o but_o this_o foreknowledge_n here_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o elect_n verâ—a_fw-la sansus_fw-la in_o sacra_fw-la scriptura_fw-la connotant_n affectus_fw-la as_o the_o rabbin_n remark_n so_o in_o man_n psal._n 66._o if_o i_o see_v iniquity_n and_o in_o god_n psal._n 1._o ult_n amos_n 3.2_o and_o in_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n relate_v it_o as_o the_o terrible_a doom_n of_o reprobate_n at_o the_o last_o day_n depart_v etc._n etc._n i_o know_v you_o not_o i_o never_o know_v you_o so_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7.15_o and_o bezâ—_n observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o the_o greek_n sometime_o take_v for_o deceâ—â—ere_o judicare_fw-la thus_o some_o speak_v to_o cogâ—osce_fw-la upon_o a_o business_n so_o then_o this_o foreknowledge_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n or_o decree_n of_o election_n by_o which_o some_o be_v appoint_v unto_o life_n and_o be_v foreknow_v or_o elect_v to_o that_o end_n they_o be_v predestinate_a to_o the_o way_n to_o it_o rom._n 8.29_o it_o be_v most_o vain_a to_o imagine_v a_o foresight_n of_o faith_n in_o man_n and_o in_o the_o vieu_n of_o that_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o election_n itself_o to_o have_v choose_v they_o for_o 1._o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v futurum_fw-la or_o can_v have_v that_o imagine_a futurition_n so_o to_o speak_v but_o as_o it_o be_v and_o because_o it_o be_v decree_v by_o god_n to_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o before_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n say_v know_v to_o god_n be_v all_o his_o own_o work_n therefore_o because_o his_o work_n in_o time_n and_o his_o purpose_n from_o eternity_n 2._o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n of_o divine_a will_n without_o himself_o 3._o this_o easy_o solve_v all_o that_o difficulty_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o yet_o he_o never_o think_v of_o such_o a_o solution_n but_o run_v high_a for_o a_o answer_n not_o to_o satisfy_v cavil_v reason_n but_o to_o silence_v it_o and_o stop_v its_o mouth_n for_o thus_o the_o apostle_n argue_v rom._n 9.19_o 20._o thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n
nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v whence_o this_o shall_v be_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v believe_v unless_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n and_o if_o give_v he_o than_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o give_v it_o he_o and_o if_o so_o then_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o save_v he_o and_o for_o that_o end_n he_o give_v faith_n not_o therefore_o purpose_v to_o save_o because_o man_n shall_v believe_v 4._o this_o seem_v cross_a to_o these_o scripture_n where_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o subordination_n or_o rather_o coordination_n of_o those_o two_o as_o here_o foreknown_a and_o elect_v not_o because_o of_o obedience_n or_o sprinkle_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o to_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n so_o he_o predestinate_v not_o because_o he_o foresee_v man_n will_v be_v conform_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o as_o rom._n 8.29_o for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a and_o the_o same_o order_n act._n 2.47_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o 13.48_o and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v this_o foreknowledge_n then_o be_v his_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n and_o that_o thus_o he_o choose_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o be_v for_o that_o great_a end_n to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n but_o why_o he_o appoint_v this_o man_n for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o other_o make_v peter_n a_o vessel_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o judas_n of_o wrath_n this_o be_v even_o so_o because_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o this_o if_o it_o be_v harsh_a yet_o be_v apostolic_a doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o potter_n say_v st._n paul_n power_n over_o the_o same_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n and_o another_o unto_o dishonour_n this_o deep_a we_o must_v admire_v and_o always_o in_o consider_v it_o close_o with_o this_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n now_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o we_o be_v for_o our_o profit_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o effectual_a call_v be_v inseparable_o tie_v to_o this_o eternal_a foreknowledge_n or_o election_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o salvation_n on_o the_o other_o these_o two_o link_n of_o the_o chain_n be_v up_o in_o heaven_n in_o god_n own_o hand_n but_o this_o middle_a one_o be_v let_v down_o to_o earth_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n and_o they_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o have_v sure_o hold_v on_o the_o other_o two_o for_o no_o power_n can_v sever_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o read_v the_o character_n of_o god_n image_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n those_o be_v the_o counterpain_n of_o the_o golden_a character_n of_o his_o love_n in_o which_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n their_o believe_v write_v their_o name_n under_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o reveal_v book_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n and_o so_o ascertain_v they_o that_o the_o same_o name_n be_v in_o the_o secret_a book_n of_o life_n that_o god_n have_v by_o himself_o from_o eternity_n so_o find_v the_o stream_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o see_v not_o the_o fountain_n whence_o it_o flow_v nor_o the_o ocean_n into_o which_o it_o return_v yet_o they_o know_v that_o it_o have_v its_o source_n and_o shall_v return_v to_o that_o ocean_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o eternal_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o shall_v empty_v itself_o into_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n hence_o much_o joy_n arise_v to_o the_o believer_n this_o tie_n indissolvable_a as_o the_o agent_n be_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n so_o election_n and_o vocation_n and_o sanctification_n and_o justification_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o condition_n they_o may_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o look_v back_o to_o that_o election_n and_o forward_o to_o that_o salvation_n but_o they_o that_o remain_v unholy_a and_o dissobedient_a have_v as_o yet_o no_o evidence_n of_o this_o love_n and_o therefore_o can_v without_o vain_a presumption_n and_o self_n delusion_n judge_v thus_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o peculiar_a love_n of_o god_n but_o in_o this_o let_v the_o righteous_a be_v glad_a and_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_v all_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n it_o be_v one_o main_a point_n of_o happiness_n that_o he_o that_o be_v happy_a do_v know_v and_o judge_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a good_a of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o reasonable_a way_n it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o dull_a rest_v of_o a_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a body_n in_o its_o natural_a place_n but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o be_v the_o fruition_n of_o it_o the_o very_a relish_v and_o taste_v its_o sweetness_n the_o perfect_a blessedness_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v abide_v they_o above_o but_o even_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v true_o happy_a though_o incompleat_o and_o but_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v and_o this_o their_o present_a happiness_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o more_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o it_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pleasant_a fruit_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o comfort_v his_o disperse_a brethren_n set_v before_o they_o a_o description_n of_o that_o excellent_a spiritual_a condition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v if_o they_o be_v inseparable_o link_v together_o then_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o may_v know_v that_o his_o hold_n be_v sure_a and_o this_o be_v that_o way_n wherein_o we_o may_v attain_v and_o aught_o to_o seek_v that_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n therefore_o make_v your_o call_v sure_a and_o by_o that_o your_o election_n for_o that_o be_v do_v this_o follow_v of_o itself_o we_o be_v not_o to_o pry_v immediate_o into_o the_o decree_n but_o to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o performance_n though_o the_o mariner_n see_v not_o the_o polestar_n yet_o the_o needle_n of_o the_o compass_n that_o point_v to_o it_o tell_v he_o which_o way_n he_o sail_n thus_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o loadstone_n of_o divine_a love_n tremble_a with_o godly_a fear_n and_o yet_o still_o look_v towards_o god_n by_o fix_a believe_v it_o point_v at_o the_o love_n of_o election_n and_o tell_v the_o soul_n that_o its_o courss_n be_v heavenward_o towards_o the_o haven_n of_o eternal_a rest_n he_o that_o love_v may_v be_v sure_a he_o be_v love_v first_o and_o he_o that_o choose_v god_n for_o his_o delight_n and_o portion_n may_v conclude_v confident_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o shall_v enjoy_v he_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o he_o for_o ever_o for_o that_o our_o love_n and_o elect_v of_o he_o be_v but_o the_o return_n and_o repercussion_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o love_n shine_v upon_o we_o find_v thou_o but_o within_o thou_o sanctification_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o argue_v necessary_o both_o justification_n by_o the_o son_n and_o the_o election_n of_o god_n the_o father_n 1_o joh._n 4.13_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o most_o strange_a demonstration_n ab_fw-la effectu_fw-la reciproco_fw-la he_o call_v those_o he_o have_v elect_v he_o elect_v those_o he_o call_v where_o this_o sanctify_a spirit_n be_v not_o there_o can_v be_v no_o persuasion_n of_o this_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n they_o that_o be_v child_n of_o disobedience_n can_v conclude_v no_o otherwise_o of_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n although_o from_o present_a unsanctification_n a_o man_n can_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o elect_v for_o the_o decree_n may_v for_o part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n run_v as_o it_o be_v underground_o yet_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o that_o estate_n lead_v to_o death_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v break_v will_v prove_v the_o black_a line_n of_o reprobation_n a_o man_n have_v no_o portion_n among_o the_o child_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v read_v one_o word_n of_o comfort_n in_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o while_o he_o remain_v unholy_a man_n may_v please_v themselves_o in_o profane_a scoff_v at_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n but_o let_v they_o withal_o know_v this_o that_o that_o holy_a spirit_n
through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o in_o his_o salutation_n that_o be_v the_o same_o with_o this_o grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n as_o the_o free_a love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n appoint_v this_o mean_n and_o way_n of_o our_o peace_n and_o offer_v it_o so_o the_o same_o grace_n apply_v it_o and_o make_v it_o we_o and_o give_v we_o faith_n to_o apprehend_v it_o and_o from_o our_o sense_n of_o this_o peace_n or_o reconcilement_n with_o god_n arise_v that_o which_o be_v our_o inward_a peace_n a_o calm_a and_o quiet_a temper_n of_o mind_n this_o peace_n that_o we_o have_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v inviolable_a but_o because_o the_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n of_o it_o may_v be_v interrupt_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o at_o peace_n with_o god_n may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v disquiet_v in_o itself_o through_o weakness_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n or_o the_o darkness_n of_o desertion_n lose_v sight_n of_o that_o grace_n that_o love_n and_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n on_o which_o its_o tranquillity_n and_o joy_n depend_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n say_v david_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v but_o when_o these_o eclipse_n be_v over_o the_o soul_n be_v revive_v with_o new_a consolation_n as_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v renew_v and_o make_v to_o smile_v with_o the_o return_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o spring_n and_o this_o aught_o always_o to_o uphold_v christian_n in_o the_o sad_a time_n viz_o that_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o depend_v not_o on_o their_o sense_n nor_o upon_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o but_o be_v still_o in_o itself_o incapable_a of_o the_o small_a alteration_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o desire_v their_o own_o peace_n the_o quietness_n and_o contentment_n of_o their_o mind_n but_o most_o man_n miss_v the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o find_v it_o not_o for_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o it_o indeed_o but_o this_o one_o wherein_o few_o seek_v it_o viz._n reconcilement_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n the_o persuasion_n of_o that_o alone_o make_v the_o mind_n clear_a and_o serene_a like_o your_o fair_a summer_n day_n my_o peace_n i_o give_v you_o say_v christ_n not_o as_o the_o world_n let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v