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we_o attend_v upon_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o o_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o unbecoming_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o saint_n when_o man_n be_v at_o this_o point_n if_o they_o have_v but_o enough_o to_o keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o if_o they_o have_v but_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o clothes_n to_o put_v on_o though_o the_o fare_v be_v mean_a and_o the_o clothing_n be_v course_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v but_o enough_o of_o that_o but_o so_o much_o i_o say_v as_o will_v keep_v life_n and_o soul_n together_o they_o can_v be_v content_a indeed_o such_o a_o spirit_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v approve_v on_o when_o we_o can_v be_v content_v with_o a_o low_a portion_n here_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v commendable_a in_o respect_n of_o a_o worldly_a state_n here_o but_o as_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v approve_v of_o that_o person_n that_o have_v 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the_o command_n that_o be_v here_o give_v that_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o yet_o further_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v if_o this_o be_v all_o though_o there_o be_v cause_n enough_o of_o be_v humble_v and_o abase_v before_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o we_o be_v not_o more_o upon_o our_o advancement_n but_o alas_o how_o much_o sad_a be_v it_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v person_n upon_o their_o decline_a and_o decay_v instead_o of_o grow_v in_o grace_n true_o it_o may_v be_v fear_v concern_v such_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o upon_o their_o decay_n in_o grace_n not_o the_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o once_o they_o be_v for_o love_n to_o god_n for_o zeal_n for_o god_n delight_n in_o ordinance_n breathe_n after_o christ_n delight_v in_o communion_n of_o saint_n close_o walk_v with_o god_n o_o these_o retrograde_a motion_n these_o backward_o motion_n that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n these_o 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shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o this_o charge_n when_o conscience_n shall_v witness_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v rather_o upon_o our_o decline_a true_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v serious_o think_v of_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o day_n wherein_o we_o have_v never_o more_o need_v to_o look_v to_o our_o condition_n and_o state_n god-ward_o not_o know_v what_o time_n we_o may_v fall_v into_o what_o trial_n we_o may_v be_v put_v to_o o_o we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v to_o ephesus_n to_o repent_v do_v our_o first_o work_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o labour_v not_o only_o to_o hold_v our_o own_o but_o to_o be_v upon_o our_o improvement_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n i_o will_v drive_v at_o and_o which_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n withal_o i_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o in_o a_o way_n of_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n and_o press_v it_o with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n as_o i_o can_v that_o as_o many_o of_o you_o that_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v give_v any_o good_a account_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o you_o that_o there_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o you_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v that_o you_o will_v conscientious_o apply_v to_o your_o duty_n and_o remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o charge_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o you_o that_o you_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o that_o you_o be_v still_o endeavour_v this_o that_o you_o be_v better_o and_o better_o that_o be_v the_o interpretation_n that_o i_o give_v of_o the_o text_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n that_o you_o be_v still_o upon_o your_o advancing_n if_o you_o have_v faith_n and_o love_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o meekness_n and_o if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o godliness_n that_o you_o will_v labour_v to_o have_v more_o of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v always_o weakling_n in_o grace_n oh_o this_o be_v that_o that_o we_o shall_v set_v our_o heart_n upon_o and_o do_v not_o the_o very_a thing_n itself_o invite_v you_o to_o it_o why_o brethren_n can_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o god_n can_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o christ_n can_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n you_o may_v have_v too_o much_o of_o the_o world_n but_o you_o can_v never_o have_v too_o much_o of_o god_n and_o grace_n till_o you_o come_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o godliness_n that_o you_o need_v not_o make_v any_o further_a advance_n it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o paul_n and_o he_o give_v another_o account_n of_o himself_o though_o alas_o how_o far_o short_a be_v we_o of_o he_o and_o of_o that_o faith_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v attain_v by_o he_o yet_o he_o profess_v though_o he_o be_v not_o behind_o the_o chief_a apostle_n yet_o he_o say_v this_o concern_v himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o 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ordinance_n that_o you_o do_v attend_v you_o will_v find_v all_o little_a enough_o and_o therefore_o o_o this_o be_v that_o shall_v make_v we_o set_v on_o with_o diligence_n and_o care_n that_o we_o may_v answer_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o text_n and_o be_v upon_o our_o increasing_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n serm._n iii_o there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v life_n but_o growth_n in_o christianity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o burden_n which_o the_o text_n lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n now_o let_v pass_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v insist_v upon_o shall_v we_o buckle_v to_o this_o as_o our_o business_n at_o present_a my_o
