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be_v speak_v too_o much_o of_o for_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a nor_o too_o much_o magnify_v for_o it_o be_v glorious_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o to_o confirm_v his_o brethren_n in_o the_o experience_a knowledge_n of_o it_o he_o express_v here_o more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o their_o joy_n which_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o matter_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o apprehension_n and_o appropriation_n of_o that_o object_n which_o two_o conjoin_v be_v the_o entire_a cause_n of_o all_o rejoice_v the_o object_n be_v jesus_n christ_n verse_n 8._o and_o the_o salvation_n purchase_v by_o he_o verse_n 9_o for_o these_o two_o can_v be_v sever_v and_o these_o two_o verse_n that_o speak_v of_o they_o require_v as_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o connexion_n to_o be_v consider_v together_o 2._o the_o apprehension_n of_o these_o 1._o set_v forth_o negative_o not_o by_o bodily_a sight_n 2._o positive_o whereas_o that_o may_v seem_v to_o abate_v the_o 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therefore_o we_o mistake_v very_o far_o and_o forget_v our_o own_o high_a interest_n too_o much_o when_o we_o either_o speak_v or_o hear_v of_o it_o slight_o and_o apply_v not_o our_o heart_n to_o it_o what_o be_v it_o that_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n drive_v at_o what_o mean_v all_o that_o we_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o take_v several_a way_n to_o it_o and_o wrong_a way_n for_o the_o most_o part_n yea_o such_o way_n as_o lead_v not_o to_o it_o but_o set_v we_o further_o off_o from_o it_o yet_o that_o which_o we_o all_o seek_v after_o by_o all_o our_o labour_n under_o the_o sun_n be_v something_o that_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o contentment_n and_o rejoice_v to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v attain_v it_o now_o here_o it_o be_v and_o in_o vain_a be_v it_o seek_v for_o elsewhere_o and_o for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o you_o that_o it_o may_v be_v you_o if_o you_o will_v entertain_v it_o not_o only_o that_o you_o may_v know_v this_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lay_v up_o true_a consolation_n and_o rejoice_v that_o he_o be_v the_o magazine_n and_o treasury_n of_o it_o but_o that_o you_o may_v know_v how_o to_o bring_v he_o home_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o lodge_v he_o there_o and_o so_o to_o have_v the_o spring_n of_o joy_n within_o you_o that_o which_o give_v full_a joy_n to_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v something_o that_o be_v high_a and_o better_o than_o itself_o in_o a_o word_n he_o that_o make_v it_o can_v only_o make_v it_o glad_a after_o this_o manner_n with_o unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a joy_n but_o the_o soul_n remain_v guilty_a of_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o unreconciled_a can_v behold_v he_o but_o as_o a_o enemy_n any_o belief_n that_o it_o can_v have_v of_o he_o while_o it_o be_v in_o that_o posture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v fetch_v love_n and_o hope_v and_o so_o rejoice_v but_o such_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n produce_v only_o beget_v terror_n and_o tremble_a but_o 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this_o reason_n that_o it_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o bodily_a sight_n but_o be_v pure_a and_o spiritual_a and_o make_v they_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v bless_v who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o believe_v you_o see_v he_o not_o when_o he_o dwell_v among_o man_n and_o walk_v to_o and_o fro_o preach_v and_o work_a miracle_n many_o of_o those_o that_o do_v then_o hear_v and_o see_v he_o believe_v not_o yea_o they_o scoff_v and_o hate_v and_o persecute_v he_o and_o in_o the_o end_n crucify_a he_o you_o that_o have_v see_v none_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n yet_o have_v hear_v the_o gospel_n that_o declare_v he_o you_o have_v believe_v thus_o observe_v the_o work_n or_o not_o work_v of_o faith_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o external_a ministry_n and_o gift_n of_o man_n for_o what_o great_a difference_n can_v there_o be_v that_o way_n than_o betwixt_o the_o master_n and_o the_o servant_n betwixt_o the_o 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matter_n than_o his_o own_o gain_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n for_o these_o be_v near_o he_o and_o he_o see_v their_o quantity_n to_o the_o full_a and_o count_v they_o big_a yea_o far_o more_o worth_a than_o they_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n and_o all_o they_o that_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n they_o know_v by_o faith_n which_o be_v divine_a reason_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n far_o surpass_v the_o worth_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o thing_n earthly_a phil._n 3.7.8_o to_o give_v a_o right_a assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v impossible_a without_o divine_a and_o save_a faith_n infuse_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n clothe_v himself_o with_o humane_a