all_o the_o peace_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o world_n can_v calm_v a_o trouble_a heart_n but_o where_o this_o peace_n be_v that_o christ_n give_v all_o the_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v of_o the_o world_n can_v disturb_v it_o when_o he_o give_v quietness_n who_o then_o can_v make_v trouble_n and_o when_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n who_o then_o can_v behold_v he_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v against_o a_o nation_n or_o against_o a_o man_n only_o see_v also_o for_o this_o psal._n 46.123_o all_o outward_a distress_n to_o a_o mind_n thus_o at_o peace_n be_v but_o as_o the_o rattle_a of_o the_o hail_v upon_o the_o tile_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v within_o the_o house_n at_o a_o sumptuous_a feast_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v call_v so_o and_o with_o a_o advantage_n that_o no_o other_o feast_n can_v have_v nor_o can_v man_n endure_v it_o a_o few_o hour_n of_o feast_v will_v weary_v the_o most_o profess_a epicure_n but_o a_o conscience_n thus_o at_o peace_n be_v a_o continual_a feast_n with_o continual_a unwearied_a delight_n what_o make_v the_o world_n take_v up_o such_o a_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n as_o a_o sour_a unpleasant_a thing_n they_o see_v the_o affliction_n and_o grief_n of_o christian_n but_o they_o do_v not_o see_v their_o joy_n the_o inward_a pleasure_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v possess_v in_o a_o very_a hard_a estate_n have_v you_o not_o try_v other_o way_n enough_o have_v not_o he_o try_v they_o that_o have_v more_o ablility_n and_o skill_n for_o it_o than_o you_o and_o find_v they_o not_o only_a vanity_n but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n if_o you_o have_v any_o belief_n of_o holy_a truth_n pâ—t_v but_o this_o once_o upon_o the_o trial_n seek_v peace_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n this_o inward_a peace_n be_v too_o precious_a a_o liquor_n to_o be_v pour_v into_o a_o filthy_a vessel_n a_o holy_a heart_n that_o glad_o entertain_v grace_n shall_v find_v that_o it_o and_o peace_n can_v dwell_v asunder_o a_o ungodly_a man_n may_v sleep_v to_o death_n in_o the_o lethargy_n of_o carnal_a presumption_n and_o impenitency_n but_o a_o true_a lively_a solid_a peace_n he_o can_v have_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a say_v my_o god_n isa_n 57.21_o and_o if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v none_o speak_v peace_n who_o will_v if_o all_o the_o world_n with_o one_o voice_n will_v speak_v it_o it_o shall_v prove_v none_o 2_o lie_n consider_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o apostle_n desire_v for_o his_o scatter_a brethren_n that_o this_o grace_n and_o peace_n may_v be_v multiply_v this_o the_o apostle_n wisheâ—_n for_o they_o know_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o saint_n while_o they_o be_v here_o below_o and_o this_o they_o themselves_o in_o sense_n of_o that_o imperfection_n daily_o do_v desire_v they_o that_o have_v taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o peace_n call_v incessant_o for_o more_o this_o be_v a_o disease_n in_o earthly_a desire_n and_o a_o disease_n incurable_a by_o all_o these_o thing_n desire_v there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n attainable_a by_o they_o but_o this_o avarice_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o by_o our_o saviour_n be_v call_v blessedness_n because_o it_o tend_v to_o fullness_n and_o satisfaction_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v fill_v mat._n 5.6_o verse_n 3_o 4._o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o it_o be_v a_o cold_a lifeless_a thing_n to_o speak_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n upon_o mere_a report_n but_o they_o that_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o their_o own_o as_o have_v share_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o and_o some_o experience_n of_o their_o sweetness_n their_o discourse_n of_o they_o be_v enliven_v with_o firm_a belief_n and_o ardent_a affection_n they_o can_v mention_v they_o but_o their_o heart_n be_v straight_o take_v with_o such_o gladness_n as_o they_o be_v force_v to_o vent_v in_o praise_n thus_o our_o apostle_n here_o and_o st._n paul_n eph._n 1._o and_o often_o elsewhere_o when_o they_o consider_v these_o thing_n wherewith_o they_o be_v about_o to_o comfort_v the_o godly_a to_o who_o they_o write_v they_o be_v sudden_o elevate_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o they_o and_o break_v forth_o into_o thanksgiving_n so_o teach_v we_o by_o their_o example_n what_o real_a joy_n there_o be_v in_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o praise_n be_v due_a from_o all_o the_o saint_n to_o the_o god_n of_o those_o consolation_n this_o be_v such_o a_o inheritance_n as_o the_o very_a thought_n and_o hope_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o sweeten_v the_o great_a grief_n and_o affliction_n what_o then_o shall_v the_o possession_n of_o it_o be_v wherein_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o rupture_n nor_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o any_o grief_n at_o all_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o these_o veâ—ses_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a comfort_n that_o support_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o all_o condition_n i._o their_o after_a inheritance_n in_o the_o 4_o verse_n 2._o their_o present_a title_n to_o it_o and_o assure_a hope_n of_o it_o v_o 3._o 3_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o both_o assign_a viz._n jesus_n christ._n 4_o all_o this_o derive_v from_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n as_o the_o first_o and_o high_a cause_n and_o return_v to_o his_o praise_n and_o glory_n as_o the_o last_o and_o high_a end_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o the_o inheritance_n but_o because_o the_o four_o verse_n which_o describe_v it_o be_v link_v with_o the_o subsequent_a we_o will_v not_o go_v so_o far_o off_o to_o return_v back_o again_o but_o first_o speak_v to_o this_o 3_o verse_n and_o in_o it_o consider_v 1_o their_o title_n to_o this_o inheritance_n beget_v again_o 2._o their_o assurance_n of_o it_o viz._n a_o holy_a or_o lively_a hope_n the_o title_n that_o the_o saint_n have_v to_o their_o rich_a inheritance_n be_v of_o the_o valide_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a kind_n viz._n by_o birth_n not_o by_o their_o first_o natural_a birth_n by_o it_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v to_o a_o inheritance_n indeed_o but_o we_o find_v what_o it_o be_v eph._n 2.3_o child_n of_o wrath_n heir_n
may_v say_v the_o world_n end_v to_o he_o thus_o solomon_n reason_n that_o a_o man_n happiness_n can_v be_v upon_o this_o earth_n because_o it_o must_v be_v some_o durable_a abide_a thing_n that_o must_v make_v he_o happy_a abide_v to_o wit_n in_o his_o enjoyment_n now_o though_o the_o earth_n abide_v yet_o because_o man_n abide_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n to_o possess_v it_o but_o one_o age_n drive_v out_o another_o one_o generation_n pass_v and_o another_o come_v veluâ—_fw-la unda_fw-la impellitur_fw-la undâ_fw-la therefore_o his_o rest_n and_o his_o happiness_n can_v be_v here_o all_o possession_n here_o be_v defile_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o other_o defect_n and_o fail_n still_o somewhat_o want_v some_o damp_n on_o they_o or_o crack_v in_o they_o fair_a house_n but_o sad_a care_n fly_v about_o the_o guild_v and_o ciel_v roof_n stately_a and_o soft_a bed_n a_o full_a table_n but_o a_o sickly_a body_n and_o queasy_a stomach_n the_o fair_a face_n some_o mole_n or_o wart_n in_o it_o all_o possession_n stain_v with_o sin_n either_o in_o acquire_v or_o in_o use_v rhem_n therefore_o call_v mammon_n of_o vnrighteousness_n st._n luk._n 16.9_o iniquity_n so_o involve_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o riches_n that_o it_o can_v very_o hardly_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o st._n hierom._n say_v verum_fw-la mihi_fw-la videtur_fw-la illud_fw-la dive_v aut_fw-la iniquus_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la iniqui_fw-la haeres_fw-la foul_n hand_n pollute_v all_o they_o touch_v it_o be_v our_o sin_n that_o defile_v what_o we_o possess_v it_o be_v sin_n that_o burden_v the_o whole_a creation_n and_o press_v groan_n out_o of_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 8.22_o for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o travel_v in_o pain_n together_o until_o now_o this_o our_o leprosy_n defile_v our_o house_n the_o very_a wall_n and_o floor_n our_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o all_o we_o touch_v pollute_v alone_o and_o pollute_v in_o society_n our_o meeting_n and_o conversation_n together_o be_v for_o the_o great_a part_n nothing_o but_o a_o commerce_n and_o interchange_n of_o sin_n and_o vanity_n we_o breathe_v up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o infect_a air_n and_o be_v very_o receptive_a of_o the_o infection_n by_o our_o own_o corruption_n within_o we_o we_o ready_o turn_v the_o thing_n we_o possess_v here_o to_o occasion_n and_o instrument_n of_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n nor_o delight_n in_o their_o use_n without_o abuse_v they_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o can_v carry_v as_o they_o say_v a_o full_a cup_n even_o that_o can_v have_v digestion_n strong_a enough_o for_o the_o right_a use_n of_o great_a place_n and_o estate_n that_o can_v bear_v preferment_n without_o pride_n and_o riches_n without_o covetousness_n and_o ease_n without_o wantonness_n then_o as_o those_o earthly_a inheritance_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n in_o their_o use_n so_o what_o grief_n and_o strife_n and_o contention_n about_o obtain_v or_o retain_v they_o do_v not_o matter_n of_o possession_n this_o same_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la divide_v many_o time_n the_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o nature_n or_o other_o strait_a tie_n and_o prove_v the_o very_a apple_n of_o strife_n betwixt_o near_a friend_n if_o we_o trace_v great_a estate_n to_o their_o first_o original_a how_o few_o will_v there_o be_v find_v that_o owe_v not_o their_o beginning_n either_o to_o fraud_n or_o rapine_n or_o oppression_n and_o the_o great_a empire_n and_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n have_v have_v their_o foundation_n lay_v in_o blood_n be_v not_o those_o defile_a inheritance_n that_o wither_v not_o a_o borrow_v speech_n allude_v to_o the_o decay_a of_o plant_n and_o flower_n that_o bud_n and_o flourish_v at_o a_o certain_a time_n of_o the_o year_n and_o then_o fade_v and_o wither_v and_o in_o winter_n be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o this_o be_v the_o 3d._a disadvantage_n of_o possession_n and_o all_o thing_n worldly_a that_o they_o abide_v not_o in_o one_o estate_n but_o be_v in_o a_o more_o uncertain_a and_o irregular_a inconstancy_n then_o either_o the_o flower_n and_o plant_n of_o the_o field_n or_o the_o moon_n from_o which_o they_o be_v call_v sublunary_a like_o nebuchadnezzar_n image_n degenerate_v by_o degree_n and_o in_o the_o end_n into_o a_o mixture_n of_o iron_n and_o clay_n the_o excellency_n then_o of_o this_o inheritance_n be_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o those_o evil_n fall_v not_o under_o the_o stroke_n of_o time_n come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o its_o since_o that_o have_v so_o large_a a_o compass_n and_o cut_v down_o all_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o weigh_v it_o towards_o corruption_n it_o be_v immortal_a everlasting_a for_o it_o be_v the_o fruition_n of_o the_o immortal_a everlasting_a god_n by_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o body_n rejoyn_v with_o it_o shall_v likewise_o be_v immortal_a have_v put_v on_o incorruption_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o fade_v not_o away_o no_o spot_n of_o sin_n nor_o sorrow_n there_o all_o pollution_n wipe_v away_o and_o all_o tear_n with_o it_o no_o envy_n nor_o strife_n not_o as_o here_o among_o man_n one_o supplant_n another_o one_o pleading_z and_o fight_v against_o another_o divide_v this_o point_n of_o earth_n with_o fire_n and_o sword_n no_o this_o inheritance_n be_v not_o the_o less_o by_o division_n by_o be_v part_v among_o so_o many_o brethren_n every_o one_o have_v it_o all_o each_o his_o crown_n and_o all_o agree_n in_o cast_v they_o down_o before_o his_o throne_n from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o in_o the_o harmony_n of_o his_o praise_n this_o inheritance_n be_v often_o call_v a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n this_o word_n may_v allude_v to_o those_o garland_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o this_o be_v its_o property_n that_o the_o flower_n in_o it_o be_v all_o amaranthes_n as_o a_o certain_a plant_n be_v name_v and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v 1_o pet._n 5.4_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o no_o change_n at_o all_o there_o no_o winter_n and_o summer_n not_o like_o the_o poor_a comfort_n here_o but_o a_o bless_v always_o flourish_v the_o grief_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o change_n of_o outward_a thing_n as_o of_o their_o inward_a comfort_n suavis_fw-la hora_fw-la sed_fw-la brevis_fw-la mora_fw-la sweet_a presence_n of_o god_n they_o sometime_o have_v but_o they_o be_v short_a and_o often_o interrupt_v but_o there_o no_o cloud_n shall_v come_v betwixt_o they_o and_o their_o sun_n they_o shall_v behold_v he_o in_o his_o full_a brightness_n for_o ever_o and_o as_o no_o change_n in_o their_o behold_n so_o no_o weariness_n nor_o abatement_n of_o their_o delight_n in_o behold_v they_o sing_v a_o new_a song_n always_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o always_o new_a the_o sweet_a of_o our_o music_n one_o day_n of_o it_o will_v weary_v they_o that_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o it_o what_o we_o have_v here_o cloy_v but_o satisfy_v not_o the_o joy_n above_o never_o cloy_v and_o yet_o always_o satisfy_v we_o shall_v here_o consider_v the_o last_o property_n of_o this_o inheritance_n namely_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o you_o but_o that_o be_v connect_v with_o the_o follow_a verse_n and_o so_o will_v be_v fit_o join_v with_o it_o now_o for_o some_o use_n of_o all_o this_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v believe_v they_o will_v persuade_v for_o themselves_o we_o need_v not_o add_v any_o entreaty_n to_o move_v you_o to_o seek_v after_o this_o inheritance_n have_v we_o not_o experience_n enough_o of_o the_o vanity_n and_o misery_n of_o thing_n corruptible_a and_o be_v not_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o day_n already_o spend_v among_o they_o be_v it_o not_o time_n to_o consider_v whether_o we_o be_v provide_v of_o any_o thing_n sure_a and_o better_a than_o what_o we_o have_v here_o if_o we_o have_v any_o inheritance_n to_o go_v home_o to_o after_o our_o wander_a or_o can_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5.1_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n if_o those_o thing_n gain_v our_o assent_n while_o we_o hear_v they_o yet_o it_o die_v so_o none_o almost_o retire_v themselves_o after_o to_o follow_v forth_o those_o thought_n and_o to_o make_v a_o work_n indeed_o of_o they_o but_o busy_a their_o head_n rather_o another_o way_n build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o spin_v out_o their_o thought_n in_o vain_a contrivance_n happy_a be_v they_o who_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n set_v and_o fix_v upon_o this_o inheritance_n they_o may_v join_v in_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o say_v as_o here_o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n
