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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v christian_a faith_n 3,911 5 5.5853 4 true
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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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flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o man_n in_o a_o tabernacle_n like_o they_o and_o suffer_v death_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o life_n have_v free_v we_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a death_n that_o he_o break_v the_o bar_n and_o chain_n of_o death_n and_o rise_v again_o that_o he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o there_o at_o the_o father_n right_a hand_n sit_v in_o our_o flesh_n and_o that_o glorify_a above_o the_o angel_n this_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o a_o part_n of_o this_o mystery_n be_v that_o he_o be_v believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o this_o natural_a man_n may_v discourse_v of_o and_o that_o very_o know_o and_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a credit_n to_o it_o as_o to_o a_o history_n that_o may_v be_v true_a but_o firm_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v divine_a truth_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o have_v a_o persuasion_n of_o it_o strong_a than_o of_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n such_o a_o assent_n as_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v certain_o save_v faith_n the_o soul_n that_o so_o believe_v can_v choose_v but_o love_n it_o be_v common_o true_a the_o eye_n be_v the_o ordinary_a door_n by_o which_o love_n enter_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o love_n though_o it_o be_v deny_v of_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n yet_o you_o see_v it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n though_o you_o have_v not_o see_v he_o you_o love_v he_o because_o you_o believe_v which_o be_v to_o see_v he_o spiritual_o faith_n indeed_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o vision_n that_o be_v in_o glory_n but_o it_o be_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n that_o quicksight_v eye_n that_o pierce_v all_o the_o visible_a heaven_n and_o see_v above_o they_o that_o look_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v 2_o cor._n 4.18_o and_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o that_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a v_o 27._o it_o be_v possible_a that_o one_o may_v be_v much_o love_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o their_o worth_n and_o virtue_n and_o upon_o a_o picture_n of_o they_o lively_o draw_v before_o sight_n of_o the_o party_n so_o commend_v and_o represent_v but_o certain_o when_o they_o be_v see_v and_o find_v answerable_a to_o the_o former_a it_o raise_v the_o affection_n that_o it_o first_o begin_v to_o a_o far_o great_a height_n we_o have_v the_o report_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n yea_o so_o clear_a a_o description_n of_o he_o that_o it_o give_v a_o picture_n of_o he_o and_o that_o together_o with_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o only_a lawful_a and_o the_o only_a lively_a picture_n of_o our_o saviour_n gal._n 3.1_o now_o this_o report_n faith_n believe_v and_o behold_v this_o picture_n and_o so_o let_v in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o further_o it_o give_v a_o particular_a experimental_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o it_o cause_v the_o soul_n find_v all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n and_o his_o beauty_n there_o represent_v to_o be_v abundant_o true_a make_v it_o real_o taste_v of_o his_o sweetness_n and_o by_o that_o possess_v the_o heart_n more_o strong_o with_o his_o love_n persuade_v it_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n not_o by_o reason_n and_o argument_n but_o by_o a_o inexpressible_a kind_n of_o evidence_n that_o they_o only_o know_v that_o have_v it_o faith_n persuade_v a_o christian_a of_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o philosopher_n give_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o love_n beauty_n and_o propriety_n the_o loveliness_n of_o christ_n in_o himself_o and_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o the_o former_a it_o eff●ctua●s_v not_o only_o by_o the_o first_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v of_o those_o h●s_n excellency_n and_o beauty_n but_o by_o frequent_a behold_v of_o he_o and_o eye_v he_o in_o who_o all_o perfection_n dwell_v and_o look_v so_o of●_n on_o he_o till_o it_o set_v the_o very_a impression_n of_o his_o image_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o and_o forget_v the_o latter_a it_o do_v by_o that_o particular_a unite_n act_n which_o make_v he_o our_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n you_o love_v the_o distinction_n that_o some_o make_v of_o love_n need_v not_o be_v take_v as_o of_o differ_v kind_n but_o different_a act_n of_o the_o same_o love_n by_o which_o we_o may_v try_v our_o so_o much_o pretend_a love_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v so_o rare_o find_v there_o will_v then_o be_v in_o this_o love_n if_o it_o be_v right_a these_o three_o quality_n goodwill_n delight_n and_o desire_n 1._o goodwill_n earnest_n wish_v and_o as_o we_o can_v promote_a god_n glory_n and_o stir_v up_o other_o so_o to_o do_v they_o that_o seek_v more_o their_o own_o thing_n then_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n more_o their_o own_o praise_n and_o esteem_v then_o his_o be_v stranger_n to_o this_o divine_a love-for_a it_o seek_v not_o her_o own_o thing_n this_o bitter_a root_n of_o self-love_n be_v most_o hard_a to_o pluck_v up_o this_o strong_a and_o sweet_a love_n of_o christ_n alone_o do_v it_o actual_o though_o gradual_o this_o love_n make_v the_o soul_n as_o the_o low_a heaven_n slow_a in_o its_o own_o motion_n most_o swift_a in_o the_o motion_n of_o that_o first_o that_o wheel_v it_o about_o so_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o love_n the_o more_o swift_a it_o love_v the_o hard_a task_n and_o great_a difficulty_n where_o it_o may_v perform_v god_n service_n either_o in_o do_v or_o in_o suffer_v for_o he_o it_o be_v strong_a as_o death_n and_o many_o water_n can_v quench_v it_o the_o great_a the_o task_n be_v the_o more_o real_a be_v the_o testimony_n and_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 2._o there_o be_v in_o true_a love_n a_o complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n a_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n love_v what_o he_o love_v and_o studious_a of_o his_o will_n ever_o seek_v to_o know_v more_o clear_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o contract_v a_o likeness_n to_o god_n in_o all_o his_o action_n by_o converse_v with_o he_o frequent_a contemplate_v of_o god_n and_o look_v on_o his_o beauty_n as_o the_o eye_n let_v in_o this_o affection_n so_o it_o serve_v it_o constant_o and_o ready_o look_v that_o way_n that_o love_n direct_v it_o thus_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v its_o eye_n much_o upon_o he_o think_v often_o on_o his_o former_a suffering_n and_o present_a glory_n the_o more_o it_o look_v upon_o christ_n the_o more_o it_o love_v and_o still_o the_o more_o it_o love_v the_o more_o it_o delight_v to_o look_v upon_o he_o 3._o there_o be_v in_o true_a love_n a_o desire_n for_o it_o be_v but_o small_a beginning_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o goodness_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v here_o therefore_o it_o be_v still_o look_v out_o and_o longing_n for_o the_o day_n of_o marriage_n the_o time_n be_v sad_a and_o wearisome_a and_o seem_v much_o long_a than_o it_o be_v while_o it_o be_v deteind_v here_o i_o desire●_n to_o be_v dissolve_v say_v st._n paul_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ._n god_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o thing_n lovely_a thus_o excellent_o greg._n nazian_n express_v himself_o ovat_fw-la 1._o if_o i_o have_v any_o possession_n health_n credit_n learn_v this_o be_v all_o the_o contentment_n i_o have_v of_o they_o that_o i_o have_v somewhat_o i_o may_v despise_v for_o christ_n who_o be_v totus_fw-la d●s●der●bilis_fw-la &_o totu●_fw-la desiderabile_fw-la and_o this_o love_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o he_o require_v of_o we_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v all_o our_o mean_a service_n acceptable_a and_o without_o which_o all_o we_o offer_v to_o he_o be_v distasteful_a god_n do_v not_o only_o deserve_v our_o love_n by_o his_o matchless_a excellency_n and_o beauty_n but_o by_o his_o matchless_a love_n to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o strong_a loadstone_n of_o love_n he_o have_v love_v i_o say_v the_o apostle_n gal._n 2.20_o how_o appear_v that_o in_o no_o less_o than_o this_o he_o have_v give_v himself_o for_o i_o certain_o then_o there_o be_v no_o other_o character_n of_o our_o love_n then_o this_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o he_o that_o have_v so_o love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o this_o affection_n must_v be_v bestow_v somewhere_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o have_v some_o prime_a choice_n somewhat_o that_o be_v the_o predominant_a delight_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v it_o
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 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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 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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
it_o shall_v appear_v in_o its_o full_a brightness_n at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o peculiar_a treasure_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v the_o grace_n that_o he_o receive_v from_o heaven_n and_o particular_o that_o sovereign_a grace_n of_o faith_n whatsoever_o he_o can_v be_v assure_v will_v better_v he_o any_o way_n in_o this_o he_o will_v not_o only_o bear_v it_o patient_o but_o glad_o embrace_v it_o rom._n 5.3_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n set_v this_o before_o his_o brethren_n in_o those_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n where_o be_v 1._o the_o worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o usefulness_n of_o temptation_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n be_v call_v more_o precious_a a_o work_n of_o more_o worth_n than_o the_o trial_n of_o gold_n because_o faith_n itself_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o gold_n the_o apostle_n choose_v this_o comparison_n as_o fit_v his_o purpose_n for_o both_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o faith_n and_o likewise_o the_o use_n of_o temptation_n represent_v the_o one_o by_o gold_n and_o the_o other_o by_o the_o try_v of_o gold_n in_o the_o fire_n the_o worth_n of_o gold_n be_v 1._o real_a the_o pure_a and_o pretious_a of_o all_o metal_n have_v many_o excellent_a property_n beyond_o they_o as_o they_o that_o write_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o gold_n observe_v 2._o far_o great_a in_o the_o esteem_n and_o opinion_n of_o men._n see_v how_o man_n hurry_v up_o and_o down_o over_o sea_n and_o land_n unwearied_a in_o their_o pursuit_n with_o hazard_n of_o life_n and_o often_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o uprightness_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o not_o only_o thus_o esteem_v it_o in_o itself_o but_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o esteem_n one_o of_o another_o value_v man_n less_o or_o more_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o furnish_v with_o it_o and_o we_o see_v at_o what_o a_o height_n that_o be_v for_o thing_n we_o will_v commend_v much_o we_o borrow_v its_o name_n to_o they_o viz._n golden_a mediocrity_n and_o that_o age_n which_o they_o will_v call_v the_o best_a of_o all_o they_o name_v it_o the_o golden_a age_n and_o as_o seneca_n observe_v describe_v heavenly_a thing_n as_o ovid_n the_o sun_n palace_n and_o chariot_n still_o gold_n be_v the_o word_n for_o all_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n descend_v to_o our_o reach_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o it_o rev._n 21._o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ._n cant._n 5.11.14_o and_o here_o the_o preciousness_n of_o faith_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o precious_a then_o gold_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v in_o the_o parallel_n of_o faith_n with_o gold_n in_o the_o other_o quality_n of_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o solid_a as_o gold_n and_o that_o '_o it_o be_v most_o ductile_a and_o malleable_a as_o gold_n beyond_o all_o other_o metal_n it_o ply_v any_o way_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o then_o faith_n true_o enrich_v the_o soul_n and_o as_o gold_n answer_v all_o thing_n so_o faith_n give_v the_o soul_n propriety_n to_o all_o the_o rich_a consolation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o needful_a blessing_n it_o draw_v virtue_n from_o christ_n to_o strengthen_v itself_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o precious_a as_o gold_n but_o go_v far_o above_o the_o comparison_n it_o be_v more_o precious_a yea_o much_o more_o precious_a 1._o in_o its_o original_a the_o other_o be_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o mine_n of_o this_o gold_n be_v above_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n 2._o in_o its_o nature_n answerable_a to_o its_o original_a it_o be_v immaterial_a spiritual_a and_o pure_a we_o refine_v gold_n and_o make_v it_o pure_a but_o when_o we_o receive_v faith_n pure_a of_o itself_o we_o mix_v dross_n with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o impure_a by_o the_o allay_n of_o unbelief_n 3._o in_o its_o endurance_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a it_o perish_v not_o gold_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o corruptible_a and_o perish_v and_o to_o particular_a owner_n it_o perish_v in_o their_o