through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n so_o here_o he_o say_v it_o be_v give_v at_o first_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o 6._o then_o christ_n be_v save_o know_v and_o so_o save_v grace_n wrought_v when_o the_o heart_n consent_v to_o he_o call_v in_o his_o word_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o way_n to_o it_o they_o may_v quit_v their_o part_n of_o glory_n who_o come_v not_o to_o christ_n to_o be_v make_v virtuous_a or_o gracious_a and_o holy_a for_o he_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n verse_n 4._o whereby_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n both_o the_o mean_n of_o work_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o save_a work_n iâ—_n here_o further_o clear_v the_o mean_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n contain_v such_o worthy_a and_o dear-bought_a blessing_n as_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n take_v away_o the_o stony-heart_n etc._n etc._n the_o fulfil_n of_o which_o promise_v to_o sinner_n by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god_n do_v make_v they_o partaker_n not_o of_o the_o infinite_a essence_n of_o god_n which_o can_v neither_o be_v divide_v nor_o communicate_v to_o any_o creature_n but_o of_o such_o heavenly_a quality_n as_o make_v they_o in_o some_o weak_a measure_n like_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o so_o do_v free_v they_o from_o the_o disposition_n fashion_n and_o estate_n wherein_o unregenerate_a man_n live_v and_o perish_v hence_o learn_v 1._o as_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v beyond_o all_o expression_n great_a and_o precious_a because_o of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a riches_n which_o they_o do_v contain_v and_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o esteem_v and_o commend_v by_o all_o that_o have_v faith_n to_o embrace_v the_o gift_n of_o they_o so_o the_o way_n how_o the_o lord_n work_v save_v grace_n at_o first_o be_v by_o make_v out_o these_o promise_n enable_v the_o guilty_a graceless_a and_o curse_a sinner_n to_o believe_v and_o apply_v the_o pardon_n grace_n and_o blessedness_n free_o offer_v in_o they_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v that_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o god_n these_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v change_v 2._o the_o receive_n of_o these_o promise_n by_o faith_n make_v a_o wonderful_a change_n upon_o sinner_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o sinner_n get_v grace_n to_o believe_v and_o apply_v the_o free_a promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o soon_o do_v the_o lord_n begin_v to_o make_v out_o upon_o his_o heart_n the_o thing_n promise_v so_o stamp_v it_o with_o his_o own_o image_n that_o the_o sinner_n receive_v these_o promise_n begin_v present_o to_o look_v like_o god_n his_o father_n and_o in_o some_o weak_a measure_n to_o resemble_v he_o in_o heavenly_a wisdom_n holiness_n uprightness_n and_o other_o of_o his_o communicable_a property_n especial_o in_o humility_n self-denial_n love_n and_o pity_n towards_o other_o miserable_a sinner_n zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n honour_n and_o such_o other_o perfection_n as_o be_v eminent_a in_o the_o man_n christ_n and_o this_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o change_n kythe_n also_o in_o abhor_v and_o fly_v from_o the_o filthy_a fashion_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o unmortified_a corruption_n of_o these_o that_o be_v yet_o live_v in_o nature_n and_o so_o eschew_v the_o wrath_n and_o ruin_n which_o such_o be_v liable_a to_o both_o which_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o escape_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o be_v here_o make_v the_o effect_n of_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o where_o this_o work_n be_v it_o prove_v a_o right_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o give_v ground_n of_o confidence_n that_o that_o work_n shall_v grow_v the_o study_n of_o the_o growth_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n press_v in_o the_o next_o place_n verse_n 5._o and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n 6._o and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n 7._o and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n to_o the_o end_n that_o this_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n describe_v in_o the_o preface_n may_v thrive_v the_o apostle_n do_v here_o serious_o exhort_v gracious_a 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o grace_n in_o themselves_o but_o to_o give_v more_o than_o ordinary_a diligence_n that_o they_o may_v see_v every_o grace_n draw_v forth_o to_o exercise_n and_o kthe_v in_o fruit_n for_o which_o cause_n he_o reckon_v forth_o a_o number_n of_o these_o grace_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o a_o christian_n growth_n do_v consist_v hence_o learn_v 1._o even_o they_o who_o discern_v in_o themselves_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n and_o know_v the_o privilege_n speak_v of_o before_o to_o be_v they_o be_v not_o now_o to_o sit_v down_o idle_a and_o satisfy_v but_o to_o be_v the_o more_o active_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n and_o holy_a duty_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n beside_o this_o that_o you_o have_v precious_a faith_n and_o promise_n and_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v all_o diligence_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v not_o that_o ordinary_a diligence_n wherewith_o most_o professor_n satisfy_v themselves_o that_o will_v be_v blessed_v to_o make_v a_o thrive_a christian_a but_o such_o as_o go_v through_o all_o mean_n and_o wait_v upon_o all_o opportunity_n of_o profit_v that_o their_o ability_n and_o calling_n will_v permit_v they_o to_o follow_v and_o get_v the_o flower_n of_o a_o christian_n wit_n affection_n and_o time_n which_o be_v here_o call_v all_o diligence_n so_o a_o christian_n end_n in_o be_v thus_o diligent_a must_v not_o be_v his_o own_o credit_n before_o other_o or_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o conscience_n only_o but_o that_o the_o exercise_n and_o fruit_n of_o one_o grace_n may_v be_v still_o add_v to_o another_o and_o so_o christ_n may_v be_v honour_v in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 3._o save_v faith_n which_o gripe_v christ_n for_o pardon_n and_o strength_n and_o daily_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o both_o must_v be_v hold_v fast_o and_o renew_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o all_o that_o will_v thrive_v in_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o be_v fit_a for_o any_o duty_n if_o either_o we_o lose_v the_o grip_n of_o faith_n or_o do_v not_o frequent_o renew_v they_o we_o can_v thrive_v in_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v faith_n here_o make_v the_o first_o stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v add_v add_v to_o your_o faith_n etc._n etc._n 4._o with_o the_o maintain_n and_o renew_v the_o act_n of_o save_a faith_n a_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v must_v so_o mind_v his_o duty_n as_o that_o he_o keep_v himself_o in_o the_o near_a disposition_n for_o it_o for_o no_o less_o be_v signify_v by_o virtue_n than_o the_o work_a habit_n of_o every_o grace_n which_o keep_v a_o christian_a in_o such_o a_o fitness_n for_o do_v or_o suffer_v that_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o they_o either_o of_o they_o be_v lovely_a to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n ready_a for_o they_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v elsewhere_o the_o have_v of_o the_o heart_n at_o the_o right-hand_a eccl._n 10.2_o and_o stand_v with_o the_o loin_n gird_v eph._n 6.14_o and_o here_o be_v call_v add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n 5._o there_o be_v more_o than_o this_o readiness_n of_o disposition_n for_o duty_n requisite_a to_o make_v a_o grow_a christian_a even_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a reason_n to_o time_n and_o manage_v duty_n wise_o that_o as_o the_o heart_n lie_v to_o duty_n there_o may_v be_v skill_n to_o go_v about_o it_o with_o prudence_n and_o circumspection_n as_o the_o word_n knowledge_n here_o signify_v which_o be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o virtue_n 6._o because_o there_o remain_v in_o the_o best_a many_o immoderate_a and_o unruly_a affection_n and_o passion_n which_o as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o exceed_v bound_n even_o about_o lawful_a object_n so_o the_o excess_n of_o they_o do_v darken_v reason_n indispose_v the_o heart_n for_o duty_n mar_v the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o hinder_v all_o the_o former_a three_o therefore_o a_o christian_n that_o will_v grow_v must_v labour_v to_o have_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o he_o such_o a_o command_n over_o his_o passion_n of_o anger_n fear_n grief_n etc._n etc._n and_o over_o his_o affection_n of_o love_n joy_n and_o the_o like_a
