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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 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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
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
word_n and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o necessity_n of_o this_o that_o the_o most_o approve_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n in_o a_o human_a way_n have_v require_v this_o of_o their_o scholar_n that_o to_o the_o end_n their_o mind_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v purify_v from_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o philosopher_n judge_v young_a man_n unfit_a hearer_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o abound_a and_o untamedness_n of_o their_o passion_n grant_v that_o if_o those_o be_v compose_v and_o order_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v and_o it_o be_v socrates_n his_o custom_n when_o any_o ask_v he_o a_o question_n to_o be_v inform_v by_o he_o before_o he_o will_v answer_v they_o he_o ask_v they_o concern_v their_o own_o quality_n and_o course_n of_o life_n now_o if_o man_n require_v a_o calm_a and_o purify_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o their_o doctrine_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o those_o deep_a mystery_n that_o his_o word_n open_v up_o it_o be_v well_o express_v in_o that_o apocryphal_a book_n of_o wisdom_n that_o forward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n and_o wisdom_n enter_v not_o into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n no_o indeed_o that_o be_v a_o very_a unfit_a dwell_n for_o it_o and_o the_o very_a heathen_a can_v say_v the_o mind_n that_o be_v impure_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n seneca_n therefore_o we_o see_v the_o strain_n of_o that_o book_n of_o proverb_n that_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o this_o wisdom_n it_o require_v in_o the_o first_o chap._n that_o they_o that_o will_v hear_v it_o do_v retire_v themselves_o from_o all_o ungodly_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n apprehend_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n refine_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n that_o abuse_n and_o bemire_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o arise_v to_o heavenly_a thought_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n say_v our_o saviour_n not_o only_o shall_v they_o see_v he_o perfect_o hereafter_o but_o as_o they_o can_v receive_v he_o he_o will_v impart_v and_o make_v know_v himself_o unto_o they_o here_o so_o john_n 14.23_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o word_n obscure_v namely_o the_o filthy_a mist_n within_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o will_v in_o just_a judgement_n hide_v himself_o and_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o his_o word_n from_o those_o that_o entertain_v and_o delight_n in_o sin_n the_o very_a sin_n wherein_o they_o delight_v shall_v obscure_v and_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o though_o it_o shine_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o those_o that_o live_v in_o a_o dungeon_n they_o shall_v not_o discern_v it_o and_o as_o they_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o word_n that_o have_v these_o evil_n here_o mention_v reign_v and_o in_o full_a strength_n in_o they_o so_o they_o that_o be_v indeed_o bear_v again_o the_o more_o they_o retain_v of_o these_o the_o less_o shall_v they_o find_v the_o influence_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o word_n for_o this_o exhortation_n concern_v they_o they_o may_v possible_o some_o of_o they_o have_v much_o remainder_n of_o these_o corruption_n unmortified_a therefore_o exhort_v to_o lay_v aside_o entire_o those_o evil_n all_o malice_n all_o hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o though_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n often_o yet_o be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a atrophy_n eat_v much_o and_o grow_v nothing_o by_o it_o find_v no_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n will_v we_o know_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o fruitless_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n here_o it_o be_v man_n bring_v not_o meek_a and_o guiless_a spirit_n to_o it_o not_o mind_n empty_v and_o purify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o stuff_v with_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o other_o such_o evil_n and_o where_o shall_v the_o word_n enter_v when_o all_o be_v so_o take_v up_o and_o if_o it_o do_v enter_v how_o shall_v it_o prosper_v among_o so_o many_o enemy_n or_o at_o all_o abide_v among_o they_o either_o they_o will_v turn_v it_o out_o again_o or_o choke_v and_o kill_v the_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o think_v religion_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o secret_a heart-idol_n shall_v agree_v together_o because_o we_o will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o this_o be_v not_o possible_a either_o therefore_o labour_v to_o entertain_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o â—ove_n of_o it_o and_o lodge_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n as_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n speak_v join_v those_o together_o with_o david_n psal._n 119_o 113._o i_o hate_v vain_a thought_n but_o thy_o law_n do_v i_o love_v and_o as_o here_o our_o apostle_n lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o evil_a speaking_n and_o so_o receive_v the_o word_n or_o else_o look_v for_o no_o benefit_n by_o it_o here_o nor_o for_o salâ—ation_n by_o it_o hereafter_o but_o cast_v out_o all_o impurity_n and_o give_v your_o whole_a heart_n to_o it_o so_o desire_v it_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v and_o then_o as_o you_o desire_v you_o shall_v gâ—ow_v by_o it_o every_o real_a believer_n have_v receive_v a_o life_n from_o heaven_n far_o more_o excel_v our_o natural_a life_n than_o that_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o this_o life_n have_v its_o own_o peculiar_a desire_n and_o delight_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n and_o the_o certain_a character_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o among_o other_o this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o main_a one_o answerable_a to_o the_o like_a desire_n in_o natural_a life_n namely_o a_o desire_n of_o food_n and_o because_o it_o be_v here_o still_o imperfect_a therefore_o the_o natural_a end_n of_o this_o be_v not_o only_a nourishment_n but_o growth_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n the_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o proper_a life_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o without_o it_o the_o soul_n be_v dead_a as_o the_o body_n be_v without_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o without_o untruth_n this_o may_v be_v render_v reasonable_a milk_n as_o some_o read_v it_o but_o certain_o that_o reasonable_a milk_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v before_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o here_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a nourishment_n to_o that_o spiritual_a life_n according_a to_o their_o say_n iisdemalimur_fw-la ex_fw-la quibus_fw-la constamus_fw-la as_o the_o milk_n that_o infant_n draw_v from_o the_o breast_n be_v most_o connatural_a food_n to_o they_o be_v of_o that_o same_o substance_n that_o nourish_v they_o in_o the_o womb_n but_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v forth_o that_o food_n follow_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o supply_n in_o that_o way_n that_o be_v provide_v in_o nature_n for_o it_o by_o certain_a vein_n it_o ascend_v into_o the_o breast_n and_o be_v there_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o they_o by_o nature_n direct_v to_o find_v it_o there_o thus_o as_o a_o christian_a begin_v to_o live_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n direct_v to_o that_o same_o word_n as_o its_o nourishment_n to_o follow_v the_o resemblance_n further_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o milk_n after_o the_o monkish_a way_n that_o run_v itself_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o a_o allegory_n i_o conceive_v be_v neither_o solid_a nor_o profitable_a and_o to_o speak_v free_o the_o curious_a search_n of_o the_o similitude_n in_o other_o quality_n of_o milk_n seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o quality_n here_o give_v it_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o well_o resemble_v by_o milk_n namely_o the_o simple_a pureness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o word_n beside_o that_o the_o press_v of_o comparison_n of_o this_o kind_n too_o far_o prove_v often_o so_o constrain_v ere_o they_o have_v do_v with_o it_o that_o by_o too_o much_o draw_v they_o bring_v forth_o blood_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a as_o milk_v draw_v immediate_o from_o the_o breast_n the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o mixture_n not_o only_o of_o error_n but_o of_o all_o other_o composition_n of_o vain_a unprofitable_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v humane_a eloquence_n such_o as_o become_v not_o the_o majesty_n and_o gravity_n of_o god_n word_n if_o any_o man_n speak_v say_v our_o apostle_n let_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n light_a conceit_n and_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n wrong_v the_o word_n more_o than_o they_o can_v please_v the_o hearer_n the_o weed_n among_o the_o corn_n make_v it_o
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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 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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
unveil_v and_o appear_v what_o they_o be_v indeed_o before_o man_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o poor_a thing_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o applaud_v by_o man_n while_o god_n condemn_v to_o who_o sentence_n all_o man_n must_v stand_v or_o fall_v oh_o seek_v to_o be_v approve_v and_o justify_v by_o he_o and_o then_o who_o shall_v condemn_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n who_o do_v how_o easy_o may_v we_o bear_v the_o mistake_n and_o dislike_v of_o all_o the_o world_n if_o he_o declare_v himself_o well-pleased_a with_o we_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n for_o i_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n or_o man_n day_n he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o these_o evil_n be_v here_o particular_o to_o be_v put_v off_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_n and_o profitable_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n lay_v aside_a desire_v look_n to_o that_o which_o follow_v and_o be_v special_o so_o to_o be_v consider_v there_o be_v this_o 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habit_n as_o these_o malice_n hypocrisy_n envy_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o first_o work_n be_v to_o raze_v out_o these_o to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o heart_n from_o these_o blott_n those_o foul_a character_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o both_o begin_v and_o follow_v forth_o this_o work_n draws_z the_o lineament_n of_o that_o divine_a image_n on_o the_o soul_n therefore_o to_o the_o receive_v this_o word_n aright_o and_o this_o proper_a effect_n by_o it_o the_o conform_v of_o the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o true_a growth_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n this_o be_v prerequire_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o be_v purge_v of_o these_o such_o and_o like_a impurity_n malice_n hypocrisy_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o profitable_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o while_o they_o possess_v and_o rule_v the_o soul_n it_o can_v at_o all_o embrace_v those_o divine_a truth_n while_o it_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o guest_n there_o be_v no_o room_n to_o entertain_v the_o word_n they_o can_v dwell_v together_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a nature_n the_o word_n will_v not_o mix_v with_o thâ—se_a the_o save_a mixture_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o give_v the_o want_n of_o it_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o unprofitable_a hear_v the_o word_n heb._n 4.2_o the_o mix_n of_o it_o with_o say_v for_o by_o that_o the_o word_n be_v concoct_v into_o the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n unite_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o mix_v with_o it_o by_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n expression_n import_v that_o be_v the_o proper_a mixture_n it_o require_v but_o with_o these_o quality_n here_o mention_v it_o will_v not_o mix_v there_o be_v a_o natural_a antipathy_n betwixt_o they_o as_o strong_a as_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o nature_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o agree_v and_o mingle_v together_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a than_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o and_o those_o evil_a speaking_n than_o the_o word_n that_o be_v of_o such_o excellent_a sweetness_n and_o the_o bitter_a word_n of_o a_o malignant_a tongue_n than_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o word_n full_a of_o deadly_a poison_n for_o so_o slander_n and_o diffaming_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v and_o be_v not_o all_o malice_n and_o envy_v most_o opposite_a to_o the_o word_n that_o be_v the_o message_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n how_o can_v the_o gall_n of_o malice_n and_o this_o milk_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v hypâ—crisie_n and_o guile_n stand_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o name_n of_o this_o word_n that_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o here_o the_o very_a word_n show_v this_o contrariety_n sincere_a milk_n and_o a_o double_a unsincere_a mind_n these_o two_o be_v necessary_a condition_n of_o good_a nourishment_n 1._o that_o the_o â—ood_n be_v good_a and_o wholesome_a 2._o that_o the_o inward_a constitution_n of_o they_o that_o use_v it_o be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o this_o fail_v the_o other_o profit_n not_o this_o sincere_a milk_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a nourishment_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n nor_o undue_a quality_n in_o it_o but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o hearer_n be_v inward_o unwholesome_a disease_v with_o the_o evil_n here_o mention_v and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o therefore_o either_o have_v no_o kind_n of_o appetite_n to_o the_o word_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o feed_v upon_o such_o trash_n as_o suit_n with_o their_o distemper_n as_o some_o kind_n of_o disease_n incline_v those_o that_o have_v they_o to_o eat_v coal_n or_o lime_n etc._n etc._n or_o if_o they_o be_v any_o way_n desirous_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o seem_v to_o feed_v on_o it_o yet_o the_o noxious_a humour_n that_o abound_v in_o they_o make_v it_o altogether_o unprofitable_a and_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o it_o as_o this_o evil_a of_o malice_n and_o envy_v so_o ordinary_a among_o man_n and_o which_o be_v most_o strange_a among_o christian_n as_o a_o overflow_a of_o the_o gaul_n possess_v their_o whole_a mind_n and_o not_o only_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o the_o word_n they_o hear_v but_o be_v the_o worse_a by_o it_o their_o disease_n be_v feed_v by_o it_o as_o a_o unwholesome_a stomach_n turn_v the_o best_a meat_n it_o receive_v into_o that_o bad_a humour_n that_o abound_v in_o it_o do_v not_o they_o thus_o that_o observe_v what_o the_o word_n say_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o discover_v the_o fail_n of_o other_o and_o speak_v malicious_o and_o uncharitable_o of_o they_o and_o vent_v themselves_o as_o be_v too_o common_a this_o word_n meet_v well_o with_o such_o a_o one_o fault_n and_o this_o with_o another_o be_v not_o this_o to_o 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profitable_o receive_v a_o very_a like_o exhortation_n to_o this_o have_v the_o apostle_n s_o james_n and_o some_o of_o the_o same_o word_n but_o in_o another_o methapor_n jam._n 1.21_o wherefore_o lie_v apart_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n he_o compare_v the_o word_n to_o a_o plant_n of_o excellent_a virtue_n the_o very_a tree_n of_o life_n the_o word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n but_o the_o only_a soil_n wherein_o it_o will_v grow_v be_v a_o heart_n full_a of_o meekness_n a_o heart_n that_o be_v purge_v of_o those_o luxuriant_a weed_n that_o grow_v so_o rank_a in_o it_o by_o nature_n they_o pluck_v up_o and_o throw_v they_o out_o to_o make_v place_n for_o this_o
