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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n scripture_n word_n write_v 7,633 5 6.1357 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47642 A practical commentary, upon the two first chapters of the first epistle general of St. Peter. By the most reverend Dr. Robert Leighton, some-time arch-bishop of Glasgow. Published after his death, at the request of his friends Leighton, Robert, 1611-1684. 1693 (1693) Wing L1028A; ESTC R216658 288,504 508

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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 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kindle_v with_o the_o ambition_n of_o it_o how_o do_v a_o christian_a pity_n that_o poor_a vanity_n that_o man_n make_v so_o much_o noise_n about_o of_o of_o their_o kindred_n and_o extraction_n this_o be_v worth_a glory_v in_o indeed_o to_o be_v of_o the_o high_a blood_n royal_a and_o in_o the_o near_a relation_n son_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n by_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o add_v matchless_a honour_n to_o that_o birth_n which_o be_v honourable_a but_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n will_v we_o not_o study_v to_o cozen_v ourselves_o the_o discovery_n will_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o know_v whither_o we_o be_v or_o not_o in_o many_o their_o false_a confidence_n be_v too_o evident_a no_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o a_o foot-step_n like_o his_o lead_n and_o that_o character_n rom._n 8.14_o not_o a_o lineament_n of_o god_n visage_n as_o their_o father_n if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a say_v st._n john_n 2.29_o you_o know_v then_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o lover_n and_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n be_v they_o that_o swinish_o love_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o unholiness_n be_v swear_v and_o curse_v the_o accent_n of_o the_o regenerate_v the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n do_v child_n delight_v to_o indignify_v and_o dishonour_v their_o father_n name_n no_o earthly_a mindedness_n be_v a_o countersign_n shall_v the_o king_n child_n they_o that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o scarlet_a as_o jeremy_n lament_v embrace_v the_o dunghill_n
they_o mock_v and_o despise_v be_v that_o spirit_n that_o seal_v man_n to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o if_o any_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o straight_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o giddiness_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v his_o child_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v for_o that_o purpose_n send_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o guide_v they_o thither_o square_n their_o thoughtt_n and_o way_n to_o that_o rule_n and_o that_o word_n whereof_o it_o be_v author_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o it_o sanctify_v they_o to_o obedience_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2.4_o now_o this_o spirit_n that_o sanctify_v and_o sanctify_v to_o obedience_n be_v within_o we_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o election_n and_o earnest_a of_o our_o salvation_n and_o whoso_o be_v not_o sanctify_v and_o lead_v by_o this_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v their_o condition_n rom._n 8.9_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 let_v we_o not_o delude_v ourselves_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o religion_n they_o that_o be_v not_o make_v saint_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n shall_v never_o be_v saint_n in_o glory_n the_o stone_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o that_o glorious_a temple_n above_o be_v hew_v and_o polish_a and_o prepare_v for_o it_o here_o as_o the_o stone_n be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v in_o the_o mountain_n for_o build_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o be_v the_o order_n psal._n 84.12_o he_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n as_o moralist_n can_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o way_n to_o the_o temple_n of_o honour_n be_v through_o the_o temple_n of_o virtue_n they_o that_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v for_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n have_v either_o find_v a_o new_a way_n untrodden_a by_o all_o that_o be_v go_v thither_o or_o will_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o the_o end_n we_o need_v not_o then_o that_o poor_a shift_n for_o the_o press_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n upon_o men._n to_o represent_v it_o to_o they_o as_o the_o merit_a cause_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n see_v without_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n to_o salvation_n be_v press_v enough_o for_o holiness_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o if_o it_o be_v the_o merit_a cause_n of_o it_o it_o be_v as_o insepararable_o tie_v to_o it_o as_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o order_n of_o performance_n godliness_n be_v as_o certain_o before_o salvation_n as_o if_o salvation_n do_v whole_o and_o all_o together_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v in_o point_n of_o justice_n deserve_v by_o it_o see_v then_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o by_o holiness_n no_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n without_o it_o take_v the_o apostle_n advice_n study_v it_o seek_v it_o follow_v earnest_o after_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n grace_n unto_o you_o and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v it_o have_v always_o be_v a_o civil_a custom_n among_o man_n to_o season_v