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spirit_n word_n work_v yield_v 149 3 6.6599 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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be_v first_o impress_v on_o the_o mind_n hence_o flow_v out_o pleasant_a obedience_n and_o full_a of_o love_n hence_o all_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n with_o its_o member_n learn_v to_o give_v a_o willing_a obedience_n and_o submit_v unto_o god_n whereas_o before_o they_o resist_v he_o be_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o satan_n this_o obedience_n though_o imperfect_a yet_o have_v a_o certain_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v imperfect_a perfection_n it_o be_v universal_a three_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o subject_n 2._o in_o the_o object_n 3._o in_o the_o duration_n the_o whole_a man_n subject_v to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o constant_o and_o persevere_o the_o first_o universality_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o tongue_n alone_o or_o in_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o have_v its_o root_n in_o the_o heart_n therefore_o do_v not_o wither_v as_o the_o grass_n or_o flower_n lie_v on_o the_o superfice_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o it_o flourish_v because_o root_v and_o therefore_o it_o embrace_v the_o whole_a law_n because_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o reverence_n it_o have_v for_o the_o lawgiver_n himself_o reverence_n i_o say_v but_o temper_v with_o love_n hence_o it_o account_v no_o law_n nor_o command_n little_a or_o of_o small_a value_n which_o be_v from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v great_a and_o high_o esteem_v by_o the_o pious_a heart_n no_o command_n hard_a though_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o love_n there_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o all_o as_o st._n james_n divine_o argue_v and_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o golden_a chain_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n which_o if_o break_v in_o any_o link_n all_o fall_v a_o piece_n that_o this_o three_o fold_n perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o a_o picture_n draw_v by_o fancy_n be_v evident_a in_o david_n psal._n 119._o where_o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n his_o foot_n v_o 105._o his_o mouth_n v_o 13._o his_o heart_n v._n 11._o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o life_n v_o 24._o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n v_o 6._o and_o he_o profess_v his_o constancy_n therein_o in_o v_o 16._o and_o 33._o teach_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v then_o a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o their_o high_a cause_n and_o the_o happy_a way_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o possess_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o know_v they_o in_o experience_n to_o such_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o estate_n be_v that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o justify_v the_o near_a cause_n of_o both_o these_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o his_o blood_n purify_v they_o from_o guiltiness_n and_o quicken_v they_o to_o obedience_n now_o follow_v to_o consider_v the_o appropriate_v or_o apply_v cause_o the_o holy_a and_o holy_a make_n or_o sanctify_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o their_o select_v from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_a call_n unto_o grace_n the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o appoint_v or_o decree_a cause_n be_v god_n the_o father_n for_o though_o they_o all_o work_n equal_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o work_v we_o be_v teach_v thus_o to_o distinguish_v and_o particular_o to_o ascribe_v the_o first_o work_n of_o eternal_a election_n to_o the_o first_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o or_o through_o sanctification_n for_o to_o render_v it_o elect_v to_o the_o sanctification_n be_v strain_v so_o than_o i_o conceive_v this_o election_n be_v their_o effectual_a call_v which_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 26.27.28_o where_o vocation_n and_o election_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a after_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n the_o beginning_n of_o its_o performance_n in_o these_o that_o be_v elect_v and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o real_a separate_n of_o man_n from_o the_o profane_a and_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o appropriate_a and_o consecrate_v of_o a_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o relation_n to_o election_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o well_o bear_v that_o name_n rom._n 8.28.30_o act._n 2.47_o &_o 13.48_o joh._n 15.19_o sanctification_n in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n as_o distinguish_v f●om_n justification_n signify_v the_o inherent_a holiness_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o his_o inclinement_n and_o innablement_n to_o obedience_n mention_v in_o this_o verse_n but_o it_o be_v here_o more_o large_a and_o so_o extend_v with_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o renovation_n and_o be_v the_o sever_n and_o separate_n of_o man_n to_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n draw_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v justification_n as_o here_o and_o the_o first_o work_v of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v justify_v through_o its_o apprehend_n and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ._n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n call_v man_n external_o and_o by_o that_o eternal_a call_n prevail_v with_o many_o to_o a_o external_n receive_v and_o profess_v of_o religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v alone_o it_o go_v no_o further_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n and_o effectual_a call_n joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v do_v when_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o subject_n of_o this_o work_n and_o it_o be_v but_o slight_a false_a work_n that_o begin_v not_o there_o but_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o efficient_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o subject_a of_o this_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o place_n pray_v to_o the_o father_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v his_o own_o by_o that_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a mean_n in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v then_o a_o prevail_a mean_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o sword_n and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n fit_a to_o divide_v yea_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o without_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n hand_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o this_o cut_n and_o divide_v the_o word_n call_v but_o the_o spirit_n draw_v not_o sever_v from_o that_o word_n but_o work_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n to_o draw_v a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o strong_a chain_n of_o satan_n and_o out_o of_o the_o please_a entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o its_o own_o natural_a perverseness_n to_o yield_v up_o itself_o unto_o god_n to_o deny_v itself_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o in_o so_o do_v to_o run_v against_o the_o main_a stream_n and_o the_o current_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n without_o and_o corruption_n within_o the_o strong_a rhetoric_n the_o most_o move_a and_o persuasive_a way_n of_o discourse_n be_v all_o too_o weak_a the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o soul_n to_o free_v itself_o and_o shake_v off_o all_o that_o detein_v it_o although_o it_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o yet_o still_o it_o can_v and_o will_v hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o say_v non_fw-la persuadebis_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la persuaseris_fw-la the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o pluck_v any_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o world_n and_o set_v it_o in_o among_o the_o select_a number_n of_o believer_n only_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n have_v absolute_a command_n of_o spirit_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n
upright_a course_n of_o life_n and_o silent_a innocency_n as_o a_o wind_n it_o break_v the_o wave_n into_o foam_n that_o roar_v about_o it_o as_o free_v this_o the_o apostle_n add_v lest_o any_o shall_v so_o far_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n as_o to_o dream_v of_o a_o exemption_n from_o obedience_n either_o to_o god_n or_o to_o man_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o according_a to_o his_o appointment_n their_o freedom_n he_o grant_v but_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v aright_o what_o it_o be_v i_o can_v here_o insist_v at_o large_a on_o the_o spiritual_a freedom_n of_o christians_n nor_o be_v it_o here_o needful_a be_v mention_v only_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o in_o this_o point_n but_o free_a they_o be_v and_o they_o only_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o liberty_n if_o the_o son_n make_v you_o free_v you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o the_o restare_fw-la slave_n to_o satan_n and_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n as_o the_o israelite_n in_o 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life_n no_o dark_a sentence_n to_o puzzle_v the_o understanding_n nor_o large_a discouse_n and_o long_a period_n to_o burden_v the_o memory_n they_o be_v all_o plain_a there_o be_v nothing_o wreathe_v nor_o distort_v in_o they_o as_o wisdom_n speak_v of_o her_o instruction_n prov._n 8._o and_o this_o give_v check_n to_o a_o double_a folly_n among_o man_n contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o but_o both_o agree_v in_o mistake_v and_o wrong_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v of_o those_o that_o despise_v the_o word_n and_o that_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v that_o be_v conform_v to_o it_o for_o its_o plainess_n and_o simplicity_n these_o certain_o do_v not_o take_v the_o true_a end_n for_o which_o the_o word_n be_v design_v that_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o life_n and_o it_o be_v main_o requisite_a in_o law_n that_o they_o be_v both_o brief_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v our_o guide_n and_o light_n to_o happiness_n and_o if_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o 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to_o work_v on_o they_o as_o he_o please_v and_o where_o he_o will_n this_o powerful_a this_o sanctify_a spirit_n know_v no_o resistance_n work_v sweet_o and_o yet_o strong_o it_o can_v come_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n whereas_o all_o other_o speaker_n be_v force_v to_o stand_v without_o that_o still_o voice_n within_o persuade_v more_o than_o all_o the_o loud_a cry_v without_o as_o he_o that_o be_v within_o the_o house_n though_o he_o speak_v low_a be_v better_a hear_v and_o understand_v than_o he_o that_o shout_n without_o door_n when_o the_o lord_n himself_o speak_v by_o this_o his_o spirit_n to_o a_o man_n select_v and_o call_v he_o out_o of_o the_o lose_a world_n he_o can_v no_o more_o disobey_v then_o abraham_n do_v when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o he_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o depart_v from_o his_o own_o country_n and_o kindred_n gen._n 12.4_o abraham_n depart_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a but_o very_o powerful_a virtue_n in_o a_o word_n or_o look_v or_o touch_v of_o this_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o be_v force_v not_o with_o a_o harsh_a but_o a_o please_a violence_n and_o can_v choose_v but_o follow_v it_o not_o unlike_a that_o of_o elija_n mantle_n upon_o elisha_n 1_o kin._n 19.19_o how_o easy_o do_v the_o disciple_n forsake_v their_o calling_n and_o dwelling_n to_o follow_v christ._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n draw_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o sanctfied_a light_n send_v into_o his_o mind_n discover_v to_o he_o 1._o how_o base_a and_o false_a the_o sweetness_n of_o sin_n be_v that_o withhold_v man_n and_o amuse_n they_o that_o they_o return_v not_o and_o how_o true_a and_o sad_a the_o bitterness_n be_v that_o will_v follow_v upon_o it_o 2._o set_v before_o his_o eye_n the_o free_a and_o happy_a condition_n the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o riches_n of_o their_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o their_o far_a large_a and_o assure_v hope_n for_o afterward_o 3._o make_v the_o beauty_n of_o jesus_n christ_n visible_a to_o the_o soul_n which_o straight_o way_n take_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v stay_v from_o come_v to_o he_o though_o its_o most_o belove_a friend_n most_o belove_a sin_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n and_o hang_v about_o it_o and_o cry_n will_v you_o leave_v we_o so_o it_o will_v tread_v upon_o all_o to_o come_v within_o the_o embracement_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o