be_v strong_a confidence_n these_o be_v two_o proverb_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o our_o meditation_n now_o this_o be_v the_o fear_n that_o we_o shall_v press_v after_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o three_o child_n that_o be_v require_v upon_o pain_n of_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n they_o must_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n there_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o king_n i_o but_o there_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n so_o improve_v upon_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v enslave_v nor_o ensnare_v by_o the_o king_n fear_n and_o so_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o the_o charge_n be_v give_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v preach_v no_o more_o in_o this_o name_n they_o labour_v to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fear_n and_o to_o over-awe_n they_o that_o they_o shall_v let_v their_o cause_n fall_v and_o appear_v no_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n ay_o but_o mark_v how_o their_o spirit_n be_v keep_v up_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o 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righteous_a still_o let_v he_o be_v more_o righteous_a let_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a be_v holy_a still_o let_v he_o be_v holy_a and_o holy_a and_o more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o let_v he_o labour_n to_o better_v his_o holiness_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o holiness_n but_o to_o the_o progress_n and_o to_o the_o increase_v of_o it_o according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n charge_n 2_o cor._n 7._o have_v these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o pollution_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v there_o some_o filthiness_n cleanse_v away_o ay_o but_o see_v that_o you_o cleanse_v yourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n be_v there_o holiness_n begin_v in_o you_o ay_o but_o see_v that_o you_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n this_o be_v our_o duty_n thus_o to_o grow_v in_o holiness_n i_o and_o so_o to_o be_v holy_a even_o as_o god_n be_v holy_a according_a to_o what_o the_o lord_n require_v not_o that_o we_o can_v come_v to_o such_o a_o perfection_n i_o but_o according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o creature_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a as_o a_o god_n so_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v holy_a according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o creature_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n grow_v in_o holiness_n and_o to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o we_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o spouse_n thou_o be_v all_o fair_a my_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o thou_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o blemish_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v present_v before_o god_n at_o last_o with_o exceed_a joy_n such_o a_o holiness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o press_v after_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o corruption_n where_o there_o be_v but_o a_o little_a grace_n corruption_n and_o lust_n in_o the_o stir_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o perceive_v but_o where_o there_o be_v most_o grace_n there_o be_v most_o life_n and_o where_o there_o be_v most_o life_n there_o be_v most_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o feeling_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o sensible_a of_o corruption_n and_o stir_n of_o lust_n as_o those_o that_o have_v the_o most_o grace_n in_o they_o there_o be_v secret_a motion_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n which_o it_o may_v be_v a_o person_n that_o have_v but_o a_o low_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n will_v not_o take_v any_o great_a notice_n of_o the_o motion_n and_o inward_a boiling_n of_o lust_n and_o corruption_n the_o lust_n of_o uncleanness_n or_o of_o pride_n or_o covetounsess_v there_o be_v many_o a_o stir_a lust_n that_o a_o soul_n that_o either_o be_v in_o total_a want_n of_o grace_n or_o have_v but_o grace_n in_o a_o low_a measure_n or_o degree_n take_v no_o great_a knowledge_n of_o ay_o but_o when_o there_o come_v to_o be_v a_o growth_n in_o grace_n to_o a_o good_a degree_n o_o than_o every_o stir_v of_o lust_n and_o corruption_n will_v be_v perceive_v and_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v up_o against_o it_o and_o endeavour_v a_o suppress_n of_o it_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sense_n of_o every_o lust_n and_o corruption_n a_o lust_n can_v stir_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o soul_n be_v upon_o the_o back_n of_o it_o and_o endeavour_n to_o use_v all_o severity_n against_o it_o such_o a_o growth_n in_o holiness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o that_o we_o may_v be_v most_o cordial_o compliant_a with_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o more_o