be_v first_o impress_v on_o the_o mind_n hence_o flow_v out_o pleasant_a obedience_n and_o full_a of_o love_n hence_o all_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n with_o its_o member_n learn_v to_o give_v a_o willing_a obedience_n and_o submit_v unto_o god_n whereas_o before_o they_o resist_v he_o be_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o satan_n this_o obedience_n though_o imperfect_a yet_o have_v a_o certain_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v imperfect_a perfection_n it_o be_v universal_a three_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o subject_n 2._o in_o the_o object_n 3._o in_o the_o duration_n the_o whole_a man_n subject_v to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o constant_o and_o persevere_o the_o first_o universality_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o tongue_n alone_o or_o in_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o have_v its_o root_n in_o the_o heart_n therefore_o do_v not_o wither_v as_o the_o grass_n or_o flower_n lie_v on_o the_o superfice_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o it_o flourish_v because_o root_v and_o therefore_o it_o embrace_v the_o whole_a law_n because_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o reverence_n it_o have_v for_o the_o lawgiver_n himself_o reverence_n i_o say_v but_o temper_v with_o love_n hence_o it_o account_v no_o law_n nor_o command_n little_a or_o of_o small_a value_n which_o be_v from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v great_a and_o high_o esteem_v by_o the_o pious_a heart_n no_o command_n hard_a though_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o love_n there_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o all_o as_o st._n james_n divine_o argue_v and_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o golden_a chain_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n which_o if_o break_v in_o any_o link_n all_o fall_v a_o piece_n that_o this_o three_o fold_n perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o a_o picture_n draw_v by_o fancy_n be_v evident_a in_o david_n psal._n 119._o where_o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n his_o foot_n v_o 105._o his_o mouth_n v_o 13._o his_o heart_n v._n 11._o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o life_n v_o 24._o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n v_o 6._o and_o he_o profess_v his_o constancy_n therein_o in_o v_o 16._o and_o 33._o teach_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v then_o a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o their_o high_a cause_n and_o the_o happy_a way_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o possess_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o know_v they_o in_o experience_n to_o such_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o estate_n be_v that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o justify_v the_o near_a cause_n of_o both_o these_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o his_o blood_n purify_v they_o from_o guiltiness_n and_o quicken_v they_o to_o obedience_n now_o follow_v to_o consider_v the_o appropriate_v or_o apply_v cause_o the_o holy_a and_o holy_a make_n or_o sanctify_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o their_o select_v from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_a call_n unto_o grace_n the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o appoint_v or_o decree_a cause_n be_v god_n the_o father_n for_o though_o they_o all_o work_n equal_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o work_v we_o be_v teach_v thus_o to_o distinguish_v and_o particular_o to_o ascribe_v the_o first_o work_n of_o eternal_a election_n to_o the_o first_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o or_o through_o sanctification_n for_o to_o render_v it_o elect_v to_o the_o sanctification_n be_v strain_v so_o than_o i_o conceive_v this_o election_n be_v their_o effectual_a call_v which_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 26.27.28_o where_o vocation_n and_o election_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a after_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n the_o beginning_n of_o its_o performance_n in_o these_o that_o be_v elect_v and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o real_a separate_n of_o man_n from_o the_o profane_a and_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o appropriate_a and_o consecrate_v of_o a_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o relation_n to_o election_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o well_o bear_v that_o name_n rom._n 8.28.30_o act._n 2.47_o &_o 13.48_o joh._n 15.19_o sanctification_n in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n as_o distinguish_v fâ—om_n justification_n signify_v the_o inherent_a holiness_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o his_o inclinement_n and_o innablement_n to_o obedience_n mention_v in_o this_o verse_n but_o it_o be_v here_o more_o large_a and_o so_o extend_v with_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o renovation_n and_o be_v the_o sever_n and_o separate_n of_o man_n to_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n draw_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v justification_n as_o here_o and_o the_o first_o work_v of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v justify_v through_o its_o apprehend_n and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ._n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n call_v man_n external_o and_o by_o that_o eternal_a call_n prevail_v with_o many_o to_o a_o external_n receive_v and_o profess_v of_o religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v alone_o it_o go_v no_o further_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n and_o effectual_a call_n joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v do_v when_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o subject_n of_o this_o work_n and_o it_o be_v but_o slight_a false_a work_n that_o begin_v not_o there_o but_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o efficient_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o subject_a of_o this_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o place_n pray_v to_o the_o father_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v his_o own_o by_o that_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a mean_n in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v then_o a_o prevail_a mean_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o sword_n and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n fit_a to_o divide_v yea_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o without_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n hand_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o this_o cut_n and_o divide_v the_o word_n call_v but_o the_o spirit_n draw_v not_o sever_v from_o that_o word_n but_o work_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n to_o draw_v a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o strong_a chain_n of_o satan_n and_o out_o of_o the_o please_a entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o its_o own_o natural_a perverseness_n to_o yield_v up_o itself_o unto_o god_n to_o deny_v itself_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o in_o so_o do_v to_o run_v against_o the_o main_a stream_n and_o the_o current_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n without_o and_o corruption_n within_o the_o strong_a rhetoric_n the_o most_o move_a and_o persuasive_a way_n of_o discourse_n be_v all_o too_o weak_a the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o soul_n to_o free_v itself_o and_o shake_v off_o all_o that_o detein_v it_o although_o it_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o yet_o still_o it_o can_v and_o will_v hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o say_v non_fw-la persuadebis_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la persuaseris_fw-la the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o pluck_v any_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o world_n and_o set_v it_o in_o among_o the_o select_a number_n of_o believer_n only_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n have_v absolute_a command_n of_o spirit_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n
make_v christ_n once_o the_o medium_fw-la our_o pure_a redeemer_n and_o through_o he_o as_o clear_v transparent_a glass_n the_o beam_n of_o god_n favourable_a countenance_n shine_v in_o upon_o the_o soul_n the_o father_n can_v look_v upon_o his_o wellbeloved_a son_n but_o gracious_o and_o pleas_o god_n look_v on_o we_o out_o of_o christ_n see_v we_o rebel_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v condemn_v we_o look_v on_o god_n as_o be_v just_a and_o powerful_a to_o punish_v we_o but_o when_o christ_n be_v betwixt_o god_n look_v on_o we_o in_o he_o as_o justify_v and_o we_o look_v on_o god_n in_o he_o as_o pacify_v and_o see_v the_o smile_n of_o his_o favourable_a countenance_n take_v christ_n out_o all_o be_v terrible_a interpose_v he_o all_o be_v full_a of_o peace_n therefore_o set_v he_o always_o betwixt_o and_o by_o he_o we_o shall_v believe_v in_o god_n the_o warrant_n and_o ground_n of_o believe_v in_o god_n by_o he_o be_v this_o that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o give_v he_o glory_n which_o evidence_n the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o death_n and_o in_o all_o that_o work_n both_o in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o exaltation_n stand_v in_o our_o room_n we_o may_v repute_v it_o his_o as_o we_o if_o all_o be_v pay_v that_o can_v be_v exact_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o set_v free_a from_o death_n then_o be_v we_o acquit_v and_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v if_o he_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o exalt_v to_o glory_n then_o so_o shall_v we_o he_o have_v take_v possession_n of_o that_o glory_n for_o we_o and_o we_o may_v judge_v ourselves_o possess_v in_o it_o already_o because_o he_o our_o head_n possess_v it_o and_o this_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o verse_n confirm_v to_o we_o in_o mean_v this_o to_o be_v the_o very_a purpose_n and_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o death_n raise_v he_o up_o and_o give_v he_o glory_n it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n express_o that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n may_v be_v in_o god_n the_o last_o end_n be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n and_o glory_n through_o he_o the_o near_a end_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o we_o attain_v they_o we_o may_v have_v firm_a belief_n and_o hope_n of_o they_o and_o rest_n on_o god_n as_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o and_o so_o in_o part_n enjoy_v they_o before_o hand_n and_o be_v uphold_v in_o our_o joy_n and_o conflict_n by_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o and_o as_o st._n steven_n in_o his_o vision_n faith_n do_v in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n look_v through_o all_o the_o visible_a heaven_n and_o see_v christ_n at_o the_o father_n right_a hand_n and_o be_v comfort_v by_o that_o in_o the_o great_a trouble_n though_o it_o be_v amid_o a_o shower_n of_o stone_n as_o he_o the_o comfort_n be_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o be_v by_o faith_n make_v one_o with_o christ_n his_o present_a glory_n wherein_o he_o â—its_v at_o the_o father_n right_a hand_n be_v assurance_n to_o we_o that_o where_o he_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v also_o verse_n 22._o 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 unto_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o a_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o jesus_n christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o it_o be_v a_o know_a truth_n and_o yet_o very_o needful_a to_o be_v often_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o redemption_n and_o holiness_n be_v undivided_a companion_n yea_o that_o we_o be_v redeem_v on_o purpose_n for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a the_o press_n of_o this_o we_o see_v be_v here_o the_o apostle_n scope_n and_o have_v by_o that_o reason_n enforce_v it_o in_o the_o general_n he_o now_o take_v that_o as_o conclude_v and_o confess_v and_o so_o make_v use_v of_o it_o particular_o to_o exhort_v that_o main_a christian_a grace_n of_o brotherly_a love_n the_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n mention_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n and_o and_o frame_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v urge_v that_o in_o the_o general_n he_o specify_v this_o grace_n of_o mutual_a christian_a love_n as_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n