loss_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o any_o way_n other_o grace_n be_v likewise_o try_v in_o the_o same_o furnace_n but_o faith_n be_v name_v as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n sharp_a affliction_n give_v a_o christian_a a_o trial_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v single_a and_o for_o himself_o or_o not_o for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o when_o he_o strike_v as_o when_o he_o embrace_v and_o in_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n will_v rather_o grow_v the_o hot_a and_o be_v more_o take_v off_o from_o the_o world_n and_o set_v upon_o he_o again_o the_o grace_n of_o pa●ience_n be_v put_v particular_o upon_o trial_n in_o distress_n but_o both_o these_o spring_n from_o faith_n for_o love_n rise_v from_o a_o right_n and_o strong_a belief_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o patience_n from_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o fail_v thou_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v tempt_v above_o our_o strength_n and_o he_o will_v give_v the_o issue_n now_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o cause_n patience_n the_o trial_n of_o faith_n work_v patience_n jam._n ●_o 3_o for_o therefore_o do_v the_o christian_a resign_v up_o himself_o and_o all_o that_o concern_v he_o his_o trial_n the_o measure_n and_o length_n of_o they_o all_o unto_o god_n dispose_n because_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o love_a father_n thus_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o and_o other_o particular_a grace_n do_v still_o resolve_v into_o this_o and_o be_v comprise_v under_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n this_o trial_n as_o 〈◊〉_d of_o gold_n may_v be_v for_o a_o 〈◊〉_d ●old_a end_n 1_o for_o experiment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o pureness_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n 2._o for_o refine_n it_o ye●_n more_o and_o to_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n or_o degree_n of_o pureness_n 1._o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n show_v upright_o ●eal_a faith_n to_o be_v such_o indeed_o remain_v st●ll_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o fire_n the_o same_o tha●_n it_o be_v undiminish_a as_o good_a gold_n 〈◊〉_d none_o of_o its_o quantity_n in_o the_o fire_n doubtless_o many_o be_v deceive_v in_o time_n of_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n with_o imaginary_a faith_n and_o fortitude_n so_o that_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o doubt_n while_o a_o man_n be_v under_o set_v with_o outward_a help_n as_o riches_n friend_n esteem_v etc._n etc._n whether_o he_o lean_v upon_o those_o or_o upon_o god_n who_o be_v a_o invisible_a support_n though_o strong_a than_o all_o that_o be_v visible_a and_o be_v the_o peculiar_a and_o alone_o stay_v of_o faith_n in_o all_o condition_n but_o when_o all_o these_o outward_a prop_n be_v pluck_v away_o from_o a_o man_n than_o it_o will_v manifest_v whether_o something_o else_o uphold_v he_o or_o not_o for_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o ●e_n fall_v but_o if_o his_o mind_n stand_v firm_a and_o unremoved_a as_o before_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o lay_v not_o his_o weight_n upon_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v they_o about_o he_o but_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o foundation_n though_o not_o see_v which_o be_v able_a alone_o to_o stay_v he_o although_o he_o be_v not_o only_o frustrate_v of_o all_o other_o support_v but_o beat●n_o upon_o with_o storm_n and_o tempest_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o house_n fall_v not_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n mat._n 7.25_o this_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o david_n faith_n who_o find_v it_o stay_v he_o upon_o god_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o near_o that_o can_v do_v it_o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v psa._n 27.13_o so_o in_o his_o strait_n 1._o sam._n 30.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o david_n be_v great_o distress_v but_o he_o encourage_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n thus_o psa._n 73.26_o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o portion_n for_o ever_o the_o heart_n natural_a strength_n of_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n may_v bea●_n up_o under_o outward_a weakness_n or_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o when_o the_o heart_n itself_o fail_v that_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o flesh_n what_o shall_v strengthen_v it_o nothing_o but_o god_n who_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o its_o portion_n for_o ever_o thus_o faith_n work_v alone_o when_o the_o case_n suit_n that_o of_o the_o prophet_n haback_n ●_o 17_o although_o the_o fig_n
affection_n may_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o it_o to_o this_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o death_n verse_n 25._o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_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 the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o like_o himself_o and_o carry_v so_o the_o image_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o together_o it_o be_v sometime_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o word_n so_o heb._n 14.12_o and_o so_o here_o but_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n see_v there_o be_v truth_n in_o both_o and_o pertinency_n too_o for_o they_o that_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o extol_n of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o subject_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v like_o he_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v here_o that_o these_o word_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v call_v live_v as_o here_o heb._n 4._o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v express_o repeat_v of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o prophet_n word_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o learned_a man_n that_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n i_o remember_v not_o that_o this_o abide_n for_o ever_o be_v use_v to_o express_v god_n eternity_n in_o himself_o howsoever_o this_o incorruptible_a seed_n be_v the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a word_n of_o the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a god_n and_o be_v therefore_o such_o because_o he_o who_o it_o be_v be_v such_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n of_o the_o word_n only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a life_n because_o the_o word_n be_v enliven_a and_o live_v therefore_o they_o with_o who_o it_o be_v effectual_a and_o into_o who_o heart_n it_o be_v receive_v be_v beget_v again_o and_o make_v alive_a by_o it_o and_o because_o the_o word_n be_v incorruptible_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o therefore_o that_o life_n beget_v by_o it_o be_v such_o too_o can_v perish_v nor_o be_v cut_v down_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n no_o this_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o certain_a beginning_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n of_o glory_n and_o shall_v end_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o end_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v abolish_v but_o surpass_v the_o endurance_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o man_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o that_o word_n to_o undo_v it_o be_v as_o vain_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v consult_v to_o pluck_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v immortal_a and_o incorruptible_a where_o it_o be_v once_o receive_v by_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v obliterated_a again_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v destroy_v it_o although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o diligent_a in_o their_o attempt_n that_o way_n and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n by_o his_o word_n have_v breathe_v into_o their_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v many_o and_o strong_a enemy_n such_o as_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o hold_v out_o against_o yet_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o promise_n sake_n he_o will_v maintain_v that_o life_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o its_o perfection_n god_n will_v perfect_v that_o which_o concern_v i_o say_v the_o psalm_a it_o be_v gross_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o that_o be_v thus_o renew_v can_v be_v unborn_a again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v but_o once_o of_o one_o kind_n though_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n here_o in_o this_o spiritual_a life_n yet_o not_o to_o death_n any_o more_o not_o to_o such_o way_n of_o finning_n as_o will_v extinguish_v this_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v here_o give_v the_o permanence_n and_o incorruptibleness_n of_o this_o word_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_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 it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o general_a way_n and_o not_o to_o know_v what_o that_o word_n be_v but_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o that_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o we_o be_v this_o very_a word_n of_o so_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o of_o which_o these_o high_a thing_n be_v speak_v that_o it_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o surpass_v all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o although_o deliver_v by_o weak_a man_n the_o apostle_n and_o by_o far_o weak_a than_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a ministry_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o lose_v none_o of_o its_o own_o virtue_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o first_o owner_n and_o author_n of_o it_o the_o ●verliving_a god_n who_o by_o it_o beget_v his_o choose_a unto_o life_n eternal_a this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v learn_v thus_o to_o hear_v and_o thus_o to_o receive_v and_o esteem_v and_o love_v this_o holy_a this_o live_a word_n to_o despise_v all_o the_o glister_a vanity_n of_o this_o perish_a life_n all_o outward_a pomp_n yea_o all_o inward_a worth_n all_o wisdom_n and_o natural_a endowment_n of_o mind_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o we_o rather_o to_o hazard_v all_o than_o lose_v that_o and_o banish_v all_o other_o thing_n from_o that_o place_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o to_o lodge_v it_o alone_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o our_o only_a treasure_n here_o and_o the_o certain_a pledge_n of_o that_o treasure_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n to_o which_o bless_a state_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o amen_n chap._n second_o 1_o pet._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1.2_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n verse_n 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o same_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o manifest_v itself_o in_o give_v be_v to_o his_o creature_n appear_v likewise_o in_o their_o sustain_n and_o preservation_n to_o give_v be_v be_v the_o first_o and_o to_o support_v it_o be_v the_o continue_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o goodness_n thus_o it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n and_o in_o the_o second_o in_o the_o first_o the_o creature_n to_o which_o he_o give_v life_n he_o provide_v with_o convenient_a nourishment_n to_o uphold_v that_o life_n gen·_n 1_o so_o here_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o the_o proper_a food_n of_o that_o life_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n by_o which_o we_o there_o find_v it_o to_o be_v beget_v that_o be_v here_o the_o nourishment_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v here_o exhort_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o to_o esteem_v and_o so_o to_o use_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n obs._n in_o general_n the_o word_n the_o principle_n and_o the_o support_n of_o our_o spiritual_a be_v be_v both_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n and_o the_o incorruptible_a food_n of_o that_o new_a life_n of_o grace_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o incorruptible_a life_n and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a thought_n even_o of_o we_o that_o hear_v this_o word_n be_v far_o below_o the_o true_a excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o the_o stream_n of_o custom_n and_o our_o profession_n bring_v we_o hither_o and_o we_o sit_v out_o our_o hour_n under_o the_o sound_n of_o this_o word_n but_o how_o few_o consider_v and_o prize_v it_o as_o the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o beginner_n and_o the_o sustainer_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n of_o grace_n within_o we_o and_o certain_o until_o we_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o seek_v to_o feel_v it_o thus_o ourselves_o although_o we_o hear_v it_o most_o frequent_o and_o slip_v no_o occasion_n yea_o hear_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o some_o present_a delight_n yet_o still_o we_o miss_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o from_o its_o true_a end_n while_o we_o take_v it_o not_o as_o that_o engraft_a word_n