their_o intercourse_n with_o good_a wish_n one_o for_o another_o this_o the_o apostle_n use_v in_o their_o epistle_n in_o a_o spiritual_a divine_a way_n suitable_a to_o their_o holy_a write_n it_o well_o become_v the_o messenger_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wish_v both_o and_o to_o make_v their_o salutation_n conform_v to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o subject_n of_o their_o discourse_n the_o hebrew_n word_n of_o salutation_n we_o have_v here_o peace_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o spring_n both_o of_o this_o and_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v all_o in_o the_o other_o word_n of_o salutation_n use_v by_o the_o greek_n grace_n all_o right_a rejoice_v and_o prosperity_n and_o happiness_n flow_v from_o this_o source_n and_o from_o this_o alone_a and_o be_v seek_v elsewhere_o in_o vain_a in_o general_n this_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n to_o have_v a_o heart_n fill_v with_o blessing_n with_o this_o sweet_a good_a will_n and_o good_a wish_v to_o all_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o be_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o charity_n be_v a_o precious_a balm_n diffuse_v itself_o in_o the_o wise_a and_o seasonable_a expression_n of_o it_o upon_o fit_a occasion_n and_o those_o expression_n must_v be_v cordial_a and_o sincere_a not_o like_o that_o you_o call_v court_n holywater_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o falsehood_n or_o vanity_n at_o the_o best_a this_o manifest_v man_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o blessing_n and_o of_o the_o ever_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n of_o all_o blessing_n when_o in_o his_o name_n they_o bless_v one_o another_o yea_o our_o saviour_n rule_n go_v high_a to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v they_o and_o urge_v it_o by_o that_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o their_o father_n that_o in_o this_o they_o may_v resemble_v he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a way_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o bless_v their_o people_n not_o only_o by_o their_o public_a and_o solemn_a benediction_n but_o by_o daily_a and_o instant_a prayer_n for_o they_o in_o secret_a and_o the_o great_a father_n who_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v they_o open_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ever_o both_o endeavour_v and_o wish_v their_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o which_o they_o have_v st._n paul_n a_o frequent_a pattern_n they_o that_o be_v messenger_n of_o this_o grace_n if_o they_o have_v experience_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n that_o will_v dilate_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o large_a in_o love_n and_o spiritual_a desire_n for_o other_o especial_o their_o own_o flock_n let_v we_o 1_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o apostle_n desire_v for_o they_o grace_n and_o peace_n 2._o the_o measure_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v multiply_v 1_o grace_n we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o noise_n with_o the_o many_o school-distinction_n of_o grace_n and_o describe_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v for_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v all_o save_a grace_n to_o those_o disperse_a brethren_n so_o that_o in_o the_o large_a notion_n that_o it_o can_v have_v that_o way_n we_o may_v safe_o here_o take_v it_o what_o be_v prevent_v grace_n assist_v grace_n work_v and_o coworking_a grace_n as_o we_o may_v admit_v these_o difference_n in_o a_o sound_a sense_n but_o divers_a name_n of_o the_o same_o effectual_a save_a grace_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o different_a estate_n as_o the_o same_o sea_n receive_v different_a name_n from_o the_o different_a part_n of_o the_o shore_n it_o beat_v upon_o first_o it_o prevent_v and_o work_v than_o it_o assist_v and_o prosecute_v what_o it_o have_v wrought_v he_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v but_o the_o whole_a sense_n of_o save_a grace_n i_o conceive_v be_v comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o 1_o grace_n in_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n 2._o in_o the_o stream_n the_o fruit_n of_o this_o love_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o empty_a but_o a_o most_o rich_a and_o liberal_a love_n viz._n all_o the_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o he_o have_v free_o choose_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v neither_o diminish_v nor_o increase_v but_o it_o be_v multiply_v or_o abound_v in_o the_o manifestation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o so_o then_o to_o desire_v grace_n to_o be_v multiply_v to_o they_o be_v to_o wish_v to_o they_o the_o live_a spring_n of_o it_o that_o love_n that_o can_v be_v exhaust_v but_o be_v ever_o flow_v forth_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v make_v each_o day_n rich_a than_o another_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o top_n and_o sum_n of_o christian_a desire_n to_o have_v or_o want_v any_o other_o thing_n indifferent_o but_o to_o be_v resolve_v and_o resolute_a in_o this_o to_o seek_v a_o share_n in_o this_o grace_n the_o free_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sure_a evidence_n of_o it_o within_o you_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o the_o most_o of_o we_o be_v otherwise_o take_v up_o we_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v how_o base_o and_o foolish_o we_o be_v busy_v though_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o respect_a employment_n