for_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o much_o hypocrisy_n this_o way_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o diligent_a in_o religious_a exercise_n they_o scarce_o once_o ask_v their_o heart_n how_o they_o stand_v affect_v this_o way_n namely_o in_o love_n to_o their_o brethren_n they_o can_v come_v constant_o to_o the_o church_n and_o pray_v it_o may_v be_v at_o home_o too_o and_o yet_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o forgive_v a_o injury_n as_o forgive_a injury_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o piety_n so_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v all_o converse_n both_o sweet_a and_o profitable_a and_o beside_o it_o grace_n and_o commend_v man_n and_o their_o holy_a profession_n to_o such_o as_o be_v without_o and_o stranger_n to_o it_o yea_o even_o to_o their_o enemy_n therefore_o be_v it_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o much_o recommend_v this_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o they_o to_o other_o as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n he_o give_v it_o they_o as_o the_o very_a badge_n and_o livery_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v know_v for_o his_o follower_n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o and_o st._n paul_n be_v frequent_a in_o exhort_v and_o extol_v this_o grace_n rom._n 12.10_o &_o 13.8_o 1_o cor._n 1.13_o gal._n 5.13_o eph._n 4.2_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n colloss_n 3.14_o he_o call_v it_o the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n that_o grace_n which_o unite_v and_o bind_v all_o together_o our_o apostle_n here_o and_o often_o in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o epistle_n and_o that_o belove_a disciple_n st._n john_n who_o lean_v on_o our_o saviour_n breast_n drink_v deep_a of_o that_o spring_n of_o love_n that_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o it_o stream_n forth_o so_o abundant_o in_o his_o write_n they_o contain_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o this_o divine_a doctrine_n of_o love_n we_o have_v here_o 1._o the_o due_a qualification_n of_o it·_n 2._o a_o christian_n obligation_n to_o it_o the_o qualification_n be_v three_o namely_o sincerity_n purity_n and_o fervency_n the_o sincerity_n express_v in_o the_o former_a clause_n of_o the_o verse_n unfeigned_a love_n and_o repeat_v again_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n that_o it_o be_v with_o a_o pure_a heart_n as_o the_o purity_n be_v in_o fervency_n it_o appear_v that_o this_o dissimulation_n be_v a_o disease_n that_o be_v very_o incident_a in_o this_o particular_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n have_v the_o same_o word_n rom._n 12.9_o and_o the_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n to_o the_o same_o sense_n 1_o joh._n 3.18_o that_o it_o have_v that_o double_a reality_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o double_a dissemble_a love_n that_o it_o be_v cordial_a and_o effectual_a that_o the_o profess_v of_o it_o arise_v from_o truth_n of_o affection_n and_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v be_v second_v with_o action_n that_o both_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o hand_n may_v be_v more_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o than_o the_o tongue_n not_o court-ho_o water_n a_o empty_a noise_n of_o service_n and_o affection_n that_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o be_v put_v upon_o trial_n although_o thy_o brother_n with_o who_o thou_o converse_a can_v it_o may_v be_v see_v through_o thy_o false_a appearance_n he_o that_o command_v this_o love_n look_v most_o within_o seek_v it_o there_o and_o if_o he_o find_v it_o not_o there_o hate_v they_o most_o that_o most_o pretend_v it_o so_o that_o be_v of_o dissemble_v never_o so_o well_o study_v can_v pass_v in_o this_o king_n court_n to_o who_o all_o heart_n be_v open_a and_o all_o desire_v know_v when_o after_o variance_n man_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o agreement_n they_o be_v much_o subject_n to_o this_o rather_o to_o cover_v their_o remain_a malice_n with_o superficial_a verbal_a forgiveness_n than_o to_o dislodge_v they_o and_o free_a the_o heart_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o poor_a self_n deceit_n as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v to_o he_o that_o be_v ashamed_a that_o he_o be_v espy_v by_o he_o in_o a_o tavern_n in_o the_o outer_a room_n withdraw_v himself_o to_o the_o inner_a he_o call_v after_o he_o that_o be_v not_o the_o way_n out_o the_o more_o you_o go_v that_o way_n you_o will_v be_v the_o further_a within_o it_o when_o hatred_n upon_o admonition_n be_v not_o throw_v out_o but_o retire_v inward_a to_o hide_v themselves_o they_o grow_v deep_a and_o strong_a than_o before_o and_o those_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 act._n 15.9_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o purify_v the_o heart_n 4._o the_o chief_a worker_n of_o this_o sanctification_n be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v say_v here_o to_o purify_v themselves_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o the_o soul_n itself_o do_v act_n in_o believe_v or_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o motion_n they_o purify_v their_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n they_o do_v it_o by_o his_o enliven_a power_n and_o a_o purify_n virtue_n recevy_v from_o he_o faith_n or_o obey_v the_o truth_n work_v this_o purity_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v that_o faith_n as_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n god_n be_v say_v to_o purify_v their_o heart_n by_o faith_n verse_n 8._o he_o do_v that_o by_o give_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o truth_n be_v pure_a and_o purify_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o of_o itself_o purify_v the_o soul_n but_o by_o the_o obey_n or_o believe_v it_o and_o the_o soul_n can_v obey_v or_o believe_v but_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o work_v in_o it_o that_o faith_n and_o by_o that_o faith_n purify_v it_o and_o work_v love_n in_o it_o '_o it_o be_v the_o impurity_n and_o earthliness_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o disunion_n and_o disaffection_n among_o they_o and_o of_o all_o their_o striâ—es_n jam._n 4.1_o this_o spirit_n be_v that_o fire_n that_o refine_v and_o purify_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o dross_n of_o earthly_a desire_n that_o possess_v it_o and_o sublimate_n it_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o saint_n because_o they_o be_v his_o and_o be_v purify_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o fire_n to_o draw_v together_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n the_o outward_a fire_n of_o enmity_n and_o persecution_n that_o be_v kindle_v against_o the_o godly_a by_o the_o world_n do_v somewhat_o and_o if_o it_o be_v more_o consider_v by_o they_o will_v do_v more_o in_o this_o knit_n their_o heart_n close_a one_o to_o another_o but_o it_o be_v this_o inward_a pure_a and_o purify_n fire_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o do_v most_o powerful_o unite_v they_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a truth_n of_o this_o christian_a mutual_a love_n among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o this_o purify_n obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n whence_o it_o flow_v faith_n unfeigned_a will_v beget_v this_o love_n unfeigned_a man_n may_v exhort_v to_o they_o both_o but_o they_o require_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o work_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n verse_n 23._o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o two_o thing_n that_o make_v up_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v the_o very_a sum_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n to_o walk_v as_o obedient_a child_n towards_o god_n and_o love_a brethren_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o that_o it_o may_v yet_o have_v the_o deep_a impression_n he_o here_o represent_v to_o they_o anew_o that_o new_a birth_n he_o mention_v before_o by_o which_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o brethren_n we_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o this_o regeneration_n and_o then_o of_o the_o seed_n this_o be_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n io._n 1.12_o and_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v bestow_v this_o dignity_n on_o they_o 1_o io._n 3.1_o for_o they_o be_v no_o way_n needful_a to_o he_o he_o have_v from_o eternity_n a_o son_n perfect_o like_o himself_o the_o character_n of_o his_o person_n and_o one_o spirit_n proceed_v from_o both_o and_o there_o be_v no_o creation_n neither_o the_o first_o nor_o the_o second_o can_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o those_o and_o their_o happiness_n it_o be_v most_o true_a of_o that_o bless_a trinity_n satis_fw-la amplum_fw-la alter_fw-la alterj_n theatrum_fw-la sumus_fw-la but_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o impart_v his_o goodness_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o son_n not_o only_o angel_n that_o be_v so_o call_v but_o man_n a_o little_a low_o than_o they_o in_o nature_n yet_o dignify_v with_o this_o name_n in_o his_o creation_n st._n luke_n 3.38_o which_o be_v the_o son_n of_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o have_v not_o only_o the_o impression_n of_o god_n footstep_n as_o they_o speak_v which_o all_o the_o creature_n have_v but_o of_o his_o image_n and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o this_o be_v his_o rich_a grace_n magnify_v that_o sin_n have_v deface_v that_o image_n and_o so_o degrade_v man_n from_o his_o honour_n and_o devest_v he_o of_o that_o title_n of_o sonship_n and_o stamp_v our_o pollute_a nature_n with_o the_o mark_n of_o vileness_n and_o bondage_n yea_o with_o the_o very_a image_n of_o satan_n rebellion_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n that_o out_o of_o mankind_n thus_o ruin_v and_o degenerate_v god_n shall_v raise_v to_o himself_o a_o new_a race_n and_o generation_n of_o son_n for_o this_o design_n be_v the_o word_n make_v flesh_n io._n 1._o the_o son_n make_v man_n to_o make_v man_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v by_o he_o alone_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o this_o they_o that_o receive_v he_o receive_v with_o he_o and_o in_o he_o this_o privilege_n verse_n 12._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sonship_n by_o adoption_n and_o be_v so_o call_v in_o scripture_n in_o difference_n from_o his_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a generation_n who_o be_v and_o that_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n yet_o that_o we_o may_v
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 laâ—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 evaâ—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 loâ—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
