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all_o diligence_n etc._n etc._n he_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n among_o other_o chief_a matter_n this_o one_o especiallv_n to_o how_o great_a holiness_n and_o pureness_n through_o sanctification_n we_o be_v call_v which_o be_v chief_o express_v in_o these_o word_n that_o by_o they_o you_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o that_o you_o fly_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n unto_o this_o now_o he_o join_v a_o exhortation_n require_v at_o their_o hand_n not_o only_o to_o put_v to_o their_o diligence_n but_o also_o as_o he_o say_v even_o all_o diligence_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o chief_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o look_v after_o so_o there_o be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n to_o give_v our_o principal_a care_n and_o study_v thereunto_o this_o equity_n must_v easy_o be_v grant_v that_o if_o we_o can_v obtain_v or_o get_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v small_a in_o 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that_o thus_o they_o shift_v off_o the_o care_n of_o godliness_n as_o though_o god_n do_v not_o require_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n never_o hear_v of_o this_o which_o s._n peter_n require_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o this_o give_v ear_n to_o god_n who_o teach_v we_o this_o lesson_n by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n for_o if_o we_o let_v this_o pass_v we_o be_v most_o miserable_a here_o also_o when_o we_o be_v warn_v to_o give_v all_o diligence_n appear_v plain_o how_o hard_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fly_v from_o corrupt_a lust_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v less_o diligence_n may_v serve_v but_o sin_n cleave_v near_a and_o stick_v fast_o in_o we_o &_o be_v not_o easy_o shake_v of_o it_o be_v deep_o root_v so_o that_o unless_o we_o dig_v very_o deep_a we_o be_v sure_a to_o leave_v the_o root_n still_o behind_o which_o will_v grow_v &_o spring_v again_o as_o fast_o as_o before_o yea_o oftentimes_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a they_o sudden_o revive_v so_o that_o we_o 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that_o our_o diligence_n be_v require_v because_o he_o work_v in_o none_o but_o he_o do_v make_v they_o diligent_a here_o be_v still_o then_o that_o which_o god_n do_v bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o not_o that_o which_o we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o by_o this_o place_n all_o those_o be_v answer_v which_o cloak_n and_o defend_v themselves_o in_o then_o naughtiness_n and_o sloth_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n after_o this_o manner_n we_o have_v that_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o all_o man_n be_v not_o alike_o godly_a every_o man_n can_v do_v as_o you_o do_v when_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o conscience_n do_v tell_v every_o of_o they_o the_o contrary_a say_v thou_o be_v careless_a and_o negligent_a thou_o have_v as_o much_o as_o thou_o desire_v for_o god_n do_v increase_v all_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o those_o which_o use_v all_o diligence_n in_o seek_v after_o he_o let_v we_o learn_v therefore_o brethren_n to_o put_v in_o practice_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v here_o teach_v to_o give_v great_a diligence_n and_o so_o beat_v our_o brain_n more_o earnest_o about_o heavenly_a thing_n then_o about_o these_o earthly_a to_o labour_v &_o travel_v more_o for_o godliness_n then_o for_o treasure_n and_o riches_n which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v feel_v increase_n of_o strength_n to_o cast_v out_o corrupt_a lust_n although_o not_o so_o much_o as_o fain_o we_o will_v yet_o god_n be_v true_a we_o shall_v have_v so_o much_o that_o we_o can_v fail_v nor_o miss_v of_o our_o desire_n it_o follow_v join_v moreover_o virtue_n with_o your_o faith_n etc._n etc._n saint_n peter_n know_v what_o babe_n we_o be_v how_o unable_a to_o guide_v our_o step_n in_o the_o path_n of_o godliness_n and_o that_o make_v he_o not_o only_o to_o move_v and_o persuade_v to_o godliness_n but_o even_o as_o it_o be_v take_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o tread_v every_o step_n he_o rehearse_v particulerlye_v the_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o travel_v when_o he_o say_v join_v moreover_o with_o your_o faith_n virtue_n with_o virtue_n knowledge_n with_o knowledge_n temperance_n with_o temperance_n patience_n with_o patience_n godliness_n and_o with_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o with_o brotherly_a kindness_n love_n i'faith_o here_o be_v set_v in_o the_o first_o place_n unto_o which_o all_o the_o other_o must_v beejoin_v because_o without_o it_o we_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n please_v god_n it_o do_v justify_v we_o be_v before_o god_n alone_o but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o go_v alone_o neither_o be_v it_o dead_a and_o fruitless_a for_o these_o thing_n do_v accompany_v the_o same_o in_o the_o next_o place_n therefore_o he_o couple_v unto_o this_o virtue_n which_o be_v general_o put_v for_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n these_o can_v be_v want_v but_o by_o and_o by_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o faith_n be_v a_o dead_a faith_n not_o able_a to_o justify_v we_o before_o god_n nor_o to_o give_v life_n it_o can_v indeed_o be_v right_o term_v any_o other_o than_o a_o shadow_n or_o dumb_a picture_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v carry_v some_o show_n and_o colour_n of_o that_o which_o it_o resemble_v even_o as_o we_o see_v some_o painter_n so_o skilful_a that_o he_o can_v cast_v such_o colour_n in_o paint_v fire_n that_o at_o the_o first_o blush_v it_o may_v make_v a_o man_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v fire_n in_o deed_n but_o if_o a_o man_n hold_v his_o hand_n to_o it_o to_o feel_v for_o some_o heat_n and_o to_o make_v trial_n by_o the_o effect_n a_o child_n will_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v easy_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a image_n because_o the_o effect_n be_v want_v even_o so_o there_o be_v very_o many_o man_n as_o cunning_a as_o any_o painter_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o faith_n through_o great_a brag_n and_o vaunt_n that_o god_n be_v their_o god_n &_o that_o they_o all_o put_v their_o whole_a trust_n in_o he_o that_o they_o look_v to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a yea_o though_o but_o a_o few_o yet_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o let_v we_o look_v therefore_o that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v here_o let_v not_o the_o outward_a appearance_n beguile_v we_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o true_a trial_n if_o there_o be_v as_o much_o virtue_n in_o their_o life_n as_o there_o be_v heat_n in_o the_o foresay_a fire_n then_o know_v that_o it_o be_v even_o as_o good_a a_o faith_n as_o that_o be_v a_o fire_n for_o you_o may_v as_o well_o separate_a fire_n from_o the_o heat_n thereof_o as_o faith_n from_o good_a and_o godly_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n therof-what_a shall_v then_o be_v say_v of_o all_o those_o from_o who_o do_v flow_v so_o many_o filthy_a sin_n that_o scarce_o at_o any_o time_n do_v appear_v in_o they_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o virtue_n they_o can_v deceive_v any_o wise_a man_n much_o less_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o deceive_v god_n let_v every_o one_o therefore_o take_v 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etc._n a_o man_n may_v demand_v what_o manner_n of_o order_n be_v here_o use_v in_o will_v we_o to_o join_v godliness_n to_o patience_n &_o then_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n be_v not_o godliness_n the_o whole_a or_o the_o general_n &_o these_o branch_n be_v member_n of_o it_o true_a it_o be_v that_o this_o word_n be_v often_o use_v general_o to_o comprehend_v all_o goodness_n but_o in_o this_o place_n it_o comprehend_v but_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n wherein_o we_o be_v will_v to_o be_v devout_a or_o zealous_a a_o very_a necessary_a caveat_n to_o beware_v that_o we_o do_v not_o become_v so_o patient_a that_o we_o forget_v to_o be_v zealous_a in_o the_o lord_n quarrel_n it_o be_v as_o if_o saint_n peter_n shall_v have_v say_v i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o so_o meek_a as_o to_o bear_v and_o put_v up_o all_o i_o will_v have_v you_o withal_o to_o be_v hot_a in_o god_n quarrel_n forget_v not_o that_o for_o many_o under_o a_o colour_n of_o a_o meek_a patience_n do_v 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better_o then_o that_o of_o the_o poor_a beast_n yea_o much_o worse_a when_o we_o respect_v the_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v let_v not_o this_o therefore_o cause_v they_o to_o set_v up_o their_o bristle_n that_o they_o can_v see_v so_o well_o and_o pearce_o at_o hand_n that_o be_v in_o earthly_a thing_n when_o as_o they_o be_v as_o blind_a as_o beetle_n in_o thing_n a_o far_o of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o heavenly_a thing_n here_o we_o must_v seek_v to_o have_v eye_n give_v we_o of_o god_n with_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o see_v beyond_o this_o world_n for_o before_o such_o time_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o some_o