work_v any_o good_a motion_n or_o inclination_n in_o a_o sinner_n heart_n that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o for_o sanctification_n which_o comprehend_v all_o gracious_a quality_n be_v here_o call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n 8._o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n have_v both_o obey_v the_o law_n perfect_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v up_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o imperfect_a obedience_n col._n 2.10_o and_o cast_v we_o a_o perfect_a copy_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o conformity_n heb._n 12.2_o and_o likewise_o have_v bear_v all_o that_o wrath_n which_o be_v due_a to_o all_o the_o elect_a for_o their_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n that_o so_o deserve_a wrath_n may_v pass_v over_o all_o his_o redeem_a one_o as_o the_o destroy_a angel_n pass_v by_o those_o who_o door_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n expression_n here_o allude_v for_o both_o these_o which_o be_v common_o call_v christ_n active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n be_v here_o express_v by_o the_o apostle_n while_o he_o say_v elect_a etc._n etc._n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 9_o all_o the_o elect_n will_v certain_o partake_v of_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v by_o his_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o they_o the_o first_o fruit_n whereof_o they_o get_v in_o time_n and_o the_o full_a harvest_n afterward_o none_o of_o they_o can_v fall_v short_a of_o what_o they_o be_v from_o eternity_n destinate_a unto_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o they_o be_v choose_v unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v choose_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o both_o by_o faith_n and_o at_o last_o full_o to_o enjoy_v what_o both_o have_v merit_v for_o they_o 10._o although_o christ_n fulfil_v of_o the_o law_n and_o suffer_v for_o our_o breach_n thereof_o which_o be_v here_o call_v his_o obedience_n and_o the_o sprinkle_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v in_o order_n first_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o justification_n before_o our_o sanctification_n rom._n 8.30_o yet_o our_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n be_v not_o have_v till_o after_o our_o sanctification_n see_v joh._n 14.21_o for_o to_o be_v elect_a through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v from_o eternity_n choose_v to_o come_v by_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o full_a participation_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v purchase_v by_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n to_o wit_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o and_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n hereafter_o both_o which_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n to_o which_o we_o be_v elect_v elect_v unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v 11._o when_o we_o consider_v that_o great_a work_n which_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o lose_a sinner_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n as_o concur_v therein_o that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v the_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o work_n which_o have_v such_o agent_n and_o may_v have_v our_o heart_n raise_v to_o give_v equal_a glory_n to_o all_o the_o person_n for_o though_o our_o election_n redemption_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n be_v each_o of_o they_o the_o work_n of_o the_o whole_a deity_n and_o none_o of_o the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o any_o of_o these_o yet_o the_o scripture_n allow_v we_o to_o have_v such_o thought_n anent_o the_o order_n of_o the_o person_n in_o work_v as_o we_o may_v have_v anent_o the_o order_n of_o their_o subsistence_n for_o here_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o the_o father_n out_o of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n elect_v sinner_n to_o grace_n and_o glory_n the_o son_n by_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n purchase_v the_o same_o for_o they_o and_o the_o spirit_n by_o his_o virtue_n and_o power_n work_v grace_n in_o they_o and_o so_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o blessedness_n which_o the_o father_n have_v appoint_v and_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o elect_v according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o obedience_n and_o sprinkle_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o salutation_n learn_v 1._o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n while_o they_o be_v deal_v with_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v labour_v for_o enlarge_a desire_n after_o their_o welfare_n so_o will_v they_o be_v the_o more_o serious_a and_o affectionate_a in_o deal_v with_o they_o their_o pain_n will_v be_v the_o more_o sweet_a to_o themselves_o and_o the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o and_o successful_a with_o the_o people_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_o begin_v their_o epistle_n with_o such_o ample_a expression_n of_o their_o desire_n after_o the_o good_a of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o write_v as_o this_o apostle_n do_v here_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o 2._o no_o less_o than_o a_o continual_a increase_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o all_o save_a grace_n together_o with_o true_a quietness_n of_o spirit_n and_o every_o blessing_n of_o god_n necessary_a for_o the_o same_o be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n to_o his_o redeem_a and_o sanctify_a one_o whatever_o measure_n of_o this_o allowance_n any_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v there_o be_v still_o more_o of_o it_o to_o be_v have_v and_o still_o more_o of_o it_o will_v be_v give_v unto_o they_o except_o their_o unbelief_n and_o other_o sin_n obstruct_v the_o outletting_n thereof_o for_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o the_o apostle_n wish_v unto_o they_o and_o pronounce_v upon_o they_o in_o this_o salâ—â—ation_n grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o 3._o it_o be_v only_o those_o who_o be_v flee_v to_o christ_n merit_n and_o be_v begin_v to_o be_v change_v by_o his_o spirit_n who_o can_v expect_v this_o comfortable_a allowance_n to_o be_v let_v forth_o to_o they_o and_o those_o only_a christ_n minister_n may_v in_o his_o name_n certify_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v only_o those_o who_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n to_o who_o this_o be_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o favourable_a wish_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o a_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n pass_v in_o their_o favour_n that_o grace_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v multiply_v unto_o they_o verse_n 3._o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a here_o the_o apostle_n enter_v upon_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n wherein_o he_o set_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o state_n of_o believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n comfort_v they_o under_o their_o suffering_n and_o enforce_v upon_o they_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v his_o principal_a scope_n in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n and_o this_o part_n he_o begin_v with_o a_o song_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n which_o all_o believer_n shall_v follow_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o song_n contain_v their_o privilege_n whereof_o every_o one_o do_v prove_v their_o state_n to_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v constant_a sufferer_n and_o holy_a walker_n the_o first_o reason_n be_v that_o they_o have_v a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n and_o nature_n communicate_v to_o they_o in_o their_o regeneration_n whereby_o they_o be_v now_o make_v child_n of_o god_n and_o this_o privilege_n be_v describe_v and_o commend_v 1._o from_o the_o author_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o such_o a_o son_n as_o christ_n who_o have_v make_v we_o his_o child_n 2._o from_o the_o impulsive_a cause_n move_v he_o so_o to_o do_v to_o wit_n nothing_o in_o we_o but_o mercy_n in_o he_o which_o be_v commend_v from_o the_o plenty_n or_o abundance_n of_o it_o 3._o this_o privilege_n of_o regeneration_n be_v commend_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o that_o thereby_o the_o regenerate_v be_v make_v to_o hope_v for_o those_o excellent_a thing_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n the_o nature_n of_o which_o hope_n be_v clear_v 1._o from_o the_o property_n or_o effect_v of_o it_o it_o be_v lively_a quicken_a the_o soul_n that_o have_v it_o and_o 2._o from_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o its_o liveliness_n to_o wit_n that_o our_o cautioner_n who_o die_v in_o our_o room_n be_v rise_v to_o apply_v his_o purchase_n and_o to_o possess_v we_o
to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n both_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n ezek._n 36.25_o yet_o his_o people_n who_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o the_o first_o infusion_n of_o grace_n eph._n 2.1_o be_v thereafter_o make_v by_o he_o active_a instrument_n in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o that_o work_n of_o mortification_n by_o employ_v christ_n virtue_n for_o subdue_a and_o fight_v in_o his_o strength_n against_o their_o corruption_n as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o you_o have_v purify_v your_o soul_n 4._o the_o lord_n mean_v of_o purge_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n from_o the_o love_n and_o power_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v natural_o in_o they_o be_v their_o obedience_n to_o his_o truth_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o their_o aim_v at_o conformity_n to_o those_o precept_n which_o enjoin_v purity_n and_o holiness_n such_o as_o that_o be_v ver_fw-la 15._o but_o principal_o in_o their_o embrace_n by_o faith_n and_o usemaking_a of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n wherein_o the_o lord_n undertake_v to_o work_v this_o purity_n ezek._n 36.25_o 26_o 27._o this_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o that_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o purify_v soul_n for_o say_v the_o apostle_n you_o have_v purify_v your_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n 5._o this_o obedience_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o purify_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n can_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a strength_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o fit_a mean_n of_o grace_n without_o the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n who_o clear_v to_o sinner_n the_o nature_n of_o that_o purity_n which_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o powerful_o work_v the_o same_o in_o they_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v of_o those_o believer_n that_o they_o have_v purify_v their_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n 6._o one_o special_a part_n of_o this_o work_n of_o purge_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n consist_v in_o the_o subdue_a of_o those_o filthy_a root_n which_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n contrary_a to_o that_o grace_n of_o love_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n such_o as_o pride_n self-love_n and_o the_o like_a for_o this_o be_v here_o make_v their_o aim_n in_o purify_n their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v attain_v unto_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n import_v that_o their_o pain_n be_v much_o bend_v to_o purge_v out_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o grace_n 7._o believer_n have_v need_v to_o be_v serious_o press_v to_o exercise_v and_o grow_v in_o these_o grace_n and_o duty_n whereof_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o some_o approven_v