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against_o you_o to_o your_o condemnation_n and_o destruction_n let_v we_o consider_v then_o what_o that_o firm_a and_o solid_a foundation_n be_v in_o regard_n whereof_o he_o comfort_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v express_v in_o certain_a degree_n of_o god_n special_a love_n towards_o they_o enwrap_v together_o in_o these_o word_n the_o first_o degree_n be_v this_o that_o god_n himself_o have_v choose_v and_o elect_v they_o unto_o salvation_n i._o have_v voluntary_o and_o free_o of_o his_o own_o mere_a love_n and_o good_a pleasure_n single_v and_o sever_v they_o out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o have_v write_v their_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n among_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o fear_v the_o power_n of_o antichrist_n quest._n how_o know_v paul_n this_o ans._n either_o by_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o that_o very_a spirit_n which_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o write_v this_o epistle_n or_o by_o some_o evident_a effect_n that_o he_o see_v thereof_o in_o they_o but_o i_o incline_v more_o to_o the_o former_a or_o rather_o hold_v both_o hence_o we_o learn_v 1._o that_o though_o the_o world_n be_v never_o so_o overwhelm_v with_o antichristian_a confusion_n though_o by_o his_o tyranny_n and_o poison_a enchantment_n he_o never_o so_o much_o prevail_v over_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o by_o his_o power_n he_o shall_v mingle_v heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v in_o his_o power_n yet_o the_o elect_a of_o the_o lord_n shall_v notwithstanding_o be_v preserve_v the_o lord_n will_v have_v such_o a_o eye_n upon_o they_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o do_v any_o mortal_a hurt_n
unto_o they_o but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o fury_n they_o shall_v be_v safe_a and_o hold_v on_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v oft_o foil_v and_o overthrow_v in_o the_o way_n 2._o the_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n be_v a_o mighty_a and_o powerful_a preseruative_n against_o antichrist_n apostasy_n it_o be_v that_o that_o make_v the_o apostle_n urge_v the_o certainty_n thereof_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n the_o main_a cause_n that_o make_v antichrist_n and_o all_o his_o wicked_a limb_n such_o enemy_n thereunto_o there_o be_v none_o that_o come_v once_o to_o be_v persuade_v of_o this_o that_o he_o can_v have_v any_o hope_n to_o seduce_v and_o man_n carelessness_n herein_o to_o make_v their_o election_n sure_a be_v a_o great_a cause_n that_o many_o become_v such_o apostate_n let_v we_o therefore_o labour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o assurance_n thereof_o and_o then_o though_o antichrist_n shall_v bring_v with_o he_o bishopric_n archbishoprics_a cardinalship_n popedome_n with_o he_o to_o allure_v we_o from_o christ_n &_o prison_n rack_n gibbet_n and_o fire_n to_o terrify_v and_o affright_v we_o yet_o shall_v he_o never_o be_v able_a to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o he_o the_o second_o degree_n be_v that_o god_n have_v do_v this_o from_o the_o beginning_n this_o may_v be_v take_v either_o for_o from_o all_o eternity_n or_o for_o from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n in_o the_o one_o sense_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o decree_n itself_o of_o election_n which_o be_v eternal_a in_o the_o other_o for_o the_o first_o act_n in_o the_o execution_n thereof_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o adam_n it_o be_v needle_n to_o contend_v whether_o sense_n be_v true_a or_o more_o fit_v this_o place_n see_v either_o sufficient_o argue_v the_o unremovable_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o the_o one_o can_v be_v understand_v without_o the_o other_o now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o also_o serve_v notable_o to_o strengthen_v this_o church_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o apostasy_n for_o this_o election_n of_o god_n be_v not_o sudden_a or_o since_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n decree_v of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v execute_v while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n before_o they_o have_v any_o personal_a be_v so_o that_o the_o love_n that_o god_n bear_v to_o his_o elect_a and_o choose_a one_o be_v not_o a_o sudden_a and_o a_o rash_a love_n like_o fire_n in_o straw_n and_o dry_a thorn_n that_o make_v upon_o the_o sudden_a a_o great_a crackle_n and_o blaze_v but_o be_v as_o soon_o almost_o out_o as_o in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a love_n a_o old_a affection_n yea_o a_o love_n and_o affection_n as_o old_a as_o himself_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v and_o he_o ever_o have_v be_v he_o love_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v satan_n or_o antichrist_n so_o far_o to_o prevail_v against_o they_o that_o be_v so_o ancient_o belove_v of_o he_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n in_o they_o or_o we_o now_o to_o make_v the_o lord_n to_o cease_v to_o love_v we_o but_o what_o have_v be_v present_a before_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o set_v his_o love_n on_o we_o and_o will_v as_o well_o have_v move_v he_o then_o to_o refuse_v we_o as_o now_o to_o reject_v us._n note_v withal_o by_o the_o way_n 1._o that_o this_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o special_a sign_n of_o one_o elect_v from_o eternity_n that_o antichrist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o to_o withdraw_v he_o from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o christian_a profession_n 2._o that_o so_o long_o as_o antichrist_n prevail_v against_o any_o so_o long_o little_a hope_n thereof_o can_v be_v have_v the_o three_o degree_n follow_v which_o consist_v in_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v ordain_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n he_o have_v elect_v they_o unto_o the_o mean_n be_v inward_a outward_a the_o first_o inward_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v sanctification_n which_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o such_o filth_n and_o pollution_n as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o a_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n unto_o god_n reveal_v will_n whereby_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v renew_a again_o in_o us._n he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o sanctify_a man_n that_o be_v afraid_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o do_v yea_o that_o he_o do_v but_o suspect_n that_o god_n will_v not_o approve_v and_o who_o whole_a study_n be_v how_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v please_v god_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v 1._o that_o these_o two_o sanctification_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o sever_v in_o god_n election_n but_o go_v together_o those_o who_o god_n in_o his_o election_n have_v decree_v to_o save_v he_o have_v also_o decree_v to_o sanctify_v and_o his_o election_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o