for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n thus_o gen._n 22.12_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o with_o hold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o god_n delight_v to_o call_v forth_o his_o champion_n to_o meet_v with_o great_a temptation_n to_o make_v they_o bear_v cross_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n as_o commander_n in_o war_n put_v man_n of_o most_o valour_n and_o skill_n upon_o the_o hard_a service_n god_n set_v some_o strong_a furious_a trial_n upon_o a_o strong_a christian_a make_v strong_a by_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o by_o his_o victory_n make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o counterfeit_a coin_n of_o profession_n in_o religion_n yet_o some_o there_o be_v that_o have_v the_o power_n the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o invention_n but_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o it_o that_o the_o invincible_a grace_n the_o very_a spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o have_v a_o number_n that_o do_v not_o only_o speak_v big_a but_o do_v indeed_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n despise_v the_o world_n and_o overcome_v it_o by_o his_o strength_n some_o man_n take_v delight_n to_o see_v some_o kind_n of_o beast_n fight_v together_o but_o to_o see_v a_o christian_a mind_n encounter_v some_o great_a affliction_n and_o conquer_a it_o to_o see_v his_o valour_n in_o not_o sink_v at_o the_o hard_a distress_n of_o this_o life_n nor_o the_o affrightfull_a end_n of_o it_o the_o cruel_a kind_n of_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n this_o be_v as_o he_o say_v dignum_fw-la deo_fw-la spectaculum_fw-la this_o be_v a_o combat_n that_o god_n delight_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a beholder_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n that_o enable_v and_o support_v the_o christian_a in_o all_o those_o conflict_n and_o temptation_n multitude_n of_o temptation_n and_o of_o divers_a kind_n many_o and_o manifold_a it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n to_o have_v a_o trial_n now_o and_o then_o and_o long_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n betwixt_o but_o to_o be_v ply_v with_o one_o affliction_n at_o the_o heel_n of_o another_o to_o have_v they_o come_v throng_v in_o by_o multitude_n and_o of_o different_a kind_n uncouth_a unaccustomed_a evil_n such_o as_o a_o man_n have_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o before_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v often_o the_o portion_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n psa._n 42.7_o deep_o call_v unto_o deep_a at_o the_o noise_n of_o thy_o water_n spout_n all_o thy_o wave_n and_o thy_o billow_n be_v go_v over_o i_o you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n this_o the_o apostle_n blame_v not_o but_o aim_v at_o the_o moderate_n of_o it_o seek_v not_o altogether_o to_o dry_v up_o this_o stream_n but_o to_o bound_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o within_o its_o bank_n grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o life_n of_o nature_n but_o add'_v to_o it_o a_o life_n more_o excellent_a yea_o grace_n do_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o require_v some_o feel_n of_o affliction_n there_o be_v a_o affect_a pride_n of_o spirit_n in_o some_o man_n instead_o of_o patience_n suitable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o stoic_n as_o it_o be_v usual_o take_v they_o strive_v not_o to_o feel_v at_o all_o the_o affliction_n that_o be_v on_o they_o but_o this_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o correction_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v alike_o forbid_a as_o faint_v under_o it_o heb._n 12._o we_o shall_v not_o stop_v our_o ear_n but_o mic._n 6.9_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o he_o that_o have_v appoint_v it_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v where_o there_o be_v no_o feel_n at_o all_o there_o can_v be_v no_o patience_n consider_v it_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o thence_o argue_v the_o soul_n into_o submission_n psa._n 39.9_o i_o be_v dumb_a i_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o but_o this_o heaviness_n be_v mitigate_v and_o set_v as_o it_o be_v within_o its_o bank_n betwixt_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o the_o utility_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o brevity_n profitableness_n and_o shortness_n of_o it_o to_o a_o worldly_a man_n great_a gain_n sweeten_v the_o hard_a labour_n and_o to_o a_o christian_a spiritual_a profit_n and_o advantage_n may_v do_v much_o to_o move_v he_o to_o take_v well_o with_o those_o affliction_n that_o be_v otherwise_o very_o unpleasant_a though_o they_o be_v not_o joyous_a for_o the_o present_a heb._n 12.11_o yet_o this_o allay_v the_o sorrow_n of_o they_o the_o fruit_n that_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o that_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n abundle_n of_o folly_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o child_n but_o the_o rod_n of_o correction_n shall_v beat_v it_o out_o say_v solomon_n though_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v true_o as_o our_o saviour_n call_v they_o the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n yet_o be_v renew_v only_o in_o part_n they_o be_v not_o altogether_o free_a from_o those_o folly_n that_o call_v for_o this_o rod_n to_o beat_v they_o out_o and_o sometime_o have_v such_o a_o bundle_n of_o folly_n as_o require_v a_o bundle_n of_o rod_n to_o be_v spend_v upon_o it_o many_o and_o manifold_a affliction_n it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o nor_o to_o be_v beat_v from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n main_o require_v of_o his_o child_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o love_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o as_o that_o be_v entertain_v this_o be_v want_v and_o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o affliction_n they_o be_v sometime_o subject_a to_o this_o disease_n how_o will_v it_o grow_v upon_o they_o with_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n when_o they_o be_v beat_v from_o one_o worldly_a folly_n or_o delight_n they_o be_v ready_a through_o nature_n corruption_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o some_o other_o be_v thrust_v out_o from_o it_o at_o one_o door_n to_o enter_v at_o some_o other_o and_o as_o child_n unwilling_a to_o be_v wean_v if_o one_o breast_n be_v imbitter_v they_o seek_v to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o to_o drive_v they_o from_o that_o too_o thus_o it_o be_v clear_a there_o be_v need_n yea_o great_a need_n of_o affliction_n yea_o of_o many_o affliction_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v chastened_a by_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n 11.32_o many_o resemblance_n there_o be_v for_o illustration_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o thing_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o of_o art_n some_o common_a and_o other_o choice_a but_o this_o be_v not_o needful_a the_o experience_n of_o christian_n tell_v they_o how_o easy_o they_o grow_v proud_a and_o secure_a and_o carnal_a with_o a_o little_a ease_n and_o with_o outward_a thing_n go_v smooth_o with_o they_o and_o therefore_o what_o unhappiness_n be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o be_v much_o happy_a that_o way_n let_v we_o learn_v then_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o present_a frailty_n there_o be_v need_n of_o affliction_n and_o so_o not_o promise_v ourselves_o exemption_n how_o calm_a soever_o our_o sea_n be_v for_o the_o present_a and_o then_o for_o the_o number_n and_o measure_n and_o weight_n of_o they_o to_o resign_v that_o whole_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o wise_a father_n and_o physician_n who_o perfect_o know_v our_o mould_n and_o our_o malady_n and_o what_o kind_n and_o quantity_n of_o chastisement_n be_v needful_a for_o our_o cure_n though_o now_o for_o a_o season_n if_o need_v be_v you_o be_v in_o heaviness_n the_o other_o consideration_n that_o moderate_v this_o heaviness_n be_v its_o shortness_n because_o we_o willing_o forget_v eternity_n therefore_o this_o moment_n seem_v much_o in_o our_o eye_n but_o if_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o it_o aright_o of_o how_o little_a concernment_n be_v it_o what_o be_v our_o condition_n here_o if_o it_o be_v as_o prosperous_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v or_o imagine_v it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o little_a season_n the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n talk_v of_o many_o year_n but_o thou_o fool_v this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o be_v the_o long_a period_n the_o many_o year_n quick_o draw_v to_o a_o very_a great_a abatement_n and_o if_o full_a of_o pain_n and_o grief_n those_o do_v help_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o themselves_o and_o hasten_v to_o it_o then_o well_o might_n st._n austin_n say_v hic_fw-la ure_n caede_fw-la modo_fw-la ibi_fw-la parcas_fw-la use_v i_o here_o as_o please_v thou_o so_o as_o that_o hereafter_o it_o may_v be_v well_o with_o i_o wherein_o this_o
a_o practical_a commentary_n upon_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n general_n of_o st._n peter_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n robert_n leighton_n sometime_n archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n publish_a after_o his_o death_n at_o the_o request_n of_o his_o friend_n york_z print_v by_o i._n white_n their_o majesty_n printer_n for_o the_o city_n of_o york_n and_o the_o five_o northern_a county_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o london_n by_o sam._n keble_n at_o the_o turks-head_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1693_o to_o the_o pious_a reader_n thou_o may_v remember_v in_o publish_v some_o of_o this_o author_n discourse_n about_o two_o year_n ago_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v that_o if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v well_o receive_v more_o of_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o light_n the_o general_a acceptance_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o especial_o from_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v chief_o design_v and_o the_o necessity_n the_o bookseller_n find_v to_o make_v a_o second_o edition_n though_o by_o the_o printer_n ouresight_n very_o incorrect_a be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o oblige_v i_o to_o the_o make_v good_a that_o promise_n and_o here_o it_o be_v in_o part_n perform_v by_o offer_v to_o thou_o the_o follow_a meditation_n of_o this_o primitive_o devout_a author_n upon_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n general_n of_o st_n peter_n his_o latin_a discourse_n which_o he_o have_v to_o the_o student_n when_o he_o be_v principal_a of_o the_o college_n of_o edinburgh_n be_v now_o in_o the_o press_n matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o religion_n among_o protestant_a divine_n this_o good_a man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o his_o life_n time_n either_o absolute_o shun_v or_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v and_o where_o he_o can_v not_o conciliat_fw-la the_o term_n and_o point_n themselves_o in_o dispute_n yet_o he_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v the_o person_n dispute_v for_o out_o of_o his_o great_a charity_n he_o have_v much_o better_a thought_n of_o each_o of_o they_o than_o they_o ordinary_o have_v one_o of_o another_o and_o even_o when_o he_o give_v in_o these_o paper_n his_o own_o opinion_n in_o some_o few_o of_o those_o point_n he_o do_v it_o with_o that_o moderation_n and_o discretion_n that_o can_v give_v no_o offence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o party_n except_o to_o such_o of_o they_o who_o will_v needs_o be_v contentious_a he_o be_v a_o singular_a instance_n how_o far_o good_a man_n may_v differ_v in_o judgement_n about_o some_o abstruse_a point_n in_o religion_n yet_o without_o diminution_n of_o affection_n either_o to_o truth_n or_o to_o one-anoth_a if_o his_o way_n of_o expression_n or_o method_n of_o handle_v the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n here_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o modern_a critical_a exactness_n or_o if_o his_o style_n be_v not_o after_o the_o mode_n and_o dress_n of_o those_o time_n and_o hence_o perhaps_o may_v be_v less_o gratify_v to_o some_o such_o be_v humble_o desire_v that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o enjoy_v those_o other_o write_n they_o so_o deserve_o value_v and_o whereof_o they_o have_v so_o great_a store_n in_o this_o age_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v hope_v from_o their_o good_a nature_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v with_o such_o who_o do_v and_o must_v own_o to_o their_o great_a comfort_n that_o they_o find_v a_o sweetness_n in_o this_o divine_a author_n thought_n and_o way_n of_o write_v peculiar_a to_o he_o which_o make_v those_o scripture_n thus_o treat_v by_o he_o drop_v sweet_a to_o their_o soul_n than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n while_o they_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o purify_v and_o rejoice_v their_o heart_n while_o they_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a they_o convert_v their_o soul_n this_o be_v his_o design_n in_o preach_v those_o discourse_n above_o thirty_o year_n ago_o and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n in_o publish_v they_o now_o god_n grant_v that_o the_o success_n in_o peruse_v they_o may_v answer_v the_o good_a intention_n of_o both_o paul_n may_v plant_v and_o apollo_n may_v water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n which_o that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o that_o abundance_n which_o shall_v make_v both_o planter_n and_o waterer_n rejoice_v in_o that_o great_a and_o last_o harvest_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o publisher_n j._n f._n i._o ep._n st._n peter_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 1._o peter_n a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o stranger_n scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o tender_a plant_n in_o a_o strange_a unkindly_a soil_n and_o therefore_o can_v well_o prosper_v and_o grow_v without_o much_o care_n and_o pain_n and_o that_o of_o a_o skilful_a hand_n and_o that_o have_v the_o art_n of_o cherish_v it_o for_o this_o end_n have_v god_n give_v the_o