for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n thus_o gen._n 22.12_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o with_o hold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o god_n delight_v to_o call_v forth_o his_o champion_n to_o meet_v with_o great_a temptation_n to_o make_v they_o bear_v cross_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n as_o commander_n in_o war_n put_v man_n of_o most_o valour_n and_o skill_n upon_o the_o hard_a service_n god_n set_v some_o strong_a furious_a trial_n upon_o a_o strong_a christian_a make_v strong_a by_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o by_o his_o victory_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o counterfeit_a coin_n of_o profession_n in_o religion_n yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o have_v the_o power_n the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o invention_n but_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o it_o that_o the_o invincible_a grace_n the_o very_a spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o have_v a_o number_n that_o do_v not_o only_o speak_v big_a but_o do_v indeed_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n despise_v the_o world_n and_o overcome_v it_o by_o his_o strength_n some_o man_n take_v delight_n to_o see_v some_o kind_n of_o beast_n fight_v together_o but_o to_o see_v a_o christian_a mind_n encounter_v some_o great_a affliction_n and_o conquer_a it_o to_o see_v his_o valour_n in_o not_o sink_v at_o the_o hard_a distress_n of_o this_o life_n nor_o the_o affrightfull_a end_n of_o it_o the_o cruel_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n this_o be_v as_o he_o say_v dignum_fw-la deo_fw-la spectaculum_fw-la this_o be_v a_o combat_n that_o god_n delight_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a beholder_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n that_o enable_v and_o support_v the_o christian_a in_o all_o those_o conflict_n and_o temptation_n multitude_n of_o temptation_n and_o of_o divers_a kind_n many_o and_o manifold_a it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n to_o have_v a_o trial_n now_o and_o then_o and_o long_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n betwixt_o but_o to_o be_v ply_v with_o one_o affliction_n at_o the_o heel_n of_o another_o to_o have_v they_o come_v throng_v in_o by_o multitude_n and_o of_o different_a kind_n uncouth_a unaccustomed_a evil_n such_o as_o a_o man_n have_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o before_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v often_o the_o portion_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n psa._n 42.7_o deep_o call_v unto_o deep_a at_o the_o noise_n of_o thy_o water_n spout_n all_o thy_o wave_n and_o thy_o billow_n be_v go_v over_o i_o you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n this_o the_o apostle_n blame_v not_o but_o aim_v at_o the_o moderate_n of_o it_o seek_v not_o altogether_o to_o dry_v up_o this_o stream_n but_o to_o bound_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bank_n grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o nature_n but_o add'_v to_o it_o a_o life_n more_o excellent_a yea_o grace_n do_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v some_o feel_n of_o affliction_n there_o be_v a_o affect_a pride_n of_o spirit_n in_o some_o man_n instead_o of_o patience_n suitable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o stoic_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o take_v they_o strive_v not_o to_o feel_v at_o all_o the_o affliction_n that_o be_v on_o they_o but_o this_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o correction_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v alike_o forbid_a as_o faint_v under_o it_o heb._n 12._o we_o shall_v not_o stop_v our_o ear_n but_o mic._n 6.9_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o he_o that_o have_v appoint_v it_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v where_o there_o be_v no_o feel_n at_o all_o there_o can_v be_v no_o patience_n consider_v it_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o thence_o argue_v the_o soul_n into_o submission_n psa._n 39.9_o i_o be_v dumb_a i_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o but_o this_o heaviness_n be_v mitigate_v and_o set_v as_o it_o be_v within_o its_o bank_n betwixt_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o the_o utility_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o brevity_n profitableness_n and_o shortness_n of_o it_o to_o a_o worldly_a man_n great_a gain_n sweeten_v the_o hard_a labour_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a spiritual_a profit_n and_o advantage_n may_v do_v much_o to_o move_v he_o to_o take_v well_o with_o those_o affliction_n that_o be_v otherwise_o very_o unpleasant_a though_o they_o be_v not_o joyous_a for_o the_o present_a heb._n 12.11_o yet_o this_o allay_v the_o sorrow_n of_o they_o the_o fruit_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o that_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n abundle_n of_o folly_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o child_n but_o the_o rod_n of_o correction_n shall_v beat_v it_o out_o say_v solomon_n though_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v true_o as_o our_o saviour_n call_v they_o the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o be_v renew_v only_o in_o part_n they_o be_v not_o altogether_o free_a from_o those_o folly_n that_o call_v for_o this_o rod_n to_o beat_v they_o out_o and_o sometime_o have_v such_o a_o bundle_n of_o folly_n as_o require_v a_o bundle_n of_o rod_n to_o be_v spend_v upon_o it_o many_o and_o manifold_a affliction_n it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o nor_o to_o be_v beat_v from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n main_o require_v of_o his_o child_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o love_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v entertain_v this_o be_v want_v and_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n they_o be_v sometime_o subject_a to_o this_o disease_n how_o will_v it_o grow_v upon_o they_o with_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n when_o they_o be_v beat_v from_o one_o worldly_a folly_n or_o delight_n they_o be_v ready_a through_o nature_n corruption_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o some_o other_o be_v thrust_v out_o from_o it_o at_o one_o door_n to_o enter_v at_o some_o other_o and_o as_o child_n unwilling_a to_o be_v wean_v if_o one_o breast_n be_v imbitter_v they_o seek_v to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o to_o drive_v they_o from_o that_o too_o thus_o it_o be_v clear_a there_o be_v need_n yea_o great_a need_n of_o affliction_n yea_o of_o many_o affliction_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v chastened_a by_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 11.32_o many_o resemblance_n there_o be_v for_o illustration_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o thing_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o of_o art_n some_o common_a and_o other_o choice_a but_o this_o be_v not_o needful_a the_o experience_n of_o christian_n tell_v they_o how_o easy_o they_o grow_v proud_a and_o secure_a and_o carnal_a with_o a_o little_a ease_n and_o with_o outward_a thing_n go_v smooth_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o unhappiness_n be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o be_v much_o happy_a that_o way_n let_v we_o learn_v then_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o present_a frailty_n there_o be_v need_n of_o affliction_n and_o so_o not_o promise_v ourselves_o exemption_n how_o calm_a soever_o our_o sea_n be_v for_o the_o present_a and_o then_o for_o the_o number_n and_o measure_n and_o weight_n of_o they_o to_o resign_v that_o whole_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o wise_a father_n and_o physician_n who_o perfect_o know_v our_o mould_n and_o our_o malady_n and_o what_o kind_n and_o quantity_n of_o chastisement_n be_v needful_a for_o our_o cure_n though_o now_o for_o a_o season_n if_o need_v be_v you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n the_o other_o consideration_n that_o moderate_v this_o heaviness_n be_v its_o shortness_n because_o we_o willing_o forget_v eternity_n therefore_o this_o moment_n seem_v much_o in_o our_o eye_n but_o if_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o it_o aright_o of_o how_o little_a concernment_n be_v it_o what_o be_v our_o condition_n here_o if_o it_o be_v as_o prosperous_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v or_o imagine_v it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o little_a season_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n talk_v of_o many_o year_n but_o thou_o fool_v this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o be_v the_o long_a period_n the_o many_o year_n quick_o draw_v to_o a_o very_a great_a abatement_n and_o if_o full_a of_o pain_n and_o grief_n those_o do_v help_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o themselves_o and_o hasten_v to_o it_o then_o well_o might_n st._n austin_n say_v hic_fw-la ure_n caede_fw-la modo_fw-la ibi_fw-la parcas_fw-la use_v i_o here_o as_o please_v thou_o so_o as_o that_o hereafter_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o i_o wherein_o this_o
tribulation_n say_v st._n paul_n and_o here_o our_o apostle_n insist_o on_o that_o to_o verify_v the_o subsistence_n of_o this_o joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a affliction_n 4._o spiritual_a grief_n that_o seem_v most_o opposite_a to_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n prejudge_v it_o not_o for_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a delight_n and_o sweetness_n in_o the_o tear_n of_o repentance_n a_o balm_n in_o they_o that_o refresh_v the_o soul_n and_o even_o their_o sad_a kind_n of_o mourning_n viz._n the_o dark_a time_n of_o desertion_n have_v this_o in_o it_o that_o be_v some_o way_n sweet_a that_o those_o mourning_n after_o their_o belove_a who_o absent_v himself_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o their_o love_n to_o he_o and_o a_o true_a evidence_n of_o it_o and_o then_o all_o these_o spiritual_a sorrow_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o be_v turn_v into_o spiritual_a joy_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o they_o they_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n that_o way_n 5._o but_o the_o natural_a man_n still_o doubt_n of_o this_o joy_n we_o speak_v of_o because_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v so_o little_a of_o it_o from_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o have_v it_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v best_a right_n to_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wretchedness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o especial_o the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o wonder_v though_o this_o their_o joy_n retire_v much_o inward_a and_o appear_v little_a abroad_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o so_o few_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o pecus_fw-la to_o who_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o vent_v it_o again_o we_o see_v here_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a it_o be_v a_o poor_a thing_n if_o he_o that_o have_v it_o can_v tell_v it_o all_o out_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v most_o of_o it_o than_o it_o remain_v most_o within_o itself_o and_o be_v so_o inward_o take_v up_o with_o it_o that_o possible_o it_o can_v then_o least_o of_o all_o express_v it_o it_o be_v with_o joy_n as_o they_o say_v of_o care_n and_o grief_n leves_fw-la loquuntur_fw-la ingentes_fw-la stupent_fw-la sen._n the_o deep_a water_n run_v still_a true_a joy_n be_v a_o solid_a grave_a thing_n dwell_v more_o in_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o countenance_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a base_a and_o false_a joy_n be_v but_o superficial_a skin-deep_a as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o face_n think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v with_o the_o godly_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o they_o and_o the_o lxx_o read_v it_o no_z joy._n