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work_n believe_v faith_n justification_n 11,818 5 9.2159 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47642 A practical commentary, upon the two first chapters of the first epistle general of St. Peter. By the most reverend Dr. Robert Leighton, some-time arch-bishop of Glasgow. Published after his death, at the request of his friends Leighton, Robert, 1611-1684. 1693 (1693) Wing L1028A; ESTC R216658 288,504 508

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be_v first_o impress_v on_o the_o mind_n hence_o flow_v out_o pleasant_a obedience_n and_o full_a of_o love_n hence_o all_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n with_o its_o member_n learn_v to_o give_v a_o willing_a obedience_n and_o submit_v unto_o god_n whereas_o before_o they_o resist_v he_o be_v under_o the_o standard_n of_o satan_n this_o obedience_n though_o imperfect_a yet_o have_v a_o certain_a if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v imperfect_a perfection_n it_o be_v universal_a three_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o subject_n 2._o in_o the_o object_n 3._o in_o the_o duration_n the_o whole_a man_n subject_v to_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o that_o constant_o and_o persevere_o the_o first_o universality_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o tongue_n alone_o or_o in_o the_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o have_v its_o root_n in_o the_o heart_n therefore_o do_v not_o wither_v as_o the_o grass_n or_o flower_n lie_v on_o the_o superfice_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o it_o flourish_v because_o root_v and_o therefore_o it_o embrace_v the_o whole_a law_n because_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o reverence_n it_o have_v for_o the_o lawgiver_n himself_o reverence_n i_o say_v but_o temper_v with_o love_n hence_o it_o account_v no_o law_n nor_o command_n little_a or_o of_o small_a value_n which_o be_v from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v great_a and_o high_o esteem_v by_o the_o pious_a heart_n no_o command_n hard_a though_o contrary_a to_o the_o flesh_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v easy_a to_o love_n there_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n in_o all_o as_o st._n james_n divine_o argue_v and_o this_o authority_n be_v the_o golden_a chain_n of_o all_o the_o commandment_n which_o if_o break_v in_o any_o link_n all_o fall_v a_o piece_n that_o this_o three_o fold_n perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o a_o picture_n draw_v by_o fancy_n be_v evident_a in_o david_n psal._n 119._o where_o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n his_o foot_n v_o 105._o his_o mouth_n v_o 13._o his_o heart_n v._n 11._o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o his_o life_n v_o 24._o he_o subject_n himself_o to_o the_o whole_a law_n v_o 6._o and_o he_o profess_v his_o constancy_n therein_o in_o v_o 16._o and_o 33._o teach_v i_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n according_a to_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v then_o a_o excellent_a thing_n and_o worthy_a of_o their_o endeavour_n that_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o their_o high_a cause_n and_o the_o happy_a way_n of_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o possess_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o know_v they_o in_o experience_n to_o such_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o their_o estate_n be_v that_o they_o be_v sanctify_v and_o justify_v the_o near_a cause_n of_o both_o these_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o both_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n the_o sprinkle_n of_o his_o blood_n purify_v they_o from_o guiltiness_n and_o quicken_v they_o to_o obedience_n now_o follow_v to_o consider_v the_o appropriate_v or_o apply_v cause_o the_o holy_a and_o holy_a make_n or_o sanctify_a spirit_n the_o author_n of_o their_o select_v from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_a call_n unto_o grace_n the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o appoint_v or_o decree_a cause_n be_v god_n the_o father_n for_o though_o they_o all_o work_n equal_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o order_n of_o work_v we_o be_v teach_v thus_o to_o distinguish_v and_o particular_o to_o ascribe_v the_o first_o work_n of_o eternal_a election_n to_o the_o first_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n in_o or_o through_o sanctification_n for_o to_o render_v it_o elect_v to_o the_o sanctification_n be_v strain_v so_o than_o i_o conceive_v this_o election_n be_v their_o effectual_a call_v which_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 26.27.28_o where_o vocation_n and_o election_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a after_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o wise_a it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n the_o beginning_n of_o its_o performance_n in_o these_o that_o be_v elect_v and_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o real_a separate_n of_o man_n from_o the_o profane_a and_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o appropriate_a and_o consecrate_v of_o