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 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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 effâ—ctuaâ—s_v not_o only_o by_o the_o first_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v of_o those_o hâ—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 ofâ—_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 desireâ—_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 dâ—sâ—derâ—bilis_fw-la &_o totuâ—_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
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 â—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
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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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leave_v you_o inexcusable_a even_o the_o most_o ignorant_a of_o you_o you_o can_v not_o but_o know_v you_o hear_v often_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o to_o fear_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o never_o apply_v yourselves_o in_o earnest_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o your_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o deal_v honest_o with_o you_o in_o the_o particular_n honour_n all_o man_n honour_n in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n be_v not_o a_o universal_a due_a to_o all_o but_o peculiar_a to_o some_o kind_n of_o person_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n honour_n to_o who_o honour_n and_o that_o in_o different_a degree_n to_o parent_n and_o master_n and_o other_o superior_n there_o be_v a_o honour_n that_o have_v as_o it_o be_v caesar_n image_n and_o superscription_n on_o it_o be_v particular_o due_a to_o he_o and_o as_o here_o it_o follow_v honour_n the_o king_n but_o there_o be_v something_o that_o go_v not_o unfit_o under_o the_o name_n of_o 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though_o under_o a_o deform_a body_n and_o ragged_a garment_n yea_o though_o they_o have_v but_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o that_o neither_o the_o very_o low_a degree_n of_o grace_n as_o a_o pearl_n of_o the_o least_o size_n or_o a_o small_a piece_n of_o gold_n yet_o man_n will_v not_o throw_v it_o away_o but_o as_o they_o say_v the_o least_o shave_n of_o gold_n be_v worth_a the_o keep_n the_o jew_n will_v not_o willing_o tread_v upon_o the_o small_a piece_n of_o paper_n in_o their_o way_n but_o take_v it_o up_o for_o possible_o say_v they_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v on_o it_o though_o there_o be_v a_o little_a superstition_n in_o that_o yet_o true_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o good_a religion_n in_o it_o if_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o man_n trample_v not_o on_o any_o there_o may_v be_v some_o work_n of_o grace_n there_o that_o thou_o know_v not_o of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v write_v upon_o that_o soul_n thou_o tread_v on_o it_o may_v be_v a_o soul_n that_o christ_n 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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
conscience_n as_o other_o but_o seek_v myself_o and_o please_v myself_o as_o they_o do_v and_o look_v no_o further_o but_o that_o be_v when_o i_o be_v alive_a to_o those_o way_n but_o now_o true_o i_o be_o dead_a to_o they_o and_o can_v you_o look_v for_o activity_n and_o conversation_n from_o a_o dead_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n wherein_o i_o live_v be_v still_o the_o same_o but_o i_o be_o not_o the_o same_o be_v you_o such_o a_o snake_n and_o a_o fool_n say_v the_o natural_a man_n as_o to_o bear_v affront_n and_o swallow_v they_o and_o say_v nothing_o can_v you_o suffer_v to_o be_v abuse_v so_o by_o such_o and_o such_o a_o wrong_n indeed_o say_v the_o christian_a again_o i_o can_v once_o have_v resent_v a_o injury_n as_o you_o or_o another_o and_o have_v somewhat_o of_o that_o you_o call_v high-heartedness_n when_o i_o be_v alive_a after_o your_o fashion_n but_o now_o that_o humour_n be_v not_o only_o something_o cool_v but_o it_o be_v kill_v in_o i_o it_o be_v cold_a dead_a as_o you_o say_v and_o a_o great_a spirit_n i_o think_v than_o my_o own_o have_v teach_v i_o another_o lesson_n have_v make_v i_o both_o deaf_a and_o dumb_a that_o way_n and_o have_v give_v i_o a_o new_a vent_n and_o another_o language_n and_o another_o party_n to_o speak_v to_o in_o such_o occasion_n see_v for_o this_o psal._n 38.