certain_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o true_a joy_n to_o the_o wicked_a they_o may_v revel_v and_o make_v a_o noise_n but_o they_o rejoice_v not_o the_o laughter_n of_o the_o fool_n be_v as_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o the_o pot_n a_o great_a noise_n but_o little_a heat_n and_o soon_o at_o a_o end_n there_o be_v no_o continue_v feast_n but_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n wickedness_n and_o real_a joy_n can_v dwell_v together_o as_o the_o very_a moralist_n seneca_n have_v it_o often_o and_o at_o large_a but_o he_o that_o can_v say_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v i_o and_o in_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n have_v such_o a_o light_n as_o can_v shine_v in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n yea_o in_o the_o dark_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n itself_o say_v not_o thou_o if_o i_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n i_o must_v bid_v farewell_n to_o gladness_n never_o a_o merry_a day_n more_o no_o on_o the_o contrary_a never_o a_o true_o joyful_a day_n till_o then_o yea_o no_o day_n at_o all_o but_o night_n to_o the_o soul_n till_o it_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v in_o those_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thou_o do_v not_o sacrifice_n isaac_n which_o signify_v laughter_n as_o st._n bern._n but_o a_o ram._n not_o thy_o joy_n but_o filthy_a sinful_a delight_n that_o end_v in_o sorrow_n oh_o seek_v to_o know_v in_o your_o experience_n what_o those_o joy_n mean_v for_o all_o describe_v and_o commend_v it_o to_o you_o will_v not_o make_v you_o understand_v it_o aug._n but_o taste_v and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a you_o can_v see_v and_o know_v it_o but_o by_o taste_v it_o and_o have_v taste_v that_o goodness_n all_o those_o poor_a joy_n you_o think_v sweet_a before_o will_v then_o be_v bitter_a and_o distasteful_a to_o you_o and_o you_o that_o have_v christ_n you_o by_o believe_v know_v your_o happiness_n and_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o be_v your_o outward_a condition_n rejoice_v always_o and_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v for_o light_n be_v sowâ—_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o joy_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12._o 10._o of_o which_o salvation_n the_o prophet_n have_v inquire_v and_o search_v diligent_o who_o prophesy_v of_o the_o grace_n that_o shall_v come_v unto_o you_o 11._o search_v what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v when_o he_o testify_v before_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v follow_v 12._o unto_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o not_o unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o we_o they_o do_v minister_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o report_v unto_o you_o by_o they_o that_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n or_o at_o least_o the_o inconsiderance_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o make_v earthly_a thing_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_a appear_v great_a in_o our_o eye_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n great_a aim_n be_v by_o represent_v the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o christian_n to_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n to_o strengthen_v their_o mind_n against_o all_o discouragement_n and_o opposition_n that_o they_o may_v account_v nothing_o too_o hard_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o so_o high_a a_o cause_n and_o so_o happy_a a_o end_n it_o be_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a thought_n and_o the_o shallow_a perswassion_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o remisseness_n and_o coldness_n in_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n he_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v illustrate_v in_o these_o word_n from_o its_o antiquity_n dignity_n and_o infallible_a truth_n it_o be_v no_o more_o invention_n for_o the_o prophet_n inquire_v after_o it_o and_o foretell_v it_o in_o former_a age_n from_o the_o beginning_n thus_o the_o prejudice_n of_o novelty_n be_v remove_v that_o usual_o meet_v the_o most_o ancient_a truth_n in_o its_o new_a discovery_n again_o it_o be_v no_o mean_a thing_n that_o such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o unquestioned_a eminency_n in_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n do_v so_o much_o study_v and_o search_v after_o and_o have_v find_v out_o be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o publish_v it_o in_o their_o own_o time_n but_o to_o record_v it_o to_o posterity_n and_o this_o not_o by_o the_o private_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o act_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o set_v likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n above_o all_o doubtfulness_n and_o uncertainty_n but_o take_v those_o three_o verse_n entire_o together_o we_o have_v in_o they_o those_o three_o thing_n testify_v how_o excellent_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v 1._o we_o have_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o worth_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exercise_v about_o it_o viz._n the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o the_o best_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n the_o angel_n in_o admire_v it_o the_o first_o author_n be_v the_o absolute_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prophet_n ver._n 11._o in_o the_o apostle_n ver._n 12._o but_o ver._n 11._o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o send_v down_o on_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o ascend_v to_o glory_n and_o which_o speak_v in_o his_o prophet_n before_o his_o descend_v to_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n proceed_v joint_o from_o he_o with_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o dwell_v most_o rich_o and_o full_o in_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man._n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o himself_o holiness_n and_o the_o source_n and_o worker_n of_o holiness_n and_o author_n of_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o breathe_v
enough_o and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o sight_n desire_v to_o have_v his_o eye_n close_v now_o let_v thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v seâ—n_v thy_o salvation_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n math._n 13.16_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v for_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o this_o be_v he_o who_o we_o disesteem_v and_o make_v so_o small_a account_n of_o be_v now_o so_o clear_o reveal_v that_o they_o study_v and_o seek_v and_o wish_v so_o much_o for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o now_o the_o success_n be_v in_o seek_v they_o find_v the_o certainty_n and_o the_o time_n of_o that_o his_o come_n they_o seek_v out_o till_o they_o find_v and_o then_o they_o prophesy_v of_o that_o salvation_n and_o grace_n they_o search_v what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n and_o the_o spirit_n do_v manifest_o foretell_v it_o they_o they_o seek_v to_o know_v what_o manner_n of_o time_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v viz._n in_o a_o time_n of_o great_a distress_n and_o bad_a estate_n of_o the_o people_n as_o all_o the_o prophet_n testify_v and_o particular_o that_o place_n gen._n 49.10_o give_v a_o express_a character_n of_o the_o time_n though_o there_o be_v some_o diversity_n of_o exposition_n of_o the_o particular_a word_n yet_o the_o main_a sense_n be_v agree_v on_o by_o all_o sound_a interpreter_n and_o the_o chal._n parah_n have_v it_o express_o that_o that_o shiloh_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o of_o his_o suffering_n and_o after_o glory_n they_o prophesy_v very_o clear_o as_o psal._n 22._o isa._n 53._o etc._n etc._n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o their_o testimony_n in_o both_o these_o point_n s._n luke_n 24.25_o 26_o 27._o then_o there_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o search_n and_o find_v in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o verse_n 13._o to_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o to_o the_o succeed_a christian_a church_n and_o so_o to_o we_o in_o these_o day_n but_o in_o some_o peculiar_a sense_n the_o prophet_n minister_v to_o they_o of_o those_o time_n wherein_o christ_n do_v suffer_v and_o enter_v into_o glory_n for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o enjoy_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o prophecy_n they_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o own_o day_n they_o know_v well_o that_o the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o own_o time_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o prophesy_v concern_v they_o though_o both_o themselves_o and_o people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v contemporary_a with_o they_o do_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o be_v by_o faith_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o salvation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o to_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o day_n and_o therefore_o speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n they_o often_o foretell_v it_o for_o the_o latter_a day_n as_o their_o phrase_n be_v and_o as_o we_o have_v the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v of_o so_o we_o have_v this_o peculiar_a benefit_n of_o their_o prophecy_n that_o their_o fuit_v so_o perfect_o with_o the_o event_n and_o performance_n serve_v much_o to_o confirm_v our_o christian_n faith_n there_o be_v a_o foolish_a and_o miserable_a way_n of_o verify_v this_o man_n minister_a the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o themselves_o carry_v it_o all_o in_o their_o head_n and_o tongue_n and_o none_o of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n not_o hear_v it_o even_o while_o they_o preach_v it_o reach_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o other_o and_o eat_v none_o of_o it_o themselves_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o be_v most_o careful_a to_o avoid_v and_o therefore_o deal_v severe_o with_o his_o body_n that_o it_o may_v not_o this_o way_n endanger_v his_o soul._n i_o beat_v down_o my_o body_n say_v he_o and_o keep_v it_o in_o subjection_n lest_o when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n it_o be_v not_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o prophet_n minister_v to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o themselves_o no_o they_o have_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o the_o very_a hope_n of_o the_o redeemer_n to_o come_v and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o any_o other_o have_v speak_v and_o that_o themselves_o speak_v concern_v he_o and_o thus_o the_o true_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o their_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o yet_o that_o salvation_n they_o preach_v they_o lay_v hold_v on_o and_o partake_v of_o themselves_o as_o your_o box_n wherein_o perfume_n be_v keep_v for_o garment_n and_o other_o use_n be_v themselves_o perfume_v by_o keep_v they_o we_o see_v how_o the_o prophet_n minister_v it_o as_o the_o great_a and_o never_o fail_a consolation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n in_o all_o their_o distress_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n when_o they_o be_v foretell_v either_o the_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n or_o temporal_a restorement_n and_o deliverance_n of_o that_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o sudden_a outleap_n they_o will_v make_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o who_o consider_v not_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v move_v by_o will_v think_v it_o be_v incoherence_n and_o impertinency_n but_o they_o know_v well_o what_o they_o mean_v that_o those_o news_n be_v never_o unseasonable_a nor_o beside_o the_o purpose_n that_o the_o sweetness_n of_o those_o thought_n viz._n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v able_a to_o such_o as_o belie've_v it_o to_o allay_v the_o bitter_a distress_n and_o that_o the_o great_a deliverance_n he_o be_v to_o work_v be_v the_o top_n and_o sum_n of_o all_o deliverance_n thus_o their_o prophecy_n of_o he_o be_v present_a comfort_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o believer_n then_o and_o further_o be_v to_o serve_v for_o a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o those_o mystery_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o and_o after_o their_o fulfil_n these_o sweet_a stream_n of_o their_o doctrine_n do_v as_o the_o river_n they_o make_v their_o own_o bank_n fertile_a and_o pleasant_a as_o it_o run_v by_o and_o flow_v still_o forward_o to_o after_o age_n and_o by_o the_o confluence_n of_o more_o such_o prophecy_n grow_v great_a as_o it_o go_v till_o it_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o main_a current_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o act_v and_o preach_v by_o the_o great_a prophet_n himself_o who_o they_o foretell_v to_o come_v and_o record_v by_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o thus_o unite_v into_o one_o river_n clear_a as_o crystal_n this_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v still_o refresh_v the_o city_n of_o god_n his_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o still_o shall_v do_v so_o till_o it_o empty_v itself_o into_o the_o ocean_n of_o eternity_n the_o first_o discovery_n we_o have_v of_o this_o stream_n near_a its_o source_n the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o divine_a mercy_n be_v in_o that_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o preach_v in_o few_o word_n to_o our_o first_o parent_n that_o have_v new_o make_v themselves_o and_o their_o race_n miserable_a the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n gen._n 3.15_o the_o agreement_n of_o their_o prediction_n with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o other_o kind_n of_o man_n employ_v in_o this_o salvation_n make_v up_o one_o organ_n or_o great_a instrument_n tune_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n and_o sound_v by_o the_o same_o breath_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v express_v here_o as_o the_o common_a authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o both_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n in_o it_o and_o all_o these_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o call_v of_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n tend_v to_o that_o great_a design_n that_o god_n have_v in_o build_v his_o church_n make_v up_o that_o great_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o elect_n to_o enjoy_v and_o praise_v he_o for_o all_o eternity_n eph._n 4.11_o for_o this_o end_n send_v he_o his_o son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n and_o and_o for_o this_o end_n send_v he_o forth_o his_o messenger_n to_o divulge_v that_o salvation_n that_o his_o son_n have_v wrought_v and_o send_v down_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o so_o high_a a_o service_n those_o