spero_fw-la it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n when_o a_o man_n and_o all_o his_o hope_n die_v together_o thus_o say_v solomon_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o he_o die_v many_o of_o they_o before_o but_o at_o the_o utmost_a than_o all_o of_o they_o then_o die_v his_o hope_n prov._n 11.7_o but_o the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n prov._n 14.32_o death_n that_o cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o all_o other_o hope_n and_o turn_v man_n out_o of_o all_o other_o inheritance_n it_o alone_o fulfil_v this_o hope_n and_o end_v it_o in_o fruition_n as_o a_o messenger_n send_v to_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o god_n home_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o inheritance_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a this_n refer_v to_o both_o beget_v again_o by_o his_o resurrection_n and_o have_v this_o live_a hope_n by_o his_o resurrection_n and_o well_o suit_v both_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a cause_n of_o both_o in_o this_o order_n first_o then_o of_o the_o birth_n then_o of_o the_o hope_n the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v renew_v in_o we_o by_o our_o union_n with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n person_n gal._n 4_o 19_o therefore_o this_o new_a birth_n in_o the_o conception_n be_v express_v by_o the_o form_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o resurrection_n particular_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o new_a life_n this_o new_a birth_n be_v call_v our_o resurrection_n and_o that_o in_o conformity_n to_o christ_n yea_o by_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o his._n his_o resurrection_n be_v call_v a_o birth_n he_o the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a rev._n 1.5_o and_o that_o prophesy_v psal._n 2.7_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o be_v apply_v to_o his_o resurrection_n as_o fulfil_v in_o it_o act._n 13.33_o god_n have_v fulfil_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o their_o child_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n again_o as_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o the_o second_o psalm_n thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o not_o only_o be_v it_o the_o exemplary_a but_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n thus_o rom._n 6._o at_o large_a and_o often_o elsewhere_o and_o thus_o likewise_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o live_a hope_n that_o which_o indeed_o inspire_v and_o maintain_v life_n in_o it_o because_o he_o have_v conquer_a death_n and_o be_v rise_v again_o and_o that_o employ_v which_o follow_v be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n have_v enter_v possession_n of_o that_o inheritance_n this_o give_v we_o a_o live_a hope_n that_o according_a to_o his_o own_o request_n where_o he_o be_v there_o we_o shall_v be_v also_o thus_o this_o hope_n be_v strong_o underset_v on_o the_o one_o side_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o other_o by_o the_o abundant_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o father_n our_o hope_n depend_v not_o on_o our_o own_o strength_n or_o wisdom_n nor_o on_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o for_o than_o if_o it_o do_v it_o will_v be_v short-lived_a will_v die_v and_o die_v quick_o but_o on_o his_o resurrection_n that_o can_v die_v no_o more_o for_o in_o that_o he_o die_v he_o die_v unto_o sin_n once_o but_o in_o that_o he_o live_v he_o live_v unto_o god_n rom._n 6.10_o this_o make_v this_o hope_n not_o to_o imply_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o uncertainty_n as_o worldly_a hope_n but_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a stable_n inviolable_a hope_n a_o anchor_n pitch_v within_o the_o vail_n according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n mercy_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o this_o yea_o great_a mercy_n and_o manifold_a mercy_n for_o as_o st._n bernard_n say_v great_a sin_n and_o great_a misery_n need_v great_a mercy_n and_o many_o sin_n and_o misery_n need_v many_o mercy_n and_o be_v not_o this_o great_a mercy_n to_o make_v of_o satan_n slave_n son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n and_o how_o great_a love_n the_o father_n have_v show_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o world_n know_v we_o not_o because_o it_o know_v not_o he_o they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v the_o father_n of_o a_o child_n can_v know_v its_o resemble_v he_o for_o the_o world_n know_v not_o god_n and_o therefore_o discern_v not_o his_o image_n in_o his_o child_n to_o esteem_v they_o for_o it_o but_o whatever_o be_v their_o opinion_n this_o we_o must_v say_v ourselves_o behold_v what_o love_n to_o take_v firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o to_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v one_o day_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o raise_v the_o poor_a out_o of_o the_o dunghill_n and_o set_v they_o with_o prince_n psal._n 11.38_o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n last_o we_o see_v it_o stir_v up_o the_o apostle_n to_o praise_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v the_o stile_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o former_o under_o the_o law_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o the_o god_n that_o bring_v thou_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n this_o now_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o hold_v first_o with_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o in_o he_o with_o we_o so_o he_o say_v i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n and_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n which_o as_o st._n cyril_n of_o hierosol_n in_o his_o catechism_n observe_v show_v we_o not_o only_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o may_v have_v be_v express_v thus_o