glimmer_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n we_o shall_v never_o covet_v to_o obtain_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o these_o poreblinde_a man_n never_o pass_v great_o to_o know_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n three_o he_o say_v they_o have_v forget_v that_o they_o be_v purge_v from_o their_o old_a sin_n as_o he_o say_v they_o be_v 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god_n a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o without_o it_o there_o be_v no_o right_a faith_n no_o frank_a and_o willing_a obedience_n no_o sound_n joy_n for_o although_o without_o this_o man_n seem_v to_o believe_v yet_o be_v it_o but_o a_o waver_a fantasy_n to_o do_v many_o good_a thing_n yet_o they_o proceed_v but_o from_o a_o servile_a mind_n to_o laugh_v &_o rejoice_v yet_o be_v it_o but_o in_o a_o desperate_a madness_n which_o in_o very_a deed_n be_v great_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o how_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o sport_v themselves_o &_o yet_o to_o speak_v in_o their_o conscience_n after_o this_o manner_n there_o be_v hell_n and_o eternal_a flame_n of_o vengeance_n prepare_v for_o sinner_n and_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a whether_o i_o shall_v escape_v or_o not_o this_o desperate_a and_o brutish_a security_n shall_v be_v apparent_a to_o be_v the_o more_o mad_a if_o we_o compare_v it_o and_o set_v it_o forth_o by_o a_o outward_a comparison_n let_v it_o be_v thus_o a_o man_n be_v take_v in_o a_o robbery_n or_o murder_n imprison_v bring_v before_o the_o judge_n and_o condemn_v by_o suit_n of_o friend_n reprive_v until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o may_v sue_v for_o to_o get_v he_o a_o pardon_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n some_o of_o his_o acquaintance_n come_v to_o this_o murderer_n and_o will_v he_o to_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n &_o merry_a he_o will_v answer_v unless_o he_o be_v some_o mad_a and_o desperate_a ruffian_n i_o be_o condemn_v to_o the_o gallow_n the_o judge_n have_v pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o i_o i_o know_v not_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v to_o obtain_v a_o pardon_n i_o
zealous_a in_o spirit_n be_v a_o singular_a and_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o they_o which_o be_v without_o it_o be_v but_o brutish_a &_o senseless_a creature_n not_o know_v god_n nor_o how_o precious_a his_o glory_n be_v yet_o this_o must_v be_v loâ—ed_v unto_o in_o every_o one_o of_o we_o whether_o we_o bear_v a_o loâ—ing_a affection_n towards_o our_o brethren_n or_o no_o for_o if_o we_o love_v god_n we_o must_v needs_o love_v man_n which_o bear_v his_o image_n if_o we_o delight_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v one_o chief_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v in_o it_o that_o we_o be_v love_v and_o kind_a unto_o man_n therefore_o as_o saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 13._o show_v that_o very_o excellent_a gift_n do_v not_o profit_v without_o love_n so_o likewise_o in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o if_o we_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o have_v not_o love_n it_o be_v nothing_o worth_a let_v every_o man_n therefore_o lay_v this_o doctrine_n to_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o must_v be_v earnest_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n zealous_a in_o religion_n prefer_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n before_o all_o man_n whosoever_o and_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v but_o yet_o withal_o that_o he_o must_v look_v down_o unto_o man_n render_v unto_o they_o their_o due_a also_o this_o do_v he_o may_v behold_v he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n unto_o this_o brotherly_a love_n we_o be_v charge_v to_o join_v love_n it_o may_v be_v here_o demand_v again_o what_o manner_n of_o speech_n this_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n do_v use_v for_o be_v not_o brotherly_a kindness_n or_o brotherly_a love_n as_o the_o word_n do_v signify_v and_o love_v all_o one_o we_o must_v be_v far_o from_o think_v saint_n peter_n to_o deal_v with_o so_o little_a heed_n as_o to_o will_v we_o to_o join_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n to_o the_o same_o we_o must_v therefore_o seek_v a_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o we_o may_v take_v this_o difference_n either_o that_o the_o first_o of_o these_o do_v express_v what_o we_o owe_v towards_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v chief_o call_v the_o brethren_n and_o the_o latter_a what_o we_o owe_v unto_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a or_o else_o the_o former_a do_v signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o love_n and_o the_o latter_a the_o outward_a practice_n of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o doctrine_n in_o both_o these_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v open_v if_o we_o take_v then_o the_o former_a sense_n we_o be_v will_v to_o join_v with_o our_o love_n towards_o the_o godly_a and_o faithful_a brethren_n who_o we_o ought_v chief_o and_o more_o dear_o to_o favour_n a_o love_n also_o which_o may_v reach_v even_o over_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a friend_n and_o foe_n this_o saint_n paul_n teach_v when_o he_o will_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o to_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o some_o sort_n even_o to_o the_o wicked_a according_a as_o our_o saviour_n do_v teach_v math._n 5._o bless_v they_o which_o curse_v you_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o hate_n and_o persecute_v you_o and_o saint_n paul_n say_v rom._n 12._o if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o drink_v well_o then_o although_o this_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o man_n nature_n yet_o the_o lord_n do_v straight_o require_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v want_v we_o do_v but_o deceive_v ourselves_o if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o first_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o inward_a affection_n of_o love_n the_o other_o the_o outward_a practice_n then_o we_o have_v here_o a_o notable_a point_n to_o be_v observe_v not_o to_o overshoote_v ourselves_o in_o our_o love_n in_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v right_a &_o sincere_a when_o it_o be_v halt_v and_o lame_a for_o many_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o we_o be_v so_o straight_o charge_v for_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n &_o that_o with_o out_o the_o same_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a in_o we_o or_o which_o god_n accept_v look_v no_o further_o but_o thus_o whether_o they_o bear_v any_o grudge_n or_o evil_a will_n in_o their_o mind_n &_o if_o they_o can_v say_v i_o hurt_v no_o man_n nor_o i_o mean_v no_o hurt_n to_o any_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a love_n and_o so_o a_o stone_n mean_v no_o hurt_n may_v be_v say_v to_o love_n other_o somewhat_o wise_a do_v not_o only_o look_v to_o that_o one_o thing_n whether_o they_o bear_v evil_a will_n but_o also_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o kind_n of_o affection_n in_o they_o and_o here_o they_o stay_v when_o they_o shall_v goeyet_v this_o step_n further_o to_o see_v that_o this_o kindness_n in_o they_o break_v forth_o into_o good_a and_o charitable_a deed_n for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o love_a affection_n in_o a_o man_n and_o yet_o bring_v forth_o but_o slender_a fruit_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a sloth_n in_o nature_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o put_v their_o love_n in_o ure_n for_o love_n be_v laboursome_a and_o painful_a as_o saint_n paul_n set_v it_o forth_o 1._o thes_n 1._o when_o he_o say_v your_o labour_a love_n if_o then_o we_o will_v love_v the_o brethren_n here_o be_v the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o we_o may_v prove_v our_o love_n that_o we_o spare_v not_o for_o any_o labour_n or_o cost_n nor_o yet_o wax_v weary_a because_o love_n be_v not_o like_a one_o that_o be_v lazy_a &_o luskish_a loiter_v at_o home_n within_o a_o man_n breast_n but_o step_v abroad_o and_o be_v very_o diligent_a neither_o do_v it_o prefer_v every_o light_a commodity_n &_o vain_a pleasure_n before_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o brethren_n then_o by_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a how_o that_o all_o those_o which_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o yet_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o care_n over_o their_o brethren_n at_o the_o least_o thus_o far_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o travel_v nor_o be_v at_o any_o charge_n for_o other_o man_n sake_n who_o wealth_n they_o shall_v procure_v especial_o of_o the_o soul_n for_o therein_o lie_v the_o chief_a trial_n of_o love_n because_o it_o be_v a_o preposterous_a thing_n to_o be_v very_o tender_a over_o the_o body_n a_o rot_a carcase_n and_o to_o pity_v the_o misery_n thereof_o so_o much_o &_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n not_o to_o care_v for_o that_o that_o be_v more_o precious_a namely_o the_o soul_n the_o relieve_n and_o heal_n of_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n for_o ever_o this_o i_o speak_v because_o we_o see_v many_o that_o will_v bestow_v somewhat_o upon_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o bodily_a