we_o delight_v in_o it_o the_o more_o it_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o strictness_n of_o it_o the_o more_o our_o heart_n be_v upon_o compliance_n with_o it_o such_o a_o holiness_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o press_v after_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o â—…ecret_a heart_n rise_v against_o every_o bubble_a of_o corruption_n such_o a_o holiness_n we_o shall_v press_v after_o as_o that_o we_o can_v take_v the_o great_a delight_n in_o communion_n with_o god_n such_o a_o holiness_n as_o that_o we_o can_v long_o after_o heaven_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o it_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v we_o be_v even_o weary_a of_o live_v here_o in_o this_o low_a world_n because_o of_o the_o corruption_n and_o lust_n and_o profaneness_n and_o abominable_a impiety_n that_o be_v commit_v here_o o_o this_o be_v the_o holiness_n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o suitable_a to_o god_n and_o fit_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o bless_a god_n for_o this_o know_v that_o the_o more_o holiness_n the_o more_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o more_o holiness_n the_o more_o fitness_n for_o the_o most_o intimate_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o thus_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o gorw_n according_a to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o apostle_n here_o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n i_o have_v thus_o be_v labour_v with_o you_o according_a to_o my_o ability_n and_o press_v upon_o you_o to_o this_o purpose_n a_o growth_n in_o grace_n a_o growth_n in_o faith_n a_o growth_n in_o love_n a_o growth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n a_o growth_n in_o holiness_n and_o so_o in_o other_o grace_n which_o i_o may_v insist_v upon_o but_o i_o shall_v satisfy_v myself_o in_o have_v thus_o deal_v with_o you_o concern_v these_o particular_n and_o in_o the_o general_n according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n brethren_n this_o be_v your_o duty_n you_o that_o be_v son_n and_o daughter_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o you_o and_o which_o be_v require_v of_o you_o you_o that_o lâ—…ave_v grace_n your_o duty_n be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o endeavour_v such_o a_o growth_n in_o grace_n that_o sin_n may_v be_v almost_o quite_o go_v out_o of_o you_o thus_o it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o you_o have_v of_o grace_n so_o much_o there_o be_v of_o a_o riddance_n of_o sin_n so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v a_o remain_v of_o sin_n so_o much_o there_o be_v of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n now_o
with_o all_o the_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o height_n and_o depth_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o say_v he_o that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n there_o be_v say_v he_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n height_n and_o depth_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o love_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o love_n as_o pass_v knowledge_n now_o do_v but_o argue_v thus_o be_v there_o such_o a_o mystery_n be_v there_o such_o depth_n in_o this_o knowledge_n tâ—…n_o certain_o we_o have_v need_v to_o set_v to_o it_o that_o we_o do_v endeavour_v for_o to_o grow_v up_o in_o this_o knowledge_n that_o we_o may_v be_v as_o comprehensive_a of_o it_o as_o possible_a we_o can_v this_o be_v our_o duty_n as_o now_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_n the_o apostle_n speak_v concern_v this_o mystery_n in_o col._n 1._o speak_v there_o of_o the_o mystery_n which_o say_v he_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n o_o brethren_n do_v you_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o it_o may_v be_v you_o think_v you_o do_v but_o i_o say_v i_o be_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o say_v if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o as_o he_o ought_v do_v you_o know_v the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o mystery_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o so_o you_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v you_o can_v reach_v the_o bottom_n of_o this_o christ_n and_o christ_n in_o you_o and_o christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n alas_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o put_v ourselves_o off_o with_o a_o little_a sip_n of_o the_o cup_n we_o go_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o top_n of_o the_o lip_n and_o give_v a_o touch_n upon_o that_o which_o will_v cover_v head_n and_o shoulder_n and_o all_o we_o may_v stand_v under_o these_o water_n they_o be_v so_o deep_a such_o a_o word_n as_o this_o it_o bespeak_v our_o search_n and_o disquisition_n and_o inquiry_n and_o to_o set_v in_o with_o god_n o_o but_o lord_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o christ_n in_o you_o and_o christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n this_o bespeak_v our_o endeavour_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n here_o i_o may_v fall_v upon_o sundry_a other_o particular_n as_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n account_v in_o eph._n 3._o he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a from_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o so_o make_v know_v as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n what_o be_v this_o mystery_n that_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v fellow-heir_n of_o the_o same_o body_n partaker_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o this_o bespeak_v our_o endeavour_n after_o a_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n