i_o go_v to_o my_o god_n and_o father_n but_o the_o order_n of_o the_o covenant_n first_o my_o father_n and_o my_o god_n and_o then_o you_o thus_o ought_v we_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n still_o take_v in_o christ_n for_o in_o he_o they_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o thus_o eph._n 1.3_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n jesus_n bless_a he_n bless_v we_o real_o benefaciendo_fw-la benedicit_fw-la we_o bless_v he_o by_o acknowledge_v his_o goodness_n and_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v at_o all_o time_n psal._n 34.1_o i_o will_v bless_v the_o lord_n at_o all_o time_n his_o praise_n shall_v continual_o be_v in_o my_o mouth_n all_o this_o be_v far_o below_o he_o and_o his_o mercy_n what_o be_v our_o lame_a praise_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o love_n nothing_o and_o less_o than_o nothing_o but_o love_n will_v stammer_v rather_o than_o be_v dumb_a they_o that_o be_v among_o his_o child_n beget_v again_o they_o have_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n a_o lively_a hope_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v col._n 1.27_o which_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n this_o lead_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o admire_v that_o rich_a mercy_n whence_o it_o flow_v and_o this_o consideration_n awake_v they_o and_o strain_v they_o to_o break_v forth_o into_o praise_n to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a as_o he_o that_o take_v away_o a_o garment_n in_o cold_a weather_n and_o as_o vinegar_n upon_o nitre_n so_o be_v he_o that_o sing_v song_n to_o a_o heavy_a heart_n prov._n 25.20_o worldly_n mirth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o cure_v spiritual_a grief_n that_o even_o worldly_a grief_n where_o it_o be_v great_a and_o take_v deep_a root_n be_v not_o allay_v but_o increase_v by_o it_o a_o man_n that_o be_v full_a of_o inward_a heaviness_n the_o more_o he_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o mirth_n it_o exasperate_v and_o enrage_v his_o grief_n the_o more_o like_o ineffectual_a weak_a physic_n that_o remove_v not_o the_o humour_n but_o stir_v it_o and_o make_v it_o more_o unquiet_a but_o spiritual_a joy_n be_v seasonable_a for_o all_o estate_n in_o prosperity_n it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o crown_v and_o sanctify_v all_o other_o enjoyment_n with_o this_o that_o so_o far_o suspass_n they_o and_o in_o distress_n it_o be_v the_o only_a nepenthe_n the_o cordial_a of_o faint_a spirit_n so_o psal._n 4._o he_o have_v put_v joy_n into_o my_o heart_n this_o mirth_n make_v way_n for_o itself_o which_o other_o mirth_n can_v do_v these_o song_n be_v sweet_a in_o the_o night_n of_o distress_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o his_o scatter_a afflict_a brethren_n begin_v his_o epistle_n with_o this_o song_n of_o praise_n bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o joyful_a remembrance_n of_o the_o happiness_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o inheritance_n now_o this_o inheritance_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o singular_a quality_n of_o it_o they_o contain_v 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n 2._o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o attainment_n the_o former_a in_o these_o three_o incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v
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 ●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
his_o promise_n because_o i_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v also_o joh._n 14.19_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n be_v one_o this_o be_v that_o great_a mystery_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o eph._n 5._o though_o '_o it_o be_v a_o common_a know_a truth_n the_o word_n and_o outside_n of_o it_o obvious_a to_o all_o yet_o none_o can_v understand_v it_o but_o they_o that_o indeed_o partake_v of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o unction_n their_o sin_n be_v account_v his_o and_o christ_n suffering_n be_v account_v they_o and_o by_o consequence_n his_o glory_n the_o consequent_a of_o his_o suffering_n be_v likewise_o they_o there_o be_v a_o indissoluble_a connection_n betwixt_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o a_o believer_n our_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o remain_v there_o our_o life_n be_v there_o though_o hide_v and_o when_o he_o who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v we_o likewise_o shall_v appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n colos._n 3.14_o see_v the_o suffering_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o redeemer_n be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o our_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o it_o '_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v not_o more_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o thought_n shall_v we_o not_o daily_o consider_v the_o bitterness_n of_o that_o cup_n of_o wrath_n he_o drink_v for_o we_o and_o be_v wrought_v to_o repentance_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n to_o have_v sin_n imbitter_v to_o we_o by_o that_o consideration_n and_o find_v the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o love_n in_o that_o he_o do_v drink_v it_o and_o by_o that_o be_v deep_o possess_v with_o love_n to_o he_o these_o thing_n we_o now_o and_o then_o speak_v of_o but_o they_o sink_v not_o as_o our_o saviour_n exhort_v where_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o same_o suffering_n o_o that_o they_o be_v engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o sin_n be_v crucify_a in_o we_o and_o the_o world_n crucify_a to_o we_o and_o we_o unto_o the_o world_n by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n and_o then_o