be_v not_o disobedient_a to_o or_o unperswade_v by_o the_o heavenly_a vision_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o godly_a be_v by_o some_o call_v singular_a and_o precise_a they_o be_v so_o singular_a a_o few_o select_a one_o pick_v out_o by_o god_n own_o hand_n for_o himself_o psal._n 4.3_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v apart_o he_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n the_o world_n hate_v you_o because_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o unholiness_n and_o wickedness_n be_v bury_v in_o it_o and_o as_o live_a man_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n among_o the_o dead_a neither_o can_v these_o elect_v one_o among_o the_o ungodly_a they_o walk_v in_o the_o world_n as_o wary_o as_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n neat_o apparel_v will_v do_v among_o a_o multitude_n that_o be_v all_o sullied_a and_o bemire_v endeavour_v to_o have_v this_o sanctify_a spirit_n in_o yourselves_o pray_v much_o for_o it_o for_o his_o promise_n be_v pass_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v give_v this_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o and_o shall_v we_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o want_v it_o for_o want_v of_o ask_v when_o we_o find_v heavy_a setter_n on_o our_o soul_n and_o much_o weakness_n yea_o averseness_n to_o follow_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n call_v we_o to_o his_o obedience_n then_o pray_v with_o the_o spouse_n draw_v i_o she_o can_v go_v nor_o stir_v without_o that_o draw_n and_o yet_o with_o it_o not_o only_o go_v but_o run_v we_o will_v run_v after_o thou_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o you_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o use_v the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o profess_v his_o name_n for_o many_o be_v thus_o call_v and_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n outward_o call_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o so_o and_o yet_o the_o number_n of_o true_a elect_n be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o gain_v the_o number_n of_o these_o that_o be_v call_v the_o name_n of_o many_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o partake_v of_o external_a vocation_n be_v but_o like_o a_o large_a list_n of_o name_n as_o in_o civil_a election_n be_v usual_a out_o of_o which_o a_o small_a number_n be_v choose_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o true_a christian_n and_o invest_v into_o their_o privilege_n some_o man_n in_o nomination_n to_o office_n or_o employment_n think_v it_o a_o worse_a disapointment_n and_o disgrace_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o list_n and_o yet_o not_o choose_v they_o if_o their_o name_n have_v not_o be_v mention_v at_o all_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n to_o have_v be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o miss_v of_o it_o than_o still_o to_o have_v remain_v in_o the_o further_a distance_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o haven_n the_o fair_a havens_n indeed_o and_o yet_o drive_v back_o and_o shipwrack_v your_o labour_n be_v most_o preposterous_a you_o seek_v to_o ascertain_v and_o make_v sure_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v make_v sure_a and_o that_o which_o be_v both_o more_o worth_a and_o may_v be_v make_v sure_a than_o they_o all_o you_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o make_v sure_a harken_v to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o at_o length_n set_v to_o this_o in_o earnest_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a make_v sure_o this_o election_n as_o it_o be_v here_o for_o that_o be_v the_o order_n your_o effectual_a call_n sure_a and_o that_o will_v bring_v with_o it_o assurance_n of_o the_o other_o the_o eternal_a election_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o you_o which_o follow_v to_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n know_a unto_o god_n be_v all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o beginning_n say_v the_o apostle_n james_n act_n 15.18_o he_o see_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o beyond_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o do_v foresee_v they_o but_o this_o foreknowledge_n here_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o elect_n ver●a_fw-la sansus_fw-la in_o sacra_fw-la scriptura_fw-la connotant_n affectus_fw-la as_o the_o rabbin_n remark_n so_o in_o man_n psal._n 66._o if_o i_o see_v iniquity_n and_o in_o god_n psal._n 1._o ult_n amos_n 3.2_o and_o in_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n relate_v it_o as_o the_o terrible_a doom_n of_o reprobate_n at_o the_o last_o day_n depart_v etc._n etc._n i_o know_v you_o not_o i_o never_o know_v you_o so_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7.15_o and_o bez●_n observe_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o the_o greek_n sometime_o take_v for_o dece●●ere_o judicare_fw-la thus_o some_o speak_v to_o cog●osce_fw-la upon_o a_o business_n so_o then_o this_o foreknowledge_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n or_o decree_n of_o election_n by_o which_o some_o be_v appoint_v unto_o life_n and_o be_v foreknow_v or_o elect_v to_o that_o end_n they_o be_v predestinate_a to_o the_o way_n to_o it_o rom._n 8.29_o it_o be_v most_o vain_a to_o imagine_v a_o foresight_n of_o faith_n in_o man_n and_o in_o the_o vieu_n of_o that_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o election_n itself_o to_o have_v choose_v they_o for_o 1._o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v futurum_fw-la or_o can_v have_v that_o imagine_a futurition_n so_o to_o speak_v but_o as_o it_o be_v and_o because_o it_o be_v decree_v by_o god_n to_o be_v and_o therefore_o as_o before_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n say_v know_v to_o god_n be_v all_o his_o own_o work_n therefore_o because_o his_o work_n in_o time_n and_o his_o purpose_n from_o eternity_n 2._o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n of_o divine_a will_n without_o himself_o 3._o this_o easy_o solve_v all_o that_o difficulty_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o yet_o he_o never_o think_v of_o such_o a_o solution_n but_o run_v high_a for_o a_o answer_n not_o to_o satisfy_v cavil_v reason_n but_o to_o silence_v it_o and_o stop_v its_o mouth_n for_o thus_o the_o apostle_n argue_v rom._n 9.19_o 20._o thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n
nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n who_o can_v conceive_v whence_o this_o shall_v be_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v believe_v unless_o it_o be_v give_v he_o of_o god_n and_o if_o give_v he_o than_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o give_v it_o he_o and_o if_o so_o then_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o save_v he_o and_o for_o that_o end_n he_o give_v faith_n not_o therefore_o purpose_v to_o save_o because_o man_n shall_v believe_v 4._o this_o seem_v cross_a to_o these_o scripture_n where_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o subordination_n or_o rather_o coordination_n of_o those_o two_o as_o here_o foreknown_a and_o elect_v not_o because_o of_o obedience_n or_o sprinkle_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o to_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v which_o be_v by_o faith_n so_o he_o predestinate_v not_o because_o he_o foresee_v man_n will_v be_v conform_a to_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v so_o as_o rom._n 8.29_o for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a and_o the_o same_o order_n act._n 2.47_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o 13.48_o and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v this_o foreknowledge_n then_o be_v his_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n and_o that_o thus_o he_o choose_v some_o and_o reject_v other_o be_v for_o that_o great_a end_n to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n but_o why_o he_o appoint_v this_o man_n for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o other_o make_v peter_n a_o vessel_n of_o this_o mercy_n and_o judas_n of_o wrath_n this_o be_v even_o so_o because_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o this_o if_o it_o be_v harsh_a yet_o be_v apostolic_a doctrine_n have_v not_o the_o potter_n say_v st._n paul_n power_n over_o the_o same_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n and_o another_o unto_o dishonour_n this_o deep_a we_o must_v admire_v and_o always_o in_o consider_v it_o close_o with_o this_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n now_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o we_o be_v for_o our_o profit_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o effectual_a call_v be_v inseparable_o tie_v to_o this_o eternal_a foreknowledge_n or_o election_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o salvation_n on_o the_o other_o these_o two_o link_n of_o the_o chain_n be_v up_o in_o heaven_n in_o god_n own_o hand_n but_o this_o middle_a one_o be_v let_v down_o to_o earth_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n and_o they_o lay_v hold_n on_o it_o have_v sure_o hold_v on_o the_o other_o two_o for_o no_o power_n can_v sever_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o read_v the_o character_n of_o god_n image_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n those_o be_v the_o counterpain_n of_o the_o golden_a character_n of_o his_o love_n in_o which_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n their_o believe_v write_v their_o name_n under_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o reveal_v book_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n and_o so_o ascertain_v they_o that_o the_o same_o name_n be_v in_o the_o secret_a book_n of_o life_n that_o god_n have_v by_o himself_o from_o eternity_n so_o find_v the_o stream_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n though_o they_o see_v not_o the_o fountain_n whence_o it_o flow_v nor_o the_o ocean_n into_o which_o it_o return_v yet_o they_o know_v that_o it_o have_v its_o source_n and_o shall_v return_v to_o that_o ocean_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o eternal_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o shall_v empty_v itself_o into_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n hence_o much_o joy_n arise_v to_o the_o believer_n this_o tie_n indissolvable_a as_o the_o agent_n be_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o spirit_n so_o election_n and_o vocation_n and_o sanctification_n and_o justification_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o condition_n they_o may_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o look_v back_o to_o that_o election_n and_o forward_o to_o that_o salvation_n but_o they_o that_o remain_v unholy_a and_o dissobedient_a have_v as_o yet_o no_o evidence_n of_o this_o love_n and_o therefore_o can_v without_o vain_a presumption_n and_o self_n delusion_n judge_v thus_o of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o peculiar_a love_n of_o god_n but_o in_o this_o let_v the_o righteous_a be_v glad_a and_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_v all_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o heart_n it_o be_v one_o main_a point_n of_o happiness_n that_o he_o that_o be_v happy_a do_v know_v and_o judge_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a good_a of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o reasonable_a way_n it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o dull_a rest_v of_o a_o stone_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a body_n in_o its_o natural_a place_n but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o be_v the_o fruition_n of_o it_o the_o very_a relish_v and_o taste_v its_o sweetness_n the_o perfect_a blessedness_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v abide_v they_o above_o but_o even_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v true_o happy_a though_o incompleat_o and_o but_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v and_o this_o their_o present_a happiness_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o the_o more_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o it_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o pleasant_a fruit_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v they_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o comfort_v his_o disperse_a brethren_n set_v before_o they_o a_o description_n of_o that_o excellent_a spiritual_a condition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v if_o they_o be_v inseparable_o link_v together_o then_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o may_v know_v that_o his_o hold_n be_v sure_a and_o this_o be_v that_o way_n wherein_o 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what_o then_o shall_v the_o full_a sight_n and_o real_a possession_n of_o it_o be_v the_o worker_n of_o this_o salvation_n who_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n make_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o that_o work_n of_o redemption_n as_o we_o have_v it_o here_o be_v his_o humiliation_n and_o exaltation_n his_o suffering_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o follow_v thereupon_o now_o though_o this_o serve_v as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o christian_n in_o their_o suffering_n that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o their_o lord_n go_v into_o his_o glory_n and_o be_v true_a also_o of_o christ_n mystical_a the_o head_n with_o the_o member_n as_o the_o scripture_n often_o teach_v we_o yet_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v here_o main_o intend_v as_o a_o summary_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n relate_v to_o the_o salvation_n mention_v verse_n 10._o and_o as_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n so_o it_o be_v put_v for_o it_o here_o the_o prophet_n inquire_v and_o prophesy_v of_o that_o salvation_n how_o by_o search_v out_o and_o foretell_v the_o suffering_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n his_o suffering_n then_o and_o his_o after_o glory_n be_v our_o salvation_n his_o suffering_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o he_o as_o our_o head_n have_v triumph_v and_o be_v crown_v make_v we_o likewise_o sure_a of_o victory_n and_o triumph_n have_v enter_v possession_n to_o glory_n make_v our_o hope_n certain_a this_o be_v his_o prayer_n that_o where_o he_o be_v there_o we_o may_v be_v also_o and_o this_o his_o own_o assertion_n the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o joh._n 17.22_o 24._o this_o be_v