the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n yea_o though_o he_o be_v so_o often_o offend_v shall_v threaten_v to_o leave_v i_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o my_o own_o folly_n yet_o i_o will_v stay_v by_o he_o and_o wait_v for_o a_o better_a answer_n and_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v obtain_v it_o this_o be_v assure_v i_o for_o my_o comfort_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a verse_n 7._o unto_o you_o therefore_o which_o believe_v he_o be_v precious_a but_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v disobedient_a the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n disallow_v the_o same_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n beside_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o meet_v faith_n within_o in_o our_o heart_n it_o have_v this_o without_o that_o it_o row_n against_o the_o great_a stream_n of_o the_o world_n opinion_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n especial_o where_o it_o be_v very_o tender_a and_o weak_a to_o be_v strengthen_v against_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o considerable_a quality_n of_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n be_v one_o continue_v cause_n of_o that_o very_a multitude_n and_o the_o fewness_n of_o they_o that_o true_o believe_v do_v much_o to_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o still_o few_o and_o as_o this_o prejudice_n prevail_v with_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o so_o it_o may_v sometime_o assault_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o believer_n when_o he_o think_v how_o many_o and_o many_o of_o they_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n reject_v christ_n whence_o can_v this_o be_v particular_o the_o believe_a jew_n to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v address_v may_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o not_o only_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v stranger_n to_o true_a religion_n but_o their_o own_o nation_n that_o be_v the_o select_a people_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o light_n of_o his_o oracle_n keep_v in_o among_o they_o only_o that_o yet_o so_o many_o of_o they_o yea_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o shall_v be_v despiser_n and_o hater_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o that_o these_o that_o be_v best_o verse_v in_o the_o law_n and_o so_o seem_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o messiah_n foretell_v shall_v have_v persecute_v christ_n all_o his_o life_n and_o at_o last_o put_v he_o to_o a_o shameful_a death_n that_o they_o may_v know_v this_o make_v nothing_o against_o he_o nor_o aught_o to_o invalide_v their_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o indeed_o testify_v with_o christ_n and_o so_o serve_v to_o confirm_v they_o in_o believe_v the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o those_o prophetical_a scripture_n that_o foretell_v the_o unbelief_n and_o contempt_n the_o most_o will_v entertain_v christ_n withal_o as_o old_a simeon_n speak_v of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v come_v conform_v to_o these_o former_a prediction_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o contradiction_n as_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a sign_n of_o salvation_n to_o believer_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a mark_n of_o enmity_n and_o contradiction_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n the_o place_n the_o apostle_n here_o use_v suit_n with_o his_o present_a discourse_n and_o the_o word_n cite_v from_o isaiah_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n continue_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o corner_n stone_n they_o be_v partly_o from_o psa._n 118._o partly_o out_o of_o 8_o of_o isaiah_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n wonder_v not_o that_o other_o refuse_v he_o but_o believe_v the_o more_o for_o that_o because_o you_o see_v the_o word_n to_o be_v true_a even_o in_o their_o not_o believe_v of_o it_o it_o be_v fulfil_v and_o verify_v by_o their_o very_a reject_v it_o as_o false_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o world_n thought_n concern_v christ_n that_o import_v not_o for_o they_o know_v he_o not_o but_o you_o that_o do_v indeed_o believe_v i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o yourselves_o your_o own_o faith_n that_o you_o have_v of_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v not_o precious_a to_o you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o real_o find_v he_o full_o answerable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o according_o you_o have_v believe_v concern_v he_o we_o be_v here_o 1._o to_o consider_v the_o opposition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o then_o 2._o of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o they_o 1._o they_o be_v oppose_v under_o the_o name_n of_o believer_n and_o disobedient_a or_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o word_n be_v so_o near_o that_o it_o may_v be_v take_v for_o unbelief_n as_o be_v by_o some_o so_o render_v and_o the_o thing_n be_v large_a as_o near_o as_o the_o word_n that_o signify_v they_o disobedience_n and_o unbelief_n 1._o unbelief_n be_v itself_o the_o grand_a disobedience_n for_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o which_o the_o gospel_n main_o command_v joh._n 6.29_o that_o you_o believe_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 1.5_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o indeed_o more_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o obedience_n than_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v those_o supernatural_a truth_n that_o the_o gospel_n teach_v concern_v jesus_n christ._n to_o obey_v so_o as_o to_o have_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o impression_n of_o that_o divine_a pattern_n stamp_v upon_o the_o heart_n to_o have_v the_o heart_n deliver_v up_o as_o the_o word_n there_o be_v and_o lay_v under_o it_o to_o receive_v it_o rom._n 6.17_o the_o word_n here_o use_v for_o disobedience_n signify_v proper_o unpersuasion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v more_o proper_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o unbelief_n than_o that_o and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n we_o be_v child_n of_o disobedience_n or_o unpersuasibleness_n altogether_o incredulous_a towards_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o as_o pliable_a wax_n in_o satan_n hand_n he_o work_v in_o they_o what_o he_o will_v as_o there_o the_o apostle_n express_v most_o easy_a of_o belief_n to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o very_a father_n of_o lie_n as_o our_o saviour_n call_v he_o a_o liar_n and_o a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n murder_v by_o lie_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o beginning_n 2._o unbelief_n be_v radical_o all_o other_o disobedience_n for_o all_o flow_v from_o unbelief_n this_o we_o lest_o of_o all_o suspect_n but_o it_o be_v the_o bitter_a root_n of_o all_o that_o ungodliness_n that_o abound_v among_o we_o a_o right_a and_o lively_a persuasion_n of_o the_o heart_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o bring_v low_a its_o high_a lofty_a imagination_n and_o bring_v not_o only_o the_o outward_a action_n but_o the_o very_a thought_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n concern_v these_o disobedient_a unbeliever_n these_o two_o testimony_n take_v together_o have_v in_o they_o 1._o their_o rejection_n of_o christ._n 2._o their_o folly_n 3._o their_o misery_n in_o so_o do_v 1._o they_o do_v not_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o father_n appoint_v and_o design_v he_o as_o the_o foundation_n and_o chief_a corner_n stone_n but_o slight_v he_o and_o throw_v he_o by_o as_o unfit_a for_o the_o building_n and_o this_o do_v not_o only_o the_o ignorant_a multitude_n but_o the_o builder_n they_o that_o 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 turn_n with_o that_o yet_o reject_v himself_o and_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n there_o may_v be_v wit_n and_o learning_n and_o much_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n among_o those_o that_o be_v hater_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o corrupter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o humility_n and_o obedience_n and_o â—aving_a faith_n that_o teach_v man_n to_o esteem_v of_o christ_n and_o build_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o bvilder_n opinion_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v over_o power_v by_o the_o great_a architect_n of_o the_o church_n his_o purpose_n stand_v notwithstanding_o their_o rejecton_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v still_o make_v the_o head_n corner_n stone_n they_o cast_v he_o away_o by_o their_o miscensure_v and_o reproach_n
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
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
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
his_o promise_n because_o i_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v also_o joh._n 14.19_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n be_v one_o this_o be_v that_o great_a mystery_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o eph._n 5._o though_o '_o it_o be_v a_o common_a know_a truth_n the_o word_n and_o outside_n of_o it_o obvious_a to_o all_o yet_o none_o can_v understand_v it_o but_o they_o that_o indeed_o partake_v of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o unction_n their_o sin_n be_v account_v his_o and_o christ_n suffering_n be_v account_v they_o and_o by_o consequence_n his_o glory_n the_o consequent_a of_o his_o suffering_n be_v likewise_o they_o there_o be_v a_o indissoluble_a connection_n betwixt_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o a_o believer_n our_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o while_o we_o remain_v there_o our_o life_n be_v there_o though_o hide_v and_o when_o he_o who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v we_o likewise_o shall_v appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n colos._n 3.14_o see_v the_o suffering_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o redeemer_n be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o our_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o it_o '_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v not_o more_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o thought_n shall_v we_o not_o daily_o consider_v the_o bitterness_n of_o that_o cup_n of_o wrath_n he_o drink_v for_o we_o and_o be_v wrought_v to_o repentance_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n to_o have_v sin_n imbitter_v to_o we_o by_o that_o consideration_n and_o find_v the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o love_n in_o that_o he_o do_v drink_v it_o and_o by_o that_o be_v deep_o possess_v with_o love_n to_o he_o these_o thing_n we_o now_o and_o then_o speak_v of_o but_o they_o sink_v not_o as_o our_o saviour_n exhort_v where_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o those_o same_o suffering_n o_o that_o they_o be_v engrave_v on_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o sin_n be_v crucify_a in_o we_o and_o the_o world_n crucify_a to_o we_o and_o we_o unto_o the_o world_n by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n and_o then_o consider_v the_o glory_n wherein_o he_o be_v and_o to_o have_v our_o eye_n often_o upon_o that_o and_o our_o heart_n solace_v and_o refresh_v themselves_o frequent_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o place_n and_o condition_n wherein_o christ_n be_v and_o where_o our_o hope_n be_v ere_o long_o to_o behold_v lin_v both_o to_o see_v his_o glory_n and_o to_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o be_v it_o not_o reason_n yea_o '_o its_o necessary_a it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o if_o our_o treasure_n and_o head_n be_v there_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v there_o likewise_o the_o three_o expression_n here_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n the_o work_n of_o redemption_n itself_o and_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o doctrine_n reveal_v it_o have_v all_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n because_o they_o all_o flow_v from_o free_a grace_n that_o be_v their_o spring_n and_o first_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v this_o wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n be_v main_o comfortable_a that_o it_o be_v free_a you_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n eph._n 2.8_o it_o be_v true_a god_n require_v faith_n it_o be_v through_o faith_n but_o he_o that_o require_v that_o give_v it_o too_o that_o be_v not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v wonderful_a grace_n to_o save_v upon_o believe_v believe_v in_o jesus_n for_o salvation_n and_o live_v according_o and_o it_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o thy_o pardon_n but_o that_o thou_o receive_v it_o by_o faith_n but_o true_o nature_n can_v do_v this_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o we_o of_o ourselves_o to_o believe_v as_o to_o do_v this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o all_o grace_n from_o begin_v to_o end_n that_o god_n not_o only_o save_v upon_o believe_v but_o give_v believe_v itself_o christ_n be_v call_v not_o only_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o even_o of_o our_o faith_n free_a grace_n be_v right_o apprehend_v be_v that_o which_o stay_v the_o heart_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o faint_a even_o in_o its_o sad_a time_n what_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o myself_o but_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n and_o discomfort_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o '_o be_v not_o from_o myself_o that_o i_o look_v for_o comfort_n at_o any_o time_n but_o from_o my_o god_n and_o his_o free_a grace_n here_o be_v comfort_n enough_o for_o all_o time_n when_o i_o be_o at_o the_o best_a i_o ought_v not_o i_o dare_v not_o rely_v upon_o myself_o when_o in_o at_o the_o worst_a i_o may_v and_o shall_v rely_v upon_o christ_n and_o his_o sufficient_a grace_n though_o i_o be_v the_o vile_a sinner_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o yet_o i_o know_v he_o be_v more_o gracious_a than_o i_o be_o sinful_a yea_o the_o more_o my_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o glory_n will_v it_o be_v to_o his_o grace_n to_o pardon_v it_o it_o will_v appear_v the_o rich_a do_v not_o david_n argue_v thus_o psa._n 25.11_o for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a but_o it_o be_v a_o empty_a fruitless_a notion_n of_o grace_n to_o consider_v it_o only_o in_o the_o general_n and_o in_o a_o wander_a way_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o particular_o as_o address_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o it_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o message_n of_o he_o that_o bring_v it_o only_o to_o our_o ear_n but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v it_o must_v come_v into_o we_o then_o it_o be_v we_o indeed_o but_o if_o it_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o message_n only_o and_o we_o send_v it_o away_o again_o if_o iâ—_n shall_v so_o depart_v we_o have_v better_o never_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o it_o will_v leave_v a_o guiltiness_n behind_o it_o that_o shall_v make_v all_o our_o sin_n weigh_v much_o heavy_a than_o before_o inquire_v whether_o you_o have_v entertain_v this_o grace_n or_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v come_v to_o you_o and_o into_o you_o or_o not_o whether_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v it_o be_v the_o woeful_a condition_n that_o can_v be_v not_o to_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o fall_v short_a and_o miss_v of_o it_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v entreat_v you_o daily_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v you_o if_o you_o reject_v it_o not_o be_v your_o eye_n open_a to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o grace_n there_o will_v need_v no_o deliberation_n yea_o you_o will_v endure_v none_o desire_v your_o eye_n to_o be_v open_v and_o light_n from_o above_o that_o you_o may_v know_v it_o and_o your_o heart_n open_v that_o you_o may_v be_v happy_a by_o receive_v it_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n call_v he_o the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o yesterday_o under_o the_o law_n to_o day_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n near_o his_o incarnation_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o the_o resemblance_n hold_v good_a between_o the_o two_o cherubim_n over_o the_o mercy-seat_n and_o the_o two_o testament_n those_o have_v their_o face_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o both_o towards_o the_o mercy-seat_n and_o these_o look_n to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o doctrine_n agree_v perfect_o and_o both_o look_n to_o christ_n the_o true_a mercy-seat_n and_o the_o great_a subject_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o we_o see_v here_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v to_o come_v and_o the_o apostle_n report_v be_v accomplish_v be_v the_o same_o and_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o after_o glory_n and_o in_o they_o our_o salvation_n by_o free_a grace_n the_o prophecy_n look_v forward_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o thing_n then_o fulfil_v look_v back_o to_o the_o prophecy_n and_o each_o confirm_v the_o other_o meet_v all_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o truth_n and_o centre_n we_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o the_o author_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o salvation_n now_o we_o come_v to_o say_v something_o of_o those_o who_o be_v employ_v about_o it_o as_o well_o in_o administer_a to_o it_o as_o in_o admire_v it_o and_o those_o be_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o first_o foretell_v what_o be_v to_o come_v the_o second_o preach_v they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n here_o remark_v 1._o their_o diligence_n 2._o the_o success_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o extent_n of_o its_o usefulness_n this_o