measure_n for_o upon_o those_o who_o have_v already_o purify_v their_o soul_n unto_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n press_v this_o see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o 8._o it_o be_v not_o every_o sort_n of_o love_n to_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n that_o evidence_v mortification_n and_o the_o indwel_n of_o christ_n spirit_n but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v without_o dissimulation_n or_o hypocrisy_n which_o be_v unfeigned_a love_n such_o as_o flow_v from_o holy_a principle_n to_o wit_n respect_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o from_o respect_n to_o our_o own_o credit_n or_o advantage_n only_o from_o desire_n of_o the_o true_a good_a of_o other_o and_o not_o from_o love_n to_o ourselves_o which_o be_v love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o such_o as_o break_v forth_o in_o real_a proof_n and_o be_v continue_v towards_o other_o notwithstanding_o of_o provocation_n from_o they_o which_o be_v to_o love_v one_o another_o fervent_o 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 eleven_o motive_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n press_v upon_o believer_n the_o study_n of_o holiness_n especial_o that_o branch_n of_o it_o which_o he_o be_v last_o upon_o to_o wit_n love_n to_o the_o saint_n be_v take_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a original_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o since_o they_o have_v a_o new_a life_n and_o nature_n in_o their_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o they_o not_o by_o so_o fade_v a_o cause_n of_o principle_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o produce_v their_o natural_a substance_n but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o effect_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o regenerate_v live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o therefore_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o new_a nature_n and_o permanency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n shall_v move_v they_o to_o walk_v suitable_o unto_o it_o and_o particular_o to_o live_v in_o love_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o father_n child_n hence_o learn_v 1._o every_o true_a believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o a_o new_a and_o second_o birth_n which_o be_v that_o work_n of_o god_n with_o sinner_n whereby_o there_o be_v a_o new_a spiritual_a life_n and_o nature_n communicate_v to_o they_o eph._n 2.1_o and_o they_o be_v bring_v through_o some_o pang_n and_o strait_n arise_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o fear_v of_o deserve_a wrath_n act._n 2.37_o out_o of_o their_o darkness_n and_o bondage_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o child_n before_o the_o birth_n into_o a_o state_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o and_o freedom_n from_o the_o slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o subjection_n to_o wrath_n rom._n 8.2_o and_o whereby_o also_o they_o be_v make_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o resemble_v their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o be_v incline_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o and_o all_o his_o child_n 1_o joh._n 5.1_o for_o this_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o description_n of_o true_a believer_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v again_o 2._o our_o life_n and_o nature_n that_o we_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o second_o birth_n or_o regeneration_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o what_o we_o have_v by_o the_o first_o our_o natural_a estate_n be_v subject_a to_o corruption_n and_o will_v be_v short_o dissolve_v but_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n can_v never_o fade_v for_o though_o all_o have_v immortal_a soul_n that_o be_v not_o corruptible_a yet_o the_o natural_a life_n and_o state_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o eternal_a be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o regeneration_n and_o a_o second_o birth_n will_v be_v but_o a_o eternal_a corruption_n or_o perish_v which_o shall_v make_v all_o long_a to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o regeneration_n for_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o esteem_v the_o one_o above_o the_o other_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o one_o above_o the_o other_o from_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o seed_n not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a 3._o although_o the_o word_n separate_v from_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n can_v do_v nothing_o to_o the_o regenerate_v of_o a_o sinner_n joh._n 3.5_o yet_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o in_o that_o work_n of_o the_o law_n to_o put_v the_o sinner_n in_o some_o strait_n of_o the_o second_o birth_n through_o fear_n of_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n to_o revive_v the_o soul_n and_o liberate_v it_o from_o those_o fear_n and_o of_o the_o law_n again_o to_o direct_v the_o regenerate_v how_o to_o walk_v suitable_o to_o their_o estate_n for_o the_o apostle_n explain_v what_o that_o incorruptible_a seed_n be_v of_o which_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n 4._o although_o there_o be_v no_o life_n either_o formal_o or_o by_o way_n of_o efficiency_n in_o the_o letter_n or_o sound_v of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o that_o word_n pass_v with_o the_o speak_n as_o any_o other_o word_n do_v yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o effect_n which_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o have_v upon_o sinner_n such_o as_o fear_v and_o terror_n upon_o the_o believe_a of_o the_o threaten_n act._n 2.37_o comfort_n under_o cross_n and_o quicken_a for_o duty_n upon_o the_o believe_a of_o the_o promise_n psal_n 119.50_o it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v it_o a_o word_n that_o live_v and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o eternal_a wrath_n upon_o they_o that_o reject_v it_o and_o of_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o everlasting_a blessing_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o it_o to_o they_o that_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o it_o be_v a_o word_n that_o abide_v for_o ever_o 5._o they_o who_o do_v profess_v and_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v again_o shall_v by_o
they_o be_v here_o press_v as_o a_o mean_a towards_o the_o duty_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o malice_n etc._n etc._n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_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 apostle_n have_v dissuade_v from_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o right_a receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v here_o in_o the_o next_o place_n exhort_v the_o regenerate_v to_o labour_n for_o such_o a_o sharp_a edge_n upon_o their_o appetite_n after_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o be_v beget_v and_o must_v be_v nourish_v as_o lively_a infant_n have_v after_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o mother_n breast_n and_o this_o exhortation_n the_o apostle_n bear_v in_o by_o three_o motive_n in_o this_o verse_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o that_o those_o truth_n be_v the_o sincere_a milk_n that_o be_v most_o pure_a truth_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o falsehood_n or_o error_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o spiritual_a reason_n and_o so_o suit_v to_o the_o sanctify_a understanding_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v that_o rational_a milk_n 3._o that_o the_o greedy_a in_o drink_v of_o they_o will_v prove_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o spiritual_a growth_n and_o progress_n in_o grace_n and_o comfort_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o the_o true_o regenerate_v what_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o breast_n be_v to_o the_o young_a infant_n those_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a and_o fit_v for_o the_o cherish_n and_o entertain_v of_o their_o spiritual_a life_n no_o less_o refresh_n and_o strengthen_v through_o god_n blessing_n to_o they_o than_o this_o be_v to_o the_o new_a bear_v babe_n for_o however_o the_o first_o principle_n or_o ground_n of_o religion_n which_o use_v to_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o a_o catechise_v be_v for_o their_o plainness_n and_o fitness_n for_o the_o weak_a call_v milk_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o more_o profound_a truth_n which_o have_v the_o name_n of_o strong_a meat_n heb._n 5.13_o 14._o yet_o for_o the_o cause_n former_o mention_v the_o whole_a word_n be_v here_o call_v milk_n to_o be_v much_o thirsted-aft_a by_o all_o the_o regenerate_v as_o new_a bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o desire_n of_o a_o true_o regenerate_v person_n after_o the_o word_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n resemble_v that_o desire_n after_o the_o breast_n which_o be_v in_o new_a bear_v babe_n for_o as_o the_o best_a thing_n on_o earth_n beside_o the_o breast_n can_v be_v satisfactory_a to_o a_o lively_a infant_n as_o it_o be_v most_o grieve_a for_o the_o want_n thereof_o most_o unwilling_a to_o shed_v with_o it_o and_o most_o delight_a to_o have_v it_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o regenerate_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o word_n as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o exhortation_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o this_o desire_n of_o the_o regenerate_v after_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o every_o one_o of_o these_o have_a influence_n upon_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o discover_v and_o threaten_a part_n of_o it_o serve_v they_o as_o a_o glass_n wherein_o to_o see_v their_o defect_n and_o spot_n rom._n 3.20_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v chase_v to_o christ_n rom._n 10.4_o the_o promise_n thereof_o be_v the_o channel_n through_o which_o life_n strength_n and_o transform_a virtue_n to_o make_v they_o resemble_v their_o lord_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o and_o the_o precept_n and_o direction_n thereof_o serve_v as_o a_o lamp_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o christian_n course_n psal_n 119.105_o for_o here_o the_o word_n indefinite_o without_o restriction_n to_o one_o part_n of_o it_o more_o than_o another_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n