constant_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o his_o church_n not_o only_o for_o the_o first_o work_n of_o conversion_n but_o also_o for_o confirm_v and_o increase_v of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o child_n and_o though_o the_o extraordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n have_v principal_o the_o former_a for_o their_o charge_n the_o convert_n of_o unbeliever_n jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o so_o the_o plant_n of_o church_n to_o be_v after_o keep_v and_o water_v by_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v 1_o cor._n 3.6_o yet_o do_v they_o not_o neglect_v the_o other_o work_n of_o strengthen_v the_o begin_v grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a convert_v of_o those_o time_n both_o by_o revisit_v they_o and_o exhort_v they_o in_o person_n as_o they_o can_v and_o by_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o writing_n to_o they_o when_o absent_a and_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o extend_v not_o by_o accident_n but_o by_o the_o purpose_n and_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n this_o excellent_a epistle_n full_a of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n and_o apostolical_a authority_n be_v a_o brief_a and_o yet_o very_o clear_a summary_n both_o of_o the_o consolation_n and_o instruction_n needful_a for_o the_o encouragement_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n elevate_a his_o thought_n and_o desire_n to_o that_o happiness_n and_o strengthen_v he_o against_o all_o opposition_n in_o the_o way_n both_o that_o of_o corruption_n within_o and_o tentation_n and_o affliction_n from_o without_o the_o head_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v many_o but_o the_o main_a that_o be_v most_o insist_v on_o be_v these_o three_o faith_n obedience_n and_o patience_n to_o establish_v the_o believe_a to_o direct_v they_o in_o do_v and_o comfort_v they_o in_o suffer_v and_o because_o the_o first_o be_v the_o groundwork_n and_o support_v of_o the_o other_o two_o this_o first_o chapt._n be_v much_o in_o that_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o mystery_n they_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v believe_v viz._n their_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n that_o inheritance_n of_o immortality_n buy_v by_o his_o blood_n for_o they_o and_o the_o evidence_n and_o stability_n of_o their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o it_o and_o then_o he_o use_v this_o belief_n this_o assurance_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o come_v as_o the_o great_a persuasive_a to_o the_o other_o two_o both_o to_o holy_a obedience_n and_o constant_a patience_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v too_o much_o either_o to_o forgo_v or_o undergo_v either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n and_o as_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o object_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o believer_n he_o encourage_v to_o patience_n and_o exhort_v to_o holiness_n in_o this_o chapter_n in_o general_n so_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n he_o express_v more_o particular_o both_o the_o universal_a and_o special_a duty_n of_o christian_n both_o in_o do_v and_o suffer_v often_o set_v before_o they_o to_o who_o he_o write_v the_o matchless_a example_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o engagement_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o two_o first_o verse_n we_o have_v the_o inscription_n and_o salutation_n the_o usual_a stile_n of_o apostolic_a epistle_n the_o inscription_n have_v the_o author_n and_o the_o address_n from_o who_o and_o to_o who_o the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v design_v by_o his_o name_n peter_n and_o his_o call_v a_o apostle_n we_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o his_o name_n that_o it_o be_v impose_v by_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v its_o signification_n this_o the_o evangelist_n teach_v we_o s._n joh._n 1.42_o s·_fw-la mat._n 16.18_o etc._n etc._n by_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o in_o divers_a passage_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v very_o remarkable_a among_o the_o
they_o mock_v and_o despise_v be_v that_o spirit_n that_o seal_v man_n to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o if_o any_o pretend_v they_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o so_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o straight_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o giddiness_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o lead_v his_o child_n in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v for_o that_o purpose_n send_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o guide_v they_o thither_o square_n their_o thoughtt_n and_o way_n to_o that_o rule_n and_o that_o word_n whereof_o it_o be_v author_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o it_o sanctify_v they_o to_o obedience_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 2.4_o now_o this_o spirit_n that_o sanctify_v and_o sanctify_v to_o obedience_n be_v within_o we_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o election_n and_o earnest_a of_o our_o salvation_n and_o whoso_o be_v not_o sanctify_v and_o lead_v by_o this_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v their_o condition_n rom._n 8.9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o let_v we_o not_o delude_v ourselves_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o religion_n they_o that_o be_v not_o make_v saint_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n shall_v never_o be_v saint_n in_o glory_n the_o stone_n that_o be_v appoint_v for_o that_o glorious_a temple_n above_o be_v hew_v and_o polish_a and_o prepare_v for_o it_o here_o as_o the_o stone_n be_v wrought_v and_o prepare_v in_o the_o mountain_n for_o build_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n this_o be_v the_o order_n psal._n 84.12_o he_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n as_o moralist_n can_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o way_n to_o the_o temple_n of_o honour_n be_v through_o the_o temple_n of_o virtue_n they_o that_o think_v they_o be_v bind_v for_o heaven_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n have_v either_o find_v a_o new_a way_n untrodden_a by_o all_o that_o be_v go_v thither_o or_o will_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o the_o end_n we_o need_v not_o then_o that_o poor_a shift_n for_o the_o press_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n upon_o men._n to_o represent_v it_o to_o they_o as_o the_o merit_a cause_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n see_v without_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n to_o salvation_n be_v press_v enough_o for_o holiness_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o if_o it_o be_v the_o merit_a cause_n of_o it_o it_o be_v as_o insepararable_o tie_v to_o it_o as_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o order_n of_o performance_n godliness_n be_v as_o certain_o before_o salvation_n as_o if_o salvation_n do_v whole_o and_o all_o together_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v in_o point_n of_o justice_n deserve_v by_o it_o see_v then_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o by_o holiness_n no_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n without_o it_o take_v the_o apostle_n advice_n study_v it_o seek_v it_o follow_v earnest_o after_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n grace_n unto_o you_o and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v it_o have_v always_o be_v a_o civil_a custom_n among_o man_n to_o season_v their_o intercourse_n with_o good_a wish_n one_o for_o another_o this_o the_o apostle_n use_v in_o their_o epistle_n in_o a_o spiritual_a divine_a way_n suitable_a to_o their_o holy_a write_n it_o well_o become_v the_o messenger_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n to_o wish_v both_o and_o to_o make_v their_o salutation_n conform_v to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o subject_n of_o their_o discourse_n the_o hebrew_n word_n of_o salutation_n we_o have_v here_o peace_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o spring_n both_o of_o this_o and_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v all_o in_o the_o other_o word_n of_o salutation_n use_v by_o the_o greek_n grace_n all_o right_a rejoice_v and_o prosperity_n and_o happiness_n flow_v from_o this_o source_n and_o from_o this_o alone_a and_o be_v seek_v elsewhere_o in_o vain_a in_o general_n this_o be_v the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n to_o have_v a_o heart_n fill_v with_o blessing_n with_o this_o sweet_a good_a will_n and_o good_a wish_v to_o all_o especial_o to_o those_o that_o be_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o charity_n be_v a_o precious_a balm_n diffuse_v itself_o in_o the_o wise_a and_o seasonable_a expression_n of_o it_o upon_o fit_a occasion_n and_o those_o expression_n must_v be_v cordial_a and_o sincere_a not_o like_o that_o you_o call_v court_n holywater_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o falsehood_n or_o vanity_n at_o the_o best_a this_o manifest_v man_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o blessing_n and_o of_o the_o ever_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n of_o all_o blessing_n when_o in_o his_o name_n they_o bless_v one_o another_o yea_o our_o saviour_n rule_n go_v high_a to_o bless_v those_o that_o curse_v they_o and_o urge_v it_o by_o that_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o their_o father_n that_o in_o this_o they_o may_v resemble_v he_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a way_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o bless_v their_o people_n not_o only_o by_o their_o public_a and_o solemn_a benediction_n but_o by_o daily_a and_o instant_a prayer_n for_o they_o in_o secret_a and_o the_o great_a father_n who_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v they_o open_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ever_o both_o endeavour_v and_o wish_v their_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o which_o they_o have_v st._n paul_n a_o frequent_a pattern_n they_o that_o be_v messenger_n of_o this_o grace_n if_o they_o have_v experience_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n that_o will_v dilate_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o large_a in_o love_n and_o spiritual_a desire_n for_o other_o especial_o their_o own_o flock_n let_v we_o 1_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o apostle_n desire_v for_o they_o grace_n and_o peace_n 2._o the_o measure_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v multiply_v 1_o grace_n we_o need_v not_o make_v a_o noise_n with_o the_o many_o school-distinction_n of_o grace_n and_o describe_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v take_v for_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v all_o save_a grace_n to_o those_o disperse_a brethren_n so_o that_o in_o the_o large_a notion_n that_o it_o can_v have_v that_o way_n we_o may_v safe_o here_o take_v it_o what_o be_v prevent_v grace_n assist_v grace_n work_v and_o coworking_a grace_n as_o we_o may_v admit_v these_o difference_n in_o a_o sound_a sense_n but_o divers_a name_n of_o the_o same_o effectual_a save_a grace_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o different_a estate_n as_o the_o same_o sea_n receive_v different_a name_n from_o the_o different_a part_n of_o the_o shore_n it_o beat_v upon_o first_o it_o prevent_v and_o work_v than_o it_o assist_v and_o prosecute_v what_o it_o have_v wrought_v he_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v but_o the_o whole_a sense_n of_o save_a grace_n i_o conceive_v be_v comprehend_v in_o these_o two_o 1_o grace_n in_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n 2._o in_o the_o stream_n the_o fruit_n of_o this_o love_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o empty_a but_o a_o most_o rich_a and_o liberal_a love_n viz._n all_o the_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o he_o have_v free_o choose_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v neither_o diminish_v nor_o increase_v but_o it_o be_v multiply_v or_o abound_v in_o the_o manifestation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o so_o then_o to_o desire_v grace_n to_o be_v multiply_v to_o they_o be_v to_o wish_v to_o they_o the_o live_a spring_n of_o it_o that_o love_n that_o can_v be_v exhaust_v but_o be_v ever_o flow_v forth_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v make_v each_o day_n rich_a than_o another_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o top_n and_o sum_n of_o christian_a desire_n to_o have_v or_o want_v any_o other_o thing_n indifferent_o but_o to_o be_v resolve_v and_o resolute_a in_o this_o to_o seek_v a_o share_n in_o this_o grace_n the_o free_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sure_a evidence_n of_o it_o within_o you_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o the_o most_o of_o we_o be_v otherwise_o take_v up_o we_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v how_o base_o and_o foolish_o we_o be_v busy_v though_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o respect_a employment_n