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
know_v that_o this_o divine_a adoption_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a relative_n name_n as_o that_o of_o man_n the_o sonship_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v here_o and_o often_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o new_a generation_n and_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n io._n 1.13_o 1._o io._n 2.29_o there_o be_v a_o new_a be_v a_o spiritual_a life_n communicate_v to_o they_o they_o have_v in_o they_o of_o their_o father_n spirit_n and_o this_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o through_o christ_n and_o therefore_o call_v his_o spirit_n gal._n 4.6_o they_o be_v not_o only_o account_v of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n but_o by_o this_o new_a birth_n they_o be_v indeed_o his_o child_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o our_o apostle_n express_v it_o now_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o speak_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o the_o truth_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v so_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a without_o a_o portion_n of_o this_o new_a nature_n to_o conceive_v of_o it_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v understand_v it_o what_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o it_o in_o the_o subtle_a school_n of_o philosopher_n when_o a_o very_a doctor_n in_o israel_n mistake_v it_o gross_o io._n 3._o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a mystery_n and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o sublimest_n of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o call_v the_o divine_a the_o soar_a eagle_n as_o they_o compare_v he_o he_o be_v more_o abundant_a in_o this_o subject_n than_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o most_o profitable_a way_n of_o consider_v this_o regeneration_n and_o sonship_n be_v certain_o to_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o those_o holy_a write_n and_o not_o to_o jangle_n in_o dispute_n about_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o of_o which_o though_o somewhat_o may_v be_v profitable_o say_v and_o safe_o namely_o so_o much_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v yet_o much_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o debate_v by_o many_o be_v but_o a_o useless_a expense_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n what_o those_o previous_a disposition_n be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o go_v and_o where_o be_v the_o march_n or_o point_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o infusion_n of_o spiritual_a life_n i_o conceive_v not_o so_o easy_o determinable_a if_o naturalist_n and_o physician_n can_v agree_v upon_o the_o order_n of_o formation_n of_o the_o body_n part_n in_o the_o womb_n how_o much_o less_o can_v we_o be_v peremptory_a in_o the_o other_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o wonder_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a structure_n and_o frame_n of_o man_n how_o much_o rich_a in_o wonder_n must_v this_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a generation_n be_v see_v how_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o former_a psal._n 14.15_o thing_n spiritual_a being_n more_o refine_v than_o material_a thing_n their_o workmanship_n must_v be_v far_o more_o wonderful_a and_o curious_a but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n there_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n by_o the_o mixture_n of_o all_o divine_a grace_n each_o set_n off_o another_o as_o so_o many_o rich_a several_a colour_n in_o embroidery_n but_o who_o can_v trace_v that_o invisible_a hand_n that_o work_v it_o so_o as_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o order_n and_o to_o say_v which_o be_v first_o which_o second_o and_o so_o on_o whether_o faith_n or_o repentance_n and_o all_o grace_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o and_o all_o grace_n do_v inseparable_o make_v up_o the_o same_o work_n and_o be_v all_o in_o the_o new_a formation_n of_o every_o soul_n that_o be_v bear_v again_o if_o the_o way_n of_o god_n universal_a providence_n be_v untraceable_a than_o most_o of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o a_o secret_a unperceivable_a way_n in_o this_o new_a birth_n he_o give_v this_o spiritual_a be_v as_o the_o dew_n which_o be_v silent_o and_o insensible_o form_v and_o this_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n compare_v to_o it_o by_o the_o psalmist_n they_o have_v this_o original_n from_o heaven_n as_o the_o dew_n io._n 3.3_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v from_o above_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v of_o the_o dew_n to_o job._n job._n 38.28_o have_v the_o rain_n a_o father_n or_o who_o have_v beget_v the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n the_o sharp_a wit_n be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o as_o job_n speak_v of_o a_o way_n that_o no_o fowl_n know_v and_o which_o the_o vulture_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v job._n 28.7_o to_o contest_v it_o much_o how_o in_o this_o regeneration_n he_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o renew_v it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n provide_v this_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o regenerate_v and_o renew_v a_o man_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a not_o to_o grant_v this_o unless_o we_o will_v run_v into_o that_o error_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o creature_n too_o hard_o for_o himself_o to_o rule_n or_o have_v willing_o exempt_v it_o and_o shall_v the_o work_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o of_o all_o other_o especial_o this_o work_n wherein_o he_o glory_v most_o fail_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o remain_v imperfect_a shall_v there_o be_v any_o abortive_a birth_n whereof_o god_n be_v the_o father_n shall_v i_o bring_v to_o the_o birth_n say_v he_o and_o not_o cause_n to_o bring_v forth_o no_o no_o sinner_n so_o dead_a but_o there_o be_v virtue_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o revive_v out_o of_o the_o very_a stone_n though_o the_o most_o impenitent_a heart_n be_v as_o stone_n within_o they_o yet_o he_o can_v make_v of_o they_o child_n to_o abraham_n he_o can_v dig_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o put_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n in_o its_o place_n otherways_o he_o will_v not_o have_v make_v such_o a_o promise_n io._n 1.13_o not_o of_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n if_o his_o sovereign_a will_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a principle_n of_o this_o regeneration_n why_o then_o say_v the_o apostle_n st._n james_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o and_o he_o add_v the_o subordinate_a cause_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o this_o new_a birth_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o word_n to_o the_o end_n that_o his_o church_n may_v be_v still_o fruitful_a bring_v forth_o son_n unto_o he_o that_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o people_n may_v be_v like_o flock_n of_o sheep_n come_v up_o from_o the_o wash_n none_o harren_a among_o they_o though_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o word_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o employment_n in_o dispense_n it_o have_v by_o the_o scripture_n the_o relation_n of_o parent_n impart_v to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a dignity_n for_o they_o as_o they_o be_v call_v co-worker_n with_o god_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n that_o write_v so_o call_v the_o galatian_n his_o little_a child_n of_o who_o he_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o till_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o they_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n have_v often_o very_a much_o pain_n in_o this_o travel_n yet_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n remain_v untouched_a which_o be_v effectual_o to_o beget_v again_o these_o same_o spirit_n which_o he_o create_v and_o to_o make_v that_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n fruitful_a that_o way_n where_o and_o when_o he_o will_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n be_v he_o never_o so_o powerful_a can_v cast_v this_o seed_n only_o into_o the_o ear_n his_o hand_n reach_v no_o further_o and_o the_o hearer_n by_o his_o attention_n may_v convey_v it_o into_o his_o head_n but_o it_o be_v the_o supreme_a father_n and_o teacher_n above_o that_o carry_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n the_o only_a soil_n wherein_o it_o prove_v lively_a and_o fruitful_a one_o man_n can_v reach_v the_o heart_n of_o another_o how_o shall_v he_o then_o renew_v its_o fruitfulness_n if_o natural_a birth_n have_v be_v always_o acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o god_n prerogative_n psal._n 127.3_o lo_o child_n be_v a_o heritage_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o womb_n be_v his_o reward_n and_o so_o jacob_n answer_v wise_o to_o his_o wife_n be_v foolish_a passion_n be_o i_o in_o god_n stead_n how_o much_o more_o be_v this_o new_a birth_n whole_o dependent_a on_o his_o hand_n but_o though_o this_o word_n can_v beget_v without_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o this_o word_n that_o he_o beget_v and_o ordinary_o not_o
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
apparel_v than_o it_o but_o partaker_n of_o its_o frail_a and_o fade_a nature_n have_v no_o privilege_n nor_o immunity_n that_o way_n yea_o of_o the_o two_o the_o less_o durable_a and_o usual_o short_a live_v at_o the_o best_a it_o decay_v with_o it_o the_o grass_n wither_v and_o the_o flower_n thereof_o fall_v away_o how_o easy_o and_o quick_o have_v the_o high_a splendour_n of_o a_o man_n prosperity_n be_v blast_v either_o by_o man_n power_n or_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n blow_v upon_o it_o as_o isaiah_n there_o say_v and_o by_o that_o not_o only_o wither_v the_o grass_n but_o the_o flower_n fade_v though_o never_o so_o fair_a when_o thou_o correct_a man_n for_o iniquity_n thou_o make_v his_o beauty_n to_o consume_v like_o a_o moth_n psal._n 39.11_o how_o many_o have_v the_o casualty_n of_o fire_n or_o war_n or_o shipwreck_n in_o one_o day_n or_o night_n or_o a_o small_a part_n of_o either_o turn_v out_o of_o great_a riches_n into_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o the_o instance_n be_v not_o few_o of_o those_o that_o have_v on_o a_o sudden_a fall_v from_o the_o top_n of_o honour_n into_o the_o foul_a disgrace_n not_o by_o degree_n come_v down_o the_o stair_n they_o go_v up_o but_o tumble_v down_o headlong_o and_o the_o most_o vigorous_a beauty_n and_o strength_n of_o body_n how_o do_v a_o few_o day_n sickness_n or_o if_o it_o escape_v that_o a_o few_o year_n time_n blast_v that_o flower_n yea_o those_o high_a advantage_n that_o have_v somewhat_o both_o of_o true_a and_o more_o last_a beauty_n in_o they_o the_o endowment_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n yea_o and_o of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o virtue_n yet_o they_o can_v rise_v above_o this_o word_n they_o be_v still_o in_o all_o their_o glory_n but_o the_o flower_n of_o grass_n their_o root_n be_v in_o the_o â—earth_n natural_a ornament_n be_v of_o some_o use_n in_o this_o present_a life_n but_o they_o reach_v no_o further_o when_o man_n have_v waste_v their_o strength_n and_o endure_v the_o toil_n of_o study_n night_n and_o day_n '_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a parcel_n of_o knowledge_n they_o can_v attain_v to_o and_o be_v force_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o pursuit_n of_o it_o that_o head_n that_o lodge_v most_o science_n shall_v within_o a_o while_n be_v diffurnish_v of_o they_o all_o and_o the_o tongue_n that_o speak_v most_o language_n silence_v the_o great_a project_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o they_o also_o themselves_o come_v under_o this_o same_o notion_n all_o the_o vast_a design_n that_o be_v frame_v in_o their_o head_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o a_o moment_n they_o return_v to_o their_o dust_n and_o in_o that_o day_n all_o their_o thought_n perish_v archimedes_n be_v kill_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o demonstration_n if_o they_o themselves_o do_v consider_v this_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affair_n it_o will_v much_o allay_v the_o swell_a and_o loftiness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o if_o these_o that_o live_v upon_o their_o favour_n will_v consider_v it_o they_o will_v not_o value_v it_o at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n and_o buy_v it_o so_o dear_a as_o often_o they_o do_v man_n of_o low_a degree_n be_v vanity_n say_v the_o psalmist_n but_o he_o add_v man_n of_o high_a degree_n be_v a_o lie_n from_o base_a mean_a person_n we_o expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o estate_n of_o great_a person_n promise_n fair_a and_o often_o keep_v not_o therefore_o a_o lie_n although_o they_o can_v least_o endure_v that_o word_n they_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o mean_a person_n as_o the_o flower_n to_o the_o grass_n somewhat_o a_o fair_a lustre_n they_o have_v but_o no_o more_o endurance_n nor_o exemption_n from_o decay_v thus_o than_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n it_o begin_v here_o with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v as_o sure_a a_o conclusion_n as_o the_o sure_a of_o these_o in_o their_o best_a demonstration_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o as_o particular_a man_n so_o whole_a state_n and_o kingdom_n be_v thus_o they_o have_v their_o bud_n and_o flourish_v and_o wither_v and_o it_o be_v in_o both_o as_o with_o flower_n when_o they_o be_v full_a spread_v than_o they_o be_v near_o their_o decline_a and_o wither_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o all_o whole_a generation_n of_o man_n upon_o earth_n as_o solomon_n say_v one_o go_v and_o another_o come_v but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o abide_v at_o all_o we_o in_o our_o thought_n shut_v up_o death_n into_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n namely_o â—n_o the_o moment_n of_o our_o expire_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o the_o moralist_n observe_v it_o go_v through_o all_o our_o life_n for_o we_o be_v still_o lose_v and_o spend_v it_o as_o we_o enjoy_v it_o yea_o our_o very_a enjoy_n