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
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 more_o we_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o our_o regeneration_n as_o the_o engraft_a word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n oh_o learn_v to_o reverence_n this_o holy_a and_o happy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n this_o word_n of_o life_n and_o know_v that_o they_o that_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o so_o save_v by_o it_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o it_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n it_o be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o unsuitable_a and_o unworthy_a behaviour_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v themselves_o such_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o either_o do_v not_o know_v or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o frequent_o consider_v what_o be_v indeed_o the_o estate_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o christian_a how_o excellent_a and_o of_o what_o descent_n their_o new_a nature_n be_v therefore_o they_o be_v often_o to_o be_v remember_v of_o this_o our_o apostle_n here_o do_v so_o and_o by_o it_o bind_v on_o all_o his_o exhortation_n of_o 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
apparel_v than_o it_o but_o partaker_n of_o its_o frail_a and_o fade_a nature_n have_v no_o privilege_n nor_o immunity_n that_o way_n yea_o of_o the_o two_o the_o less_o durable_a and_o usual_o short_a live_v at_o the_o best_a it_o decay_v with_o it_o the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fall_v away_o how_o easy_o and_o quick_o have_v the_o high_a splendour_n of_o a_o man_n prosperity_n be_v blast_v either_o by_o man_n power_n or_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n blow_v upon_o it_o as_o isaiah_n there_o say_v and_o by_o that_o not_o only_o wither_v the_o grass_n but_o the_o flower_n fade_v though_o never_o so_o fair_a when_o thou_o correct_a man_n for_o iniquity_n thou_o make_v his_o beauty_n to_o consume_v like_o a_o moth_n psal._n 39.11_o how_o many_o have_v the_o casualty_n of_o fire_n or_o war_n or_o shipwreck_n in_o one_o day_n or_o night_n or_o a_o small_a part_n of_o either_o turn_v out_o of_o great_a riches_n into_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o the_o instance_n be_v not_o few_o of_o those_o that_o have_v on_o a_o sudden_a fall_v from_o the_o top_n of_o honour_n into_o the_o foul_a disgrace_n not_o by_o degree_n come_v down_o the_o stair_n they_o go_v up_o but_o tumble_v down_o headlong_o and_o the_o most_o vigorous_a beauty_n and_o strength_n of_o body_n how_o do_v a_o few_o day_n sickness_n or_o if_o it_o escape_v that_o a_o few_o year_n time_n blast_v that_o flower_n yea_o those_o high_a advantage_n that_o have_v somewhat_o both_o of_o true_a and_o more_o last_a beauty_n in_o they_o the_o endowment_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n yea_o and_o of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o virtue_n yet_o they_o can_v rise_v above_o this_o word_n they_o be_v still_o in_o all_o their_o glory_n but_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n their_o root_n be_v in_o the_o â—earth_n natural_a ornament_n be_v of_o some_o use_n in_o this_o present_a life_n but_o they_o reach_v no_o further_o when_o man_n have_v waste_v their_o strength_n and_o endure_v the_o toil_n of_o study_n night_n and_o day_n '_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a parcel_n of_o knowledge_n they_o can_v attain_v to_o and_o be_v force_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o pursuit_n of_o it_o that_o head_n that_o lodge_v most_o science_n shall_v within_o a_o while_n be_v diffurnish_v of_o they_o all_o and_o the_o tongue_n that_o speak_v most_o language_n silence_v the_o great_a project_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o they_o also_o themselves_o come_v under_o this_o same_o notion_n all_o the_o vast_a design_n that_o be_v frame_v in_o their_o head_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o a_o moment_n they_o return_v to_o their_o dust_n and_o in_o that_o day_n all_o their_o thought_n perish_v archimedes_n be_v kill_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o demonstration_n if_o they_o themselves_o do_v consider_v this_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affair_n it_o will_v much_o allay_v the_o swell_a and_o loftiness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o if_o these_o that_o live_v upon_o their_o favour_n will_v consider_v it_o they_o will_v not_o value_v it_o at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n and_o buy_v it_o so_o dear_a as_o often_o they_o do_v man_n of_o low_a degree_n be_v vanity_n say_v the_o psalmist_n but_o he_o add_v man_n of_o high_a degree_n be_v a_o lie_n from_o base_a mean_a person_n we_o expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o estate_n of_o great_a person_n promise_n fair_a and_o often_o keep_v not_o therefore_o a_o lie_n although_o they_o can_v least_o endure_v that_o word_n they_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o mean_a person_n as_o the_o flower_n to_o the_o grass_n somewhat_o a_o fair_a lustre_n they_o have_v but_o no_o more_o endurance_n nor_o exemption_n from_o decay_v thus_o than_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n it_o begin_v here_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v as_o sure_a a_o conclusion_n as_o the_o sure_a of_o these_o in_o their_o best_a demonstration_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o as_o particular_a man_n so_o whole_a state_n and_o kingdom_n be_v thus_o they_o have_v their_o bud_n and_o flourish_v and_o wither_v and_o it_o be_v in_o both_o as_o with_o flower_n when_o they_o be_v full_a spread_v than_o they_o be_v near_o their_o decline_a and_o wither_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o all_o whole_a generation_n of_o man_n upon_o earth_n as_o solomon_n say_v one_o go_v and_o another_o come_v but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o abide_v at_o all_o we_o in_o our_o thought_n shut_v up_o death_n into_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n namely_o â—n_o the_o moment_n of_o our_o expire_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o the_o moralist_n observe_v it_o go_v through_o all_o our_o life_n for_o we_o be_v still_o lose_v and_o spend_v it_o as_o we_o enjoy_v it_o yea_o our_o very_a enjoy_n it_o be_v the_o spend_v it_o yesterday_n life_n be_v dead_a to_o day_n and_o so_o shall_v this_o day_n life_n be_v to_o morrow_n we_o spend_v our_o year_n say_v moses_n as_o a_o tale_n or_o as_o a_o thought_n so_o swift_a and_o evanish_v be_v it_o each_o word_n help_v a_o tale_n towards_o its_o end_n and_o then_o in_o that_o the_o vanity_n when_o '_o be_v do_v it_o evanish_v as_o a_o sound_n in_o the_o air_n what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o the_o pompous_a solemnity_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n at_o their_o birth_n and_o marriage_n and_o coronation_n and_o triumph_n they_o be_v now_o as_o a_o dream_n act._n 25.23_o hence_o learn_v the_o folly_n and_o pride_n of_o man_n that_o can_v glory_n and_o please_v himself_o in_o the_o frail_a and_o wretched_a be_v he_o have_v here_o that_o dote_v on_o this_o poor_a natural_a life_n and_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v on_o one_o high_a and_o more_o abide_v although_o the_o course_n of_o time_n and_o his_o daily_a experience_n tell_v he_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n yea_o the_o prophet_n prefix_n to_o these_o word_n a_o command_n of_o cry_v they_o must_v be_v shout_v aloud_o in_o our_o ear_n ere_o we_o will_v hear_v they_o and_o by_o that_o time_n the_o sound_n of_o the_o cry_n be_v do_v we_o have_v forget_v it_o again_o will_v we_o consider_v this_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o vanity_n that_o toss_v our_o light_a mind_n too_o and_o fro_o it_o will_v give_v we_o wise_a thought_n and_o ballast_n our_o heart_n make_v they_o more_o solid_a and_o steadfast_a in_o those_o spiritual_a endeavour_n which_o concern_v a_o durable_a condition_n a_o be_v that_o abide_v for_o ever_o in_o comparison_n of_o which_o the_o long_a term_n of_o natural_a life_n be_v less_o than_o a_o moment_n and_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o it_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n be_v all_o of_o we_o more_o constant_o prosperous_a than_o any_o of_o we_o be_v yet_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o cry_v down_o the_o price_n we_o put_v upon_o this_o life_n that_o it_o continue_v not_o as_o he_o answer_v to_o one_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o flatter_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o pompuous_a triumph_n by_o say_v what_o be_v want_v here_o continuance_n say_v he_o it_o be_v wise_o say_v at_o any_o time_n but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o have_v so_o sober_a a_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o solemnity_n in_o which_o weak_a head_n can_v escape_v either_o to_o be_v whole_o drink_v or_o somewhat_o giddy_a at_o least_o sure_o we_o forget_v this_o when_o we_o grow_v vain_a upon_o any_o humane_a glory_n or_o advantage_n the_o colour_n of_o it_o please_v we_o and_o we_o forget_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o flower_n and_o foolish_o overesteem_v it_o this_o be_v that_o madness_n upon_o flower_n that_o be_v somewhere_o in_o request_n where_o they_o will_v give_v as_o much_o for_o one_o flower_n as_o will_v buy_v a_o good_a dwell_a house_n be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o foolish_a bargain_n to_o bestow_v continual_a pain_n and_o diligence_n upon_o purchase_v of_o great_a possession_n or_o honour_n if_o we_o believe_v this_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o short_a live_v flower_n and_o neglect_v the_o purchase_n of_o those_o glorious_a mansioâ—s_n of_o eternity_n a_o garland_n of_o such_o flower_n as_o wither_v not_o a_o unfading_a crown_n that_o everlasting_a life_n and_o those_o everlasting_a pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n now_o that_o life_n which_o shall_v never_o end_v must_v begin_v here_o it_o be_v the_o new_a spiritual_a life_n whereof_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o corruptible_a seed_n and_o the_o corruptible_a life_n of_o flesh_n it_o be_v here_o say_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o for_o this_o end_n be_v the_o frailty_n of_o natural_a life_n mention_v that_o our_o
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 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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 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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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the_o least_o of_o these_o in_o truth_n he_o may_v have_v the_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o all_o not_o only_o of_o assent_n but_o application_n yea_o and_o a_o false_a spiritual_a joy_n arise_v on_o it_o and_o all_o these_o so_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n that_o they_o may_v resemble_v much_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o to_o give_v clear_a character_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a as_o most_o imagine_v but_o doubtless_o the_o true_a live_a faith_n of_o a_o chiristian_a have_v in_o itself_o such_o a_o particular_a stamp_n as_o bring_v with_o it_o it_o be_v own_o evidence_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o light_n of_o god_n face_n shine_v upon_o it_o indeed_o in_o the_o dark_a we_o can_v read_v nor_o distinguish_v one_o mark_n from_o another_o but_o when_o a_o christian_a have_v light_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n although_o he_o can_v make_v another_o sensible_a of_o that_o by_o which_o he_o know_v it_o yet_o he_o himself_o be_v ascertain_v and_o can_v say_v confident_o in_o himself_o this_o i_o know_v that_o this_o faith_n and_o â—ast_n of_o god_n i_o have_v be_v true_a the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o read_n of_o that_o new_a name_n in_o the_o white_a stone_n that_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o there_o be_v in_o a_o true_a believer_n such_o a_o constant_a love_n to_o god_n for_o himself_o and_o continual_a desire_n after_o he_o simple_o for_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o goodness_n that_o no_o other_o can_v have_v on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v a_o hypocrite_n deal_v true_o and_o impartia_o by_o himself_o he_o will_v ready_o find_v out_o something_o that_o will_v discover_v he_o more_o or_o less_o to_o himself_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v man_n be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o thence_o arise_v the_o difficulty_n one_o man_n