even_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n christ_n will_v be_v consider_v as_o mystical_a christ_n he_o will_v be_v make_v up_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o middle_a wall_n be_v break_v down_o a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n but_o it_o be_v make_v know_v i_o but_o how_o little_a a_o thing_n be_v know_v even_o of_o this_o and_o then_o i_o add_v withal_o the_o mystery_n it_o be_v the_o mystery_n concern_v the_o gentile_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o be_v fellow-heir_n it_o be_v the_o mystery_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o jew_n so_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o in_o rom._n 11._o this_o mystery_n i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o ignorant_a of_o lest_o you_o shall_v be_v wise_a in_o your_o own_o conceit_n that_o blindness_n in_o part_n be_v happen_v to_o the_o jew_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n come_v in_o and_o then_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v here_o be_v a_o mystery_n now_o these_o mystery_n bespeak_v our_o serious_a endeavour_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o then_o the_o mystery_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o administration_n of_o it_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o the_o father_n the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o these_o mystery_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o then_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o father_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o when_o christ_n have_v perform_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o kingdom_n now_o i_o say_v these_o be_v mystery_n belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n which_o do_v all_o of_o they_o loud_o bespeak_v our_o most_o sedulous_a endeavour_n after_o a_o growth_n in_o this_o bless_a knowledge_n and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o consider_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o the_o latter_a end_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n what_o be_v that_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n have_v we_o comprehend_v have_v we_o attain_v the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v far_o from_o think_v so_o according_a to_o that_o account_n of_o he_o nâ—…_n as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a what_o have_v we_o get_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o these_o mystery_n be_v we_o able_a to_o fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o they_o o_o how_o little_a a_o thing_n do_v we_o know_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n many_o thing_n because_o of_o the_o customary_a mention_v of_o they_o they_o be_v slight_v which_o if_o they_o be_v but_o serious_o weigh_v will_v cause_v admiration_n to_o astonishment_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n why_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o we_o may_v bestow_v a_o whole_a age_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o study_v and_o never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a understanding_n of_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o these_o thing_n now_o upon_o these_o account_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v well_o be_v require_v of_o believer_n that_o they_o do_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n i_o shall_v close_v up_o for_o the_o present_a only_o with_o this_o one_o argument_n further_o it_o be_v the_o saint_n duty_n to_o endeavour_v a_o knowledge_n in_o the_o growth_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n for_o otherwise_o true_o we_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o provision_n that_o god_n have_v make_v to_o such_o a_o purpose_n we_o walk_v unworthy_a of_o the_o goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v discover_v itself_o this_o way_n in_o order_n to_o such_o a_o growth_n for_o mark_v you_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n the_o gospel_n it_o be_v but_o whisper_v whisper_v there_o be_v something_o dark_o secret_o and_o couchant_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v be_v hint_v out_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n here_o be_v all_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v out_o at_o first_o afterward_o there_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o discovery_n make_v of_o it_o to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n afterward_o in_o moses_n time_n and_o in_o moses_n day_n there_o come_v to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o full_a explanation_n afterward_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n clear_a &_o clear_a discovery_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o christ_n come_v than_o the_o day_n star_n arise_v nay_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n break_v out_o and_o now_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n concern_v our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o mark_v you_o when_o christ_n go_v to_o heaven_n he_o send_v a_o token_n of_o his_o love_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n a_o book_n of_o mystery_n of_o mystery_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o provide_v this_o very_a book_n that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v well_o improve_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n now_o consider_v this_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o his_o wisdom_n out_o of_o his_o rich_a bounty_n have_v be_v please_v thus_o to_o provide_v and_o to_o order_v out_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o mean_n and_o help_v for_o