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 paâ—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 â—_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 â—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 yeâ—_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 â—eal_a faith_n to_o be_v such_o indeed_o remain_v stâ—ll_o the_o same_o even_o in_o the_o fire_n the_o same_o thaâ—_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 â—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 beatâ—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 beaâ—_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 â—_o 17_o although_o the_o fig_n
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 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
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
tribulation_n say_v st._n paul_n and_o here_o our_o apostle_n insist_o on_o that_o to_o verify_v the_o subsistence_n of_o this_o joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a affliction_n 4._o spiritual_a grief_n that_o seem_v most_o opposite_a to_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n prejudge_v it_o not_o for_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a delight_n and_o sweetness_n in_o the_o tear_n of_o repentance_n a_o balm_n in_o they_o that_o refresh_v the_o soul_n and_o even_o their_o sad_a kind_n of_o mourning_n viz._n the_o dark_a time_n of_o desertion_n have_v this_o in_o it_o that_o be_v some_o way_n sweet_a that_o those_o mourning_n after_o their_o belove_a who_o absent_v himself_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o their_o love_n to_o he_o and_o a_o true_a evidence_n of_o it_o and_o then_o all_o these_o spiritual_a sorrow_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o be_v turn_v into_o spiritual_a joy_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o they_o they_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n that_o way_n 5._o but_o the_o natural_a man_n still_o doubt_n of_o this_o joy_n we_o speak_v of_o because_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v so_o little_a of_o it_o from_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o have_v it_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v best_a right_n to_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o wretchedness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o especial_o the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n what_o wonder_v though_o this_o their_o joy_n retire_v much_o inward_a and_o appear_v little_a abroad_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o so_o few_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o pecus_fw-la to_o who_o it_o be_v pertinent_a to_o vent_v it_o again_o we_o see_v here_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a it_o be_v a_o poor_a thing_n if_o he_o that_o have_v it_o can_v tell_v it_o all_o out_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v most_o of_o it_o than_o it_o remain_v most_o within_o itself_o and_o be_v so_o inward_o take_v up_o with_o it_o that_o possible_o it_o can_v then_o least_o of_o all_o express_v it_o it_o be_v with_o joy_n as_o they_o say_v of_o care_n and_o grief_n leves_fw-la loquuntur_fw-la ingentes_fw-la stupent_fw-la sen._n the_o deep_a water_n run_v still_a true_a joy_n be_v a_o solid_a grave_a thing_n dwell_v more_o in_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o countenance_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a base_a and_o false_a joy_n be_v but_o superficial_a skin-deep_a as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o face_n think_v not_o that_o it_o be_v with_o the_o godly_a as_o the_o prophet_n say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o they_o and_o the_o lxx_o read_v it_o no_z joy._n certain_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o true_a joy_n to_o the_o wicked_a they_o may_v revel_v and_o make_v a_o noise_n but_o they_o rejoice_v not_o the_o laughter_n of_o the_o fool_n be_v as_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o the_o pot_n a_o great_a noise_n but_o little_a heat_n and_o soon_o at_o a_o end_n there_o be_v no_o continue_v feast_n but_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n wickedness_n and_o real_a joy_n can_v dwell_v together_o as_o the_o very_a moralist_n seneca_n have_v it_o often_o and_o at_o large_a but_o he_o that_o can_v say_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v i_o and_o in_o he_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n have_v such_o a_o light_n as_o can_v shine_v in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n yea_o in_o the_o dark_a valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n itself_o say_v not_o thou_o if_o i_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n i_o must_v bid_v farewell_n to_o gladness_n never_o a_o merry_a day_n more_o no_o on_o the_o contrary_a never_o a_o true_o joyful_a day_n till_o then_o yea_o no_o day_n at_o all_o but_o night_n to_o the_o soul_n till_o it_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v in_o those_o righteousness_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thou_o do_v not_o sacrifice_n isaac_n which_o signify_v laughter_n as_o st._n bern._n but_o a_o ram._n not_o thy_o joy_n but_o filthy_a sinful_a delight_n that_o end_v in_o sorrow_n oh_o seek_v to_o know_v in_o your_o experience_n what_o those_o joy_n mean_v for_o all_o describe_v and_o commend_v it_o to_o you_o will_v not_o make_v you_o understand_v it_o aug._n but_o taste_v and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a you_o can_v see_v and_o know_v it_o but_o by_o taste_v it_o and_o have_v taste_v that_o goodness_n all_o those_o poor_a joy_n you_o think_v sweet_a before_o will_v then_o be_v bitter_a and_o distasteful_a to_o you_o and_o you_o that_o have_v christ_n you_o by_o believe_v know_v your_o happiness_n and_o rejoice_v and_o glory_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o be_v your_o outward_a condition_n rejoice_v always_o and_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v for_o light_n be_v sowâ—_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o joy_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12._o 10._o of_o which_o salvation_n the_o prophet_n have_v inquire_v and_o search_v diligent_o who_o prophesy_v of_o the_o grace_n that_o shall_v come_v unto_o you_o 11._o search_v what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v when_o he_o testify_v before_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v follow_v 12._o unto_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o not_o unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o we_o they_o do_v minister_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o report_v unto_o you_o by_o they_o that_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n or_o at_o least_o the_o inconsiderance_n of_o divine_a thing_n that_o make_v earthly_a thing_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_a appear_v great_a in_o our_o eye_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n great_a aim_n be_v by_o represent_v the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o hope_v of_o christian_n to_o his_o afflict_a brethren_n to_o strengthen_v their_o mind_n against_o all_o discouragement_n and_o opposition_n that_o they_o may_v account_v nothing_o too_o hard_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o so_o high_a a_o cause_n and_o so_o happy_a a_o end_n it_o be_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a thought_n and_o the_o shallow_a perswassion_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o remisseness_n and_o coldness_n in_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n he_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v illustrate_v in_o these_o word_n from_o its_o antiquity_n dignity_n and_o infallible_a truth_n it_o be_v no_o more_o invention_n for_o the_o prophet_n inquire_v after_o it_o and_o foretell_v it_o in_o former_a age_n from_o the_o beginning_n thus_o the_o prejudice_n of_o novelty_n be_v remove_v that_o usual_o meet_v the_o most_o ancient_a truth_n in_o its_o new_a discovery_n again_o it_o be_v no_o mean_a thing_n that_o such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o unquestioned_a eminency_n in_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n do_v so_o much_o study_v and_o search_v after_o and_o have_v find_v out_o be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o publish_v it_o in_o their_o own_o time_n but_o to_o record_v it_o to_o posterity_n and_o this_o not_o by_o the_o private_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o act_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o set_v likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n above_o all_o doubtfulness_n and_o uncertainty_n but_o take_v those_o three_o verse_n entire_o together_o we_o have_v in_o they_o those_o three_o thing_n testify_v how_o excellent_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v 1._o we_o have_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o matter_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o worth_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exercise_v about_o it_o viz._n the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o administer_a it_o and_o the_o best_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n the_o angel_n in_o admire_v it_o the_o first_o author_n be_v the_o absolute_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o prophet_n ver._n 11._o in_o the_o apostle_n ver._n 12._o but_o ver._n 11._o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o send_v down_o on_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o ascend_v to_o glory_n and_o which_o speak_v in_o his_o prophet_n before_o his_o descend_v to_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n proceed_v joint_o from_o he_o with_o the_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o dwell_v most_o rich_o and_o full_o in_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man._n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v in_o himself_o holiness_n and_o the_o source_n and_o worker_n of_o holiness_n and_o author_n of_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n that_o breathe_v
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 3â—_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
so_o much_o and_o speak_v so_o many_o tongue_n yet_o i_o determine_v say_v he_o to_o know_v nothing_o among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a 1_o cor._n 2.2_o and_o again_o he_o express_v this_o as_o the_o top_n of_o his_o ambition_n that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o his_o death_n that_o conformity_n be_v this_o only_a knowledge_n he_o that_o have_v his_o lust_n unmortified_a and_o a_o heart_n unweaned_a from_o the_o world_n though_o he_o know_v all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o can_v discourse_v well_o of_o they_o yet_o indeed_o he_o know_v they_o not_o if_o you_o will_v increase_v much_o in_o holiness_n and_o be_v strong_a against_o the_o tentation_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o only_a art_n of_o it_o view_n much_o and_o so_o seek_v to_o know_v much_o of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v often_o at_o how_o high_a a_o raâ—e_n we_o be_v redeem_v from_o sin_n and_o provide_v this_o answer_n for_o all_o the_o enticement_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n except_o you_o can_v offer_v my_o soul_n something_o beyond_o that_o price_n that_o be_v give_v for_o it_o on_o the_o cross_n i_o can_v hearken_v to_o you_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o will_n a_o christian_a say_v that_o consider_v this_o redemption_n that_o ever_o i_o shall_v prefer_v a_o base_a lust_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n or_o it_o all_o to_o he_o that_o give_v himself_o to_o death_n for_o i_o and_o pay_v my_o ransom_n with_o his_o blood_n his_o matchless_a love_n have_v free_v i_o from_o the_o miserable_a captivity_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v for_o ever_o fasten_v i_o to_o the_o sweet_a yoke_n of_o his_o obedience_n let_v he_o alone_o to_o dwell_v and_o rule_v within_o i_o and_o let_v he_o never_o go_v forth_o from_o my_o heart_n who_o for_o my_o sake_n refuse_v to_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross._n verse_n 20._o who_o very_o be_v foreordain_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v