can_v make_v another_o sensible_a of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o divine_a grace_n he_o may_v speak_v to_o he_o of_o it_o very_o excellent_o but_o all_o he_o say_v in_o that_o kind_n be_v a_o unknown_a language_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n he_o have_v many_o good_a word_n but_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o mean_v the_o natural_a man_n taste_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v a_o spiritual_a man_n himself_o do_v not_o full_o conceive_v this_o swetness_n that_o he_o taste_v of_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o he_o have_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n be_v a_o main_a fruit_n of_o this_o his_o goodness_n it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n say_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o all_o natural_a understanding_n as_o some_o modify_v it_o but_o all_o understanding_n even_o the_o supernatural_a understanding_n of_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o and_o as_o the_o godly_a man_n can_v conceive_v it_o all_o so_o that_o which_o he_o conceive_v he_o can_v express_v it_o all_o and_o that_o which_o he_o do_v express_v the_o 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another_o this_o also_o be_v vanity_n and_o of_o the_o next_o this_o also_o be_v vanity_n and_o so_o through_o all_o and_o of_o all_o in_o general_n all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n or_o feed_v on_o the_o wind_n as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v 3._o we_o come_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o the_o inference_n if_o you_o have_v taste_v etc._n etc._n then_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o guile_n and_o hipocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n verse_n 1_o for_o it_o look_v back_o to_o the_o whole_a exhortation_n sure_o if_o you_o have_v taste_v of_o that_o kindness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o will_v compose_v your_o spirit_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o he_o it_o will_v diffuse_v such_o a_o sweetness_n through_o your_o soul_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o malice_n and_o guile_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o love_n and_o meekness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n therefore_o they_o that_o have_v bitter_a 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before_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o himself_o for_o they_o testify_v of_o of_o i_o namely_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v only_o then_o write_v and_o to_o evidence_n this_o both_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n make_v so_o frequent_a use_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o we_o find_v so_o much_o of_o they_o insert_v into_o the_o new_a as_o be_v both_o one_o in_o substance_n their_o line_n meet_v in_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o centre_n the_o apostle_n here_o have_v express_v the_o happy_a estate_n and_o dignity_n of_o christian_n under_o a_o double_a notion_n 1._o of_o a_o spiritual_a house_n or_o temple_n 2._o of_o a_o spiritual_a priesthood_n he_o amplify_v and_o confirm_v both_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o former_a verse_n 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o latter_a verse_n 9_o these_o place_n that_o he_o cite_v touch_v this_o building_n be_v most_o pertinent_a for_o they_o have_v clear_o in_o they_o all_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o both_o concern_v the_o foundation_n and_o the_o edifice_n as_o the_o first_o in_o these_o word_n of_o isaiah_n 28.16_o behold_v i_o lie_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n etc._n etc._n let_v this_o commend_v the_o scripture_n much_o to_o our_o diligence_n and_o affection_n that_o their_o great_a theme_n be_v our_o redeemer_n and_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o that_o they_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o excellency_n be_v the_o lively_a picture_n of_o his_o matchless_a beauty_n be_v we_o more_o in_o they_o we_o will_v daily_o see_v more_o of_o he_o in_o they_o and_o so_o of_o necessity_n love_v he_o more_o but_o we_o must_v look_v within_o they_o the_o letter_n be_v but_o the_o case_n the_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o see_v we_o usualy_a huddle_n they_o over_o and_o see_v no_o further_o than_o their_o outside_n and_o therefore_o find_v so_o little_a sweetness_n in_o they_o we_o read_v they_o but_o we_o search_v they_o not_o as_o he_o require_v will_v we_o dig_v into_o those_o golden_a mine_n we_o will_v find_v treasure_n of_o comfort_n that_o can_v be_v spend_v but_o will_v furnish_v we_o in_o the_o hard_a time_n the_o prophecy_n here_o cite_v if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o its_o own_o place_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o cast_v in_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o a_o very_a sad_a denounciation_n of_o judgement_n against_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o prophet_n particular_o with_o this_o evangelicall_n prophet_n isaiah_n to_o uphold_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o worst_a time_n with_o this_o one_o great_a consolation_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o weigh_v down_o all_o both_o temporal_a distress_n and_o deliverance_n hence_o be_v those_o sudden_a ascent_n so_o frequent_a in_o the_o prophet_n from_o their_o present_a subject_n to_o this_o great_a hope_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o this_o expectation_n of_o a_o saviour_n be_v so_o pertinent_a a_o comfort_n in_o all_o estate_n so_o many_o age_n before_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o how_o wrongful_o do_v we_o undervalue_v it_o be_v accomplish_v that_o can_v live_v upon_o it_o and_o answer_v all_o with_o it_o sweeten_v all_o our_o grief_n in_o this_o advantage_n that_o there_o be_v a_o foundation_n stone_n lay_v in_o zion_n on_o which_o they_o that_o be_v build_v shall_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v 4_o thing_n 1._o this_o foundation_n stone_n 2._o the_o lay_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o building_n on_o it_o 4._o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o work_n 1._o for_o the_o foundation_n call_v here_o a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n though_o the_o prophet_n word_n be_v not_o precise_o render_v yet_o the_o substance_n and_o sense_n be_v one_o there_o both_o the_o foundation_n and_o corner_n stone_n be_v express_v the_o corner_n stone_n in_o the_o foundation_n be_v the_o main_a support_n of_o the_o building_n and_o throughout_o the_o corner_n stone_n unite_n and_o knit_v the_o build_n together_o and_o therefore_o this_o same_o word_n of_o a_o corner_n be_v frequent_o take_v in_o scripture_n for_o prince_n or_o head_n of_o people_n jud._n 20.2_o 1_o sam._n 14.38_o because_o good_a governor_n and_o government_n be_v that_o which_o uphold_v and_o unite_v the_o society_n of_o people_n in_o state_n or_o kingdom_n as_o one_o building_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o alone_a head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n that_o give_v it_o law_n and_o rule_v it_o in_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n the_o alone_a rock_n on_o which_o his_o church_n be_v build_v not_o peter_n if_o we_o will_v belâ—eve_v s._n peter_n himself_o as_o here_o he_o teach_v we_o much_o less_o his_o pretend_a successor_n he_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o corner_n stone_n that_o knitt_v together_o the_o wall_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v make_v of_o both_o one_o as_o s._n paul_n speak_v and_o unite_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n into_o one_o everlasting_a temple_n and_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n elect_v or_o choose_v out_o for_o the_o purpose_n and_o altogether_o fit_a for_o it_o isaiah_n have_v it_o a_o stone_n of_o trial_n or_o a_o try_a stone_n as_o thing_n among_o man_n be_v best_a choose_v after_o trial_n so_o jesus_n christ_n certain_o know_v by_o the_o father_n as_o most_o fit_a for_o that_o work_n to_o which_o he_o choose_v he_o before_o he_o try_v he_o as_o after_z upon_o trial_n in_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n he_o prove_v full_o answerable_a to_o his_o father_n purpose_n in_o all_o that_o be_v appoint_v he_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o angel_n combine_v have_v not_o suffice_v for_o that_o business_n but_o the_o wise_a architect_n of_o this_o building_n know_v both_o what_o it_o will_v cost_v and_o what_o a_o foundation_n be_v needful_a to_o bear_v so_o great_a and_o so_o last_a a_o structure_n as_o he_o intend_v sin_n have_v deface_v and_o demolish_v the_o first_o building_n of_o man_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o creation_n it_o be_v god_n design_n out_o of_o the_o very_a ruin_n of_o fall_v man_n to_o raise_v a_o more_o last_a edifice_n than_o the_o former_a one_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o decay_v and_o therefore_o fit_v a_o foundation_n that_o may_v be_v everlasting_a the_o sure_a sound_n be_v the_o main_a therefore_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v for_o the_o true_a honour_n of_o his_o majesty_n which_o nabuchadnezzar_n vain_o boast_v of_o his_o babel_n he_o choose_v his_o own_o son_n make_v flesh_n he_o be_v god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o strong_a foundation_n he_o be_v man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o stone_n whereof_o the_o building_n be_v to_o consist_v that_o they_o may_v join_v and_o cement_v together_o precious_a inestimable_o precious_a by_o all_o the_o condition_n that_o can_v give_v worth_a to_o any_o by_o rareness_n and_o by_o inward_a excellency_n and_o useful_a virtue_n rare_a he_o be_v out_o of_o doubt_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o world_n again_o therefore_o call_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n wonderful_a full_a of_o wonder_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o frailty_n of_o man_n dwell_v together_o in_o his_o person_n the_o ancient_a of_o day_n become_v 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 in_o that_o his_o infancy_n and_o in_o his_o full_a age_n stretch_v forth_o on_o the_o cross_n altogether_o spotless_a and_o innocent_a and_o yet_o suffer_v not_o only_o the_o unjust_a cruelty_n of_o man_n but_o the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n his_o father_n the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o yet_o die_a his_o excellency_n appear_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o equal_a with_o the_o father_n the_o sparkle_a brightness_n of_o this_o precious_a stone_n be_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n so_o bright_a that_o man_n can_v not_o have_v behold_v he_o appear_v in_o himself_o therefore_o he_o veil_v it_o with_o our_o flesh_n and_o yet_o through_o that_o it_o shine_v and_o sparkle_v so_o that_o the_o apostle_n s_o john_n save_v of_o himself_o and_o those_o other_o that_o have_v eye_n open_v and_o look_v right_o upon_o he_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o he_o have_v a_o â—ent_n like_o we_o and_o yet_o through_o that_o we_o see_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n the_o deity_n fill_v his_o humane_a nature_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o its_o high_a perfection_n and_o not_o only_o thus_o excellent_a in_o himself_o but_o of_o precious_a virtue_n which_o he_o let_v forth_o and_o impart_v to_o
awake_v to_o seek_v diligent_o after_o jesus_n and_o not_o to_o rest_v till_o they_o find_v he_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o without_o he_o it_o suffice_v they_o they_o hear_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o but_o they_o ask_v not_o themselves_o be_v he_o i_o or_o no_o but_o sure_o if_o that_o be_v all_o not_o to_o doubt_v the_o bruit_n believe_v as_o well_o it_o be_v better_a out_o of_o all_o question_n to_o be_v labour_v under_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v a_o more_o hopeful_a condition_n to_o find_v a_o man_n groan_v and_o complain_v than_o speechless_a and_o breathless_a and_o not_o stir_v at_o all_o there_o be_v in_o spiritual_a doubt_n two_o thing_n their_o be_v a_o solicitous_a care_n of_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o own_o estate_n and_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o it_o and_o that_o be_v laudable_a be_v a_o true_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o they_o perplexity_n and_o distrust_n that_o arise_v from_o darkness_n and_o weakness_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o smoke_n and_o no_o clear_a flame_n it_o argue_v much_o moisture_n in_o the_o matter_n yet_o it_o witness_v certain_o that_o there_o be_v fire_n there_o and_o therefore_o dubious_a question_n of_o a_o man_n concern_v himself_o be_v a_o much_o better_a evidence_n than_o that_o senseless_a deadness_n that_o most_o take_v for_o believe_v man_n that_o that_o know_v nothing_o in_o science_n have_v no_o doubt_n he_o never_o true_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o make_v first_o sensible_a and_o convince_v of_o unbelief_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n first_o errand_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convince_v it_o of_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n be_v this_o that_o they_o believe_v not_o if_o the_o faith_n that_o thou_o have_v grow_v out_o of_o thy_o natural_a heart_n of_o itself_o it_o be_v but_o a_o weed_n be_v sure_a the_o right_a plant_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o set_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v water_v and_o preserve_v by_o he_o because_o expose_v to_o many_o hazard_n he_o watch_v it_o night_n and_o day_n isa._n 27.3_o i_o the_o lord_n do_v keep_v it_o i_o will_v water_v it_o every_o moment_n lest_o any_o hurt_n it_o i_o will_v keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n again_o how_o impudent_a be_v it_o