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o they_o that_o seek_v my_o hurt_n speak_v mischievous_a thing_n and_o imagine_v deceit_n all_o the_o day_n long_o what_o do_v he_o in_o this_o cafe_z but_o i_o as_o a_o deaf_a man_n hear_v not_o and_o i_o be_v as_o a_o dumb_a man_n that_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n and_o why_o for_o in_o thou_o o_o lord_n do_v i_o hope_v and_o for_o this_o deadness_n that_o you_o despise_v i_o have_v see_v he_o that_o die_v for_o i_o who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o christian_a dead_a to_o sin_n but_o alas_o where_o be_v this_o christian_n to_o be_v find_v and_o yet_o thus_o be_v every_o one_o that_o true_o partake_v of_o christ_n he_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_v real_o hypocrite_n have_v a_o historical_a kind_n of_o death_n like_o this_o as_o players_z in_o tragedy_n those_o player_n have_v loose_a bag_n of_o blood_n that_o receive_v the_o wound_n so_o the_o hypocrite_n in_o some_o external_o and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v as_o near_o he_o as_o any_o outward_a thing_n his_o purse_n he_o may_v suffer_v some_o bloodshed_n of_o that_o for_o christ_n but_o this_o death_n to_o sin_n be_v not_o a_o sound_a fit_n that_o one_o may_v recover_v out_o of_o again_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 6._o add_v that_o he_o be_v bury_v but_o this_o be_v a_o unpleasant_a subject_n to_o talk_v thus_o of_o death_n and_o burial_n the_o very_a name_n of_o death_n in_o the_o soft_a sense_n it_o can_v have_v make_v a_o sour_a melancholy_a discourse_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o if_o you_o take_v it_o alone_o if_o there_o be_v not_o for_o the_o life_n that_o be_v lose_v a_o far_o better_a immediate_o follow_v but_o so_o it_o be_v here_o live_v unto_o righteousness_n succeed_v die_v to_o sin_n that_o which_o make_v natural_a death_n so_o affrightful_a the_o king_n of_o terror_n as_o job_n call_v it_o be_v main_o this_o faint_a belief_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o glory_n to_o come_v and_o without_o this_o all_o man_n moral_a resolve_n and_o discourse_n be_v too_o weak_a cordial_n against_o this_o fear_n they_o may_v set_v a_o good_a face_n on_o it_o and_o speak_v big_a and_o so_o cover_v the_o fear_n they_o can_v cure_v but_o certain_o they_o be_v a_o little_a ridiculous_a that_o will_v persuade_v man_n to_o be_v content_a to_o die_v by_o reason_v from_o the_o necessity_n and_o unavoydableness_n of_o it_o which_o take_v alone_o rather_o may_v beget_v a_o desperate_a discontent_n than_o a_o quiet_a compliance_n the_o very_a weakness_n of_o that_o argument_n be_v that_o it_o be_v too_o strong_a durum_fw-la telum_fw-la that_o of_o company_n be_v fantastic_a it_o may_v please_v the_o imagination_n but_o satisfy_v not_o the_o judgement_n nor_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n though_o somewhat_o proper_a a_o full_a persuasive_a for_o death_n the_o old_a decrepite_v most_o disease_a person_n yet_o natural_o fall_v not_o out_o with_o life_n but_o can_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o still_o and_o the_o very_a truth_n be_v this_o the_o worst_a cottage_n any_o dwell_v in_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o go_v out_o till_o they_o know_v of_o a_o better_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o which_o be_v so_o hideous_a to_o other_o be_v so_o sweet_a to_o martyr_n heb._n 11.35_o and_o other_o godly_a man_n that_o have_v hearty_o embrace_v death_n and_o welcome_v it_o though_o in_o very_o terrible_a shape_n be_v because_o they_o have_v firm_a assurance_n of_o immortality_n beyond_o it_o the_o ugly_a death_n head_n when_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n shine_v through_o the_o hole_n of_o it_o be_v comely_a and_o lovely_a to_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o eternitie_n birth_n day_n be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o aimiable_a hic_fw-la dies_fw-la postremus_fw-la aeterni_fw-la natolis_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o word_n i_o admire_v most_o of_o any_o heathen_a thus_o here_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o this_o death_n be_v the_o true_a notice_n and_o contemplation_n of_o this_o life_n unto_o which_o it_o set_v we_o over_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o represent_v this_o for_o a_o natural_a man_n have_v as_o great_a a_o aversion_n every_o whit_n from_o this_o figurative_a death_n this_o die_a to_o sin_n as_o from_o natural_a death_n and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o necessity_n of_o persuade_v he_o to_o this_o because_o his_o consent_n be_v necessary_a to_o it_o no_o man_n die_v this_o death_n to_o sin_n unwilling_o although_o no_o man_n be_v natural_o wil_v to_o it_o much_o of_o this_o death_n consist_v in_o a_o man_n consent_v thus_o to_o die_v and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o lawful_a but_o a_o laudable_a yea_o a_o necessary_a self_n murder_n mortify_v therefore_o your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n say_v the_o apostle_n col._n 3.5_o now_o no_o sinner_n will_v be_v content_a to_o die_v to_o sin_n if_o that_o be_v all_o but_o if_o it_o be_v pass_v to_o a_o more_o excellent_a life_n than_o he_o gain_v and_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n not_o to_o seek_v this_o death_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a