our_o holiness_n but_o our_o holiness_n upon_o his_o election_n so_o that_o this_o sanctification_n be_v the_o very_a first_o act_n and_o entrance_n into_o our_o salvation_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o unsanctified_a so_o long_o be_v we_o in_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n yea_o in_o hell_n though_o in_o heaven_n but_o when_o once_o we_o begin_v to_o be_v sanctify_v then_o be_v we_o within_o heaven-gate_n we_o have_v one_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v over_o the_o threshold_n yea_o though_o we_o be_v local_o among_o the_o damn_a and_o amid_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n in_o regard_v whereof_o one_o once_o say_v well_o in_o my_o mind_n though_o a_o papist_n that_o he_o have_v rather_o be_v in_o hell_n without_o sin_n then_o with_o sin_n even_o in_o heaven_n now_o this_o sanctification_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o author_n thereof_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n they_o be_v also_o sanctify_v and_o this_o sanctification_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o election_n and_o not_o a_o act_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o will_n otherwise_o there_o be_v small_a comfort_n in_o this_o if_o we_o be_v elect_v to_o salvation_n through_o such_o a_o sanctification_n as_o be_v of_o man_n own_o will_n only_o for_o what_o hope_n can_v we_o then_o have_v to_o stand_v forth_o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o assault_n of_o satan_n and_o antichrist_n this_o sanctification_n therefore_o be_v of_o god_n own_o spirit_n he_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o same_o which_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o sanctification_n a_o divine_a efficacy_n and_o power_n indeed_o such_o as_o against_o which_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dead_a or_o senseless_a quality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o a_o quality_n that_o have_v a_o spirit_n in_o it_o that_o turn_v and_o move_v about_o all_o the_o motion_n that_o be_v in_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o where_o god_n own_o spirit_n turn_v the_o wheel_n one_o way_n it_o pass_v the_o strength_n of_o all_o the_o spirit_n in_o hell_n to_o turn_v it_o a_o other_o way_n so_o that_o whosoever_o feel_v these_o motion_n in_o he_o for_o they_o be_v not_o dead_a and_o senseless_a motion_n may_v thereby_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o god_n elect_v and_o one_o that_o though_o antichrist_n shall_v mingle_v heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o yet_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o he_o to_o his_o ruin_n and_o confusion_n note_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n man_n can_v merit_v thereby_o for_o what_o can_v man_n merit_v with_o god_n by_o that_o which_o he_o have_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o for_o which_o therefore_o he_o stand_v bind_v and_o indebt_v unto_o god_n the_o second_o inward_a mean_n be_v faith_n in_o the_o truth_n whether_o this_o be_v first_o or_o second_o in_o nature_n i_o will_v not_o stand_v here_o to_o discuss_v according_a to_o the_o diverse_a acception_n or_o degree_n of_o sanctification_n it_o may_v be_v in_o nature_n before_o or_o after_o but_o in_o time_n they_o be_v together_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a sanctification_n of_o the_o heart_n till_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v faith_n in_o the_o heart_n before_o there_o be_v sanctification_n there_o now_o this_o be_v then_o when_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n reveal_v unto_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n so_o much_o of_o god_n will_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o to_o know_v and_o practice_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n that_o he_o assent_v
those_o thing_n which_o from_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v give_v you_o in_o charge_n even_o as_o now_o also_o you_o do_v which_o petition_n of_o he_o have_v some_o dependence_n upon_o the_o former_a consolation_n for_o upon_o that_o condition_n may_v they_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v establish_v they_o and_o defend_v they_o from_o that_o evil_a one_o if_o they_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v they_o now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o his_o fellow_n labourer_n syluanus_n and_o timothy_n enjoin_v they_o but_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n which_o contain_v precept_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n 1._o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a man_n if_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o god_n protection_n &_o assistance_n against_o satan_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n and_o to_o do_v they_o constant_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n &_o evangelist_n in_o the_o gospel_n yea_o that_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o own_o minister_n out_o of_o god_n word_n god_n as_o he_o be_v faithful_a in_o himself_o so_o he_o stablish_v those_o that_o be_v such_o no_o other_o can_v hope_v for_o protection_n from_o he_o but_o be_v expose_v unarm_v to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v bless_v ourselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n other_o course_n be_v but_o mockery_n of_o the_o devil_n own_o devise_v 2._o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o minister_n to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o the_o piety_n and_o perseverance_n of_o their_o people_n where_o they_o discern_v any_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o that_o which_o also_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o make_v know_v to_o their_o flock_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n will_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v the_o more_o encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o that_o good_a course_n that_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o people_n faith_n oft_o grow_v faint_a when_o they_o perceive_v that_o their_o pastor_n hope_n wax_v faint_a of_o they_o 3._o the_o confidence_n which_o they_o use_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v of_o the_o perseverance_n in_o well-doing_n of_o other_o though_o never_o so_o godly_a have_v not_o its_o ground_n in_o themselves_o but_o in_o god_n for_o it_o be_v of_o god_n not_o of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o mere_a will_n that_o we_o do_v that_o that_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n of_o they_o he_o trust_v not_o in_o they_o themselves_o those_o then_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v decree_v to_o establish_v and_o defend_v from_o satan_n those_o do_v he_o enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o instinct_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o persevere_v in_o such_o good_a work_n as_o by_o his_o minister_n they_o be_v enjoin_v 4._o out_o of_o this_o certain_a faith_n and_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v thus_o establish_v and_o defend_v they_o the_o godly_a ought_v not_o to_o grow_v