subject_a to_o suffer_v and_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o suffer_v as_o christian_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o with_o courage_n and_o confidence_n but_o how_o shall_v that_o be_v but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o mark_v you_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o people_n for_o his_o name_n and_o truth_n and_o gospel_n those_o suffering_n be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n make_v their_o great_a privilege_n when_o a_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o evil_a doer_n as_o a_o murderer_n or_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n these_o kind_n of_o suffering_n of_o person_n as_o evil_a doer_n when_o they_o be_v indeed_o deserve_o inflict_v these_o suffering_n they_o reflect_v shame_n and_o dishonour_n upon_o those_o that_o undergo_v they_o the_o two_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o be_v crucify_v together_o with_o christ_n and_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o you_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n that_o one_o of_o they_o make_v this_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o cross_n with_o we_o he_o suffer_v as_o we_o suffer_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o suffering_n he_o be_v hang_v and_o so_o be_v we_o we_o be_v here_o nail_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o so_o be_v he_o ay_o but_o for_o all_o that_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n we_o indeed_o be_v just_o here_o for_o we_o suffer_v the_o reward_n of_o our_o own_o evil_a deed_n so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o dishonour_n to_o be_v hang_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n but_o this_o man_n be_v hang_v indeed_o as_o a_o malefactor_n but_o he_o have_v do_v nothing_o worthy_a of_o such_o a_o death_n so_o it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o a_o evil_a doer_n to_o suffer_v when_o he_o suffer_v for_o his_o evil_a deed_n but_o it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a and_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n for_o his_o suffering_n it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n but_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o honour_n to_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a ashamed_a he_o have_v no_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a let_v man_n deal_v how_o they_o will_v with_o he_o if_o he_o suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a though_o other_o seek_v to_o put_v he_o to_o shame_n he_o may_v despise_v the_o shame_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v he_o endure_v the_o cross_n but_o he_o despise_v the_o shame_n man_n will_v cast_v shame_n upon_o he_o i_o but_o christ_n shame_v the_o shame_n he_o despise_v the_o shame_n he_o put_v the_o shame_n to_o shame_v thus_o do_v christ_n so_o a_o christian_a he_o suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v to_o shame_v the_o shame_n to_o despise_v the_o shame_n to_o scorn_v the_o shame_n and_o the_o scorn_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o he_o say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v god_n in_o that_o behalf_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o glory_n rest_v upon_o he_o and_o so_o do_v the_o disciple_n in_o act_n 5._o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v away_o from_o the_o counsel_n where_o they_o have_v be_v beat_v and_o reproach_v they_o go_v away_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o honour_n to_o suffer_v this_o comfort_n flow_v out_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o 1_o phil._n to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v give_v as_o a_o gift_n to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v what_o be_v give_v not_o only_a to_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n but_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v i_o one_o will_v say_v a_o goodly_a gift_n indeed_o to_o have_v suffer_v give_v we_o a_o goodly_a gift_n o_o that_o be_v a_o wretched_a spirit_n to_o undervalue_v this_o gift_n to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v be_v it_o a_o privilege_n to_o have_v it_o give_v we_o to_o believe_v to_o believe_v unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n ay_o but_o say_v he_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o also_o to_o suffer_v this_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v grant_v unto_o you_o as_o a_o privilege_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v sufferer_n for_o christ_n and_o engage_v to_o appear_v in_o his_o cause_n and_o for_o his_o name_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o adulterous_a generation_n again_o by_o a_o well-improved_n knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v to_o the_o comfort_v and_o the_o imbolden_v of_o the_o heart_n that_o christ_n be_v know_v of_o all_o the_o suffering_n that_o his_o servant_n undergo_v know_v of_o they_o be_v that_o all_o nay_o so_o know_v of_o they_o as_o that_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o reckon_v they_o his_o own_o suffering_n he_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n there_o be_v a_o sympathize_v with_o his_o people_n in_o all_o their_o suffering_n if_o the_o foot_n on_o earth_n be_v tread_v upon_o the_o head_n in_o heaven_n complain_v saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o who_o be_v thou_o lord_n i_o be_o jesus_n true_a it_o be_v thou_o can_v not_o reach_v my_o person_n i_o as_o the_o head_n but_o thou_o reach_v i_o in_o my_o member_n saul_n saul_n why_o do_v thou_o persecute_v i_o and_o then_o consider_v this_o withal_o that_o by_o a_o well-improved_n knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n they_o make_v way_n for_o glory_n have_v conformity_n to_o he_o in_o suffering_n