misery_n which_o have_v no_o pity_n upon_o mé_n which_o wander_v in_o blindness_n &_o ignorance_n who_o soul_n be_v famish_v &_o pine_v for_o want_v of_o food_n full_a of_o deadly_a wound_n and_o sore_n which_o be_v not_o salve_v bind_v in_o the_o band_n and_o chain_n of_o sin_n hold_v under_o captivity_n by_o satan_n even_o ready_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o the_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o hell_n the_o cause_n in_o deed_n be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o learned_a to_o pity_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o can_v pity_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o if_o they_o do_v know_v the_o spiritual_a misery_n they_o will_v neither_o spare_v night_n nor_o day_n in_o travel_v to_o have_v it_o ease_v whereas_o now_o contrariwise_o they_o can_v pull_v back_o man_n from_o godliness_n and_o discourage_v they_o from_o seek_v after_o salvation_n they_o can_v laugh_v &_o sport_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o neighbour_n as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o misery_n therein_o final_o be_v cruel_a murderer_n of_o soul_n will_v nevertheless_o glad_o be_v deem_v charitable_a but_o their_o bountiful_a alm_n do_v want_n season_v let_v we_o learn_v therefore_o to_o pity_v &_o to_o show_v kindness_n to_o the_o bodily_a necessity_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o forget_v especial_o &_o above_o all_o to_o procure_v with_o all_o diligence_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n otherwise_o we_o can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o join_v love_n and_o godliness_n together_o in_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o four_o next_o verse_n there_o be_v show_v partly_o the_o great_a and_o singular_a commodity_n which_o we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o be_v garnish_v with_o these_o foresay_a virtue_n and_o partly_o the_o discommodity_n which_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o want_n of_o the_o same_o and_o this_o s._n peter_n set_v forth_o not_o stay_v in_o the_o bare_a declaration_n of_o the_o virtue_n which_o indeed_o of_o themselves_o be_v so_o precious_a
¶_o four_o sermon_n upon_o the_o seven_o chief_a virtue_n or_o principal_a effect_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n wherein_o every_o man_n may_v learn_v whether_o he_o be_v god_n child_n or_o no._n preach_v at_o malden_n in_o essex_n by_o master_n george_n gifford_n pen_v from_o his_o mouth_n and_o correct_v and_o give_v to_o the_o countess_n of_o sussex_n for_o a_o newyeeres_n gift_n james_n 2._o 18._o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n imprint_v at_o lon_n do_v for_o toby_n cook_n at_o the_o tiger_n head_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1582._o ¶_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o my_o very_a good_a lady_n the_o lady_n francis_n countess_n of_o sussex_n r._n i._n her_o most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n in_o christ_n wish_v all_o health_n and_o godliness_n long_o to_o continue_v with_o increase_n of_o virtue_n and_o zeal_n in_o religion_n i_o have_v long_a time_n wish_v right_o honourable_a that_o i_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n be_v able_a if_o not_o to_o recompense_v which_o in_o deed_n i_o shall_v never_o yet_o at_o the_o least_o to_o show_v some_o token_n of_o a_o grateful_a mind_n for_o all_o the_o ancient_a kindness_n &_o love_a favour_n which_o i_o have_v find_v at_o your_o hand_n this_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o foreslip_v no_o occasion_n whereby_o i_o may_v have_v somewhat_o to_o present_v you_o withal_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o your_o soul_n health_n for_o concern_v the_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o body_n as_o honour_n dignity_n and_o riches_n the_o high_a lord_n of_o lord_n have_v givenyou_n so_o much_o that_o though_o i_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o yet_o i_o can_v benefit_n you_o in_o they_o have_v therefore_o of_o late_a a_o kinsman_n at_o home_n with_o i_o who_o be_v somewhat_o of_o a_o ready_a hand_n have_v take_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o preacher_n certain_a of_o the_o sermon_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v which_o be_v again_o oversee_v and_o correct_v i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o offer_v they_o unto_o your_o honour_n as_o a_o taste_n of_o those_o fruit_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n do_v feed_v we_o in_o the_o country_n be_v a_o great_a deal_n the_o more_o bold_a to_o do_v it_o because_o i_o know_v they_o be_v such_o as_o you_o have_v long_a time_n show_v a_o love_n to_o taste_v of_o &_o i_o trust_v these_o shall_v also_o come_v unto_o you_o as_o ripe_a and_o timely_a fruit_n of_o pleasant_a and_o delightsome_a taste_n although_o they_o be_v set_v before_o you_o in_o no_o golden_a or_o silver_n plate_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o wooden_a platter_n for_o the_o holy_a apostle_n saint_n paul_n say_v that_o this_o treasure_n be_v bring_v in_o earthen_a vessel_n i_o beseech_v your_o honour_n therefore_o to_o accept_v of_o my_o poor_a good_a will_n and_o to_o take_v this_o my_o small_a gift_n in_o good_a part_n which_o nothing_o doubt_v of_o i_o pray_v god_n to_o multiply_v his_o blessing_n and_o gracesupon_o you_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o your_o everlasting_a comfort_n amen_n your_o honour_n in_o christ_n richard_n josua_n senior_n to_o the_o godly_a reader_n consider_v that_o for_o a_o christian_a be_v sick_a in_o soul_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v sound_o sorrowful_a in_o spirit_n &_o crave_v comfort_n unquiet_a in_o mind_n and_o seek_v to_o be_v at_o rest_n wound_v in_o conscience_n and_o will_v be_v in_o safety_n torment_v in_o thought_n and_o long_v for_o relief_n have_v offend_v god_n and_o therefore_o be_v punish_v visit_v with_o affliction_n and_o fain_o will_v be_v deliver_v there_o be_v no_o other_o salve_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o know_v also_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n in_o his_o calling_n to_o seek_v and_o thirst_n after_o the_o advancement_n and_o increase_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n &_o the_o overthrow_n &_o utter_v confusion_n of_o blindness_n error_n popery_n superstition_n and_o to_o be_v short_a of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o antichrist_n i_o have_v think_v it_o my_o duty_n the_o rather_o gentle_a reader_n to_o request_v here_o unto_o by_o sundry_a godly_a man_n my_o friend_n the_o preacher_n hereof_o to_o publish_v this_o book_n contain_v sundry_a point_n of_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a &_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n as_o also_o diverse_a confutation_n of_o sect_n and_o heresy_n which_o to_o he_o that_o read_v it_o with_o a_o well_o dispose_v mind_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o profitable_a than_o it_o be_v brief_a marvel_v not_o at_o the_o shortness_n of_o it_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o the_o repetition_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o every_o sermon_n to_o avoid_v tediousness_n be_v omit_v look_v not_o for_o i_o pray_v thou_o finesse_n of_o speech_n or_o eloquence_n in_o the_o read_n hereof_o but_o way_n the_o matter_n deep_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o thyself_o effectual_o that_o thou_o may_v reap_v profit_n hereout_o to_o thy_o soul_n health_n and_o comfort_n the_o which_o god_n grant_v thou_o for_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n amen_n thou_o in_o christ_n richard_n josua_n junior_a the_o first_o sermon_n upon_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o saint_n peter_n 1_o simon_n peter_n a_o servant_n and_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o you_o which_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o we_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o grace_n &_o peace_n be_v multiply_v to_o you_o through_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_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 acknowledge_v of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o glory_n and_o virtue_n 4_o whereby_o most_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o that_o by_o they_o you_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o that_o you_o flee_v the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n before_o we_o begin_v to_o handle_v or_o entreat_v of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o note_v to_o who_o &_o when_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v concern_v the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o three_o chap._n and_o 1._o ver_fw-la that_o it_o be_v write_v unto_o the_o same_o that_o the_o former_a epistle_n be_v for_o thus_o he_o speak_v this_o second_o epistle_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o belove_a in_o which_o i_o stir_v up_o your_o sincere_a mind_n by_o put_v you_o in_o remembrance_n now_o these_o be_v the_o jew_n which_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o in_o the_o dispersion_n through_o diverse_a country_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o first_o chap._n of_o the_o former_a epistle_n for_o the_o jew_n be_v special_o his_o charge_n as_o the_o care_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v commit_v unto_o paul_n galathian_o the_o 2._o chapter_n 7._o and_o 8._o verse_n the_o word_n be_v these_o when_o