consider_v the_o glory_n wherein_o he_o be_v and_o to_o have_v our_o eye_n often_o upon_o that_o and_o our_o heart_n solace_v and_o refresh_v themselves_o frequent_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o place_n and_o condition_n wherein_o christ_n be_v and_o where_o our_o hope_n be_v ere_o long_o to_o behold_v lin_v both_o to_o see_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o be_v it_o not_o reason_n yea_o '_o its_o necessary_a it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o if_o our_o treasure_n and_o head_n be_v there_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v there_o likewise_o the_o three_o expression_n here_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n the_o work_n of_o redemption_n itself_o and_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o doctrine_n reveal_v it_o have_v all_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n because_o they_o all_o flow_v from_o free_a grace_n that_o be_v their_o spring_n and_o first_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v this_o wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v main_o comfortable_a that_o it_o be_v free_a you_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n eph._n 2.8_o it_o be_v true_a god_n require_v faith_n it_o be_v through_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o require_v that_o give_v it_o too_o that_o be_v not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v wonderful_a grace_n to_o save_v upon_o believe_v believe_v in_o jesus_n for_o salvation_n and_o live_v according_o and_o it_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o thy_o pardon_n but_o that_o thou_o receive_v it_o by_o faith_n but_o true_o nature_n can_v do_v this_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o we_o of_o ourselves_o to_o believe_v as_o to_o do_v this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o all_o grace_n from_o begin_v to_o end_n that_o god_n not_o only_o save_v upon_o believe_v but_o give_v believe_v itself_o christ_n be_v call_v not_o only_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o even_o of_o our_o faith_n free_a grace_n be_v right_o apprehend_v be_v that_o which_o stay_v the_o heart_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o faint_a even_o in_o its_o sad_a time_n what_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o myself_o but_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n and_o discomfort_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o '_o be_v not_o from_o myself_o that_o i_o look_v for_o comfort_n at_o any_o time_n but_o from_o my_o god_n and_o his_o free_a grace_n here_o be_v comfort_n enough_o for_o all_o time_n when_o i_o be_o at_o the_o best_a i_o ought_v not_o i_o dare_v not_o rely_v upon_o myself_o when_o in_o at_o the_o worst_a i_o may_v and_o shall_v rely_v upon_o christ_n and_o his_o sufficient_a grace_n though_o i_o be_v the_o vile_a sinner_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o yet_o i_o know_v he_o be_v more_o gracious_a than_o i_o be_o sinful_a yea_o the_o more_o my_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o glory_n will_v it_o be_v to_o his_o grace_n to_o pardon_v it_o it_o will_v appear_v the_o rich_a do_v not_o david_n argue_v thus_o psa._n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a but_o it_o be_v a_o empty_a fruitless_a notion_n of_o grace_n to_o consider_v it_o only_o in_o the_o general_n and_o in_o a_o wander_a way_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o particular_o as_o address_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o it_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o message_n of_o he_o that_o bring_v it_o only_o to_o our_o ear_n but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v it_o must_v come_v into_o we_o then_o it_o be_v we_o indeed_o but_o if_o it_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o message_n only_o and_o we_o send_v it_o away_o again_o if_o i●_n shall_v so_o depart_v we_o have_v better_o never_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o it_o will_v leave_v a_o guiltiness_n behind_o it_o that_o shall_v make_v all_o our_o sin_n weigh_v much_o heavy_a than_o before_o inquire_v whether_o you_o have_v entertain_v this_o grace_n or_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v come_v to_o you_o and_o into_o you_o or_o not_o whether_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v it_o be_v the_o woeful_a condition_n that_o can_v be_v not_o to_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o fall_v short_a and_o miss_v of_o it_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v entreat_v you_o daily_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v you_o if_o you_o reject_v it_o not_o be_v your_o eye_n open_a to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n there_o will_v need_v no_o deliberation_n yea_o you_o will_v endure_v none_o desire_v your_o eye_n to_o be_v open_v and_o light_n from_o above_o that_o you_o may_v know_v it_o and_o your_o heart_n open_v that_o you_o may_v be_v happy_a by_o receive_v it_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n call_v he_o the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o yesterday_o under_o the_o law_n to_o day_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n near_o his_o incarnation_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o the_o resemblance_n hold_v good_a between_o the_o two_o cherubim_n over_o the_o mercy-seat_n and_o the_o two_o testament_n those_o have_v their_o face_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o both_o towards_o the_o mercy-seat_n and_o these_o look_n to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o doctrine_n agree_v perfect_o and_o both_o look_n to_o christ_n the_o true_a mercy-seat_n and_o the_o great_a subject_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o we_o see_v