we_o may_v assure_v our_o self_n there_o shall_v be_v conformity_n to_o he_o in_o glory_n if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v follow_v so_o that_o now_o all_o this_o be_v lay_v together_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v endeavour_v after_o and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o growth_n in_o it_o because_o it_o do_v conduce_v so_o much_o to_o a_o comfortable_a confident_a courageous_a and_o bold_a suffering_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ._n serm._n xvii_o even_o as_o i_o be_v read_v this_o text_n this_o morning_n i_o have_v this_o meditation_n i_o be_v think_v how_o often_o this_o text_n have_v be_v read_v in_o your_o hear_n and_o sound_v in_o your_o ear_n and_o be_v it_o not_o good_a for_o we_o you_o and_o i_o to_o consider_v to_o what_o purpose_n it_o have_v be_v so_o often_o sound_v and_o whether_o we_o have_v make_v any_o improvement_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n shall_v the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o vain_a shall_v we_o be_v as_o if_o so_o be_v we_o be_v hear_v of_o sound_a brass_n and_o a_o tinkle_a symbal_n but_o however_o thus_o it_o be_v and_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n i_o be_o speak_v yet_o concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o growth_n therein_o and_o you_o have_v hear_v very_o large_o what_o convince_a argument_n there_o be_v why_o you_o shall_v labour_v after_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o he_o consider_v how_o beneficial_a this_o knowledge_n be_v and_o will_v be_v to_o those_o that_o have_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o 〈◊〉_d to_o something_o further_a that_o remain_v and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d on_o to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o a_o gospel_n conversation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v manage_v with_o beauty_n and_o with_o boldness_n to_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n which_o be_v make_v of_o it_o by_o a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n great_a advantage_n come_v over_o to_o we_o for_o such_o a_o purpose_n first_o here_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v this_o that_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o to_o live_v at_o
the_o day_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o take_v time_n for_o it_o in_o the_o night_n o_o how_o much_o be_v he_o in_o intimate_a conversing_n with_o the_o father_n in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n 9_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o self-denying_a life_n o_o most_o eminent_a be_v christ_n for_o this_o that_o he_o be_v of_o a_o self-denying_a spirit_n and_o his_o life_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o a_o self-denying_a life_n deny_v himself_o father_n not_o what_o i_o will_v but_o what_o thou_o will_v 10._o the_o life_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o world-despising_a life_n when_o they_o will_v come_v by_o source_n and_o make_v he_o a_o king_n he_o decline_v it_o and_o withdraws_z himself_o and_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o all_o worldly_a preferment_n and_o enjoyment_n 11._o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o god-pleasing_a and_o honour_v life_n he_o please_v not_o himself_o he_o study_v to_o please_v his_o father_n and_o to_o profit_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n he_o be_v for_o god-pleasing_a and_o manprofit_v and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ._n he_o devote_v himself_o thus_o that_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o man_n 12._o and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o though_o other_o particular_n may_v be_v bring_v in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o persevere_v life_n he_o begin_v well_o he_o continue_v well_o he_o end_v well_o paul_n can_v say_v of_o himself_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n christ_n can_v say_v it_o more_o than_o any_o man_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o truth_n i_o have_v keep_v my_o way_n without_o divertion_n he_o hold_v on_o to_o the_o last_o have_v honour_v god_n he_o honour_v he_o to_o the_o death_n have_v love_v god_n and_o his_o people_n he_o love_v they_o to_o the_o end_n have_v engage_v to_o glorify_v god_n he_o glorify_v he_o to_o the_o last_o his_o last_o breath_n be_v a_o holy_a breathe_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o account_n that_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o consider_v o_o how_o profitable_a and_o beneficial_a will_v this_o knowledge_n well_o improve_v be_v unto_o believer_n profitable_a to_o shame_v they_o profitable_a to_o provoke_v their_o imitation_n profitable_a to_o promote_v their_o comfort_n profitable_a to_o shame_v they_o now_o when_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o a_o life_n christ_n live_v what_o a_o exemplary_a life_n what_o a_o even_a thread_n he_o spin_v what_o a_o web_n he_o weave_v and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v what_o our_o life_n be_v what_o a_o difference_n between_o christ_n life_n and_o our_o life_n who_o life_n shall_v be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o a_o copy_n to_o write_v after_o o_o how_o will_v this_o cause_n shame_n of_o face_n sorrow_n of_o heart_n i_o remember_v the_o lord_n give_v a_o charge_n to_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n that_o he_o show_v the_o pattern_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o wherefore_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a why_o i_o show_v you_o the_o pattern_n this_o morning_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o true_o it_o may_v well_o make_v we_o ashamed_a to_o think_v