disparage_v not_o their_o extraordinary_a vision_n and_o revelation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v add_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v foretell_v the_o thing_n to_o come_v it_o be_v their_o constant_a duty_n and_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n make_v it_o their_o constant_a exercise_n to_o search_v into_o divine_a mystery_n by_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n yea_o and_o by_o read_v such_o holy_a writer_n as_o be_v already_o extant_a in_o their_o time_n as_o dan._n 9_o and_o 10._o for_o which_o cause_n some_o take_v the_o word_n active_o conceive_v daniel_n to_o be_v call_v there_o a_o man_n of_o desire_n because_o of_o his_o great_a desire_n and_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o high_a thing_n and_o in_o this_o diligent_a way_n they_o constant_o wait_v for_o these_o revelation_n which_o sometime_o when_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v impart_v unto_o they_o prophecy_n reside_v not_o say_v the_o hebrew_n doctor_n but_o in_o a_o man_n that_o be_v great_a in_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n who_o affection_n overcome_v he_o not_o in_o any_o worldly_a thing_n but_o by_o his_o knowledge_n he_o overcome_v his_o affection_n continual_o on_o such_o a_o man_n the_o holy_a spirit_n come_v down_o and_o his_o soul_n be_v associate_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o he_o be_v change_v to_o another_o man._n thu●_n maimonides_n it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n to_o speak_v either_o through_o senseless_a statue_n or_o where_o they_o utter_v his_o oracle_n it_o be_v by_o such_o profane_a prophet_n as_o he_o have_v to_o cause_v they_o in_o a_o fury_n tumble_v forth_o word_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v light_n and_o the_o holy_a prophet_n inspire_v with_o it_o they_o be_v diligent_a attendant_n on_o its_o motion_n and_o searcher_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n understand_v well_o what_o their_o business_n be_v and_o to_o what_o purpose_n tend_v those_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o by_o inspiration_n do_v foretell_v and_o therefore_o bend_v their_o thought_n this_o way_n pray_v and_o search_v and_o wait_v for_o answer_n study_v to_o keep_v the_o passage_n as_o it_o be_v open_a for_o the_o beam_n of_o those_o divine_a revelation_n to_o come_v in_o at_o not_o to_o have_v their_o spirit_n clog_v and_o stop_v with_o earthly_a and_o sinful_a affection_n endeavour_v for_o that_o calm_a and_o quiet_a composure_n of_o spirit_n in_o which_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v be_v the_o better_o hear_v thus_o psal._n 85.8_o and_o hab._n 2.1_o in_o both_o which_o place_n follow_v a_o excellent_a prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o his_o people_n be_v the_o prophet_n not_o exempt_v from_o the_o pain_n of_o search_n and_o inquiry_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o a_o high_a measure_n but_o after_o a_o singular_a manner_n how_o unbeseeming_a then_o be_v slothfulness_n and_o idleness_n in_o we_o whether_o be_v it_o that_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o advantage_v with_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o those_o holy_a man_n or_o that_o we_o esteem_v the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n on_o which_o they_o bestow_v so_o much_o of_o their_o labour_n unworthy_a of_o we_o these_o be_v both_o so_o gross_a that_o we_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o either_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o our_o laziness_n and_o negligence_n in_o search_v after_o those_o thing_n seem_v to_o charge_v we_o with_o some_o such_o thought_n as_o one_o of_o those_o you_o will_v say_v this_o concern_v those_o that_o succeed_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o ordinary_a the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o do_v indeed_o fall_v first_o upon_o they_o it_o be_v their_o task_n indeed_o to_o be_v diligent_a and_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v his_o timothy_n to_o attend_v on_o read_v but_o above_o all_o to_o study_v to_o have_v much_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o this_o end_n to_o disentangle_v and_o free_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a from_o low_a thing_n to_o the_o search_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n prov._n 18.1_o as_o they_o be_v call_v angel_n so_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o in_o a_o constant_a nearness_n unto_o god_n and_o attendance_n on_o he_o like_v unto_o the_o angel_n and_o look_v much_o into_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o angel_n here_o be_v say_v to_o do_v to_o endeavour_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n purify_v from_o the_o affection_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n may_v shine_v clear_a in_o they_o and_o not_o be_v fog_v and_o mist_v with_o filthy_a vapour_n to_o have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n clear_o write_v in_o their_o breast_n not_o mix_v and_o blur_v with_o earthly_a character_n season_v all_o their_o reading_n and_o common_a way_n of_o study_n with_o much_o prayer_n and_o divine_a meditation_n they_o that_o converse_v most_o with_o the_o king_n and_o be_v inward_a with_o he_o know_v most_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n and_o even_o the_o secret_n of_o they_o that_o be_v hide_v from_o other_o and_o certain_o those_o of_o god_n messenger_n that_o be_v often_o with_o himself_o can_v but_o underdand_v their_o business_n best_o and_o know_v most_o of_o his_o meaning_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v confess_v that_o singular_a diligence_n be_v require_v in_o they_o but_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v say_v without_o exception_n that_o his_o secret_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o save_a truth_n to_o those_o that_o humble_o seek_v they_o do_v not_o any_o of_o you_o yourselves_o so_o much_o injury_n as_o to_o bar_v yourselves_o from_o share_v in_o your_o measure_n of_o the_o search_n of_o these_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o study_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o by_o their_o study_n and_o publish_v they_o be_v make_v the_o more_o accessible_a and_o easy_a to_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o do_v concern_v we_o universal_o if_o we_o will_v be_v save_v for_o it_o be_v salvation_n here_o that_o they_o study_v search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n joh._n 5._o and_o that_o be_v the_o motive_n if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o that_o may_v be_v think_v in_o reason_n press_v enough_o or_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o think_v so_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v to_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o it_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v christ_n be_v this_o salvation_n and_o that_o eternal_a life_n and_o he_o add_v further_a it_o be_v they_o those_o scripture_n that_o testify_v of_o i_o these_o be_v the_o golden_a mine_n in_o which_o alone_o the_o abide_n treasure_n of_o eternity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o worthy_a all_o the_o dig_v and_o pain_n we_o can_v bestow_v on_o they_o beside_o their_o industry_n in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o search_v there_o be_v here_o express_v their_o ardent_a affection_n to_o the_o thing_n they_o prophesy_v of_o and_o their_o long_n and_o wish_n for_o its_o accomplishment_n viz._n the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o top_n of_o all_o their_o desire_n the_o great_a hope_n and_o the_o light_n of_o israel_n no_o wonder_n they_o desire_v his_o day_n that_o have_v so_o much_o joy_n in_o the_o see_v it_o so_o far_o off_o as_o over_o the_o head_n almost_o of_o two_o thousand_o year_n faith_n overlook_v they_o and_o foresee_v it_o so_o in_o abraham_n his_o heart_n dance_v for_o joy_n joh._n 8.36_o abraham_n see_v my_o day_n and_o rejoice_v and_o this_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n in_o that_o mystical_a song_n as_o they_o suit_v those_o time_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n breathe_v out_o her_o long_n for_o the_o come_n of_o her_o belove_a his_o speak_n by_o the_o prophet_n be_v his_o voice_n as_o afar_o off_o but_o his_o incarnation_n be_v his_o come_n near_o and_o kiss_v his_o church_n with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o cant._n chap._n 1._o verse_n 1._o and_o to_o omit_v other_o expression_n throughout_o the_o song_n the_o last_o chapter_n verse_n 1._o be_v tender_a and_o pathetical_a oh_o that_o thou_o be_v as_o my_o brother_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o last_o word_n of_o it_o make_v haste_v my_o belove_a and_o be_v thou_o like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a hart_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o spice_n and_o when_o this_o salvation_n come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n we_o see_v how_o joyful_o good_a old_a simeon_n embrace_v it_o and_o think_v he_o have_v see_v
cherubim_n wonder_v how_o guilty_a man_n escape_v their_o flame_a sword_n and_o re-enter_v paradise_n the_o angel_n see_v that_o their_o companion_n that_o fall_v be_v not_o restore_v but_o their_o room_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n and_o they_o envy_v it_o not_o which_o mystery_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o and_o this_o be_v add_v in_o the_o close_a of_o these_o word_n for_o the_o extol_n of_o it_o the_o angel_n look_v upon_o what_o they_o have_v see_v already_o fulfil_v with_o delight_n and_o admiration_n and_o what_o remain_v namely_o the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o great_a work_n in_o the_o end_n of_o time_n they_o look_v upon_o with_o desire_n to_o see_v it_o finish_v it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a glance_n they_o take_v of_o it_o but_o they_o fix_v their_o eye_n and_o look_v steadfast_o on_o it_o viz._n that_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o be_v add_v see_v of_o angel_n the_o word_n make_v flesh_n draw_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o glorious_a spirit_n and_o possess_v they_o with_o wonder_n to_o see_v the_o almighty_a godhead_n join_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o man_n yea_o of_o a_o infant_n he_o that_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n bind_v up_o in_o swaddle_a clothes_n and_o to_o pass_v all_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o life_n this_o be_v beyond_o all_o admiration_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n be_v subject_a to_o death_n and_o that_o his_o love_n and_o rebellious_a mankind_n move_v he_o both_o to_o take_v on_o and_o lay_v down_o that_o life_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o angel_n admire_v those_o thing_n and_o delight_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o they_o view_v they_o steadfast_o and_o we_o neglect_v they_o either_o we_o consider_v they_o not_o at_o all_o or_o give_v they_o but_o a_o transient_a look_n half_o a_o eye_n that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n both_o for_o their_o own_o time_n and_o to_o convey_v they_o to_o we_o we_o regard_v not_o and_o turn_v our_o eye_n to_o foolish_a wander_a thought_n which_o angel_n be_v ashamed_a at_o they_o be_v not_o so_o concern_v in_o this_o great_a mystery_n as_o we_o be_v they_o be_v but_o mere_a beholder_n in_o comparison_n of_o we_o yea_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o be_v loser_n someway_o that_o our_o nature_n in_o itself_o inferior_a to_o they_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n exalt_v above_o they_o heb._n 2.16_o we_o bow_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o study_v and_o grovel_v in_o it_o take_v into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o it_o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o look_v not_o within_o it_o but_o they_o have_v no_o will_n nor_o