a_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o relation_n to_o election_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o well_o bear_v that_o name_n rom._n 8.28.30_o act._n 2.47_o &_o 13.48_o joh._n 15.19_o sanctification_n in_o a_o narrow_a sense_n as_o distinguish_v f●om_n justification_n signify_v the_o inherent_a holiness_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o his_o inclinement_n and_o innablement_n to_o obedience_n mention_v in_o this_o verse_n but_o it_o be_v here_o more_o large_a and_o so_o extend_v with_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o renovation_n and_o be_v the_o sever_n and_o separate_n of_o man_n to_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n draw_v they_o unto_o he_o and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v justification_n as_o here_o and_o the_o first_o work_v of_o faith_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v justify_v through_o its_o apprehend_n and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ._n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n call_v man_n external_o and_o by_o that_o eternal_a call_n prevail_v with_o many_o to_o a_o external_n receive_v and_o profess_v of_o religion_n but_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v alone_o it_o go_v no_o further_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n and_o effectual_a call_n joh._n 17.17_o sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n but_o this_o be_v do_v when_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v in_o the_o word_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o hear_v and_o obey_v the_o spirit_n or_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o subject_n of_o this_o work_n and_o it_o be_v but_o slight_a false_a work_n that_o begin_v not_o there_o but_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o efficient_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o subject_a of_o this_o sanctification_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o place_n pray_v to_o the_o father_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v his_o own_o by_o that_o truth_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o vigour_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o fit_a mean_n in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v then_o a_o prevail_a mean_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bring_v it_o in_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o sword_n and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n fit_a to_o divide_v yea_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o without_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n hand_n and_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o this_o cut_n and_o divide_v the_o word_n call_v but_o the_o spirit_n draw_v not_o sever_v from_o that_o word_n but_o work_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a work_n to_o draw_v a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o strong_a chain_n of_o satan_n and_o out_o of_o the_o please_a entanglement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o out_o of_o its_o own_o natural_a perverseness_n to_o yield_v up_o itself_o unto_o god_n to_o deny_v itself_o and_o live_v to_o he_o and_o in_o so_o do_v to_o run_v against_o the_o main_a stream_n and_o the_o current_n of_o the_o ungodly_a world_n without_o and_o corruption_n within_o the_o strong_a rhetoric_n the_o most_o move_a and_o persuasive_a way_n of_o discourse_n be_v all_o too_o weak_a the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o soul_n to_o free_v itself_o and_o shake_v off_o all_o that_o detein_v it_o although_o it_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o yet_o still_o it_o can_v and_o will_v hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o say_v non_fw-la persuadebis_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la persuaseris_fw-la the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o pluck_v any_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o world_n and_o set_v it_o in_o among_o the_o select_a number_n of_o believer_n only_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n have_v absolute_a command_n of_o spirit_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o man_n
tree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o shall_v fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n etc._n etc._n yet_o vers_fw-la 18._o i_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v joy_v in_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n in_o spiritual_a trial_n that_o be_v the_o sharp_a and_o fiery_a of_o all_o when_o the_o furnace_n be_v within_o a_o man_n when_o god_n do_v not_o only_o shut_v up_o his_o love_a kindness_n from_o its_o feel_n but_o seem_v to_o shut_v it_o up_o in_o hot_a displeasure_n when_o he_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o it_o yet_o then_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o wait_v for_o his_o salvation_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a but_o a_o strong_a and_o very_o refine_a faith_n indeed_o and_o the_o more_o he_o smite_v the_o more_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o well_o may_v he_o say_v when_o i_o be_o try_v i_o shall_v come_v forth_o as_o gold_n who_o can_v say_v that_o word_n though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o