hold_v forth_o as_o the_o object_n of_o this_o desire_n of_o the_o regenerate_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 4._o this_o desire_n of_o the_o word_n former_o describe_v be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o regeneration_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n no_o soon_o be_v a_o sinner_n bear_v again_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v with_o the_o word_n but_o as_o soon_o be_v there_o a_o kindly_a appetite_n after_o the_o word_n wrought_v in_o the_o sinner_n heart_n even_o as_o the_o infant_n present_o after_o the_o birth_n do_v evidence_n some_o inclination_n and_o desire_n after_o the_o breast_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v assert_v their_o new_a birth_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 23._o do_v here_o put_v they_o to_o evidence_n it_o as_o new_a bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n 5._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o deceive_v any_o that_o get_v grace_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o faith_n and_o walk_v by_o it_o there_o be_v no_o mixture_n of_o error_n with_o the_o truth_n therein_o deliver_v or_o of_o falsehood_n either_o in_o the_o promise_n threaten_n or_o prediction_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o minister_n in_o handle_v of_o it_o shall_v keep_v it_o free_a of_o the_o mixture_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o passion_n and_o people_n shall_v love_v it_o and_o rest_n upon_o it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n or_o as_o the_o original_a be_v the_o word_n without_o guile_n or_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o deceive_v 6._o although_o natural_a reason_n of_o itself_o except_o it_o be_v elevate_v above_o itself_o and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o lord_n can_v comprehend_v the_o truth_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o reasonable_a 1_o cor._n 1.18_o 23._o and_o 2.14_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v most_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o can_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v such_o by_o all_o that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o sanctify_a reason_n when_o they_o consider_v what_o subjection_n and_o credit_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o of_o who_o we_o have_v our_o be_v when_o they_o compare_v his_o precept_n and_o command_n with_o his_o promise_n of_o furniture_n for_o obedience_n and_o of_o a_o gracious_a reward_n thereof_o and_o when_o they_o consider_v how_o justice_n and_o mercy_n be_v agree_v righteousness_n and_o peace_n do_v kiss_v each_o other_o in_o that_o way_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v devise_v through_o christ_n incarnate_a and_o that_o neither_o these_o truth_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o pure_a natural_a reason_n though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o it_o for_o this_o text_n may_v be_v translate_v as_o the_o like_a word_n be_v rom._n 12._o 1._o desire_v that_o rational_a and_o sincere_a milk_n 7._o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o far_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n grace_n or_o holiness_n as_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o measure_n but_o aught_o still_o to_o aspire_v towards_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o growth_n both_o downward_o in_o humility_n 2_o sam._n 6.22_o and_o stability_n col._n 2.7_o and_o abroad_o in_o publick-mindedness_a kthe_v itself_o in_o real_a endeavour_n after_o the_o salvation_n and_o comfort_n of_o other_o hos_fw-la 14.5_o 6_o 7._o and_o upward_o in_o joy_n and_o praise_n psal_n 71.14_o for_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v already_o far_o advance_v in_o grace_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o be_v growth_n here_o press_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v 8._o according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o desire_n after_o and_o greedy_a indrinking_a of_o the_o word_n by_o application_n and_o use_n make_v thereof_o so_o will_v be_v our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n they_o can_v but_o be_v under_o a_o great_a decay_n in_o both_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o appetite_n after_o the_o gospel_n for_o this_o desire_n after_o the_o word_n be_v here_o press_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o mean_a of_o growth_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 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 the_o four_o motive_n to_o sharpen_v their_o appetite_n after_o the_o word_n be_v that_o if_o they_o do_v greedy_o drink_v it_o in_o that_o they_o may_v grow_v by_o it_o their_z so_o do_v shall_v prove_v to_o they_o the_o reality_n of_o any_o experience_n they_o seem_v unto_o themselves_o to_o have_v of_o the_o graciousness_n or_o sweetness_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o they_o of_o which_o whosoever_o get_v a_o taste_n they_o can_v but_o thirst_v earnest_o after_o more_o of_o it_o through_o the_o word_n and_o they_o who_o do_v
be_v all_o of_o they_o federal_o holy_a and_o some_o of_o they_o endue_v with_o true_a sanctification_n and_o so_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n four_o that_o all_o of_o they_o who_o do_v external_o subject_v themselves_o to_o christ_n be_v own_v by_o he_o as_o his_o propriety_n and_o prime_a interest_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o true_a believer_n among_o they_o as_o his_o elect_a and_o redeem_a one_o and_o so_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o all_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v in_o their_o practice_n commend_v and_o express_v his_o property_n to_o his_o praise_n who_o have_v call_v all_o of_o they_o external_o and_o some_o of_o they_o effectual_o out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n to_o a_o state_n of_o favour_n and_o happiness_n which_o purpose_n contain_v two_o further_a argument_n to_o press_v a_o hearty_a receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o daily_o usemaking_a of_o christ_n offer_v in_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o spiritual_a growth_n the_o one_o take_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o present_a estate_n in_o the_o several_a forementioned_a particular_n the_o other_o from_o that_o wonderful_a change_n which_o god_n have_v make_v upon_o they_o from_o so_o woeful_a to_o so_o bless_a a_o condition_n hence_o learn_v 1._o it_o be_v very_o safe_a and_o suitable_a to_o scripture-language_n to_o give_v unto_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n and_o all_o the_o professor_n within_o the_o same_o these_o style_n and_o compellation_n which_o do_v only_o agree_v in_o their_o full_a and_o best_a signification_n to_o true_a believer_n suppose_v the_o most_o part_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n void_a of_o save_a grace_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o lord_n and_o she_o and_o all_o her_o member_n deut._n 26.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o 29.10_o etc._n etc._n all_o professor_n may_v in_o some_o sense_n have_v all_o the_o style_n that_o be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o other_o like_v they_o for_o though_o these_o style_n be_v most_o true_o verify_v in_o believer_n yet_o do_v the_o lord_n of_o old_a give_v they_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v they_o indefinite_o to_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v professor_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o he_o write_v though_o with_o a_o special_a eye_n to_o those_o who_o be_v true_a believer_n among_o they_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o so_o excellent_a be_v that_o state_n whereunto_o sinner_n be_v advance_v by_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o sharp_a sight_v in_o the_o world_n the_o long_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o will_v still_o see_v more_o and_o more_o of_o the_o excellency_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o the_o discovery_n whereof_o to_o the_o lord_n people_n especial_o while_o they_o be_v under_o affliction_n shall_v much_o take_v up_o the_o heart_n and_o pain_n of_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v his_o people_n prime_a comfort_n under_o all_o their_o cross_n and_o their_o chief_a motive_n to_o all_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o be_v in_o so_o excellent_a a_o spiritual_a state_n for_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v large_o describe_v it_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o speak_v much_o of_o it_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o he_o come_v yet_o again_o upon_o the_o branch_a out_o of_o it_o here_o but_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o style_v do_v most_o true_o agree_v to_o true_a believer_n 3._o they_o who_o do_v by_o faith_n choose_v jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o portion_n who_o entertain_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o high_a esteem_n of_o he_o and_o do_v make_v use_n of_o he_o daily_o for_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n they_o have_v the_o character_n and_o mark_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v from_o eternity_n elect_v of_o god_n and_o in_o time_n effectual_o call_v there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinary_a way_n to_o evidence_n the_o latter_a to_o we_o but_o by_o the_o former_a 2_o pet._n 1.10_o for_o of_o election_n and_o effectual_a call_n in_o reference_n to_o true_a believer_n may_v this_o be_v understand_v which_o here_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o say_v before_o that_o christ_n be_v precious_a but_o you_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n 4._o as_o that_o dignity_n whereunto_o sinner_n be_v advance_v by_o fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n do_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n resemble_v that_o of_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n as_o be_v clear_v in_o the_o ten_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o five_o verse_n so_o be_v they_o also_o thereby_o bring_v unto_o a_o kingly_a dignity_n and_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o only_o be_v true_o royal_a have_v a_o new_a nature_n in_o some_o measure_n resemble_v the_o divine_a 2_o pet._n 1.4_o be_v coheir_n with_o jesus_n christ_n rom._n 8.17_o of_o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v heb._n 12.28_o and_o more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n