desire_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v pure_a flame_n of_o fire_n burn_v only_o in_o love_n to_o he_o be_v no_o less_o delight_v then_o amaze_v with_o the_o bottomless_a wonder_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n shine_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v our_o shame_n and_o our_o folly_n that_o we_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o our_o thought_n in_o poor_a childish_a thing_n and_o trifle_v away_o our_o day_n we_o know_v not_o how_o and_o let_v these_o rich_a mystery_n lie_v unregarded_a they_o look_v up_o upon_o the_o deity_n in_o itself_o with_o continual_a admiration_n but_o that_o they_o look_v down_o to_o this_o mystery_n be_v another_o wonder_n we_o give_v they_o a_o ear_n in_o public_a and_o in_o a_o cold_a formal_a way_n stop_v conscience_n mouth_n with_o some_o religious_a performance_n in_o private_a and_o no_o more_o but_o to_o have_v deep_a and_o frequent_a thought_n and_o to_o be_v ravish_v in_o the_o meditation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n once_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o now_o in_o glory_n how_o few_o of_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o we_o see_v here_o excellent_a company_n and_o example_n not_o only_o of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v but_o we_o have_v they_o fellow-servant_n and_o fellow-student_n if_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o we_o may_v all_o study_v the_o same_o lesson_n with_o the_o very_a angel_n and_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n with_o they_o this_o the_o soul_n do_v that_o often_o entertain_v itself_o with_o the_o delightful_a admiration_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o redemption_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o we_o verse_n 13._o wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n be_v sober_a and_o hope_v to_o the_o end_n for_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o you_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o great_a error_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o error_n of_o life_n be_v the_o divert_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o god_n and_o turn_v downward_o to_o in_o feriour_a confidence_n and_o comfort_n and_o this_o mischoyce_n be_v the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o our_o misery_n therefore_o the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o untie_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n from_o the_o world_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o god_n as_o their_o only_a rest_n and_o solid_a comfort_n and_o this_o be_v here_o the_o apostle_n mark_v at_o which_o all_o the_o precede_a discourse_n aim_v it_o all_o meet_v and_o terminate_v in_o this_o exhortation_n wherefore_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o word_n be_v those_o 3_o thing_n 1._o the_o great_a stay_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o apostle_n repeat_v and_o represent_v to_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n 2._o his_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o right_a apprehension_n and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o inference_n of_o that_o exhortation_n the_o matter_n of_o their_o comfort_n be_v the_o grace_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n some_o for_o grace_n read_v joy_n have_v as_o it_o seem_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n 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so_o much_o and_o speak_v so_o many_o tongue_n yet_o i_o determine_v say_v he_o to_o know_v nothing_o among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a 1_o cor._n 2.2_o and_o again_o he_o express_v this_o as_o the_o top_n of_o his_o ambition_n that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n that_o conformity_n be_v this_o only_a knowledge_n he_o that_o have_v his_o lust_n unmortified_a and_o a_o heart_n unweaned_a from_o the_o world_n though_o he_o know_v all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o can_v discourse_v well_o of_o they_o yet_o indeed_o he_o know_v they_o not_o if_o you_o will_v increase_v much_o in_o holiness_n and_o be_v strong_a against_o the_o tentation_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o only_a art_n of_o it_o view_n much_o and_o so_o seek_v to_o know_v much_o of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 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in_o its_o effect_n and_o exercise_n his_o society_n and_o converse_v with_o any_o tend_v main_o to_o this_o that_o he_o may_v mutual_o help_v and_o be_v help_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n desire_v most_o that_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n may_v joint_o mind_v their_o journey_n heavenwards_o and_o further_o one_o another_o in_o their_o way_n to_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o love_n of_o a_o pure_a heart_n that_o both_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o god_n fervent_o not_o after_o a_o cold_a indifferent_a manner_n let_v the_o love_n of_o your_o brethren_n be_v as_o a_o fire_n within_o you_o consume_v that_o selfishness_n that_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n let_v it_o set_v your_o thought_n on_o work_n to_o study_v how_o to_o do_v other_o good_a let_v your_o love_n be_v a_o active_a love_n intense_a within_z you_o and_o extend_v itself_o in_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o your_o brethren_n as_o they_o need_v and_o you_o be_v able_a alium_n re_fw-mi alium_fw-la concilio_fw-la alium_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la as_o sen._n the_o benef_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 2._o it_o be_v self-love_n that_o contract_v the_o heart_n and_o shut_v out_o all_o other_o love_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n save_v only_o so_o far_o as_o our_o own_o interest_n carry_v and_o that_o be_v still_o self-love_n but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n dilate_v the_o heart_n purify_v love_n and_o extend_v it_o to_o all_o man_n but_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n direct_v it_o to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o peculiar_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v hero_n the_o particular_a love_n require_v love_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o this_o be_v imply_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o love_v those_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v our_o brethren_n this_o conclude_v not_o only_o as_o abraham_n say_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o strife_n but_o it_o bind_v most_o strong_o to_o this_o sincere_a and_o pure_a and_o fervent_a love_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n repeat_v express_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mysterious_a new-birth_n and_o explain_v it_o more_o full_o which_o he_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o epistle_n and_o again_o refer_v to_o it_o verse_n 14_o 17._o there_o be_v in_o this_o fervent_a love_n sympathy_n with_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o brethren_n desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o help_v they_o bear_v their_o infirmity_n and_o recover_v they_o too_o if_o it_o may_v be_v raise_v they_o when_o they_o fall_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o as_o be_v needful_a sometime_o sharp_o and_o yet_o still_o in_o love_n rejoice_v in_o their_o good_a in_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o far_o from_o envy_v they_o that_o we_o be_v glad_a as_o if_o they_o be_v our_o own_o there_o be_v the_o same_o blood_n run_v in_o their_o vein_n you_o have_v the_o same_o father_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o that_o glorious_a fraternity_n the_o first_o bear_v among_o many_o brethren_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v eph._n 1.10_o that_o he_o have_v recollect_v into_o one_o all_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n the_o word_n be_v gather_v they_o into_o one_o head_n and_o so_o suit_v very_o fit_o to_o express_v that_o our_o union_n in_o he_o in_o who_o say_v he_o in_o that_o same_o epistle_n c._n 4.16_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v fit_o compact_v together_o and_o add_v that_o which_o agree_v to_o our_o purpose_n that_o this_o body_n grow_v up_o and_o edify_v itself_o in_o love_n all_o the_o member_n receive_v spirit_n from_o the_o same_o head_n and_o be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n thus_o these_o brethren_n receive_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n from_o their_o head_n christ_n be_v most_o strong_o bend_v to_o the_o good_a one_o of_o another_o if_o there_o be_v but_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o foot_n the_o back_n bow_v the_o head_n stoop_v down_o the_o eye_n look_v the_o hand_n reach_v to_o it_o and_o endeavour_v its_o help_n and_o case_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o member_n partake_v of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a one_o of_o another_o now_o by_o how_o much_o this_o body_n be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o lively_a so_o much_o the_o strong_a must_v the_o union_n and_o love_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v each_o to_o other_o you_o be_v brethren_n by_o the_o same_o new_a birth_n and_o bear_v to_o the_o same_o inheritance_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o apple_n of_o strife_n among_o you_o to_o beget_v debate_n and_o contention_n no_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o all_o and_o none_o shall_v prejudge_v another_o but_o you_o shall_v have_v joy_n in_o the_o happiness_n one_o of_o another_o see_v you_o shall_v then_o be_v perfect_a in_o love_n all_o harmony_n no_o difference_n in_o judgement_n nor_o affection_n all_o your_o harp_n tune_v to_o the_o same_o new_a song_n which_o you_o shall_v sing_v for_o ever_o let_v that_o love_n begin_v here_o which_o shall_v never_o end_v and_o this_o same_o union_n i_o conceive_v be_v likewise_o press_v in_o the_o first_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n see_v you_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o work_n of_o sanctification_n by_o the_o same_o word_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o work_v it_o in_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o by_o that_o be_v call_v and_o incorporate_v into_o that_o fraternity_n therefore_o live_v in_o it_o and_o like_o it_o you_o be_v purify_v to_o it_o therefore_o love_v one_o another_o after_o that_o same_o manner_n pure_o let_v the_o profane_a world_n scoff_n that_o name_n of_o brethren_n you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o foolish_a
as_o to_o be_v scorn_v out_o of_o it_o be_v so_o honourable_a and_o happy_a and_o the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n wherein_o those_o that_o scoff_n you_o will_v give_v much_o more_o than_o all_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o ever_o possess_v in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o your_o number_n see_v you_o have_v purify_v your_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v 1._o the_o chief_a seat_n or_o subject_n of_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n the_o soul_n 2._o the_o subordinate_a mean_n truth_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o obey_v of_o truth_n 4._o the_o chief_a worker_n of_o it_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o work_n that_o go_v through_o the_o whole_a man_n renew_v and_o purify_v all_o heb._n 10.22_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o but_o because_o it_o purify_v the_o soul_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o do_v purify_v all_o there_o begin_v impurity_n mat._n 15._o not_o only_o evil_a thought_n but_o all_o evil_a action_n come_v forth_o from_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v there_o all_o one_o with_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o this_o purify_n begin_v there_o make_v the_o tree_n good_a that_o the_o fruit_n may_v be_v good_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o external_a performance_n that_o be_v the_o difference_n of_o man_n as_o their_o inward_a temper_n we_o meet_v here_o in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o all_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o how_o wide_o a_o difference_n be_v there_o in_o god_n eye_n betwixt_o a_o unwashed_a profane_a heart_n in_o the_o same_o exercise_n and_o a_o soul_n purify_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o desirous_a to_o be_v further_o purify_v by_o further_a obey_v it_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v the_o subordinate_a mean_n of_o this_o purity_n be_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v truth_n and_o pure_a in_o itself_o and_o beget_v truth_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o heart_n by_o teach_v it_o concern_v the_o holy_a and_o pure_a nature_n of_o god_n show_v it_o and_o his_o holy_a will_n which_o be_v to_o we_o the_o rule_n of_o purity_n and_o by_o represent_v jesus_n christ_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o purity_n and_o renovation_n from_o who_o fullness_n we_o may_v receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n that_o wherein_o the_o very_a be_v of_o this_o purify_n consist_v be_v the_o receive_v or_o obey_v