they_o see_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o uncircumcision_n be_v commit_v to_o i_o as_o the_o gospel_n over_o the_o circumcision_n be_v unto_o peter_n for_o he_o be_v mighty_a by_o peter_n in_o the_o apostlship_n over_o the_o circumcision_n be_v also_o mighty_a by_o i_o towards_o the_o gentile_n for_o the_o 2._o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o peter_n in_o his_o extreme_a age_n when_o he_o have_v even_o finish_v his_o course_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o his_o tabernacle_n as_o he_o speak_v here_o in_o the_o 14._o vers_fw-la as_o for_o the_o occasion_n which_o move_v he_o to_o write_v they_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o particular_a handle_n of_o the_o matter_n 1_o now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n the_o 1._o verse_n have_v two_o member_n in_o the_o former_a he_o set_v forth_o his_o own_o dignity_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o a_o principal_a servant_n and_o one_o which_o come_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v know_v that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n and_o not_o with_o man_n and_o so_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o doctrine_n &_o message_n which_o he_o bring_v for_o whatsoever_o god_n speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n he_o so_o guide_v their_o tongue_n &_o pen_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o nothing_o which_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v be_v their_o own_o but_o altogether_o he_o in_o the_o second_o member_n he_o set_v forth_o the_o dignity_n which_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v have_v with_o himself_o in_o these_o word_n to_o those_o which_o have_v obtain_v the_o like_a precious_a faith_n with_o we_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v although_o i_o be_v above_o you_o in_o the_o apostolic_a dignity_n and_o function_n
yet_o you_o be_v equal_a with_o i_o &_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a dignity_n &_o in_o that_o wherein_o all_o happiness_n do_v consist_v even_o our_o precious_a faith_n here_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o saint_n peter_n can_v ascribe_v unto_o they_o a_o faith_n equal_a or_o like_a precious_a with_o his_o own_o see_v he_o do_v so_o far_o excel_v they_o in_o gift_n and_o grace_n as_o in_o knowledge_n &_o strength_n of_o faith_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a enough_o namely_o that_o this_o comparison_n be_v not_o make_v in_o the_o measure_n &_o quantity_n of_o faith_n for_o therein_o some_o have_v excel_v other_o far_a because_o god_n do_v not_o give_v his_o gift_n to_o all_o alike_o but_o in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v the_o apprehend_n of_o christ_n with_o all_o his_o merit_n which_o the_o weak_a faith_n do_v as_o well_o as_o the_o strong_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v equal_o precious_a this_o i_o speak_v not_o to_o make_v any_o slothful_a when_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v prick_v we_o forward_o so_o much_o to_o seek_v increase_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o hearten_v of_o the_o weak_a which_o feel_v their_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v may_v doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n with_o they_o now_o hear_v this_o they_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v all_o though_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a faith_n it_o couple_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o redemption_n to_o have_v their_o sin_n wash_v away_o in_o his_o blood_n of_o righteousness_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o his_o obedience_n of_o life_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o faith_n of_o peter_n or_o any_o other_o unto_o this_o be_v also_o join_v that_o wherein_o the_o stableness_n of_o this_o their_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o indeed_o the_o build_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o weighty_a and_o the_o frame_n so_o heavy_a that_o it_o can_v stand_v upon_o no_o other_o foundation_n but_o this_o that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o righteousness_n faithfulness_n or_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o can_v lie_v for_o if_o we_o will_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o speak_v be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o diverse_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n &_o singular_a godliness_n yet_o because_o we_o know_v that_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n except_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o speak_v be_v those_o which_o god_n have_v speak_v we_o shall_v still_o waver_v and_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v no_o faith_n which_o alone_o can_v rest_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n 2_o the_o second_o verse_n contain_v his_o salutation_n even_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o he_o with_o paul_n &_o the_o other_o apostle_n wish_v grace_n and_o peace_n to_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o write_v and_o this_o they_o do_v because_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n and_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o bring_v man_n again_o into_o god_n favour_n &_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o of_o this_o thing_n speak_v s._n paul_n 2._o cor._n 5._o chap._n ver_fw-la 18._o saying_n all_o thing_n be_v of_o god_n which_o have_v reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n for_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n and_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o sin_n unto_o they_o and_o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n now_o the_o be_v we_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o through_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n his_o steed_n that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o travel_n cause_v they_o so_o earnest_o to_o wish_v it_o for_o the_o people_n and_o to_o be_v so_o serious_a not_o only_o in_o teach_v they_o this_o general_o but_o also_o point_v out_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o finger_n the_o way_n to_o the_o same_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o their_o doctrine_n but_o also_o in_o their_o life_n whosoever_o digress_v or_o cast_v his_o eye_n aside_o from_o this_o mark_n &_o end_n of_o his_o ministry_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o example_n if_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o purchase_v renoun_n estimation_n wealth_n of_o case_n to_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o seek_v this_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o have_v grace_n and_o peace_n multiply_v upon_o they_o he_o may_v well_o sometime_o preach_v the_o truth_n but_o not_o true_o likewise_o those_o parent_n which_o set_v forth_o their_o child_n to_o learning_n with_o this_o mind_n my_o son_n shall_v live_v a_o easy_a and_o merry_a life_n he_o shall_v get_v some_o live_n promotion_n &_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n do_v lay_v a_o corrupt_a and_o rot_a foundation_n &_o have_v not_o learn_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o the_o building_n follow_v agreeable_o for_o the_o most_o when_o they_o come_v to_o have_v learning_n not_o forget_v this_o lesson_n which_o they_o learn_v of_o their_o father_n do_v become_v greedy_a cather_n of_o benefice_n and_o promotion_n rather_o than_o careful_a feeder_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v object_v how_o the_o apostle_n can_v wish_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o free_a favour_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v multiply_v upon_o they_o see_v that_o god_n love_n &_o favour_n do_v not_o increase_v nor_o diminish_v but_o he_o love_v and_o favour_v always_o alike_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o alteration_n or_o change_n this_o may_v well_o be_v answer_v that_o sainte_n peter_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o in_o god_n towards_o man_n but_o of_o their_o feeling_n the_o same_o which_o grow_v by_o degree_n from_o less_o to_o great_a and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o precious_a the_o apostle_n wish_v that_o it_o may_v be_v multiply_v upon_o they_o he_o express_v the_o mean_a to_o be_v the_o knowledge_n &_o acknowledge_v of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_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 perteine_a unto_o life_n &_o godliness_n through_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o glory_n and_o virtue_n this_o be_v fit_o join_v to_o the_o former_a verse_n to_o show_v that_o the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n be_v not_o without_o cause_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v you_o be_v not_o to_o content_v nor_o to_o satisfy_v yourselves_o with_o a_o scant_a measure_n of_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n see_v that_o there_o be_v offer_v unto_o you_o &_o set_v forth_o in_o christ_n unto_o who_o you_o may_v resort_v as_o to_o a_o storehouse_n full_o furnish_v with_o all_o treasure_n all_o thing_n which_o partain_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n second_o we_o have_v to_o observe_v in_o this_o verse_n when_o he_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n that_o here_o be_v nothing_o leave_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n unto_o ourselves_o so_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o these_o which_o defend_v free_a will_n do_v not_o speak_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o for_o set_v forth_o a_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o it_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v here_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o want_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n shall_v be_v supply_v but_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o at_o all_o but_o that_o we_o be_v quite_o strip_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n he_o speak_v not_o of_o repair_v or_o help_v in_o some_o part_n but_o of_o a_o whole_a and_o free_a gift_n in_o every_o part_n when_o he_o say_v without_o exception_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o pertain_v unto_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o so_o this_o doctrine_n do_v challenge_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o god_n alone_o three_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n or_o godhead_n of_o our_o