power_n of_o plato_n discourse_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n that_o move_v a_o young_a man_n upon_o read_v it_o to_o throw_v himself_o into_o the_o sea_n that_o he_o may_v leap_v through_o it_o to_o that_o immortality_n but_o true_o be_v this_o life_n of_o god_n this_o life_n to_o righteousness_n and_o the_o excellency_n and_o delight_n of_o it_o know_v it_o will_v gain_v many_o mind_n to_o this_o death_n that_o step_v into_o it_o 1_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o new_a be_v to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o new_a act_n and_o motion_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v while_o you_o serve_v sin_n you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n so_o it_o be_v while_o you_o be_v alive_a to_o sin_v you_o be_v dead_a to_o righteousness_n but_o there_o be_v a_o new_a breath_n of_o life_n from_o heaven_n breathe_v on_o the_o soul_n then_o live_v the_o soul_n indeed_o when_o it_o be_v one_o with_o god_n and_o see_v light_a in_o his_o light_n have_v a_o spiritual_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o soveraigne_o love_v he_o and_o delight_n in_o his_o will_n and_o that_o be_v indeed_o to_o live_v unto_o righeousness_n which_o in_o a_o comprehensive_a sense_n take_v in_o all_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n by_o this_o new_a nature_n the_o very_a natural_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o take_v be_v obedience_n to_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n it_o can_v no_o more_o live_v in_o the_o habitude_n and_o way_n of_o sin_n than_o a_o man_n can_v live_v under_o water_n sin_n be_v not_o the_o christian_n element_n it_o be_v too_o gross_a for_o his_o renew_v soul_n as_o the_o water_n be_v for_o his_o body_n he_o may_v fall_v into_o it_o but_o he_o can_v breathe_v in_o it_o can_v take_v delight_n and_o continue_v to_o live_v in_o it_o but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o walk_n that_o his_o soul_n refresh_v itself_o in_o he_o love_v it_o entire_o and_o love_v it_o most_o where_o it_o most_o cross_v the_o remainder_n of_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o he_o he_o bend_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o please_v god_n aim_v all_o at_o that_o it_o take_v up_o his_o thought_n early_o and_o late_o
apostle_n both_o for_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o fail_n eminent_a in_o zeal_n and_o courage_n and_o yet_o stumble_v oft_o in_o his_o forwardness_n and_o once_o gross_o fall_v and_o these_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n give_v a_o check_n to_o the_o excess_n of_o rome_n conceit_n concern_v this_o apostle_n their_o extol_n and_o exalt_v he_o above_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o for_o his_o cause_n and_o much_o less_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o be_v injure_v and_o dishonour_v by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o themselves_o as_o alexander_n distinguish_v his_o two_o friend_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o friend_n of_o alexander_n the_o other_o a_o friend_n of_o the_o king_n that_o preferment_n they_o give_v this_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o good_a will_n to_o peter_n but_o in_o the_o desire_n of_o primacy_n but_o whatsoever_o he_o be_v they_o will_v be_v much_o in_o pain_n to_o prove_v rome_n right_a to_o it_o by_o succession_n and_o if_o ever_o it_o have_v any_o such_o right_a we_o may_v confident_o say_v it_o have_v forfeit_v it_o long_o ago_o by_o depart_v from_o st._n peter_n footstep_n and_o from_o his_o faith_n and_o retain_v too_o much_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v faulty_a namely_o his_o unwillingness_n to_o hear_v of_o and_o consent_n to_o christ_n suffering_n his_o master_n spare_v thyself_o or_o far_o be_v it_o from_o thou_o in_o those_o they_o be_v like_o he_o for_o thus_o they_o will_v disburden_v and_o exempt_v the_o church_n from_o the_o cross_n from_o the_o real_a cross_n of_o affliction_n instead_o of_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o paint_a or_o carve_v or_o guild_a cross_n these_o they_o be_v content_a to_o embrace_v and_o worship_n too_o but_o can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o the_o other_o instead_o of_o the_o cross_n of_o affliction_n they_o make_v the_o crown_n or_o mitre_n the_o badge_n of_o their_o church_n and_o will_v have_v it_o know_v by_o prosperity_n and_o outward_a pomp_n and_o so_o turn_v the_o church_n militant_a into_o the_o church_n triumphant_a not_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v babylon_n voice_n not_o the_o church_n i_o sit_v as_o a_o queen_n and_o shall_v see_v no_o sorrow_n again_o his_o say_n on_o the_o mount_n at_o christ_n transfiguration_n when_o he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o say_v it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o so_o they_o have_v little_a of_o the_o true_a glory_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o false_a glory_n of_o that_o monarchy_n on_o their_o seven_o