of_o this_o truth_n so_o gal._n 3.1_o where_o it_o be_v put_v for_o right_o believe_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o obedience_n be_v believe_v the_o proper_a obedience_n to_o truth_n be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o and_o this_o divine_a belief_n do_v necessary_o bring_v the_o whole_a soul_n into_o obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o that_o pure_a truth_n which_o be_v in_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o very_a purify_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v this_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o unbelief_n be_v its_o chief_n impurity_n and_o disobedience_n therefore_o act._n 15.9_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o purify_v the_o heart_n 4._o the_o chief_a worker_n of_o this_o sanctification_n be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v say_v here_o to_o purify_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o the_o soul_n itself_o do_v act_n in_o believe_v or_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o motion_n they_o purify_v their_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n they_o do_v it_o by_o his_o enliven_a power_n and_o a_o purify_n virtue_n recevy_v from_o he_o faith_n or_o obey_v the_o truth_n work_v this_o purity_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v that_o faith_n as_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n god_n be_v say_v to_o purify_v their_o heart_n by_o faith_n verse_n 8._o he_o do_v that_o by_o give_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o truth_n be_v pure_a and_o purify_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o of_o itself_o purify_v the_o soul_n but_o by_o the_o obey_n or_o believe_v it_o and_o the_o soul_n can_v obey_v or_o believe_v but_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o work_v in_o it_o that_o faith_n and_o by_o that_o faith_n purify_v it_o and_o work_v love_n in_o it_o '_o it_o be_v the_o impurity_n and_o earthliness_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o disunion_n and_o disaffection_n among_o they_o and_o of_o all_o their_o stri●es_n jam._n 4.1_o this_o spirit_n be_v that_o fire_n that_o refine_v and_o purify_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o dross_n of_o earthly_a desire_n that_o possess_v it_o and_o sublimate_n it_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o saint_n because_o they_o be_v his_o and_o be_v purify_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o fire_n to_o draw_v together_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n the_o outward_a fire_n of_o enmity_n and_o persecution_n that_o be_v kindle_v against_o the_o godly_a by_o the_o world_n do_v somewhat_o and_o if_o it_o be_v more_o consider_v by_o they_o will_v do_v more_o in_o this_o knit_n their_o heart_n close_a one_o to_o another_o but_o it_o be_v this_o inward_a pure_a and_o purify_n fire_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o do_v most_o powerful_o unite_v they_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a truth_n of_o this_o christian_a mutual_a love_n among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o this_o purify_n obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n whence_o it_o flow_v faith_n unfeigned_a will_v beget_v this_o love_n unfeigned_a man_n may_v exhort_v to_o they_o both_o but_o they_o require_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o work_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n verse_n 23._o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o two_o thing_n that_o make_v up_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v the_o very_a sum_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n to_o walk_v as_o obedient_a child_n towards_o god_n and_o love_a brethren_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o that_o it_o may_v yet_o have_v the_o deep_a impression_n he_o here_o represent_v to_o they_o anew_o that_o new_a birth_n he_o mention_v before_o by_o which_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o brethren_n we_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o this_o regeneration_n and_o then_o of_o the_o seed_n this_o be_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n io._n 1.12_o and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v bestow_v this_o dignity_n on_o they_o 1_o io._n 3.1_o for_o they_o be_v no_o way_n needful_a to_o he_o he_o have_v from_o eternity_n a_o son_n perfect_o like_o himself_o the_o character_n of_o his_o person_n and_o one_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o both_o and_o there_o be_v no_o creation_n neither_o the_o first_o nor_o the_o second_o can_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o those_o and_o their_o happiness_n it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o that_o bless_a trinity_n satis_fw-la amplum_fw-la alter_fw-la alterj_n theatrum_fw-la sumus_fw-la but_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o impart_v his_o goodness_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o son_n not_o only_o angel_n that_o be_v so_o call_v but_o man_n a_o little_a low_o than_o they_o in_o nature_n yet_o dignify_v with_o this_o name_n in_o his_o creation_n st._n luke_n 3.38_o which_o be_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n footstep_n as_o they_o speak_v which_o all_o the_o creature_n have_v but_o of_o his_o image_n and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o this_o be_v his_o rich_a grace_n magnify_v that_o sin_n have_v deface_v that_o image_n and_o so_o degrade_v man_n from_o his_o honour_n and_o devest_v he_o of_o that_o title_n of_o sonship_n and_o stamp_v our_o pollute_a nature_n with_o the_o mark_n of_o vileness_n and_o bondage_n yea_o with_o the_o very_a image_n of_o satan_n rebellion_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n that_o out_o of_o mankind_n thus_o ruin_v and_o degenerate_v god_n shall_v raise_v to_o himself_o a_o new_a race_n and_o generation_n of_o son_n for_o this_o design_n be_v the_o word_n make_v flesh_n io._n 1._o the_o son_n make_v man_n to_o make_v man_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v by_o he_o alone_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o this_o they_o that_o receive_v he_o receive_v with_o he_o and_o in_o he_o this_o privilege_n verse_n 12._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sonship_n by_o adoption_n and_o be_v so_o call_v in_o scripture_n in_o difference_n from_o his_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n who_o be_v and_o that_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n yet_o that_o we_o may_v
without_o it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o substantial_a eternal_a word_n be_v to_o we_o as_o we_o say_v the_o spring_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o supernatural_a life_n flow_v but_o that_o by_o the_o word_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n put_v ou●_n of_o doubt_n verse_n last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o therefore_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o this_o word_n be_v thus_o the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n because_o it_o contain_v and_o declare_v that_o other_o word_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o our_o life_n the_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o common_a and_o so_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o hearer_n but_o then_o all_o be_v natural_o shut_v against_o it_o god_n do_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n open_v some_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o mix_v it_o with_o faith_n and_o those_o it_o renew_v and_o restore_v in_o they_o the_o image_n of_o god_n draw_v the_o traits_fw-fr of_o it_o anew_o and_o make_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o dew_n say_v moses_n the_o word_n as_o a_o heavenly_a dew_n not_o fall_v beside_o but_o drop_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n own_o spirit_n make_v it_o all_o become_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o turn_v it_o into_o one_o of_o those_o drop_n of_o dew_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o psal._n 110._o thou_o have_v the_o dew_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o natural_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v darkness_n and_o the_o word_n as_o a_o divine_a light_n shine_v into_o it_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o as_o the_o word_n be_v call_v light_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n renew_v by_o it_o you_o be_v darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o not_o only_o enlighten_v but_o light_n in_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o natural_a mind_n be_v often_o comprise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o darkness_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o conversion_n likewise_o signify_v by_o light_n and_o truth_n he_o beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n so_o 2_o cor._n 4_o 6._o allude_v to_o the_o first_o fiat_fw-la lux_fw-la or_o let_v there_o ●e_a light_n in_o the_o creation_n the_o word_n bring_v within_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n let_v it_o see_v its_o own_o necessity_n and_o christ_n sufficiency_n convince_v it_o thorough_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o cast_v over_o itself_o upon_o he_o for_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a beget_n of_o it_o again_o to_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o this_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n to_o prove_v successful_a seed_n do_v not_o hang_v upon_o the_o different_a ability_n of_o preacher_n their_o more_a or_o less_o rhetoric_n or_o learning_n it_o be_v true_a eloquence_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o civil_a and_o moral_a thing_n to_o persuade_v and_o and_o to_o draw_v the_o hearer_n by_o the_o ear_n almost_o which_o way_n it_o will_v but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a work_n to_o revive_v a_o soul_n to_o beget_v it_o anew_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o main_a there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o common_a and_o plain_a be_v warrant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o save_a truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v revive_v the_o soul_n by_o it_o and_o all_o the_o skilful_a and_o most_o autoritative_a way_n yea_o be_v withal_o very_o spiritual_a yet_o may_v effect_v nothing_o because_o leave_v alone_o to_o itself_o one_o word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o truth_n conform_v to_o it_o may_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n to_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v multitude_n of_o excellent_a sermon_n and_o have_v often_o read_v the_o whole_a bible_n and_o still_o unchanged_a if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n preach_v that_o one_o or_o any_o such_o word_n to_o the_o soul_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v be_v cast_v down_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o perish_v and_o drive_v out_o of_o itself_o by_o that_o and_o raise_v up_o and_o draw_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o it_o may_v have_v life_n and_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o give_v itself_o to_o he_o that_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o purchase_v we_o that_o everlasting_a life_n thus_o may_v that_o word_n prove_v this_o immortal_a seed_n which_o though_o very_o often_o read_v and_o hear_v before_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n a_o drop_n of_o those_o liquor_n that_o be_v call_v spirit_n operate_v more_o than_o large_a draught_n of_o other_o water_n one_o word_n speak_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o heart_n be_v all_o spirit_n and_o do_v that_o which_o whole_a stream_n of_o man_n eloquence_n can_v never_o effect_v in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n man_n look_v usual_o too_o much_o upon_o man_n and_o forget_v from_o what_o spring_n the_o word_n have_v its_o power_n they_o observe_v too_o narrow_o the_o different_a hand_n of_o the_o sower_n and_o too_o little_o depend_v on_o his_o hand_n that_o be_v great_a lord_n both_o of_o seedtime_n and_o harvest_n be_v it_o sow_v by_o a_o weak_a hand_n or_o a_o strong_a the_o immortal_a seed_n be_v still_o the_o same_o yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a hand_n that_o sow_n it_o that_o the_o preacher_n himself_o be_v not_o so_o sanctify_v and_o of_o so_o edify_v a_o life_n as_o you_o will_v wish_v yet_o the_o seed_n itself_o be_v good_a contract_n no_o defilement_n and_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o regeneration_n in_o some_o and_o strengthen_v of_o other_o although_o he_o that_o be_v not_o renew_v by_o it_o himself_o can_v have_v much_o hope_n of_o such_o success_n nor_o reap_v much_o comfort_n by_o it_o and_o usual_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o regard_v it_o much_o but_o all_o instrument_n be_v alike_o in_o a_o almighty_a hand_n hence_o learn_v 1._o that_o true_a conversion_n be_v not_o so_o slight_a a_o work_n as_o we_o common_o account_v it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a change_n of_o some_o bad_a custom_n which_o gain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o reform_a man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a