in_o the_o most_o to_o pretend_v believe_v while_o they_o wallow_v in_o profaneness_n if_o faith_n unite_v the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n certain_o it_o put_v it_o into_o participation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n this_o faith_n in_o christ_n bring_v we_o into_o communion_n with_o god_n now_o god_n be_v light_n say_v st._n john_n and_o therefore_o infer_v if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n the_o lie_n appear_v in_o our_o practice_n a_o unsuitableness_n in_o our_o carriage_n as_o he_o say_v of_o he_o that_o sign_v his_o verse_n wrong_v fecit_fw-la solaecismum_fw-la manu_fw-la but_o there_o be_v imaginary_a believer_n that_o be_v a_o little_a more_o refine_a that_o live_v after_o a_o blameless_a yea_o and_o a_o religious_a manner_n for_o there_o outward_a and_o yet_o be_v but_o appearance_n of_o christian_n have_v not_o the_o live_a work_n of_o faith_n within_o and_o all_o these_o exercise_n be_v dead_a work_n in_o their_o hand_n among_o these_o some_o may_v have_v such_o motion_n within_o themselves_o as_o may_v deceive_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o their_o outward_a deportment_n deceive_v other_o some_o transient_a touch_n of_o desire_n to_o christ_n upon_o the_o unfolding_n of_o his_o excellency_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o upon_o some_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o necessity_n and_o conceive_v some_o joy_n upon_o thought_n of_o apprehend_v he_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o prove_v but_o a_o evanish_v fancy_n a_o embrace_v of_o a_o shadow_n and_o because_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o delude_v meet_v not_o with_o christ_n indeed_o do_v not_o real_o find_v his_o sweetness_n therefore_o within_o a_o while_n they_o return_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o their_o latter_a end_n prove_v worse_a than_o their_o beginning_n their_o heart_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v steadfast_a because_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o in_o all_o that_o work_n wherein_o christ_n himself_o be_v want_v but_o the_o true_o believe_v soul_n that_o be_v bring_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o fasten_v upon_o he_o by_o god_n own_o hand_n abide_v stay_v on_o he_o and_o depart_v not_o and_o in_o these_o the_o very_a belief_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v concern_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o the_o common_a consent_n that_o they_o call_v historical_a another_o knowledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n than_o natural_a man_n can_v have_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o very_a thing_n that_o cause_v a_o man_n rest_n upon_o christ_n when_o he_o have_v a_o persuasion_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o able_a redeemer_n a_o sufficient_a saviour_n able_a to_o save_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o then_o upon_o this_o the_o heart_n resolve_v upon_o that_o course_n see_v i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o whoso_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n as_o here_o it_o be_v shall_v not_o be_v confound_v i_o be_o to_o deliberate_v no_o long_o this_o be_v the_o the_o thing_n i_o must_v do_v to_o lay_v my_o soul_n upon_o he_o upon_o one_o that_o be_v a_o almighty_a redeemer_n and_o it_o do_v so_o now_o these_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o themselves_o a_o evidence_n that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a a_o light_n of_o their_o own_o by_o which_o the_o soul_n wherein_o they_o be_v may_v discern_v they_o and_o say_v this_o be_v the_o right_a work_n of_o faith_n especial_o when_o god_n shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_v it_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o own_o work_n within_o it_o and_o further_o they_o may_v find_v the_o influence_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o affection_n purify_n they_o as_o our_o apostle_n say_v of_o it_o act._n 15.9_o faith_n knit_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o holy_a head_n a_o pure_a lord_n the_o spring_n of_o purity_n and_o therefore_o can_v choose_v but_o make_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v a_o beam_n from_o heaven_n that_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o heavenly_a temper_n although_o there_o remain_v of_o sin_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o hate_a wearisome_a guest_n there_o it_o be_v not_o there_o as_o its_o delight_n but_o as_o its_o great_a grief_n and_o malady_n that_o it_o be_v still_o lament_v and_o complain_v of_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v rid_v of_o than_o gain_v a_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v purify_v from_o affect_v sin_n so_o then_o where_o these_o be_v a_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o a_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o delight_n in_o he_o as_o make_v sin_n vile_a and_o distasteful_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v set_v against_o it_o and_o as_o the_o needle_n touch_v with_o the_o loadstone_n be_v still_o turn_v towards_o christ_n and_o look_n at_o he_o in_o all_o estate_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v have_v certain_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o affect_v a_o humour_n of_o doubt_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o in_o itself_o yet_o be_v in_o he_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a not_o only_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v shame_n of_o he_o but_o all_o its_o just_a cause_n of_o shame_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o it_o shall_v be_v cover_v with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o appear_v so_o before_o the_o father_n who_o must_v not_o think_v if_o my_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v set_v in_o order_n and_o appear_v against_o i_o how_o will_v my_o face_n be_v fill_v with_o shame_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o if_o some_o thought_n that_o i_o be_o guilty_a of_o be_v lay_v to_o my_o charge_n i_o be_v utter_o shame_v and_o undo_v oh_o nothing_o in_o myself_o but_o matter_n of_o shame_n but_o yet_o in_o christ_n more_o matter_n of_o glory_v who_o endure_v shame_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a we_o can_v distrust_v ourselves_o enough_o nor_o trust_n enough_o in_o he_o let_v it_o be_v right_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o excess_n in_o believe_v though_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o and_o abuse_v his_o goodness_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o for_o whether_o shall_v i_o go_v he_o and_o none_o but_o he_o have_v
though_o god_n remain_v faithful_a and_o true_a but_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v all_o sure_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o can_v be_v break_v the_o lord_n not_o only_o keep_v his_o own_o part_n but_o likewise_o perform_v we_o in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o and_o establish_v we_o that_o he_o depart_v not_o from_o we_o first_o so_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o to_o i_o say_v he_o there_o for_o ever_o it_o be_v a_o indissoluble_a marriage_n that_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v break_v either_o by_o divorce_n or_o death_n my_o people_n there_o be_v a_o treasure_n of_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n wrap_v up_o in_o that_o word_n not_o only_o more_o than_o the_o profane_a world_n can_v imagine_v for_o they_o indeed_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o but_o more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v of_o that_o number_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v of_o a_o deep_a unsoundible_a my_o people_n they_o his_o portion_n and_o he_o they_o he_o account_v nothing_o of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o they_o and_o they_o of_o nothing_o at_o all_o beside_o he_o for_o they_o he_o continue_v the_o world_n many_o and_o great_a be_v the_o privilege_n of_o his_o people_n contain_v in_o that_o great_a charter_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o rich_a be_v that_o land_n where_o their_o inheritance_n lie_v but_o all_o be_v in_o this_o reciprocal_a that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n all_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v engage_v for_o their_o good_a how_o great_a and_o many_o soever_o be_v their_o enemy_n they_o may_v well_o oppose_v this_o to_o all_o he_o be_v their_o god_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v protect_v and_o prosper_v and_o in_o end_n to_o have_v full_a victory_n happy_a then_o be_v that_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n which_o have_v not_o obtain_v mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o choose_a be_v from_o everlasting_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o his_o decree_n of_o mercy_n run_v hide_v and_o be_v not_o discover_v to_o they_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v receive_v or_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o act_v and_o work_v in_o their_o effectual_a call_n than_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v they_o it_o be_v in_o a_o secret_a way_n move_v forward_o towards_o they_o before_o as_o the_o sun_n after_o midnight_n be_v still_o come_v near_o to_o we_o though_o we_o perceive_v not_o its_o approach_n till_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n mercy_n the_o former_a word_n teach_v we_o how_o great_a the_o change_n be_v that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o call_v of_o god_n this_o teach_v we_o how_o free_a it_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o good_a attain_v in_o the_o change_n obtain_v mercy_n that_o be_v the_o spring_n whence_o it_o flow_v it_o be_v imply_v indeed_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o change_n of_o no_o people_n such_o as_o have_v no_o right_n to_o such_o a_o dignity_n at_o all_o nor_o in_o themselves_o no_o disposition_n for_o it_o to_o be_v make_v his_o people_n can_v be_v by_o no_o other_o but_o free_a grace_n such_o mercy_n as_o suppose_v nothing_o nor_o seek_v nothing_o but_o misery_n in_o we_o and_o work_n upon_o that_o as_o it_o be_v express_v to_o have_v be_v very_o free_a to_o this_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o choose_v they_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n deut._n 17._o so_o it_o be_v to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n of_o god_n and_o to_o every_o one_o particular_o belong_v to_o that_o company_n why_o be_v it_o that_o he_o choose_v i_o of_o a_o family_n and_o leave_v another_o but_o because_o it_o please_v he_o he_o blot_v out_o their_o transgression_n for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o 2._o as_o it_o be_v free_a mercy_n it_o be_v tender_a mercy_n the_o word_n in_o the_o prophet_n signify_v tenderness_n or_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n and_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n towards_o we_o jer._n 31.20_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n psal._n 103.13_o and_o if_o you_o think_v not_o that_o tenderness_n enough_o those_o of_o a_o mother_n yea_o more_o than_o a_o mother_n isa._n 49.15_o 3._o it_o be_v rich_a mercy_n delight_n to_o glorify_v itself_o in_o the_o great_a misery_n pardon_n as_o easy_o the_o great_a as_o the_o small_a of_o debt_n 4._o a_o constant_a unalterable_a mercy_n a_o stream_n still_o run_v now_o in_o both_o these_o the_o apostle_n draw_v the_o eye_n of_o believer_n to_o reflect_v on_o their_o former_a misery_n and_o view_v it_o together_o with_o their_o present_a estate_n this_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o scirpture_n ezek._n 16._o eph._n 2._o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a use_n work_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o much_o humility_n and_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o force_v he_o to_o abase_v himself_o and_o magnify_v the_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o suspend_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o for_o many_o year_n of_o their_o life_n yea_o to_o suffer_v some_o of_o they_o to_o stain_v those_o year_n with_o grievous_a and_o gross_a sin_n that_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o choice_n may_v be_v the_o more_o legible_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o likewise_o those_o apprehension_n of_o wrath_n due_a to_o sin_n and_o sight_n of_o hell_n as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o bring_v some_o unto_o either_o at_o or_o after_o their_o conversion_n make_v for_o this_o same_o end_n that_o glorious_a description_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n revel_v 21.16_o be_v abundant_o delightful_a in_o itself_o and_o yet_o the_o fiery_a lake_n speak_v of_o their_o make_v all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o other_o sound_a much_o the_o sweet_a but_o universal_o all_o the_o godly_a have_v this_o to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o think_v whence_o be_v it_o that_o i_o a_o lump_n of_o the_o same_o pollute_a clay_n with_o those_o that_o perish_v shall_v be_v take_v and_o purify_v and_o mould_v by_o the_o lord_n own_o hand_n for_o a_o vessel_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v nothing_o here_o but_o free_a mercy_n make_v the_o difference_n and_o where_o can_v there_o be_v love_n and_o praise_n and_o service_n find_v to_o answer_v this_o all_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o mercy_n gift_n and_o call_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 4.1_o but_o alas_o we_o neither_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o this_o mercy_n as_o obtain_v nor_o be_v grieve_v for_o want_v it_o and_o stir_v up_o to_o seek_v after_o it_o as_o not_o yet_o obtain_v what_o do_v we_o think_v seem_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o your_o eye_n to_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o