saviour_n christ_n when_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o ferche_fw-fr all_o thing_n from_o his_o manhood_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o the_o 6._o chap._n of_o s._n john_n verse_n 46._o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o again_o in_o the_o 54._o verse_n of_o that_o same_o chapter_n he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o drink_v my_o blood_n i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o in_o the_o last_o day_n for_o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o by_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o life_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a that_o christ_n in_o his_o manhood_n be_v a_o creature_n and_o therefore_o have_v nothing_o of_o his_o own_o but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o he_o as_o to_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o light_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v in_o he_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n this_o come_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o dwell_v in_o he_o bodily_a as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v now_o the_o cause_n why_o all_o these_o be_v put_v into_o the_o manhood_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o they_o for_o solong_v as_o they_o have_v residence_n only_o in_o god_n we_o be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o can_v approach_v or_o come_v near_o unto_o he_o to_o draw_v out_o of_o he_o any_o drop_n of_o the_o same_o therefore_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v give_v we_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v put_v they_o into_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v come_v down_o near_o unto_o we_o that_o we_o may_v lay_v fast_o hold_v of_o he_o yet_o nevertheless_o because_o the_o propriety_n of_o they_o remain_v still_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o gift_n of_o they_o be_v here_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o power_n thereof_o four_o we_o be_v to_o note_v in_o this_o verse_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v brief_o set_v down_o the_o end_n and_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o all_o these_o gift_n when_o he_o say_v which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n for_o in_o these_o two_o word_n unto_o which_o the_o other_o two_o do_v answer_n which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o verse_n glory_n and_o virtue_n all_o those_o gift_n be_v contain_v for_o that_o which_o he_o express_v first_o by_o life_n here_o by_o glory_n that_o which_o before_o he_o call_v godliness_n here_o he_o call_v virtue_n they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v eternal_a felicity_n and_o life_n with_o glory_n and_o the_o way_n which_o we_o must_v pass_v through_o to_o the_o same_o which_o be_v godliness_n and_o virtue_n here_o we_o be_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o sever_v or_o sunder_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v so_o near_o couple_v and_o link_v together_o and_o this_o admonition_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a because_o there_o be_v very_o many_o carnal_a professor_n and_o beastly_a abuser_n of_o christianity_n which_o do_v seem_v very_o willing_o and_o glad_o to_o embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v redemption_n and_o eternal_a life_n purchase_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o they_o make_v great_a boast_n that_o they_o look_v for_o their_o part_n in_o the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o &_o yet_o they_o look_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o this_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n through_o which_o we_o must_v pass_v un_fw-fr to_o it_o for_o god_n have_v not_o call_v we_o but_o as_o he_o say_v here_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n so_o that_o who_o soever_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v to_o know_v he_o aright_o and_o so_o to_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o eternal_a glory_n he_o have_v also_o garnish_v they_o with_o virtue_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n until_o such_o time_n therefore_o as_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o a_o new_a peter_n which_o with_o contrary_a pen_n shall_v write_v a_o new_a and_o contrary_a gospel_n these_o man_n shall_v never_o assure_v themselves_o nor_o yet_o persuade_v other_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n see_v they_o go_v a_o quite_o contrary_a way_n 4_o whereby_o most_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n now_o he_o show_v by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o instrument_n the_o divine_a power_n do_v bestow_v those_o gift_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o same_o be_v as_o he_o call_v they_o most_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v call_v to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n these_o be_v call_v most_o great_a &_o precious_a because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o greatness_n &_o dignity_n be_v incomparable_a for_o what_o can_v we_o seek_v out_o to_o match_v with_o this_o that_o here_o be_v offer_v unto_o we_o namely_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n deliverance_n &_o freedom_n from_o the_o thraldom_n of_o satan_n &_o power_n of_o darkness_n that_o of_o damn_a creatute_n &_o child_n of_o his_o wrath_n he_o have_v give_v we_o this_o high_a dignity_n to_o be_v his_o son_n &_o daughter_n &_o as_o s._n john_n say_v reve._n i._n christ_n have_v wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n his_o father_n what_o a_o change_n be_v this_o from_o the_o low_a misery_n even_o in_o the_o gulf_n of_o hell_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n to_o be_v glorify_v with_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n because_o therefore_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a &_o most_o honourable_a s._n peter_n call_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n most_o great_a &_o precious_a but_o wherefore_o do_v the_o apostle_n ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o by_o these_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o include_v all_o because_o it_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o be_v call_v home_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o although_o he_o utter_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o in_o his_o law_n yet_o therein_o he_o show_v himself_o none_o otherwise_o unto_o we_o but_o as_o a_o severe_a judge_n we_o can_v see_v nothing_o there_o but_o the_o dreadful_a curse_n &_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n his_o brightness_n appear_v therein_o but_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v the_o same_o but_o be_v dazzle_a with_o the_o sight_n thereof_o amaze_v &_o confound_v so_o that_o we_o can_v but_o run_v from_o he_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v terrible_a contrariwise_o in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o son_n where_o he_o show_v a_o exceed_a glory_n but_o with_o such_o fatherly_a love_n &_o pity_n such_o abundance_n of_o mercy_n and_o sweet_a allurement_n by_o which_o he_o call_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o that_o here_o we_o be_v able_a to_o look_v upon_o he_o with_o open_a face_n and_o here_o his_o countenance_n be_v so_o cheerful_a that_o the_o soul_n which_o have_v once_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n see_v but_o a_o glimpse_n thereof_o be_v so_o inflame_a and_o ravish_v with_o desire_n of_o a_o near_o and_o full_a sight_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v for_o this_o cause_n saint_n paul_n make_v comparison_n between_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o corinthian_n 3._o term_v that_o the_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o the_o letter_n which_o kill_v and_o this_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o give_v life_n which_o by_o the_o way_n also_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v because_o there_o be_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n many_o frantic_a brain_n namely_o those_o of_o the_o family_n of_o love_n which_o call_v the_o true_a &_o sound_a interpret_n of_o the_o word_n the_o literal_a sense_n or_o the_o letter_n which_o kill_v &_o their_o own_o gross_a and_o foolish_a allegory_n the_o spirit_n not_o know_v that_o s._n peter_n speak_v of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n here_o also_o appear_v of_o what_o price_n and_o dignity_n the_o gospel_n be_v for_o who_o can_v set_v forth_o the_o worthiness_n of_o this_o when_o he_o say_v that_o by_o these_o promise_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o be_v indeed_o at_o the_o first_o create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o so_o partaker_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o we_o lose_v all_o this_o with_o our_o first_o parent_n &_o in_o steed_n thereof_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o devilish_a nature_n bear_v his_o image_n