manifest_a in_o these_o last_o time_n for_o you_o of_o all_o those_o consideration_n and_o there_o be_v many_o that_o may_v move_v man_n to_o obedience_n there_o be_v none_o that_o persuade_v both_o more_o sweet_o and_o strong_o then_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o man_n and_o among_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o the_o send_n and_o give_v of_o his_o son_n for_o man_n redemption_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v mention_v that_o insist_o further_a in_o it_o and_o in_o these_o word_n express_v the_o performance_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o purpose_n or_o decree_v foreknow_v but_o it_o be_v well_o render_v fore_o ordain_v for_o this_o know_v be_v decree_v and_o there_o be_v little_a either_o solid_a truth_n or_o profit_n in_o the_o distinguish_v they_o we_o say_v usual_o that_o where_o there_o be_v little_a wisdom_n there_o be_v much_o chance_n and_o comparitive_o among_o man_n some_o be_v far_o more_o foresighted_a and_o of_o further_a reach_n than_o other_o yet_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o provident_a man_n both_o want_a skill_n to_o design_n all_o thing_n aâ—ight_v and_o power_n to_o act_v as_o they_o contrive_v meet_v with_o many_o unexpected_a casualty_n and_o often_o disappointment_n in_o their_o undertake_n but_o with_o god_n where_o both_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v infinite_a there_o can_v be_v neither_o any_o chance_n nor_o resistance_n from_o without_o nor_o any_o imperfection_n at_o all_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n neither_o himself_n can_v give_v that_o cause_n to_o add_v or_o abate_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o purpose_n the_o model_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o course_n of_o time_n be_v with_o he_o one_o and_o the_o same_o from_o all_o etenity_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v exact_o answerable_a to_o that_o pattern_n for_o with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o change_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v jam._n 1.17_o there_o be_v nothing_o dark_a to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n he_o set_v at_o one_o view_n through_o all_o thing_n and_o all_o age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o yea_o from_o eternity_n to_o eternity_n and_o this_o inccomprehensible_a wisdom_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o we_o do_v but_o childish_o stammer_v when_o we_o offer_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n beat_v their_o own_o brain_n and_o knock_v their_o head_n one_o against_o another_o in_o the_o contest_v of_o their_o opinion_n to_o little_a purpose_n in_o their_o several_a moulding_n of_o god_n decree_n be_v not_o this_o to_o cut_v and_o square_a god_n thought_n to_o we_o and_o examine_v his_o sovereign_a purpose_n by_o the_o low_a principle_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n how_o much_o more_o learned_a than_o all_o such_o knowledge_n be_v the_o apostle_n ignorance_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11.33_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n debate_n what_o place_n in_o the_o series_n of_o god_n decree_n be_v to_o be_v assign_v to_o this_o purpose_n of_o send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o flesh_n let_v we_o rather_o see_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a mankind_n admire_v that_o same_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o appear_v in_o that_o purpose_n of_o our_o recovery_n by_o the_o word_n make_v flesh_n that_o before_o man_n have_v make_v himself_o miserable_a yea_o before_o either_o he_o or_o the_o world_n be_v make_v this_o thought_n of_o boundless_a love_n be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n to_o send_v his_o son_n forth_o from_o thence_o to_o bring_v fall_v man_n out_o of_o misery_n and_o restore_v he_o to_o happiness_n and_o to_o do_v this_o not_o only_o by_o take_v on_o his_o nature_n but_o the_o curse_n to_o shift_v it_o off_o from_o we_o that_o be_v sink_v under_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v it_o himself_o and_o by_o bear_v it_o to_o take_v it_o away_o he_o lay_v on_o he_o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o and_o to_o this_o he_o be_v appoint_v say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 3_o 2._o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n this_o we_o understand_v by_o faith_n that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o learned_a probable_o think_v it_o evincible_a by_o humane_a reason_n yet_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v glory_v most_o in_o that_o and_o be_v repute_v general_o master_n of_o reason_n have_v not_o see_v it_o by_o that_o light_n therefore_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o divine_a belief_n of_o it_o we_o must_v learn_v it_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n that_o be_v the_o only_a eternal_a and_o increated_a be_v and_o therefore_o the_o fountain_n and_o source_n of_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n foundation_n in_o this_o word_n be_v clâ—ar_v the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o building_n and_o such_o a_o building_n it_o be_v as_o do_v evidence_n the_o greatness_n of_o he_o that_o frame_v it_o so_o spacious_a rich_a and_o comely_a so_o firm_a a_o foundation_n and_o raise_v to_o so_o high_a and_o stately_a a_o roof_n and_o set_v it_o with_o variety_n of_o star_n as_o with_o jewel_n therefore_o call_v as_o some_o conceive_v it_o psa._n 8._o the_o work_n of_o his_o finger_n to_o express_v the_o curious_a artifice_n that_o appear_v in_o they_o though_o naturalist_n can_v give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o earth_n stability_n from_o its_o heaviness_n which_o stay_v it_o necessary_o in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o that_o abate_v nothing_o our_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o lay_v its_o foundation_n so_o and_o establish_v it_o for_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o that_o its_o nature_n and_o have_v appoint_v that_o to_o be_v the_o property_n of_o its_o heaviness_n to_o fix_v it_o there_o and_o therefore_o job_n alledege_v this_o among_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o power_n that_o he_o hang_v the_o earth_n upon_o nothing_o before_o there_o be_v time_n or_o place_n or_o any_o creature_n god_n the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v inhabit_v eternity_n complete_o happy_a in_o himself_o but_o intend_v to_o manifest_v and_o communicate_v his_o goodness_n he_o
without_o it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o substantial_a eternal_a word_n be_v to_o we_o as_o we_o say_v the_o spring_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o supernatural_a life_n flow_v but_o that_o by_o the_o word_n here_o be_v mean_v the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n put_v ouâ—_n of_o doubt_n verse_n last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o therefore_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o this_o word_n be_v thus_o the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n because_o it_o contain_v and_o declare_v that_o other_o word_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o our_o life_n the_o word_n be_v speak_v in_o common_a and_o so_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o hearer_n but_o then_o all_o be_v natural_o shut_v against_o it_o god_n do_v by_o his_o own_o hand_n open_v some_o heart_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o mix_v it_o with_o faith_n and_o those_o it_o renew_v and_o restore_v in_o they_o the_o image_n of_o god_n draw_v the_o traits_fw-fr of_o it_o anew_o and_o make_v they_o the_o son_n of_o god_n my_o doctrine_n shall_v drop_v as_o the_o dew_n say_v moses_n the_o word_n as_o a_o heavenly_a dew_n not_o fall_v beside_o but_o drop_v in_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n own_o spirit_n make_v it_o all_o become_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o turn_v it_o into_o one_o of_o those_o drop_n of_o dew_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o psal._n 110._o thou_o have_v the_o dew_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o natural_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v darkness_n and_o the_o word_n as_o a_o divine_a light_n shine_v into_o it_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o as_o the_o word_n be_v call_v light_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n renew_v by_o it_o you_o be_v darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o not_o only_o enlighten_v but_o light_n in_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o natural_a mind_n be_v often_o comprise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o darkness_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o conversion_n likewise_o signify_v by_o light_n and_o truth_n he_o beget_v we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n so_o 2_o cor._n 4_o 6._o allude_v to_o the_o first_o fiat_fw-la lux_fw-la or_o let_v there_o â—e_a light_n in_o the_o creation_n the_o word_n bring_v within_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n let_v it_o see_v its_o own_o necessity_n and_o christ_n sufficiency_n convince_v it_o thorough_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o cast_v over_o itself_o upon_o he_o for_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a beget_n of_o it_o again_o to_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o this_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n to_o prove_v successful_a seed_n do_v not_o hang_v upon_o the_o different_a ability_n of_o preacher_n their_o more_a or_o less_o rhetoric_n or_o learning_n it_o be_v true_a eloquence_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o civil_a and_o moral_a thing_n to_o persuade_v and_o and_o to_o draw_v the_o hearer_n by_o the_o ear_n almost_o which_o way_n it_o will_v but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a work_n to_o revive_v a_o soul_n to_o beget_v it_o anew_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o main_a there_o be_v no_o way_n so_o common_a and_o plain_a be_v warrant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o save_a truth_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v revive_v the_o soul_n by_o it_o and_o all_o the_o skilful_a and_o most_o autoritative_a way_n yea_o be_v withal_o very_o spiritual_a yet_o may_v effect_v nothing_o because_o leave_v alone_o to_o itself_o one_o word_n of_o holy_a scripture_n or_o of_o truth_n conform_v to_o it_o may_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n to_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v multitude_n of_o excellent_a sermon_n and_o have_v often_o read_v the_o whole_a bible_n and_o still_o unchanged_a if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n preach_v that_o one_o or_o any_o such_o word_n to_o the_o soul_n god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v be_v cast_v down_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o perish_v and_o drive_v out_o of_o itself_o by_o that_o and_o raise_v up_o and_o draw_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v believe_v on_o he_o that_o it_o may_v have_v life_n and_o be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o give_v itself_o to_o he_o that_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o purchase_v we_o that_o everlasting_a life_n thus_o may_v that_o word_n prove_v this_o immortal_a seed_n which_o though_o very_o often_o read_v and_o hear_v before_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n a_o drop_n of_o those_o liquor_n that_o be_v call_v spirit_n operate_v more_o than_o large_a draught_n of_o other_o water_n one_o word_n speak_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o heart_n be_v all_o spirit_n and_o do_v that_o which_o whole_a stream_n of_o man_n eloquence_n can_v never_o effect_v in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n man_n look_v usual_o too_o much_o upon_o man_n and_o forget_v from_o what_o spring_n the_o word_n have_v its_o power_n they_o observe_v too_o narrow_o the_o different_a hand_n of_o the_o sower_n and_o too_o little_o depend_v on_o his_o hand_n that_o be_v great_a lord_n both_o of_o seedtime_n and_o harvest_n be_v it_o sow_v by_o a_o weak_a hand_n or_o a_o strong_a the_o immortal_a seed_n be_v still_o the_o same_o yea_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a hand_n that_o sow_n it_o that_o the_o preacher_n himself_o be_v not_o so_o sanctify_v and_o of_o so_o edify_v a_o life_n as_o you_o will_v wish_v yet_o the_o seed_n itself_o be_v good_a contract_n no_o defilement_n and_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o regeneration_n in_o some_o and_o strengthen_v of_o other_o although_o he_o that_o be_v not_o renew_v by_o it_o himself_o can_v have_v much_o hope_n