god_n be_v give_v to_o be_v taste_v in_o the_o promise_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n but_o be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o come_n then_o be_v the_o sweetness_n of_o grace_n make_v more_o sensible_a then_o be_v it_o more_o full_o broach_v and_o let_v out_o to_o the_o elect_a world_n when_o he_o be_v pierce_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o blood_n pour_v out_o for_o our_o redemption_n through_o those_o hole_n of_o his_o wound_n way_n we_o draw_v and_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a say_v s._n august_n 2._o taste_v there_o be_v a_o taste_n of_o temporary_a believer_n speak_v of_o heb._n 6.4_o their_o high_a sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o it_o will_v be_v in_o some_o far_o high_a than_o we_o easy_o think_v yet_o be_v but_o a_o taste_n and_o be_v call_v so_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o true_a full_a sense_n that_o true_a believer_n have_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o compare_v with_o temporary_a taste_n be_v more_o than_o taste_v the_o former_a be_v taste_v rather_o a_o imaginary_a taste_n then_o real_a but_o this_o be_v a_o true_a feed_n on_o the_o graciousness_n of_o god_n yet_o call_v but_o a_o taste_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o fullness_n to_o come_v though_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o taste_n as_o you_o difference_n it_o from_o the_o hypocrite_n sense_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o taste_n compare_v with_o the_o great_a marriage_n feast_n we_o look_v for_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n apprehend_v he_o be_v all_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n it_o be_v the_o eye_n that_o behold_v his_o matchless_a beauty_n and_o so_o enkindle_v love_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o can_v speak_v of_o he_o as_o have_v see_v he_o and_o take_v particuliar_a notice_n of_o he_o cant._n 5.9_o it_o be_v the_o ear_n that_o discern_v his_o voice_n cant._n 2.8_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o smell_v his_o name_n pour_v forth_o as_o a_o ointment_n faith_n it_o touch_v he_o and_o draw_v virtue_n from_o he_o and_o faith_n that_o taste_v he_o cant._n 2.3_o and_o here_o if_o you_o have_v taste_v etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v 1._o a_o firm_a believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n wherein_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v express_v and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o 2._o a_o particular_a application_n or_o attraction_n of_o that_o grace_n to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v as_o the_o draw_v those_o breast_n of_o consolation_n namely_o the_o promise_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o that_o grace_n be_v apply_v or_o draw_v in_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o be_v proper_o this_o taste_n no_o unrenewed_a man_n have_v any_o of_o these_o in_o truth_n not_o the_o high_a kind_n of_o temporary_a believer_n he_o can_v have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o real_a lively_a assent_n to_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o have_v he_o that_o the_o rest_n will_v follow_v but_o as_o he_o can_v have_v the_o least_o of_o these_o in_o truth_n he_o may_v have_v the_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o all_o not_o only_o of_o assent_n but_o application_n yea_o and_o a_o false_a spiritual_a joy_n arise_v on_o it_o and_o all_o these_o so_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n that_o they_o may_v resemble_v much_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o to_o give_v clear_a character_n of_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a as_o most_o imagine_v but_o doubtless_o the_o true_a live_a faith_n of_o a_o chiristian_a have_v in_o itself_o such_o a_o particular_a stamp_n as_o bring_v with_o it_o it_o be_v own_o evidence_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o light_n of_o god_n face_n shine_v upon_o it_o indeed_o in_o the_o dark_a we_o can_v read_v nor_o distinguish_v one_o mark_n from_o another_o but_o when_o a_o christian_a have_v light_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n although_o he_o can_v make_v another_o sensible_a of_o that_o by_o which_o he_o know_v it_o yet_o he_o himself_o be_v ascertain_v and_o can_v say_v confident_o in_o himself_o this_o i_o know_v that_o this_o faith_n and_o ●ast_n of_o god_n i_o have_v be_v true_a the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o read_n of_o that_o new_a name_n in_o the_o white_a stone_n that_o no_o man_n know_v but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o there_o be_v in_o a_o true_a believer_n such_o a_o constant_a love_n to_o god_n for_o himself_o and_o continual_a desire_n after_o he_o simple_o for_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o goodness_n that_o no_o other_o can_v have_v on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v a_o hypocrite_n deal_v true_o and_o impartia_o by_o himself_o he_o will_v ready_o find_v out_o something_o that_o will_v discover_v he_o more_o or_o less_o to_o himself_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v man_n be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o thence_o arise_v the_o difficulty_n one_o man_n can_v make_v another_o sensible_a of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o divine_a grace_n he_o may_v speak_v to_o he_o of_o it_o very_o excellent_o but_o all_o he_o say_v in_o that_o kind_n be_v a_o unknown_a language_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n he_o have_v many_o good_a word_n but_o he_o can_v tell_v what_o they_o mean_v the_o natural_a man_n taste_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v a_o spiritual_a man_n himself_o do_v not_o full_o conceive_v this_o swetness_n that_o he_o taste_v of_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o he_o have_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n be_v a_o main_a fruit_n of_o this_o his_o goodness_n it_o pass_v all_o understanding_n say_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o all_o natural_a understanding_n as_o some_o modify_v it_o but_o all_o understanding_n even_o the_o supernatural_a understanding_n of_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o and_o as_o the_o godly_a man_n can_v conceive_v it_o all_o so_o that_o which_o he_o conceive_v he_o can_v express_v it_o all_o and_o that_o which_o he_o do_v express_v the_o carnal_a mind_n can_v conceive_v of_o it_o by_o his_o expression_n but_o he_o that_o have_v indeed_o taste_v of_o this_o goodness_n o_o how_o tasteless_a be_v those_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o the_o world_n call_v sweet_a as_o when_o you_o have_v taste_v somewhat_o that_o be_v very_o sweet_a it_o disrelish_v other_o thing_n after_o it_o therefore_o can_v a_o christian_n so_o easy_o either_o want_n or_o use_v with_o disregard_n the_o delight_n of_o this_o earth_n his_o heart_n be_v not_o upon_o they_o for_o the_o delight_n that_o he_o find_v in_o it_o god_n carry_v it_o unspeakable_o away_o from_o all_o the_o the_o rest_n make_v they_o in_o comparison_n seem_v sapless_a to_o his_o taste_n solomon_n taste_v of_o all_o the_o delicacy_n the_o choice_a dish_n that_o be_v in_o such_o esteem_n among_o man_n and_o not_o only_o taste_v but_o eat_v large_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o see_v how_o he_o go_v over_o they_o to_o let_v we_o know_v what_o they_o be_v and_o pass_v from_o one_o dish_n to_o another_o this_o also_o be_v vanity_n and_o of_o the_o next_o this_o also_o be_v vanity_n and_o so_o through_o all_o and_o of_o all_o in_o general_n all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n or_o feed_v on_o the_o wind_n as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v 3._o we_o come_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o the_o inference_n if_o you_o have_v taste_v etc._n etc._n then_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o guile_n and_o hipocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n verse_n 1_o for_o it_o look_v back_o to_o the_o whole_a exhortation_n sure_o if_o you_o have_v taste_v of_o that_o kindness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o will_v compose_v your_o spirit_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o he_o it_o will_v diffuse_v such_o a_o sweetness_n through_o your_o soul_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o malice_n and_o guile_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o love_n and_o meekness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n therefore_o they_o that_o have_v bitter_a malicious_a spirit_n evidence_n they_o have_v not_o taste_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a so_o they_o that_o taste_v it_o be_v make_v like_o he_o eph._n 4.32_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o again_o if_o you_o have_v taste_v then_o desire_v more_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sign_n of_o it_o he_o that_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o this_o graciousness_n of_o god_n sure_o he_o have_v taste_v of_o it_o my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n say_v david_n he_o have_v taste_v before_o verse_n 4._o he_o remember_v that_o he_o go_v to_o the_o
we_o from_o it_o filthiness_n need_v sprinkle_v guiltiness_n such_o as_o deserve_v death_n needs_o sprinkle_v of_o blood_n and_o the_o death_n it_o deserve_v be_v everlasting_a death_n the_o blood_n must_v be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ._n the_o eternal_a lord_n of_o life_n die_v to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n the_o soul_n as_o the_o body_n have_v its_o life_n its_o health_n its_o purity_n and_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o its_o death_n disease_n deformity_n and_o impurity_n which_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o to_o their_o first_o subject_n and_o to_o the_o body_n by_o participation_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v stain_v by_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n the_o impure_a leprosy_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o a_o spot_n outward_o but_o whole_o inward_a hence_o as_o the_o corporal_a leprosy_n be_v purify_v by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n so_o be_v this_o then_o by_o reflect_v we_o see_v how_o all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n express_v be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n 1._o christ_n the_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n be_v god_n and_o man_n 2._o a_o mediator_n not_o only_o intercede_v but_o also_o satisfy_v eph._n 2.16_o 3._o this_o satisfaction_n do_v not_o reconcile_v we_o unless_o it_o be_v apply_v therefore_o there_o be_v not_o only_o mention_v of_o blood_n but_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o it_o the_o spirit_n by_o faith_n sprinkle_v the_o soul_n as_o with_o hyssop_n wherewith_o the_o sprinkle_n be_v make_v this_o be_v it_o of_o which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isai._n 52.15_o so_o shall_v he_o sprinkle_v many_o nation_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n prefer_v above_o all_o legal_a sprinkling_n chap._n 9.12_o 13_o 14._o both_o as_o to_o its_o duration_n and_o as_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o effect_n man_n be_v not_o easy_o convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o deep_a stain_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o no_o other_o la●er_n can_v fetch_v it_o out_o but_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n some_o that_o have_v moral_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n dislike_v at_o least_o gross_a sin_n and_o purpose_n to_o avoid_v they_o and_o it_o be_v to_o they_o cleanness_n enough_o to_o reform_v in_o those_o thing_n but_o they_o consider_v not_o what_o become_v of_o the_o guiltiness_n they_o have_v contract_v already_o and_o how_o that_o shall_v be_v purge_v how_o their_o natural_a pollution_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o this_o it_o be_v not_o a_o eva●ishing_a sigh_n or_o a_o light_a word_n or_o a_o wish_n of_o god_n forgive_v i_o no_o nor_o the_o high_a current_n of_o repentance_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a evidence_n of_o repentance_n amendment_n it_o be_v none_o of_o these_o that_o purify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o expiate_v wrath_n they_o be_v all_o imperfect_a and_o stain_a themselves_o can_v stand_v and_o answer_v for_o themselves_o much_o less_o be_v of_o value_n to_o counterpoise_v their_o former_a guilt_n of_o sin_n the_o very_a tear_n of_o the_o pure_a repentance_n unless_o they_o be_v sprinkle_v with_o this_o blood_n be_v impure_a all_o our_o wash_n without_o this_o be_v but_o wash_n of_o the_o blackmore_n it_o be_v labour_n in_o vain_a jer._n 2.22_o job._n 9.30_o 31._o there_o be_v none_o true_o purge_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o endeavour_v purity_n of_o heart_n and_o conversation_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o be_v all_o fair_a and_o there_o be_v no_o spot_n in_o they_o here_o it_o be_v say_v elect_a to_o obedience_n but_o because_o that_o obedience_n be_v not_o perfect_a there_o must_v be_v sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n too_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n further_o out_o of_o nature_n reach_n and_o out_o of_o its_o like_v and_o believe_v than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n by_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n by_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o blood_n first_o shed_v on_o the_o cross_n in_o his_o suffering_n and_o then_o sprinkle_v on_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n though_o that_o be_v very_o difficult_a then_o of_o this_o purge_n by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o this_o precious_a blood_n do_v we_o see_v how_o needful_a christ_n be_v to_o we_o we_o will_v esteem_v and_o love_v he_o more_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o blood_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o water_n even_o that_o water_n that_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o this_o blood_n without_o the_o blood_n itself_o and_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o it_o many_o be_v present_a where_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v and_o yet_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o it_o look_v to_o this_o that_o this_o blood_n be_v sprinkle_v on_o your_o soul_n that_o the_o destroy_a angel_n may_v pass_v by_o