rom._n 8.37_o in_o all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a respect_n they_o be_v a_o royal_a priesthood_n 5._o our_o union_n with_o jesus_n do_v not_o only_o oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v a_o distance_n from_o the_o disposition_n and_o profane_a fashion_n of_o the_o man_n who_o portion_n be_v in_o this_o earth_n and_o to_o consecrate_v ourselves_o whole_o for_o the_o lord_n use_v in_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n but_o likewise_o it_o do_v real_o make_v believer_n a_o holy_a people_n in_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v daily_o make_v use_n of_o by_o faith_n their_o heart_n be_v purge_v from_o the_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n act._n 15.9_o and_o they_o be_v make_v to_o exercise_v other_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o holiness_n wherein_o he_o be_v honour_v gal._n 5.6_o for_o this_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o commendation_n of_o their_o excellent_a state_n include_v both_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o privilege_n they_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n 6._o as_o all_o the_o people_n on_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o under_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n act._n 17.26_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v his_o in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a way_n than_o other_o amos_n 3.2_o so_o believer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o a_o most_o special_a way_n his_o propriety_n and_o peculiar_a interest_n who_o he_o have_v purchase_v to_o himself_o at_o a_o dear_a rate_n act._n 20_o 28._o and_o make_v new_a again_o by_o a_o second_o creation_n eph._n 2.10_o in_o who_o he_o do_v delight_n zeph._n 3.17_o and_o who_o also_o he_o will_v maintain_v and_o never_o forsake_v psal_n 94.14_o for_o this_o be_v the_o four_o branch_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o people_n which_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n agree_v to_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o professor_n and_o most_o true_o to_o true_a believer_n that_o they_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n 7._o that_o which_o be_v the_o lord_n end_n in_o bestow_v all_o these_o privilege_n upon_o believer_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v make_v the_o great_a end_n and_o business_n of_o their_o life_n be_v that_o they_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o number_v out_o as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n isa_n 43_o 21._o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o translate_v do_v signify_v to_o the_o lord_n himself_o his_o blessed_a perfection_n or_o virtue_n as_o the_o word_n here_o render_v praise_n be_v in_o the_o original_n or_o rather_o by_o their_o prudent_a and_o seasonable_a commend_v to_o other_o his_o property_n such_o as_o his_o wisdom_n power_n terror_n sweetness_n faithfulness_n manifest_v in_o his_o deal_n psal_n 145.4_o etc._n etc._n 10_o etc._n etc._n that_o so_o other_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o praise_v he_o but_o especial_o by_o their_o express_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o their_o practice_n some_o resemblance_n of_o his_o property_n to_o his_o praise_n philip._n 2.15_o 16._o by_o their_o prudent_a and_o wise_a carriage_n declare_v to_o onlooker_n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a by_o who_o counsel_n they_o be_v guide_v by_o their_o hazard_n upon_o affliction_n rather_o than_o sin_n demonstrate_v his_o terror_n to_o be_v above_o the_o terror_n of_o flesh_n and_o by_o their_o patience_n and_o cheerfulness_n under_o cross_n and_o trial_n proclaim_v to_o discern_a beholder_n that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a that_o sustain_v they_o and_o his_o consolation_n sweet_a that_o do_v refresh_v their_o heart_n under_o such_o affliction_n and_o make_v up_o the_o bitterness_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v here_o set_v down_o as_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o forementioned_a privilege_n and_o the_o compend_v of_o believer_n duty_n that_o they_o shall_v show_v
so_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n to_o sin_n may_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n 11._o as_o every_o man_n in_o his_o natural_a state_n before_o the_o application_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n blood_n to_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o no_o less_o dangerous_a and_o deadly_a a_o condition_n than_o a_o man_n that_o be_v wound_v and_o bleed_a to_o death_n luke_n 10.30_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o such_o have_v any_o spiritual_a life_n at_o all_o but_o that_o while_o they_o live_v natural_o they_o be_v altogether_o dead_a spiritual_o and_o post_v towards_o eternal_a death_n as_o a_o man_n bleed_v in_o his_o wound_n be_v to_o his_o natural_a death_n so_o it_o be_v only_o the_o virtue_n purchase_v by_o christ_n suffering_n that_o bring_v true_a health_n to_o sinner_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o pardon_v of_o their_o sin_n isa_n 33.24_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o spiritual_a distemper_n psal_n 103.3_o and_o enable_v they_o like_o healthy_a man_n to_o go_v about_o spiritual_a performance_n isa_n 35.6_o for_o it_o be_v here_o suppon_v that_o sinner_n be_v natural_o in_o a_o deadly_a condition_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o health_n for_o they_o but_o from_o christ_n suffering_n by_o who_o stripe_n you_o be_v heal_v 12._o although_o we_o ought_v to_o conceive_v nothing_o of_o christ_n body_n now_o glorify_v that_o may_v any_o way_n in_o our_o apprehension_n stain_v the_o incomprehensible_a glory_n and_o beauty_n thereof_o philip._n 3.11_o yet_o so_o deep_o be_v the_o wound_n that_o christ_n receive_v from_o the_o father_n justice_n that_o we_o may_v safe_o conceive_v the_o impression_n of_o they_o to_o be_v no_o less_o build_n in_o his_o heart_n for_o the_o entertain_n of_o sympathy_n with_o his_o redeem_a one_o who_o be_v wound_v in_o their_o conscience_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n or_o in_o their_o body_n by_o stripe_n from_o man_n for_o their_o faithfulness_n to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o have_v yet_o in_o his_o body_n the_o print_n of_o those_o wound_n to_o move_v his_o sympathy_n towards_o they_o for_o the_o word_n here_o signify_v the_o bide_a print_n or_o scar_n of_o a_o wound_n after_o it_o be_v heal_v by_o who_o stripe_n you_o be_v heal_v 13._o none_o can_v with_o patience_n and_o cheerfulness_n suffer_v wrong_n for_o christ_n but_o they_o that_o do_v by_o faith_n apply_v the_o virtue_n of_o his_o suffering_n for_o they_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o pardon_v and_o subdue_a of_o sin_n quicken_a of_o their_o heart_n in_o holiness_n and_o heal_v of_o their_o spiritual_a distemper_n which_o effect_n of_o his_o death_n be_v so_o sweet_a to_o they_o that_o partake_v of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v but_o cheerful_o endure_v the_o worst_a that_o man_n can_v do_v against_o they_o rather_o than_o do_v the_o least_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v offensive_a to_o he_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 that_o we_o be_v dead_a unto_o sin_n may_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n by_o who_o stripe_n you_o be_v heal_v all_o which_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o as_o so_o many_o motive_n to_o constancy_n in_o well-doing_n notwithstanding_o of_o hard_a suffering_n verse_n 25._o for_o you_o be_v as_o sheep_n go_v astray_o but_o be_v now_o return_v unto_o the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o last_o argument_n to_o press_v upon_o believer_n patient_a suffering_n of_o wrong_n for_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v take_v from_o that_o bless_a change_n which_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n be_v make_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n set_v forth_o in_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o contain_v the_o woeful_a case_n they_o be_v in_o before_o conversion_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o be_v then_o wander_v in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o sinful_a way_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n like_o stray_a sheep_n the_o other_o hold_v forth_o the_o bless_a state_n they_o be_v now_o bring_v to_o to_o wit_n that_o by_o the_o powerful_a grace_n of_o christ_n put_v forth_o in_o their_o conversion_n they_o be_v bring_v back_o to_o he_o the_o good_a shepherd_n and_o overseer_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o follow_v he_o and_o their_o duty_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o hardship_n they_o can_v meet_v with_o in_o that_o way_n hence_o learn_v 1._o before_o conversion_n the_o elect_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v wander_v towards_o their_o own_o destruction_n unable_a to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o the_o right_a way_n and_o in_o hazard_n to_o be_v prey_v upon_o by_o the_o roar_a lion_n which_o condition_n be_v fit_o set_v out_o by_o this_o similitude_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_v of_o from_o isa_n 53.6_o you_o be_v as_o sheep_n go_v astray_o 2._o true_a conversion_n be_v that_o change_n which_o christ_n work_v upon_o sinner_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v not_o only_o to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o their_o former_a sinful_a course_n but_o also_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n seek_v to_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n and_o fellowship_n submit_v to_o he_o as_o their_o ruler_n and_o guide_n and_o resign_v themselves_o to_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n here_o describe_v it_o you_o be_v as_o sheep_n go_v astray_o but_o be_v now_o return_v to_o the_o shepherd_n 3._o this_o bless_a change_n which_o be_v make_v upon_o sinner_n in_o conversion_n be_v that_o which_o do_v evidence_n to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o heal_a virtue_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o wound_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o redeem_a one_o none_o else_o can_v esteem_v themselves_o heal_v by_o his_o stripe_n but_o those_o that_o find_v themselves_o bring_v back_o from_o their_o former_a sinful_a course_n and_o make_v to_o follow_v he_o as_o their_o leader_n for_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v by_o his_o stripe_n you_o be_v