dialect_n it_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o be_v and_o elsewhere_o call_v a_o new_a creation_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o change_n in_o quality_n as_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o the_o quality_n so_o far_o distant_a that_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o substantial_a production_n from_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o which_o be_v link_v with_o it_o heir_n of_o wrath_n to_o be_v son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n they_o have_v a_o new_a spirit_n give_v a_o free_a princely_a noble_a spirit_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 51._o and_o this_o spirit_n act_n in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n 2._o consider_v this_o dignity_n and_o be_v kindle_v with_o the_o ambition_n of_o it_o how_o do_v a_o christian_a pity_n that_o poor_a vanity_n that_o man_n make_v so_o much_o noise_n about_o of_o of_o their_o kindred_n and_o extraction_n this_o be_v worth_a glory_v in_o indeed_o to_o be_v of_o the_o high_a blood_n royal_a and_o in_o the_o near_a relation_n son_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n by_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o add_v matchless_a honour_n to_o that_o birth_n which_o be_v honourable_a but_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n will_v we_o not_o study_v to_o cozen_v ourselves_o the_o discovery_n will_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o know_v whither_o we_o be_v or_o not_o in_o many_o their_o false_a confidence_n be_v too_o evident_a no_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o a_o foot-step_n like_o his_o lead_n and_o that_o character_n rom._n 8.14_o not_o a_o lineament_n of_o god_n visage_n as_o their_o father_n if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a say_v st._n john_n 2.29_o you_o know_v then_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o lover_n and_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n be_v they_o that_o swinish_o love_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o unholiness_n be_v swear_v and_o curse_v the_o accent_n of_o the_o regenerate_v the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n do_v child_n delight_v to_o indignify_v and_o dishonour_v their_o father_n name_n no_o earthly_a mindedness_n be_v a_o countersign_n shall_v the_o king_n child_n they_o that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o scarlet_a as_o jeremy_n lament_v embrace_v the_o dunghill_n
word_n and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o necessity_n of_o this_o that_o the_o most_o approve_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n in_o a_o human_a way_n have_v require_v this_o of_o their_o scholar_n that_o to_o the_o end_n their_o mind_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v purify_v from_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o philosopher_n judge_v young_a man_n unfit_a hearer_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o abound_a and_o untamedness_n of_o their_o passion_n grant_v that_o if_o those_o be_v compose_v and_o order_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o it_o be_v socrates_n his_o custom_n when_o any_o ask_v he_o a_o question_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o he_o before_o he_o will_v answer_v they_o he_o ask_v they_o concern_v their_o own_o quality_n and_o course_n of_o life_n now_o if_o man_n require_v a_o calm_a and_o purify_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o their_o doctrine_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o those_o deep_a mystery_n that_o his_o word_n open_v up_o it_o be_v well_o express_v in_o that_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o forward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n and_o wisdom_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n no_o indeed_o that_o be_v a_o very_a unfit_a dwell_n for_o it_o and_o the_o very_a heathen_a can_v say_v the_o mind_n that_o be_v impure_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n seneca_n therefore_o we_o see_v the_o strain_n of_o that_o book_n of_o proverb_n that_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o this_o wisdom_n it_o require_v in_o the_o first_o chap._n that_o they_o that_o will_v hear_v it_o do_v retire_v themselves_o from_o all_o ungodly_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n apprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n refine_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n that_o abuse_n and_o bemire_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o arise_v to_o heavenly_a thought_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n say_v our_o saviour_n not_o only_o shall_v they_o see_v he_o perfect_o hereafter_o but_o as_o they_o can_v receive_v he_o he_o will_v impart_v and_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o they_o here_o so_o john_n 14.23_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o word_n obscure_v namely_o the_o filthy_a mist_n within_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v in_o just_a judgement_n hide_v himself_o and_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n from_o those_o that_o entertain_v and_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o very_a sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v shall_v obscure_v and_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o though_o it_o shine_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o a_o dungeon_n they_o shall_v not_o discern_v it_o and_o as_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o word_n that_o have_v these_o evil_n here_o mention_v reign_v and_o in_o full_a strength_n in_o they_o so_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o bear_v again_o the_o more_o they_o retain_v of_o these_o the_o less_o shall_v they_o find_v the_o influence_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o word_n for_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v they_o they_o may_v possible_o some_o of_o they_o have_v much_o remainder_n of_o these_o corruption_n unmortified_a therefore_o exhort_v to_o lay_v aside_o entire_o those_o evil_n all_o malice_n all_o hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o though_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a atrophy_n eat_v much_o and_o grow_v nothing_o by_o it_o find_v no_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n will_v we_o know_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o fruitless_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n here_o it_o be_v man_n bring_v not_o meek_a and_o guiless_a spirit_n to_o it_o not_o mind_n empty_v and_o purify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o stuff_v with_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o other_o such_o evil_n and_o where_o shall_v the_o word_n enter_v when_o all_o be_v so_o take_v up_o and_o if_o it_o do_v enter_v how_o shall_v it_o prosper_v among_o so_o many_o enemy_n or_o at_o all_o abide_v among_o they_o either_o they_o will_v turn_v it_o out_o again_o or_o choke_v and_o kill_v the_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o think_v religion_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o secret_a heart-idol_n shall_v agree_v together_o because_o we_o will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o this_o be_v not_o possible_a either_o therefore_o labour_v to_o entertain_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o ●ove_n of_o it_o and_o lodge_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n speak_v join_v those_o together_o with_o david_n psal._n 119_o 113._o i_o hate_v vain_a thought_n but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o as_o here_o our_o apostle_n lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o so_o receive_v the_o word_n or_o else_o look_v for_o no_o benefit_n by_o it_o here_o nor_o for_o sal●ation_n by_o it_o hereafter_o but_o cast_v out_o all_o impurity_n and_o give_v your_o whole_a heart_n to_o it_o so_o desire_v it_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v and_o then_o as_o you_o desire_v you_o shall_v g●ow_v by_o it_o every_o real_a believer_n have_v receive_v a_o life_n from_o heaven_n far_o more_o excel_v our_o natural_a life_n than_o that_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o this_o life_n have_v its_o own_o peculiar_a desire_n and_o delight_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n and_o the_o certain_a character_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o among_o other_o this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o main_a one_o answerable_a to_o the_o like_a desire_n in_o natural_a life_n namely_o a_o desire_n of_o food_n and_o because_o it_o be_v here_o still_o imperfect_a therefore_o the_o natural_a end_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_a nourishment_n but_o growth_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o proper_a life_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o without_o it_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a as_o the_o body_n be_v without_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o without_o untruth_n this_o may_v be_v render_v reasonable_a milk_n as_o some_o read_v it_o but_o certain_o that_o reasonable_a milk_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v before_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o here_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a nourishment_n to_o that_o spiritual_a life_n according_a to_o their_o say_n iisdemalimur_fw-la ex_fw-la quibus_fw-la constamus_fw-la as_o the_o milk_n that_o infant_n draw_v from_o the_o breast_n be_v most_o connatural_a food_n to_o they_o be_v of_o that_o same_o substance_n that_o nourish_v they_o in_o the_o womb_n but_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o that_o food_n follow_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o supply_n in_o that_o way_n that_o be_v provide_v in_o nature_n for_o it_o by_o certain_a vein_n it_o ascend_v into_o the_o breast_n and_o be_v there_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o they_o by_o nature_n direct_v to_o find_v it_o there_o thus_o as_o a_o christian_a begin_v to_o live_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n direct_v to_o that_o same_o word_n as_o its_o nourishment_n to_o follow_v the_o resemblance_n further_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o milk_n after_o the_o monkish_a way_n that_o run_v itself_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o a_o allegory_n i_o conceive_v be_v neither_o solid_a nor_o profitable_a and_o to_o speak_v free_o the_o curious_a search_n of_o the_o similitude_n in_o other_o quality_n of_o milk_n seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o quality_n here_o give_v it_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o well_o resemble_v by_o milk_n namely_o the_o simple_a pureness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o word_n beside_o that_o the_o press_v of_o comparison_n of_o this_o kind_n too_o far_o prove_v often_o so_o constrain_v ere_o they_o have_v do_v with_o it_o that_o by_o too_o much_o draw_v they_o bring_v forth_o blood_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a as_o milk_v draw_v immediate_o from_o the_o breast_n the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o mixture_n not_o only_o of_o error_n but_o of_o all_o other_o composition_n of_o vain_a unprofitable_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v humane_a eloquence_n such_o as_o become_v not_o the_o majesty_n and_o gravity_n of_o god_n word_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v say_v our_o apostle_n let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n light_a conceit_n and_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n wrong_v the_o word_n more_o than_o they_o can_v please_v the_o hearer_n the_o weed_n among_o the_o corn_n make_v it_o