you_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n not_o some_o few_o but_o a_o generation_n deceive_v in_o this_o they_o be_v their_o own_o deceiver_n pure_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n prov._n 30.12_o how_o earnest_o do_v david_n pray_v wash_v i_o purge_v i_o with_o hyssop_n though_o bathe_v in_o tear_n psa._n 6.6_o that_o satisfy_v not_o wash_v thou_o i_o this_o be_v the_o honourable_a condition_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o be_v purify_v and_o consecrate_v unto_o god_n by_o this_o sprinkle_n yea_o have_v on_o lo●g_a while_n robe_n wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n there_o be_v mention_n indeed_o of_o great_a tribulation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o double_a comfort_n join_v with_o it_o 1._o they_o come_v out_o of_o it_o that_o tribulation_n have_v a_o end_n and_o 2_o they_o pass_v from_o that_o to_o glory_n for_o they_o have_v on_o the_o robe_n of_o candidate_n long_o white_a robe_n wash_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n wash_v white_a in_o blood_n as_o for_o this_o blood_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o purity_n and_o spotlesness_n be_v stain_v with_o no_o sin_n and_o beside_o have_v that_o virtue_n to_o take_v away_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n where_o it_o be_v sprinkle_v my_o wellbeloved_a be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a say_v the_o spouse_n thus_o in_o his_o death_n ruddy_a by_o bloodshed_n white_a by_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o that_o blood_n shall_v they_o then_o that_o be_v purge_v by_o this_o blood_n return_v to_o live_v among_o the_o swine_n and_o tumble_v with_o they_o in_o the_o puddle_n what_o gross_a injury_n be_v this_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o that_o blood_n by_o which_o they_o be_v cleanse_v they_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o this_o sprinkle_n be_v likewise_o choose_v to_o obedience_n this_o blood_n purify_v the_o heart_n yea_o this_o blood_n purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 9.14_o unto_o obedience_n it_o be_v easy_o understand_v to_o who_o when_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v express_v by_o the_o simple_a absolute_a name_n of_o obedience_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o to_o he_o alone_o belong_v absolute_a and_o unlimited_a obedience_n all_o obedience_n by_o all_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v the_o shame_n and_o misery_n of_o man_n that_o he_o have_v depart_v from_o this_o obedience_n that_o we_o be_v become_v son_n of_o disobedience_n but_o grace_n renew_v the_o heart_n of_o believer_n change_v their_o nature_n and_o so_o their_o name_n and_o make_v they_o child_n of_o obedience_n as_o afterward_o in_o this_o chapter_n this_o obedience_n consist_v as_o in_o the_o receive_n christ_n as_o our_o redeemer_n so_o also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o our_o lord_n or_o king_n a_o entire_a render_v up_o of_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o his_o obedience_n this_o obedience_n then_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v jesus_n christ_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o his_o active_o as_o beza_n but_o objectiu_o as_o 2_o cor._n 10.5_o i_o think_v here_o it_o be_v contain_v yea_o chief_o understand_v to_o signify_v that_o obedience_n which_o the_o aposte_n to_o the_o roman_n call_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v receive_v and_o so_o christ_n himself_o which_o unit_v the_o believe_a soul_n to_o christ_n he_o sprinkle_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v the_o root_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o future_a obedience_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n by_o obedience_n sanctification_n be_v here_o intimate_v it_o signify_v then_o both_o habitual_a and_o active_a obedience_n renovation_n of_o heart_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o mind_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o divine_a will_n yea_o this_o faith_n be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o obedience_n rom._n 1.8_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n
not_o then_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o make_v the_o worthy_a choice_n see_v it_o be_v offer_v we_o and_o be_v extreme_a folly_n to_o reject_v it_o grace_n do_v not_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o whole_o destroy_v the_o natural_a passion_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o they_o be_v distemper_v by_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o extreme_a remedy_n to_o cure_v by_o kill_v and_o heal_v by_o cut_v off_o no_o but_o it_o correct_v the_o distemper_n in_o they_o it_o dry_v not_o up_o this_o main_a stream_n of_o love_n but_o purify_v it_o from_o the_o mud_n it_o be_v full_a of_o in_o its_o wrong_a course_n or_o call_v it_o to_o its_o right_a channel_n by_o which_o it_o may_v run_v into_o happiness_n and_o empty_v itself_o into_o the_o ocean_n of_o goodness_n the_o holy_a spirit_n turn_v the_o love_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o in_o that_o way_n only_o can_v it_o apprehend_v his_o love_n so_o then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o this_o divine_a love_n he_o be_v medium_fw-la unionis_fw-la through_o who_o god_n convey_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o receive_v back_o its_o love_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v his_o incomparable_a beauty_n we_o may_v look_v on_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n particular_o in_o that_o divine_a song_n of_o love_n wherein_o solomon_n borrow_v all_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o creature_n dip_v his_o pencil_n in_o all_o their_o several_a excellency_n to_o set_v he_o forth_o unto_o we_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a intermixture_n of_o love_n with_o belief_n and_o a_o pious_a affection_n receive_v divine_a truth_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n as_o we_o distinguish_v they_o they_o be_v mutual_o strengthen_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o and_o so_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o circle_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a one_o and_o fall_v not_o under_o censure_n of_o the_o school_n pedantry_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o love_n i_o answer_v believe_v if_o you_o ask_v how_o shall_v i_o believe_v i_o answer_v love_n although_o the_o expression_n to_o a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v altogether_o unsavoury_a by_o gross_a mistake_v they_o yet_o to_o a_o soul_n teach_v to_o read_v and_o hear_v they_o by_o any_o measure_n of_o that_o same_o spirit_n of_o love_n wherewith_o they_o be_v pen_v they_o be_v full_a of_o heavenly_a and_o unutterable_a sweetness_n many_o direction_n and_o mean_n of_o beget_v and_o increase_v this_o love_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v here_o offer_v but_o they_o that_o delight_n in_o number_n may_v multiply_v they_o but_o sure_o this_o one_o will_v comprehend_v the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o they_o believe_v and_o you_o shall_v love_n believe_v much_o and_o you_o shall_v love_n much_o labour_n for_o strong_a and_o deep_a persuasion_n of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n and_o this_o will_v command_v love_n certain_o do_v man_n indeed_o believe_v his_o worth_n they_o will_v according_o love_v he_o for_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v but_o affect_v that_o most_o which_o it_o firm_o believe_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o affection_n o_o this_o mischief_n of_o unbelief_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o heart_n cold_a and_o dead_a towards_o god_n seek_v then_o to_o believe_v christ_n excellency_n in_o himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o this_o will_v kindle_v such_o a_o fire_n in_o the_o heart_n as_o will_v make_v it_o ascend_v in_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o love_n to_o he_o many_o sign_n likewise_o of_o this_o love_n may_v be_v multiply_v according_a to_o the_o many_o fruit_n and_o work_n of_o it_o but_o in_o they_o all_o itself_o be_v its_o own_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n when_o the_o soul_n find_v that_o all_o its_o obedience_n and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o himself_o make_v its_o character_n do_v flow_v from_o love_n than_o it_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a for_o do_v or_o suffer_v what_o you_o will_v without_o love_n all_z passes_z for_o nothing_o all_o be_v cipher_n without_o it_o they_o signify_v nothing_o 1._o cor._n 13._o this_o be_v the_o message_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o which_o the_o ministry_n aim_v at_o and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v suitor_n not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o christ_n to_o espouse_v soul_n to_o he_o and_o to_o bring_v in_o many_o heart_n to_o love_v he_o and_o certain_o this_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o persuade_v to_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n this_o be_v to_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o his_o love_n be_v no_o other_o incentive_a will_v be_v needful_a for_o love_n delight_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o converse_n of_o the_o party_n love_v if_o we_o be_v to_o persuade_v to_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n the_o sum_n of_o those_o be_v love_n to_o our_o brethren_n result_v from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o diffuse_v such_o a_o sweetness_n into_o the_o soul_n that_o its_o all_o love_n and_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n and_o long_o suffer_v if_o time_n be_v for_o suffering_n love_n will_v make_v the_o soul_n not_o only_o bear_v but_o welcome_a the_o bitter_a afflection_n of_o life_n and_o the_o hard_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v in_o love_n a_o sweet_a constraint_n or_o tie_v of_o the_o heart_n to_o all_o obedience_n and_o duty_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v requisite_a in_o minister_n for_o their_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n so_o our_o saviour_n to_o st._n peter_n john_n 21.15_o peter_n love_v thou_o i_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n it_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o that_o christ_n preach_v be_v entertain_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o embrace_v by_o faith_n and_o love_n you_o that_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o christ_n for_o your_o love_n let_v not_o your_o heart_n slip_v out_o to_o renew_v your_o wont_a base_a familiarity_n with_o sin_n for_o that_o will_v bring_v new_a bitterness_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o at_o least_o for_o some_o time_n will_v deprive_v you_o of_o the_o sensible_a favour_n of_o your_o belove_a jesus_n delight_v always_o in_o god_n and_o give_v he_o your_o whole_a heart_n for_o he_o deserve_v it_o all_o and_o be_v a_o satisfy_v good_a to_o it_o the_o large_a heart_n be_v all_o of_o it_o too_o straight_o for_o the_o riches_n of_o consolation_n that_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o seek_v to_o increase_v in_o this_o love_n for_o though_o be_v at_o first_o weak_a yet_o labour_v to_o find_v it_o daily_o rise_v high_a and_o burn_v hot_a and_o clear_a and_o consume_v the_o dross_n of_o earthly_a desire_n receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n although_o the_o soul_n that_o believe_v and_o love_n be_v put_v in_o present_a possession_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a in_o its_o sojourn_v here_o yet_o it_o desire_v a_o full_a enjoyment_n which_o it_o can_v attain_v to_o without_o remove_v hence_o while_o we_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o because_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o happy_a exchange_n that_o be_v unite_v and_o free_v of_o this_o body_n they_o shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o have_v his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o that_o where_o he_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v also_o this_o beget_v such_o a_o assure_a hope_n as_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o possession_n therefore_o be_v say_v here_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n this_o receive_v likewise_o flow_v from_o faith_n faith_n apprehend_v the_o present_a truth_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n and_o so_o make_v the_o thing_n to_o come_v present_a and_o hope_v look_n out_o to_o their_o after_o accomplishment_n which_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v true_a as_o faith_n averr_v than_o hope_n have_v good_a reason_n firm_o to_o expect_v it_o this_o desire_n and_o hope_n be_v the_o very_a wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o faith_n the_o common_a axis_n on_o which_o they_o rest_v in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o good_a hope_v for_o in_o christ_n so_o believe_v on_o and_o love_v 2._o the_o assuredness_n of_o the_o hope_n itself_o yea_o as_o sure_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o accomplish_v as_o for_o the_o good_a hope_v for_o it_o consist_v 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n 2._o in_o a_o relative_n property_n of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v salvation_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o import_v full_a deliverance_n from_o all_o kind_n of_o misery_n and_o