hill_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v here_o say_v they_o again_o in_o their_o undue_a strike_n with_o the_o sword_n not_o the_o enemy_n as_o he_o but_o the_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o to_o proceed_v we_o see_v here_o saint_n peter_n office_n or_o title_n a_o apostle_n not_o chief_a bishop_n some_o in_o their_o gloss_v have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o add_v that_o beside_o the_o text._n though_o chap._n 5.4_o he_o give_v that_o title_n to_o christ_n alone_o and_o to_o himself_o only_a fellow_n elder_a and_o here_o not_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o apostle_n restore_v and_o reestablish_v after_o his_o fall_n by_o repentance_n and_o by_o christ_n himself_o after_o his_o own_o death_n and_o resurrection_n joh._n 21._o thus_o we_o have_v in_o our_o apostle_n a_o singular_a instance_n of_o humane_a frailty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o divine_a grace_n on_o the_o other_o free_a and_o rich_a grace_n it_o be_v indeed_o that_o forgive_v and_o swallow_v up_o multitude_n of_o sin_n of_o great_a sin_n not_o only_o sin_n before_o conversion_n as_o to_o s._n paul_n but_o foul_a offence_n commit_v after_o conversion_n as_o to_o david_n and_o to_o this_o apostle_n not_o only_o once_o raise_v they_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o when_o they_o fall_v stretch_v out_o the_o same_o hand_n and_o raise_v they_o again_o and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o station_n and_o comfort_v they_o in_o it_o by_o his_o free_a spirit_n as_o david_n pray_v not_o only_o to_o cleanse_v pollute_a clay_n but_o to_o work_v it_o into_o vessel_n of_o honour_n yea_o of_o the_o most_o defile_a shape_n to_o make_v the_o most_o refine_a vessel_n not_o vessel_n of_o honour_n of_o the_o low_a sort_n but_o for_o the_o high_a and_o most_o honourable_a service_n vessel_n to_o bear_v his_o own_o precious_a name_n to_o the_o nation_n make_v the_o most_o unworthy_a and_o the_o most_o unfit_a fit_a by_o his_o grace_n to_o be_v his_o messenger_n of_o jesus_n christ._n both_o as_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o his_o apostleship_n as_o christ_n be_v call_v alpha_n and_o omega_n rev._n 2.11_o choose_a and_o call_v by_o he_o and_o call_v to_o this_o to_o preach_v he_o and_o salvation_n wrought_v by_o he_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ._n send_v by_o he_o and_o the_o message_n no_o other_o but_o his_o name_n to_o make_v that_o know_v anâ—_n what_o this_o apostleship_n be_v then_o after_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n befit_v these_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v now_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o ordinary_a and_o therefore_o a_o employment_n of_o more_o difficulty_n and_o excellency_n than_o be_v usual_o conceive_v by_o many_o not_o only_o of_o those_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o to_o be_v ambassador_n for_o the_o great_a of_o king_n and_o upon_o no_o mean_a employment_n that_o great_a treaty_n of_o peace_n and_o reconcilement_n betwixt_o he_o and_o mankind_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o elect_a who_o be_v describe_v here_o by_o their_o temporal_a and_o by_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n the_o first_o have_v very_o much_o dignity_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o but_o the_o other_o have_v neither_o but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a of_o both_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n intent_n be_v their_o comfort_n he_o mention_n but_o the_o one_o in_o pass_v to_o signify_v to_o who_o particular_o he_o send_v his_o epistle_n but_o the_o other_o be_v that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v their_o thought_n dwell_v upon_o and_o therefore_o prosecute_v it_o in_o his_o follow_a discourse_n and_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n their_o temporal_a condition_n be_v but_o interject_v for_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o elect_n first_o and_o then_o to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v etc._n etc._n and_o he_o will_v have_v this_o as_o it_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o other_o according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o those_o disperse_a stranger_n that_o dwell_v in_o the_o country_n here_o name_v be_v jew_n appear_v if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o forego_n epistle_n where_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v and_o express_o appropriate_v to_o the_o jew_n s_o jam._n 1.1_o and_o gal._n 2._o s_o peter_n be_v call_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n as_o exercise_v his_o aposteship_n most_o towards_o they_o and_o there_o be_v in_o some_o 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of_o the_o roman_n and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o these_o very_a time_n increase_v by_o the_o believe_a jew_n fly_v from_o the_o hatred_n and_o persecution_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o they_o at_o home_n these_o place_n here_o mention_v through_o which_o they_o be_v disperse_v be_v all_o in_o asia_n so_o asia_n here_o be_v asiae_n the_o lesser_a where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o some_o of_o these_o who_o hear_v saint_n peter_n act._n 2._o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o those_o region_n and_o if_o any_o of_o those_o then_o convert_v be_v among_o these_o disperse_a the_o comfort_n be_v no_o doubt_n the_o more_o grateful_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n by_o who_o they_o be_v first_o convert_v but_o this_o be_v only_a conjecture_n though_o divine_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v