though_o i_o see_v as_o it_o be_v his_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o destroy_v i_o yet_o from_o that_o same_o hand_n will_v i_o expect_v salvation_n as_o the_o furnace_n show_v faith_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v so_o also_o it_o better_v it_o and_o make_v it_o more_o precious_a and_o pure_a than_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o infuse_v they_o be_v nothing_o but_o pureness_n but_o be_v put_v into_o a_o heart_n where_o sin_n dwell_v which_o till_o the_o body_n be_v dissolve_v and_o take_v to_o piece_n can_v be_v full_o purge_v out_o there_o they_o be_v mix_v with_o corruption_n and_o dross_n and_o particular_o faith_n be_v mix_v with_o unbelief_n and_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o creature_n if_o not_o more_o than_o god_n yet_o together_o with_o he_o and_o for_o this_o be_v the_o furnace_n needful_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v purify_v from_o this_o dro●s_n and_o make_v more_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a in_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a talk_n and_o many_o time_n come_v but_o slow_o forward_a to_o teach_v the_o heart_n by_o discourse_n and_o speculation_n to_o sit_v loose_a from_o the_o world_n at_o all_o side_n not_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o they_o though_o riches_n do_v increase_v yet_o not_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o they_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o such_o uncertain_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v therefore_o god_n be_v please_v to_o choose_v the_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o teach_v his_o own_o the_o right_n and_o pure_a exercise_n of_o faith_n either_o by_o withhold_v or_o withdraw_v those_o thing_n from_o they_o make_v they_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n by_o deprive_v they_o of_o those_o outward_a comfort_n wherein_o they_o be_v in_o most_o danger_n of_o excess_n to_o have_v dote_v on_o they_o and_o so_o forget_v themselves_o and_o he_o when_o they_o be_v necessitate_v and_o 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faith_n shall_v come_v through_o they_o all_o and_o shall_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n etc._n etc._n a_o unskillful_a beholder_n may_v think_v strange_a to_o see_v gold_n throw_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o leave_v there_o for_o a_o time_n but_o he_o that_o put_v it_o there_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o lose_v it_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o make_v some_o costly_a piece_n of_o work_n of_o it_o every_o believer_n give_v himself_o to_o christ_n and_o he_o undertake_v to_o present_v they_o blameless_a to_o the_o father_n not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v nor_o one_o dram_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v find_v when_o he_o appear_v that_o faith_n that_o be_v here_o in_o the_o furnace_n shall_v be_v then_o make_v up_o into_o a_o crown_n of_o pure_a gold_n it_o shall_v be_v find_v unto_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n this_o praise_n and_o honour_n and_o glory_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o believer_n themselves_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n s._n paul_n expression_n rom._n 2.7_o or_o to_o christ_n that_o appear_v but_o the_o two_o will_v agree_v well_o together_o that_o it_o be_v both_o to_o their_o praise_n and_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o christ_n for_o certain_o all_o their_o praise_n and_o glory_n shall_v terminate_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o head_n christ_n who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o they_o have_v each_o their_o crown_n but_o their_o honour_n be_v to_o cast_v they_o all_o down_o before_o his_o throne_n he_o shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o his_o saint_n and_o admire_a in_o they_o that_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v glorious_a in_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o their_o glory_n he_o shall_v be_v glorify_v for_o as_o they_o have_v derive_v the●r_a glory_n from_o he_o it_o shall_v all_o return_v back_o to_o he_o again_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o denote_v the_o time_n when_o this_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o christ_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a he_o have_v promise_v to_o come_v again_o and_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o he_o will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v he_o shall_v judge_v righteous_o in_o that_o day_n that_o be_v himself_o unrighteous_o judge_v here_o on_o earth_n it_o be_v call_v the_o revelation_n all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o that_o day_n the_o most_o hide_a thing_n good_a and_o evil_n unveil_v but_o it_o be_v eminent_o the_o day_n of_o his_o revelation_n it_o shall_v be_v by_o his_o light_n by_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n that_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v but_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v the_o worthy_a sight_n of_o all_o all_o eye_n shall_v behold_v he_o he_o shall_v then_o glorious_o