it_o be_v the_o spend_v it_o yesterday_n life_n be_v dead_a to_o day_n and_o so_o shall_v this_o day_n life_n be_v to_o morrow_n we_o spend_v our_o year_n say_v moses_n as_o a_o tale_n or_o as_o a_o thought_n so_o swift_a and_o evanish_v be_v it_o each_o word_n help_v a_o tale_n towards_o its_o end_n and_o then_o in_o that_o the_o vanity_n when_o '_o be_v do_v it_o evanish_v as_o a_o sound_n in_o the_o air_n what_o be_v become_v of_o all_o the_o pompous_a solemnity_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n at_o their_o birth_n and_o marriage_n and_o coronation_n and_o triumph_n they_o be_v now_o as_o a_o dream_n act._n 25.23_o hence_o learn_v the_o folly_n and_o pride_n of_o man_n that_o can_v glory_n and_o please_v himself_o in_o the_o frail_a and_o wretched_a be_v he_o have_v here_o that_o dote_v on_o this_o poor_a natural_a life_n and_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v on_o one_o high_a and_o more_o abide_v although_o the_o course_n of_o time_n and_o his_o daily_a experience_n tell_v he_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o flesh_n be_v grass_n yea_o the_o prophet_n prefix_n to_o these_o word_n a_o command_n of_o cry_v they_o must_v be_v shout_v aloud_o in_o our_o ear_n ere_o we_o will_v hear_v they_o and_o by_o that_o time_n the_o sound_n of_o the_o cry_n be_v do_v we_o have_v forget_v it_o again_o will_v we_o consider_v this_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o vanity_n that_o toss_v our_o light_a mind_n too_o and_o fro_o it_o will_v give_v we_o wise_a thought_n and_o ballast_n our_o heart_n make_v they_o more_o solid_a and_o steadfast_a in_o those_o spiritual_a endeavour_n which_o concern_v a_o durable_a condition_n a_o be_v that_o abide_v for_o ever_o in_o comparison_n of_o which_o the_o long_a term_n of_o natural_a life_n be_v less_o than_o a_o moment_n and_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o it_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o misery_n be_v all_o of_o we_o more_o constant_o prosperous_a than_o any_o of_o we_o be_v yet_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o cry_v down_o the_o price_n we_o put_v upon_o this_o life_n that_o it_o continue_v not_o as_o he_o answer_v to_o one_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o flatter_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o pompuous_a triumph_n by_o say_v what_o be_v want_v here_o continuance_n say_v he_o it_o be_v wise_o say_v at_o any_o time_n but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o have_v so_o sober_a a_o thought_n in_o such_o a_o solemnity_n in_o which_o weak_a head_n can_v escape_v either_o to_o be_v whole_o drink_v or_o somewhat_o giddy_a at_o least_o sure_o we_o forget_v this_o when_o we_o grow_v vain_a upon_o any_o humane_a glory_n or_o advantage_n the_o colour_n of_o it_o please_v we_o and_o we_o forget_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o flower_n and_o foolish_o overesteem_v it_o this_o be_v that_o madness_n upon_o flower_n that_o be_v somewhere_o in_o request_n where_o they_o will_v give_v as_o much_o for_o one_o flower_n as_o will_v buy_v a_o good_a dwell_a house_n be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o foolish_a bargain_n to_o bestow_v continual_a pain_n and_o diligence_n upon_o purchase_v of_o great_a possession_n or_o honour_n if_o we_o believe_v this_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o short_a live_v flower_n and_o neglect_v the_o purchase_n of_o those_o glorious_a mansioâ—s_n of_o eternity_n a_o garland_n of_o such_o flower_n as_o wither_v not_o a_o unfading_a crown_n that_o everlasting_a life_n and_o those_o everlasting_a pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n now_o that_o life_n which_o shall_v never_o end_v must_v begin_v here_o it_o be_v the_o new_a spiritual_a life_n whereof_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o immortal_a seed_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o corruptible_a seed_n and_o the_o corruptible_a life_n of_o flesh_n it_o be_v here_o say_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o for_o this_o end_n be_v the_o frailty_n of_o natural_a life_n mention_v that_o our_o
affection_n may_v be_v draw_v off_o from_o it_o to_o this_o spiritual_a life_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o death_n verse_n 25._o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v so_o like_o himself_o and_o carry_v so_o the_o image_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n that_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o together_o it_o be_v sometime_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o word_n so_o heb._n 14.12_o and_o so_o here_o but_o there_o be_v no_o hazard_n see_v there_o be_v truth_n in_o both_o and_o pertinency_n too_o for_o they_o that_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o extol_n of_o his_o word_n be_v the_o subject_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v like_o he_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v here_o that_o these_o word_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v call_v live_v as_o here_o heb._n 4._o and_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v express_o repeat_v of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o prophet_n word_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o learned_a man_n that_o apply_v they_o to_o god_n i_o remember_v not_o that_o this_o abide_n for_o ever_o be_v use_v to_o express_v god_n eternity_n in_o himself_o howsoever_o this_o incorruptible_a seed_n be_v the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a word_n of_o the_o live_n and_o everlasting_a god_n and_o be_v therefore_o such_o because_o he_o who_o it_o be_v be_v such_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n of_o the_o word_n only_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o regeneration_n the_o seed_n of_o this_o new_a life_n because_o the_o word_n be_v enliven_a and_o live_v therefore_o they_o with_o who_o it_o be_v effectual_a and_o into_o who_o heart_n it_o be_v receive_v be_v beget_v again_o and_o make_v alive_a by_o it_o and_o because_o the_o word_n be_v incorruptible_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o therefore_o that_o life_n beget_v by_o it_o be_v such_o too_o can_v perish_v nor_o be_v cut_v down_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n no_o this_o spiritual_a life_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o certain_a beginning_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n of_o glory_n and_o shall_v end_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o end_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o can_v be_v abolish_v but_o surpass_v the_o endurance_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o man_n against_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o that_o word_n to_o undo_v it_o be_v as_o vain_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v consult_v to_o pluck_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a it_o be_v immortal_a and_o incorruptible_a where_o it_o be_v once_o receive_v by_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v obliterated_a again_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n can_v destroy_v it_o although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o diligent_a in_o their_o attempt_n that_o way_n and_o this_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o the_o life_n which_o god_n by_o his_o word_n have_v breathe_v into_o their_o soul_n though_o it_o have_v many_o and_o strong_a enemy_n such_o as_o they_o themselves_o can_v never_o hold_v out_o against_o yet_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o promise_n sake_n he_o will_v maintain_v that_o life_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o its_o perfection_n god_n will_v perfect_v that_o which_o concern_v i_o say_v the_o psalm_a it_o be_v gross_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o that_o be_v thus_o renew_v can_v be_v unborn_a again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v but_o once_o of_o one_o kind_n though_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n here_o in_o this_o spiritual_a life_n yet_o not_o to_o death_n any_o more_o not_o to_o such_o way_n of_o finning_n as_o will_v extinguish_v this_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o and_o the_o reason_n he_o add_v be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v here_o give_v the_o permanence_n and_o incorruptibleness_n of_o this_o word_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o he_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o general_a way_n and_o not_o to_o know_v what_o that_o word_n be_v but_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o that_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o we_o be_v this_o very_a word_n of_o so_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o of_o which_o these_o high_a thing_n be_v speak_v that_o it_o be_v incorruptible_a and_o abide_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o surpass_v all_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o although_o deliver_v by_o weak_a man_n the_o apostle_n and_o by_o far_o weak_a than_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a ministry_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o lose_v none_o of_o its_o own_o virtue_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o first_o owner_n and_o author_n of_o it_o the_o â—verliving_a god_n who_o by_o it_o beget_v his_o choose_a unto_o life_n eternal_a this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v learn_v thus_o to_o hear_v and_o thus_o to_o receive_v and_o esteem_v and_o love_v this_o holy_a this_o live_a word_n to_o despise_v all_o the_o glister_a vanity_n of_o this_o perish_a life_n all_o outward_a pomp_n yea_o all_o inward_a worth_n all_o wisdom_n and_o natural_a endowment_n of_o mind_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heavenly_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o we_o rather_o to_o hazard_v all_o than_o lose_v that_o and_o banish_v all_o other_o thing_n from_o that_o place_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o to_o lodge_v it_o alone_o in_o our_o heart_n as_o our_o only_a treasure_n here_o and_o the_o certain_a pledge_n of_o that_o treasure_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o in_o heaven_n to_o which_o bless_a state_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o amen_n chap._n second_o 1_o pet._n chap._n 2._o verse_n 1.2_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n and_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o envy_n and_o all_o evil_a speaking_n verse_n 2._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o same_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o manifest_v itself_o in_o give_v be_v to_o his_o creature_n appear_v likewise_o in_o their_o sustain_n and_o preservation_n to_o give_v be_v be_v the_o first_o and_o to_o support_v it_o be_v the_o continue_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o goodness_n thus_o it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n and_o in_o the_o second_o in_o the_o first_o the_o creature_n to_o which_o he_o give_v life_n he_o provide_v with_o convenient_a nourishment_n to_o uphold_v that_o life_n gen·_n 1_o so_o here_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o the_o proper_a food_n of_o that_o life_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n by_o which_o we_o there_o find_v it_o to_o be_v beget_v that_o be_v here_o the_o nourishment_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n be_v here_o exhort_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o to_o esteem_v and_o so_o to_o use_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n obs._n in_o general_n the_o word_n the_o principle_n and_o the_o support_n of_o our_o spiritual_a be_v be_v both_o the_o incorruptible_a seed_n and_o the_o incorruptible_a food_n of_o that_o new_a life_n of_o grace_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o incorruptible_a life_n and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o the_o ordinary_a thought_n even_o of_o we_o that_o hear_v this_o word_n be_v far_o below_o the_o true_a excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o it_o the_o stream_n of_o custom_n and_o our_o profession_n bring_v we_o hither_o and_o we_o sit_v out_o our_o hour_n under_o the_o sound_n of_o this_o word_n but_o how_o few_o consider_v and_o prize_v it_o as_o the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n the_o beginner_n and_o the_o sustainer_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n of_o grace_n within_o we_o and_o certain_o until_o we_o have_v these_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o seek_v to_o feel_v it_o thus_o ourselves_o although_o we_o hear_v it_o most_o frequent_o and_o slip_v no_o occasion_n yea_o hear_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o some_o present_a delight_n yet_o still_o we_o miss_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o from_o its_o true_a end_n while_o we_o take_v it_o not_o as_o that_o engraft_a word_n
which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n thus_o ought_v they_o that_o preach_v to_o speak_v it_o to_o endeavour_v their_o utmost_a to_o accommodate_v it_o to_o this_o end_n that_o sinner_n may_v be_v convert_v beget_v again_o and_o believer_n nourish_v and_o strengthen_v in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n to_o regard_v no_o low_a end_n but_o aim_v steady_o at_o that_o mark_n their_o heart_n and_o tongue_n ought_v to_o be_v set_v on_o fire_n with_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o love_n to_o soul_n kindle_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o come_v down_o on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v remember_v this_o as_o the_o end_n of_o their_o hear_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v spiritual_a life_n and_o strength_n by_o the_o word_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o poor_a despicable_a business_n that_o a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o yourselves_o speak_v a_o few_o word_n in_o your_o hear_n yet_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o way_n wherein_o god_n communicate_v happiness_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o work_v that_o believe_v unto_o happiness_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o new_a creation_n as_o it_o beget_v it_o again_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o glory_n consider_v it_o thus_o which_o be_v its_o true_a notion_n and_o then_o what_o can_v be_v so_o precious_a let_v the_o world_n disesteem_v it_o as_o they_o will_v know_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foollishness_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o if_o you_o will_v have_v life_n and_o growth_n by_o it_o you_o must_v look_v above_o the_o poor_a worthless_a messenger_n and_o call_v in_o his_o almighty_a help_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n as_o the_o philosopher_n affirm_v that_o if_o the_o heaven_n shall_v stand_v still_o there_o will_v be_v no_o generation_n nor_o flourish_v of_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o it_o be_v the_o move_a and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o make_v the_o church_n fruitful_a will_v you_o do_v this_o before_o you_o come_v here_o present_v the_o blindness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o the_o deadness_n of_o your_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n here_o be_v a_o opportunity_n for_o thou_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o word_n i_o will_v find_v life_n and_o strength_n in_o it_o but_o neither_o can_v i_o that_o hear_v nor_o he_o that_o speak_v make_v it_o thus_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n say_v thou_o the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o it_o be_v light_a in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n continue_v the_o resemblance_n of_o that_o new_a birth_n he_o mention_v chap._n 1._o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n be_n not_o satisfy_v with_o your_o self_n till_o you_o find_v some_o evidence_n of_o this_o new_a this_o supernatural_a life_n there_o be_v delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o life_n in_o its_o low_a condition_n that_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o look_v after_o it_o if_o we_o know_v they_o the_o most_o can_v be_v make_v sensible_a of_o those_o consider_v therefore_o the_o end_n of_o it_o better_o never_o to_o have_v be_v than_o not_o to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o this_o new_a be_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sure_o they_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o shall_v one_o day_n wish_v