reckless_a but_o to_o be_v the_o more_o diligent_a and_o careful_a to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n vers._n 5._o and_o the_o lord_n guide_v your_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wait_a for_o of_o christ._n now_o that_o through_o god_n help_v they_o may_v constant_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v enjoin_v they_o the_o apostle_n wish_v unto_o they_o the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v persevere_v in_o evangelicall_a obedience_n to_o the_o ministry_n to_o wit_n that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v direct_v by_o god_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o patient_a expectation_n of_o christ._n by_o the_o lord_n here_o seem_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o by_o god_n god_n the_o father_n and_o so_o have_v we_o the_o three_o person_n here_o distinct_o set_v down_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v by_o a_o right_a line_n to_o direct_v one_o to_o somewhat_o now_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o direct_v the_o heart_n when_o he_o turn_v it_o to_o some_o thing_n cause_v it_o to_o affect_v it_o and_o delight_n in_o it_o which_o before_o it_o be_v estrange_v from_o and_o abhor_v 〈◊〉_d the_o patient_a expectation_n of_o christ_n be_v such_o a_o expectation_n of_o he_o as_o whereby_o expect_v all_o benefit_n by_o he_o we_o be_v encourage_v patient_o to_o endure_v any_o thing_n for_o he_o hence_o we_o gather_v 1._o that_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v principal_o necessary_a unto_o godly_a perseverance_n such_o as_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o patient_a expectation_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o love_n of_o some_o good_a thing_n past_a or_o present_a and_o the_o expectation_n of_o some_o future_a good_a be_v wont_a to_o make_v we_o more_o cheerful_a in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n unless_o therefore_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o in_o the_o gospel_n he_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o as_o also_o unless_o he_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o longing_n for_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v work_v with_o much_o patience_n in_o hope_n of_o reward_n our_o evangelicall_a obedience_n will_v soon_o wax_v faint_a but_o a_o heart_n inspire_v with_o these_o grace_n will_v stir_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n command_v in_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o constancy_n and_o contrariwise_o where_o this_o constancy_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o this_o love_n of_o god_n and_o this_o expectation_n of_o christ_n be_v whole_o want_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o 2._o that_o even_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n estrange_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o they_o will_v whole_o swerve_v and_o wander_v from_o either_o be_v they_o carry_v by_o their_o own_o proper_a motion_n which_o will_v rather_o carry_v they_o to_o a_o hatred_n of_o god_n and_o a_o despair_n of_o christ._n 3._o the_o heart_n be_v direct_v dispose_v and_o move_v by_o god_n alone_o who_o direct_v it_o as_o by_o a_o straight_a line_n to_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o expectation_n of_o christ_n i._o of_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o and_o by_o christ._n will_v a_o pastor_n therefore_o have_v his_o people_n persevere_v in_o well-doing_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v he_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n entreat_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o direct_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o expectation_n of_o his_o christ._n vers._n 6._o we_o charge_v you_o brethren_z in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n here_o begin_v the_o six_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n which_o contain_v a_o christian_a reprehension_n lay_v down_o in_o form_n of_o a_o denunciation_n and_o it_o be_v general_n vers_fw-la 6_o 11_o special_a vers_fw-la 11_o 16_o in_o the_o general_a denunciation_n come_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o manner_n 2._o the_o matter_n in_o the_o manner_n he_o show_v 1._o with_o what_o affection_n 2._o with_o what_o authority_n he_o use_v this_o denunciation_n 1._o his_o affection_n appear_v in_o the_o title_n of_o brethren_n which_o he_o oft_o repeat_v in_o this_o short_a epistle_n thereby_o teach_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o that_o our_o brotherly_a love_n towards_o they_o do_v oft_o appear_v to_o they_o neither_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o either_o our_o exhortation_n or_o admonition_n much_o less_o our_o reprehension_n shall_v prevail_v aught_o with_o other_o unless_o they_o be_v heat_v with_o brotherly_a love_n and_o appear_v evident_o to_o stream_n from_o a_o heart_n fraught_v with_o it_o evil_a therefore_o perform_v they_o these_o office_n who_o admonition_n and_o reprehension_n be_v dip_v in_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n and_o yet_o alas_o such_o be_v the_o reproof_n of_o most_o christian_n nothing_o for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o purgation_n of_o their_o own_o rancour_n and_o choler_n 2._o his_o authority_n follow_v he_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v by_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v from_o christ._n he_o give_v no_o charge_n in_o his_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n his_o and_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n wherein_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o our_o denunciation_n and_o reprehension_n if_o they_o be_v true_o christian_a one_o must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o minister_n ought_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o presume_v not_o to_o reprove_v aught_o but_o what_o
himself_o except_o he_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o spirit_n speak_v peace_n unto_o their_o soul_n they_o will_v still_o fear_v that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n any_o fancy_n or_o conceit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v wicked_a man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o at_o peace_n with_o god_n yea_o those_o ordinary_o be_v most_o conceit_v of_o it_o that_o be_v further_a from_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n wish_v here_o be_v the_o wish_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v under_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_v but_o when_o may_v a_o christian_a be_v say_v to_o receive_v grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n &_o c_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n do_v seal_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o humble_a sinner_n that_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n then_o do_v the_o grace_n and_o peace_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o thou_o from_o god_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n testify_v unto_o thy_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n in_o the_o