appear_v before_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o shall_v by_o all_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n some_o shall_v with_o joy_n know_v he_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v fo●_n other_o ●o_o their_o horror_n and_o amazement_n how_o beautiful_a shall_v he_o be_v to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o when_o he_o as_o the_o glorious_a head_n shall_v appear_v with_o his_o whole_a body_n mystical_a together_o with_o he_o then_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n that_o all_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v honour_v with_o shall_v recompense_v full_o all_o the_o scorn_n and_o ignominy_n and_o distress_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o here_o and_o they_o shall_v shine_v the_o bright_a for_o they_o oh_o if_o we_o considere_v often_o of_o that_o solemn_a day_n how_o light_n will_v we_o se●_n by_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o all_o outward_a hardship_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o digest_v dispraise_n and_o dishonour_v here_o and_o pass_v through_o all_o cheerful_o provide_v we_o may_v be_v then_o find_v in_o he_o and_o so_o partaker_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n and_o honour_n in_o that_o day_n of_o his_o appear_v verse_n 8_o 9_o 8._o who_o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_v in_o who_o though_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 9_o receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o paradox_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o joy_n that_o can_v subsist_v in_o the_o mid●●_n of_o sorrow_n therefore_o he_o insist_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o those_o word_n prove_v it_o to_o the_o full_a yea_o with_o advantage_n that_o the_o saint_n have_v not_o only_o some_o measure_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o grief_n that_o abound_v upon_o they_o here_o but_o excellent_a and_o eminent_a joy_n such_o as_o make_v good_a all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o can_v
the_o safe_a possession_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n when_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o adversary_n and_o adverse_a accident_n no_o more_o subject_v to_o those_o evil_n that_o be_v its_o own_o proper_o namely_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n and_o sad_a defection_n nor_o yet_o subject_a to_o those_o other_o evil_n it_o endure_v by_o society_n with_o the_o body_n outward_a distress_n and_o affliction_n persecution_n poverty_n disease_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v call_v salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o exclude_v the_o body_n from_o the_o society_n of_o that_o glory_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v raise_v and_o reunite_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o because_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o itself_o a_o immortal_a substance_n and_o both_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n of_o man_n and_o the_o prime_n subject_a both_o of_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o because_o it_o arrive_v first_o at_o that_o blessedness_n and_o for_o a_o time_n leave_v the_o body_n in_o the_o dust_n to_o do_v homage_n to_o its_o original_a therefore_o it_o be_v only_o name_v here_o but_o jesus_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n too_o and_o he_o shall_v at_o his_o come_n change_v our_o vile_a body_n and_o make_v they_o like_o his_o glorious_a body_n the_o end_n end_v or_o reward_v for_o it_o be_v both_o it_o be_v the_o end_n either_o at_o which_o faith_n aim_v or_o wherein_o it_o cease_v it_o be_v the_o reward_n not_o of_o their_o work_n nor_o of_o faith_n as_o a_o work_n deserve_v it_o but_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n first_o work_v in_o his_o own_o and_o then_o reward_n as_o if_o it_o be_v their_o work_n and_o this_o salvation_n or_o fruition_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o proper_a reward_n of_o faith_n which_o believe_v in_o he_o unseen_a and_o so_o obtain_v that_o happy_a sight_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o thou_o see_v not_o and_o the_o reward_n of_o faith_n to_o see_v what_o thou_o have_v believe_v this_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v it_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hold_v good_a then_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o love_v he_o be_v make_v sure_a to_o salvation_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o yea_o and_o nay_o but_o they_o be_v in_o he_o yea_o and_o in_o he_o amen_o soon_o may_v the_o river_n run_v backward_o and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o heaven_n change_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v dissolve_v than_o any_o one_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n can_v be_v sever_v from_o he_o and_o so_o fall_v short_a of_o salvation_n hope_v for_o in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o rejoice_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a the_o natural_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n receive_v not_o thing_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v know_v they_o