here_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v to_o come_v and_o the_o apostle_n report_v be_v accomplish_v be_v the_o same_o and_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o after_o glory_n and_o in_o they_o our_o salvation_n by_o free_a grace_n the_o prophecy_n look_v forward_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o thing_n then_o fulfil_v look_v back_o to_o the_o prophecy_n and_o each_o confirm_v the_o other_o meet_v all_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o truth_n and_o centre_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o author_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o salvation_n now_o we_o come_v to_o say_v something_o of_o those_o who_o be_v employ_v about_o it_o as_o well_o in_o administer_a to_o it_o as_o in_o admire_v it_o and_o those_o be_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o first_o foretell_v what_o be_v to_o come_v the_o second_o preach_v they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n here_o remark_v 1._o their_o diligence_n 2._o the_o success_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o extent_n of_o its_o usefulness_n this_o
know_v that_o this_o divine_a adoption_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a relative_n name_n as_o that_o of_o man_n the_o sonship_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v here_o and_o often_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o new_a generation_n and_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n io._n 1.13_o 1._o io._n 2.29_o there_o be_v a_o new_a be_v a_o spiritual_a life_n communicate_v to_o they_o they_o have_v in_o they_o of_o their_o father_n spirit_n and_o this_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o call_v his_o spirit_n gal._n 4.6_o they_o be_v not_o only_o account_v of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n but_o by_o this_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v indeed_o his_o child_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o our_o apostle_n express_v it_o now_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v so_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a without_o a_o portion_n of_o this_o new_a nature_n to_o conceive_v of_o it_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v understand_v it_o what_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o the_o subtle_a school_n of_o philosopher_n when_o a_o very_a doctor_n in_o israel_n mistake_v it_o gross_o io._n 3._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a mystery_n and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o sublimest_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o divine_a the_o soar_a eagle_n as_o they_o compare_v he_o he_o be_v more_o abundant_a in_o this_o subject_n than_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o most_o profitable_a way_n of_o consider_v this_o regeneration_n and_o sonship_n be_v certain_o to_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o those_o holy_a write_n and_o not_o to_o jangle_n in_o dispute_n about_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o of_o which_o though_o somewhat_o may_v be_v profitable_o say_v and_o safe_o namely_o so_o much_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v yet_o much_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o debate_v by_o many_o be_v but_o a_o useless_a expense_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n what_o those_o previous_a disposition_n be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o go_v and_o where_o be_v the_o march_n or_o point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o infusion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n i_o conceive_v not_o so_o easy_o determinable_a if_o naturalist_n and_o physician_n can_v agree_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n part_n in_o the_o womb_n how_o much_o less_o can_v we_o be_v peremptory_a in_o the_o other_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o wonder_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a structure_n and_o frame_n of_o man_n how_o much_o rich_a in_o wonder_n must_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a generation_n be_v see_v how_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o former_a psal._n 14.15_o thing_n spiritual_a being_n more_o refine_v than_o material_a thing_n their_o workmanship_n must_v be_v far_o more_o wonderful_a and_o curious_a but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n by_o the_o mixture_n of_o all_o divine_a grace_n each_o set_n off_o another_o as_o so_o many_o rich_a several_a colour_n in_o embroidery_n but_o who_o can_v trace_v that_o invisible_a hand_n that_o work_v it_o so_o as_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o order_n and_o to_o say_v which_o be_v first_o which_o second_o and_o so_o on_o whether_o faith_n or_o repentance_n and_o all_o grace_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o and_o all_o grace_n do_v inseparable_o make_v up_o the_o same_o work_n and_o be_v all_o in_o the_o new_a formation_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v bear_v again_o if_o the_o way_n of_o god_n universal_a providence_n be_v untraceable_a than_o most_o of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o a_o secret_a unperceivable_a way_n in_o this_o new_a birth_n he_o give_v this_o spiritual_a be_v as_o the_o dew_n which_o be_v silent_o and_o insensible_o form_v and_o this_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n compare_v to_o it_o by_o the_o psalmist_n they_o have_v this_o original_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o dew_n io._n 3.3_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v from_o above_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v of_o the_o dew_n to_o job._n job._n 38.28_o have_v the_o rain_n a_o father_n or_o who_o have_v beget_v