obedience_n fall_v short_a so_o that_o he_o can_v never_o come_v to_o be_v upon_o even_o disengage_v term_n much_o less_o to_o oblige_v a_o new_a and_o deserve_v somewhat_o further_o beside_o that_o same_o grace_n by_o which_o any_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n be_v likewise_o his_o own_o gift_n as_o it_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n come_v of_o thou_o and_o of_o thy_o own_o have_v i_o give_v thou_o both_o the_o ability_n and_o the_o will_n of_o give_v to_o he_o be_v from_o he_o so_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n not_o angel_n nor_o man_n in_o innocency_n can_v proper_o merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n much_o less_o man_n lose_v redeem_v again_o and_o so_o come_v under_o the_o new_a obligation_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o the_o learn_a and_o most_o ingenuous_a jesuit_n and_o schoolman_n have_v in_o divers_a passage_n of_o their_o write_n acknowledge_v it_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o compensation_n and_o much_o less_o merit_n from_o the_o creature_n to_o god_n but_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o free_a purpose_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o word_n and_o covenant_n which_o be_v inviolable_a because_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o truth_n itself_o his_o first_o grace_n he_o give_v free_o and_o no_o less_o free_o the_o increase_v of_o it_o and_o with_o the_o same_o gracious_a hand_n set_v on_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n upon_o all_o the_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v give_v before_o it_o be_v but_o the_o follow_v forth_o of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o fulfil_v his_o own_o thought_n of_o free_a love_n which_o love_n have_v no_o cause_n but_o in_o himself_o and_o find_v none_o worthy_a but_o give_v they_o all_o the_o worthiness_n they_o have_v and_o accept_v of_o their_o love_n not_o as_o worthy_a in_o itself_o to_o be_v accept_v but_o because_o he_o himself_o have_v wrought_v it_o in_o they_o not_o only_o the_o first_o taste_v but_o the_o full_a draught_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n be_v free_o give_v reve._n 22.17_o nothing_o bring_v with_o they_o but_o thirst_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v not_o that_o be_v bring_v or_o that_o shall_v be_v bring_v but_o if_o we_o will_v render_v it_o strict_o it_o be_v that_o be_v a_o bring_n to_o you_o that_o blessedness_n that_o consummation_n of_o grace_n the_o saint_n be_v hasten_v forward_o to_o walk_v on_o in_o their_o way_n wheresoever_o it_o lie_v indifferent_o through_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n through_o evil_a report_n and_o good_a report_n and_o as_o they_o be_v hasten_v to_o it_o it_o be_v hastn'ng_v to_o they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o time_n every_o day_n bring_v it_o near_o to_o they_o than_o before_o and_o notwith_o stand_v all_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o the_o way_n they_o that_o have_v their_o eye_n and_o hope_n upon_o it_o shall_v arrive_v at_o it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v safe_a to_o their_o hand_n all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o cut_v they_o short_a of_o this_o grace_n that_o be_v a_o bring_n to_o they_o against_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n at_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v repeat_v from_o the_o 7_o the_o verse_n and_o it_o be_v a_o day_n of_o revelation_n a_o revelation_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n rom._n two_o 5._o and_o thus_o it_o will_v be_v to_o all_o be_v it_o not_o that_o it_o be_v withal_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o be_v it_o a_o day_n of_o grace_n all_o light_n and_o blessedness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o he_o because_o they_o shall_v appear_v in_o he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v glorious_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v inglorious_a and_o ashamed_a indeed_o be_v our_o secret_a sin_n then_o to_o be_v set_v before_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o their_o affrightfull_a visage_n and_o to_o be_v set_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o we_o lest_o alone_o so_o reveal_v who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v gather_v any_o comfort_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o have_v their_o thought_n fill_v with_o horror_n at_o the_o remembrance_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o day_n and_o thus_o indeed_o all_o unbelieving_a and_o ungodly_a man_n may_v look_v upon_o it_o and_o find_v it_o terrible_a but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v shadow_v under_o the_o robe_n of_o righteous_a jesus_n yea_o that_o be_v make_v one_o with_o he_o and_o shall_v partake_v of_o his_o glory_n in_o his_o appear_v it_o be_v the_o sweet_a the_o most_o comfortable_a thought_n that_o their_o soul_n can_v be_v entertain_v and_o possess_v withal_o to_o remember_v this_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o their_o redeemer_n it_o be_v their_o great_a grief_n here_o not_o that_o themselves_o be_v hate_v and_o vilify_v but_o that_o their_o lord_n jesus_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o therefore_o so_o much_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v veil_v and_o hide_v from_o the_o world_n many_o nation_n acknowledge_v he_o not_o at_o all_o and_o many_o of_o those_o that_o do_v in_o word_n confess_v yet_o in_o deed_n deny_v he_o that_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o do_v not_o only_o want_v but_o mock_v and_o scoff_n the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o to_o such_o christ_n be_v not_o know_v his_o excellency_n be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n now_o this_o glory_n of_o their_o lord_n be_v tender_a to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o they_o rejoice_v much_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n at_o hand_n wherein_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o his_o bright_a and_o full_a glory_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o out_o doubt_v and_o unquestioned_a to_o all_o that_o here_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o redeemer_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o day_n of_o revelation_n '_o it_o be_v also_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o the_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n in_o he_o rom._n 8.9_o they_o be_v now_o account_v the_o refuse_n of_o the_o world_n expose_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o comtempt_n but_o then_o the_o beam_n of_o christ_n glory_n shall_v beautify_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v know_v for_o his_o 1_o joh._n 3●_n 2._o col._n 3_o 4._o next_o there_o be_v the_o exhortation_n hope_v to_o the_o end_n the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o grace_n faith_n and_o hope_n be_v so_o small_a that_o the_o one_o be_v often_o take_v for_o the_o other_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v but_o a_o divers_a aspect_n of_o the_o same_o confidence_n faith_n apprehend_v the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o those_o divine_a promise_n of_o which_o hope_n do_v assure_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n and_o that_o be_v their_o truth_n so_o that_o this_o immediate_o result_v from_o the_o other·_a this_o be_v the_o anchor_n pitch_v within_o the_o vail_n that_o keep_v the_o soul_n firm_a against_o all_o the_o toss_n on_o these_o swell_a sea_n and_o the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n that_o arise_v upon_o they_o the_o firm_a thing_n in_o this_o inferior_a world_n be_v a_o believe_v soul._n faith_n establish_v the_o heart_n on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o hopelift_n it_o up_o be_v on_o that_o rock_n over_o the_o head_n of_o all_o intervenient_a danger_n cross_n and_o tentation_n and_o see_v the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n that_o follow_v after_o they_o to_o the_o end_n or_o perfect_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a seek_v most_o earnest_o and_o yet_o wait_v most_o patient_o psal._n 130.6_o indeed_o this_o hope_n be_v perfect_a in_o continuance_n it_o be_v a_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n because_o it_o be_v perfect_a in_o its_o nature_n although_o imperfect_a in_o degree_n sometime_o doubt_v intermix_v with_o it_o in_o the_o christian_a soul_n yet_o this_o be_v their_o infirmity_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v not_o the_o infirmity_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o object_n of_o their_o hope_n worldly_n hope_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n imperfect_a they_o do_v imply_v in_o their_o very_a be_v doubtfulness_n and_o waver_v because_o the_o thing_n whereon_o they_o be_v build_v be_v inconstant_a and_o uncertain_a and_o full_a of_o deceit_n and_o disappointment_n how_o can_v that_o hope_n be_v immovable_a that_o be_v build_v upon_o move_a sand_n or_o quagmire_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v itself_o unfixed_a can_v give_v stability_n to_o any_o other_o thing_n rest_v on_o it_o but_o because_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o immutable_a god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o spiritual_a hope_n therefore_o it_o be_v assure_v and_o like_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o be_v its_o perfection_n now_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v his_o brethren_n to_o endeavour_v to_o have_v their_o heart_n possess_v with_o as_o high_a a_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o
evil_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o evil_n it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o just_a law_n of_o god_n and_o so_o a_o provocation_n of_o his_o just_a anger_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o punishment_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a which_o he_o inflict_v and_o then_o consider_v how_o mighty_a he_o be_v to_o punish_v both_o the_o power_n and_o reach_v of_o his_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v both_o most_o heavy_a and_o unavoidable_a all_o these_o thing_n may_v and_o shall_v concur_v to_o the_o work_n of_o this_o fear_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o those_o two_o kind_n of_o fear_n that_o be_v usual_o difference_v by_o the_o name_n of_o servile_a and_o filial_a fear_n but_o certain_o the_o most_o genuine_a fear_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o call_v he_o father_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n that_o his_o justice_n inflict_v we_o see_v here_o it_o be_v use_v as_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o this_o fear_n that_o he_o judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n and_o david_n in_o that_o psalm_n wherein_o he_o so_o much_o breathe_v forth_o those_o other_o sweet_a affection_n of_o love_n and_o hope_v and_o delight_n in_o god_n and_o in_o his_o word_n yet_o express_v this_o fear_n even_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n psal._n 119.120_o the_o flesh_n be_v to_o be_v enaw_v with_o divine_a judgement_n though_o the_o high_a and_o sure_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v strong_o and_o free_o tie_v with_o the_o cord_n of_o love_n temporal_a correction_n indeed_o they_o fear_v not_o so_o much_o in_o themselves_o as_o that_o impression_n of_o wrath_n that_o may_v be_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n psal._n 6.1_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o main_a matter_n of_o their_o fear_n because_o their_o happiness_n be_v in_o his_o love_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n tha●'●_n their_o life_n they_o regard_v not_o how_o the_o world_n look●●_n upon_o they_o care_v not_o who_o frown_n so_o he_o smile_v 〈…〉_z and_o because_o no_o other_o enemy_n nor_o evil_a in_o 〈…〉_z can_v prejudge_v they_o in_o this_o but_o their_o own_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v that_o they_o fear_v most_o as_o the_o evil_n be_v great_a so_o the_o christian_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v in_o regard_n of_o his_o danger_n of_o it_o consider_v the_o multitude_n and_o strength_n and_o craft_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o unskilfulness_n to_o resist_v they_o and_o his_o sad_a experience_n in_o be_v often_o foil_v reach_v he_o that_o it_o be_v thus_o he_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o he_o find_v how_o often_o his_o own_o resolve_n and_o purpose_n deceive_v he_o certain_o a_o godly_a man_n be_v sometime_o drive_v to_o wonder_v at_o his_o own_o frailty_n and_o unconstancy_n what_o strange_a difference_n will_v be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o himself_o how_o high_a and_o how_o delightful_a at_o some_o time_n be_v his_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o how_o easy_o at_o another_o time_n base_a tentation_n will_v bemire_v he_o or_o at_o the_o least_o molest_v and_o vex_v he_o and_o this_o keep_v he_o in_o a_o continual_a fear_n and_o that_o fear_v in_o continual_a vigilancy_n and_o circumspectness_n when_o he_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o consider_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o protection_n and_o the_o almighty_a strength_n of_o his_o redeemer_n these_o thing_n fill_v his_o soul_n with_o confidence_n and_o assurence_n but_o when_o he_o turn_v his_o eye_n downward_o again_o upon_o himself_o and_o find_v so_o much_o remain_v corruption_n within_o and_o so_o many_o tentation_n and_o danger_n and_o adversary_n without_o this_o force_n he_o not_o only_o to_o fear_v but_o to_o despair_v of_o himself_o and_o it_o shall_v do_v so_o that_o his_o trust_n in_o god_n may_v be_v the_o pure_a and_o more_o entire_a that_o confidence_n in_o god_n will_v not_o make_v he_o secure_a and_o presumptuous_a in_o himself_o nor_o that_o fear_n of_o himself_o make_v he_o diffident_a of_o god_n this_o fear_n be_v not_o opposite_a to_o faith_n but_o highmindedness_a and_o presumption_n be_v rom._n 11.20_o to_o a_o natural_a mind_n it_o will_v seem_v a_o odd_a kind_n of_o reason_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.12.13_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n therefore_o will_v he_o think_v you_o may_v save_v a_o labour_n you_o may_v sit_v still_o and_o not_o work_v or_o if_o you_o work_v you_o may_v work_v fearless_o be_v so_o sure_a of_o his_o help_n but_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n his_o inference_n be_v