for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v he_o have_v none_o of_o that_o faculty_n by_o which_o they_o be_v discern_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n betwixt_o those_o thing_n and_o nature_n high_a capacity_n it_o can_v work_v beyond_o its_o sphere_n speak_v to_o the_o natural_a man_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a grief_n the_o sense_n of_o guiltiness_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n displeasure_n or_o the_o hide_v of_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o the_o soul_n these_o thing_n stir_v not_o he_o he_o know_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v speak_v to_o he_o again_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o the_o joy_n that_o arise_v hence_o he_o be_v no_o less_o stranger_n to_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v mourn_v to_o he_o and_o he_o lament_v not_o pipe_n to_o he_o and_o he_o dance_v not_o mat._n 11._o but_o as_o it_o there_o follow_v there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n in_o those_o thing_n though_o they_o seem_v folly_n and_o nonsense_n to_o the_o foolish_a world_n and_o this_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o she_o own_o child_n have_v say_v somewhat_o already_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o spiritual_a joy_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o here_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o consider_v those_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o joy_n arise_v from_o those_o cause_n 2._o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o joy_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v there_o be_v here_o a_o solid_a sufficient_a good_a and_o the_o heart_n make_v sure_a of_o it_o be_v partly_o put_v in_o present_a possession_n of_o it_o and_o in_o a_o most_o certain_a hope_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o require_v to_o make_v it_o joyful_a jesus_n christ_n the_o treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n receive_v and_o unite_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o hope_n be_v not_o christ_n the_o light_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o nation_n such_o a_o light_n as_o abraham_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o many_o age_n of_o more_o than_o two_o thousand_o year_n yet_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o see_v rejoice_v beside_o this_o brightness_n that_o make_v light_v a_o joyful_a object_n light_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n put_v for_o joy_n christ_n this_o light_n bring_v salvation_n with_o he_o he_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n and_o there_o be_v heal_n under_o his_o wing_n i_o bring_v you_o say_v the_o angel_n good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n that_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n and_o their_o song_n have_v in_o it_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o joy_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a peace_n on_o earth_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o men._n but_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v find_v he_o we_o otherwise_o the_o more_o excellent_a he_o be_v the_o more_o cause_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v sad_a while_o it_o have_v no_o portion_n in_o he_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v say_v the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o god_n my_o saviour_n thus_o 1._o joh._n 1.3_o have_v speak_v of_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n he_o add_v these_o thing_n i_o write_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a faith_n work_v this_o joy_n by_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o apply_v his_o merit_n and_o from_o that_o application_n arise_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o that_o load_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n be_v remove_v and_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o soul_n find_v itself_o lighten_v and_o unload_v of_o that_o burden_n that_o be_v sink_v it_o to_o hell_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o leap_v for_o joy_n in_o the_o ease_n and_o refreshment_n it_o find_v therefore_o that_o psalm_n that_o david_n begin_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n he_o end_v it_o with_o a_o exhortation_n to_o rejoice_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o transgression_n be_v forgive_v who_o sin_n be_v cover_v psal._n 32.1_o thus_o he_o begin_v but_o he_o end_v vers_fw-la 11._o be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o rejoice_v you_o righteous_a and_o shout_n for_o joy_n all_o you_o that_o be_v ●pright_o in_o heart_n s._n peter_n speak_v to_o his_o hearer_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act._n 2.38_o and_o verse_n 41._o it_o be_v add_v they_o receive_v his_o word_n glad_o and_o our_o saviour_n join_v these_o two_o together_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o thus_o isaiah_n 61.1_o good_a tiding_n of_o liberty_n to_o captive_n be_v proclaim_v and_o a_o notable_a change_n there_o be_v of_o their_o estate_n who_o mourn_v in_o zion_n give_v they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n and_o the_o garment_n of_o