sacrament_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o ministry_n &c_n &c_n that_o thou_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o verse_n 3._o we_o ought_v to_o thank_v god_n always_o for_o you_o brethren_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n begin_v here_o &_o reach_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v spend_v in_o consolation_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n labour_v to_o hearten_v and_o encourage_v they_o against_o the_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o they_o suffer_v for_o their_o profession_n thereby_o the_o more_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ._n this_o method_n be_v usual_o observe_v in_o all_o letter_n when_o man_n write_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o any_o trouble_n or_o affliction_n after_o they_o have_v salute_v they_o and_o before_o they_o write_v of_o other_o matter_n unto_o they_o to_o comfort_v they_o by_o the_o way_n before_o we_o come_v to_o particular_n we_o may_v observe_v one_o special_a reason_n why_o he_o wish_v unto_o this_o church_n grace_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n because_o for_o god_n the_o father_n and_o for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n they_o have_v lose_v all_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o peace_n with_o man_n so_o that_o the_o more_o disgrace_n and_o the_o less_o peace_n that_o christian_n have_v with_o man_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o grace_n and_o peace_n they_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n for_o that_o which_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v wish_v unto_o a_o man_n it_o will_v effect_v the_o more_o than_o that_o man_n for_o god_n cause_n do_v disgrace_v we_o and_o war_n with_o we_o the_o more_o god_n show_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n unto_o us._n the_o first_o mean_v he_o use_v to_o comfort_v they_o by_o be_v by_o praise_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o those_o grace_n which_o in_o these_o their_o trouble_n and_o persecution_n they_o do_v manifest_a to_o be_v in_o they_o vers_fw-la 3_o 4._o wherein_n in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o timothy_n and_o silvanus_n he_o first_o unfeigned_o acknowledge_v that_o for_o their_o sake_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v what_o a_o glory_n be_v this_o unto_o this_o church_n that_o these_o three_o worthy_n shall_v profess_v and_o acknowledge_v thus_o much_o unto_o they_o our_o lesson_n hence_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o if_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o the_o house_n and_o church_n of_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o shall_v bind_v all_o christian_n yea_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o saint_n of_o heaven_n unto_o us._n they_o shall_v be_v indebt_v unto_o god_n for_o we_o and_o shall_v esteem_v themselves_o bind_v for_o ever_o to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o us._n and_o let_v we_o never_o think_v we_o have_v demean_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o god_n church_n until_o we_o have_v give_v just_a cause_n to_o all_o the_o godly_a that_o know_v we_o especial_o to_o our_o pastor_n and_o minister_n to_o praise_v and_o bless_v god_n for_o we_o and_o to_o esteem_v themselves_o eternal_o indebt_v unto_o god_n for_o our_o sake_n but_o alas_o most_o of_o we_o do_v so_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o god_n church_n that_o we_o give_v our_o minister_n and_o all_o religious_a people_n cause_n rather_o to_o mourn_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o complain_v unto_o he_o of_o us._n 2._o let_v we_o from_o paul_n example_n of_o how_o great_a note_n and_o worth_n so_o ever_o we_o be_v in_o god_n church_n learn_v to_o esteem_v god_n grace_n in_o other_o as_o blessing_n upon_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v such_o interest_n in_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v and_o indebt_v unto_o god_n in_o all_o thankfulness_n for_o they_o as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v a_o title_n to_o and_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o there_o be_v not_o the_o poor_a christian_n in_o thessalonica_n but_o paul_n himself_o do_v think_v himself_o the_o better_a for_o that_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o he_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o mystical_a body_n the_o grace_n of_o one_o member_n be_v the_o honour_n of_o another_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o that_o man_n do_v not_o esteem_v his_o brother_n a_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o he_o that_o count_v his_o brother_n grace_n disgrace_n unto_o he_o as_o though_o his_o own_o grace_n be_v eclipse_v and_o lose_v their_o lustre_n through_o the_o brightness_n of_o another_o we_o know_v that_o the_o comeliness_n of_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n do_v not_o eclipse_n but_o rather_o add_v beauty_n to_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o face_n if_o therefore_o we_o judge_v our_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n with_o we_o we_o can_v but_o esteem_v their_o grace_n a_o grace_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o ourselves_o ho_o bright_a soever_o do_v shine_v so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o the_o beam_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o a_o bond_n of_o debt_n unto_o god_n for_o they_o as_o paul_n here_o acknowledge_v but_o we_o be_v most_o of_o we_o so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o we_o hardly_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o ourselves_o we_o so_o seldom_o so_o cold_o so_o slight_o and_o negligent_o perform_v this_o duty_n and_o as_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o same_o of_o this_o disposition_n rather_o to_o murmur_v grudge_n and_o repine_v against_o god_n for_o they_o as_o though_o the_o more_o he_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o they_o the_o more_o he_o do_v wrong_a and_o disgrace_v us._n because_o that_o your_o faith_n grow_v exceed_o and_o the_o love_n of_o every_o one_o of_o you_o one_o towards_o another_o abound_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o paul_n silvanus_n &c_n &c_n acknowledge_v themselves_o bind_v to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a wherein_o be_v express_v the_o special_a matter_n and_o argument_n of_o their_o praise_n their_o exceed_a growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n whereby_o he_o mean_v all_o religious_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n require_v either_o in_o the_o law_n or_o gospel_n they_o show_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o zeal_n to_o god_n glory_n in_o make_v more_o and_o more_o conscience_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o show_v great_a and_o great_a delight_n in_o the_o word_n the_o sacrament_n the_o sabbath_n the_o ministry_n prayer_n they_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o manifest_v more_o and_o more_o the_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o repentance_n and_o over_o and_o beside_o this_o they_o be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o kind_a love_a and_o free-hearted_a one_o to_o another_o one_o strive_v to_o go_v before_o another_o not_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n only_o but_o also_o in_o love_a kindness_n humility_n liberality_n fidelity_n courtesy_n justice_n &c_n &c_n from_o such_o fruit_n as_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n gather_v the_o increase_n and_o growth_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o love._n for_o as_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v see_v unto_o man_n only_o by_o the_o work_n that_o proceed_v therefrom_o so_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o be_v see_v by_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o work_n never_o tell_v i_o that_o any_o grow_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o he_o that_o grow_v and_o