heal_v he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o evidence_n thereof_o for_o you_o be_v as_o sheep_n go_v astray_o but_o be_v now_o return_v to_o the_o shepherd_n 4._o those_o who_o christ_n powerful_a grace_n have_v thus_o turn_v towards_o he_o shall_v find_v he_o prove_v himself_o to_o they_o a_o good_a and_o faithful_a shepherd_n and_o ruler_n as_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o wander_n not_o only_o before_o their_o conversion_n luke_n 15.4_o but_o likewise_o after_o it_o psal_n 119.176_o provide_v plenty_n of_o wholesome_a food_n for_o they_o as_o his_o flock_n psal_n 23.1_o etc._n etc._n tender_o lead_v and_o bear_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n in_o their_o sick_a and_o weak_a condition_n isa_n 40.6_o and_o so_o protect_a and_o defend_v they_o that_o none_o can_v pluck_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n joh._n 10.28_o for_o he_o to_o who_o they_o be_v return_v be_v the_o shepherd_n of_o their_o soul_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o any_o one_o relation_n among_o the_o creature_n that_o can_v sufficient_o set_v out_o what_o jesus_n christ_n will_v prove_v himself_o to_o be_v unto_o true_a convert_v all_o the_o usefulness_n and_o sweetness_n which_o be_v but_o scatter_v among_o all_o the_o relation_n which_o one_o creature_n have_v to_o another_o be_v but_o shadow_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v true_o turn_v to_o he_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v return_v to_o he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o their_o shepherd_n but_o their_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n who_o foresee_v and_o guard_v they_o against_o hazard_n so_o far_o as_o be_v fit_v and_o furnish_v they_o with_o all_o necessary_a provision_n in_o his_o service_n and_o so_o prove_v himself_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n of_o their_o soul_n 6._o as_o the_o believer_n outward_a man_n and_o the_o least_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v the_o same_o be_v care_v for_o and_o respect_v by_o jesus_n christ_n mat._n 10.30_o so_o he_o love_v to_o commend_v his_o respect_n and_o oversight_n to_o they_o main_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v their_o better_a part_n the_o welfare_n whereof_o necessary_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n and_o their_o soul_n be_v beyond_o peril_n that_o may_v make_v they_o cheerful_o adventure_v upon_o bodily_a hazard_n in_o follow_v he_o who_o be_v the_o shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o their_o soul_n 7_o that_o which_o engage_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n to_o love_n jesus_n christ_n and_o out_o of_o love_n to_o he_o to_o follow_v their_o duty_n through_o hard_a suffering_n be_v the_o frequent_o renew_a sense_n of_o their_o woeful_a condition_n wherein_o sometime_o they_o be_v and_o of_o the_o blessedness_n and_o privilege_n of_o that_o state_n whereunto_o his_o grace_n have_v bring_v they_o for_o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v represent_v this_o change_n to_o they_o ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o as_o
they_o many_o encouragement_n against_o suffer_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v the_o two_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o be_v that_o believer_n shall_v renounce_v the_o slavery_n of_o their_o sin_n first_o because_o they_o be_v esteem_v judicial_o to_o have_v suffer_v for_o sin_n in_o their_o cautioner_n christ_n ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o second_o because_o they_o have_v already_o follow_v too_o long_o the_o filthy_a fashion_n of_o the_o profane_a ver_fw-la 3._o three_o because_o those_o who_o do_v wonder_n at_o and_o slander_v they_o for_o change_v their_o course_n and_o company_n behove_v to_o give_v a_o sad_a account_n thereof_o to_o their_o judge_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o four_o because_o censure_v and_o opposition_n from_o the_o profane_a have_v be_v the_o lot_n of_o the_o saint_n depart_v ver_fw-la 6._o and_o five_o because_o time_n be_v now_o near_o a_o end_n therefore_o they_o shall_v keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o pray_a disposition_n ver_fw-la 7._o make_v conscience_n of_o love_n ver_fw-la 8._o and_o of_o hospitality_n towards_o the_o saint_n ver_fw-la 9_o and_o employ_v their_o talent_n and_o gift_n in_o their_o several_a place_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n ver_fw-la 10_o 11._o the_o sum_n of_o the_o second_o part_n be_v that_o hard_a suffering_n shall_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o believer_n consider_v first_o that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o try_v their_o grace_n ver_fw-la 12._o second_o that_o by_o they_o they_o be_v make_v conform_a to_o their_o master_n and_o three_o shall_v share_v of_o his_o glory_n ver_fw-la 13._o four_o that_o even_o reproach_n for_o faithfulness_n to_o christ_n shall_v prove_v they_o happy_a five_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o they_o six_o that_o he_o do_v resent_v their_o wrong_n as_o do_v against_o himself_o seven_o that_o he_o do_v esteem_v himself_o glorify_v by_o their_o suffering_n ver_fw-la 14._o provide_v they_o do_v not_o procure_v these_o suffering_n by_o their_o miscarriage_n ver_fw-la 15._o but_o endure_v they_o with_o courage_n and_o chearfulnesse_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n ver_fw-la 16._o eight_o that_o god_n appoint_a time_n be_v now_o come_v for_o purge_v of_o his_o church_n by_o such_o hot_a persecution_n that_o even_o the_o godly_a can_v not_o come_v to_o heaven_n but_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o last_o that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o ungodly_a persecutor_n behove_v to_o be_v unspeakable_o terrible_a ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o it_o be_v therefore_o their_o best_a to_o commit_v themselves_o to_o he_o who_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v engage_v to_o bear_v they_o through_o all_o their_o trial_n ver_fw-la 19_o verse_n 1._o forasmuch_o they_o as_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n arm_v yourselves_o likewise_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n for_o he_o that_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n have_v cease_v from_o sin_n the_o apostle_n scope_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o redeem_a of_o the_o lord_n to_o fight_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o away_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o their_o redeemer_n as_o appear_v from_o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o 7_o etc._n etc._n he_o bring_v his_o first_o and_o principal_a argument_n for_o that_o purpose_n from_o christ_n suffering_n for_o they_o and_o their_o interest_n in_o these_o suffering_n the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o see_v jesus_n christ_n have_v in_o their_o name_n and_o nature_n suffer_v the_o wrath_n due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n they_o ought_v to_o put_v on_o this_o very_a same_o consideration_n as_o a_o complete_a armour_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o that_o because_o believer_n be_v esteem_v judicial_o to_o have_v suffer_v in_o their_o cautioner_n they_o be_v thereby_o strong_o oblige_v to_o desist_v from_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v suffer_v and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v reckon_v to_o have_v suffer_v in_o he_o so_o that_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o this_o verse_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o christ_n who_o never_o sin_v but_o of_o the_o believer_n who_o be_v reckon_v a_o sufferer_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o have_v cease_v from_o sin_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n undertake_v to_o make_v he_o cease_v from_o it_o and_o of_o the_o obligation_n that_o christ_n suffering_n in_o his_o room_n put_v upon_o he_o to_o mortify_v it_o which_o make_v the_o matter_n as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o bypass_a time_n as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o do_v doct._n 1._o they_o that_o will_v make_v use_n of_o christ_n suffering_n for_o they_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o suffer_v for_o he_o must_v learn_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o mortify_v of_o their_o lust_n by_o faith_n draw_v virtue_n out_o of_o his_o death_n for_o weaken_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n whereof_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n that_o make_v christian_n shift_v a_o cross_n for_o christ_n and_o indispose_v they_o for_o carry_v it_o aright_o mat._n 16.24_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v believer_n in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n suffering_n for_o they_o as_o a_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o suffer_v for_o he_o he_o do_v here_o teach_v they_o to_o make_v a_o further_a use_n of_o his_o suffering_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v join_v with_o the_o former_a if_o so_o be_v they_o will_v attain_v unto_o it_o to_o wit_n that_o by_o faith_n they_o shall_v draw_v virtue_n from_o his_o suffering_n for_o mortification_n of_o their_o corruption_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o christ_n have_v suffer_v arm_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n 2._o christ_n our_o mediator_n have_v take_v true_a flesh_n upon_o he_o and_o in_o it_o have_v suffer_v all_o that_o wrath_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o elect_a for_o their_o sin_n so_o that_o his_o suffering_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n only_o to_o christian_n of_o a_o right_a way_n of_o suffering_n but_o they_o be_v in_o the_o room_n and_o place_n of_o the_o elect_n as_o be_v clear_o import_v in_o this_o ground_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n from_o whence_o he_o be_v to_o infer_v and_o press_v upon_o believer_n the_o study_n of_o mortification_n christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n 3._o as_o those_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o who_o can_v therefore_o be_v overcome_v by_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n col._n 2.15_o must_v notwithstanding_o make_v they_o for_o a_o battle_n and_o a_o fighting-life_n with_o those_o enemy_n so_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o naked_a and_o without_o armour_n for_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n till_o they_o receive_v the_o same_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o