they_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v what_o a_o poor_a wretched_a thing_n be_v the_o life_n that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a heap_n of_o folly_n and_o misery_n now_o if_o we_o will_v share_v in_o a_o happy_a being_n after_o it_o that_o life_n that_o end_v not_o it_o must_v begin_v here_o grace_n and_o glory_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o life_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o one_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o the_o other_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o or_o if_o we_o do_v call_v they_o two_o several_a life_n yet_o the_o one_o be_v the_o undoubted_a pledge_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a word_n for_o a_o heathen_a to_o say_v that_o that_o day_n of_o death_n we_o fear_v so_o aeterninatalis_fw-la est_fw-la be_v the_o birth_n day_n of_o eternity_n thus_o it_o be_v indeed_o to_o those_o that_o be_v here_o bear_v again_o this_o new_a birth_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o sure_a earnest_n and_o counter-pawn_n of_o that_o birth_n day_n of_o glory_n why_o do_v we_o not_o then_o labour_v to_o make_v this_o certain_a by_o the_o former_a be_v it_o not_o a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o spend_v our_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o than_o lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n for_o ever_o to_o disregard_n the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n while_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v provident_a for_o it_o and_o then_o when_o its_o go_v out_o cry_v quo_fw-la nunc_fw-la abibis_fw-la whither_o be_v thou_o go_v o_o my_o soul_n but_o this_o new_a life_n put_v we_o out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o fear_n of_o that_o eternal_a death_n we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n say_v st._n john_n speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v pass_v there_o be_v no_o repass_v no_o go_v back_o from_o this_o life_n to_o death_n again_o this_o new_a birth_n be_v the_o same_o that_o st._n john_n call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n and_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o partake_v of_o it_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v part_n in_o the_o first_o resurrection_n the_o second_o death_n shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o the_o weak_a beginning_n of_o grace_n in_o comparison_n of_o further_a strength_n attainable_a even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v sometime_o express_v as_o the_o infancy_n of_o it_o and_o so_o believer_n ought_v not_o to_o continue_v infant_n and_o if_o they_o do_v it_o be_v reprovable_a in_o they_o as_o we_o see_v eph._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 2.2_o &_o 1_o cor._n 14.20_o heb._n 5.12_o though_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o new_a convert_v and_o so_o may_v possible_o imply_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o beginning_n of_o grace_n yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o infancy_n be_v here_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o agree_v to_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o best_a estate_n of_o his_o spiritual_a life_n here_o below_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o milk_n here_o recommend_v be_v answerable_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o infancy_n and_o not_o to_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v in_o some_o of_o those_o cite_a place_n where_o it_o mean_v the_o easy_a and_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o it_o as_o to_o strong_a meat_n but_o here_o it_o signfy_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o its_o wholesome_a and_o save_a truth_n as_o the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n word_n be_v a_o stand_a exhortation_n for_o all_o christian_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o the_o whole_a estate_n and_o course_n of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n here_o be_v call_v there_o infancy_n not_o only_o as_o oppose_v to_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o old_a man_n but_o likewise_o as_o signify_v the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o at_o its_o best_a in_o this_o life_n compare_v with_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o the_o weak_a beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v nothing_o so_o far_o below_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o it_o possible_a in_o this_o life_n as_o that_o high_a degree_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n so_o that_o if_o one_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v call_v infancy_n in_o respect_n of_o another_o much_o more_o be_v all_o grace_n infancy_n in_o respect_n of_o glory_n and_o sure_o as_o for_o time_n the_o time_n of_o our_o present_a life_n be_v far_o less_o to_o eternity_n than_o the_o time_n of_o our_o natural_a infancy_n be_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v still_o call_v but_o new_a or_o late_o bear_v our_o best_a pace_n and_o strong_a walk_v in_o obedience_n here_o be_v but_o as_o the_o step_v of_o child_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o go_v by_o hold_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n in_o glory_n when_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o lamb_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v all_o our_o knowledge_n here_o be_v but_o the_o ignorance_n of_o infant_n and_o all_o our_o expression_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o praise_n but_o as_o the_o first_o stammering_n of_o child_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o he_o hereafter_o
look_v gay_a but_o it_o be_v all_o the_o better_o they_o be_v not_o among_o it_o nor_o can_v those_o mixture_n be_v please_v to_o any_o but_o carnal_a mind_n they_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o infant_n who_o like_o their_o breast_n milk_n best_a pure_a do_v love_v the_o word_n best_o so_o and_o wheresoever_o they_o find_v it_o so_o they_o relish_v it_o well_o whereas_o natural_a man_n can_v love_v spiritual_a thing_n for_o themselves_o desire_v not_o the_o word_n for_o its_o own_o sweetness_n but_o will_v have_v it_o sauce_v with_o such_o conceit_n as_o possible_o spoil_v the_o simplicity_n of_o it_o or_o at_o the_o best_a love_n to_o hear_v it_o for_o the_o wit_n and_o learning_n which_o without_o any_o wrongful_a mixture_n of_o it_o they_o find_v in_o one_o deliver_v it_o more_o than_o another_o but_o the_o natural_a and_o genuine_a appetite_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v to_o the_o word_n for_o itself_o and_o only_o as_o milk_n sincere_a milk_n and_o where_o they_o find_v it_o so_o from_o whosoever_o or_o in_o what_o way_n soever_o deliver_v unto_o they_o they_o feed_v upon_o it_o with_o delight_n before_o conversion_n witt_n or_o eloquence_n may_v draw_v a_o man_n to_o the_o word_n and_o possible_o prove_v a_o happy_a bait_n to_o catch_v he_o as_o st._n augustin_n report_v of_o his_o hear_n st._n ambrose_n but_o once_o bear_v again_o then_o it_o be_v the_o milk_n itself_o they_o desire_v for_o itself_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n not_o only_o hear_v it_o because_o it_o be_v your_o custom_n but_o desire_v it_o because_o it_o be_v your_o food_n and_o it_o be_v 1._o a_o natural_a desire_n as_o the_o infant_n of_o milk_n not_o upon_o any_o external_a respect_n or_o inducement_n but_o from_o a_o inward_a principle_n and_o bent_n of_o nature_n and_o because_o natural_a therefore_o 2._o earnest_n not_o a_o cold_a indifferent_a willing_a that_o care_v not_o whether_o it_o obtain_v or_o no_o but_o a_o vehement_a desire_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v and_o the_o resemblance_n clear_o bear_v as_o a_o child_n that_o will_v not_o be_v still_v till_o it_o have_v the_o breast_n offer_v it_o what_o you_o will_v silver_n gold_n or_o jewel_n it_o regard_v they_o not_o these_o answer_v not_o its_o desire_n and_o that_o must_v be_v answer_v thus_o david_n my_o soul_n break_v for_o the_o long_a it_o have_v to_o thy_o judgement_n as_o a_o child_n like_o to_o break_v its_o heart_n with_o cry_v for_o want_n of_o the_o breast_n and_o again_o because_o natural_a it_o be_v 3._o constant_n the_o infant_n be_v not_o cloy_v nor_o weary_v with_o daily_o feed_v on_o the_o breast_n but_o desire_v it_o every_o day_n as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o have_v it_o before_o thus_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v a_o unchangeable_a appetite_n for_o the_o word_n it_o be_v daily_o new_a to_o he_o he_o find_v still_o fresh_a delight_n in_o it_o thus_o david_n as_o before_o cite_v my_o soul_n break_v for_o the_o long_a it_o have_v for_o thy_o judgement_n at_o all_o time_n and_o then_o psal._n 1._o this_o law_n be_v his_o meditation_n day_n and_o night_n whereas_o a_o natural_a man_n be_v easy_o surfeit_v of_o it_o and_o the_o very_a commonness_n and_o cheapness_n of_o it_o make_v it_o contemptible_a to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v our_o case_n that_o wherein_o we_o shall_v wonder_v at_o god_n singular_a goodness_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o prize_v his_o word_n the_o more_o that_o very_a thing_n make_v we_o despise_v it_o whereas_o other_o our_o brethren_n have_v buy_v this_o milk_n with_o their_o own_o blood_n we_o have_v it_o upon_o the_o easy_a term_n that_o can_v be_v wish_v only_o for_o the_o desire_v without_o hazard_n of_o bleed_v for_o it_o and_o scarce_o at_o the_o pain_n of_o sweat_v for_o it_o that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v provide_v his_o child_n with_o the_o word_n and_o move_v they_o to_o desire_v it_o but_o which_o they_o be_v to_o intend_v in_o their_o desire_n and_o use_v of_o it_o and_o answerable_a to_o god_n purpose_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o desire_v it_o because_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o this_o end_n and_o that_o by_o it_o they_o may_v attain_v this_o end_n to_o grow_v thereby_o and_o herein_o indeed_o these_o child_n differ_v from_o infant_n in_o the_o natural_a life_n that_o be_v direct_v to_o their_o food_n beside_o their_o knowledge_n and_o without_o intention_n of_o its_o end_n but_o this_o rational_a milk_n be_v to_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o a_o rational_a way_n know_v and_o intend_v its_o end_n have_v the_o use_n of_o natural_a reason_n renew_v and_o sanctify_v by_o supernatural_a grace_n now_o the_o end_n of_o this_o desire_n be_v growth_n desire_v the_o word_n not_o that_o you_o may_v only_o hear_v it_o that_o be_v to_o fall_v very_o far_o short_a of_o its_o true_a end_n yea_o it_o be_v to_o take_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o work_n for_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o ear_n be_v indeed_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o which_o it_o receive_v the_o word_n as_o elihu_n compare_v it_o job._n 34.2_o but_o meat_n that_o go_v no_o further_a than_o the_o mouth_n you_o know_v can_v nourish_v neither_o ought_v this_o desire_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v only_o to_o satisfy_v a_o custom_n it_o be_v a_o exceed_a folly_n to_o make_v so_o superficial_a a_o thing_n the_o end_n of_o so_o serious_a a_o work_n again_o to_o hear_v it_o only_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v not_o clamour_v more_o for_o gross_a impiety_n in_o contempt_n of_o it_o this_o be_v not_o to_o hear_v it_o out_o of_o desire_n but_o out_o of_o fear_n to_o desire_v it_o only_o for_o some_o present_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n that_o a_o man_n may_v find_v in_o it_o be_v not_o the_o due_a use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v delight_n in_o it_o may_v help_v to_o commend_v it_o to_o those_o that_o find_v it_o so_o and_o so_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o advance_v the_o end_n but_o the_o end_n it_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v no_o more_o but_o a_o present_a delight_n that_o evanish_v with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n that_o die_v in_o the_o air_n be_v not_o to_o desire_v the_o word_n as_o meat_n but_o as_o music_n as_o god_n tell_v the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n of_o his_o people_n ezek._n 33.32_o and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o on_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n and_o they_o do_v they_o not_o to_o desire_v the_o word_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n although_o this_o be_v necessary_a and_o commendable_a and_o be_v right_o qualify_v be_v a_o part_n of_o spiritual_a accretion_n yet_o take_v it_o as_o go_v no_o further_o it_o be_v not_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o the_o vent_n of_o that_o knowledge_n in_o speech_n and_o frequent_a discourse_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o divine_a truth_n that_o be_v in_o it_o which_o where_o it_o be_v govern_v with_o christian_a prudence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v but_o commend_v yet_o certain_o the_o high_a knowledge_n and_o the_o frequent_a and_o skilful_a speak_v of_o the_o woâ—d_v sever_v from_o the_o growth_n here_o mention_v miss_v the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o word_n if_o any_o one_o head_n or_o tongue_n shall_v grow_v apace_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n stand_v at_o a_o stay_n it_o will_v certain_o make_v he_o a_o monster_n and_o they_o be_v no_o other_o that_o be_v know_v and_o discourse_v christian_n and_o grow_v daily_o in_o that_o but_o not_o at_o all_o in_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a growth_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n epictetus_n his_o comparison_n of_o the_o sheep_n they_o return_v not_o what_o they_o eat_v in_o grass_n but_o in_o wool_n david_n in_o that_o 119._o psalm_n that_o be_v whole_o spend_v upon_o this_o subject_n the_o excellency_n and_o use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n express_v verse_n 11_o 6._o his_o delight_n in_o it_o his_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v further_o teach_v and_o to_o know_v more_o of_o it_o his_o readiness_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o verse_n 13_o 27._o but_o withal_o you_o know_v he_o join_v his_o desire_n and_o care_n to_o keep_v it_o to_o hide_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n psal._n 119._o verse_n 11_o 5_o 24._o to_o make_v it_o the_o man_n of_o his_o counsel_n to_o be_v as_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o his_o privy_a counsellor_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o guide_v by_o it_o and_o with_o he_o to_o use_v it_o so_o be_v indeed_o to_o grow_v by_o it_o if_o we_o know_v what_o this_o spiritual_a