the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n the_o sharp_a wit_n be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o as_o job_n speak_v of_o a_o way_n that_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v job._n 28.7_o to_o contest_v it_o much_o how_o in_o this_o regeneration_n he_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o renew_v it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n provide_v this_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o regenerate_v and_o renew_v a_o man_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a not_o to_o grant_v this_o unless_o we_o will_v run_v into_o that_o error_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o creature_n too_o hard_o for_o himself_o to_o rule_n or_o have_v willing_o exempt_v it_o and_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o of_o all_o other_o especial_o this_o work_n wherein_o he_o glory_v most_o fail_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o remain_v imperfect_a shall_v there_o be_v any_o abortive_a birth_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o father_n shall_v i_o bring_v to_o the_o birth_n say_v he_o and_o not_o cause_n to_o bring_v forth_o no_o no_o sinner_n so_o dead_a but_o there_o be_v virtue_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o revive_v out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n though_o the_o most_o impenitent_a heart_n be_v as_o stone_n within_o they_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v of_o they_o child_n to_o abraham_n he_o can_v dig_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o put_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n in_o its_o place_n otherways_o he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o promise_n io._n 1.13_o not_o of_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n if_o his_o sovereign_a will_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a principle_n of_o this_o regeneration_n why_o then_o say_v the_o apostle_n st._n james_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o and_o he_o add_v the_o subordinate_a cause_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o word_n to_o the_o end_n that_o his_o church_n may_v be_v still_o fruitful_a bring_v forth_o son_n unto_o he_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v like_o flock_n of_o sheep_n come_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n none_o harren_a among_o they_o though_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o word_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o employment_n in_o dispense_n it_o have_v by_o the_o scripture_n the_o relation_n of_o parent_n impart_v to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a dignity_n for_o they_o as_o they_o be_v call_v co-worker_n with_o god_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n that_o write_v so_o call_v the_o galatian_n his_o little_a child_n of_o who_o he_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v often_o very_a much_o pain_n in_o this_o travel_n yet_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n remain_v untouched_a which_o be_v effectual_o to_o beget_v again_o these_o same_o spirit_n which_o he_o create_v and_o to_o make_v that_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n fruitful_a that_o way_n where_o and_o when_o he_o will_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n be_v he_o never_o so_o powerful_a can_v cast_v this_o seed_n only_o into_o the_o ear_n his_o hand_n reach_v no_o further_o and_o the_o hearer_n by_o his_o attention_n may_v convey_v it_o into_o his_o head_n but_o it_o be_v the_o supreme_a father_n and_o teacher_n above_o that_o carry_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n the_o only_a soil_n wherein_o it_o prove_v lively_a and_o fruitful_a one_o man_n can_v reach_v the_o heart_n of_o another_o how_o shall_v he_o then_o renew_v its_o fruitfulness_n if_o natural_a birth_n have_v be_v always_o acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n prerogative_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v a_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o so_o jacob_n answer_v wise_o to_o his_o wife_n be_v foolish_a passion_n be_o i_o in_o god_n stead_n how_o much_o more_o be_v this_o new_a birth_n whole_o dependent_a on_o his_o hand_n but_o though_o this_o word_n can_v beget_v without_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o this_o word_n that_o he_o beget_v and_o ordinary_o not_o
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 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that_o all_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o revile_n of_o the_o multitude_n that_o as_o it_o be_v rack_v he_o for_o some_o answer_n yet_o can_v draw_v no_o other_o from_o he_o but_o this_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v but_o for_o those_o to_o who_o this_o mercy_n belong_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o stead_n of_o revile_n and_o threaten_n he_o commit_v all_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o christian_a patience_n that_o which_o quiet_v the_o mind_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o boil_a tumultuous_a thought_n of_o revenge_n to_o turn_v the_o whole_a matter_n into_o god_n hand_n to_o resign_v it_o over_o to_o he_o to_o prosecute_v when_o and_o as_o he_o think_v good_a not_o as_o the_o most_o that_o have_v rather_o if_o they_o have_v power_n do_v for_o themselves_o and_o be_v their_o own_o avenger_n and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o power_n do_v offer_v up_o 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like_o he_o not_o to_o reply_v reproach_n with_o reproach_n as_o our_o custom_n be_v to_o give_v a_o ill_a word_n for_o another_o or_o two_o for_o one_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v behind_o man_n take_v a_o pride_n in_o this_o and_o think_v