christ_n live_v in_o the_o world_n a_o scripture-life_n but_o alas_o how_o far_o be_v we_o from_o keep_v conformity_n unto_o scripture_n in_o our_o life_n he_o live_v a_o in-offensive_a life_n how_o offensive_a be_v many_o of_o we_o in_o our_o conversation_n and_o carriage_n lay_v stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o conflict_a life_n what_o be_v there_o in_o we_o of_o conflict_v with_o lust_n and_o corruption_n and_o a_o sinful_a world_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n a_o convince_a life_n a_o condemn_a life_n convince_a of_o sin_n condemn_v of_o sin_n such_o shall_v our_o conversation_n be_v but_o alas_o how_o little_a be_v there_o of_o conformity_n to_o christ_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n a_o pray_a life_n a_o laborious_a life_n a_o fruitful_a life_n a_o god-pleasing_a life_n a_o self-denying_a life_n alas_o we_o may_v look_v upon_o the_o pattern_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o behold_v it_o because_o of_o our_o incongruity_n to_o it_o he_o that_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o christ_n ought_v himself_o so_o to_o walk_v even_o as_o he_o walk_v how_o many_o profess_v to_o have_v a_o abide_n in_o christ_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o his_o example_n and_o conform_v to_o the_o pattern_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o for_o imitation_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v awanting_a to_o this_o copy_n so_o far_o we_o dishonour_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o be_v awanting_a to_o the_o credit_v of_o our_o holy_a profession_n o_o thus_o will_v a_o well_o improve_v knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v beneficial_a to_o we_o to_o the_o humble_v and_o shame_v of_o we_o to_o think_v such_o be_v christ_n but_o how_o unanswerable_a be_v we_o a_o humble_a christ_n a_o holy_a christ_n a_o heavenly_a christ_n a_o self-denying_a christ_n a_o sin-hating_a christ_n a_o world-despising_a christ_n and_o we_o express_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o how_o will_v this_o promote_v to_o duty_n and_o provoke_v to_o imitation_n o_o so_o will_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o his_o life_n well-improved_n provoke_v our_o imitation_n of_o he_o and_o make_v we_o set_v to_o it_o with_o diligence_n and_o care_n do_v christ_n live_v thus_o then_o sure_o it_o concern_v i_o to_o look_v better_o to_o my_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o it_o than_o otherwise_o i_o be_o like_a to_o do_v and_o then_o to_o promote_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o make_v he_o bear_v up_o with_o boldness_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o evil_a generation_n when_o he_o be_v able_a to_o plead_v thus_o i_o be_o and_o i_o be_o tutor_v to_o it_o by_o the_o walk_n of_o jesus_n christ._n now_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o close_a the_o last_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v insist_v upon_o as_o to_o this_o doctrinal_a part_n there_o be_v a_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n you_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o life_n on_o earth_n but_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o consider_v what_o his_o life_n in_o heaven_n be_v for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o know_v and_o sad_a be_v it_o with_o saint_n and_o believer_n if_o this_o be_v not_o account_v of_o that_o he_o that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o he_o that_o do_v rise_v again_o he_o live_v and_o be_v alive_a for_o evermore_o now_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o christian_n be_v of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o miserable_a but_o this_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o himself_o rev._n 1._o 18._o i_o be_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a but_o i_o be_o alive_a and_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o evermore_o amen_n i_o be_o alive_a for_o evermore_o amen_n and_o this_o he_o hold_v forth_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o let_v they_o know_v he_o be_v alive_a for_o evermore_o to_o this_o purpose_n to_o see_v to_o the_o accomplish_n and_o fulfil_n of_o all_o that_o in_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v know_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n while_o it_o be_v here_o in_o its_o militant_a state_n until_o the_o day_n come_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v together_o with_o he_o engage_v in_o everlasting_a triumph_n over_o death_n and_o devil_n and_o antichrist_n and_o world_n and_o sin_n and_o all_o this_o belong_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o know_v that_o he_o live_v and_o what_o be_v his_o life_n in_o heaven_n brief_o thus_o first_o it_o be_v a_o life_n of_o glory_n for_o he_o be_v now_o enter_v into_o glory_n and_o he_o live_v in_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n that_o the_o father_n and_o angel_n and_o glorify_a saint_n can_v confer_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v unto_o he_o he_o have_v all_o the_o glory_n that_o heaven_n can_v bestow_v upon_o he_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o live_v now_o in_o glory_n and_o he_o pray_v for_o this_o father_n i_o have_v glorify_v thou_o on_o the_o earth_n now_o father_n glorify_v thou_o i_o with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o from_o the_o beginning_n jesus_n christ_n be_v enter_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o he_o be_v clothe_v with_o it_o now_o he_o be_v clothe_v all_o over_o with_o majesty_n and_o glory_n he_o live_v in_o heaven_n now_o a_o life_n of_o glory_n and_o so_o have_v do_v ever_o since_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n 2._o his_o