life_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v we_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o be_v the_o growth_n of_o it_o when_o holiness_n increase_v the_o sanctify_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v strong_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o act_v more_o strong_o in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o he_o grow_v spiritual_o and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o beget_v this_o spiritual_a life_n so_o likewise_o of_o its_o increase_n 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a treat_v of_o the_o high_a thing_n and_o therefore_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o elevate_v man_n mind_n from_o the_o earth_n be_v often_o conversant_a with_o it_o to_o assimilate_v they_o to_o itself_o as_o all_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n ready_o do_v to_o these_o that_o be_v much_o in_o it_o and_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o study_v it_o doubtless_o such_o kind_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v frequent_a with_o man_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v light_n and_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o call_v light_n as_o be_v transform_v into_o its_o nature_n and_o thus_o they_o be_v still_o the_o more_o by_o more_o hear_v of_o it_o and_o so_o they_o grow_v if_o we_o look_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o strain_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o increase_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o christian_a for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o particular_a truth_n relative_a to_o they_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o excite_v they_o and_o set_v they_o on_o work_n and_o so_o to_o make_v they_o grow_v as_o all_o habit_n do_v by_o act_v it_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n word_n may_v be_v translate_v stir_v up_o the_o spark_n and_o blow_v they_o into_o a_o great_a flame_n make_v they_o burn_v clear_a and_o hot_a that_o it_o do_v both_o by_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o the_o study_n and_o exercise_n of_o those_o grace_n sometime_o press_v one_o and_o sometime_o another_o and_o by_o right_n represent_v to_o they_o their_o object_n the_o word_n feed_v faith_n by_o set_v before_o it_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n his_o rich_a promise_n and_o his_o power_n and_o truth_n to_o perform_v they_o all_o show_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n not_o depend_v upon_o it_o but_o hold_v in_o christ_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o and_o draw_v faith_n still_o to_o rest_v more_o entire_o upon_o his_o righteousness_n it_o feed_v repentance_n by_o make_v the_o vileness_n and_o deformity_n of_o sin_n daily_o more_o clear_a and_o visible_a still_o as_o more_o of_o the_o word_n have_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o it_o hate_v sin_n be_v the_o more_o discover_v and_o the_o better_o know_v in_o its_o own_o native_a colour_n as_o the_o more_o light_n be_v in_o a_o house_n the_o more_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v unclean_o or_o deform_a be_v see_v and_o dislike_v likewise_o it_o increase_v love_n to_o god_n by_o open_v up_o still_o more_o and_o more_o of_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o lovelyness_n and_o as_o it_o borrow_v the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o vile_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o express_v the_o foulness_n and_o hatefulness_n of_o sin_n so_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o dignity_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v call_v together_o in_o the_o word_n to_o give_v we_o some_o small_a scantling_n of_o that_o uncreated_a beauty_n that_o alone_o deserve_v to_o be_v love_v thus_o may_v it_o be_v instanced_a in_o all_o other_o grace_n but_o above_o all_o other_o consideration_n this_o be_v in_o the_o word_n observable_a as_o the_o increaser_n of_o grace_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v forth_o jesus_n christ_n to_o our_o vieu_n to_o look_v upon_o not_o only_o as_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n but_o as_o the_o full_a fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n from_o who_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v the_o contemplate_v of_o he_o as_o the_o perfect_a image_n of_o god_n and_o then_o draw_v from_o he_o as_o have_v in_o himself_o a_o treasure_n for_o we_o these_o give_v the_o soul_n more_o of_o that_o image_n which_o be_v true_o spiritual_a growth_n this_o the_o apostle_n express_v excellent_o 2_o cor._n 3._o ult_n speak_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v christ_n that_o behold_v in_o he_o as_o it_o be_v chap._n 4._o vers._n 6._o in_o his_o face_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o copy_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o have_v a_o share_n of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o spiritual_a growth_n but_o i_o will_v add_v only_o a_o few_o 1._o in_o the_o judge_n of_o this_o growth_n some_o conlude_v too_o rigid_o against_o themselves_o that_o they_o grow_v not_o by_o the_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o sensible_a to_o they_o as_o they_o desire_v but_o 1._o this_o be_v know_v in_o all_o thing_n that_o grow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o discern_v in_o motu_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o termino_fw-la not_o in_o the_o grow_a but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v 2._o beside_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o although_o other_o grace_n seem_v not_o to_o advance_v yet_o if_o thou_o grow_v more_o self-denying_a and_o humble_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o slowness_n all_o be_v not_o lose_v although_o the_o branch_n shut_v not_o up_o so_o fast_o as_o thou_o wish_v yet_o if_o the_o root_n grow_v deep_o and_o fasten_v more_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a growth_n he_o that_o be_v still_o learning_n to_o be_v more_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o less_o in_o himself_o to_o have_v all_o his_o dependence_n and_o comfort_n in_o he_o be_v doubtless_o a_o grow_a believer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o far_o great_a number_n conclude_v wrong_a in_o their_o own_o favour_n imagine_v that_o they_o do_v grow_v if_o they_o gain_v in_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n we_o mention_v above_o namely_o if_o more_o knowledge_n and_o more_o faculty_n of_o discourse_v if_o they_o find_v often_o some_o present_a stir_n of_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n if_o they_o reform_v their_o life_n grow_v more_o civil_a and_o blameless_a etc._n etc._n yet_o all_o these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n who_o notwithstanding_o grow_v not_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a he_o be_v not_o in_o that_o estate_n a_o subject_a capable_a of_o this_o growth_n for_o he_o be_v dead_a he_o have_v none_o of_o this_o new_a life_n to_o which_o this_o growth_n relate_v herod_n hear_v glad_o and_o obey_v many_o thing_n consider_v then_o what_o true_a delight_n we_o may_v have_v in_o this_o you_o find_v a_o pleasure_n when_o you_o see_v your_o child_n grow_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o stand_v and_o walk_v etc._n etc._n you_o love_v well_o to_o perceive_v your_o estate_n or_o your_o honour_n grow_v but_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v grow_v like_a god_n and_o near_a heaven_n if_o we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o pleasure_n far_o beyond_o they_o all_o to_o find_v pride_n and_o earthliness_n and_o vanity_n abate_v and_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o spiritual_a mindedness_n increase_v especial_o if_o we_o think_v whither_o this_o growth_n be_v not_o as_o our_o natural_a life_n that_o be_v often_o cut_v off_o before_o it_o attain_v full_a age_n as_o we_o call_v it_o and_o if_o it_o attain_v that_o fall_v again_o to_o move_v downward_o and_o decay_v as_o the_o sun_n be_v at_o its_o meridian_n begin_v to_o decline_v again_o but_o this_o life_n shall_v grow_v on-in_a whosoever_o it_o be_v and_o come_v certain_o to_o its_o fullness_n after_o which_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o this_o word_n either_o for_o growth_n or_o nourishment_n no_o death_n no_o decay_n no_o old_a age_n but_o perpetual_a youth_n and_o a_o perpetual_a spring_n ver_fw-la aeternum_fw-la fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a pleasure_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n verse_n 3._o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a our_o natural_a desire_n of_o food_n arise_v principal_o from_o its_o necessity_n for_o that_o end_n which_o nature_n seek_v the_o growth_n or_o at_o least_o the_o nourishment_n of_o our_o body_n but_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o present_a sweetness_n and_o pleasingness_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o serve_v to_o sharpen_v our_o desire_n and_o be_v place_v in_o nature_n for_o that_o purpose_n thus_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o their_o spiritual_a life_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o desire_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o nourishment_n and_o of_o their_o growth_n
not_o but_o his_o call_n that_o shake_v and_o remove_v the_o mountain_n do_v in_o a_o way_n know_v to_o himself_o turn_v and_o wind_v the_o heart_n which_o way_n he_o please_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v powerful_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n psa._n 29._o if_o he_o speak_v once_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o follow_v he_o and_o yet_o most_o willing_o choose_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n as_o oil_n to_o which_o it_o be_v often_o compare_v do_v insensible_o and_o silent_o penetrate_v and_o sink_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o dilate_v themselves_o through_o it_o that_o word_n of_o his_o own_o call_n disentangle_v the_o heart_n from_o all_o its_o net_n as_o it_o do_v the_o disciple_n to_o follow_v christ_n that_o call_v that_o bring_v st._n matthew_n present_o from_o his_o receipt_n of_o custom_n put_v off_o the_o heart_n from_o all_o its_o custom_n and_o receipt_n too_o make_v it_o reject_v gain_n and_o pleasure_n and_o all_o that_o hinder_v it_o to_o go_v after_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v a_o call_n that_o touch_v the_o soul_n so_o as_o the_o touch_n of_o elijah_n mantle_n that_o make_v elisha_n follow_v he_o go_v back_o say_v he_o for_o what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o yet_o he_o have_v do_v so_o much_o as_o make_v he_o forsake_v all_o to_o go_v with_o he_o and_o this_o every_o believer_n be_v most_o real_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o know_v what_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v and_o what_o his_o miserable_a love_n of_o darkness_n be_v that_o the_o gracious_a yet_o mighty_a call_v of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o draw_v he_o he_o out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o willing_o assent_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n that_o it_o become_v he_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o praise_n who_o have_v so_o merciful_o and_o so_o powerful_o call_v he_o from_o so_o miserable_a to_o so_o happy_a a_o estate_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v god_n end_n in_o call_v we_o to_o communicate_v his_o goodness_n to_o we_o that_o so_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o may_v return_v to_o himself_o the_o high_a agent_n can_v work_v but_o for_o the_o high_a end_n so_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o god_n will_v confirm_v his_o covenant_n by_o a_o oath_n he_o swear_v by_o himself_o because_o he_o can_v swear_v by_o no_o great_a so_o in_o all_o he_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o action_n because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a nor_o better_a end_n yea_o none_o by_o infinite_a odds_o so_o great_a or_o good_a particular_o in_o the_o call_n and_o exalt_v a_o number_n of_o lose_a mankind_n to_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o happiness_n both_o in_o design_v that_o great_a work_n and_o in_o perform_v it_o he_o aim_v at_o the_o open_n up_o and_o declare_v of_o his_o rich_a grace_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o as_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n tell_v we_o once_o and_o again_o eph._n 1._o 2._o as_o this_o be_v god_n end_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o because_o it_o be_v his._n and_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n be_v we_o elsewhere_o and_o here_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v true_a to_o his_o end_n and_o intend_v it_o with_o he_o this_o be_v his_o purpose_n in_o call_v we_o and_o therefore_o our_o great_a duty_n be_v so_o call_v to_o declare_v his_o praise_n all_o thing_n and_o person_n shall_v pay_v this_o tribute_n even_o they_o that_o be_v most_o unwilling_a but_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o choose_a be_v that_o they_o be_v active_a in_o it_o other_o passive_a only_o whereas_o the_o rest_n have_v it_o wrest_v from_o they_o they_o do_v declare_v it_o cheerful_o as_o the_o glorious_a angel_n do_v as_o the_o gospel_n bring_v they_o glad_a tiding_n of_o peace_n from_o god_n declare_v to_o they_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o be_v in_o he_o they_o smother_v it_o not_o but_o answer_v it_o they_o declare_v it_o and_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o with_o their_o utmost_a power_n and_o skill_n there_o be_v in_o this_o two_o thing_n 1._o not_o only_o to_o speak_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o that_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o action_n be_v such_o as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o exalt_v of_o god_n and_o 2._o that_o in_o those_o action_n they_o do_v intend_v this_o end_n set_v up_o this_o for_o their_o aim_n 1._o their_o word_n and_o action_n be_v conform_v to_o their_o high_a and_o holy_a estate_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v do_v commend_v and_o praise_v their_o lord_n that_o have_v call_v they_o to_o it_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v in_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o virtue_n as_o brook_n lead_v we_o to_o their_o spring_n when_o a_o christian_a can_v quiet_o repose_v and_o trust_v on_o god_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a difficulty_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o stay_v he_o but_o god_n alone_o this_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v strength_n enough_o in_o god_n that_o bear_v he_o up_o that_o there_o must_v be_v in_o he_o that_o real_a abundance_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o the_o word_n speak_v of_o he_o abraham_n believe_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o a_o believer_n can_v do_v to_o declare_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n he_o rely_v on_o it_o he_o that_o believe_v set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a so_o also_o their_o holiness_n be_v for_o his_o praise_n man_n hear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o holy_a but_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v he_o nor_o his_o holiness_n but_o when_o they_o perceive_v some_o lineament_n of_o it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o child_n which_o be_v in_o no_o other_o this_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o its_o perfection_n which_o must_v be_v somewhere_o can_v be_v no_o where_o else_o but_o in_o their_o heavenly_a father_n when_o these_o that_o be_v his_o peculiar_a plant_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n which_o natural_o they_o yield_v not_o it_o testify_v a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o his_o hand_n that_o plant_v they_o and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v fruitful_a the_o great_a be_v his_o praise_n herein_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v your_o heavenly_a father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n be_v it_o not_o the_o conscience_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o possible_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o station_n and_o call_v it_o may_v well_o be_v some_o christian_a have_v rather_o altogether_o look_v up_o and_o keep_v within_o any_o grace_n he_o have_v than_o let_v it_o appear_v at_o all_o consider_v some_o hazard_n he_o and_o it_o run_v in_o the_o discovery_n and_o it_o may_v be_v can_v take_v some_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n mistake_n and_o disesteem_v of_o he_o but_o see_v both_o piety_n and_o charity_n require_v the_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o converse_n with_o man_n that_o which_o hypocrisy_n do_v for_o itself_o a_o real_a christian_a may_v and_o shall_v do_v for_o god_n the_o other_o thing_n mention_v as_o make_v up_o this_o rule_n will_v give_v the_o difference_n that_o not_o only_o what_o we_o speak_v and_o do_v shall_v be_v such_o as_o agree_v with_o this_o end_n but_o that_o in_o so_o speak_v and_o do_v our_o eye_n be_v upon_o this_o end_n that_o all_o our_o christian_a conversation_n be_v direct_o intend_v by_o we_o not_o to_o cry_v up_o our_o own_o virtue_n but_o to_o glorify_v god_n and_o his_o virtue_n to_o declare_v his_o praise_n who_o have_v call_v we_o let_v your_o light_n say_v our_o saviour_n shine_v and_o shine_v before_o man_n too_o that_o be_v not_o forbid_v yea_o it_o be_v command_v but_o it_o be_v thus_o command_v let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o man_n see_v your_o good_a work_n yourselves_o as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v your_o work_n more_o than_o yourselves_o as_o the_o sun_n give_v we_o its_o light_n and_o will_v scarce_o suffer_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o itself_o may_v glorify_v who_o you._n no_o but_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n let_v your_o light_a shine_n it_o be_v give_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o let_v it_o shine_v always_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n of_o light_n man_n that_o seek_v themselves_o may_v share_v in_o the_o same_o public_a kind_n of_o action_n with_o you_o but_o let_v your_o secret_a intention_n which_o god_n eye_v most_o sever_v you_o this_o be_v the_o impress_n that_o a_o sincere_a humble_a chiristian_a set_v upon_o all_o his_o action_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n he_o use_v all_o he_o have_v especial_o all_o his_o grace_n to_o his_o praise_n that_o give_v it_o and_o be_v sorry_a he_o have_v no_o more_o for_o this_o use_n and_o be_v daily_o seek_v after_o more_o not_o to_o bring_v more_o esteem_n to_o himself_o