it_o ridiculous_a simplicity_n to_o suffer_v and_o this_o make_v strife_n and_o contention_n so_o abound_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n you_o think_v it_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o bear_v nothing_o to_o put_v up_o no_o wrong_a whereas_o it_o be_v indeed_o great_a weakness_n and_o baseness_n it_o be_v true_a greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o despise_v the_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o set_v you_o usual_o on_o fire_n one_o against_o another_o especial_o be_v do_v after_o a_o christian_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o and_o be_v there_o any_o spirit_n great_a than_o that_o think_v you_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v less_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o more_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o the_o dove_n among_o we_o our_o obligement_n to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n beside_o its_o own_o excellency_n be_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o intendment_n of_o his_o behaviour_n for_o this_o use_n to_o be_v as_o a_o example_n to_o we_o 2._o our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o those_o his_o suffering_n wherein_o he_o so_o carry_v himself_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n etc._n etc._n he_o leave_v his_o footstep_n as_o a_o copy_n as_o the_o word_n be_v to_o follow_v every_o step_n of_o he_o a_o letter_n of_o this_o copy_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o write_v we_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a copy_n of_o obedience_n in_o clear_a and_o great_a letter_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n his_o whole_a life_n be_v our_o rule_n not_o his_o miraculous_a work_n his_o footstep_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o for_o our_o follow_v but_o his_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n and_o meekenss_n and_o humility_n be_v our_o copy_n which_o we_o shall_v continua_o study_v the_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n they_o say_v of_o teach_v be_v by_o example_n but_o above_o all_o this_o matchless_a example_n be_v the_o happy_a way_n of_o teach_v he_o that_o follow_v i_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n he_o that_o aim_v high_a shoot_v the_o high_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shoot_v not_o so_o high_a as_o he_o aim_v this_o be_v that_o which_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a the_o propound_v of_o this_o our_o high_a pattern_n the_o example_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o imitation_n of_o man_n in_o worthless_a thing_n be_v low_a and_o servile_a the_o imitation_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v commendable_a but_o if_o we_o seek_v no_o high_o it_o be_v both_o imperfect_a and_o unsafe_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n will_v have_v no_o imitation_n but_o with_o regard_n to_o this_o supreme_a pattern_n be_v you_o follewer_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n one_o christian_a may_v take_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o many_o thing_n in_o another_o but_o still_o examine_v all_o by_o the_o original_a primitive_a copy_n the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n himself_o follow_v nothing_o but_o as_o it_o conform_v with_o that_o and_o look_v most_o on_o he_o as_o both_o the_o perfect_a and_o most_o effectual_a example_n heb._n 12.2_o there_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o example_n but_o look_v above_o they_o all_o to_o he_o that_o be_v as_o high_a above_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v above_o the_o cloud_n as_o the_o way_n be_v better_a a_o lively_a one_o indeed_o so_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o skill_n for_o follow_v of_o it_o but_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n show_v his_o glory_n and_o greatness_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o the_o law_n be_v write_v only_o in_o dead_a table_n but_o christ_n the_o live_a law_n teach_v by_o obey_v it_o how_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o law_n be_v twice_o write_v over_o unto_o believer_n first_o in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o inward_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v together_o with_o that_o copy_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o he_o a_o spirit_n derive_v from_o he_o enable_v believer_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o their_o measure_n they_o may_v not_o only_o see_v he_o as_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v io._n 6._o but_o as_o there_o it_o follow_v they_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o soul_n delight_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o converse_v and_o love_n together_o make_v it_o learn_v his_o behaviour_n as_o man_n that_o live_v much_o together_o especial_o if_o they_o do_v much_o affect_v one_o another_o will_v insensible_o contract_v another_o habitude_n and_o custom_n the_o other_o thing_n oblige_v we_o be_v our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o his_o suffering_n he_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n return_v to_o ver._n 24._o observe_v only_o from_o the_o tie_n of_o these_o two_o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v his_o example_n set_v before_o we_o we_o can_v enjoy_v any_o right_a assurance_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o but_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v he_o than_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o life_n through_o his_o death_n and_o those_o step_n of_o he_o wherein_o we_o walk_v will_v bring_v we_o ere_o long_o to_o be_v where_o he_o be_v verse_n 24._o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n