therefore_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n and_o work_v it_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a but_o he_o that_o have_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n why_o shall_v he_o fear_v if_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o his_o assurance_n nothing_o can_v disappoint_v he_o not_o sin_n itself_o it_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o fear_v to_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o his_o assurance_n it_o be_v not_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o mispersuasion_n of_o a_o secure_a and_o profane_a mind_n 2._o suppose_v it_o so_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n can_v be_v such_o as_o to_o cut_v he_o short_a of_o that_o salvation_n whereof_o he_o be_v assure_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v such_o as_o for_o a_o time_n will_v deprive_v he_o of_o that_o assurance_n and_o not_o only_o remove_v the_o comfort_n he_o have_v in_o that_o but_o let_v in_o horror_n and_o anguish_n of_o conscience_n in_o its_o stead_n though_o a_o believer_n be_v free_v from_o hell_n and_o we_o may_v overstrain_v this_o assurance_n in_o our_o doctrine_n beyond_o what_o the_o sober_a and_o devout_a man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o find_v in_o themselves_o though_o they_o will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o contest_v and_o dispute_v with_o they_o that_o say_v they_o have_v it_o so_o that_o his_o soul_n can_v come_v there_o yet_o some_o sin_n may_v bring_v as_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o hell_n into_o his_o soul_n for_o a_o time_n and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o any_o christian_a in_o his_o right_a wit_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o sin_n no_o man_n will_v willing_o hazard_v himself_o upon_o a_o fall_n that_o may_v break_v his_o leg_n or_o some_o other_o bone_n though_o he_o can_v be_v make_v sure_a both_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o break_v his_o neck_n or_o that_o his_o life_n be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o danger_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v perfect_o cure_v yet_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v of_o such_o a_o hurt_n will_v scare_v he_o and_o make_v he_o warry_a and_o fearful_a when_o he_o walk_v in_o danger_n the_o break_a bone_n that_o david_n complain_v of_o after_o his_o fall_n may_v work_v fear_n and_o warriness_n in_o these_o that_o hear_v he_o though_o they_o be_v ascertain_v of_o a_o like_a recovery_n this_o fear_n be_v not_o cowardice_n it_o do_v not_o debase_v but_o elevate_v the_o mind_n for_o it_o drown_v all_o low_a fear_n and_o beget_v true_a fortitude_n and_o courage_n to_o encounter_v all_o danger_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o obey_n of_o god_n the_o righteous_a be_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n he_o dare_v do_v any_o thing_n but_o offend_v god_n and_o to_o dare_v that_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o baseness_n and_o weakness_n in_o the_o world_n from_o this_o fear_n have_v spring_v all_o the_o generous_a resolution_n and_o patient_a suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o god_n because_o they_o dare_v not_o sin_n against_o he_o therefore_o they_o dare_v be_v imprison_v and_o impoverish_v and_o torture_v and_o die_v for_o he_o thus_o the_o prophet_n i_o say_v set_v carnal_a and_o godly_a fear_n as_o opposite_a and_o the_o one_o expel_v the_o other_o isa._n 8.12.13_o and_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 12.4_o fear_v not_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n but_o fear_v he_o which_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o fear_v not_o but_o fear_v and_o therefore_o fear_v that_o you_o may_v not_o fear_v this_o fear_n be_v like_o the_o tremble_a that_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o some_o great_a courage_n before_o their_o battle_n moses_n be_v bold_a and_o fearless_a in_o deal_v with_o a_o proud_a and_o wicked_a king_n but_o when_o god_n appear_v he_o say_v say_v the_o apostle_n i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v heb._n 12.21_o the_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v here_o to_o persuade_v
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 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life_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v we_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o be_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o holiness_n increase_v the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v strong_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o act_v more_o strong_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o he_o grow_v spiritual_o and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o beget_v this_o spiritual_a life_n so_o likewise_o of_o its_o increase_n 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a treat_v of_o the_o high_a thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o elevate_v man_n mind_n from_o the_o earth_n be_v often_o conversant_a with_o it_o to_o assimilate_v they_o to_o itself_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n ready_o do_v to_o these_o that_o be_v much_o in_o it_o and_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o study_v it_o doubtless_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v frequent_a with_o man_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v light_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o call_v light_n as_o be_v transform_v into_o its_o nature_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o by_o more_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o so_o they_o grow_v if_o we_o look_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o strain_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o christian_a for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o particular_a truth_n relative_a to_o they_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o excite_v they_o and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n and_o so_o to_o make_v they_o grow_v as_o all_o habit_n do_v by_o act_v it_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n word_n may_v be_v translate_v stir_v up_o the_o spark_n and_o blow_v they_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n make_v they_o burn_v clear_a and_o hot_a that_o it_o do_v both_o by_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n and_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n sometime_o press_v one_o and_o sometime_o another_o and_o by_o right_n represent_v to_o they_o their_o object_n the_o word_n feed_v faith_n by_o set_v before_o it_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n his_o rich_a promise_n and_o his_o power_n and_o truth_n to_o perform_v they_o all_o show_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n not_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o hold_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o draw_v faith_n still_o to_o rest_v more_o entire_o upon_o his_o righteousness_n it_o feed_v repentance_n by_o make_v the_o vileness_n and_o deformity_n of_o sin_n daily_o more_o clear_a and_o visible_a still_o as_o more_o of_o the_o word_n have_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o it_o hate_v sin_n be_v the_o more_o discover_v and_o the_o better_o know_v in_o its_o own_o native_a colour_n as_o the_o more_o light_n be_v in_o a_o house_n the_o more_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v unclean_o or_o deform_a be_v see_v and_o dislike_v likewise_o it_o increase_v love_n to_o god_n by_o open_v up_o still_o more_o and_o more_o of_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o lovelyness_n and_o as_o it_o borrow_v the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o vile_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o express_v the_o foulness_n and_o hatefulness_n of_o sin_n so_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o dignity_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v call_v together_o in_o the_o word_n to_o give_v we_o some_o small_a scantling_n of_o that_o uncreated_a beauty_n that_o alone_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v thus_o may_v it_o be_v instanced_a in_o all_o other_o grace_n but_o above_o all_o other_o consideration_n this_o be_v in_o the_o word_n observable_a as_o the_o increaser_n of_o grace_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v forth_o jesus_n christ_n to_o our_o vieu_n to_o look_v upon_o not_o only_o as_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n but_o as_o the_o full_a fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n from_o who_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v the_o contemplate_v of_o he_o as_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o god_n and_o then_o draw_v from_o he_o as_o have_v in_o himself_o a_o treasure_n for_o we_o these_o give_v the_o soul_n more_o of_o that_o image_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a growth_n this_o the_o apostle_n express_v excellent_o 2_o cor._n 3._o ult_n speak_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v christ_n that_o behold_v in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v chap._n 4._o vers._n 6._o in_o his_o face_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o copy_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o have_v a_o share_n of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o spiritual_a growth_n but_o i_o will_v add_v only_o a_o few_o 1._o in_o the_o judge_n of_o this_o growth_n some_o conlude_v too_o rigid_o against_o themselves_o that_o they_o grow_v not_o by_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o sensible_a to_o they_o as_o they_o desire_v but_o 1._o this_o be_v know_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o grow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o discern_v in_o motu_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o termino_fw-la not_o in_o the_o grow_a but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v 2._o beside_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o although_o other_o grace_n seem_v not_o to_o advance_v yet_o if_o thou_o grow_v more_o self-denying_a and_o humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o slowness_n all_o be_v not_o lose_v although_o the_o branch_n shut_v not_o up_o so_o fast_o as_o thou_o wish_v yet_o if_o the_o root_n grow_v deep_o and_o fasten_v more_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a growth_n he_o that_o be_v still_o learning_n to_o be_v more_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o less_o in_o himself_o to_o have_v all_o his_o dependence_n and_o comfort_n in_o he_o be_v doubtless_o a_o grow_a believer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o far_o great_a number_n conclude_v wrong_a in_o their_o own_o favour_n imagine_v that_o they_o do_v grow_v if_o they_o gain_v in_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n we_o mention_v above_o namely_o if_o more_o knowledge_n and_o more_o faculty_n of_o discourse_v if_o they_o find_v often_o some_o present_a stir_n of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n if_o they_o reform_v their_o life_n grow_v more_o civil_a and_o blameless_a etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n who_o notwithstanding_o grow_v not_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a he_o be_v not_o in_o that_o estate_n a_o subject_a capable_a of_o this_o growth_n for_o he_o be_v dead_a he_o have_v none_o of_o this_o new_a life_n to_o which_o this_o growth_n relate_v herod_n hear_v glad_o and_o obey_v many_o thing_n consider_v then_o what_o true_a delight_n we_o may_v have_v in_o this_o you_o find_v a_o pleasure_n when_o you_o see_v your_o child_n grow_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o stand_v and_o walk_v etc._n etc._n you_o love_v well_o to_o perceive_v your_o estate_n or_o your_o honour_n grow_v but_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v grow_v like_a god_n and_o near_a heaven_n if_o we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n far_o beyond_o they_o all_o to_o find_v pride_n and_o earthliness_n and_o vanity_n abate_v and_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o spiritual_a mindedness_n increase_v especial_o if_o we_o think_v whither_o this_o growth_n be_v not_o as_o our_o natural_a life_n that_o be_v often_o cut_v off_o before_o it_o attain_v full_a age_n as_o we_o call_v it_o and_o if_o it_o attain_v that_o fall_v again_o to_o move_v downward_o and_o decay_v as_o the_o sun_n be_v at_o its_o meridian_n begin_v to_o decline_v again_o but_o this_o life_n shall_v grow_v on-in_a whosoever_o it_o be_v and_o come_v certain_o to_o its_o fullness_n after_o which_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o this_o word_n either_o for_o growth_n or_o nourishment_n no_o death_n no_o decay_n no_o old_a age_n but_o perpetual_a youth_n and_o a_o perpetual_a spring_n ver_fw-la aeternum_fw-la fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a pleasure_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n verse_n 3._o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a our_o natural_a desire_n of_o food_n arise_v principal_o from_o its_o necessity_n for_o that_o end_n which_o nature_n seek_v the_o growth_n or_o at_o least_o the_o nourishment_n of_o our_o body_n but_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o present_a sweetness_n and_o pleasingness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o serve_v to_o sharpen_v our_o desire_n and_o be_v place_v in_o nature_n for_o that_o purpose_n thus_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o desire_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o nourishment_n and_o of_o their_o growth_n