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and_o the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v to_o christ_n that_o die_v for_o he_o on_o the_o other_o part_n they_o be_v no_o less_o yea_o more_o to_o blame_v that_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v their_o mind_n instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o out_o of_o a_o mere_a natural_a desire_n to_o know_v be_v curious_a to_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o inform_v they_o but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o urge_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortify_v their_o lust_n these_o be_v hard_a say_n they_o have_v rather_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o receive_v christ_n and_o retain_v their_o lust_n too_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o agreement_n to_o hear_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o people_n in_o christ_n be_v very_o please_a but_o to_o have_v this_o follow_v upon_o it_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n this_o be_v a_o importune_a troublesome_a discourse_n but_o it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o all_o that_o these_o that_o will_v share_v in_o that_o mercy_n 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the_o exact_a obedience_n they_o can_v reach_v and_o this_o be_v a_o imperfect_a kind_n of_o perfection_n it_o be_v evangelical_n but_o not_o angelical_a 2._o to_o impute_v the_o scandalous_a fall_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o whole_a number_n it_o be_v a_o very_a short_a incompetent_a rule_n to_o make_v judgement_n of_o any_o one_o man_v himself_o by_o one_o action_n much_o more_o to_o measure_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o same_o profession_n by_o it_o and_o they_o yet_o proceed_v further_o in_o this_o way_n of_o misjudging_a 3._o that_o they_o impute_v the_o personal_a fail_n of_o man_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o disadvantage_n it_o by_o the_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o which_o as_o the_o ancient_n plead_v well_o be_v the_o great_a injustice_n and_o such_o as_o they_o will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o against_o their_o own_o philosopher_n they_o can_v well_o distinguish_v betwixt_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o of_o their_o 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to_o censure_v they_o and_o withal_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o their_o guide_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o order_v their_o conversation_n aright_o that_o it_o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o piece_n holy_a and_o blameless_a and_o still_o like_o itself_o honest_a fair_n or_o beautiful_a the_o same_o word_n do_v fit_o signify_v goodness_n and_o beauty_n for_o that_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o lastinge_a beauty_n grow_v fresh_a in_o old_a age_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o righteous_a psal._n 92._o as_o tree_n plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n can_v the_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n be_v see_v say_v he_o it_o will_v draw_v all_o to_o love_v it_o a_o christian_a holy_a conversation_n have_v such_o a_o beauty_n as_o when_o
these_o now_o in_o our_o hand_n that_o be_v give_v we_o to_o live_v and_o walk_v by_o and_o in_o the_o search_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o less_o useful_a man_n evidence_n that_o they_o have_v rather_o be_v learned_a then_o holy_a and_o have_v still_o more_o mind_n to_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n than_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o in_o bear_v of_o the_o word_n they_o that_o be_v any_o whit_n more_o know_v then_o ordinary_a be_v they_o not_o still_o gape_v after_o new_a notion_n something_o to_o add_v to_o the_o stock_n of_o their_o speculative_a and_o discourse_v knowledge_n loathe_v this_o daily_a manna_n these_o profitable_a exhortation_n and_o require_v meat_n for_o their_o lust_n there_o be_v a_o intemperance_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o mouth_n you_o will_v think_v it_o and_o may_v be_v not_o spare_v to_o call_v it_o a_o poor_a cold_a sermon_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o plain_a precept_n as_o these_o honour_n all_o man_n love_v the_o brotherhood_n fear_v god_n honour_v the_o king_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o god_n it_o be_v his_o way_n this_o foolish_a despiseable_a way_n by_o which_o he_o guide_v and_o bring_v to_o heaven_n they_o that_o believe_v again_o we_o have_v other_o that_o be_v still_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o darkness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a truth_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o rome_n doctrine_n that_o talk_v thus_o to_o excuse_v their_o sacrilege_n of_o steal_v away_o the_o word_n from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n a_o senseless_a pretext_n though_o it_o be_v true_a because_o the_o word_n be_v dark_a of_o itself_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v make_v it_o dark_a look_v it_o up_o under_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o common_a vulgar_a excuse_n that_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n of_o many_o seek_v to_o shroud_v under_o that_o they_o be_v not_o learned_a and_o can_v reach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v deep_a mystery_n there_o indeed_o but_o what_o say_v you_o to_o these_o thing_n such_o rule_n as_o these_o honour_v all_o man_n etc._n etc._n be_v such_o as_o these_o riddle_n that_o you_o can_v know_v their_o meaning_n for_o do_v not_o all_o understand_v they_o and_o all_o neglect_v they_o why_o set_v you_o not_o on_o to_o do_v these_o and_o then_o you_o shall_v understand_v more_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o as_o one_o say_v well_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o mysterious_a and_o high_a discourse_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v to_o begin_v at_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o precept_n that_o be_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o the_o way_n to_o atâ—ian_n to_o know_v more_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o obey_v that_o you_o know_v the_o truth_n be_v such_o truth_n as_o these_o will_v leave_v you_o inexcusable_a even_o the_o most_o ignorant_a of_o you_o you_o can_v not_o but_o know_v you_o hear_v often_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o to_o fear_n god_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o never_o apply_v yourselves_o in_o earnest_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o will_v appear_v to_o your_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o deal_v honest_o with_o you_o in_o the_o particular_n honour_n all_o man_n honour_n in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n be_v not_o a_o universal_a due_a to_o all_o but_o peculiar_a to_o some_o kind_n of_o person_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n honour_n to_o who_o honour_n and_o that_o in_o different_a degree_n to_o parent_n and_o master_n and_o other_o superior_n there_o be_v a_o honour_n that_o have_v as_o it_o be_v caesar_n image_n and_o superscription_n on_o it_o be_v particular_o due_a to_o he_o and_o as_o here_o it_o follow_v honour_n the_o king_n but_o there_o be_v something_o that_o go_v not_o unfit_o under_o the_o name_n of_o 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the_o very_a best_o be_v a_o foolish_a excess_n that_o way_n so_o the_o total_a contemn_v of_o any_o the_o very_a poorest_n be_v against_o this_o rule_n for_o that_o contemn_v of_o vile_a person_n the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o and_o commend_v be_v the_o dislike_n and_o hatred_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v their_o vileness_n and_o not_o to_o account_v they_o for_o outward_a respect_n worthy_a of_o such_o esteem_n as_o their_o wickedness_n denude_v they_o of_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o observe_v and_o respect_v the_o small_a good_a that_o be_v in_o any_o although_o a_o christian_a be_v never_o so_o base_a in_o his_o outward_a condition_n in_o body_n or_o mind_n of_o very_o mean_a intellectual_n and_o natural_a endowment_n yet_o they_o that_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n will_v esteem_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o those_o disadvantage_n as_o of_o a_o pearl_n in_o a_o rough_a shell_n grace_n carry_v still_o its_o own_o worth_n 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think_v so_o much_o of_o as_o to_o give_v his_o precious_a blood_n for_o it_o therefore_o despise_v it_o not_o much_o more_o i_o say_v if_o thou_o can_v perceive_v any_o appearance_n that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o ought_v thou_o to_o esteem_v wheresoever_o thou_o find_v the_o least_o trait_n of_o christ_n image_n if_o thou_o love_v he_o thou_o will_v honour_v it_o or_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o thou_o look_v on_o yet_o observe_v what_o common_a gift_n of_o any_o kind_a god_n have_v bestow_v on_o he_o judgement_n or_o memory_n or_o faculty_n in_o his_o call_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o these_o in_o their_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o the_o person_n for_o they_o and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o complete_a as_o to_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o every_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o low_a and_o unworthy_a but_o he_o have_v some_o thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v preferable_a even_o to_o these_o that_o in_o other_o respect_n be_v much_o more_o excellent_a or_o imagine_v thou_o can_v find_v nothing_o else_o in_o some_o man_n yet_o honour_v thy_o own_o nature_n esteem_v humanity_n in_o they_o especial_o since_o humanity_n be_v exalt_v in_o christ_n to_o be_v one_o with_o the_o deity_n account_n of_o he_o as_o a_o man_n and_o with_o this_o esteem_n three_o go_v that_o general_a good_a will_n and_o affection_n due_a to_o men._n whereas_o there_o be_v that_o do_v not_o only_o outward_o express_v but_o inward_o bear_v more_o regard_n to_o some_o dog_n or_o horse_n that_o they_o love_v then_o to_o poor_a distress_a man_n and_o in_o so_o do_v do_v reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o themselves_o and_o upon_o mankind_n the_o outward_a behaviour_n wherein_o
wrong_v we_o who_o ever_o it_o be_v but_o especial_o be_v one_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o this_o spiritual_a sense_n many_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o peculiar_a fraternal_a love_n that_o mutual_a converse_n and_o admonition_n and_o reproof_n and_o comfort_v and_o other_o duty_n which_o be_v in_o neglect_n not_o only_o among_o formal_a but_o even_o among_o real_a christian_n let_v we_o entreat_v more_o of_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v love_n and_o that_o will_v mend_v this_o fear_v god_n all_o the_o rule_n of_o equity_n and_o charity_n among_o man_n flow_v from_o a_o high_a principle_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o right_a observe_v of_o they_o without_o due_a regard_n to_o that_o therefore_o this_o word_n that_o express_v that_o principle_n of_o obedience_n be_v fit_o insert_v among_o these_o the_o first_o obligement_n of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o sovereign_a majesty_n of_o god_n that_o make_v he_o and_o all_o their_o mutual_a duty_n one_o to_o another_o derive_v from_o that_o a_o man_n may_v indeed_o from_o moral_a principle_n be_v of_o a_o mild_a inoffensive_a carriage_n and_o do_v civil_a right_n to_o all_o man_n but_o this_o answer_v not_o the_o divine_a rule_n even_o in_o these_o same_o thing_n after_o the_o way_n that_o it_o require_v they_o the_o spiritual_a and_o religious_a observance_n of_o these_o duty_n towards_o man_n spring_n from_o a_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o terminate_v there_o too_o begin_v and_o end_v in_o he_o and_o general_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n both_o such_o as_o regulate_v our_o behaviour_n towards_o himself_o immediate_o and_o such_o as_o relate_v to_o man_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o holy_a fear_n of_o his_o name_n therefore_o this_o fear_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o follow_v necessary_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n be_v give_v we_o by_o solomon_n as_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o man_n business_n and_o duty_n and_o so_o this_o way_n to_o solid_a happiness_n it_o be_v totum_fw-la hominis_fw-la after_o he_o have_v make_v his_o discovery_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o under_o the_o sun_n go_v the_o whole_a circuit_n and_o make_v a_o exact_a valuation_n and_o find_v all_o to_o amount_v to_o nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o it_o it_o be_v all_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o illustrate_v and_o establish_v this_o truth_n the_o more_o and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o be_v a_o repose_n after_o so_o much_o weariness_n and_o such_o a_o tedious_a journey_n and_o so_o as_o he_o speak_v there_o verse_n 10._o a_o word_n of_o delight_n as_o well_o as_o a_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o mind_n may_v sit_v down_o and_o quiet_v itself_o in_o this_o from_o the_o turmoyl_n and_o pursuit_n of_o vanity_n that_o keep_v it_o busy_a to_o no_o purpose_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o whereas_o there_o be_v emptiness_n and_o vanity_n that_o be_v just_a nothing_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o only_o something_o to_o be_v find_v but_o all_o in_o this_o one_o this_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o that_o fear_n all_o the_o repeat_v declare_v of_o vanity_n in_o other_o thing_n both_o several_o and_o altogether_o in_o that_o book_n be_v but_o so_o many_o stroke_n to_o drive_v and_o fasten_v this_o nail_n as_o it_o be_v there_o verse_n 11._o this_o word_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o and_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o job_n after_o a_o large_a inquest_n for_o wisdom_n search_v for_o its_o vein_n as_o man_n do_v for_o mine_n of_o silver_n and_o gold_n have_v the_o return_n of_o a_o non_fw-la inventium_fw-la est_fw-la from_o all_o the_o creature_n the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o close_o find_v it_o in_o this_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n under_o this_o fear_n be_v comprehend_v all_o religion_n the_o inward_a and_o outward_a of_o it_o all_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o all_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o commandment_n which_o be_v there_o eccles._n 12._o and_o elsewhere_o express_o join_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v include_v in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v not_o express_v so_o job._n 28._o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n repeat_v the_o former_a word_n by_o that_o so_o psal._n 111._o verse_n 10._o it_o have_v in_o it_o all_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n they_o grow_v all_o out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o it_o be_v the_o top_n or_o consummation_n of_o wisdom_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v both_o think_v it_o not_o then_o a_o trivial_a common_a matter_n to_o speak_v or_o hear_v of_o this_o subject_a but_o take_v it_o as_o our_o great_a lesson_n and_o business_n here_o on_o earth_n that_o the_o best_a proficient_o in_o it_o have_v yet_o need_v to_o learn_v it_o better_o and_o that_o it_o 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it_o yet_o the_o lively_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o feel_n of_o reflex_n love_n to_o he_o in_o the_o soul_n do_v cast_v it_o out_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 4.18_o true_a love_n cast_v out_o fear_n but_o to_o apprehend_v the_o punishment_n the_o lord_n threaten_v against_o sin_n as_o certain_a and_o true_a and_o to_o consider_v the_o greatness_n and_o fearfulness_n of_o they_o but_o especial_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n anger_n and_o hot_a displeasure_n above_o all_o punishment_n and_o though_o not_o only_o no_o nor_o chief_o for_o these_o yet_o in_o contemplation_n of_o those_o as_o very_o great_a and_o weighty_a to_o be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v that_o god_n who_o have_v threaten_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o just_a