be_v often_o find_v secure_a and_o forgetful_a of_o their_o warfare_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v rouse_v up_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o their_o spiritual_a armour_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o same_o from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v import_v in_o this_o military_a exhortation_n arm_v yourselves_o 4._o the_o believer_n best_a armour_n against_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n especial_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v the_o believe_a consideration_n of_o christ_n suffering_n in_o his_o name_n and_o nature_n which_o can_v but_o give_v he_o courage_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o battle_n see_v by_o these_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o he_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n be_v spoil_v of_o all_o power_n of_o overcome_v though_o not_o of_o molest_v and_o so_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o victory_n 1_o cor._n 15.55_o 56_o 57_o for_o with_o this_o same_o very_a consideration_n or_o notion_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v that_o christ_n have_v suffer_v in_o our_o room_n and_o nature_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v believer_n to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o all_o temptation_n forasmuch_o then_o as_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o in_o the_o flesh_n arm_v yourselves_o also_o with_o the_o same_o mind_n 5._o whatever_o suffering_n be_v inflict_v upon_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v judicial_o reckon_v to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o believer_n in_o he_o he_o be_v their_o surety_n heb._n 7.22_o and_o a_o common_a person_n represent_v they_o all_o rom._n 5.18_o 19_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n assert_v christ_n suffering_n for_o believer_n in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o he_o design_v the_o believer_n as_o if_o he_o have_v suffer_v in_o his_o own_o person_n he_o that_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n 6._o none_o that_o do_v true_o believe_v their_o union_n with_o and_o interest_n in_o suffering_n christ_n jesus_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o slavery_n and_o servitude_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v by_o their_o believe_v
even_a christian_n be_v find_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o iniquity_n aught_o to_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v for_o they_o while_o he_o give_v they_o this_o caution_n but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evil_a doer_n or_o as_o a_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n 2._o even_o nature_n light_n will_v speak_v against_o the_o toleration_n of_o several_a sort_n of_o evil_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v man_n that_o have_v power_n and_o have_v not_o put_v out_o that_o light_n by_o frequent_a sin_v against_o it_o to_o pass_v they_o without_o punishment_n what_o a_o shame_n than_o be_v it_o for_o these_o within_o the_o church_n to_o commit_v such_o thing_n or_o tolerate_v they_o in_o other_o for_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v here_o that_o christian_n who_o live_v under_o heathen_a magistrate_n will_v certain_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v by_o they_o if_o they_o be_v find_v murderer_n thief_n evil-doer_n or_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n 3._o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o by_o their_o miscarriage_n have_v deserve_v the_o stroke_n of_o humane_a justice_n willing_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o same_o luke_n 23.41_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n to_o eschew_v those_o sin_n which_o may_v draw_v they_o under_o that_o stroke_n it_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o christianity_n when_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o even_o heathen_n or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o better_o can_v but_o punish_v and_o a_o great_a harden_v of_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o evil_a way_n for_o which_o and_o the_o like_a cause_n the_o apostle_n give_v this_o three_o direction_n but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n etc._n etc._n 4._o except_o christian_n employ_v christ_n spirit_n to_o apply_v that_o virtue_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v by_o his_o death_n for_o the_o change_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o mortify_v of_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o study_v watchfulness_n in_o their_o carriage_n they_o will_v ready_o break_v out_o in_o those_o abomination_n for_o which_o even_a heathen_n will_v just_o put_v they_o to_o suffer_v for_o this_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v import_v that_o except_o christian_n do_v watch_v and_o pray_v and_o make_v use_n of_o christ_n death_n for_o mortification_n of_o sin_n within_o to_o which_o duty_n he_o have_v stir_v they_o up_o before_o they_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o break_v out_o in_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v and_o so_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v as_o murderer_n thief_n evil-doer_n and_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n verse_n 16._o yet_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v god_n on_o this_o behalf_n the_o apostle_n give_v some_o further_a direction_n for_o attain_v the_o forementioned_a end_n the_o four_o in_o number_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o they_o shall_v cleave_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n carry_v themselves_o under_o their_o suffering_n as_o his_o anoint_a once_o upon_o which_o he_o infer_v the_o five_o that_o if_o they_o do_v so_o suffer_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o suffering_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v a_o six_o direction_n they_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o such_o suffering_n of_o give_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n for_o honour_v and_o enable_v they_o so_o to_o suffer_v hence_o learn_v 1._o they_o that_o will_v have_v true_a comfort_n under_o their_o suffering_n for_o christ_n must_v first_o study_v to_o be_v real_a christian_n teach_v of_o christ_n to_o know_v he_o and_o his_o will_n act._n 11.26_o to_o have_v from_o he_o the_o anoint_v of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 2.20_o whereby_o they_o be_v make_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o resemble_v he_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o disposition_n 1_o cor._n 3.18_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o and_o in_o his_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v anoint_v by_o have_v power_n over_o their_o lust_n and_o in_o his_o strength_n overcome_v all_o opposition_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n 1_o joh._n 5.4_o as_o anoint_a king_n to_o god_n by_o offer_v up_o themselves_o in_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n rom._n 12.1_o and_o their_o service_n through_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o as_o a_o spiritual_a priesthood_n by_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o other_o especial_o those_o under_o their_o charge_n gen._n 18.19_o whereby_o they_o do_v resemble_v he_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o prophetical_a office_n and_o especial_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o he_o in_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o show_v forth_o that_o meekness_n and_o constancy_n and_o other_o of_o his_o communicable_a perfection_n which_o shine_v in_o he_o under_o his_o suffering_n avow_v his_o name_n and_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v anoint_v upon_o all_o hazard_n for_o this_o be_v to_o suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a who_o name_n be_v a_o anoint_a one_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o imply_v as_o necessary_a for_o all_o that_o will_v taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o former_a consolation_n but_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a 2._o profane_a christian_n who_o may_v be_v just_o put_v to_o suffer_v for_o their_o fault_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o entitle_v themselves_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v christ_n minister_n to_o clear_v the_o cause_n of_o suffering_n in_o which_o christian_n may_v comfort_v themselves_o and_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o suffer_v for_o a_o right_a cause_n for_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a verse_n set_v a_o guard_n about_o the_o former_a consolation_n give_v to_o sufferer_n for_o christ_n lest_o they_o may_v be_v usurp_v by_o profane_a professor_n just_o put_v to_o suffer_v for_o their_o miscarriage_n let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a 3._o there_o be_v no_o shame_n or_o contempt_n that_o the_o world_n can_v pour_v upon_o sufferer_n for_o christ_n whereof_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v ashamed_a but_o rather_o to_o despise_v shame_n for_o he_o as_o he_o do_v for_o we_o heb._n 12.2_o as_o they_o will_v not_o have_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o as_o if_o he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o another_o day_n mark_v 8.38_o for_o this_o be_v the_o five_o direction_n if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a 4._o when_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o providence_n bring_v a_o necessity_n upon_o christian_n of_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n and_o by_o his_o grace_n enable_v they_o to_o carry_v themselves_o christian_o under_o the_o same_o they_o owe_v much_o praise_n and_o glory_n to_o he_o for_o put_v that_o honour_n upon_o they_o especial_o consider_v that_o his_o grace_n alone_o have_v prevent_v their_o fall_n in_o those_o sin_n which_o may_v just_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o no_o less_o suffering_n and_o with_o far_o less_o credit_n and_o comfort_n than_o now_o while_o they_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o six_o direction_n let_v he_o glorify_v god_n on_o this_o behalf_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o suffer_v not_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n but_o as_o a_o christian_a verse_n 17._o for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o judgement_n must_v begin_v at_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o if_o it_o first_o begin_v at_o we_o what_o shall_v the_o end_n be_v of_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n here_o be_v two_o further_a argument_n to_o move_v the_o godly_a to_o courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o their_o suffering_n the_o one_o be_v that_o now_o god_n appoint_v and_o fit_a opportunity_n be_v come_v wherein_o he_o will_v have_v his_o just_a displeasure_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n begin_v first_o to_o kith_v in_o his_o own_o family_n the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n for_o the_o correction_n and_o trial_n of_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o faint_v under_o these_o trial_n see_v the_o time_n of_o they_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n and_o that_o the_o godly_a be_v only_o to_o endure_v the_o beginning_n of_o that_o which_o will_v make_v a_o end_n of_o their_o persecutor_n the_o other_o argument_n be_v that_o see_v god_n just_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n be_v first_o manifest_v towards_o his_o own_o people_n the_o end_n of_o their_o wicked_a enemy_n behove_v to_o be_v unspeakable_o terrible_a and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o