of_o such_o success_n nor_o reap_v much_o comfort_n by_o it_o and_o usual_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o regard_v it_o much_o but_o all_o instrument_n be_v alike_o in_o a_o almighty_a hand_n hence_o learn_v 1._o that_o true_a conversion_n be_v not_o so_o slight_a a_o work_n as_o we_o common_o account_v it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a change_n of_o some_o bad_a custom_n which_o gain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o reform_a man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a dialect_n it_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o be_v and_o elsewhere_o call_v a_o new_a creation_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o change_n in_o quality_n as_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o the_o quality_n so_o far_o distant_a that_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o substantial_a production_n from_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o which_o be_v link_v with_o it_o heir_n of_o wrath_n to_o be_v son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o glory_n they_o have_v a_o new_a spirit_n give_v a_o free_a princely_a noble_a spirit_n as_o the_o word_n be_v psal._n 51._o and_o this_o spirit_n act_n in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n 2._o consider_v this_o dignity_n and_o be_v kindle_v with_o the_o ambition_n of_o it_o how_o do_v a_o christian_a pity_n that_o poor_a vanity_n that_o man_n make_v so_o much_o noise_n about_o of_o of_o their_o kindred_n and_o extraction_n this_o be_v worth_a glory_v in_o indeed_o to_o be_v of_o the_o high_a blood_n royal_a and_o in_o the_o near_a relation_n son_n of_o the_o king_n of_o king_n by_o this_o new_a birth_n and_o add_v matchless_a honour_n to_o that_o birth_n which_o be_v honourable_a but_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o this_o number_n will_v we_o not_o study_v to_o cozen_v ourselves_o the_o discovery_n will_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o know_v whither_o we_o be_v or_o not_o in_o many_o their_o false_a confidence_n be_v too_o evident_a no_o appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o a_o foot-step_n like_o his_o lead_n and_o that_o character_n rom._n 8.14_o not_o a_o lineament_n of_o god_n visage_n as_o their_o father_n if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a say_v st._n john_n 2.29_o you_o know_v then_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o contrary_a to_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n the_o lover_n and_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n be_v they_o that_o swinish_o love_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o unholiness_n be_v swear_v and_o curse_v the_o accent_n of_o the_o regenerate_v the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o hell_n do_v child_n delight_v to_o indignify_v and_o dishonour_v their_o father_n name_n no_o earthly_a mindedness_n be_v a_o countersign_n shall_v the_o king_n child_n they_o that_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o scarlet_a as_o jeremy_n lament_v embrace_v the_o dunghill_n
when_o we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o of_o these_o praise_n we_o shall_v then_o offer_v he_o when_o that_o new_a song_n shall_v be_v teach_v we_o a_o child_n have_v in_o it_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o indisposedness_n of_o the_o body_n and_o abundance_n of_o moisture_n it_o be_v so_o bind_v up_o that_o its_o difference_n from_o the_o beast_n and_o partake_n of_o a_o rational_a life_n be_v not_o so_o apparent_a as_o afterward_o and_o thus_o the_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v from_o above_o infuse_v into_o a_o christian_a though_o it_o do_v act_n and_o work_v in_o some_o degree_n yet_o be_v so_o clog_v with_o natural_a corruption_n still_o remain_v in_o they_o that_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o be_v that_o way_n much_o cloud_v and_o obscure_v but_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v it_o shall_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o encumber_n and_o indispose_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 13.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o this_o be_v the_o wonder_n of_o divine_a grace_n that_o bring_v so_o small_a beginning_n to_o that_o height_n of_o perfection_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v of_o that_o a_o little_a sparkle_n of_o true_a grace_n that_o be_v not_o only_o indiscernible_a to_o other_o but_o often_o to_o a_o christian_n himself_o yet_o shall_v be_v the_o beginning_n of_o that_o condition_n wherein_o they_o shall_v shine_v bright_a than_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n the_o difference_n be_v great_a in_o our_o natural_a life_n in_o some_o person_n especial_o that_o they_o that_o in_o infancy_n be_v so_o feeble_a and_o wrap_v up_o as_o other_o in_o swaddle_a clothes_n yet_o afterward_o come_v to_o excel_v in_o wisdom_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o science_n or_o to_o be_v commander_n of_o great_a army_n or_o to_o be_v king_n but_o the_o distance_n be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o admirable_a betwixt_o the_o weakness_n of_o these_o new_a bear_v babe_n the_o small_a beginning_n of_o grace_n and_o our_o after_o perfection_n that_o fullness_n of_o knowledge_n that_o we_o look_v for_o and_o that_o crown_n of_o immortality_n that_o all_o they_o be_v bear_v to_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o as_o in_o some_o child_n face_n or_o action_n have_v appear_v some_o character_n and_o presage_n of_o their_o after_o greatness_n as_o a_o singular_a beauty_n in_o moses_n face_n as_o they_o write_v of_o he_o and_o cyrus_n make_v king_n among_o the_o shepherd_n child_n with_o who_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o etc._n etc._n so_o also_o certain_o in_o these_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o character_n and_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v for_o heaven_n by_o their_o new_a birth_n that_o holiness_n and_o meekness_n that_o patience_n and_o faith_n that_o shine_n in_o the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v character_n of_o their_o father_n image_n and_o show_v their_o high_a original_a and_o foretell_v their_o glory_n to_o come_v such_o a_o glory_n as_o do_v not_o only_o surpass_v the_o world_n thought_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n themselves_o 1_o joh._n 3.2_o now_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n may_v grow_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n require_v these_o two_o thing_n of_o they_o 1._o the_o innocency_n of_o child_n 2._o the_o appetite_n of_o child_n for_o this_o as_o i_o conceive_v be_v relative_a not_o only_o to_o the_o desire_v the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n but_o to_o the_o former_a verse_n the_o put_v off_o malice_n as_o the_o aposte_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 14.20_o as_o concern_v malice_n be_v you_o child_n wherefore_o lay_v aside_o this_o import_v that_o we_o be_v natural_o prepossess_v with_o these_o evil_n therefore_o exhort_v to_o put_v they_o off_o our_o heart_n be_v by_o nature_n no_o other_o but_o cage_n of_o those_o unclean_a bird_n malice_n envy_n hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n sometime_o name_v some_o of_o these_o evil_n and_o sometime_o other_o of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v inseparable_a all_o one_o garment_n and_o all_o comprehend_v under_o that_o one_o word_n eph._n 4._o the_o old_a man_n which_o the_o apostle_n there_o exhort_v to_o put_v off_o and_o here_o it_o be_v press_v as_o a_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o their_o new_a birth_n and_o furtherance_n of_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n that_o these_o base_a habit_n be_v throw_v away_o ragged_a filthy_a habit_n unbeseeming_a the_o child_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o proper_a mark_n of_o a_o unrenewed_a mind_n the_o very_a character_n of_o the_o child_n of_o satan_n for_o they_o be_v his_o image_n he_o have_v his_o name_n from_o enmity_n and_o envy_n and_o slander_v and_o he_o be_v that_o grand_a hypocrite_n and_o deceiver_n that_o can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v in_o his_o child_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o love_n and_o truth_n that_o dovelike_a spirit_n that_o descend_v on_o our_o saviour_n be_v from_o he_o communicate_v to_o believer_n it_o be_v the_o gross_a impudence_n to_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o yet_o to_o entertain_v hatred_n and_o envy_n upon_o whatsoever_o occasion_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o recommend_v to_o they_o by_o our_o saviour_n own_o doctrine_n and_o more_o impress_v upon_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n than_o love_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v take_v general_o but_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o particular_o call_v malice_n malice_n and_o envy_n be_v but_o two_o branch_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o same_o bitter_a root_n self-love_n and_o evil_a speaking_n be_v the_o fruit_n they_o bear_v malice_n be_v proper_o the_o procure_n or_o wish_v another_o evil_n envy_v the_o repine_n at_o their_o good_a and_o these_o vent_n themselves_o by_o evil_a speak_n this_o infernal_a fire_n within_o smoke_n and_o flash_n out_o by_o the_o tongue_n which_o s._n james_n say_v be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o fire_n all_o about_o it_o miscensure_v the_o action_n of_o those_o they_o hate_v or_o envy_n aggravate_v their_o fail_n and_o detract_n from_o their_o virtue_n take_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o left_a ear_n for_o as_o epictetus_n say_v every_o thing_n have_v two_o handle_n the_o art_n of_o take_v thing_n by_o the_o better_a side_n which_o charity_n always_o do_v will_v save_v much_o of_o those_o jangle_n and_o heart_n burn_n that_o so_o abound_v in_o the_o world_n but_o folly_n and_o perverseness_n possess_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o most_o and_o therefore_o their_o discourse_n be_v usual_o the_o vent_n of_o those_o for_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n must_v speak_v the_o unsavoury_a breath_n of_o man_n argue_v their_o inward_a corruption_n where_o shall_v a_o man_n come_v almost_o in_o society_n but_o his_o ear_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o the_o unpleasant_a noise_n sure_o it_o be_v so_o to_o a_o christian_a mind_n of_o one_o detract_n and_o disparage_v another_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v extreme_a baseness_n and_o the_o practice_n only_o of_o false_a counterfeit_a goodness_n to_o make_v up_o his_o own_o esteem_n out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o good_a name_n of_o other_o real_a virtue_n can_v endure_v nor_o need_v not_o that_o dishonest_a shift_n it_o can_v subsist_v of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o ingenuous_o commend_v and_o acknowledge_v what_o good_a be_v in_o other_o and_o love_v to_o hear_v it_o acknowledge_v and_o neither_o ready_o speak_v nor_o hear_v evil_a of_o any_o but_o rather_o where_o duty_n and_o conscience_n require_v not_o discovery_n cast_v a_o vail_n upon_o man_n fail_n to_o hide_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a temper_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n these_o evil_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o evil-speakings_a and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v by_o we_o in_o ourselves_o and_o convey_v under_o better_a appearance_n but_o to_o be_v cast_v away_o not_o to_o be_v cover_v but_o put_v off_o and_o therefore_o that_o which_o be_v the_o upper_a garment_n and_o cloak_n of_o all_o other_o evil_n the_o apostle_n here_o command_v to_o cast_v that_o off_o too_o namely_o hypocrisy_n what_o avail_v it_o to_o wear_v this_o mask_n a_o man_n may_v indeed_o in_o the_o fight_n of_o man_n act_v his_o part_n handsome_o under_o it_o and_o pass_v so_o for_o a_o time_n but_o know_v we_o not_o there_o be_v a_o eye_n that_o see_v through_o it_o and_o a_o hand_n that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o put_v of_o this_o mask_n will_v pull_v it_o off_o to_o our_o shame_n either_o here_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v escape_v all_o our_o life_n and_o go_v fair_a off_o the_o stage_n under_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o day_n appoint_v wherein_o all_o hypocrite_n shall_v be_v