let_v we_o esteem_v this_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o may_v be_v that_o paul_n shall_v glory_v in_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v ring_v of_o our_o praise_n we_o need_v not_o then_o care_v though_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n do_v bark_n and_o bawl_v against_o we_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o forgo_v any_o part_n of_o this_o honour_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o any_o hellhound_n whatsoever_o much_o more_o for_o the_o purchase_n of_o honour_n in_o their_o mouth_n to_o give_v any_o cause_n that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v or_o hear_v dishonourable_o of_o us._n and_o though_o there_o be_v now_o no_o paul_n in_o god_n church_n to_o give_v we_o such_o encouragement_n yet_o let_v not_o this_o ever-the-lesse_a discourage_v we_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o this_o church_n for_o if_o we_o be_v like_o they_o god_n can_v and_o will_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o make_v our_o name_n as_o glorious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o paul_n himself_o be_v live_v and_o go_v from_o church_n to_o church_n to_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v in_o us._n but_o alas_o belove_a when_o we_o shall_v compare_v ourselves_o with_o this_o church_n can_v we_o think_v that_o paul_n if_o he_o be_v alive_a will_v boast_v of_o we_o in_o all_o the_o church_n where_o he_o shall_v come_v will_v he_o not_o rather_o consider_v the_o coldness_n of_o some_o of_o we_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o some_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o mean_n speak_v of_o we_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n do_v not_o most_o of_o we_o so_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o god_n church_n that_o we_o rather_o deserve_v to_o be_v boast_v and_o glory_v of_o in_o alehouse_n and_o tavern_n and_o in_o profane_a stage_n and_o theatre_n then_o in_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n do_v we_o not_o most_o of_o we_o so_o live_v as_o if_o we_o affect_v that_o minstrel_n stage-player_n ale-house-knight_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o rascality_n shall_v glory_v and_o boast_v of_o we_o rather_o than_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rather_o than_o paul_n silvanus_n and_o timothy_n let_v we_o in_o the_o second_o place_n learn_v of_o paul_n how_o to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v those_o church_n and_o christian_n who_o we_o see_v to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o grace_n let_v we_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o always_o but_o let_v we_o honour_v their_o name_n in_o all_o holy_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n that_o they_o may_v see_v they_o be_v respect_v and_o honour_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o be_v we_o in_o never_o so_o high_a place_n in_o god_n church_n let_v we_o account_v the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o other_o our_o own_o crown_n and_o glory_n let_v we_o boast_v of_o it_o and_o glory_n in_o it_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o strive_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o god_n church_n may_v be_v fix_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o tongue_n speak_v of_o their_o praise_n this_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n whatsoever_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v be_v no_o doubt_n a_o special_a mean_n that_o so_o many_o in_o time_n of_o trial_n have_v shrink_v and_o fall_v from_o the_o faith_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o weakness_n in_o christian_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o encouragement_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o ground_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v disgrace_v and_o dishonour_v they_o for_o it_o yea_o though_o they_o which_o have_v teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o therein_o shall_v discourage_v they_o from_o it_o yet_o they_o ought_v constant_o to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o same_o but_o see_v that_o the_o humane_a frailty_n of_o christian_n needs_o such_o prop_n as_o these_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o one_o another_o fall_n if_o we_o do_v not_o by_o such_o mean_v labour_n to_o support_v one_o another_o but_o far_o be_v such_o from_o this_o apostle_n spirit_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o boast_v and_o glory_v either_o in_o those_o church_n or_o person_n that_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o of_o all_o other_o they_o most_o despite_n and_o disgrace_v they_o in_o all_o the_o assembly_n and_o meeting_n where_o they_o open_v their_o mouth_n because_o of_o your_o patience_n and_o faith_n in_o all_o your_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n which_o you_o suffer_v this_o be_v the_o special_a matter_n of_o paul_n glory_v and_o rejoice_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n which_o they_o manifest_v in_o all_o their_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o church_n be_v at_o this_o time_n very_o much_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v and_o that_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n praise_n in_o this_o and_o the_o former_a verse_n be_v to_o comfort_v they_o in_o the_o same_o and_o thereby_o to_o strengthen_v they_o that_o they_o may_v persevere_v as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o in_o the_o grace_n receive_v he_o testify_v therefore_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o esteem_v himself_o bind_v to_o be_v always_o thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o exceed_a growth_n and_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n but_o also_o that_o in_o the_o same_o regard_n he_o glori_v and_o boast_v of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n especial_o for_o this_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o persecution_n and_o trouble_n that_o they_o sustain_v they_o show_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o faith_n i'faith_o then_o and_o patience_n in_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n be_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o a_o