awake_v to_o seek_v diligent_o after_o jesus_n and_o not_o to_o rest_v till_o they_o find_v he_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o without_o he_o it_o suffice_v they_o they_o hear_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o but_o they_o ask_v not_o themselves_o be_v he_o i_o or_o no_o but_o sure_o if_o that_o be_v all_o not_o to_o doubt_v the_o bruit_n believe_v as_o well_o it_o be_v better_a out_o of_o all_o question_n to_o be_v labour_v under_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v a_o more_o hopeful_a condition_n to_o find_v a_o man_n groan_v and_o complain_v than_o speechless_a and_o breathless_a and_o not_o stir_v at_o all_o there_o be_v in_o spiritual_a doubt_n two_o thing_n their_o be_v a_o solicitous_a care_n of_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o own_o estate_n and_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o it_o and_o that_o be_v laudable_a be_v a_o true_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o they_o perplexity_n and_o distrust_n that_o arise_v from_o darkness_n and_o weakness_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o smoke_n and_o no_o clear_a flame_n it_o argue_v much_o moisture_n in_o the_o matter_n yet_o it_o witness_v certain_o that_o there_o be_v fire_n there_o and_o therefore_o dubious_a question_n of_o a_o man_n concern_v himself_o be_v a_o much_o better_a evidence_n than_o that_o senseless_a deadness_n that_o most_o take_v for_o believe_v man_n that_o that_o know_v nothing_o in_o science_n have_v no_o doubt_n he_o never_o true_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o make_v first_o sensible_a and_o convince_v of_o unbelief_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n first_o errand_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convince_v it_o of_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n be_v this_o that_o they_o believe_v not_o if_o the_o faith_n that_o thou_o have_v grow_v out_o of_o thy_o natural_a heart_n of_o itself_o it_o be_v but_o a_o weed_n be_v sure_a the_o right_a plant_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o set_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v water_v and_o preserve_v by_o he_o because_o expose_v to_o many_o hazard_n he_o watch_v it_o night_n and_o day_n isa._n 27.3_o i_o the_o lord_n do_v keep_v it_o i_o will_v water_v it_o every_o moment_n lest_o any_o hurt_n it_o i_o will_v keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n again_o how_o impudent_a be_v it_o in_o the_o most_o to_o pretend_v believe_v while_o they_o wallow_v in_o profaneness_n if_o faith_n unite_v the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n certain_o it_o put_v it_o into_o participation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n this_o faith_n in_o christ_n bring_v we_o into_o communion_n with_o god_n now_o god_n be_v light_n say_v st._n john_n and_o therefore_o infer_v if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n the_o lie_n appear_v in_o our_o practice_n a_o unsuitableness_n in_o our_o carriage_n as_o he_o say_v of_o he_o that_o sign_v his_o verse_n wrong_v fecit_fw-la solaecismum_fw-la manu_fw-la but_o there_o be_v imaginary_a believer_n that_o be_v a_o little_a more_o refine_a that_o live_v after_o a_o blameless_a yea_o and_o a_o religious_a manner_n for_o there_o outward_a and_o yet_o be_v but_o appearance_n of_o christian_n have_v not_o the_o live_a work_n of_o faith_n within_o and_o all_o these_o exercise_n be_v dead_a work_n in_o their_o hand_n among_o these_o some_o may_v have_v such_o motion_n within_o themselves_o as_o may_v deceive_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o their_o outward_a deportment_n deceive_v other_o some_o transient_a touch_n of_o desire_n to_o christ_n upon_o the_o unfolding_n of_o his_o excellency_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o upon_o some_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o necessity_n and_o conceive_v some_o joy_n upon_o thought_n of_o apprehend_v he_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o prove_v but_o a_o evanish_v fancy_n a_o embrace_v of_o a_o shadow_n and_o because_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o delude_v meet_v not_o with_o christ_n indeed_o do_v not_o real_o find_v his_o sweetness_n therefore_o within_o a_o while_n they_o return_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o their_o latter_a end_n prove_v worse_a than_o their_o beginning_n their_o heart_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v steadfast_a because_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o in_o all_o that_o work_n wherein_o christ_n himself_o be_v want_v but_o the_o true_o believe_v soul_n that_o be_v bring_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o fasten_v upon_o he_o by_o god_n own_o hand_n abide_v stay_v on_o he_o and_o depart_v not_o and_o in_o these_o the_o very_a belief_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v concern_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o the_o common_a consent_n that_o they_o call_v historical_a another_o knowledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n than_o natural_a man_n can_v have_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o very_a thing_n that_o cause_v a_o man_n rest_n upon_o christ_n when_o he_o have_v a_o persuasion_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o able_a redeemer_n a_o sufficient_a saviour_n able_a to_o save_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o then_o upon_o this_o the_o heart_n resolve_v upon_o that_o course_n see_v i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o whoso_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n as_o here_o it_o be_v shall_v not_o be_v confound_v i_o be_o to_o deliberate_v no_o long_o this_o be_v the_o the_o thing_n i_o must_v do_v to_o lay_v my_o soul_n upon_o he_o upon_o one_o that_o be_v a_o almighty_a redeemer_n and_o it_o do_v so_o now_o these_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o themselves_o a_o evidence_n that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a a_o light_n of_o their_o own_o by_o which_o the_o soul_n wherein_o they_o be_v may_v discern_v they_o and_o say_v this_o be_v the_o right_a work_n of_o faith_n especial_o when_o god_n shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_v it_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o own_o work_n within_o it_o and_o further_o they_o may_v find_v the_o influence_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o affection_n purify_n they_o as_o our_o apostle_n say_v of_o it_o act._n 15.9_o faith_n knit_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o holy_a head_n a_o pure_a lord_n the_o spring_n of_o purity_n and_o therefore_o can_v choose_v but_o make_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v a_o beam_n from_o heaven_n that_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o heavenly_a temper_n although_o there_o remain_v of_o sin_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o hate_a wearisome_a guest_n there_o it_o be_v not_o there_o as_o its_o delight_n but_o as_o its_o great_a grief_n and_o malady_n that_o it_o be_v still_o lament_v and_o complain_v of_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v rid_v of_o than_o gain_v a_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v purify_v from_o affect_v sin_n so_o then_o where_o these_o be_v a_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o a_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o delight_n in_o he_o as_o make_v sin_n vile_a and_o distasteful_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v set_v against_o it_o and_o as_o the_o needle_n touch_v with_o the_o loadstone_n be_v still_o turn_v towards_o christ_n and_o look_n at_o he_o in_o all_o estate_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v have_v certain_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o affect_v a_o humour_n of_o doubt_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o in_o itself_o yet_o be_v in_o he_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a not_o only_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v shame_n of_o he_o but_o all_o its_o just_a cause_n of_o shame_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o it_o shall_v be_v cover_v with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o appear_v so_o before_o the_o father_n who_o must_v not_o think_v if_o my_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v set_v in_o order_n and_o appear_v against_o i_o how_o will_v my_o face_n be_v fill_v with_o shame_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o if_o some_o thought_n that_o i_o be_o guilty_a of_o be_v lay_v to_o my_o charge_n i_o be_v utter_o shame_v and_o undo_v oh_o nothing_o in_o myself_o but_o matter_n of_o shame_n but_o yet_o in_o christ_n more_o matter_n of_o glory_v who_o endure_v shame_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a we_o can_v distrust_v ourselves_o enough_o nor_o trust_n enough_o in_o he_o let_v it_o be_v right_a faith_n and_o there_o be_v no_o excess_n in_o believe_v though_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o and_o abuse_v his_o goodness_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o for_o whether_o shall_v i_o go_v he_o and_o none_o but_o he_o have_v
the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n yea_o though_o he_o be_v so_o often_o offend_v shall_v threaten_v to_o leave_v i_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o my_o own_o folly_n yet_o i_o will_v stay_v by_o he_o and_o wait_v for_o a_o better_a answer_n and_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v obtain_v it_o this_o be_v assure_v i_o for_o my_o comfort_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a verse_n 7._o unto_o you_o therefore_o which_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a but_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v disobedient_a the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n disallow_v the_o same_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n beside_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o meet_v faith_n within_o in_o our_o heart_n it_o have_v this_o without_o that_o it_o row_n against_o the_o great_a stream_n of_o the_o world_n opinion_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n especial_o where_o it_o be_v very_o tender_a and_o weak_a to_o be_v strengthen_v against_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o considerable_a quality_n of_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n be_v one_o continue_v cause_n of_o that_o very_a multitude_n and_o the_o fewness_n of_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v do_v much_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o still_o few_o and_o as_o this_o prejudice_n prevail_v with_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o so_o it_o may_v sometime_o assault_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n when_o he_o think_v how_o many_o and_o many_o of_o they_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n reject_v christ_n whence_o can_v this_o be_v particular_o the_o believe_a jew_n to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v address_v may_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o not_o only_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o true_a religion_n but_o their_o own_o nation_n that_o be_v the_o select_a people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o light_n of_o his_o oracle_n keep_v in_o among_o they_o only_o that_o yet_o so_o many_o of_o they_o yea_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o shall_v be_v despiser_n and_o hater_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o that_o these_o that_o be_v best_o verse_v in_o the_o law_n and_o so_o seem_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o messiah_n foretell_v shall_v have_v persecute_v christ_n all_o his_o life_n and_o at_o last_o put_v he_o to_o a_o shameful_a death_n that_o they_o may_v know_v this_o make_v nothing_o against_o he_o nor_o aught_o to_o invalide_v their_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o indeed_o testify_v with_o christ_n and_o so_o serve_v to_o confirm_v they_o in_o believe_v the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o those_o prophetical_a scripture_n that_o foretell_v the_o unbelief_n and_o contempt_n the_o most_o will_v entertain_v christ_n withal_o as_o old_a simeon_n speak_v of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v come_v conform_v to_o these_o former_a prediction_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o contradiction_n as_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a sign_n of_o salvation_n to_o believer_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a mark_n of_o enmity_n and_o contradiction_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n the_o place_n the_o apostle_n here_o use_v suit_n with_o his_o present_a discourse_n and_o the_o word_n cite_v from_o isaiah_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n continue_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o corner_n stone_n they_o be_v partly_o from_o psa._n 118._o partly_o out_o of_o 8_o of_o isaiah_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n wonder_v not_o that_o other_o refuse_v he_o but_o believe_v the_o more_o for_o that_o because_o you_o see_v the_o word_n to_o be_v true_a even_o in_o their_o not_o believe_v of_o it_o it_o be_v fulfil_v and_o verify_v by_o their_o very_a reject_v it_o as_o false_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o world_n thought_n concern_v christ_n that_o import_v not_o for_o they_o know_v he_o not_o but_o you_o that_o do_v indeed_o believe_v i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o yourselves_o your_o own_o faith_n that_o you_o have_v of_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v not_o precious_a to_o you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o real_o find_v he_o full_o answerable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o according_o you_o have_v believe_v concern_v he_o we_o be_v here_o 1._o to_o consider_v the_o opposition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o then_o 2._o of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o they_o 1._o they_o be_v oppose_v under_o the_o name_n of_o believer_n and_o disobedient_a or_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o word_n be_v so_o near_o that_o it_o may_v be_v take_v for_o unbelief_n as_o be_v by_o some_o so_o render_v and_o the_o thing_n be_v large_a as_o near_o as_o the_o word_n that_o signify_v they_o