life_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v we_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o be_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o holiness_n increase_v the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v strong_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o act_v more_o strong_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o he_o grow_v spiritual_o and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o beget_v this_o spiritual_a life_n so_o likewise_o of_o its_o increase_n 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a treat_v of_o the_o high_a thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o elevate_v man_n mind_n from_o the_o earth_n be_v often_o conversant_a with_o it_o to_o assimilate_v they_o to_o itself_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n ready_o do_v to_o these_o that_o be_v much_o in_o it_o and_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o study_v it_o doubtless_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v frequent_a with_o man_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v light_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o call_v light_n as_o be_v transform_v into_o its_o nature_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o by_o more_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o so_o they_o grow_v if_o we_o look_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o strain_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o christian_a for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o particular_a truth_n relative_a to_o they_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o excite_v they_o and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n and_o so_o to_o make_v they_o grow_v as_o all_o habit_n do_v by_o act_v it_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n word_n may_v be_v translate_v stir_v up_o the_o spark_n and_o blow_v they_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n make_v they_o burn_v clear_a and_o hot_a that_o it_o do_v both_o by_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n and_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n sometime_o press_v one_o and_o sometime_o another_o and_o by_o right_n represent_v to_o they_o their_o object_n the_o word_n feed_v faith_n by_o set_v before_o it_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n his_o rich_a promise_n and_o his_o power_n and_o truth_n to_o perform_v they_o all_o show_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n not_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o hold_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o draw_v faith_n still_o to_o rest_v more_o entire_o upon_o his_o righteousness_n it_o feed_v repentance_n by_o make_v the_o vileness_n and_o deformity_n of_o sin_n daily_o more_o clear_a and_o visible_a still_o as_o more_o of_o the_o word_n have_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o it_o hate_v sin_n be_v the_o more_o discover_v and_o the_o better_o know_v in_o its_o own_o native_a colour_n as_o the_o more_o light_n be_v in_o a_o house_n the_o more_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v unclean_o or_o deform_a be_v see_v 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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 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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 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house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy._n this_o be_v that_o happy_a circle_n wherein_o the_o soul_n move_v the_o more_o they_o love_v it_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v taste_v of_o this_o goodness_n and_o the_o more_o they_o taste_v the_o more_o they_o shall_v still_o love_v and_o desire_v it_o but_o observe_v if_o you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a then_o desire_v the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n this_o be_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o lord_n graciousness_n give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o love_n this_o they_o find_v in_o it_o that_o have_v spiritual_a life_n and_o sense_n and_o those_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o this_o engage_v a_o christian_n to_o further_a desire_n of_o the_o word_n these_o be_v fantastical_a delude_a taste_n that_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o write_v word_n and_o make_v they_o expect_v other_o revelation_n this_o graciousness_n be_v first_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o word_n there_o we_o taste_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o still_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v it_o to_o hang_v upon_o those_o breast_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v dry_a there_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n stream_n forth_o in_o the_o several_a promise_n the_o heart_n that_o cleave_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o delight_n in_o it_o can_v but_o find_v in_o it_o daily_o new_a taste_n of_o his_o goodness_n there_o it_o read_v his_o love_n and_o by_o that_o stir_v up_o his_o own_o to_o he_o and_o so_o grow_v love_v every_o day_n more_o than_o the_o former_a and_o thus_o be_v tend_v from_o taste_n to_o fullness_n it_o be_v but_o little_a we_o can_v receive_v some_o drop_n of_o joy_n that_o enter_v into_o we_o but_o there_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o joy_n as_o vessel_n put_v into_o a_o sea_n of_o happiness_n verse_n 4_o 5._o 4._o to_o who_o come_v unto_o a_o live_a stone_n disallow_v indeed_o of_o man_n but_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o precious_a 5._o you_o also_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spitual_a house_n a_o holy_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o therefore_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o all_o his_o duty_n be_v his_o near_a relation_n to_o jesus_n christ._n thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n make_v that_o the_o great_a subject_n of_o his_o doctrine_n both_o to_o represent_v to_o his_o distress_a brethren_n their_o dignity_n in_o that_o and_o to_o press_v by_o it_o the_o necessary_a duty_n he_o exhort_v unto_o have_v speak_v of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n and_o growth_n in_o he_o under_o the_o resemblance_n of_o natural_a life_n he_o prosecute_v it_o here_o by_o another_o comparison_n very_o frequent_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o make_v use_n in_o it_o of_o some_o passage_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v prophetical_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n though_o there_o be_v here_o two_o different_a similitude_n yet_o they_o have_v so_o near_a relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o meet_v so_o well_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n that_o he_o join_v they_o together_o and_o then_o illustrate_v they_o several_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n a_o temple_n and_o a_o priesthood_n compare_v the_o saint_n to_o both_o the_o former_a in_o these_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n we_o have_v in_o it_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o build_n 2._o the_o material_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o structure_n or_o way_n of_o build_v it_o 1._o the_o nature_n be_v a_o spiritual_a building_n time_n and_o place_n we_o know_v receive_v their_o be_v from_o god_n and_o he_o be_v eternaly_n before_o both_o therefore_o style_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n but_o have_v make_v the_o world_n he_o fill_v it_o though_o not_o as_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o be_v his_o palace_n or_o temple_n but_o after_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n the_o high_a and_o stately_a part_n of_o it_o the_o high_a heaven_n therefore_o call_v his_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o glory_n and_o on_o earth_n the_o house_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n be_v call_v his_o house_n especial_o the_o jewish_a temple_n in_o its_o time_n have_v in_o it_o such_o a_o relative_a typical_a holiness_n which_o other_o have_v not_o but_o beside_o all_o these_o and_o beyond_o they_o all_o in_o excellency_n he_o have_v a_o house_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v more_o peculiarly_a than_o in_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n even_o more_o than_o in_o heaven_n take_v for_o the_o place_n only_o and_o that_o be_v this_o spiritual_a building_n and_o this_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o necessary_a conformity_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o himself_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n so_o it_o hold_v of_o his_o house_n he_o must_v have_v a_o spiritual_a one_o because_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n so_o god_n temple_n be_v his_o people_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n chief_o do_v he_o make_v the_o world_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o in_o it_o he_o may_v raise_v this_o spiritual_a build_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o for_o ever_o to_o have_v a_o number_n of_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o enjoy_v he_o and_o glorify_v he_o in_o eternity_n and_o from_o eternity_n he_o know_v what_o the_o dimension_n and_o frame_v and_o material_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o continuance_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o now_o it_o be_v be_v but_o for_o the_o service_n of_o this_o work_n like_o the_o scaffold_n about_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o this_o spiritual_a building_n shall_v be_v full_o complete_v all_o the_o present_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o appear_v no_o more_o this_o building_n be_v as_o the_o particular_a design_v of_o its_o material_n will_v teach_v we_o the_o whole_a invisible_a church_n of_o god_n and_o each_o good_a man_n be_v a_o stone_n of_o this_o building_n but_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a it_o have_v this_o privilege_n as_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o '_o it_o be_v tota_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la &_o tota_fw-la in_o quâlibet_fw-la parte_fw-la as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o each_o believe_a soul_n have_v the_o same_o title_n and_o dignity_n to_o be_v call_v so_o thus_o each_o of_o these_o stone_n be_v call_v a_o whole_a temple_n temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o take_v the_o temple_n or_o build_v in_o a_o complete_a sense_n they_o be_v but_o each_o one_o a_o part_n or_o a_o stone_n of_o it_o as_o here_o it_o be_v express_v the_o whole_a excellency_n of_o this_o build_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v call_v spiritual_a difference_v it_o from_o all_o other_o building_n and_o preserve_v it_o to_o they_o and_o because_o he_o speak_v immediate_o after_o of_o a_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v a_o spiritual_a building_n particular_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o material_a temple_n wherein_o the_o jew_n glory_v which_o be_v now_o null_a in_o regard_n of_o its_o former_a use_n and_o be_v whole_o after_o destroy_v but_o when_o it_o stand_v and_o the_o legal_a use_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o full_a vigour_n yet_o in_o this_o still_o it_o be_v inferior_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a house_n make_v up_o of_o live_a stone_n as_o this_o but_o of_o a_o like_a matter_n with_o other_o earthly_a building_n the_o spiritual_a house_n be_v the_o palace_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o his_o temple_n the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o palace_n and_o temple_n be_v one_o god_n temple_n be_v a_o palace_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v full_a of_o the_o rich_a beauty_n and_o magnificence_n but_o such_o as_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o a_o spiritual_a beauty_n in_o that_o psalm_n that_o wish_v so_o many_o prosperity_n one_o be_v that_o their_o daughter_n may_v be_v as_o corner_z stone_n polish_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o palace_n thus_o be_v the_o church_n that_o be_v call_v the_o king_n daughter_n psa._n 45._o but_o her_o comeliness_n be_v invisible_a to_o the_o world_n she_o be_v all_o glorious_a within_o through_o sorrow_n and_o persecution_n she_o may_v be_v smoky_a and_o black_a to_o the_o world_n eye_n as_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a beauty_n she_o be_v comely_a as_o the_o curtain_n of_o solomon_n and_o in_o this_o the_o jew_n temple_n resemble_v it_o right_n which_o have_v most_o of_o its_o riches_n and_o beauty_n in_o the_o inside_n holiness_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 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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 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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 proâ—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 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