christian._n they_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o injury_n and_o wrong_n disgrace_n loss_n of_o good_n liberty_n hazard_n of_o life_n &c_n &c_n for_o christ_n sake_n can_v still_o notwithstanding_o by_o faith_n apprehend_v god_n goodness_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o conceive_v never_o the_o less_o hope_n in_o god_n bear_v never_o the_o less_o affection_n but_o rather_o the_o more_o to_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v never_o show_v the_o least_o repentance_n for_o their_o profession_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o same_o neither_o murmur_v nor_o repine_v against_o god_n therefore_o nor_o break_v forth_o through_o impatience_n into_o any_o breach_n of_o duty_n towards_o god_n or_o man_n they_o which_o have_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v honourable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n for_o their_o profession_n but_o dishonourable_a be_v that_o profession_n and_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v name_v with_o any_o respect_n or_o honour_n in_o god_n church_n that_o in_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n make_v some_o show_n and_o flourish_v but_o when_o persecution_n come_v shrink_v in_o the_o wet_n the_o apostle_n join_v patience_n and_o faith_n together_o neither_o can_v they_o be_v sunder_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n but_o the_o one_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o other_o where_o there_o be_v impatiency_n in_o suffer_v there_o appear_v no_o faith_n but_o infidelity_n faith_n make_v patience_n patience_n manifest_v faith_n never_o say_v thou_o believe_v in_o christ_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o show_v thy_o belief_n in_o patient_a suffering_n for_o christ_n at_o least_o never_o look_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v praise_v and_o glory_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o thy_o faith_n until_o it_o shine_v and_o show_v forth_o itself_o in_o thy_o patience_n the_o glory_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n do_v not_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o resist_v the_o 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know_v of_o man_n or_o angel_n see_v to_o this_o end_n 1_o king_n 8.27_o job_n 11.7_o exod._n 33.20_o joh._n 1.18_o &_o 5.37_o &_o 6.46_o yet_o he_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n manifest_v and_o make_v know_v himself_o in_o his_o work_n wherein_o man_n if_o they_o be_v not_o more_o brutish_a than_o horse_n or_o mule_n may_v clear_o behold_v and_o see_v that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a majesty_n almighty_a all-sufficient_a the_o creator_n and_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n he_o in_o and_o through_o who_o they_o live_v and_o breath_n and_o have_v their_o be_v the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n most_o worthy_a of_o all_o honour_n obedience_n and_o love_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o love_v religion_n truth_n honesty_n humility_n justice_n mercy_n charity_n loyalty_n chastity_n sobriety_n and_o such_o like_a other_o virtue_n in_o man_n and_o will_v bless_v man_n for_o the_o same_o that_o he_o hate_v and_o detest_v in_o man_n all_o profaneness_n falsehood_n dishonesty_n pride_n injustice_n cruelty_n oppression_n disloyalty_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n and_o such_o like_a vice_n and_o will_v curse_v all_o they_o that_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v heaven_n a_o place_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o those_o that_o shall_v do_v his_o will_n and_o hell_n a_o place_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n for_o they_o which_o shall_v offend_v he_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o matter_n concern_v god_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o his_o work_n even_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n what_o savage_a and_o brute_n creature_n be_v all_o those_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o mean_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n at_o all_o that_o this_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o stranger_n unto_o they_o yea_o as_o one_o that_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o sense_n or_o apprehension_n of_o his_o majesty_n power_n and_o goodness_n when_o all_o their_o sense_n be_v daily_a and_o hourly_o fill_v with_o the_o same_o that_o they_o shall_v live_v and_o delight_n in_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o very_a light_n of_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o afraid_a of_o god_n therefore_o then_o of_o a_o paint_a bear_n or_o lyon_n be_v not_o that_o a_o strange_a child_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o from_o a_o tender_a one_o in_o the_o house_n of_o his_o parent_n be_v feed_v and_o clothe_v by_o they_o and_o ever_o receive_v from_o they_o all_o the_o kindness_n that_o parent_n can_v yield_v unto_o a_o child_n and_o yet_o this_o child_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o or_o look_v upon_o they_o but_o demean_v himself_o unto_o they_o as_o unto_o mere_a stranger_n such_o as_o he_o have_v never_o see_v nor_o hear_v of_o pass_v by_o they_o without_o so_o much_o as_o look_v towards_o they_o respect_v the_o servant_n and_o dog_n in_o the_o house_n more_o than_o they_o delight_v most_o in_o that_o which_o he_o know_v will_v vex_v and_o anger_v they_o hate_v their_o presence_n and_o no_o more_o affect_v with_o any_o good_a receive_v from_o they_o then_o with_o a_o straw_n or_o rush_n what_o a_o monster_n of_o child_n will_v every_o one_o judge_v this_o to_o be_v be_v thou_o the_o father_n or_o mother_n of_o such_o a_o child_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v very_o such_o child_n be_v most_o of_o we_o unto_o our_o god_n we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n yea_o in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o presence-chamber_n no_o earthly_a father_n can_v possible_o show_v more_o kindness_n to_o his_o child_n than_o our_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o we_o nor_o can_v so_o much_o by_o his_o kindness_n manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o father_n as_o god_n do_v unto_o we_o and_o unto_o all_o mankind_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o we_o live_v as_o though_o we_o know_v he_o not_o we_o never_o look_v after_o he_o nor_o regard_v he_o we_o be_v no_o more_o delight_v with_o his_o presence_n affect_v with_o his_o kindness_n nor_o more_o studious_a to_o please_v he_o no_o more_o fearful_a to_o displease_v he_o then_o if_o he_o be_v no_o body_n or_o worse_o than_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o creature_n as_o if_o he_o be_v one_o that_o we_o never_o receive_v nor_o expect_v the_o least_o good_a at_o his_o hand_n or_o one_o that_o we_o will_v not_o be_v any_o way_n behold_v unto_o though_o we_o may_v the_o more_o he_o offer_v we_o mean_n to_o know_v his_o majesty_n power_n goodness_n the_o more_o we_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o they_o please_v and_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o our_o