captain_n or_o leader_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o the_o aposte_n speak_v be_v consecrate_v by_o suffering_n that_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n where_o he_o be_v now_o our_o everlasting_a high_a priest_n make_v intercession_n for_o we_o if_o he_o be_v our_o leader_n to_o salvation_n must_v we_o not_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o way_n he_o lead_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n of_o suffering_n we_o must_v either_o follow_v on_o in_o that_o way_n or_o fall_v short_a of_o salvation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o leader_n nor_o other_o way_n but_o that_o which_o he_o open_v up_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o congruity_n in_o it_o that_o his_o follower_n be_v conform_v to_o he_o in_o suffering_n but_o a_o necessity_n if_o they_o will_v follow_v he_o on_o till_o they_o attain_v to_o glory_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o both_o these_o can_v but_o argue_v a_o christian_a into_o a_o 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that_o all_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o revile_n of_o the_o multitude_n that_o as_o it_o be_v rack_v he_o for_o some_o answer_n yet_o can_v draw_v no_o other_o from_o he_o but_o this_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v but_o for_o those_o to_o who_o this_o mercy_n belong_v not_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o he_o do_v in_o stead_n of_o revile_n and_o threaten_n he_o commit_v all_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a method_n of_o christian_a patience_n that_o which_o quiet_v the_o mind_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o boil_a tumultuous_a thought_n of_o revenge_n to_o turn_v the_o whole_a matter_n into_o god_n hand_n to_o resign_v it_o over_o to_o he_o to_o prosecute_v when_o and_o as_o he_o think_v good_a not_o as_o the_o most_o that_o have_v rather_o if_o they_o have_v power_n do_v for_o themselves_o and_o be_v their_o own_o avenger_n and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o power_n do_v offer_v up_o 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spirit_n of_o the_o dove_n among_o we_o our_o obligement_n to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n beside_o its_o own_o excellency_n be_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o intendment_n of_o his_o behaviour_n for_o this_o use_n to_o be_v as_o a_o example_n to_o we_o 2._o our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o those_o his_o suffering_n wherein_o he_o so_o carry_v himself_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n etc._n etc._n he_o leave_v his_o footstep_n as_o a_o copy_n as_o the_o word_n be_v to_o follow_v every_o step_n of_o he_o a_o letter_n of_o this_o copy_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o write_v we_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a copy_n of_o obedience_n in_o clear_a and_o great_a letter_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n his_o whole_a life_n be_v our_o rule_n not_o his_o miraculous_a work_n his_o footstep_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n and_o such_o like_a be_v not_o for_o our_o follow_v but_o his_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n and_o meekenss_n and_o humility_n be_v our_o copy_n which_o we_o shall_v continua_o study_v the_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n they_o say_v of_o teach_v be_v by_o example_n but_o above_o all_o this_o matchless_a example_n be_v the_o happy_a way_n of_o teach_v he_o that_o follow_v i_o say_v he_o shall_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n he_o that_o aim_v high_a shoot_v the_o high_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shoot_v not_o so_o high_a as_o he_o aim_v this_o be_v that_o which_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a the_o propound_v of_o this_o our_o high_a pattern_n the_o example_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o imitation_n of_o man_n in_o worthless_a thing_n be_v low_a and_o servile_a the_o imitation_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v commendable_a but_o if_o we_o seek_v no_o high_o it_o be_v both_o imperfect_a and_o unsafe_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n will_v have_v no_o imitation_n but_o with_o regard_n to_o this_o supreme_a pattern_n be_v you_o follewer_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_o of_o christ_n one_o christian_a may_v take_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o many_o thing_n in_o another_o but_o still_o examine_v all_o by_o the_o original_a primitive_a copy_n the_o footstep_n of_o christ_n himself_o follow_v nothing_o but_o as_o it_o conform_v with_o that_o and_o look_v most_o on_o he_o as_o both_o the_o perfect_a and_o most_o effectual_a example_n heb._n 12.2_o there_o be_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o example_n but_o look_v above_o they_o all_o to_o he_o that_o be_v as_o high_a above_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v above_o the_o cloud_n as_o the_o way_n be_v better_a a_o lively_a one_o indeed_o so_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o skill_n for_o follow_v of_o it_o but_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n god_n show_v his_o glory_n and_o greatness_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o the_o law_n be_v write_v only_o in_o dead_a table_n but_o christ_n the_o live_a law_n teach_v by_o obey_v it_o how_o to_o obey_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o law_n be_v twice_o write_v over_o unto_o believer_n first_o in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o inward_o in_o their_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v together_o with_o that_o copy_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o he_o a_o spirit_n derive_v from_o he_o enable_v believer_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o their_o measure_n they_o may_v not_o only_o see_v he_o as_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v io._n 6._o but_o as_o there_o it_o follow_v they_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o soul_n delight_n to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o converse_v and_o love_n together_o make_v it_o learn_v his_o behaviour_n as_o man_n that_o live_v much_o together_o especial_o if_o they_o do_v much_o affect_v one_o another_o will_v insensible_o contract_v another_o habitude_n and_o custom_n the_o other_o thing_n oblige_v we_o be_v our_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o his_o suffering_n he_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n return_v to_o ver._n 24._o observe_v only_o from_o the_o tie_n of_o these_o two_o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v his_o example_n set_v before_o we_o we_o can_v enjoy_v any_o right_a assurance_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o we_o but_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v he_o than_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o life_n through_o his_o death_n and_o those_o step_n of_o he_o wherein_o we_o walk_v will_v bring_v we_o ere_o long_o to_o be_v where_o he_o be_v verse_n 24._o who_o his_o own_o self_n bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n
have_v no_o other_o purpose_n in_o his_o be_v and_o live_v but_o only_o to_o honour_v his_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o live_v to_o righteousness_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o by-work_n of_o it_o a_o study_n for_o his_o spare_a hour_n no_o it_o be_v his_o main_a business_n his_o all_o in_o this_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n this_o life_n as_o the_o other_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o from_o thence_o diffuse_v to_o the_o whole_a man_n he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o receive_v the_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v many_o thing_n that_o for_o their_o shell_n and_o outside_n be_v righteous_a but_o he_o live_v not_o to_o righteousness_n because_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o possess_v and_o rule_v with_o the_o love_n of_o it_o but_o this_o life_n make_v the_o godly_a man_n delight_n to_o walk_v upright_o and_o to_o speak_v of_o righteousness_n his_o language_n and_o way_n carry_v the_o resemblance_n of_o his_o heart_n psa._n 37._o ver._n 30.31_o i_o know_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o act_v that_o part_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o christian_a ought_v not_o for_o that_o to_o be_v spiritual_o dumb_a because_o some_o bird_n be_v teach_v to_o speak_v man_n do_v not_o for_o that_o give_v it_o over_o and_o leave_v off_o to_o speak_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o righteous_a speak_v wisdom_n and_o his_o tongue_n talk_v of_o judgement_n and_o his_o foot_n strive_v to_o keep_v pace_n with_o his_o tongue_n which_o give_v evidence_n of_o its_o unfainedness_n none_o of_o his_o step_n shall_v slide_v or_o he_o shall_v not_o stagger_v in_o his_o step_n but_o that_o which_o be_v betwixt_o these_o be_v the_o common_a spring_n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v in_o his_o heart_n of_o both_o and_o from_o thence_o as_o solomon_n say_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o his_o life_n that_o law_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o this_o live_n to_o righteousness_n 2_o the_o second_o thing_n here_o be_v the_o design_n or_o intendment_n of_o this_o death_n and_o life_n in_o the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n he_o bare_a sin_n and_o die_v for_o it_o that_o we_o may_v die_v to_o it_o out_o of_o some_o conviction_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n many_o have_v a_o confuse_a desire_n to_o be_v justify_v to_o have_v sin_n pardon_v and_o look_v no_o further_o think_v not_o on_o the_o importance_n and_o necessity_n of_o sanctification_n the_o nature_n whereof_o be_v express_v by_o this_o die_a to_o sin_n and_o live_n to_o righteousness_n but_o here_o we_o see_v that_o sanctification_n be_v necessary_a as_o inseparable_o connex_v with_o justification_n not_o only_o as_o its_o companion_n but_o as_o its_o end_n which_o in_o some_o kind_n raise_v it_o above_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n eye_v and_o intend_v in_o take_v away_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v renew_v and_o sanctify_a if_o we_o compare_v they_o in_o point_n of_o time_n either_o backward_o holiness_n be_v always_o necessary_a unto_o happiness_n but_o satisfy_v for_o sin_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o be_v make_v necessary_a by_o sin_n or_o if_o we_o look_v forward_o the_o estate_n we_o be_v appoint_v to_o and_o for_o which_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o wrath_n be_v a_o estate_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o that_o great_a work_n of_o redemption_n we_o see_v it_o aim_v at_o there_o redeem_a to_o be_v holy_a eph._n 5.25_o 26._o tit._n 2.14_o and_o go_v yet_o high_o to_o the_o very_a spring_n the_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o then_o it_o be_v say_v choose_v before_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o in_o end_n it_o shall_v suit_v the_o design_n nothing_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v defile_v or_o unholy_a nothing_o but_o all_o purity_n there_o not_o a_o spot_n of_o sinful_a pollution_n not_o a_o wrinkle_n of_o the_o old_a man_n for_o this_o end_n be_v that_o great_a work_n undertake_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v frame_v out_o of_o pollute_a mankind_n a_o new_a holy_a generation_n to_o his_o father_n that_o may_v compass_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o life_n of_o glory_n and_o give_v he_o pure_a praise_n and_o behold_v his_o face_n in_o that_o eternity_n now_o for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v needful_a according_a to_o the_o alwise_a purpose_n of_o the_o father_n that_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o sin_n and_o sentence_n of_o death_n shall_v be_v once_o remove_v and_o thus_o the_o burden_n of_o that_o lay_v upon_o christ_n shoulder_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o do_v it_o be_v further_a necessary_a that_o soul_n so_o deliver_v be_v likewise_o purge_v and_o renew_v for_o they_o be_v design_v to_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n in_o end_n and_o it_o must_v begin_v here_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o persuade_v man_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n have_v this_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o purpose_n when_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o those_o his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o save_v that_o he_o will_v redeem_v they_o to_o be_v a_o number_n of_o holy_a person_n we_o will_v be_v redeem_v who_o be_v there_o will_v not_o but_o he_o will_v have_v his_o redeem_a one_o holy_a and_o they_o that_o be_v not_o true_a to_o this_o his_o end_n but_o cross_a and_o oppose_v he_o in_o it_o may_v hear_v of_o redemption_n long_o and_o often_o but_o little_a to_o their_o comfort_n be_v you_o resolve_v still_o to_o abuse_v and_o delude_v yourselves_o well_o whither_o you_o will_v believe_v it_o or_o no_o this_o be_v once_o more_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v unspeakable_a comfort_n in_o the_o death_n of_o chirst_n but_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o alive_a to_o righteousness_n this_o circle_n shuâ—s_v out_o the_o impenitent_a world_n there_o it_o close_v and_o can_v be_v break_v through_o but_o all_o that_o be_v penitent_a be_v by_o their_o effectual_a cal_v lift_v in_o to_o it_o translate_v from_o that_o accurse_a condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o than_o if_o you_o will_v live_v in_o your_o sin_n you_o may_v but_o then_o resolve_v withal_o to_o bear_v they_o yourselves_o for_o christ_n in_o his_o bear_n of_o sin_n mean_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o in_o due_a time_n be_v thus_o dead_a and_o thus_o alive_a with_o he_o 3._o but_o then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n christ_n suffering_n and_o death_n effect_n all_o this_o 1._o as_o the_o exemplary_a cause_n the_o lively_a contemplation_n of_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o most_o powerful_a of_o all_o thought_n to_o separate_v the_o heart_n and_o sin_n but_o 2._o beside_o this_o work_n as_o a_o moral_a cause_n as_o that_o example_n christ_n be_v the_o effective_a natural_a cause_n of_o this_o death_n and_o life_n for_o he_o be_v one_o with_o the_o believer_n and_o there_o be_v a_o real_a influence_n of_o his_o death_n and_o life_n into_o their_o soul_n this_o mysterious_a union_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o believer_n be_v that_o whereon_o both_o their_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n depend_v and_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o apostle_n still_o insist_o on_o it_o speak_v of_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o one_o in_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n crucify_v with_o he_o dead_a with_o he_o bury_v with_o he_o and_o rise_v with_o he_o rom._n 6._o be_v arisen_a he_o apply_v his_o death_n to_o those_o he_o die_v for_o and_o by_o it_o kill_v the_o life_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o so_o be_v avenge_v on_o it_o for_o its_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalm_n raise_v i_o up_o that_o i_o may_v requite_v they_o he_o infuse_v and_o then_o actuate_v and_o stir_v up_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o they_o by_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o these_o work_n powerfu_o in_o this_o 3._o i'faith_o look_n so_o steadfast_o on_o its_o suffer_a saviour_n that_o as_o they_o say_v intellectus_fw-la fit_a illud_fw-la quod_fw-la intelligit_fw-la it_o make_v the_o soul_n like_o he_o assimilate_n and_o conform_v it_o to_o his_o death_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o which_o some_o fable_n of_o some_o of_o their_o saint_n of_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o wound_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o body_n be_v true_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v indeed_o a_o saint_n and_o a_o believer_n it_o take_v the_o very_a print_n of_o his_o death_n by_o behold_v he_o and_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o then_o take_v that_o of_o his_o rise_n again_o and_o life_n to_o righteousness_n as_o it_o apply_v it_o to_o justify_v so_o