praise_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n think_v with_o what_o joy_n the_o long_o imprison_a debtor_n drown_v in_o debt_n receive_v a_o full_a discharge_n and_o his_o liberty_n or_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n the_o news_n of_o his_o pardon_n and_o this_o will_v somewhat_o resemble_v it_o but_o yet_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o the_o joy_n that_o faith_n bring_v by_o bring_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o believe_a soul_n be_v not_o only_o a_o debtor_n acquit_v and_o set_v free_a but_o enrich_v beside_o with_o a_o new_a and_o great_a estate_n not_o only_o a_o pardon_v malefactor_n but_o withal_o high_o prefer_v and_o advance_v to_o honour_n have_v a_o right_a by_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o be_v receive_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o unto_o the_o dignity_n of_o sonship_n take_v from_o the_o dunghill_n
awake_v to_o seek_v diligent_o after_o jesus_n and_o not_o to_o rest_v till_o they_o find_v he_o they_o be_v well_o enough_o without_o he_o it_o suffice_v they_o they_o hear_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o but_o they_o ask_v not_o themselves_o be_v he_o i_o or_o no_o but_o sure_o if_o that_o be_v all_o not_o to_o doubt_v the_o bruit_n believe_v as_o well_o it_o be_v better_a out_o of_o all_o question_n to_o be_v labour_v under_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v a_o more_o hopeful_a condition_n to_o find_v a_o man_n groan_v and_o complain_v than_o speechless_a and_o breathless_a and_o not_o stir_v at_o all_o there_o be_v in_o spiritual_a doubt_n two_o thing_n their_o be_v a_o solicitous_a care_n of_o the_o soul_n concern_v its_o own_o estate_n and_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o it_o and_o that_o be_v laudable_a be_v a_o true_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o the_o other_o thing_n in_o they_o perplexity_n and_o distrust_n that_o arise_v from_o darkness_n and_o weakness_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o smoke_n and_o no_o clear_a flame_n it_o argue_v much_o moisture_n in_o the_o matter_n yet_o it_o witness_v certain_o that_o there_o be_v fire_n there_o and_o therefore_o dubious_a question_n of_o a_o man_n concern_v himself_o be_v a_o much_o better_a evidence_n than_o that_o senseless_a deadness_n that_o most_o take_v for_o believe_v man_n that_o that_o know_v nothing_o in_o science_n have_v no_o doubt_n he_o never_o true_o believe_v that_o be_v not_o make_v first_o sensible_a and_o convince_v of_o unbelief_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n first_o errand_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convince_v it_o of_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n be_v this_o that_o they_o believe_v not_o if_o the_o faith_n that_o thou_o have_v grow_v out_o of_o thy_o natural_a heart_n of_o itself_o it_o be_v but_o a_o weed_n be_v sure_a the_o right_a plant_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o set_v by_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v water_v and_o preserve_v by_o he_o because_o expose_v to_o many_o hazard_n he_o watch_v it_o night_n and_o day_n isa._n 27.3_o i_o the_o lord_n do_v keep_v it_o i_o will_v water_v it_o every_o moment_n lest_o any_o hurt_n it_o i_o will_v keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n again_o how_o impudent_a be_v it_o in_o the_o most_o to_o pretend_v believe_v while_o they_o wallow_v in_o profaneness_n if_o faith_n unite_v the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n certain_o it_o put_v it_o into_o participation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n this_o faith_n in_o christ_n bring_v we_o into_o communion_n with_o god_n now_o god_n be_v light_n say_v st._n john_n and_o therefore_o infer_v if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n the_o lie_n appear_v in_o our_o practice_n a_o unsuitableness_n in_o our_o carriage_n as_o he_o say_v of_o he_o that_o sign_v his_o verse_n wrong_v fecit_fw-la solaecismum_fw-la manu_fw-la but_o there_o be_v imaginary_a believer_n that_o be_v a_o little_a more_o refine_a that_o live_v after_o a_o blameless_a yea_o and_o a_o religious_a manner_n for_o there_o outward_a and_o yet_o be_v but_o appearance_n of_o christian_n have_v not_o the_o live_a work_n of_o faith_n within_o and_o all_o these_o exercise_n be_v dead_a work_n in_o their_o hand_n among_o these_o some_o may_v have_v such_o motion_n within_o themselves_o as_o may_v deceive_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o their_o outward_a deportment_n deceive_v other_o some_o transient_a touch_n of_o desire_n to_o christ_n upon_o the_o unfolding_n of_o his_o excellency_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o upon_o some_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o necessity_n and_o conceive_v some_o joy_n upon_o thought_n of_o apprehend_v he_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o prove_v but_o a_o evanish_v fancy_n a_o embrace_v of_o a_o shadow_n and_o because_o man_n that_o be_v thus_o delude_v meet_v not_o with_o christ_n indeed_o do_v not_o real_o find_v his_o sweetness_n therefore_o within_o a_o while_n they_o return_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o their_o latter_a end_n prove_v worse_a than_o their_o beginning_n their_o