call_v himself_o lord_n or_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o discharge_v it_o in_o all_o minister_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o and_o here_o take_v a_o low_a title_n to_o himself_o a_o servant_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o christ_n ambassador_n to_o know_v and_o assert_v their_o call_v from_o he_o that_o truth_n may_v have_v weight_n with_o people_n and_o they_o may_v have_v courage_n whatever_o their_o faithfulness_n may_v cost_v they_o for_o while_o the_o apostle_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v avow_v himself_o by_o name_n and_o surname_n even_o when_o he_o 〈◊〉_d publish_v truth_n that_o cost_v he_o his_o life_n simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o he_o describe_v these_o to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v main_o direct_v from_o the_o worth_n of_o their_o faith_n equal_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o all_o save_a effect_n and_o clear_v the_o way_n how_o they_o come_v by_o it_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o give_v for_o convert_v sinner_n and_o work_a grace_n where_o it_o be_v not_o psal_n 19.7_o but_o also_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o gracious_a fine_a place_n be_v main_o intend_v for_o they_o to_o further_a their_o growth_n guard_v they_o against_o temptation_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o last_o meeting_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o epistle_n direct_v main_o to_o they_o that_o have_v obtain_v precious_a faith_n 2._o although_o some_o believer_n be_v more_o strong_a in_o believe_v and_o so_o have_v more_o joy_n and_o peace_n than_o other_o 1_o joh._n 2.13_o 14._o yet_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o they_o all_o of_o alike_o worth_a in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o unit_v they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o saviour_n from_o who_o the_o weak_a faith_n shall_v never_o shed_v intere_v they_o all_o in_o the_o same_o spiritual_a promise_n privilege_n and_o glorious_a reward_n and_o be_v buy_v for_o they_o all_o with_o the_o same_o price_n in_o all_o which_o respect_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o the_o mean_a believer_n be_v alike_o precious_a with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3._o the_o way_n how_o save_a faith_n come_v to_o the_o elect_n and_o be_v wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o promise_v to_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n the_o bestow_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o elect_n psal_n 110.3_o and_o to_o the_o elect_a in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n isa_n 54.13_o joh._n 6.45_o it_o being_n god_n righteousness_n to_o prove_v himself_o faithful_a in_o make_v all_o these_o promise_n and_o it_o come_v also_o through_o christ_n righteousness_n which_o be_v his_o do_v and_o suffer_v to_o purchase_v it_o and_o other_o save_a grace_n for_o we_o and_o so_o although_o we_o have_v it_o free_o yet_o christ_n buy_v it_o dear_a and_o god_n be_v righteous_a in_o give_v what_o himself_o promise_v and_o christ_n pay_v for_o 1_o joh._n 1.9_o so_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o precious_a faith_n to_o come_v to_o all_o that_o have_v it_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 2._o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v unto_o you_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n our_o lord_n in_o this_o salutation_n he_o wish_v to_o they_o a_o daily_a growth_n in_o their_o heart_n 1._o of_o the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o god_n free_a favour_n make_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o thrive_v 2._o of_o true_a spiritual_a peace_n flow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o carry_v with_o it_o every_o necessary_a blessing_n as_o the_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n grace_n and_o peace_n and_o their_o order_n do_v import_n and_o all_o this_o through_o their_o grow_v in_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n which_o have_v faith_n affection_n and_o practice_n with_o it_o hence_o learn_v 1._o no_o less_o than_o what_o be_v here_o wish_a for_o be_v the_o lord_n allowance_n to_o every_o believer_n if_o they_o get_v it_o not_o they_o have_v themselves_o to_o blame_v for_o his_o majesty_n do_v nothing_o to_o mar_v the_o multiply_a of_o grace_n and_o peace_n upon_o all_o that_o have_v precious_a faith_n 2._o they_o that_o will_v have_v this_o rich_a allowance_n must_v not_o only_o expect_v in_o this_o order_n grace_n or_o god_n free_a favour_n first_o and_o then_o peace_n with_o every_o necessary_a blessing_n but_o they_o must_v study_v to_o grow_v daily_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n the_o purchase_n fullness_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o by_o the_o usemaking_a of_o all_o heart_n and_o life_n may_v be_v change_v for_o such_o a_o knowledge_n be_v this_o through_o which_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v 3._o it_o be_v not_o formality_n or_o vain_a repetition_n to_o use_v frequent_o the_o same_o expression_n to_o god_n or_o to_o other_o when_o they_o flow_v from_o new_a sense_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o need_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o this_o apostle_n and_o other_o do_v ordinary_o use_v these_o same_o expression_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o their_o epistle_n grace_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 3._o according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v unto_o life_n and_o godliness_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n follow_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o confidence_n which_o may_v also_o hearten_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o his_o wish_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n powerful_a grâ—â—â—â—ad_n already_o begin_v a_o save_a work_n in_o they_o by_o bestow_v free_o upon_o they_o all_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o gracious_a frame_n of_o spirit_n within_o and_o a_o holy_a life_n without_o and_o this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o make_v they_o so_o to_o know_v christ_n as_o to_o consent_v to_o he_o call_v they_o by_o the_o gospel_n to_o glory_n or_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o end_n by_o virtue_n which_o be_v grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o the_o way_n or_o mean_n hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o see_v beginning_n of_o a_o save_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v comfortable_a pledge_n and_o confirmation_n to_o faith_n that_o that_o work_n shall_v thrive_v it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o lord_n wisdom_n power_n and_o constancy_n to_o carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v for_o the_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o be_v multiply_v according_a as_o his_o divine_a power_n have_v begin_v the_o work_n 2._o to_o give_v grace_n to_o a_o graceless_a soul_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n infinite_a power_n there_o be_v so_o much_o unworthiness_n guiltiness_n and_o opposition_n to_o hinder_v that_o work_n in_o all_o the_o elect_a therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o work_n be_v here_o make_v divine_a power_n 3._o the_o lord_n in_o the_o bestow_n of_o save_a grace_n work_v both_o irresistable_o and_o free_o neither_o can_v any_o for_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o purchase_v so_o oppose_v as_o to_o hinder_v the_o bestow_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v divine_a power_n that_o work_v it_o nor_o can_v any_o in_o nature_n so_o use_v their_o natural_n as_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o or_o merit_v the_o bestow_n of_o it_o for_o divine_a power_n work_v by_o give_v free_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o so_o the_o very_a preparation_n for_o the_o new_a life_n 4._o the_o substance_n of_o every_o save_a grace_n though_o not_o the_o full_a measure_n and_o a_o right_a to_o what_o may_v enable_v for_o honour_v god_n in_o practice_n be_v give_v at_o once_o in_o conversion_n as_o a_o child_n when_o it_o first_o live_v or_o be_v new_o bear_v have_v all_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o a_o man_n therefore_o to_o these_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n wish_v increase_v of_o grace_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o be_v to_o press_v growth_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v already_o give_v all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 5._o the_o very_a first_o beginning_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o make_v a_o sinner_n drink-in_a the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o law_n indeed_o prepare_v for_o this_o work_n by_o discover_v sin_n and_o deserve_a wrath_n and_o terrify_v the_o conscience_n but_o the_o gospel_n which_o holde_o out_o christ_n the_o saviour_n from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n have_v in_o he_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o heart_n to_o let_v it_o out_o free_o upon_o graceless_a sinner_n be_v the_o spirit_n be_v instrument_n of_o work_a grace_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n to_o thrive_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n