wrath_n for_o ever_o that_o you_o thus_o slight_a this_o mercy_n and_o let_v it_o pass_v by_o you_o unregarded_a or_o will_v that_o a_o imagine_v obtain_v divert_v you_o from_o the_o real_a pursuit_n of_o it_o will_v you_o be_v willing_o deceive_v and_o be_v your_o own_o deceiver_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n you_o can_v think_v too_o high_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o divine_a mercy_n it_o be_v above_o all_o your_o thought_n but_o remember_v and_o consider_v this_o that_o thereis_n a_o peculiar_a people_n of_o his_o own_o to_o who_o alone_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o it_o do_v belong_v and_o therefore_o how_o great_a soever_o it_o be_v unless_o you_o find_v yourselves_o of_o that_o number_n you_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o small_a share_n of_o it_o and_o you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o be_v their_o character_n what_o a_o kind_n of_o people_n they_o be_v that_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o himself_o give_v they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v by_o his_o spirit_n a_o holy_a people_n as_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n such_o as_o have_v the_o riches_n of_o that_o his_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o be_v save_v in_o most_o precious_a esteem_n and_o their_o heart_n by_o it_o inflame_v with_o his_o love_n and_o therefore_o their_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o study_v how_o they_o may_v obey_v and_o honour_v he_o rather_o choose_v to_o displease_v all_o the_o world_n than_o offend_v he_o and_o account_v nothing_o too_o dear_a yea_o nothing_o good_a enough_o to_o do_v he_o service_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o you_o than_o you_o have_v indeed_o obtain_v mercy_n but_o if_o you_o be_v such_o as_o can_v wallow_v in_o the_o same_o puddle_n with_o the_o profane_a world_n and_o take_v a_o share_n of_o their_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 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both_o it_o and_o yourselves_o when_o you_o silence_v it_o in_o your_o family_n obs._n 2._o the_o apostle_n have_v speak_v of_o subjection_n to_o public_a authority_n add_v this_o of_o subjection_n to_o private_a domestic_a authority_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n much_o of_o concernment_n the_o right_a order_n of_o family_n for_o all_o other_o society_n civil_a and_o religious_a be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o village_n and_o city_n and_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o kingdom_n be_v but_o a_o collection_n of_o family_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o these_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o must_v the_o whole_a society_n predominant_o be_v one_o particular_a house_n be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o a_o kingdom_n yet_o the_o wickedness_n and_o lewdness_n of_o that_o house_n be_v it_o but_o of_o the_o mean_a in_o it_o of_o servants_z one_o or_o more_o though_o it_o seem_v but_o a_o small_a thing_n yet_o go_v in_o to_o make_v up_o that_o heap_n of_o sin_n that_o provoke_v the_o 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utmost_a that_o which_o be_v concredit_v to_o you_o and_o obey_v all_o their_o just_a command_n for_o action_n indeed_o go_v no_o further_a but_o suffer_v patient_o even_o their_o unjust_a rigour_n and_o severity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o hard_a part_n of_o the_o two_o and_o yet_o a_o part_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o those_o time_n bear_v many_o of_o they_o be_v more_o hardly_o and_o slavish_o use_v than_o any_o with_o we_o especial_o those_o that_o be_v christian_a servant_n under_o unchristian_a master_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n insist_o most_o on_o this_o and_o this_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o obedience_n here_o require_v that_o it_o be_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o master_n not_o to_o the_o good_a only_o but_o the_o evil_a not_o only_o to_o obey_v but_o to_o suffer_v and_o suffer_v patient_o and_o not_o only_o deserve_v but_o even_o wrongful_a and_o unjust_a punishment_n now_o because_o this_o particular_a concern_v servant_n let_v they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o 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with_o they_o it_o can_v but_o work_v a_o master_n into_o much_o disaffection_n and_o disesteem_v with_o they_o when_o he_o be_v of_o a_o turbulent_a spirit_n a_o troubler_n of_o his_o own_o house_n embitter_v his_o affair_n and_o command_n with_o rigidness_n and_o passion_n and_o take_v thing_n ready_o by_o that_o side_n that_o may_v offend_v and_o trouble_v he_o think_v his_o servant_n slight_v his_o call_n when_o he_o may_v as_o well_o think_v he_o hear_v he_o not_o and_o upon_o every_o light_a occasion_n real_a or_o imagine_a fly_v out_o into_o reproachful_a speech_n or_o proud_a threat_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n rule_n which_o he_o set_v over_o against_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n eph._n 6._o forbear_v threaten_n know_v that_o your_o master_n also_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o he_o think_v therefore_o when_o you_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n that_o your_o carriage_n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o judge_v as_o they_o and_o think_v that_o we_o regard_v those_o difference_n much_o of_o master_n and_o servant_n but_o they_o be_v nothing_o with_o god_n they_o evanish_v consider_v who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v may_v he_o not_o have_v make_v your_o station_n just_o contrary_a with_o a_o turn_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o make_v thou_o the_o servant_n and_o thy_o servant_n the_o master_n but_o we_o willing_o forget_v those_o thing_n that_o shall_v compose_v our_o mind_n to_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o with_o such_o fancy_n as_o please_v and_o feed_v our_o natural_a vanity_n and_o make_v we_o some_o body_n in_o our_o own_o account_n however_o that_o christian_a servant_n that_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o froward_a master_n will_v not_o be_v beat_v out_o of_o his_o station_n and_o duty_n of_o obedience_n by_o all_o the_o hard_a and_o wrongful_a usage_n he_o meet_v withal_o but_o will_v take_v that_o as_o a_o opportunity_n of_o 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it_o be_v that_o which_o main_o disturb_v and_o grieve_v he_o it_o be_v the_o sting_n of_o suffering_n as_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o death_n and_o therefore_o when_o that_o be_v not_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o suffering_n can_v but_o be_v much_o abate_v by_o it_o yea_o the_o apostle_n here_o declare_v that_o to_o suffer_v undeserved_o and_o withal_o patient_o be_v glorious_a to_o a_o man_n and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o be_v commendable_a indeed_o to_o be_v true_o patient_a even_o in_o deserve_a suffering_n but_o the_o deserve_v they_o tarnish_n the_o lustre_n of_o that_o patience_n and_o make_v it_o look_v more_o constrain'd-like_a which_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n prefer_v it_o much_o before_o spotless_a suffering_n and_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a glory_n of_o it_o that_o it_o please_v god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v render_v in_o
no_o estate_n so_o low_a as_o to_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o that_o and_o a_o right_n inform_v and_o right_o affect_v conscience_n towards_o god_n show_v a_o man_n that_o way_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o as_o the_o astrologer_n say_v that_o the_o same_o star_n that_o make_v cyrus_n to_o be_v choose_v king_n among_o the_o army_n of_o man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o man_n make_v he_o to_o be_v choose_v king_n among_o the_o shepherd_n child_n when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n thus_o grace_n will_v have_v its_o proper_a operation_n in_o every_o estate_n in_o this_o man_n ready_o deceive_v themselves_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n well_o in_o imagination_n better_a than_o the_o real_a task_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n they_o presume_v that_o they_o can_v do_v god_n good_a service_n in_o some_o place_n of_o command_n that_o serve_v he_o not_o as_o become_v in_o that_o which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o easy_a the_o place_n of_o obey_v wherein_o he_o have_v set_v they_o 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in_o another_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n most_o considerable_a in_o their_o action_n namely_o the_o principle_n whence_o they_o flow_v and_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o tend_v this_o be_v the_o form_n and_o life_n of_o action_n that_o by_o which_o they_o be_v earthly_a or_o heavenly_a whatsoever_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n have_v that_o alchemy_n indeed_o of_o turn_v base_a metal_n into_o gold_n earthly_a employment_n into_o heavenly_a the_o handy_a work_n of_o a_o artisan_n or_o servant_n that_o regard_v god_n and_o eye_n he_o even_o in_o that_o work_n be_v much_o holy_a than_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o servant_n endure_v the_o private_a wrong_n and_o harshness_n of_o a_o froword_n master_n bearing_z it_o patient_o for_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o suffering_n of_o some_o such_o as_o may_v endure_v much_o for_o a_o public_a good_a cause_n without_o a_o good_a and_o upright_a heart_n this_o habitude_n and_o posture_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o god_n the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n prâ—sses_v much_o in_o this_o very_a subject_a eph._n 6._o as_o be_v very_o needful_a to_o allay_v the_o hard_a labour_n and_o harsh_a usage_n of_o many_o of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o undergo_v they_o for_o god_n no_o pill_n so_o bitter_a but_o respect_n and_o love_n to_o god_n will_v sweeten_v it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a refreshment_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o mean_a estate_n of_o a_o servant_n or_o other_o labour_a man_n that_o they_o may_v offer_v up_o their_o hardship_n and_o bodily_a labour_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n this_o be_v the_o station_n wherein_o thou_o have_v set_v i_o in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o desire_v to_o serve_v thou_o in_o it_o what_o i_o do_v be_v for_o thou_o and_o what_o i_o suffer_v i_o desire_v to_o bear_v patient_o and_o cheerful_o for_o thy_o sake_n in_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o thy_o will_n for_o conscience_n in_o this_o there_o be_v 1._o a_o reverend_a compliance_n with_o god_n disposal_n both_o in_o allot_v to_o they_o that_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o particular_o choose_v their_o master_n for_o they_o though_o possible_o not_o the_o mild_a and_o pleasant_a yet_o the_o fit_a for_o their_o good_a there_o be_v much_o in_o the_o firm_a believe_v of_o this_o and_o hearty_a submit_v to_o it_o for_o we_o will_v natural_o rather_o carve_v for_o ourselves_o and_o shape_v our_o own_o estate_n to_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o most_o foolish_a yea_o a_o impious_a presumption_n as_o if_o we_o be_v wise_a that_o he_o that_o have_v do_v it_o and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o much_o and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o possibility_n of_o true_a contentment_n in_o a_o mean_a than_o in_o a_o far_o high_a condition_n the_o master_n mind_n be_v often_o more_o toil_v than_o the_o servant_n body_n and_o if_o our_o condition_n be_v appoint_v we_o at_o least_o we_o will_v have_v a_o voice_n in_o some_o qualification_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o this_o if_o a_o man_n must_v serve_v he_o will_v wish_v willing_o that_o god_n will_v allot_v he_o a_o meek_a gentle_a master_n and_o so_o we_o in_o other_o thing_n if_o we_o must_v be_v sick_a we_o will_v be_v well_o accommodate_v and_o not_o want_v help_n but_o to_o have_v sickness_n and_o want_v mean_n and_o friend_n for_o our_o help_n this_o we_o can_v think_v of_o without_o horror_n but_o this_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v never_o right_a till_o all_o be_v give_v up_o into_o his_o hand_n that_o concern_v we_o to_o do_v with_o it_o and_o every_o article_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n 2._o in_o this_o conscience_n be_v a_o religious_a and_o observant_a respect_n to_o the_o rule_n god_n have_v set_v man_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o that_o condition_n so_o that_o their_o obedience_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o external_a inducement_n and_o so_o fall_v when_o that_o fail_v but_o flow_v from_o a_o inward_a impression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o heart_n thus_o a_o servant_n obedience_n and_o patience_n will_v not_o be_v pin_v to_o the_o goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o master_n but_o when_o that_o fail_v will_v subsist_v upon_o its_o own_o inward_a ground_n and_o general_o in_o all_o estate_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v sure_a and_o constant_a walk_n make_v a_o man_n step_v even_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n when_o a_o man_n obedience_n spring_v from_o that_o unfailing_a unchanging_a reason_n the_o command_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a motion_n and_o therefore_o keep_v on_o and_o rather_o grow_v than_o abate_v but_o they_o that_o be_v move_v by_o thing_n outward_a must_v often_o fail_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o constant_a in_o their_o move_n as_o a_o people_n that_o be_v much_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o ruler_n as_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o 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