heart_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v steadfast_a because_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o fix_v they_o on_o in_o all_o that_o work_n wherein_o christ_n himself_o be_v want_v but_o the_o true_o believe_v soul_n that_o be_v bring_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o fasten_v upon_o he_o by_o god_n own_o hand_n abide_v stay_v on_o he_o and_o depart_v not_o and_o in_o these_o the_o very_a belief_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v concern_v christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o the_o common_a consent_n that_o they_o call_v historical_a another_o knowledge_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n than_o natural_a man_n can_v have_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o very_a thing_n that_o cause_v a_o man_n rest_n upon_o christ_n when_o he_o have_v a_o persuasion_n wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o able_a redeemer_n a_o sufficient_a saviour_n able_a to_o save_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o then_o upon_o this_o the_o heart_n resolve_v upon_o that_o course_n see_v i_o be_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o whoso_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n as_o here_o it_o be_v shall_v not_o be_v confound_v i_o be_o to_o deliberate_v no_o long_o this_o be_v the_o the_o thing_n i_o must_v do_v to_o lay_v my_o soul_n upon_o he_o upon_o one_o that_o be_v a_o almighty_a redeemer_n and_o it_o do_v so_o now_o these_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o themselves_o a_o evidence_n that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a a_o light_n of_o their_o own_o by_o which_o the_o soul_n wherein_o they_o be_v may_v discern_v they_o and_o say_v this_o be_v the_o right_a work_n of_o faith_n especial_o when_o god_n shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_v it_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o own_o work_n within_o it_o and_o further_o they_o may_v find_v the_o influence_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o affection_n purify_n they_o as_o our_o apostle_n say_v of_o it_o act._n 15.9_o faith_n knit_v the_o heart_n to_o a_o holy_a head_n a_o pure_a lord_n the_o spring_n of_o purity_n and_o therefore_o can_v choose_v but_o make_v it_o pure_a it_o be_v a_o beam_n from_o heaven_n that_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o heavenly_a temper_n although_o there_o remain_v of_o sin_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o hate_a wearisome_a guest_n there_o it_o be_v not_o there_o as_o its_o delight_n but_o as_o its_o great_a grief_n and_o malady_n that_o it_o be_v still_o lament_v and_o complain_v of_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v rid_v of_o than_o gain_v a_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v purify_v from_o affect_v sin_n so_o then_o where_o these_o be_v a_o spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o a_o cleave_v of_o the_o soul_n unto_o christ_n and_o such_o a_o delight_n in_o he_o as_o make_v sin_n vile_a and_o distasteful_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v set_v against_o it_o and_o as_o the_o needle_n touch_v with_o the_o loadstone_n be_v still_o turn_v towards_o christ_n and_o look_n at_o he_o in_o all_o estate_n the_o soul_n that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v have_v certain_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o affect_v a_o humour_n of_o doubt_v but_o to_o conclude_v that_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o in_o itself_o yet_o be_v in_o he_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a not_o only_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v shame_n of_o he_o but_o all_o its_o just_a cause_n of_o shame_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o it_o shall_v be_v cover_v with_o his_o righteousness_n and_o appear_v so_o before_o the_o father_n who_o must_v not_o think_v if_o my_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v set_v in_o order_n 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comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n and_o and_o frame_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v urge_v that_o in_o the_o general_n he_o specify_v this_o grace_n of_o mutual_a christian_a love_n as_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n for_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o much_o hypocrisy_n this_o way_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o diligent_a in_o religious_a exercise_n they_o scarce_o once_o ask_v their_o heart_n how_o they_o stand_v affect_v this_o way_n namely_o in_o love_n to_o their_o brethren_n they_o can_v come_v constant_o to_o the_o church_n and_o pray_v it_o may_v be_v at_o home_o too_o and_o yet_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o forgive_v a_o injury_n as_o forgive_a injury_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o piety_n so_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v all_o converse_n both_o sweet_a and_o profitable_a and_o beside_o it_o grace_n and_o commend_v man_n and_o 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sense_n which_o cross_v not_o this_o it_o must_v not_o be_v whole_a but_o break_v psal._n 51._o but_o if_o thou_o find_v it_o unbroken_a