right_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o increase_v and_o grow_v by_o the_o same_o it_o be_v also_o the_o rule_n and_o square_a to_o measure_v and_o guide_v all_o virtue_n by_o for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o that_o be_v good_a which_o seem_v so_o unto_o our_o reason_n but_o that_o which_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v will_n have_v call_v good_a unless_o therefore_o virtue_n do_v grow_v in_o we_o we_o can_v have_v it_o before_o we_o become_v skilful_a and_o have_v learn_v it_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o apostle_n move_v these_o excellent_a man_n to_o increase_v in_o godliness_n show_v they_o the_o way_n when_o he_o will_v they_o to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n now_o if_o we_o mark_v well_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n they_o be_v to_o who_o he_o write_v name_o no_o babe_n nor_o youngelinge_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o say_v they_o have_v obtain_v like_o precious_a faith_n with_o he_o and_o after_o ward_n in_o this_o chapter_n he_o say_v they_o do_v know_v and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a truth_n we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v how_o this_o may_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o many_o which_o hold_v blind_a error_n first_o of_o all_o of_o those_o which_o affirm_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n if_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o true_a devotion_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v false_a and_o divelishe_a see_v we_o be_v charge_v to_o join_v unto_o our_o virtue_n knowledge_n it_o be_v true_a if_o they_o mean_v popish_a devotion_n for_o they_o can_v never_o have_v keep_v man_n in_o awe_n to_o be_v zealous_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o that_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n alone_o do_v give_v unless_o they_o have_v keep_v they_o in_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o therefore_o they_o take_v a_o wise_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o know_v the_o word_n which_o so_o soon_o as_o it_o break_v forth_o again_o disclose_v all_o their_o falsehood_n and_o treachery_n in_o so_o much_o that_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a almost_o have_v any_o devotion_n unto_o they_o second_o of_o those_o which_o although_o they_o be_v not_o rank_a papist_n yet_o have_v in_o they_o still_o a_o smack_n and_o savour_n of_o popish_a principle_n and_o therefore_o like_o fool_n be_v also_o enemy_n unto_o knowledge_n for_o thus_o they_o speak_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n if_o there_o be_v less_o preach_v i_o think_v the_o people_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o there_o be_v knowledge_n even_o enough_o what_o shall_v lay_v man_n be_v trouble_v to_o learn_v or_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v they_o tend_v their_o work_n and_o look_v to_o their_o occupation_n and_o learn_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o deal_v honest_o against_o these_o poor_a blind_a beast_n for_o i_o may_v use_v no_o gentle_a speech_n we_o be_v to_o reason_n out_o of_o this_o place_n first_o that_o all_o man_n know_v they_o never_o so_o much_o be_v here_o command_v to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v increase_v in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n second_o let_v they_o consider_v to_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n saint_n peter_n write_v name_o to_o poor_a and_o scotfree_a man_n woman_n and_o child_n to_o all_o sort_n and_o to_o be_v short_a to_o as_o many_o as_o will_v have_v faith_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o come_v to_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o as_o well_o the_o poor_a ploughman_n as_o the_o great_a clerk_n be_v command_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n out_o of_o god_n book_n thirdlye_o they_o much_o overshoote_v themselves_o when_o they_o will_v bear_v they_o in_o hand_n that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o guider_n of_o virtue_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o vice_n nay_o if_o we_o wipe_v our_o eye_n and_o look_v better_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sloodde_n of_o ignorance_n which_o have_v almost_o over_o whelm_v all_o and_o in_o many_o which_o seem_v to_o know_v very_o much_o if_o they_o be_v sound_v to_o the_o bottom_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o palpable_a darkness_n and_o so_o in_o deed_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o foul_a sin_n which_o abound_v at_o this_o day_n among_o we_o and_o flow_v even_o as_o a_o swell_a sea_n be_v the_o want_n of_o true_a knowledge_n this_o ignorance_n have_v take_v such_o root_n that_o all_o they_o which_o have_v make_v proof_n will_v confess_v with_o i_o that_o our_o time_n be_v like_o the_o time_n of_o the_o prophet_n esaie_n 28._o who_o have_v labour_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o breathe_v in_o teach_v and_o see_v so_o small_a profit_v be_v command_v of_o the_o lord_n still_o to_o go_v to_o his_o business_n burst_v forth_o into_o these_o speech_n who_o shall_v i_o teach_v knowledge_n who_o shall_v i_o make_v for_o to_o understande_v they_o that_o be_v wain_v from_o the_o milk_n and_o draw_v from_o the_o breast_n for_o precept_n must_v be_v upon_o precept_n precept_n upon_o precept_n line_n unto_o line_n line_n unto_o line_n a_o little_a here_o and_o a_o little_a there_o and_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o say_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v like_o a_o seal_a book_n if_o he_o come_v to_o oâ—e_v say_v read_v this_o i_o pray_v you_o he_o make_v answer_v i_o can_v read_v to_o another_o that_o can_v read_v he_o answer_v i_o can_v for_o it_o be_v seal_v furthermore_o let_v these_o silly_a creature_n learn_v of_o this_o place_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o that_o wherein_o they_o seem_v after_o a_o sort_n to_o glory_n when_o they_o use_v to_o say_v as_o they_o think_v in_o defence_n of_o themselves_o we_o be_v without_o skill_n we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n we_o be_v poor_a honest_a man_n we_o have_v no_o learning_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v we_o have_v no_o faith_n we_o have_v no_o virtue_n we_o have_v no_o godliness_n for_o we_o be_v plain_o teach_v here_o that_o faith_n virtue_n and_o knowledge_n must_v increase_v and_o grow_v up_o together_o let_v we_o all_o print_n this_o lesson_n deep_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o may_v drive_v we_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o come_v out_o of_o our_o ignorance_n and_o to_o seek_v apace_o after_o knowledge_n let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o flatter_a ourselves_o as_o some_o other_o do_v which_o have_v get_v some_o skill_n or_o at_o jest_n think_v that_o they_o have_v set_v very_o light_a by_o the_o public_a teach_n of_o the_o word_n they_o do_v excuse_v they_o selâ—es_v after_o this_o sort_n i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o ignorant_a sort_n nor_o of_o the_o mean_a judgement_n i_o know_v somewhat_o let_v they_o hunt_v after_o preach_v that_o need_n it_o be_v very_o good_a for_o they_o as_o for_o i_o i_o be_o sufficient_o acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n already_o this_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v hear_v too_o deal_v withal_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o if_o they_o have_v once_o but_o even_o a_o little_a taste_v of_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o power_n thereof_o they_o will_v never_o have_v enough_o of_o the_o first_o sponeful_a if_o they_o have_v a_o healthful_a stomach_n they_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v so_o soon_o to_o loathe_v &_o as_o it_o be_v to_o vomit_v up_o again_o so_o wholesome_a sustenance_n but_o let_v we_o learn_v here_o that_o when_o our_o knowledge_n be_v grow_v to_o be_v never_o so_o great_a because_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o we_o know_v nothing_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v as_o saint_a paul_n say_v even_o than_o we_o be_v to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o join_v to_o our_o virtue_n knowledge_n unless_o when_o we_o have_v begin_v and_o proceed_v so_o far_o we_o mind_n to_o fall_v back_o again_o this_o place_n do_v plain_o set_v forth_o the_o woeful_a and_o miserable_a state_n of_o those_o which_o bâ—e_v without_o teach_v or_o have_v it_o in_o so_o scanty_a a_o measure_n that_o they_o come_v almost_o to_o no_o understanding_n they_o be_v meerie_a and_o think_v all_o be_v well_o and_o think_v themselves_o best_a when_o they_o be_v least_o deal_v withal_o but_o judge_v righteous_a judgement_n which_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o apostle_n teach_v we_o to_o judge_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o their_o mirth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mad_a laughter_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o fearful_a and_o horrible_a destruction_n unto_o knowledge_n join_v temperance_n etc._n etc._n or_o continence_n for_o so_o the_o word_n which_o saint_n peter_n use_v may_v be_v translate_v but_o what_o do_v he_o mean_v have_v bid_v we_o to_o join_v virtue_n to_o faith_n again_o as_o though_o he_o