life_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v we_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o be_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o holiness_n increase_v the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v strong_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o act_v more_o strong_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o he_o grow_v spiritual_o and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o beget_v this_o spiritual_a life_n so_o likewise_o of_o its_o increase_n 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a treat_v of_o the_o high_a thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o elevate_v man_n mind_n from_o the_o earth_n be_v often_o conversant_a with_o it_o to_o assimilate_v they_o to_o itself_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n ready_o do_v to_o these_o that_o be_v much_o in_o it_o and_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o study_v it_o doubtless_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v frequent_a with_o man_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v light_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o call_v light_n as_o be_v transform_v into_o its_o nature_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o by_o more_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o so_o they_o grow_v if_o we_o look_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o strain_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o christian_a for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o particular_a truth_n relative_a to_o they_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o excite_v they_o and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n and_o so_o to_o make_v they_o grow_v as_o all_o habit_n do_v by_o act_v it_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n word_n may_v be_v translate_v stir_v up_o the_o spark_n and_o blow_v they_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n make_v they_o burn_v clear_a and_o hot_a that_o it_o do_v both_o by_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n and_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n sometime_o press_v one_o and_o sometime_o another_o and_o by_o right_n represent_v to_o they_o their_o object_n the_o word_n feed_v faith_n by_o set_v before_o it_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n his_o rich_a promise_n and_o his_o power_n and_o truth_n to_o perform_v they_o all_o show_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n not_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o hold_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o draw_v faith_n still_o to_o rest_v more_o entire_o upon_o his_o righteousness_n it_o feed_v repentance_n by_o make_v the_o vileness_n and_o deformity_n of_o sin_n daily_o more_o clear_a and_o visible_a still_o as_o more_o of_o the_o word_n have_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o it_o hate_v sin_n be_v the_o more_o discover_v and_o the_o better_o know_v in_o its_o own_o native_a colour_n as_o the_o more_o light_n be_v in_o a_o house_n the_o more_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v unclean_o or_o deform_a be_v see_v 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gain_v in_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n we_o mention_v above_o namely_o if_o more_o knowledge_n and_o more_o faculty_n of_o discourse_v if_o they_o find_v often_o some_o present_a stir_n of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n if_o they_o reform_v their_o life_n grow_v more_o civil_a and_o blameless_a etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n who_o notwithstanding_o grow_v not_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a he_o be_v not_o in_o that_o estate_n a_o subject_a capable_a of_o this_o growth_n for_o he_o be_v dead_a he_o have_v none_o of_o this_o new_a life_n to_o which_o this_o growth_n relate_v herod_n hear_v glad_o and_o obey_v many_o thing_n consider_v then_o what_o true_a delight_n we_o may_v have_v in_o this_o you_o find_v a_o pleasure_n when_o you_o see_v your_o child_n grow_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o stand_v and_o walk_v etc._n etc._n you_o love_v well_o to_o perceive_v your_o estate_n or_o your_o honour_n 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presence_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a pleasure_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n verse_n 3._o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a our_o natural_a desire_n of_o food_n arise_v principal_o from_o its_o necessity_n for_o that_o end_n which_o nature_n seek_v the_o growth_n or_o at_o least_o the_o nourishment_n of_o our_o body_n but_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o present_a sweetness_n and_o pleasingness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o serve_v to_o sharpen_v our_o desire_n and_o be_v place_v in_o nature_n for_o that_o purpose_n thus_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o desire_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o nourishment_n and_o of_o their_o growth_n
sense_n which_o cross_v not_o this_o it_o must_v not_o be_v whole_a but_o break_v psal._n 51._o but_o if_o thou_o find_v it_o unbroken_a yet_o give_v it_o he_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v break_v and_o if_o it_o be_v break_v and_o when_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o he_o he_o break_v it_o more_o yea_o and_o melt_v it_o too_o yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o repent_v thy_o gift_n for_o he_o break_v and_o melt_v it_o that_o he_o may_v refine_v it_o and_o make_v it_o up_o in_o a_o new_a and_o excellent_a frame_n and_o may_v impress_v his_o own_o image_n on_o it_o make_v it_o holy_a and_o so_o like_a to_o himself_o let_v we_o then_o give_v he_o ourselves_o or_o nothing_o and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o he_o be_v not_o his_o advantage_n but_o we_o as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v to_o his_o poor_a scholar_n that_o when_o other_o give_v he_o great_a gift_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v nothing_o but_o himself_o to_o give_v it_o be_v well_o say_v he_o and_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v thou_o back_o to_o thyself_o better_a than_o i_o receive_v thou_o thus_o do_v god_n with_o we_o and_o a_o christian_a make_v himself_o his_o daily_a sacrifice_n he_o renew_v this_o gift_n of_o himself_o every_o day_n to_o god_n and_o receive_v it_o every_o day_n better_v again_o still_o he_o have_v the_o more_o light_a to_o give_v it_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n the_o more_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o former_a sacrifice_v now_o that_o whereby_o we_o offer_v all_o other_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o ourselves_o withal_o be_v love_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a fire_n that_o burn_v up_o all_o send_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o whole_a self_n a_o whole_a burn_a offering_n to_o god_n and_o as_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o altar_n it_o be_v original_o from_o heaven_n be_v kindle_v by_o god_n own_o love_n to_o we_o and_o by_o this_o the_o church_n and_o each_o believer_n ascend_v like_o a_o straight_a pillar_n of_o smoke_n as_o the_o word_n be_v cant._n 3.6_o go_v even_o 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many_o but_o the_o filthy_a vapour_n of_o profane_a speak_n and_o a_o profane_a life_n as_o a_o noisome_a smell_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o dunghill_n but_o you_o that_o have_v once_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v still_o do_v so_o with_o all_o the_o service_n you_o can_v reach_v continue_v so_o and_o be_v affure_v that_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o yourselves_o and_o all_o your_o offering_n be_v yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v the_o 3._o thing_n here_o observable_a be_v the_o success_n of_o that_o service_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n heb._n 13.16_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v delight_n in_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o he_o but_o if_o they_o may_v not_o know_v that_o they_o be_v well_o take_v at_o their_o hand_n this_o will_v discourage_v they_o much_o therefore_o this_o be_v add_v how_o often_o do_v the_o godly_a find_v it_o in_o their_o sweet_a experience_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o pray_v he_o welcome_v they_o and_o give_v they_o 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all_o shall_v be_v thou_o have_v i_o more_o estate_n or_o wit_n or_o learning_n or_o power_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o serve_v thou_o with_o all_o what_o i_o have_v i_o offer_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v most_o true_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o of_o thy_o own_o that_o i_o give_v thou_o none_o needs_o forbear_v sacrifice_n for_o poverty_n for_o that_o he_o desire_v be_v the_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o poor_a but_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o give_v he_o but_o meanness_n be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v a_o guiltiness_n on_o ourselves_o and_o on_o all_o we_o offer_v our_o prayer_n and_o service_n be_v all_o pollute_a but_o this_o hinder_v not_o neither_o for_o our_o acceptance_n be_v not_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o one_o who_o have_v no_o guiltiness_n at_o all_o acceptable_a by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o he_o our_o person_n be_v clothe_v with_o righteousness_n and_o in_o his_o clothing_n we_o be_v as_o isaac_n say_v of_o jacob_n in_o his_o brother_n garment_n as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v and_o all_o our_o other_o sacrifice_n our_o prayer_n and_o service_n if_o we_o offer_v they_o by_o he_o and_o put_v they_o into_o his_o hand_n to_o offer_v to_o the_o father_n then_o doubt_v not_o they_o will_v be_v accept_v in_o he_o for_o this_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v relative_a both_o to_o our_o offer_n and_o acceptance_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o offer_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o he_o heb._n 13.15_o and_o so_o we_o be_v well_o please_v for_o he_o be_v his_o wellbeloved_a son_n in_o who_o his_o soul_n be_v delight_v not_o only_o delight_v and_o please_v with_o himself_o but_o in_o he_o with_o all_o thing_n and_o person_n that_o appear_v in_o he_o and_o be_v present_v by_o he_o and_o this_o alone_a answer_n all_o our_o doubt_n for_o we_o ourselves_o for_o as_o little_a as_o we_o see_v that_o way_n yet_o may_v see_v so_o much_o in_o our_o best_a service_n so_o many_o wander_n in_o prayer_n so_o much_o deadness_n etc._n etc._n as_o will_v make_v we_o still_o doubtful_a of_o acceptance_n and_o may_v say_v with_o job_n although_o he_o have_v answer_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v hearken_v to_o i_o be_v it_o not_o this_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n pass_v through_o christ_n hand_n he_o be_v that_o angel_n that_o have_v much_o sweet_a odour_n to_o mingle_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o purify_v they_o with_o his_o own_o merit_n and_o intercession_n and_o so_o make_v they_o please_v unto_o the_o father_n how_o ought_v our_o heart_n to_o be_v knit_v to_o he_o by_o who_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o keep_v in_o favour_n with_o he_o in_o who_o we_o obtain_v all_o the_o good_a we_o receive_v and_o in_o who_o all_o we_o offer_v be_v accept_v in_o he_o be_v all_o our_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o glory_n verse_n 6._o wherefore_o also_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n behold_v i_o lie_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a corner_n stone_n elect_v precious_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o very_o reasonable_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o his_o word_n as_o both_o most_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o of_o most_o concernment_n for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o this_o be_v the_o save_n of_o lose_a mankind_n by_o his_o son_n therefore_o be_v his_o name_n as_o precious_a ointment_n or_o perfume_n diffuse_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n all_o these_o holy_a leaf_n smell_v of_o it_o not_o only_o those_o that_o be_v write_v after_o his_o come_n but_o those_o
whole_a epistle_n here_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o the_o great_a fruit_n of_o that_o love_n that_o happy_a and_o high_a estate_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v in_o christ_n that_o the_o choose_n of_o christ_n and_o believer_n be_v as_o one_o act_n and_o they_o as_o one_o entire_a object_n of_o it_o one_o glorious_a temple_n he_o the_o foundation_n and_o head_n corner_n stone_n and_o they_o the_o edifice_n one_o honourable_a fraternity_n he_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o they_o likewise_o through_o he_o make_v king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n the_o father_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n etc._n etc._n he_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o through_o he_o child_n of_o light_n now_o that_o this_o their_o dignity_n which_o shine_v so_o bright_a in_o its_o own_o innate_a worth_n may_v yet_o appear_v the_o more_o he_o set_v it_o off_o by_o a_o double_a opposition_n 1._o of_o the_o misery_n under_o which_o other_o be_v 2_o dly_z that_o 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his_o lust_n so_o the_o happiness_n and_o pleasantness_n of_o his_o estate_n set_v he_o above_o the_o need_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n he_o say_v before_o if_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n desire_v that_o word_n wherein_o you_o may_v taste_v more_o of_o his_o graciousness_n and_o as_o that_o fit_o urge_v the_o appetite_n desire_v of_o the_o word_n so_o it_o be_v strong_a to_o persuade_v this_o abstinence_n from_o fleshly_a lust_n yea_o the_o disdain_n and_o loathe_n of_o they_o if_o you_o have_v the_o least_o experience_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o love_n have_v but_o taste_v of_o the_o crystal_n river_n of_o his_o pleasure_n the_o muddy_a puddle_n pleasure_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v hateful_a and_o loathsome_a to_o you_o yea_o the_o best_a earthly_a delight_n that_o be_v will_v be_v disrelished_a and_o unsavoury_a to_o your_o taste_n the_o embitter_a the_o breast_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o godly_a by_o affliction_n do_v something_o indeed_o to_o their_o wean_n from_o they_o but_o the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n that_o be_v give_v they_o in_o their_o stead_n wean_v much_o more_o effectual_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o we_o remain_v servant_n to_o these_o lust_n some_o to_o one_o some_o to_o another_o be_v because_o we_o be_v still_o stranger_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o those_o pure_a pleasure_n that_o be_v in_o he_o though_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o earth_n be_v poor_a and_o low_a and_o most_o unworthy_a our_o pursuit_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o man_n know_v of_o no_o better_a they_o will_v stick_v by_o those_o they_o have_v such_o as_o they_o be_v the_o philosopher_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n be_v so_o much_o set_v upon_o sensual_a delight_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o high_a pleasure_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v have_v it_o some_o way_n it_o be_v too_o often_o in_o vain_a to_o speak_v to_o man_n 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nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n take_v from_o we_o but_o by_o a_o very_a advantageous_a exchange_n it_o be_v make_v up_o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v affliction_n but_o in_o i_o you_o shall_v have_v peace_n be_v not_o want_v of_o the_o world_n peace_n abundant_o pay_v with_o peace_n in_o he_o thus_o fleshly_a lust_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n as_o rubbish_n and_o trash_n to_o make_v room_n for_o spiritual_a comfort_n we_o be_v bar_v fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v to_o make_v man_n eat_v angel_n food_n indeed_o as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o manna_n the_o serve_v of_o the_o flesh_n set_v man_n below_o