yet_o give_v it_o he_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v break_v and_o if_o it_o be_v break_v and_o when_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o he_o he_o break_v it_o more_o yea_o and_o melt_v it_o too_o yet_o thou_o shall_v not_o repent_v thy_o gift_n for_o he_o break_v and_o melt_v it_o that_o he_o may_v refine_v it_o and_o make_v it_o up_o in_o a_o new_a and_o excellent_a frame_n and_o may_v impress_v his_o own_o image_n on_o it_o make_v it_o holy_a and_o so_o like_a to_o himself_o let_v we_o then_o give_v he_o ourselves_o or_o nothing_o and_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o he_o be_v not_o his_o advantage_n but_o we_o as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v to_o his_o poor_a scholar_n that_o when_o other_o give_v he_o great_a gift_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v nothing_o but_o himself_o to_o give_v it_o be_v well_o say_v he_o and_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v 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many_o but_o the_o filthy_a vapour_n of_o profane_a speak_n and_o a_o profane_a life_n as_o a_o noisome_a smell_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o dunghill_n but_o you_o that_o have_v once_o offer_v up_o yourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o be_v still_o do_v so_o with_o all_o the_o service_n you_o can_v reach_v continue_v so_o and_o be_v affure_v that_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o yourselves_o and_o all_o your_o offering_n be_v yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v the_o 3._o thing_n here_o observable_a be_v the_o success_n of_o that_o service_n acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n heb._n 13.16_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v delight_n in_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o he_o but_o if_o they_o may_v not_o know_v that_o they_o be_v well_o take_v at_o their_o hand_n this_o will_v discourage_v they_o much_o therefore_o this_o be_v add_v how_o often_o do_v the_o godly_a find_v it_o in_o their_o sweet_a experience_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o pray_v he_o welcome_v they_o and_o give_v they_o 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all_o shall_v be_v thou_o have_v i_o more_o estate_n or_o wit_n or_o learning_n or_o power_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o serve_v thou_o with_o all_o what_o i_o have_v i_o offer_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v most_o true_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o of_o thy_o own_o that_o i_o give_v thou_o none_o needs_o forbear_v sacrifice_n for_o poverty_n for_o that_o he_o desire_v be_v the_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o poor_a but_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o give_v he_o but_o meanness_n be_v not_o all_o there_o be_v a_o guiltiness_n on_o ourselves_o and_o on_o all_o we_o offer_v our_o prayer_n and_o service_n be_v all_o pollute_a but_o this_o hinder_v not_o neither_o for_o our_o acceptance_n be_v not_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o one_o who_o have_v no_o guiltiness_n at_o all_o acceptable_a by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o he_o our_o person_n be_v clothe_v with_o righteousness_n and_o in_o his_o clothing_n we_o be_v as_o isaac_n say_v of_o jacob_n in_o his_o brother_n garment_n as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o 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corner_n stone_n elect_v precious_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v that_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o very_o reasonable_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o his_o word_n as_o both_o most_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o of_o most_o concernment_n for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o this_o be_v the_o save_n of_o lose_a mankind_n by_o his_o son_n therefore_o be_v his_o name_n as_o precious_a ointment_n or_o perfume_n diffuse_v through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n all_o these_o holy_a leaf_n smell_v of_o it_o not_o only_o those_o that_o be_v write_v after_o his_o come_n but_o those_o
put_v upon_o he_o and_o by_o give_v he_o up_o to_o be_v crucify_v and_o then_o cast_v into_o the_o grave_n and_o a_o stone_n to_o be_v roll_v upon_o this_o stone_n which_o they_o have_v so_o reject_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v no_o more_o and_o so_o think_v themselves_o sure_a but_o even_o from_o thence_o do_v he_o arise_v and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n the_o disciple_n themselves_o speak_v you_o know_v very_o doubtful_o of_o their_o former_a hope_n we_o believe_v this_o have_v be_v he_o that_o will_v have_v deliver_v israel_n but_o he_o correct_v their_o mistake_n first_o by_o his_o word_n show_v they_o the_o true_a method_n of_o that_o great_a work_n ought_v not_o christ_n to_o suffer_v first_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o enter_v into_o glory_n and_o then_o real_o by_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o he_o be_v from_o these_o reject_v and_o lie_v low_a then_o be_v he_o near_a his_o exaltation_n as_o joseph_n in_o the_o prison_n 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