have_v forget_v himself_o to_o express_v certain_a several_a kind_n of_o virtue_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o join_v to_o the_o former_a when_o as_o indeed_o the_o word_n virtue_n contain_v they_o al._n we_o may_v not_o think_v but_o that_o he_o be_v very_o well_o advise_v and_o that_o he_o know_v with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v what_o babe_n and_o child_n we_o be_v which_o must_v not_o have_v meat_n set_v before_o we_o in_o gross_a to_o be_v our_o own_o carver_n but_o it_o must_v be_v mynce_v too_o our_o hand_n we_o must_v also_o be_v feed_v as_o it_o be_v by_o spoonful_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o do_v not_o content_v himself_o to_o exhort_v in_o general_a unto_o virtue_n but_o also_o to_o name_n and_o point_n we_o out_o certain_a chief_a branch_n which_o we_o must_v especial_o labour_v about_o for_o unless_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o in_o this_o wise_a so_o vain_a be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v wander_v and_o rove_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o wide_a field_n and_o never_o come_v nigh_o the_o mark_n or_o at_o least_o in_o look_v after_o some_o one_o virtue_n or_o other_o forget_v and_o let_v go_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a for_o we_o see_v many_o that_o can_v roll_v in_o their_o mouth_n the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o nothing_o almost_o but_o virtue_n virtue_n as_o though_o they_o will_v persuade_v man_n that_o their_o garden_n do_v grow_v full_a of_o such_o herb_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o this_o particular_a examination_n to_o look_v for_o this_o virtue_n and_o that_o in_o steed_n of_o these_o sweet_a herb_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o but_o stink_a weed_n here_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o diligence_n and_o wisdom_n therefore_o that_o when_o we_o study_v for_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o when_o we_o call_v upon_o the_o lord_n for_o gift_n we_o search_v out_o every_o part_n and_o branch_n lest_o we_o be_v oversee_v in_o some_o special_a point_n and_o jest_n while_o we_o seek_v to_o increase_v one_o virtue_n another_o decay_n in_o we_o for_o that_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o we_o cast_v not_o our_o eye_n diligent_o on_o every_o side_n and_o so_o oftentimes_o we_o rather_o loose_v than_o gain_n rather_o go_v backward_o then_o forward_o out_o of_o the_o negligence_n in_o this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n in_o it_o man_n grow_v into_o security_n &_o a_o very_a little_a content_v they_o yea_o though_o it_o be_v but_o even_o some_o show_n of_o virtue_n and_o slouthful_o they_o shuffle_v of_o the_o matter_n a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v take_v heed_n unto_o because_o out_o of_o all_o question_n it_o be_v that_o which_o have_v cause_v diverse_a forward_o man_n in_o continuance_n of_o time_n as_o it_o be_v gather_v rust_n to_o become_v slack_a if_o we_o have_v desire_v therefore_o to_o continue_v let_v we_o learn_v to_o put_v this_o lesson_n in_o practice_n but_o why_o do_v he_o will_v we_o to_o join_v temperance_n or_o continence_n with_o knowledge_n it_o shall_v seem_v that_o he_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o any_o affinity_n in_o match_v these_o thing_n together_o for_o temperance_n be_v conversant_a about_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n yes_o very_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v that_o there_o be_v great_a cause_n for_o which_o he_o join_v eve_o ry_o one_o of_o these_o virtue_n together_o and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o this_o you_o be_v to_o note_v that_o continency_n be_v not_o conversant_a alone_o about_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o of_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o in_o seek_v knowledge_n which_o we_o must_v do_v very_o eager_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n of_o these_o extremes_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o a_o continent_n mind_n either_o to_o be_v so_o waver_v that_o every_o puff_n do_v drive_v we_o from_o the_o manifest_a truth_n or_o else_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v so_o stiff_a &_o so_o wilful_o wed_v to_o our_o own_o judgement_n that_o we_o will_v stand_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v once_o like_v and_o not_o admit_v any_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a both_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o a_o continent_n mind_n and_o both_o of_o they_o enemy_n to_o true_a knowledge_n therefore_o we_o be_v warn_v here_o in_o our_o diligent_a search_n for_o knowledge_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o when_o we_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o it_o not_o to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o as_o some_o unstable_a mind_n be_v who_o when_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v the_o truth_n the_o least_o doubt_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o cause_v they_o by_o &_o by_o to_o shake_v &_o to_o fear_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o no_o also_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o that_o stiffness_n which_o cause_v some_o to_o speak_v when_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o too_o hear_v &_o to_o be_v hear_v aloft_o when_o a_o low_a voice_n may_v serve_v they_o better_o far_o from_o the_o counsel_n of_o s._n james_n who_o will_v we_o to_o be_v swift_a to_o hear_v and_o slow_a to_o speak_v let_v we_o be_v sure_a our_o knowledge_n be_v well_o ground_v before_o we_o settle_v ourselves_o to_o continewe_v in_o it_o lest_o in_o steed_n of_o heap_v up_o gold_n we_o fill_v our_o chest_n with_o nothing_o but_o dross_n also_o we_o must_v beware_v that_o we_o bend_v our_o study_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o point_n which_o serve_v to_o increase_v godliness_n and_o true_a edify_n for_o many_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n but_o their_o vain_a brain_n do_v carry_v they_o to_o seek_v after_o curious_a question_n and_o too_o let_v pass_v those_o thing_n which_o shall_v do_v they_o most_o good_a and_o this_o be_v a_o sore_a and_o grievous_a sickness_n in_o man_n as_o the_o question_n they_o common_o move_v do_v show_v he_o add_v to_o temperance_n join_v patience_n this_o also_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a but_o if_o we_o look_v well_o unto_o it_o we_o then_o shall_v perceive_v the_o meaning_n more_o plain_o patience_n be_v not_o only_o requisite_a in_o those_o which_o have_v receive_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bear_v and_o endure_v all_o persecution_n &_o affliction_n which_o oftentimes_o be_v so_o rage_v that_o except_o we_o have_v our_o heart_n well_o stay_v and_o season_v with_o patience_n we_o shall_v be_v drive_v to_o forsake_v and_o to_o forswear_v our_o knowledge_n but_o also_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a to_o be_v well_o arm_v and_o fence_v with_o it_o when_o we_o shall_v have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o which_o be_v absurd_a and_o gross_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o a_o dagger_n to_o a_o man_n heart_n to_o hear_v all_o their_o blockish_a reason_n against_o the_o word_n to_o see_v how_o senseless_a they_o be_v when_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v lay_v before_o they_o likewise_o their_o spiteful_a raylinge_n and_o fleet_a mock_n which_o they_o will_v use_v their_o bold_a abuse_n of_o god_n word_n their_o arrogant_a presumption_n which_o cause_v they_o to_o prattle_v very_o fast_o even_o they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o eye_n we_o shall_v be_v hurl_v hither_o and_o thither_o upon_o rock_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o mildness_n and_o so_o mar_v and_o disgrace_v the_o good_a cause_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n for_o wicked_a man_n will_v judge_v all_o to_o proceed_v of_o rancour_n &_o anger_n and_o ascribe_v all_o to_o choler_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o be_v procure_v some_o dishonour_n to_o god_n who_o shall_v great_o be_v honour_v if_o we_o can_v meek_o as_o the_o apostle_n will_v instruct_v those_o which_o be_v contrary_a mind_v prove_v if_o god_n at_o any_o time_n will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n of_o who_o they_o be_v hold_v captive_a to_o do_v his_o will_n &_o so_o to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v the_o want_n of_o this_o virtue_n oftentimes_o bring_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o the_o conference_n of_o brethren_n which_o shall_v bring_v together_o as_o it_o be_v into_o one_o heap_n whatsoever_o every_o one_o have_v glean_v by_o himself_o that_o so_o the_o one_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o other_o but_o the_o impatience_n of_o some_o be_v such_o that_o great_a inconvenience_n do_v grow_v thereby_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n see_v trouble_n be_v allot_v unto_o we_o &_o suffering_n for_o the_o truth_n &_o that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o so_o many_o reproach_n rail_n taunt_n &_o mock_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o absurd_a &_o evil_a man_n who_o soever_o look_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o knowledge_n he_o must_v seek_v to_o possess_v his_o soul_n in_o patience_n it_o folowith_v with_o patience_n godliness_n etc._n