design_n and_o thought_n what_o way_n shall_v i_o most_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o my_o god_n how_o shall_v i_o that_o be_o engage_v more_o than_o they_o all_o set_v in_o with_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o other_o creature_n to_o declare_v his_o excellency_n his_o greatness_n and_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n the_o behold_v of_o your_o good_a work_n may_v work_v this_o in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v gain_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o embrace_v that_o religion_n and_o that_o god_n which_o for_o the_o present_a they_o reject_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o they_o must_v be_v visit_v with_o that_o same_o light_n and_o grace_n from_o above_o which_o have_v sanctify_v you_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o word_n though_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v take_v divers_a other_o way_n by_o interpreter_n possible_o in_o this_o day_n of_o visitation_n be_v imply_v the_o clear_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n among_o those_o 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enlarge_a itself_o by_o conquest_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o under_o it_o be_v the_o province_n to_o which_o this_o epistle_n be_v address_v yet_o the_o apostle_n enjoyn'_v his_o brethren_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o its_o authority_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o question_n so_o to_o be_v move_v as_o to_o suspend_v or_o at_o all_o abate_v our_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o possess_v in_o present_a where_o we_o live_v what_o form_n of_o government_n be_v most_o just_a and_o commodious_a god_n have_v indeed_o be_v more_o express_a in_o the_o officer_n and_o government_n of_o his_o own_o house_n his_o church_n but_o civil_a society_n he_o have_v leave_v at_o liberty_n in_o the_o choose_n and_o model_v of_o civil_a government_n though_o always_o indeed_o overrule_a their_o choice_n and_o change_n in_o that_o by_o the_o secret_a hand_n of_o his_o wise_a and_o powerful_a providence_n yet_o he_o have_v set_v they_o no_o particular_a rule_n touch_v the_o frame_n of_o it_o 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inferior_a governor_n of_o those_o time_n and_o place_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v their_o end_n that_o send_v they_o and_o their_o carriage_n that_o be_v send_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n add_v express_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v to_o govern_v and_o at_o which_o they_o shall_v aim_v in_o govern_v as_o the_o true_a end_n of_o all_o government_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o full_o true_a to_o that_o end_n in_o their_o deportment_n but_o possible_o do_v many_o thing_n unjust_o yet_o as_o god_n have_v ordain_v authority_n for_o this_o end_n there_o be_v always_o so_o much_o justice_n in_o the_o most_o deprave_a government_n as_o be_v a_o public_a good_a and_o therefore_o put_v upon_o inferior_n a_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o this_o lead_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o second_o thing_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o duty_n 2_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o submit_v to_o humane_a authority_n be_v the_o interest_n that_o divine_a authority_n have_v in_o it_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 such_o bitter_a curse_n and_o prayer_n for_o revenge_n unto_o god_n as_o be_v most_o hateful_a to_o he_o and_o be_v far_o from_o this_o calm_a and_o holy_a way_n of_o commit_v matter_n to_o his_o judgement_n the_o common_a way_n of_o refer_v thing_n to_o god_n be_v indeed_o impious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o be_v real_o no_o other_o but_o a_o call_n of_o he_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n and_o executioner_n to_o our_o passion_n we_o ordinary_o mistake_v his_o justice_n and_o judge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o our_o own_o precipitant_a distemper_a mind_n if_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o cross_v in_o their_o design_n and_o their_o wickedness_n evident_o crush_v just_a when_o we_o will_v have_v it_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v up_o the_o matter_n as_o desperate_a or_o at_o least_o abate_v of_o those_o confident_a and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o divine_a justice_n that_o we_o owe_v he_o howsoever_o thing_n go_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v fix_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o heaven_n judge_v righteous_o and_o execute_v that_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o the_o fit_a season_n we_o poor_a worm_n who_o whole_a life_n be_v but_o a_o hand-breadth_n in_o itself_o and_o be_v as_o nothing_o unto_o god_n we_o think_v a_o few_o month_n or_o year_n a_o great_a matter_n but_o to_o he_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n as_o our_o apostle_n teach_v we_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o time_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffer_v commit_v himself_o and_o his_o cause_n for_o that_o be_v best_a express_v in_o that_o nothing_o be_v express_v but_o he_o commit_v and_o the_o issue_n shall_v be_v that_o all_o his_o enemy_n shall_v become_v his_o footstool_n and_o he_o himself_o shall_v judge_v they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v we_o here_o to_o learn_v from_o his_o carriage_n towards_o they_o in_o his_o suffer_v be_v that_o quietness_n and_o moderation_n of_o mind_n even_o under_o unjust_a suffering_n make_v we_o like_o he_o not_o to_o reply_v reproach_n with_o reproach_n as_o our_o custom_n be_v to_o give_v a_o ill_a word_n for_o another_o or_o two_o for_o one_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v behind_o man_n take_v a_o pride_n in_o this_o and_o think_v it_o ridiculous_a simplicity_n to_o suffer_v and_o this_o make_v strife_n and_o contention_n so_o abound_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n you_o think_v it_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o bear_v nothing_o to_o put_v up_o no_o wrong_a whereas_o it_o be_v indeed_o great_a weakness_n and_o baseness_n it_o be_v true_a greatness_n of_o spirit_n to_o despise_v the_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o set_v you_o usual_o on_o fire_n one_o against_o another_o especial_o be_v do_v after_o a_o christian_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o and_o be_v there_o any_o spirit_n great_a than_o that_o think_v you_o oh_o that_o there_o be_v less_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o dragon_n and_o more_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o the_o dove_n among_o we_o our_o obligement_n to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n beside_o its_o own_o excellency_n be_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o intendment_n of_o his_o behaviour_n for_o this_o use_n to_o be_v as_o a_o example_n to_o we_o 2._o our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o those_o his_o suffering_n wherein_o he_o so_o carry_v himself_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n etc._n etc._n he_o leave_v his_o footstep_n as_o a_o copy_n as_o the_o word_n be_v to_o follow_v every_o step_n of_o he_o a_o letter_n of_o this_o copy_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o write_v we_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a copy_n of_o obedience_n in_o clear_a and_o great_a letter_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n his_o whole_a life_n be_v our_o rule_n not_o his_o miraculous_a work_n his_o footstep_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o for_o our_o follow_v but_o his_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n and_o meekenss_n and_o humility_n be_v our_o copy_n which_o we_o shall_v continua_o study_v the_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n they_o say_v of_o teach_v be_v by_o example_n but_o above_o all_o this_o matchless_a example_n be_v the_o happy_a way_n of_o teach_v he_o that_o follow_v i_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n he_o that_o aim_v high_a shoot_v the_o high_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shoot_v not_o so_o high_a as_o he_o aim_v this_o be_v that_o which_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a the_o propound_v of_o this_o our_o high_a pattern_n the_o example_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o imitation_n of_o man_n in_o worthless_a thing_n be_v low_a and_o servile_a the_o imitation_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v commendable_a but_o if_o we_o seek_v no_o high_o it_o be_v both_o imperfect_a and_o unsafe_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n will_v have_v no_o imitation_n but_o with_o regard_n to_o this_o supreme_a pattern_n be_v you_o follewer_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n one_o christian_a may_v take_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o many_o thing_n in_o another_o but_o still_o examine_v all_o by_o the_o original_a primitive_a copy_n the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n himself_o follow_v nothing_o but_o as_o it_o conform_v with_o that_o and_o look_v most_o on_o he_o as_o both_o the_o perfect_a and_o most_o effectual_a example_n heb._n 12.2_o there_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o example_n but_o look_v above_o they_o all_o to_o he_o that_o be_v as_o high_a above_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v above_o the_o cloud_n as_o the_o way_n be_v better_a a_o lively_a one_o indeed_o so_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o skill_n for_o follow_v of_o it_o but_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n show_v his_o glory_n and_o greatness_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o the_o law_n be_v write_v only_o in_o dead_a table_n but_o christ_n the_o live_a law_n teach_v by_o obey_v it_o how_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o law_n be_v twice_o write_v over_o unto_o believer_n first_o in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o inward_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v together_o with_o that_o copy_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o he_o a_o spirit_n derive_v from_o he_o enable_v believer_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o their_o measure_n they_o may_v not_o only_o see_v he_o as_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v io._n 6._o but_o as_o there_o it_o follow_v they_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o soul_n delight_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o converse_v and_o love_n together_o make_v it_o learn_v his_o behaviour_n as_o man_n that_o live_v much_o together_o especial_o if_o they_o do_v much_o affect_v one_o another_o will_v insensible_o contract_v another_o habitude_n and_o custom_n the_o other_o thing_n oblige_v we_o be_v our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o his_o suffering_n he_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n return_v to_o ver._n 24._o observe_v only_o from_o the_o tie_n of_o these_o two_o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v his_o example_n set_v before_o we_o we_o can_v enjoy_v any_o right_a assurance_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o but_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v he_o than_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o life_n through_o his_o death_n and_o those_o step_n of_o he_o wherein_o we_o walk_v will_v bring_v we_o ere_o long_o to_o be_v where_o he_o be_v verse_n 24._o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n
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