ignorance_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a advantage_n unto_o us._n this_o be_v the_o condition_n and_o estate_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o you_o look_v into_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n as_o man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sense_n or_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n 2.12_o or_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o he_o or_o that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o be_v but_o fable_n be_v it_o any_o marvel_n then_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v show_v himself_o so_o kind_a and_o love_a a_o father_n unto_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v severe_o avenge_v of_o such_o as_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o mean_n will_v not_o know_v he_o oh_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o move_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o bewail_v our_o ignorance_n and_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o will_v not_o know_v he_o in_o his_o goodness_n in_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v feel_v he_o in_o his_o wrath_n in_o another_o life_n ignorance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o day_n of_o doom_n will_v be_v no_o plea_n for_o we_o for_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o condemnation_n against_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o god_n the_o second_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o christ_n will_v come_v in_o flame_a fire_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o be_v such_o as_o obey_v not_o his_o gospel_n i._o such_o as_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o those_o condition_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o gospel_n everlasting_a salvation_n be_v offer_v to_o all_o sinner_n that_o will_v believe_v in_o christ_n forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n set_v down_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n when_o therefore_o god_n shall_v out_o of_o his_o word_n convince_v our_o conscience_n that_o we_o be_v sinner_n and_o have_v offend_v his_o majesty_n by_o our_o sin_n and_o when_o god_n shall_v offer_v to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o we_o to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v our_o sin_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n from_o hell_n yea_o to_o bestow_v everlasting_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n upon_o we_o if_o so_o be_v we_o will_v forsake_v our_o sin_n acknowledge_v christ_n jesus_n for_o our_o lord_n and_o redeemer_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o discipline_n when_o god_n shall_v send_v to_o this_o end_n his_o minister_n messenger_n and_o ambassador_n to_o offer_v unto_o we_o these_o condition_n yea_o to_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v the_o acceptance_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o they_o we_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n jesus_n to_o reign_v and_o rule_v over_o we_o we_o will_v not_o whatsoever_o follow_v upon_o it_o forsake_v such_o and_o such_o sin_n but_o whether_o god_n will_v save_v or_o not_o save_v we_o we_o be_v resolve_v upon_o our_o own_o course_n and_o if_o we_o may_v not_o be_v save_v without_o any_o such_o condition_n we_o will_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o god_n for_o our_o salvation_n but_o will_v put_v it_o to_o the_o adventure_n either_o to_o have_v it_o upon_o what_o condition_n we_o our_o self_n please_v or_o go_v without_o it_o this_o be_v to_o disobey_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o trample_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n under_o our_o foot_n this_o be_v direct_o to_o sin_n against_o christ_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o such_o of_o we_o can_v expect_v no_o other_o doom_n from_o christ_n at_o that_o day_n but_o fearful_a vengeance_n for_o upon_o who_o shall_v he_o avenge_v himself_o if_o not_o upon_o they_o which_o can_v content_v themselves_o to_o have_v sin_v against_o god_n and_o so_o to_o have_v provoke_v he_o but_o despise_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n when_o they_o be_v offer_v purpose_v still_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n whatsoever_o come_v of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o fearful_a sin_n of_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n
of_o their_o own_o salvation_n truth_n here_o be_v the_o gospel_n so_o call_v 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o doctrine_n &_o religion_n be_v error_n and_o all_o other_o humane_a truth_n vanity_n and_o deceit_n the_o gospel_n will_v never_o deceive_v we_o whatsoever_o it_o promise_v shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v whatsoever_o it_o affirm_v shall_v never_o be_v prove_v false_a 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o save_a truth_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o rule_v and_o square_v thereby_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n and_o religion_n be_v error_n 3._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o effect_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v powerful_a to_o discover_v and_o beat_v down_o all_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o untruth_n whatsoever_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o powerful_a instrument_n of_o god_n to_o work_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o where_o this_o truth_n be_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n and_o falsehood_n this_o gospel_n then_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o yet_o be_v nothing_o ordinary_o account_v more_o false_a witness_v the_o very_a life_n of_o christian_n and_o such_o as_o profess_v it_o to_o entertain_v the_o love_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o entertain_v it_o with_o love_n as_o 1._o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o 2._o to_o seek_v and_o search_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o give_v credit_n unto_o it_o 4._o to_o love_v and_o affect_v all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v attain_v 5._o to_o bestow_v cost_v upon_o it_o 6._o to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o all_o those_o that_o love_v it_o 7._o to_o cleave_v and_o stick_v close_a to_o it_o 8._o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v it_o 9_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o it_o 10._o to_o expect_v and_o look_v for_o all_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n in_o and_o through_o it_o when_o man_n therefore_o 1._o desire_v it_o not_o 2._o never_o seek_v after_o it_o 3._o give_v no_o credit_n to_o it_o 4._o care_v not_o for_o the_o mean_n 5._o think_v all_o cost_n too_o much_o they_o be_v at_o with_o it_o 6._o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o it_o 7._o fly_v from_o it_o and_o forsake_v it_o 8._o oppose_v themselves_o against_o it_o 9_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o it_o 10._o look_v not_o for_o salvation_n by_o it_o they_o be_v say_v not_o to_o entertain_v it_o where_o note_n by_o the_o way_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o