equal_o from_o every_o minister_n alike_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v something_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o call_v it_o more_o acceptable_a reception_n of_o those_o who_o at_o first_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o god_n than_o other_o like_o the_o opinion_n some_o have_v of_o physician_n who_o they_o love_v the_o apostle_n comfort_v these_o stranger_n of_o this_o dispersion_n by_o the_o spiritual_a union_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o effectual_a call_n and_o so_o call_v off_o their_o eye_n from_o their_o outward_a disperse_a and_o despise_a condition_n to_o look_v above_o that_o as_o high_a as_o the_o spring_n of_o their_o happiness_n the_o free_a love_n and_o election_n of_o god_n scatter_v in_o the_o country_n and_o yet_o gather_v in_o god_n election_n choose_v or_o pick_v out_o strangers_z to_z man_n among_o who_o they_o dwell_v but_o know_v and_o foreknow_v to_o god_n remove_v from_o their_o own_o country_n to_o which_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o unalterable_a affection_n but_o make_v heir_n of_o a_o better_a as_o follow_v verse_n 3.4_o and_o have_v within_o they_o the_o evidence_n both_o of_o eternal_a election_n and_o that_o expect_a salvation_n the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n verse_n 2._o at_o the_o best_a a_o christian_n be_v bâ—t_v a_o stranger_n here_o set_v he_o where_o you_o will_v as_o our_o apostle_n teach_v after_o and_o it_o be_v his_o privilege_n that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o when_o he_o think_v not_o so_o he_o forget_v and_o disparage_v himself_o and_o descend_v far_o below_o his_o quality_n when_o he_o be_v much_o take_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n of_o his_o exile_n but_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o can_v solace_v himself_o against_o the_o meaness_n and_o any_o kind_n of_o discomfort_n of_o his_o outward_a condition_n with_o the_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v call_v he_o to_o holiness_n give_v he_o some_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o a_o endeavour_n after_o more_o and_o by_o this_o may_v he_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o unto_o salvation_n if_o either_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n where_o he_o live_v or_o as_o a_o stranger_n desert_v of_o his_o friend_n and_o very_o near_o strip_v of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n yet_o may_v he_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o the_o eternal_a unchangeable_a love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a be_v seal_v to_o his_o soul_n o_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o sit_v unmolested_a in_o his_o own_o home_n and_o possession_n and_o to_o have_v they_o very_o great_a and_o pleasant_a well_o money_v and_o land_v and_o befriend_v and_o yet_o estrange_v and_o sever_v from_o god_n not_o have_v any_o token_n of_o his_o special_a love_n to_o the_o elect_n the_o apostle_n here_o denominate_v all_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v by_o the_o condition_n of_o true_a believer_n call_v they_o elect_a and_o sanctify_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n write_v in_o the_o same_o stile_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n not_o that_o all_o in_o these_o church_n be_v such_o indeed_o but_o because_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o and_o by_o that_o their_o profession_n and_o call_v as_o christian_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v such_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n true_a to_o that_o their_o call_v and_o profession_n be_v real_o such_o beside_o it_o will_v seem_v not_o unworthy_a of_o consideration_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n there_o will_v be_v few_o false_a christian_n and_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n usual_o great_a in_o the_o church_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n then_o now_o in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n because_o there_o can_v not_o then_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o be_v from_o their_o infancy_n breed_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o for_o the_o great_a part_n be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n convert_v from_o paganism_n and_o