disobedience_n and_o unbelief_n 1._o unbelief_n be_v itself_o the_o grand_a disobedience_n for_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o which_o the_o gospel_n main_o command_v joh._n 6.29_o that_o you_o believe_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o indeed_o more_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o obedience_n than_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v those_o supernatural_a truth_n that_o the_o gospel_n teach_v concern_v jesus_n christ._n to_o obey_v so_o as_o to_o have_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o impression_n of_o that_o divine_a pattern_n stamp_v upon_o the_o heart_n to_o have_v the_o heart_n deliver_v up_o as_o the_o word_n there_o be_v and_o lay_v under_o it_o to_o receive_v it_o rom._n 6.17_o the_o word_n here_o use_v for_o disobedience_n signify_v proper_o unpersuasion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v more_o proper_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o unbelief_n than_o that_o and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n we_o be_v child_n of_o disobedience_n or_o unpersuasibleness_n altogether_o incredulous_a towards_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o as_o pliable_a wax_n in_o satan_n hand_n he_o work_v in_o they_o what_o he_o will_v as_o there_o the_o apostle_n express_v most_o easy_a of_o belief_n to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o very_a father_n of_o lie_n as_o our_o saviour_n call_v he_o a_o liar_n and_o a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n murder_v by_o lie_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o beginning_n 2._o unbelief_n be_v radical_o all_o other_o disobedience_n for_o all_o flow_v from_o unbelief_n this_o we_o lest_o of_o all_o suspect_n but_o it_o be_v the_o bitter_a root_n of_o all_o that_o ungodliness_n that_o abound_v among_o we_o a_o right_a and_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o bring_v low_a its_o high_a lofty_a imagination_n and_o bring_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a action_n but_o the_o very_a thought_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n concern_v these_o disobedient_a unbeliever_n these_o two_o testimony_n take_v together_o have_v in_o they_o 1._o their_o rejection_n of_o christ._n 2._o their_o folly_n 3._o their_o misery_n in_o so_o do_v 1._o they_o do_v not_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o father_n appoint_v and_o design_v he_o as_o the_o foundation_n and_o chief_a corner_n stone_n but_o slight_v he_o and_o throw_v he_o by_o as_o unfit_a for_o the_o building_n and_o this_o do_v not_o only_o the_o ignorant_a multitude_n but_o the_o builder_n they_o that_o pro●ess_v to_o have_v the_o skill_n and_o the_o office_n or_o power_n of_o building_n the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o chief_a priest_n and_o think_v to_o carry_v the_o matter_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o authority_n as_o overbalance_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o that_o follow_v christ._n have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v john_n 7.48.49_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v then_o that_o not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v usualy_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o contriver_n of_o policy_n those_o builder_n leave_v out_o christ_n in_o their_o build_n but_o that_o the_o pretend_a builder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n though_o they_o use_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o serve_v their_o turn_n with_o that_o yet_o reject_v himself_o and_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n there_o may_v be_v wit_n and_o learning_n and_o much_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n among_o those_o that_o be_v hater_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o corrupter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o humility_n and_o obedience_n and_o ●aving_a faith_n that_o teach_v man_n to_o esteem_v of_o christ_n and_o build_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o bvilder_n opinion_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v over_o power_v by_o the_o great_a architect_n of_o the_o church_n his_o purpose_n stand_v notwithstanding_o their_o rejecton_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v still_o make_v the_o head_n corner_n stone_n they_o cast_v he_o away_o by_o their_o miscensure_v and_o reproach_n
not_o but_o his_o call_n that_o shake_v and_o remove_v the_o mountain_n do_v in_o a_o way_n know_v to_o himself_o turn_v and_o wind_v the_o heart_n which_o way_n he_o please_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v powerful_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n psa._n 29._o if_o he_o speak_v once_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o follow_v he_o and_o yet_o most_o willing_o choose_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n as_o oil_n to_o which_o it_o be_v often_o compare_v do_v insensible_o and_o silent_o penetrate_v and_o sink_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o dilate_v themselves_o through_o it_o that_o word_n of_o his_o own_o call_n disentangle_v the_o heart_n from_o all_o its_o net_n as_o it_o do_v the_o disciple_n to_o follow_v christ_n that_o call_v that_o bring_v st._n matthew_n present_o from_o his_o receipt_n of_o custom_n put_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o its_o custom_n and_o receipt_n too_o make_v it_o reject_v gain_n and_o pleasure_n and_o all_o that_o hinder_v it_o to_o go_v after_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v a_o call_n that_o touch_v the_o soul_n so_o as_o the_o touch_n of_o elijah_n mantle_n that_o make_v elisha_n follow_v he_o go_v back_o say_v he_o for_o what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o yet_o he_o have_v do_v so_o much_o as_o make_v he_o forsake_v all_o to_o go_v with_o he_o and_o this_o every_o believer_n be_v most_o real_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o know_v what_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v and_o what_o his_o miserable_a love_n of_o darkness_n be_v that_o the_o gracious_a yet_o mighty_a call_v of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o draw_v he_o he_o out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o willing_o assent_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n that_o it_o become_v he_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o praise_n who_o have_v so_o merciful_o and_o so_o powerful_o call_v he_o from_o so_o miserable_a to_o so_o happy_a a_o estate_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v god_n end_n in_o call_v we_o to_o communicate_v his_o goodness_n to_o we_o that_o so_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o may_v return_v to_o himself_o the_o high_a agent_n can_v work_v but_o for_o the_o high_a end_n so_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o god_n will_v confirm_v his_o covenant_n by_o a_o oath_n he_o swear_v by_o himself_o because_o he_o can_v swear_v by_o no_o great_a so_o in_o all_o he_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o action_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a nor_o better_a end_n yea_o none_o by_o infinite_a odds_o so_o great_a or_o good_a particular_o in_o the_o call_n and_o exalt_v a_o number_n of_o lose_a mankind_n to_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o happiness_n both_o in_o design_v that_o great_a work_n and_o in_o perform_v it_o he_o aim_v at_o the_o open_n up_o and_o declare_v of_o his_o rich_a grace_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n tell_v we_o once_o and_o again_o eph._n 1._o 2._o as_o this_o be_v god_n end_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o because_o it_o be_v his._n and_o for_o this_o very_a 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even_o with_o the_o prince_n of_o his_o people_n or_o as_o joshua_n the_o priest_n zach._n 3.3_o 4._o so_o those_o of_o this_o priesthood_n be_v deal_v withal_o now_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o deep_a in_o the_o sense_n and_o admiration_n of_o this_o mercy_n it_o be_v indeed_o our_o duty_n to_o seek_v earnest_o after_o the_o evidence_n and_o strong_a assurance_n of_o it_o for_o thing_n work_v on_o we_o according_a to_o our_o notice_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o right_a assurance_n of_o mercy_n the_o more_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n spring_v from_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o represent_v this_o great_a and_o happy_a change_n of_o estate_n to_o christian_n as_o a_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v know_v concern_v themselves_o and_o aught_o to_o seek_v the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v due_o affect_v with_o it_o a_o happy_a thing_n to_o have_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o extract_n of_o that_o 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religion_n and_o be_v the_o ground_n both_o of_o all_o christian_a obedience_n and_o all_o exhortation_n and_o persuasive_n to_o it_o these_o temporary_a sudden_a stir_n of_o the_o affection_n without_o a_o right_n inform_v mind_n and_o some_o measure_n of_o due_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n do_v no_o good_a it_o be_v the_o wind_n of_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o stir_v they_o for_o the_o time_n against_o their_o lust_n but_o the_o first_o wind_n of_o tentation_n that_o come_v carry_v they_o away_o and_o thus_o the_o mind_n be_v but_o toss_v too_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o wind_n not_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n as_o it_o be_v col._n 2.7_o and_o so_o in_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n eph._n 3.17_o which_o be_v the_o conquer_a grace_n that_o subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o the_o world_n unto_o a_o christian_a 1_o joh._n 5.4_o 2_o cor._n 5.14.15_o love_n make_v a_o man_n dead_a to_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v to_o christ_n that_o die_v for_o he_o on_o the_o other_o part_n they_o be_v no_o less_o yea_o more_o to_o blame_v that_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v their_o mind_n instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o out_o of_o a_o mere_a natural_a desire_n to_o know_v be_v curious_a to_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o inform_v they_o but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o urge_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortify_v their_o lust_n these_o be_v hard_a say_n they_o have_v rather_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o retain_v their_o lust_n too_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o agreement_n to_o hear_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o people_n in_o christ_n be_v very_o please_a but_o to_o have_v this_o follow_v upon_o it_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n this_o be_v a_o importune_a troublesome_a discourse_n but_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o all_o that_o these_o that_o will_v share_v in_o that_o mercy_n 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these_o now_o in_o our_o hand_n that_o be_v give_v we_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v by_o and_o in_o the_o search_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o less_o useful_a man_n evidence_n that_o they_o have_v rather_o be_v learned_a then_o holy_a and_o have_v still_o more_o mind_n to_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n than_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o in_o bear_v of_o the_o word_n they_o that_o be_v any_o whit_n more_o know_v then_o ordinary_a be_v they_o not_o still_o gape_v after_o new_a notion_n something_o to_o add_v to_o the_o stock_n of_o their_o speculative_a and_o discourse_v knowledge_n loathe_v this_o daily_a manna_n these_o profitable_a exhortation_n and_o require_v meat_n for_o their_o lust_n there_o be_v a_o intemperance_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o mouth_n you_o will_v think_v it_o and_o may_v be_v not_o spare_v to_o call_v it_o a_o poor_a cold_a sermon_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o plain_a precept_n as_o these_o honour_n all_o man_n 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the_o scripture_n there_o be_v deep_a mystery_n there_o indeed_o but_o what_o say_v you_o to_o these_o thing_n such_o rule_n as_o these_o honour_v all_o man_n etc._n etc._n be_v such_o as_o these_o riddle_n that_o you_o can_v know_v their_o meaning_n for_o do_v not_o all_o understand_v they_o and_o all_o neglect_v they_o why_o set_v you_o not_o on_o to_o do_v these_o and_o then_o you_o shall_v understand_v more_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o as_o one_o say_v well_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o mysterious_a and_o high_a discourse_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v to_o begin_v at_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o precept_n that_o be_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o the_o way_n to_o at●ian_n to_o know_v more_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o obey_v that_o you_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v such_o truth_n as_o these_o will_v 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respect_n be_v much_o more_o excellent_a or_o imagine_v thou_o can_v find_v nothing_o else_o in_o some_o man_n yet_o honour_v thy_o own_o nature_n esteem_v humanity_n in_o they_o especial_o since_o humanity_n be_v exalt_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v one_o with_o the_o deity_n account_n of_o he_o as_o a_o man_n and_o with_o this_o esteem_n three_o go_v that_o general_a good_a will_n and_o affection_n due_a to_o men._n whereas_o there_o be_v that_o do_v not_o only_o outward_o express_v but_o inward_o bear_v more_o regard_n to_o some_o dog_n or_o horse_n that_o they_o love_v then_o to_o poor_a distress_a man_n and_o in_o so_o do_v do_v reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o themselves_o and_o upon_o mankind_n the_o outward_a behaviour_n wherein_o