receive_v the_o truth_n and_o give_v some_o kind_n of_o entertainment_n to_o it_o but_o we_o must_v give_v it_o love_a entertainment_n if_o we_o look_v to_o have_v good_a of_o it_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v eternal_o save_v by_o it_o 2._o that_o not_o to_o entertain_v the_o love_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n therein_o offer_v be_v a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o one_o that_o shall_v perish_v more_o principal_o we_o be_v here_o to_o note_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o lord_n will_v suffer_v antichrist_n so_o far_o to_o prevail_v over_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o wit_n for_o their_o unkind_a usage_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o despiser_n therefore_o of_o the_o gospel_n that_o entertain_v not_o the_o love_n of_o it_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v deceive_v by_o antichrist_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o his_o sleight_n and_o subtlety_n 2._o that_o the_o best_a counterpoison_v against_o antichrist_n seducement_n be_v to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a the_o love_n unto_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v more_o able_a to_o preserve_v we_o and_o arm_v we_o against_o all_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o power_n though_o he_o have_v the_o help_n of_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n then_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o great_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o ever_o any_o man_n have_v vers._n 11._o and_o therefore_o shall_v god_n send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v lie_n 12._o that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v that_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o delight_v in_o unrighteousness_n in_o these_o word_n be_v declare_v the_o ground_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o former_a judgement_n wherein_o consider_v we_o two_o point_n 1._o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o as_o entertain_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n 2._o the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o judgement_n be_v this_o god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o cozenage_n as_o it_o may_v be_v translate_v that_o be_v god_n will_v give_v they_o over_o to_o satan_n and_o antichrist_n and_o will_v give_v they_o liberty_n to_o deceive_v and_o cozen_v their_o soul_n so_o that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o so_o cozen_v and_o delude_v and_o abuse_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v he_o further_o amplifi_v this_o judgement_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o effect_n they_o shall_v believe_v lie_n they_o shall_v in_o that_o manner_n be_v cozen_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o entertain_v as_o the_o eternal_a truth_n of_o god_n most_o gross_a and_o notorious_a lie_n and_o figment_n absurd_a and_o most_o palpable_a untruth_n and_o fable_n and_o so_o believe_v they_o as_o no_o evidence_n or_o demonstration_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o draw_v they_o from_o the_o same_o the_o end_n why_o the_o lord_n do_v this_o that_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v be_v by_o that_o mean_n draw_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o antichrist_n into_o everlasting_a perdition_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o fearful_a judgement_n be_v twofold_a 1._o because_o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n i._o will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n thereof_o but_o esteem_v they_o as_o so_o many_o toy_n and_o fable_n worthy_a no_o belief_n or_o credit_n 2._o because_o they_o take_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n i._o take_v such_o delight_n and_o felicity_n in_o those_o sin_n which_o by_o nature_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o that_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v forsake_v and_o forgo_v they_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o trample_v all_o the_o hope_n that_o the_o gospel_n give_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n so_o affect_v and_o well-pleased_n be_v they_o with_o their_o natural_a corruption_n that_o nothing_o can_v bring_v they_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o they_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v 1._o that_o antichrist_n shall_v deceive_v and_o delude_v none_o further_o than_o god_n give_v special_a commission_n god_n have_v a_o special_a guidance_n and_o government_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o seducement_n of_o antichrist_n god_n delude_v not_o but_o yet_o send_v delusion_n and_o if_o he_o send_v they_o not_o they_o can_v come_v he_o leave_v the_o seducer_n and_o the_o seduce_v together_o order_v both_o of_o they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o justice_n 2._o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n consist_v of_o a_o company_n of_o cozen_v and_o delude_v people_n therefore_o the_o more_o that_o man_n hate_v to_o be_v deceive_v and_o cozen_v the_o more_o let_v they_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o sin_n that_o lay_v they_o open_v thereunto_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a sign_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o damn_v those_o who_o he_o suffer_v to_o be_v so_o powerful_o delude_v by_o antichrist_n for_o who_o he_o mean_v to_o damn_v he_o be_v wont_a to_o give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n that_o which_o they_o be_v like_o soon_o to_o come_v to_o that_o be_v so_o powerful_o delude_v and_o thus_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o the_o apostasy_n that_o by_o his_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v before_o the_o latter_a day_n the_o branch_n whereof_o together_o with_o some_o particular_a use_n we_o have_v lay_v open_a before_o now_o follow_v the_o main_a use_n which_o be_v this_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o apostasy_n and_o of_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n which_o in_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v reveal_v now_o this_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a do_v we_o must_v learn_v so_o far_o as_o this_o prophecy_n will_v help_v we_o to_o find_v out_o 1._o where_o this_o apostasy_n be_v 2._o where_o we_o may_v find_v this_o man_n of_o sinne._n first_o for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o this_o apostasy_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o property_n and_o note_n to_o discover_v the_o same_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o prophecy_n and_o then_o see_v whether_o they_o agree_v to_o any_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o people_n that_o either_o have_v be_v or_o yet_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o need_v be_v no_o question_n but_o unto_o what_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o people_n so_o ever_o these_o rule_n shall_v agree_v that_o there_o this_o apostasy_n be_v 1._o this_o apostasy_n must_v be_v a_o revolt_n of_o christian_n from_o christ_n