be_v choose_v unto_o life_n they_o say_v quite_o contrary_a if_o you_o will_v have_v man_n careful_a of_o well_o do_v away_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n for_o it_o will_v mar_v all_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o flesh_n do_v proud_o lift_v up_o itself_o even_o against_o god_n but_o how_o foolish_o a_o very_a child_n may_v see_v do_v that_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o without_o exceed_a care_n of_o godliness_n abundance_n of_o virtue_n and_o plenty_n of_o all_o good_a work_v destroy_v in_o man_n the_o study_n and_o care_n of_o good_a work_n but_o proud_a flesh_n be_v worthy_o blind_a some_o other_o although_o not_o thus_o bruitish_o blind_v yet_o great_o oversee_v when_o they_o think_v on_o this_o doctrine_n which_o be_v set_v up_o unto_o we_o as_o the_o mark_n for_o we_o to_o aim_v at_o in_o all_o our_o do_n and_o the_o trial_n whether_o we_o have_v do_v well_o or_o not_o i_o mean_v the_o trial_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v many_o good_a deed_n he_o shall_v know_v he_o have_v not_o do_v they_o well_o if_o he_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v one_o of_o god_n choose_v for_o howsoever_o he_o pass_v it_o over_o yet_o his_o conscience_n which_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n know_v that_o he_o have_v not_o deal_v but_o for_o vain_a glory_n or_o some_o other_o sinister_a respect_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o have_v this_o faith_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v so_o dark_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o man_n but_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o he_o if_o they_o will_v make_v a_o due_a trial_n because_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o outward_a do_v of_o good_a thing_n but_o in_o the_o right_n do_v let_v he_o therefore_o which_o give_v himself_o to_o do_v good_a work_v and_o yet_o feel_v not_o this_o which_o saint_n peter_n say_v we_o shall_v suspect_v that_o his_o do_n be_v mishapen_a and_o be_v careful_a to_o fashion_v they_o after_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n a_o third_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o be_v which_o with_o might_n and_o main_n will_v defend_v this_o doctrine_n that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o salvation_n that_o we_o can_v more_o honour_v god_n then_o to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o his_o promise_n and_o because_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n compel_v they_o they_o affirm_v it_o constant_o and_o condemn_v the_o contrary_a as_o a_o foul_a error_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v man_n and_o man_n come_v to_o feel_v &_o to_o know_v this_o and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v a_o true_a doctrine_n they_o say_v also_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o but_o when_o they_o take_v not_o the_o way_n to_o become_v sure_a which_o s._n peter_n here_o have_v set_v down_o but_o go_v in_o a_o contrary_a path_n &_o be_v spot_v with_o filthy_a crime_n we_o may_v bold_o say_v they_o be_v liar_n for_o although_o they_o brag_v with_o their_o tongue_n of_o that_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o bird_n in_o their_o breast_n which_o do_v sing_v in_o a_o contrary_a note_n and_o tell_v they_o plain_o what_o they_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o man_n there_o be_v which_o in_o no_o case_n can_v be_v persuade_v that_o any_o man_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o his_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o with_o scoff_v they_o ask_v of_o they_o which_o profess_v the_o word_n when_o god_n tell_v they_o so_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v or_o can_v not_o be_v know_v than_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_o overshoot_v himself_o in_o tell_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v sure_a but_o ask_v a_o question_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o god_n every_o one_o will_v answer_v i_o put_v all_o my_o whole_a trust_n in_o he_o reason_n then_o a_o little_a further_o and_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o can_v lie_v say_v that_o all_o which_o trust_v in_o god_n shall_v be_v save_v how_o then_o will_v they_o join_v these_o together_o that_o they_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o yet_o doubt_v whether_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v can_v god_n deceive_v or_o say_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o undoubted_o if_o they_o do_v know_v that_o they_o have_v trust_v they_o shall_v also_o know_v they_o can_v perish_v but_o let_v we_o learn_v by_o this_o the_o misery_n of_o our_o time_n in_o which_o man_n do_v still_o think_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v strange_a now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o which_o every_o one_o must_v come_v home_o to_o himself_o remember_v first_o that_o such_o as_o god_n have_v call_v home_o to_o himself_o and_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o child_n he_o do_v also_o give_v unto_o they_o true_a faith_n and_o feeling_n that_o they_o be_v his_o elect_a and_o such_o as_o perceive_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v in_o a_o very_a miserable_a case_n and_o as_o yet_o we_o may_v say_v forlorn_a creature_n therefore_o everye_o man_n in_o himself_o must_v ask_v this_o question_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n how_o go_v the_o matter_n with_o thou_o be_v thou_o sure_a god_n have_v choose_v thou_o do_v thou_o feel_v any_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n the_o conscience_n will_v answer_v uprightlie_o if_o we_o be_v not_o negligent_a to_o make_v inquiry_n then_o if_o we_o find_v this_o within_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a for_o i_o doubt_v and_o stagger_v we_o must_v inquire_v without_o self_n thus_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n god_n be_v faithful_a which_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n unto_o all_o which_o believe_v our_o heart_n will_v make_v answer_n thou_o regard_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v full_a of_o foul_a sin_n evil_a lust_n do_v reign_v in_o thou_o thou_o do_v not_o study_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n thou_o be_v unfruiful_a and_o barren_a in_o good_a work_v therefore_o thou_o can_v not_o say_v i_o be_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o sure_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o he_o be_v wise_a he_o will_v not_o stay_v here_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o fool_n be_v say_v i_o be_o not_o sure_a indeed_o neither_o do_v i_o think_v any_o man_n can_v be_v i_o commit_v it_o to_o god_n let_v he_o do_v with_o i_o what_o he_o will_v these_o speech_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o wit_n and_o godliness_n in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v in_o deed_n devilish_a and_o mad_a because_o god_n have_v teach_v we_o a_o contrary_a lesson_n in_o this_o place_n but_o go_v this_o step_n further_o may_v i_o come_v to_o this_o assurance_n &_o which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o lord_n do_v answer_v by_o his_o apostle_n thou_o may_v come_v to_o this_o assurance_n and_o point_v he_o out_o the_o way_n even_o that_o which_o you_o have_v hard_a wherein_o he_o must_v painful_o travel_v and_o go_v forward_o not_o for_o a_o gird_n or_o a_o bray_n and_o wax_v idle_a again_o but_o still_o labour_n for_o these_o man_n have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v will_v to_o proceed_v still_o if_o the_o lord_n give_v not_o this_o assurance_n we_o be_v to_o labour_v so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o importunate_a to_o suspect_v our_o judgement_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o more_o straight_o account_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o our_o affection_n too_o see_v with_o what_o mind_n we_o do_v thing_n to_o foster_v no_o sin_n willing_o in_o we_o nor_o to_o be_v slack_a to_o any_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o call_v and_o cry_v unto_o god_n for_o faith_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n diligent_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v as_o the_o hear_n search_a &_o meditate_v in_o the_o word_n thus_o in_o time_n for_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o degree_n &_o they_o never_o come_v to_o the_o full_a god_n will_v let_v they_o see_v that_o he_o be_v their_o god_n that_o neither_o life_n nor_o death_n height_n or_o depth_n thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v angel_n principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o any_o creature_n shall_v separate_v we_o from_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o enter_v shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o former_a sentence_n where_o he_o say_v if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v and_o why_o because_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a entrance_n into_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o be_v