juduisme_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n first_o and_o make_v a_o deliberate_a choice_n of_o it_o to_o which_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n no_o great_a outward_a encouragement_n and_o therefore_o the_o less_o danger_n of_o multitude_n of_o hypocrite_n which_o as_o vermin_n in_o summer_n breed_v most_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n prosperity_n though_o no_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n have_v then_o universal_o receive_v the_o faith_n but_o rather_o hate_v and_o persecute_v it_o yet_o be_v there_o even_o then_o among_o they_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v false_a brethren_n and_o inordinate_a walker_n and_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n earthly_a mind_v and_o lead_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n and_o contention_n and_o vainglory_n howsoever_o the_o question_n that_o be_v move_v concern_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n can_v no_o way_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v decide_v from_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n but_o eertain_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o teach_v christian_n and_o christian_a church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o their_o holy_a profession_n require_v of_o they_o and_o sharp_o to_o reprove_v the_o gross_a unlikeness_n and_o inconformity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n to_o the_o description_n of_o christian_n as_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v too_o straight_o in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o certain_o the_o great_a part_n of_o church_n be_v too_o loose_a in_o their_o practice_n from_o the_o dissimilitude_n betwixt_o our_o church_n and_o those_o we_o may_v make_v this_o use_n of_o reproof_n that_o if_o aâ—_n apostolical_a epistle_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o we_o it_o behove_v to_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o ignorant_a profane_a malicious_a etc._n etc._n as_o he_o who_o at_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n read_v say_v either_o this_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n or_o we_o be_v not_o christian_n so_o either_o these_o character_n give_v in_o the_o inscription_n of_o these_o epistle_n be_v not_o true_a character_n or_o we_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n verse_n 2._o elect_a according_o to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ._n in_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v their_o condition_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o condition_n sanctify_a and_o justify_v the_o former_a express_v by_o obedience_n the_o latter_a by_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n the_o cause_n 1_o eternal_a election_n 2._o the_o execution_n of_o that_o decree_n their_o effectual_a call_v which_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v by_o election_n here_o the_o select_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o join_v they_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n so_o joh._n 15.19_o the_o former_a election_n particular_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o father_n the_o latter_a to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o justification_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a trinity_n concur_v dignify_v they_o with_o this_o their_o spiritual_a and_o happy_a estate_n first_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o these_o separate_o and_o then_o of_o their_o connection_n 1._o of_o the_o state_n itself_o and_o first_o of_o justification_n though_o name_v last_o this_o sprinkle_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o legal_a purification_n by_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o blood_n and_o that_o apposite_o for_o these_o rite_n of_o sprinkle_v and_o blood_n do_v all_o point_n out_o this_o blood_n and_o this_o sprinkle_v and_o exhibit_v this_o true_a ransom_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v only_o shadow_v by_o they_o as_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o sprinkle_v be_v purification_n and_o expiation_n because_o sin_v merit_v death_n and_o that_o the_o pollution_n and_o stain_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v by_o sin_n such_o be_v the_o pollution_n that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o way_n wash_v off_o but_o by_o blood_n heb._n 9_o â—2_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o blood_n able_a to_o purge_v from_o sin_n except_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v call_v the_o blood_n of_o god_n act._n 20.28_o that_o the_o stain_n of_o sin_n can_v only_o be_v wash_v off_o by_o blood_n inâ—imates_n that_o it_o merit_v death_n and_o that_o no_o blood_n but_o that_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v do_v it_o intimate_v that_o this_o stain_n merit_v eternal_a death_n and_o it_o have_v be_v our_o portion_n except_o the_o death_n of_o the_o eternal_a lord_n of_o life_n have_v free_v